Even emperors have it tough, so don't be too picky about the entries.

This is just a cup!

A muffled thud echoed throughout the entire hall.

A cup, and the first warrior of Northern Wilderness...

The scene silenced the entire hall for several breaths.

Han Cao and Yuwen Huagu exchanged a glance, both seeing the deep apprehension in each other's eyes.

Chen Jing and Yuwen Chendu could be explained away by their youth, but this one...

Who is Helian Xiong?

He was a true warrior capable of taking on ten thousand men on the battlefield, and the most formidable general under the Northern Mang Empress.

Such a person was knocked unconscious by His Majesty's cup.

Including Chen Jing and Yuwen Chendu from before.

Is there really no one in the world who can last even one round against His Majesty?

Has Chen Shao's skill reached such a high level that he has returned to simplicity and achieved a state of profound skill that appears clumsy?

"General!"

The two deputy generals of Northern Mang finally understood the situation and came to their senses.

The two rushed to Helian Xiong's side in one stride.

She clenched her fists, shielding him in the middle.

"The Emperor of Great Yan!"

"My general came to negotiate peace on the Empress's orders, and you dare to resort to such a treacherous act! Are you trying to start a war with my million-strong Northern Mang cavalry?"

"Today's events will result in the Northern Barbarians slaughtering the entire Great Yan royal family, leaving no one alive!"

The entire court, both civil and military, fell silent, as if trembling with fear.

Things took an unexpected turn.

"Noisy."

Chen Shao waved his hand, "Drag them all out and slaughter them to feed the dogs."

Both lieutenants' expressions changed simultaneously.

"How dare you! In times of war, envoys are not to be killed. Are you going to break the rules?"

"Execute the envoy, and the two countries will go to war."

Chen Shao said impatiently, but to his disappointment...

The Imperial Guards did not heed his words.

They seemed not to hear, standing there dumbfounded.

Depend on...

Chen Shao felt a renewed and urgent desire to join the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

"His Majesty."

Han Cao slowly stepped forward. "These two are envoys from the Northern Mang. In times of war, envoys are not to be killed; to do so would be inauspicious."

"They have received their due punishment. Helian Xiong was seriously injured and collapsed. This matter should end here."

"Letting them go back will also enhance the prestige of our Great Yan Kingdom."

Yu Wenguo also chimed in at the right time.

"Your Excellency is right."

...You're the one who's leaving yourself a way out, aren't you? Chen Shao knew perfectly well what was going on.

After the two finished speaking, the Imperial Guards escorted the three Northern Mang envoys out.

...

The hall fell silent once more.

The atmosphere was extremely eerie.

There was originally a chance for peace talks, but His Majesty suddenly pulled this stunt... It seems that war is inevitable even if we don't fight?

However, the two powerful ministers dared not speak up, otherwise they would surely offend a group of confidants who wanted to move south.

Chen Shao was determined to fight, but his word didn't count.

Just then, a cacophony of shouts and curses erupted from outside the hall.

"Get out of here!"

"Han Cao! Han Cao, come out here!"

"You treacherous scoundrel surnamed Han, how dare you send men to prevent us from attending court!"

The noise grew louder and louder as a dozen people rushed into the main hall.

Leading the group was Yu Qi'an, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of War.

The others were also staunch advocates of war.

Beside them, a voluptuous woman walked side by side.

It was Shen Qingci, the headmaster of Luming Academy, who had just been promoted to Imperial Tutor.

The moment she stepped into the main hall, she slightly raised her chin at Chen Shao.

He revealed a look that could only be understood, not explained.

Chen Shao suddenly realized.

It's probably thanks to her that Yu Qi'an and the others appeared here.

What a sharp-tongued but kind-hearted woman.

"Yu Qi'an!"

Han Cao was furious.

Having already suffered a humiliating defeat at Helian Xiong's hands, and with the situation becoming increasingly uncontrollable, he was determined to vent his anger on Yu Qi'an.

"The Hall of Supreme Harmony is such a solemn place; how can you behave so loudly and disruptively!"

"You, surnamed Han, how dare you say that!"

"You had the Imperial Guards block us outside the palace gates, saying that His Majesty was exempt from court today."

"Han Cao, how dare you! You want to engage in muddy negotiations and betray the country? Do you think we don't know?"

That's an extremely serious statement.

This has escalated to the point of treason, which shows the anger in Qi An's heart.

"Outrageous! This Prime Minister is acting for the greater good; how can you slander me like this!"

Anyone who claims to be thinking about the bigger picture is implying that others are not part of that bigger picture.

Yu Qi'an understood this principle well.

"The bigger picture? Your Majesty is the one with the bigger picture!"

Han Cao was too lazy to argue with such a boorish person, so he waved his hand.

"Men, drag them all out!"

Several imperial guards immediately stepped forward.

Yu Qi'an suddenly burst into laughter.

"Let's fight to the death for justice! Today is the day! Let's fight them to the death!"

After saying that, he broke free from the imperial guards and rushed forward in a few steps.

He delivered a solid punch straight to Han Cao's face.

The bridge of the nose in the center.

With a soft "plop," blood gushed out.

"beat!"

"Rebellion! Rebellion!"

Yuwen Gu finally realized what was happening, "Imperial Guards! Imperial Guards, stop them!"

Yu Qi'an was clearly skilled, and having already closed in, he gave the Imperial Guards no further chance.

He grabbed Han Cao by the neck with one hand.

"Let go..." Han Cao's eyes rolled back as he was being pinched.

This scene reminded Chen Shao of the story of Huo Jie and Wang Lun.

If, in a moment of impulsiveness, you were to take down Han Cao, that would be quite a treat.

He then imitated Chao Tianwang, feigning nervousness:

"Lord Yu, this is unacceptable, this is unacceptable!"

But Chen Shao was overthinking it.

Yu Qi'an had no intention of annexing Han Cao.

He simply wanted to force a fight.

He was also well aware of Han Cao's power; if he were to disregard everything and kill him...

The Great Yan Dynasty's political system collapsed completely.

"You surnamed Han, the Northern Barbarians are already at our gates. If you still refuse to fight today, I'll take you down with me!"

At this moment, Shen Qingci, who had remained silent until now, let out a cold laugh.

"Prime Minister Han, if you wish to move south, you may immediately request to retire and return to your hometown to enjoy a life of comfort."

"Instead of occupying the toilet without using it!"

The great beauty remains incredibly sharp:

"If you don't want this position, plenty of others will!"

"You are the one who brings you fortune, and the ruler is your father. If you don't share your father's burdens, you might as well roll away!"

"I am of little talent, and being a woman, I can easily take your place!"

Han Cao, caught off guard again, simply raised his hands high:

"War! War! I agree..."

Yu Qi'an loosened his grip: "Really?"

"Really?! Reveal your true form first!!!"

Han Cao was not forced into this situation.

The war was also the result of his careful consideration.

Now that things have come to this point, His Majesty has also beaten the envoy so badly that his fate is unknown.

There's not much room for maneuver left.

Moreover, if peace talks are to be held, a tough battle must be fought to make the other side hesitate to act.

Only then can we gain more leverage in peace talks.

Since war is inevitable, we might as well take the opportunity to gain some fame.

He broke free from Yu Qi'an's grasp and bowed to the emperor on the dragon throne.

"Your Majesty, this old minister believes that the Northern Barbarians have not given up their ambition to destroy us. We should mobilize the entire nation to strike a decisive blow against this enemy!"