A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1120: Impossible to Sit and Wait for Death

In Western Xia...

Xia Tingfeng's fists were tightly clenched as he fixed his gaze resolutely towards the northwest.

Across all the neighboring kingdoms, regardless of their size,

it was widely understood that the King of Western Xia possessed a noble heart, valuing sentiment and loyalty above all.

Ever since a tragic incident years prior where he lost his beloved daughter,

he had dedicated the subsequent two decades to meticulously scouring every nook and cranny of every land in a ceaseless search for her.

Some years prior.

After an exhaustive and fruitless search, the heartbroken King finally located his daughter within the borders of the Great Chu Dynasty.

After years of separation, father and daughter were finally reunited.

It was told... that upon bringing Haitang back, she was immediately declared a Princess and bestowed with the most opulent palace for her residence.

It was said... that after officially recognizing his daughter, he lavished her with affection, terrified she might experience even the slightest discomfort.

Rumors suggested... that in his quest to find a suitable husband for his daughter, he spent years searching without success.

It was rumored... that the King of Western Xia intended to host a grand martial arts competition across the various nations to select a consort for his daughter...

His heart overflowed with guilt towards his daughter, a profound desire to compensate for the two decades of lost paternal love.

He cherished her as if she were held delicately in his palms, fearing to crush her, or as if she were a precious gem in his mouth, afraid she might melt.

Now, during a period of flourishing prosperity and devoted rule, enjoying the warmth of familial bonds,

how could he possibly contemplate launching an assault against the Great Chu Dynasty?

Even as a mere accomplice, let alone the primary instigator, such an action was utterly inconceivable.

Prince Jin!

Just as anticipated, this entire scheme was orchestrated by none other than Prince Jin!

Who could fathom the turmoil currently engulfing the King of Western Xia, Hai Feng, and Crown Prince Hai Yue?

How could Prince Jin alone manage to ignite such a devastating storm?

This must have been meticulously planned for an extended period; it has to be...

A chilling premonition stopped Xia Tingfeng from thinking further.

Throughout history, palace usurpations have always resulted in the victors claiming the throne while the vanquished face disgrace.

Brother Ye, may you... remain unharmed!

The debt I owe you, I fear I can never repay in this lifetime.

Despite hailing from different nations, their camaraderie, forged in the crucible of life-and-death situations, remained unshakeable.

Should an opportunity ever arise, he vowed he would not stand idly by; he would pour all his efforts into her rescue.

But...

Would the heavens ever grant him such a chance?

...

In the fourteenth year of Jiayuan, during the middle of May.

Prince Jin of Western Xia initiated a rebellion, launching a swift coup and gaining complete control over the King of Western Xia, Crown Prince Hai Yue, and Princess Haitang.

In the fourteenth year of Jiayuan, towards the end of May.

Prince Jin of Western Xia proclaimed that he had compelled the King to abdicate, subsequently ascending the throne himself and establishing the new era name as Xijin.

On the very day of his coronation, Prince Jin issued his inaugural decree.

The position of Crown Prince Hai Yue was abolished, and his own illegitimate son, Hai Chi, was proclaimed as the new Crown Prince.

Princess Haitang's royal title was revoked, and in her place, his legitimate daughter, Hai Feng, was elevated to the esteemed position of Grand Princess.

In a single, decisive day.

After years of clandestine plotting, Prince Jin finally occupied the emperor's throne as he had so ardently desired.

In a single, swift day, every servant within the Western Xia Imperial Palace was violently purged.

Soldiers relentlessly hunted down palace attendants across the land, their anguished cries echoing, dismembered bodies strewn about, and rivers of blood flowed, transforming the realm into a veritable hell on earth.

And similarly, in one fateful day.

The entirety of Western Xia fell under the oppressive dominion of treacherous officials, honest individuals faced grave peril, the lines between right and wrong blurred, and the very fabric of heaven and earth seemed to warp.

Apart from those few whose minds had been completely indoctrified by Prince Jin and who consistently supported his every move, a multitude of officers and generals rejoiced openly.

The common populace, however, could only dare to voice their silent anger and lamentations, too fearful to speak their minds.

The King of Western Xia had ruled with benevolence, showering his people with paternal care, while Prince Jin was known for his extreme cruelty.

The former King diligently cherished his subjects as if they were his own children, often sharing in their joys and enduring hardships alongside them.

But Prince Jin...

He had only managed to brainwash a minuscule fraction of the population.

