At 100 years old, he joined the army in place of his granddaughter, and became a national war god.

The Imperial Palace, the Imperial Study.

Emperor Xiao Jinghuan, the Crown Prince, the Second Prince, the Minister of War, and General Xu Cheng, among other generals and soldiers, were discussing the matter of the East Sea in a room.

The atmosphere was tense.

As soon as Xiao Jingyu reached the door of the Imperial Study, he heard a roar coming from inside.

"Useless! All of you are useless!"

Emperor Xiao Jinghuan shouted loudly, his voice echoing in the empty imperial study, filled with barely suppressed anger.

Xiao Jingyu knew that this incident in the East China Sea must be very serious.

"An army of 30,000!"

"A force of 30,000 men guarding the East China Sea was completely annihilated by a group of Japanese pirates from the island nation of Dongyi!"

"How did they fight? They were paid by the imperial court and used the people's hard-earned money, yet they couldn't even stop a group of Japanese pirates?"

"Snapped!"

Immediately afterwards, a crisp sound rang out—the sound of a teacup shattering on the ground.

When Xiao Jinghuan was angry, he smashed the teacup on the table to the ground.

The prince and his entourage were so frightened that they immediately knelt down.

"Father, please calm your anger. Your health is in grave danger," the Crown Prince said, bowing and reminding Xiao Jinghuan.

Xiao Jinghuan snorted coldly:

"Hmph, how can I remain calm in such a situation?"

"Once the East China Sea defense line is breached, the Jiangnan region will be wide open!"

"Jiangnan is the granary of the Great Qian Dynasty, its purse strings, and the foundation of the national treasury!"

"If the Eastern Barbarians were to set foot in Jiangnan, burning, killing, and looting, causing widespread suffering, how could my empire remain stable? How could the foundation of the Great Qian be preserved?"

At this moment, Xiao Jingyu arrived outside the door and stopped in his tracks.

He took a deep breath, composed himself, and then pushed open the door to the Imperial Study.

The candlelight illuminated the scene in the imperial study clearly.

He saw the expressions on the emperor's and everyone else's faces.

Emperor Xiao Jinghuan stood behind his desk, his face ashen, his chest heaving violently, and the hem of his dragon robe was soaked with tea.

Broken porcelain shards and tea leaves were scattered on the ground, and a eunuch was kneeling on the ground, hurriedly cleaning them up.

Crown Prince Xiao Yunfeng stood on the right, head down, eyes darting around as if he were plotting something.

The Second Prince, Xiao Yunshan, stood on the left, his face solemn, his brows furrowed, his gaze constantly sweeping back and forth between his father and the Crown Prince.

Wang Ben, the Minister of War, stood below, sweating profusely, his official hat askew, yet he dared not reach out to straighten it.

General Xu Cheng stood beside Wang Ben, his iron armor gleaming coldly in the candlelight.

He had a dark complexion, thick eyebrows, and a robust physique; he was one of the few practical generals in the court.

He remained silent, not uttering a single word.

At this moment, Xiao Jingyu bowed slightly and said, "Your Majesty, I have dared to come and request an audience."

"Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

When Xiao Jinghuan saw that it was Xiao Jingyu, the anger on his face subsided slightly.

He took several deep breaths to suppress his anger.

"Third brother, you've come at the right time. I was just about to summon you to the palace to discuss this matter. I presume you already know about the situation in the East Sea?"

Xiao Jingyu nodded, his voice steady: "Your subject has already heard about it."

"Your Majesty, please allow me to speak boldly."

"This is not the time for Your Majesty to complain and be angry. The most urgent task is to immediately send reinforcements to strengthen the defenses of the East China Sea. We must not allow the Eastern barbarian bandits to break through the defenses, otherwise Jiangnan will be in grave danger!"

Xiao Jinghuan walked to the window, put his hands behind his back, looked at the dark night outside, and his voice was full of exhaustion.

"You're right, but who should we send?"

"Who can turn the tide? The war in the north has just ended, and Su Mu has finally returned to the capital. I can't possibly send him to the East Sea again, can I?"

Xiao Jingyu opened his mouth, wanting to say, "General Su is indeed the most suitable candidate," but he swallowed the words back.

He recalled Su Mu's figure last night, holding Su Qingxue's hand under the moonlight, slowly walking back to the room.

That centenarian fought in the North for more than half a year.

Now that he has finally reunited with his granddaughter, he can finally enjoy a few peaceful days.

If I were to push him back onto the battlefield, would he still be human?

Xiao Jingyu's lips moved slightly, and he finally said, "Your Majesty, I believe that General Xu Cheng is capable of undertaking this important task."

"He comes from Jiangnan, is familiar with the terrain of the East China Sea, and is an expert in naval warfare. It is most suitable for him to lead the troops there."

Crown Prince Xiao Yunfeng was extremely shocked. He had not expected that his third uncle, Xiao Jingyu, would not recommend Su Mu.

Therefore, he knew his opportunity had arrived.

He was granted the title of Duke of Zhenbei after Su Mu recovered the northern border.

He knew that his father, the emperor, valued military achievements highly.

Whoever achieves military merit will gain more importance in the Emperor's heart.

In his view, the reason why Su Mu was able to rise from a cook to the Duke of Zhenguo was simply because he won battles.

If I can lead the troops to quell the chaos in the East China Sea, my father will definitely look at me with new respect.

By then, who would dare to challenge the position of Crown Prince?

Xiao Yunfeng stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Father, I have something to say!"

Xiao Jinghuan turned around and looked at him: "Speak."

