"The Western Feng Kingdom is conducting extensive military exercises near our border, while the Eastern Yue Kingdom is ambiguously reorganizing its military forces within its territory. It seems there is a possibility of cooperation, but also a sense of indecisiveness," Emperor Beichen Xiaohao analyzed the current situation. The reason he urgently summoned a few trusted ministers for discussion today was because the Western Feng Kingdom had shown intentions of invasion, and the Eastern Yue Kingdom seemed inclined to assist.

"Your Majesty, the subordinate believes that the Eastern Yue Kingdom's territory is not extensive. It is impossible for them to achieve much. We should focus all our efforts on countering the Western Feng Kingdom," General Diao Mengzhen, who held a prominent position in the Zhen Kingdom, expressed his opinion first after Beichen Xiaohao finished speaking.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Beichen Xiaohao showed no expression on his face. However, he understood the personality of General Diao Mengzhen, which was as straightforward and uncompromising as his appearance—a man who lacked cunning and deceit.

Although the Eastern Yue Kingdom's territory was not vast, it held an excellent geographical position. It had abundant underground mineral resources, and all five countries, including the Eastern Yue Kingdom itself, traded weapons with it. The people of Eastern Yue were highly united and regarded their royal family as sacred beings. As a result, this small country remained independent among the five nations and had not been annexed.

"I believe there are some flaws in General Diao's words. After all, both the Western Feng and Eastern Yue Kingdoms are neighboring countries to our nation, and we cannot rule out the possibility that they might target us jointly," Qiao Zhengming, who was known for his meticulous thinking, proposed a comprehensive plan. However, in doing so, he inadvertently provoked Diao Mengzhen. His brows furrowed deeply, and his fierce eyes widened. His rough face, adorned with a thick beard, showed his displeasure as he firmly grabbed Qiao Zhengming's collar. He asked with annoyance, "According to the Prime Minister's opinion, what should we do then? Should we just sit and wait for death?"

Qiao Zhengming slapped away Diao Mengzhen's rough hand and adjusted his court attire. Calmly and unhurriedly, he said, "I would like to hear everyone's opinions."

Upon hearing Qiao Zhengming's response, Diao Mengzhen's face turned red with anger. His tall figure trembled as if he could rush forward and teach Qiao Zhengming a lesson at any moment.

"Alright, esteemed ministers, what are your suggestions?" Beichen Xiaohao interrupted their dispute with a headache. Every time these two faced each other, they had to step on each other's sore spots to be satisfied. And Diao Mengzhen, who was naturally rough and reckless, was a match for Qiao Zhengming, who was cunning and deeply scheming. Despite suffering losses in their previous confrontations, he hadn't learned his lesson.

The two ministers of the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Personnel didn't understand military deployments well and couldn't come up with a better strategy to respond. They lowered their heads in embarrassment, causing Beichen Xiaohao to sigh deeply at the lack of capable generals who could offer strategies to defend the country.

"Your Majesty, the subordinate has a suggestion. I wonder if it is feasible?" It was a young general with the official rank of Fifth Rank who spoke up. In his words, one could see his nervousness when facing the Emperor.

Beichen Xiaohao and Qiao Zhengming were surprised to see that this young man actually had a plan. The two ministers of the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Personnel were even more curious about what ideas this inexperienced young general had.

At this moment, Beichen Xiaohao remembered that he was the deputy general who had always followed Diao Mengzhen. Although he was young, he already had a good understanding of military deployments and strategies. Beichen Xiaohao had personally appointed him as the General of the Flag, but he had always been placed under Diao Mengzhen's command and did not have control over the troops. He was General Xie Danqing.

"Don't be constrained, Xie Qing, speak your mind," Beichen Xiaohao's stern gaze showed a trace of appreciation. With more training, the country would have another capable and resourceful general.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Xie Danqing quickly stood up and respectfully clasped his fists as he expressed his excitement and gratitude to the Emperor.

After sorting out his thoughts, Xie Danqing calmly said in a composed tone, "The Eastern Yue Kingdom seems inclined to assist, but they are indecisive. This is our only opportunity. We can send someone to persuade the Eastern Yue Kingdom's ruler and explain all the critical relationships. I believe this will sway the wavering heart of the Eastern Yue ruler. At the same time, we can send our bravest generals to the border to confront the Western Feng Kingdom. This will serve as a deterrent and showcase the abundant resources and military strength of our country." Xie Danqing finished his thoughts in one breath. It may not be perfect, but it was the safest approach at the moment.

