Traveling through another world to stir the emperor's heart

Just as the two men reached a consensus on cooperation, the imperial palace was thrown into chaos by the invasion of another country on the border. War reports from the border flew into the capital like snowflakes, each one conveying critical information about the border situation.

The foreign cavalry, like a surging tide, repeatedly assaulted the border defenses. Major General Feng Qingcheng's already small force was gradually strained by the ferocious enemy assault. The city walls were poised for a breach, and support was urgently needed. Border civilians, suffering from the ravages of war, fled inland.

After hearing the news, Jun Lingyuan immediately realized the seriousness of the situation and hurriedly summoned Taifu Qin Xiao, Jun Lingye and General Feng Zhanxiong to his room to discuss countermeasures.

The atmosphere in the room was unusually solemn, and everyone's faces were gloomy. Jun Lingyuan stood in front of the desk, spreading a border map on the table. The map clearly marked the enemy's attack route and the friendly defense strongholds.

Jun Lingyuan spoke first with a serious and calm expression: "Everyone, the border war is imminent. We must discuss a response today."

Grand Tutor Qin Xiao frowned and said, "Your Majesty, the enemy's advance this time is fierce and appears to have been well-planned. While our forces are not outnumbered, the border terrain is complex and the logistical supply lines are long. This is indeed a very difficult problem."

Jun Lingye nodded in agreement. "Grandmaster, you're absolutely right. The enemy is skilled in cavalry and archery, and their mobility is exceptional. If our army were to engage them head-on, we would likely be at a disadvantage."

General Feng Zhanxiong clenched his fists tightly, his eyes filled with determination. "Your Majesty, I am willing to lead the troops into battle. Even if I die on the battlefield, I will defend our territory and our people."

Jun Lingyuan raised his hand to signal everyone to calm down for the time being, and then slowly said, "I have recently obtained a solution to the previous crop drought and pest problems of the people. Perhaps this will be of some inspiration to the border war."

Jun Lingyuan then detailed the strategies Feng Qingyue had mentioned earlier for dealing with drought and preventing insects in the people's crops. These strategies were quite innovative at the time, such as employing specialized irrigation methods to address drought conditions and using natural plants to repel insects rather than relying solely on drugs.

After hearing this, Grand Tutor Qin Xiao, Jun Lingye and General Feng Zhanxiong all showed surprised expressions.

Qin Xiao couldn't help but admire: "Your Majesty, this strategy is really brilliant!"

Jun Lingye's eyes gleamed. "If we apply these methods to the food reserves on the border, we might reap unexpected results."

Feng Zhanxiong scratched his head and said, "I have never heard of such a unique yet practical method. Your Majesty is truly a wise and enlightened ruler."

Jun Lingyuan simply nodded slightly without saying anything else. He then turned his gaze towards Jun Lingye and said, "Lingye, I'll leave this matter to you."

Jun Lingye accepted the order: "Yes, Your Majesty."

Afterwards, the four people's topic returned to border military issues.

Qin Xiao pondered for a moment and then said, "Your Majesty, we might as well try to form an alliance with the tribes near the border, promising them generous benefits, and let them pin down the enemy from the flank."

Jun Lingye added, "We can also send elite squads deep behind enemy lines to destroy their food and supply lines, thereby throwing them into chaos."

Feng Zhanxiong said loudly, "Your Majesty, I believe that our army needs to readjust its formation and strengthen the coordination between infantry and cavalry to counter the enemy's advantage in cavalry archery."

Jun Lingyuan listened to the suggestions and nodded slightly, his eyes full of thought. He knew that this border war was related to the survival of the country, and every decision must be made with extreme caution.

Jun Lingyuan said, "Everyone's opinions are extremely valuable. Grand Tutor Qin, you will be responsible for the frontier tribal alliance. Jun Lingye, while you are responsible for the food and fodder, you must also assist Grand Tutor Qin. General Feng, the military is now in your hands. Take the military token and mobilize the troops, and prepare to depart today to support the Major General. I hope that you will all work together to repel the enemy and defend our country."

Everyone answered in unison: "Yes, Your Majesty!"