Xiao Yunfeng took a deep breath, straightened his back, and spoke in a loud voice.

"Father, the border city of Donghai has fallen, and thirty thousand soldiers have shed their blood on the battlefield. As the Crown Prince of the Great Qian Dynasty, how can I stand idly by?"

"Your Majesty, I am willing to share your burdens and difficulties, personally lead the troops to the East Sea, take charge of the overall situation, and drive the Eastern Barbarian bandits out of the Great Qian Kingdom's borders!"

He spoke with great passion, as if he were truly worried about the fate of the nation!

Xiao Jinghuan frowned slightly, his eyes filled with hesitation.

"Your Highness, you have never been to the battlefield."

"The East China Sea is not like the North. The enemy there isn't cavalry, but Japanese pirates. Do you think you can handle it?"

The Second Prince, Xiao Yunshan, stood to the side, a slight smile playing on his lips.

He knew what his older brother was thinking.

Isn't it just that they want to steal the credit?

Su Mu made unparalleled contributions in the northern border, which made his elder brother envious. He also wanted to fight a victory to solidify his position as crown prince.

But war is no child's play. With my brother's skills, he probably can't even hold a knife properly.

"Father," Xiao Yunshan stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your subject is also willing to lead troops to the East Sea to suppress the rebellion of the Eastern Barbarians and protect the East Sea and Jiangnan."

"As the future crown prince, my elder brother should sit in the capital and share the burden with Father Emperor."

"Let the other princes handle the charge into battle."

"Furthermore, as the Crown Prince, my elder brother should not risk his life on the front lines; he should remain in the capital."

Xiao Yunfeng's expression darkened slightly, and he glared at Xiao Yunshan.

"Second brother, what do you mean by that?"

"Can't I go to the battlefield?"

"Father, although I am the Crown Prince, I am still your son! Our soldiers are shedding blood at the front; if I hide in the capital, how can I command respect? How can I be worthy of the position of heir apparent?"

Xiao Jinghuan glanced at the Crown Prince, then at the Second Prince, a troubled expression on his face.

Both sons want to go, but who should be sent?

The crown prince is, after all, the heir apparent; if something were to happen to him, the court would be unstable.

But if he is not allowed to go, he will feel that he is being looked down upon.

Finally, Xiao Jinghuan's gaze fell on Xiao Jingyu.

"Third brother, who do you think should be sent?"

Xiao Jingyu remained silent for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the faces of the Crown Prince and the Second Prince before finally settling on Xu Cheng.

"Your Majesty, I believe that it is acceptable to send either the Crown Prince or the Second Prince to lead the army, but General Xu Cheng must accompany them."

"He is familiar with the East China Sea and is an expert in naval warfare. With him around, we have a fierce general who can charge into battle."

Xiao Jinghuan nodded: "Xu Cheng definitely has to go, but the choice of commander-in-chief..."

The crown prince quickly stepped forward and said urgently, "Father, I am willing to sign a military pledge!"

"If we lose this battle, I am willing to accept any punishment!"

"Father, please give your son a chance to share the burdens of the Great Qian!"

He spoke with unwavering conviction, his eyes filled with sincerity.

After a long silence, Xiao Jinghuan finally spoke:

"it is good."

"Your Highness, heed my command!"

Xiao Yunfeng suddenly knelt down, clasped his hands in a fist and shouted, "Your subject is here!"

"I hereby appoint you as the Grand Marshal of the Eastern Expedition, and Xu Cheng as the vanguard officer, leading an army of 50,000 to the East Sea immediately to recover lost territory and drive out the Eastern barbarian bandits!"

"Your subject obeys the decree!"

Xiao Yunfeng answered with great enthusiasm, his eyes filled with pride.

"Your Majesty," Xiao Jingyu suddenly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your subject has a request."

"Third brother, please speak."

"Your humble servant wishes to accompany the army to the East Sea."

"Firstly, I can offer advice and strategies to His Highness the Crown Prince."

"Secondly..."

"My brother's two sons, Yichun and Yidong, went missing in this battle. I wish to go and search for them."

Xiao Jinghuan looked at him, shook his head and said:

"Third brother... you are not young anymore, and you are no longer as brave as you used to be. The journey to the East Sea is dangerous..."

"Your Majesty, although I am not as strong as I was in my youth, I am not someone who can't even kill a chicken."

"Your Majesty, I only wish to fulfill my responsibilities as a father. I beg Your Majesty to grant my request."

Xiao Jinghuan felt a deep empathy upon hearing these words.

Parents' hearts are always full of love and worry.

So he finally gave his permission.

"Very well, I grant your permission. You will accompany the army and offer advice to the Crown Prince."

"However, you must take care of yourself and not take unnecessary risks."

Xiao Jingyu clasped his hands and bowed deeply.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Xiao Jinghuan turned around and walked back behind his desk, sat down, and his voice regained the composure befitting an emperor.

"Immediately reorganize the troops, provisions, and supplies; set off first thing tomorrow morning! No delays allowed!"

"Yes, sir!"

The crowd responded in unison.

Crown Prince Xiao Yunfeng stood at the very front, his back straight, full of confidence.

His eyes were full of ambition, as if he could already see himself returning in triumph, greeted by his father in person.

The Second Prince, Xiao Yunshan, left the Imperial Study. His gaze lingered on the Crown Prince for a moment, and a cold smile appeared on his lips.

He thought to himself:

"Brother, you mustn't suffer a setback in the East China Sea."

"You'd better come back alive!"