I, the villainous eldest prince, will suppress everything!

The courtyard remained unchanged, with waist-high weeds covering the entire space, making it hard to believe that this was a royal palace.

However, unlike when I arrived yesterday, a path has been carved out of the yard which was full of weeds.

The entrance leads directly to the main hall, and Emperor Xuan also deserves credit for this.

After arriving in the courtyard, Emperor Xuan went straight to the wall and observed it for a while.

The courtyard wall is not insurmountable; in some places, it has fallen into disrepair over the years, with a large gap in it, allowing you to see outside by simply standing on tiptoe.

"What a bunch of lackeys! I clearly remember allocating funds last year specifically for the renovation of the Cold Palace. Was this how it was renovated for me?"

"Once I rise again, I will not let a single one of them go."

As he muttered curses, Qin Han's voice came from behind him.

"Esteemed benefactor, are you perhaps planning to escape?"

Before anyone knew it, Qin Han had already walked out of the main hall and came to the eaves, where he said with a smile.

Emperor Xuan still couldn't be bothered with him, so he chose a slightly lower courtyard wall and was about to climb over it.

This godforsaken place, let whoever wants to stay here stay!

But before he could climb over the courtyard wall, several long spears suddenly thrust out from outside, startling him so much that he quickly retreated.

He lost his footing and fell hard off the courtyard wall, wincing in pain.

"Does the benefactor truly believe that only this humble monk is watching over you? This Cold Palace is heavily guarded! Even if the benefactor were to suddenly grow a pair of wings, you would absolutely not be able to fly out of these palace walls."

Qin Li is not an arrogant or conceited person.

Although Emperor Xuan was deposed, his power over the years was almost completely wiped out. Yesterday, he was wiped out again, leaving Emperor Xuan completely alone.

However, Qin Li still dispatched heavy troops to guard the area and keep a close watch on the emperor to prevent him from escaping.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Xuan roared in fury, "I am the Son of Heaven! How dare you treat me like this?! Ah!!"

Qin Han gently shook his head, watching the Xuan Emperor's powerless rage.

After a while, Qin Han looked up at the sky again.

Mother, can you see this from heaven?

Those who harmed you back then have ended up like this.

Your spirit in heaven can finally rest in peace.

But don't rush, this is just the beginning.

How he harmed you back then, your son will repay him tenfold or a hundredfold.

"Benefactor, this humble monk still makes the same request: as long as you clean the main hall, I will offer you food and water with both hands."

After speaking, Qin Han put his hands together and returned to the main hall.

He wouldn't let Emperor Xuan die so soon, and he knew that Emperor Xuan wouldn't obediently do as he said so quickly.

But human physiology has its limits. He was willing to guarantee that either tonight or tomorrow morning, or at the latest tomorrow night, Emperor Xuan would obediently clean the main hall.

Watching Qin Han's retreating figure, Emperor Xuan spat.

"If you want me to work for you, you'll have to wait until your next life."

"Even if I starve to death here, I will not work."

……

Meanwhile, in the front hall.

The victory celebration banquet will last for three days and three nights.

Yesterday was only the first day and the first night.

However, the vast majority of ministers could not hold on.

He got drunk and had to be carried home.

I reckon he won't be able to re-enter the palace until this afternoon.

At this moment, there weren't many people in the front hall.

Only Qin Li and a few of his confidants were in the hall.

Instead of drinking alcohol, everyone drank tea to sober up.

There are some things that should be said now.

For example, the matter of the Northern Barbarians.

Listen to what Qin Li said yesterday.

Opinions differed on whether the Great Zhou and Northern Mang should reignite their national war.

"Your Majesty, although our army has two of the Northern Mang Emperor Murong Qingcang's own sons as hostages."

"However, in recent years, the Northern Barbarians have never suffered a defeat in their expeditions to the North Sea. Now that the two countries are at war, our army's chances of winning are not high."

"Yes, the Northern Mang Iron Pagoda is still invincible, even stronger than when the Empress was in power."

"Your Majesty, this matter needs careful consideration before a decision is made."

They had just followed Qin Li in a great victory, pulling Emperor Xuan down from the throne.

They also wanted to press their advantage and crush the Northern Barbarians once again.

But you must not get carried away at this time; the Northern Barbarians are not as easy to deal with as the Xuan Emperor.

The century-long grievances between the two countries cannot be resolved overnight.

Maintaining the current situation, with Great Zhou and Northern Mang evenly matched, and Great Zhou even slightly stronger, they are already quite pleased.

Moreover, Qin Li has just ascended the throne, and his foundation is not yet very stable. The best solution at present is to first stabilize the throne, develop for a few more years, and then fight a decisive battle with the Northern Barbarians.

This is probably what the vast majority of people think.

However, a small number of people disagreed, saying:

"We finally managed to capture Murong Qincang's two sons as hostages. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If we miss this chance, who knows when we'll get another one?"

"Everyone knows that Murong Qingcang loves his son. Three years ago, he came to our Great Zhou capital in person for the body of his son, Murong Lie. Now that we have his two sons in our hands, he will certainly not dare to make any rash moves. Therefore, we have a great chance of winning this battle."

"As the saying goes, 'One should strike while the iron is hot, but the momentum will wane after a second attempt, and exhaust it completely after a third.' If we don't press our advantage, we'll be the ones who suffer."

The two sides argued endlessly, but neither could convince the other.

However, the home side is clearly at a disadvantage, as no one wants to squander the current favorable situation.

As the saying goes, those who have nothing to lose are not afraid of those who wear shoes.

Now that we have shoes to wear, we're starting to hesitate and be overly cautious.

This is an unchangeable law.

However, everyone knew that the final decision still rested with Qin Li.

He said he'd fight if he wanted to, and not fight if he didn't.

Everyone looked at Qin Li, who was sitting on the dragon throne, seemingly not listening to them at all, but playing with his daughter.

The father and daughter were having a great time, their eyes squinting into crescent shapes.

"Father, it's all settled then. Huayang can play outside first. You must come out quickly, otherwise, Huayang will never talk to you again."

The ministers were amused by Princess Huayang's appearance, thinking to themselves that Princess Huayang had grown up to be quite remarkable.

After Princess Huayang was led away by the palace maids, Qin Li said:

"Did you hear that? The princess wants me to go out and play with her quickly, so let's hurry up."

"I overheard a few bits of your argument just now, and what you said makes sense."

"So, Your Majesty, what are your plans?"

The ministers all looked at Qin Li with great anticipation.

Qin Li's decision concerns the future of the Great Zhou Dynasty, as well as their own future and even their lives.

Qin Li did not answer their questions immediately, but said:

"Logically speaking, I should enjoy being an emperor now that I have just ascended the throne. For example, I should undertake large-scale construction projects, indulge in wine, meat, and forests, and hold several imperial concubine selections to expand my harem and have more children first."

Hearing Qin Li's words, the ministers were amused again.

Although Qin Li's words were rough, the principle behind them was sound.

This is what every emperor thinks when he first ascends the throne.

Of course, some emperors in the past have put it into practice.

It's just that its reputation isn't very good.

Qin Li is the first person to say it so bluntly.

Qin Li is truly...