"Not bad, young man. It wasn't in vain that you followed me all these years. Haha~!" Diao Mengzhen slapped Xie Danqing's back heavily, his rough face filled with a smile.

Beichen Xiaohao and Qiao Zhengming exchanged glances, understanding each other's thoughts. The other ministers, who had previously looked down on them, now admired their proposals. They silently lamented that the Beichen Dynasty was producing young heroes one after another.

"Hmm, it's a good plan, but it's not perfect." Just as the study room was filled with praise for Xie Danqing's strategy, a sudden voice came from outside, startling everyone inside. Beichen Xiaohao's face showed a helpless expression, while Qiao Zhengming became curious about what better plan she might have. Diao Mengzhen, on the other hand, was extremely dissatisfied that the study room, a place for important discussions, was disturbed by a woman's words. He couldn't understand how a woman could have a more perfect plan than he had imagined. The other people present felt embarrassed, as the harem was not supposed to interfere in political affairs."Yiya~" The door to the study room was pushed open from outside, revealing a pair of delicate feet that caught everyone's attention. As the owner of those feet entered the room, various reactions ensued. Diao Mengzhen was the most stunned, his fierce eyes widening more than ever. Previously displeased, he now turned into a flattery.

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After all, Xie Danqing was still young and had never seen such extraordinary beauty. He couldn't help but stare at the celestial-like figure before him, unable to regain his senses.

The two ministers from the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Personnel were senior figures in the Beichen Kingdom. Although they were also amazed by the visitor's beauty, they quickly regained their composure. They felt greatly dissatisfied with the unexpected appearance of a consort in the study room.

"We pay our respects to Her Majesty," all the ministers, except for Beichen Xiaohao, bowed to me.

"Rise, everyone," I said casually, causing the woman outside the door to feel annoyed. I had clearly told her to wait outside, but I didn't expect her to rashly interrupt their discussions. What bothered me even more was the fact that she just ran in without any restraint.

"I wonder if Her Majesty has a better plan?" Qiao Zhengming, aware of the extraordinary skills of the woman before him, couldn't help but worry. He was more concerned about her intelligence and strategies in military deployments. Although he thought she had lost her memory, forgetting everything from the past, he didn't expect her to retain her remarkable talent. Qiao Zhengming wanted to shift the topic to the war and see if Poyun (the woman's name) was as amazing as she was rumored to be.

I playfully smiled and ignored Qiao Zhengming's question. I thought to myself that I didn't come here to give them advice. I had been waiting outside for a long time, curious about what they were discussing. Unexpectedly, I discovered that a young general had such an appreciated strategy. However, I thought I could improve upon it. Just as I was thinking this, I unintentionally disrupted the discussion in the study room. I decided it was better to go inside.

"All right, Jing'er, if you have a good plan, let the ministers hear it," Beichen Xiaohao actually didn't want me to reveal anything in military matters. Although he knew that I hadn't forgotten everything I had learned, he didn't want me to be used like the generals from the Qi Cheng Kingdom. He didn't even want to embrace me before I regained my memory.

"I didn't understand the meaning of Your Majesty," Diao Mengzhen, confused after hearing me speak, felt a surge of frustration. He quickly raised the question, while Qiao Zhengming wore an expression that said, "How did the esteemed Zhen General become so muddled?" Diao Mengzhen felt quite angry.

I smiled lightly, explaining with red lips, "The purpose of sending a hundred thousand troops to the Eastern Yue Kingdom is twofold. First, it will deter the Eastern Yue Kingdom from taking any action. Second, the ruler of the Eastern Yue Kingdom is naturally suspicious. If we do this, it will appear to him that our country and the Western Feng Kingdom are colluding. This will make the Eastern Yue Kingdom even more cautious and hesitant. As for the two hundred thousand elite soldiers sent to the border with the Western Feng Kingdom, it is to demonstrate our country's strength in front of them and indicate that their every move is being closely monitored by us. If they dare to make any move, we will strike them head-on. Sending someone to the Qi Cheng Kingdom is because it is the fastest route from our country to the Qi Cheng Kingdom. If our country is threatened, I believe the Qi Cheng Kingdom will also face danger," I explained in detail, leaving Diao Mengzhen slapping his thigh in admiration, repeatedly saying, "What a brilliant plan, Your Majesty, I admire it."

