The Duke of Zhenguo was sentenced to death on the spot by the emperor.

"In consideration of the Yan family's ancestors who bravely fought for their country, I will preserve the reputation of the Zhenguogong Mansion. Since you have sought the title of Valiant Cavalry General, I will grant you your wish and allow you to die in that capacity. As for the 'Zhenguogong', he was severely injured and died of his injuries."

The emperor's "consideration" made Princess Qinghe and Queen Yan secretly relieved.

But it made the Duke of Zhenguo very scared.

He doesn't want to die.

But he had no say in the matter.

Soon, he was dragged away with his mouth gagged.

The royal guards were so considerate as to put a new beard on him so that he could maintain his disguise.

Princess Qinghe knelt on the ground and pleaded, "Your Majesty, please allow me to see the traitor once more. Most of my dowry was invested in the assets of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion. Those things belonged to the Xiao family, and I want them back. After selling them, I will contribute to the relief of the loyal soldiers who died tonight. I hope Your Majesty will grant me this!"

"allow."

The emperor asked Princess Qinghe, "Are you sure you want to divorce?"

Since the main leader of the rebellion tonight is the General of the Cavalry of the Beijing Camp, and the Duke of Zhenguo will die from his injuries recently, Princess Qinghe can continue to be the wife of the Duke's Mansion.

But Princess Qinghe firmly stated: "Thank you, Your Majesty. But I no longer wish to be the wife of a criminal. I only wish to live a clean life."

Behind her, her two sons also expressed their desire to follow their mother and leave the Duke's Mansion. They would rather not be the Duke's son or the Duke's son than be the son of a traitor.

The emperor smiled: "I know your loyalty."

He ordered his men to untie the three men and send them away.

This means not to implicate the three of them, mother and son.

Nearby were the children of the Yan family: the Duke of Zhenguo's illegitimate sons, nephews, and cousins, who had been escorted out of the capital a few days before the Duke of Zhenguo launched his rebellion. Recaptured by the imperial guards, they watched as the Duke of Zhenguo was sentenced to death. Princess Qinghe ignored them, and they were all trembling with fear.

The emperor was too lazy to pay attention to them.

Have someone take them away directly.

When they got outside, these people thought they were pardoned and were relieved.

Unexpectedly, all those over the age of fifteen were taken to a secluded place and beheaded.

Only two young children were left, and they were warned to keep their mouths shut and not talk nonsense, as they would be sent back to the Yan family the next day.

This was the emperor's greatest mercy to the rebels.

In the dragon tent, Queen Yan knelt to thank the emperor.

"Your Majesty is so kindhearted. By preserving the reputation of the Duke's Mansion, you have also preserved my reputation. I was mistaken before, not realizing how much Your Majesty values ​​me. Your Majesty's kindness is so great, I have no way to repay you. I can only pray to the Buddha every day for the rest of my life and pray for Your Majesty's blessings!"

How could she not know that what the emperor wanted to preserve was not the reputation of the Duke's Mansion, but his own reputation.

The Duke of Zhenguo was the emperor's father-in-law and had once been highly valued. If someone of such status were to plot treason, wouldn't that be a joke? Adding to all the previous events, he was afraid that this incident would affect the progress of his grand plan at the critical juncture of planning a war with Beiqu.

But Queen Yan was in tears and said it was the emperor's love for her.

The emperor stepped forward and helped her up.

She said softly, "You are my queen. Shouldn't I value you? Why do you have to thank me for everything? If that were the case, I would also be grateful for your help in blocking the knife just now."

"That is my duty, Your Majesty, don't worry about it. Besides, I am not injured. It is all thanks to Your Majesty's protection."

"It's getting late, you should go and rest."

"Your Majesty has not rested yet, I want to serve you."

"No need. I have something else to do in the capital. I need to be busy for a while. You can go down now."

The Queen then politely withdrew, "Then I will order breakfast for Your Majesty."

There was a certain tenderness between the two.

Queen Yan was just putting on an act.

She could also feel that the emperor was playing a trick on her.

She lowered her head and left.

Fei Wan wanted to follow, but was stopped by the emperor.

"Pour me some tea."

"Yes."