After discussing strategies for dealing with the border conflict, Jun Lingyuan's expression grew increasingly serious. He knew the situation within the court was just as critical as the border conflict. The Prime Minister and the Empress Dowager's factions were forming a clique within the court, their influence steadily expanding and posing a serious threat to imperial authority.

Jun Lingyuan's gaze swept over Grand Tutor Qin Xiao, Jun Lingye, and General Feng Zhanxiong one by one, then he spoke slowly, "Everyone, I previously feigned disappearance and lurked in secret, hoping to find an opportunity to overthrow the Prime Minister and the Queen Mother's faction. This faction is deeply rooted and powerful. They exclude dissidents from the court and plunder the people's wealth. If we don't eradicate them soon, the country will be in ruins."

Everyone nodded, with resentment on their faces.

Jun Lingyuan continued, "However, the situation on the border is now tense. I can no longer remain in hiding and risk the fate of the country. I need to return to the palace openly and take charge of the situation."

Imperial Tutor Qin Xiao stepped forward and said respectfully, "Your Majesty is wise and wise. Your return to the palace will surely stabilize the morale of the army and the people, deterring those with ulterior motives from acting recklessly."

Jun Lingyuan looked at Grand Tutor Qin Xiao and said, "Grand Tutor, you will go to the Queen Mother tomorrow morning and tell her that I have been found. I will return to the palace the day after tomorrow."

Qin Xiao replied, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. I will handle this matter properly."

Jun Lingye frowned and said, "Your Majesty, the Queen Mother and the Prime Minister's party will certainly be wary of Your Majesty returning directly to the palace. We need to respond with caution."

Jun Lingyuan nodded in agreement. "Ling Ye is right. Therefore, after returning to the palace, we must act even more cautiously. General Feng, you need to strengthen the palace's guards to prevent them from taking desperate measures."

Feng Zhanxiong clasped his fists and said, "I obey your command! I will dispatch the most elite soldiers to guard the palace and will not allow Your Majesty to be threatened in any way."

Jun Lingyuan looked at Jun Lingye again and said, "Lingye, after returning to the palace, you must pay close attention to the Prime Minister and the Queen Mother's group. If you discover any unusual behavior, report it to me immediately."

Jun Lingye replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."

After Jun Lingyuan gave a few more instructions, everyone dispersed to prepare for related matters.

After Feng Qingyue learned that Jun Lingyuan was about to return to the palace, she felt both nervous and excited. After all, things are not going smoothly in the palace right now. But now she no longer has to pretend, and she has seen many palace fighting tactics in modern dramas. This is her chance to show off her skills.

Feng Qingyue came to Jun Lingyuan's room to find him. Seeing her expression changing constantly, Jun Lingyuan thought she was worried, so he walked over, held her hand, and said firmly in his eyes, "Qingyue, don't worry. Although they are powerful, I am not unprepared. After I return to the palace, I will gradually dismantle their power."

Feng Qingyue suddenly snapped out of her thoughts, shook herself, and said nonchalantly, "Worried? That's fine! When you return to the palace, just go ahead and deal with the people in the court. Leave the harem to me. Just wait and see."

Jun Lingyuan was a little surprised. He originally thought that Feng Qingyue would be as worried as before, but he didn't expect her to be so calm at this moment.

Jun Lingyuan said seriously, "Okay, Qingyue, but don't be so stubborn. I know you're worried about me. But if you need anything, you must tell me. The struggles in the palace are very cruel. You must protect yourself."

Feng Qingyue winked playfully, her eyes gleaming with confidence: "Jun Lingyuan, don't underestimate a little girl like me. Although I don't have any supernatural powers, I can still deal with those conspiracies and tricks. When you return to the palace, just boldly do what you should do. I will be fine."

Jun Lingyuan looked at Feng Qingyue's quirky yet determined expression and couldn't help but wonder: Could this be the real her? She had always been gentle, calm, and occasionally emotional, but she seemed to have never shown this quirky, nonchalant, yet cunning and intelligent look. This made him even more curious about her, a desire to explore her, as if she were a freshly opened book, full of unknowns and surprises. He felt touched but also a little puzzled. "If that's the case, then you must be careful in everything you do."

Feng Qingyue responded: "Same to you."

Afterwards, Jun Lingyuan gave a few more instructions about the people and things in the palace, and then asked people to prepare for returning to the palace.