However, with this, Xie Danqing's contributions were completely overshadowed. My gaze shifted, and with a faint smile, I said in a soft voice, "General Xie, you have been neglecting. If it weren't for the young general's advice, I wouldn't have been able to come up with such a strategy."

Beichen Xiaohao didn't understand the meaning behind my words. He turned away, standing with his back to me, making it impossible for me to know what he was thinking.

I lifted my skirt and walked towards Xiaohao, gazing directly into his eyes, hoping to find something in his gaze. But I forgot that Xiaohao was over half a head taller than me, and I couldn't see anything.

I frowned and pouted, grabbing Xiaohao's sleeve in a stubborn manner. "Xiaohao, what's wrong with you lately?"

Xiaohao looked affectionately at my delicate appearance and inwardly sighed, "Jing'er, you are a shining gem. I wanted to keep your brilliance hidden from others, visible only to me. But in the end, it was not possible." Xiaohao gently placed his hands on my shoulders and sternly said, "You are being unruly. Do you not know that the study room is an important place? You cannot come here without being summoned."

"Hahaha," I found it amusing to see Xiaohao's stern face and pretended to be angry. At the same time, I laughed without giving him face.

Seeing me so happy, Xiaohao couldn't maintain his serious expression. He shook his head and asked, "Tell me, why did you come here?"

As soon as Xiaohao asked about the main purpose of my visit, I adjusted my expression. I let go of Xiaohao's hand on my waist and took three steps back. With one hand on my hip and the other pointing at Xiaohao's heart, I said displeasedly, "Xiaohao, as the emperor, shouldn't you keep your promises?" I was wondering why Xiaohao's body felt so hard, like a rock. I poked him so hard, but he didn't react, and my fingers were hurting.

Xiaohao raised an eyebrow and pulled me into his embrace. He sat down on the dragon throne, as if saying, "When did I break my promise? Tell me."

Feeling uncomfortable, I squirmed a bit and finally saw the fleeting pain in Xiaohao's eyes. I quietly leaned against his chest. What was wrong with me? Xiaohao was my husband, so why did I feel uncomfortable whenever he tried to get closer to me? It felt as if someone else had treated me like this before, but it wasn't him who was holding me now. To break the awkward silence, I swayed my feet and said, "Didn't you promise to take me out of the palace for a walk? It's been several months, and you haven't mentioned it again. Are you implying that your words don't count?"

Xiaohao remembered well the time when he coaxed me to take medicine. It seemed that the caged skylark, trapped for a long time, wanted to fly away. However, considering the current situation and the Queen Mother's dissatisfaction with Jing'er, if he were to take her out of the palace again, it would likely lead to more troubles.

"No, Jing'er, you heard what was said earlier. The current situation is unstable, and I cannot recklessly take you out of the palace. Besides..." Xiaohao couldn't understand the restlessness of a bird that had grown accustomed to flying but was now trapped in a cage. He didn't want to put her at risk or give the Queen Mother any more excuses. He had to compromise.

Upon hearing Xiaohao's firm response, I reluctantly broke free from his embrace. With a pair of eyes filled with dissatisfaction, I looked at Xiaohao, pouted my red lips, and said unhappily, "You lied to me. Hmph~ I knew you just wanted to deceive me." After saying that, I swiftly ran out of the study room, leaving Xiaohao shocked and dumbfounded by my words. Xiaohao clenched his fists tightly. Jing'er, his heart ached with sorrow.

Qinglian, seeing me rush out of the study room in a panic, wondered if I had come into the study room without permission and been scolded by the emperor. Nervously following behind me, she called out, "Your Majesty, wait for me. Slow down, be careful ahead."

Meanwhile, I was completely absorbed in my own thoughts. I didn't understand why I was angry with Xiaohao. I knew he loved me deeply. But why did I lose control just because he didn't want to take me out of the palace? Why?