Fei Wan secretly exchanged glances with Queen Yan and respectfully saw her off.

Then he went forward to serve the emperor.

All the guards and palace maids were dismissed.

The hot tea was brought to him. The emperor leaned back in his chair, took a sip of tea, and let out a long breath.

Showing fatigue.

"Wanwan, do you know why I want to protect the reputation of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion?"

Fei Wan blurted out: "Your Majesty loves the Empress, and I envy you."

"No." The emperor stretched out his hand and pinched his brow. "The Duke of Zhenguo is the head of a noble family. If he is convicted of treason, the court will be in turmoil again, and many meritorious families will be implicated. If it were any other time, it would be fine. But unfortunately, I am preparing to launch an attack on Beiqu. Now is not the time to deal with him."

Of course, it is also for the sake of one's own face and reputation, which goes without saying.

Fei Wan did not expose his intention. She gently reached out and placed the emperor's head gently on the back of the chair, massaging his head and forehead to help him relax.

The tone was gentler than the gesture.

"Your Majesty has been working tirelessly day and night, yet the Duke of Zhenguo, far from assisting you, is even plotting rebellion. He truly has failed Your Majesty. Your Majesty, could you please take a break and postpone the military action? I know you've always wanted to recover the lost territory, but I truly feel sorry for you!"

The emperor enjoyed Fei Wan's massage, half-closing his eyes and sighing, "Everyone in this world can take a break, except me. The burden of the vast country is on my shoulders."

"When will Your Majesty prepare to mobilize the troops? I will take good care of Your Majesty's health in advance."

"tomorrow."

Fei Wan paused, "...Tomorrow?"

"Yes, tomorrow," the emperor said nonchalantly, "after I have dealt with that fake grandson of the emperor in the capital, I will set out for the north."

As expected, the emperor also knew that the capital had been invaded by the emperor's grandson. It seemed that he had already prepared a winning response.

But what the hell is departure tomorrow?

Fei Wan asked him confusedly what he meant.

The emperor's answer was beyond Fei Wan's expectations.

"I want to lead the expedition myself!"

"His Majesty!?"

The emperor was very pleased with the shock Yu Feiwan showed.

He opened his eyes and smiled at her: "Why, my Imperial Consort Zhao can command the overall situation and capture rebels, but she is afraid to follow me into the battlefield?"

"Your Majesty, will you allow me to go to the north as well?"

Fei Wan was stunned for a moment, and hurriedly dissuaded the emperor from taking risks.

And even if he wants to lead the army himself, he cannot bring his concubines with him as a burden.

"How could Wanwan be a burden to me?" The emperor squeezed Feiwan's hand. "You are skilled in martial arts and remain calm in the face of battle. You are truly a heroine. I had not originally thought of taking you with me, but after seeing how well you handle the situation, I felt compelled to take you."

He looked deeply into Fei Wan's eyes, "Wan Wan, I need you."

I’m afraid they don’t dare to keep me in the capital for fear of something unexpected happening!

Fei Wan knew the emperor was suspicious. How could he trust her with the ability to review memorials and command battles? Especially with the sudden appearance of a grandson of the emperor, he was bound to be overly suspicious.

What if she, the Imperial Noble Consort with the same status as the Vice Empress, colludes with rebels like the Duke of Zhenguo to support a descendant of the Xiao family to become the new emperor when he is not in the capital? Wouldn't he be cut off from his retreat?

"Your Majesty trusts me, and I have no choice but to stay by your side at all times." Fei Wan immediately expressed her loyalty.

"But it's imperative that you lead the army in person, safe and sound. Your Majesty, setting off tomorrow is too hasty. I'm worried about your safety..."

"I have made up my mind. No need to persuade me."

The emperor frowned.

It is a sign of impending irritability.

Fei Wan stopped trying to persuade him.

"It's just... Your Majesty, the envoys you sent to Qu are still on their way. Wouldn't it be better to recall them?"

The emperor smiled faintly: "I want them to confuse the Qu Kingdom. Warfare is the art of deception."

His pride made Fei Wan grit her teeth secretly.

What does it mean? Lu Guinian was sent as an envoy to Beiqu, and he led the troops behind.

Do you not care whether Lu Guinian lives or dies?

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