Your Majesty said that my life is worthless, so why are you crying when I increase my troops?

"Your Majesty, we have assembled 20,000 elite soldiers and are ready to serve at any time."

"We now have sufficient food and supplies. We only await your and His Highness' orders to attack Hanyang immediately."

After inviting the two ancestors back to the government office, Han Ying handed the written memorial in his hand to Su Zhiwei with a respectful expression.

Su Zhiwei frowned and said coldly, "What's wrong with you officials in Huaiqing Prefecture? I've been traveling so long, and you can't let me rest for a while?"

"You're in such a hurry, are you trying to reincarnate?"

Han Ying's expression froze, and a flash of anger flashed in his eyes.

"Your Majesty, please don't misunderstand." Han Ying suppressed his inner anger and said gloomily, "Xia Mingyuan has been openly raising an army for ten days. Since ancient times, suppressing a rebellion is like putting out a fire. We must put it out as soon as possible. Otherwise, once the rebels become powerful, the consequences will be unimaginable."

"According to our intelligence, Xia Mingyuan has already gathered thousands of elite soldiers in just half a month. Such a rapid development should not be underestimated."

Han Ying's words made Su Zhiwei frown, her expression full of impatience.

"Han Ying, according to His Majesty's wishes, Feng'er should be in charge of the matter of suppressing the rebellion. Any further matters will be discussed after His Majesty wakes up."

"This..." Han Ying looked embarrassed and continued to persuade: "Your Majesty, His Majesty has ordered Huaiqing Prefecture to suppress the bandits within a time limit. If the deadline is exceeded, all officials will be held accountable."

"Your Highness is still young and lacks energy. How about I take over and march for now? We can discuss matters after Your Highness wakes up."

"presumptuous!"

Su Zhiwei's expression grew increasingly gloomy, and her voice suddenly rose.

"Han Ying, do you not understand what I am saying, or do you intend to openly disobey my order?"

"Your Majesty sent Feng'er to quell the rebellion this time, originally with the intention of training him. As for Xia Mingyuan, he's nothing to worry about. Your Huaiqing Prefecture has many soldiers and generals, yet you're so anxious. Could it be that you think your Highness is young and weak and can be bullied?"

Han Ying's scalp tingled at Su Zhiwei's questioning, and he sighed helplessly, "Your Majesty, I absolutely do not intend to do so. Since Your Majesty insists on this, I will wait until Your Majesty wakes up, and then we can discuss it."

After saying this, Han Ying turned and left the government office.

Su Zhiwei looked at Han Ying's departing figure, a trace of resentment flashing across her face. Xia Lingfeng, who was sleeping soundly, turned over beside her...

Hanyang, Princess Mansion.

Xia Mingyuan frowned and looked at Li Chun who was sitting in front of him.

"Huaiqing Prefecture received the news ten days ago, so why are they still hesitating to send troops?"

"Could there be some new changes?"

Li Chun shook his head slightly, his face solemn. "Commander, it only took Huaiqing Prefecture three days to integrate its troops and horses. They have sufficient food and fodder, and they even imposed martial law on the entire city."

"Based on my original speculation, they should have sent troops immediately without giving me any breathing space."

"I don't know what's wrong with that old man in Han Ying. He's actually keeping his troops inactive. Our people can't get any information about Huaiqing Prefecture. Now I don't know what's going on."

"If you can't figure it out, forget about it for now." Xia Mingyuan nodded slightly and slowly stood up from his seat. "The later these people come, the better. If they don't come, we'll be free of worry."

"Since they are not taking any action, we cannot miss this opportunity. Go and call Lu Xiucai over to me."

"Yes!" Li Chun agreed respectfully and took a few steps. He turned back with some hesitation.

"Commander, I gave the 20,000 taels of silver you asked me to take to Zhang Kui and his men. They have recently been recruiting and training soldiers in Linshan County, and now they have several thousand men under their command."

"If the imperial army attacks, the commander can inform me immediately. We will lead troops to block them on the road, slowing their march and providing support when necessary."

Hearing this, Xia Mingyuan smiled slightly and waved his hand gently, "I appreciate your kindness, but it's not time for that yet."

"Let them train well and expand the team as soon as possible."

Li Chun nodded heavily, saluted, and left the princess's mansion.

Xia Mingyuan was just about to go back to his room to rest when his aunt suddenly poked her head out from inside the house.

"Mingyuan, are you free now?"

Xia Mingyuan was startled, then grinned and said, "Aunt, if you have anything to say, just tell me."

"Come to my room, I have something to discuss with you." Xia Xue hesitated for a moment and waved to Xia Mingyuan.

Xia Mingyuan was confused, but still walked into Xia Xue's house.

"Mingyuan, you've been working hard recently."

"Come, try the tea that my aunt has brewed."

Xia Xue was a little attentive and pulled Xia Mingyuan to sit down.

Seeing this scene, Xia Mingyuan was a little flattered. He turned his head to look out the window and smacked his lips softly.

"What's wrong, Mingyuan? What are you looking at?" Xia Xue asked.

"Nothing." Xia Mingyuan chuckled and said calmly, "I thought the sun would rise from the west today. My aunt actually invited my nephew to have tea."

Upon hearing this, Xia Xue's face flushed red and she stood there speechless.

After a long while, she sighed softly, "Mingyuan, I have always been grateful to you..."

"Wait a minute!" Xia Mingyuan sat up straight, his face alert. "Aunt, if you have anything to say, just say it directly. There's no need to put yourself in such a difficult position."

Xia Xue looked helpless, but still said seriously: "Everything I said is true."

"Although you took advantage of me, I have to admit that if it weren't for you, I would have died at the hands of my own guards."

"Aunt, what happened to you today?" Xia Mingyuan grinned and became alert.

Xia Xue's face was filled with helplessness as she gently shook her head. "I know you might not believe it, but this is what I really think."

"I, the eldest princess, am able to live to this day thanks to you being by my side."

Xia Mingyuan smiled awkwardly and didn't respond.

His intuition told him that Xia Xue's abnormal behavior might have other intentions.

Seeing that Xia Mingyuan was still silent, Xia Xue continued, "This time, you have solved the bandit problem for Hanyang, which is an immeasurable merit for the people of Hanyang."

"Auntie is here to apologize to you. It was my prejudice that caused so many misunderstandings between us."

Xia Mingyuan took a deep breath and said, "Aunt, this is all in the past. Let's not talk about it."

"No, it was indeed my aunt who was at fault in the past."

"In recent days, every household in Hanyang has been grateful for your kindness. Some even want to build a shrine in your honor."

At this point, Xia Xue's face suddenly turned serious. "Sun Yaozu, that corrupt official, has been plundering the people's wealth under the guise of suppressing bandits these past few years. The 130,000 taels I bet with you were all squeezed from the people."

"Now that you have this money, I think you should return it to the people..."

"Right now, many people in Hanyang are struggling to make ends meet. This amount of money might just save the lives of the whole family."

As Xia Xue finished speaking, the smile on Xia Mingyuan's face slowly froze.

"Auntie, I earned the money with my own ability, why should I return it?"