Even the crown prince is getting a marriage of convenience? Why are you in such a hurry to stop bein

"Yes, yes, he commands an army of 500,000 to guard the border. If he becomes increasingly arrogant, he may become too powerful and establish his own independent regime. Your Majesty should plan ahead."

"This is also for the sake of the foundation of our Great Xia Kingdom. I urge Your Majesty to make a decision and not be soft-hearted."

The emperor frowned slightly, his face showing difficulty, and then suddenly let out a soft sigh.

"But Commander Xiao is a man of merit after all. If I treat him coldly at this critical juncture, I'm afraid it will discourage the soldiers on the border."

The ministers exchanged increasingly eager glances, and finally one of them gritted his teeth and immediately knelt down.

"For the sake of the stability of the Great Xia Dynasty, I am willing to be the villain in the court."

One after another, the ministers knelt down, their words resounding. Seeing their firm attitude, the emperor could only sigh.

"Alas, my ministers have good intentions, but even so, I can only grant your request. I hope that Commander Xiao can understand your good intentions from this warning."

Everyone present was shrewd; even though the emperor had proposed the matter, none of them dared to speak out. They could only bow their heads in agreement and take the blame.

Upon hearing a report from a eunuch outside the door that the heir of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion was requesting an audience, the emperor immediately became interested and wanted to take the opportunity to deflate the young man's arrogance.

He immediately beckoned to Xiao Lie, and several ministers tried to leave, but the emperor kept them there.

"This young man has come at this moment, surely he has heard good news. Why don't you ministers listen to it together?"

The ministers exchanged glances, then silently lowered their heads and stepped aside.

"Your subject Xiao Lie pays respects to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor!"

"Oh, my dear minister, there's no need for such formalities. You've come to the palace so suddenly today; is there something important to discuss?"

"Your Majesty, I... do indeed have a request?"

"Oh?" A glint of darkness flashed in the Emperor's eyes as he said meaningfully, "The good news has just reached the capital, and you're already eager to ask for a reward for Commander Xiao?"

"Then tell me, what does your Xiao family want?"

Anyone with a sharp mind could have discerned the emperor's displeasure in his words, but Xiao Lie, like a simpleton, bowed again and said loudly.

"Since Your Majesty says so, I will not stand on ceremony."

Several ministers frowned, and even De Shun's eyes flashed with surprise.

Xiao Lie wiped away his tears, looking heartbroken.

"Your Majesty has many soldiers on the frontier, but their provisions are insufficient. It is late autumn, and many soldiers are still wearing short clothes and thin trousers. Even their arrowheads have been recycled and sharpened many times..."

"Your Majesty, my grandfather and I only request that Your Majesty send some more grain and military equipment, so that the soldiers can at least get through this autumn and winter without suffering from hunger and cold, Your Majesty..."

His only request was not for personal gain, but for the sake of the soldiers on the frontier. If such words were spoken by other ministers or his own princes, the emperor would surely be pleased. But when these words came from the Xiao family, the emperor felt awkward no matter how he heard them.

Are all the officials in the court incompetent and useless, while only the Xiao family are loyal and virtuous ministers who care about the country and its people?

And this Xiao family member doesn't ask for any reward, but complains on behalf of the soldiers on the frontier. Could it be that they feel the court is mistreating them?

These words were like slaps to the emperor's face, turning his expression ashen. Yet, he had to suppress his anger, step forward, and reach out to help the man up.

"Your concern is well-founded, and the court has heard your plea."

Xiao Lie looked up gratefully, his eyes filled with hope, "Your Majesty, what about the provisions and military equipment?"

The emperor's face stiffened, unable to answer. Seeing this, the Minister of Revenue hurriedly stepped in to defuse the situation.

"Young Master Xiao, you may not know that natural disasters have been frequent in the Great Xia Dynasty in recent years, and corvée labor and taxes have been reduced or exempted in many places. As a result, the national treasury is not very full."

Xiao Lie was deeply worried. "But the soldiers on the border are starving and freezing. What if they are defeated by those barbarians?"

What if we lose? That would be a perfect opportunity to punish the Xiao family. If the border falls into chaos, local lords and capable generals will be dispatched to take their place. Even the special deployment of 50,000 elite troops was to guard against any unforeseen events at this time.

These words went through the minds of several officials, but none of them dared to say them aloud.

They smiled and said, "Young Master, do not worry. With a shared hatred of the enemy and everyone united, there will surely be a solution to this matter."

These people speak in roundabout ways, never telling the truth. If he were to actually listen, these matters would likely drag on and on until they are never resolved.

Xiao Lie suppressed the cold laugh in his heart and feigned emotion.

"Lord Lu is right. Only when everyone is united can we overcome this crisis."

"Your Majesty, I would like to request another imperial decree to raise funds in the capital, asking wealthy merchants and powerful figures in the city to contribute generously. Although my family is not wealthy, I am willing to donate 30,000 taels of silver."

He then turned to look earnestly at Lu Yuanshan, "A man of such high moral character as Lord Lu would surely be willing to offer his assistance, wouldn't he?"

"this……"

Lu Yuanshan was stuck here, unable to express his suffering. He had only said a few extra words, so how did this kid become his target? And now, the kid was even using national righteousness to bind him to the situation. If he didn't agree, what would become of his image? But if he did agree…

He glanced furtively at the emperor's face, which was as black as charcoal, and felt even more distressed.

Oh well, let's just forgive him.

Lu Yuanshan wiped his sweat with difficulty and mumbled something.

"This matter can only be accomplished if everyone is of one mind. Your Highness, why don't you ask the others? If they don't donate, even if I generously contribute, it will only be a drop in the ocean. It would be better to find another way. If they do donate, then I have no reason not to."

This means, don't bother him, just go with the flow.

Xiao Lie narrowed his eyes slightly, seeing through his cunning nature, and then put on a sincere expression as he looked at the other ministers.

The moment they met the young man's gaze, they looked away as if burned by flames, none of them wanting to be the unlucky one.

Xiao Lie frowned, his expression stern. "All of you ministers are loyal and devoted to the country. Why are you hesitant and silent on this matter?"

"Could it be that everything you all said and did in the past was just an act for His Majesty?"

These words were serious. The ministers were shocked. They looked at His Majesty and then at Xiao Lie, feeling as if they were being fried in oil.

This is truly pleasing neither side.

"Young Master Xiao, you are exaggerating. We are not the kind of people who would engage in deception and seek fame and fortune."

"That's right, that's right. Since this matter is for the sake of the northern border, how can it be decided hastily by just a few of us? It should be decided by His Majesty. If His Majesty thinks this method is reasonable, then I will naturally follow it without hesitation."

The ball was kicked around, but it eventually landed back on the emperor. Faced with the emperor's eyes, which were filled with suppressed anger, the ministers didn't dare to breathe and lowered their heads, like quails.

Only Xiao Lie, seemingly oblivious to the hostage situation, looked up with delight, cupped his hands in greeting to the person in the seat of honor, and said...

"Your Majesty, all the ministers have said so. Please set a rule, Your Majesty. We will follow Your Majesty's will."