The discerning eyes of the populace were as sharp as freshly fallen snow; how could they possibly fail to grasp Prince Jin's true intentions?

One only needed to observe the current state of affairs!

He was consumed by ambition, insatiable in his greed, possessing a heart as ruthless as a wolf's and a disposition as vile as a dog's.

He callously disregarded years of brotherhood, seizing power through the violent dethronement and usurpation of his kin.

He showed utter disregard for the lives of his people, forcibly conscripting soldiers and resolutely intent on initiating a war despite the stark disparity in national strength.

He publicly claimed that the plunder would benefit the populace, yet every last coin was channeled into recruiting ever more soldiers.

With incessant fighting, killing, and the looming smoke of war, when would this catastrophic cycle ever cease?!

From this moment forward, it was highly unlikely that peaceful days would ever return.

While war might satiate the avaricious ambitions of those in power, it could potentially expand territories, and perhaps even marginally improve the lives of the common folk.

But at what horrific price in terms of bloodshed?

The Great Chu Dynasty stood as a formidable power; how much sacrifice would be demanded to snatch even a morsel of bounty from their grasp?

There was even the distinct possibility that despite immense loss of life, absolutely nothing would be gained!

And the common people would inevitably bear the brunt of the war's devastating impact.

What is this suffering?!

War is a perilous gamble, a risk few would willingly undertake.

Yet, Prince Jin tosses caution to the wind.

Are the lives of the common folk so insignificant in his eyes, mere dust motes?

...

The Western Xia has officially mobilized its forces.

It is unlikely the Great Chu Dynasty will remain passive bystanders.

The critical question now is: who will be dispatched to confront this threat?

The Great Chu Dynasty has basked in decades of tranquility, leaving its soldiers restless with pent-up energy.

Many have spent the better part of their lives within barracks walls, never experiencing genuine combat.

Their formidable skills, honed through endless drills, are confined to practicing against inanimate targets like iron dummies, Plum Blossom Piles, and straw figures.

When the urge for real action becomes overwhelming, they resort to sparring with their comrades.

Occasionally, skirmishes with bandits or rogue elements provide a modicum of excitement, but these are trivial encounters, fleeting and utterly unsatisfying.

Despite this monotony, a single moment of laxity is forbidden.

They endure relentless training, 'through the chill of winter and the scorching heat of summer,' spending 365 days a year dedicated to military readiness, with 360 of those days spent within the confines of the camp.

To alleviate the crushing boredom of their structured lives,

they frequently organize martial arts tournaments and archery competitions, engaging in fierce duels with one another.

However, these warriors are all proud, unyielding men, their skills remarkably similar.

One might claim victory today, another tomorrow, but none are truly willing to yield precedence.

Over time, the novelty of these contests inevitably fades.

"Damn it all! Why did I dedicate my life to martial arts? Only to cross blades with these lesser talents?"

"You insolent cur, you're the lesser talent! I am the victor!"

"To the abyss with you! I bested you in all three events, and you dare call yourself the champion?!"

Frustration simmers, and within moments, insults regarding each other's lineage are exchanged!

Although the ravages of war are hardly a desirable outcome,

still...

The craving for genuine action is palpable! It's an unbearable yearning, you understand?!

It's akin to dedicating one's entire life to creating a magnificent masterpiece, only to have no audience to appreciate it!

But that's not the most terrifying aspect.

The true horror lies in continuing to pour one's soul into that masterpiece, knowing full well it will never be seen.

That suffocating despair, the absence of recognition, the futility of expended effort – that is the essence of terror.

And so...

This is the situation that has unfolded.

Zhao Junyao observed the generals on the brink of outright conflict, a palpable headache taking hold.

'Who should be sent?!'

"Your Majesty, I implore you, grant me command of the troops!" Yang He declared with fervent insistence!

His previous exclusion from a campaign had left him dejected for days, draining his spirit even during imperial audiences.

With this opportunity now at hand, he was determined not to let it slip away.

Zhao Junyao opened his mouth, unsure of how to respond.

He had always known that civil officials possessed eloquence.

He had underestimated the formidable nature of military generals, a truly astonishing revelation!

He hesitated to give his assent.

He apprehended that the heated assembly below might erupt into a full-blown brawl.

Recalling past assemblies, he found himself longing for the debates of the civil officials.

At least their disputes were confined to verbal exchanges.

But these generals? Would they dare shake the very foundations of the Golden Luan Hall?!