A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1121: What If Too Many People Scare Them?

Zhao Junyao pondered repeatedly, uncertain of the course of action.

Yang He persisted with his resolute plea.

"Emperor, I am prepared to set an example and be at the vanguard. Grant me permission to lead the troops into battle!"

He genuinely desired to participate.

His entire life had been dedicated to serving as the Minister of War.

Apart from accompanying the Late Emperor in repelling barbarian invaders on a few occasions years prior, he had not been involved in many military campaigns.

In recent times, he had not been part of the skirmishes in the Northwest involving minor tribes nor the battles in Guangnan from previous years, as these were handled by the local Commander and Defender.

Remaining stationed in the Capital, he found himself without any battles to engage in.

This time, however, with no Commander in the Northwest, the Ministry of War had directly managed affairs for many years.

It was certainly his turn!

Before his retirement, he was determined to fight one final, glorious battle!

Yang Chenyi interjected with feigned concern.

"Campaigning is exceedingly arduous, and my father is too advanced in years to endure lengthy journeys. Allow your son to bear this hardship!"

"Emperor, Yang Chenyi humbly requests to fight!"

The other military generals immediately felt a sense of unfairness.

"You and your father are far too greedy; how can you possibly wish to monopolize all the advantages?!"

"Precisely, Emperor. We also desire to be dispatched!"

"Emperor, I spent several years in the Northwest. I am most acquainted with that region, permit me to go!"

Those speaking were all distinguished generals within the imperial court.

Each one was battle-hardened, an Iron-Blooded General capable of holding the banner high.

Under their command, there were legions of Iron-Blooded Steel Soldiers, eager to march out and engage in combat!

Their anticipation had reached a fever pitch, their eyes flushed with eagerness.

At this juncture.

A young Eunuch suddenly burst into the hall, bearing an urgent dispatch.

Li Shengan eagerly accepted it and presented it to Zhao Junyao.

Upon recognizing the sender as Shi Yang, the Commander of the Southwest, Zhao Junyao hastily opened it.

Reading the contents caused his head to spin with vexation.

The message contained merely two sentences.

The first read: Greetings to the Emperor, may the Emperor reign long!

The second proclaimed: I, Shi Yang, request to fight!

Zhao Junyao was so incensed that he almost shredded the message.

"This scoundrel, such a brief message, and he had the audacity to use an urgent dispatch!"

Urgent dispatches were transported by specialized Sentinels.

These Sentinels operated without regard for time or location, reporting directly to Zhao Junyao, capable of traveling from military encampments straight to the Imperial Study Room without impediment.

An urgent dispatch necessitated the deployment of numerous Sentinels and warhorses along the route.

This individual was, in essence, squandering valuable resources!

Below, the clamor continued, and the Emperor's grumbling went unheard.

Zhao Junyao felt his temples throb with increasing intensity.

Unable to bear it any longer.

He abruptly stood and forcefully slammed the table, his voice booming.

"Silence for the Emperor!"

The assembled officials were taken aback and dared not utter another word.

The great hall descended into silence.

Relieved by the tranquility, Zhao Junyao experienced a sense of profound comfort – what a wonderful feeling indeed!

He slowly resumed his seat and spoke with measured earnestness.

"What is all this competition about? Is there any need for such contention?

"If too many men are dispatched, might we not alarm them?

"Would it not be a case of overwhelming numbers, leading to ridicule should the news spread!"

The military might of Western Xia remained an unknown quantity.

However, to the Great Chu Dynasty, regardless of their foe's strength, there was nothing to fear.

Yet... it would be imprudent to squander resources needlessly! The national treasury is not replenished by mere chance.

Every soldier, every piece of attire, every grain of rice represents a significant expenditure!

A general among the officials offered a disingenuous smile.

"Emperor, I have heard that those ruffians in Western Xia are valorous warriors. We are merely eager to test our mettle against them!"

The others quickly concurred.

"Indeed, indeed!"

"Emperor, we are suffocating from inaction!"

"I have heard the Western Xia people are formidable. Regardless of gender, they all handle blades, ride horses, and shoot arrows. Assuredly... they are not faint of heart!"

"Precisely, bringing more troops certainly won't startle them!"

A lively debate ensued amongst them.

The Seventh Prince, who had been observing from the sidelines, felt an irresistible urge and moved closer, whispering his request.

"Imperial Brother! I wish to join the campaign as well!"

Zhao Junyao was simply...

He ran a hand through his hair, feeling as though clumps were coming loose.

He pondered silently, wondering if his father or grandfather had ever experienced such distress in their time, had they too suffered hair loss?

The cacophony from below escalated and intensified.

Unable to tolerate the din any further, Zhao Junyao waved his hand decisively.

"This matter will be discussed another time; the court is adjourned!"

He desperately needed repose, fresh air, and quiet, lest he lose all his hair from sheer stress.

The generals below expressed their reluctance.

"Emperor, I..."

"Emperor..."

"The court is adjourned!"

Li Shengan's booming voice cut through the air, silencing all else.

Zhao Junyao rose and departed with haste.

He left behind a hall filled with civil officials and military generals, all rendered speechless and staring blankly.

The civil officials departed, shaking their heads and casting looks of reproach.

The generals shot angry glares at each other.

"Yours! Why couldn't you speak with reason?"

"Clearly, it belongs to me. You, a defeated subordinate, what right do you have to contend?"

"No, you are! Stop being so stubborn!"

A few Great Generals bickered all the way from the Golden Luan Hall to the martial field, culminating in a full-blown brawl.

They ended up with battered faces, yet no victor emerged.

The following day, during the court session.

Several generals hobbled in, their noses bruised, faces swollen, and eyes darkened like a panda's.

Upon seeing them, Zhao Junyao felt another headache brewing. Had these fools engaged in a duel yesterday?

Fortunately, he had devised a foolproof plan.

Today, he was determined to settle this matter!

Otherwise, they might just tear down the Golden Luan Hall.

With an air of confidence, Zhao Junyao took his seat on the dragon throne.

Employing his most resolute and assured tone, he declared a decision that was meant to please everyone.

"..."

Silence... utter silence...

A deathly quiet descended upon the hall.

After an immeasurable pause.

A civil official dramatically dropped to his knees with a thud.

"Your Majesty!"

Another official, his beard white and wispy, followed suit and knelt.

So many generals were insufficient; how could you expose yourself to peril!

The civil officials were thrown into a complete panic.

One by one, they knelt and pleaded fervently.

The generals, however, were utterly bewildered.

What was happening? The Emperor intended to go? Did that mean he would take them along?

Instead of pleading, they gazed at the Emperor with eager anticipation.

Zhao Junyao felt an urge to drag these shameless individuals out and administer a severe lashing to vent his frustration.

But outwardly, he discreetly cleared his throat a couple of times, feigning a troubled demeanor.

"There is no need for further counsel; this decision is final!"