Shocking! Five men are in love with the same woman!

Lingyan chuckled and said, “So what if I’m a woman? Didn’t Father Emperor allow women to join the army? Otherwise, my mother wouldn’t have been posthumously awarded the rank of Second Rank General after sacrificing her life for the country. You are not someone who looks down on women, so why ask such questions? Besides, in my opinion, everyone has a responsibility for the rise and fall of the country, regardless of gender. Although I am a woman, I also have a sense of righteousness and ambition, and I also want to contribute my strength to the country and the people.”

Emperor Jingzhao listened quietly to Lingyan's impassioned speech, and his expression gradually changed from initial confusion to deep contemplation.

After Lingyan finished speaking, the entire Imperial Study fell into a brief silence.

Then, Emperor Jingzhao focused his attention on Lingyan.

A barely perceptible hint of emotion slowly surfaced on that serious face.

Then he sighed softly.

This sigh contained both admiration for Ling Yan's courage and reflections on the current situation.

Seeing that he was already moved, Lingyan continued to analyze the situation, saying, "Father also knows that the war is urgent. Last time, even General He was killed by them. And Father thinks that with General He's abilities, how many people in the court can be found who are equal to or even better than him?"

"Besides Ayao and Fifth Brother, the only other people who can be chosen are Father. If anyone else goes, not only will they not be able to solve the problem, but they may also cause soldiers to die in vain due to command errors, which would be a loss. However, Father is the emperor of a country, and his status is too important to be taken for granted. Besides, there is no need for the emperor of a country to go in person. Would that be giving them face?"

Emperor Jingzhao felt quite comforted upon hearing this.

Although he knew in his heart that she mentioned him at this moment to save face for him, he still felt pleased.

Lingyan continued, "As for Ayao, as the crown prince, he cannot go and risk his life. After all, the crown prince is the foundation of the country. If something happens to him, it may shake the foundation of the country. As for Fifth Brother, he is Father's son. I believe Father is also worried about him going on this adventure. That is why I have come to volunteer. I hope Father will grant my request."

After I finished speaking, he remained silent and did not respond.

Lingyan then countered, "Does Father Emperor not believe in his daughter-in-law's abilities and think that her actions are too frivolous, or does he think that his daughter-in-law is joking?"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jingzhao replied in a low voice, "Of course I believe in your abilities."

Lingyan suddenly realized, and then asked, "Oh, if that's the case, then you have concerns because your daughter-in-law is a woman?"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jingzhao shook his head and replied, "No, if I were such a pedantic person, how could there still be female generals and female soldiers in the Great Zhao?"

Lingyan was puzzled and asked, "Then why is Father hesitating? The time is of the essence."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jingzhao's eyes softened with affection and kindness as he said, "Because you are my daughter-in-law, the wife of the sixth prince. What would the sixth prince do if anything happened to you? Besides, you are also my family. Although I do not love you as much as I love my children, I truly do not want anything to happen to you and I cannot bear to put you in danger!"

Ling Yan was very surprised and astonished upon hearing this.

She never expected that Emperor Jingzhao would show her more affection and tenderness; this was something she had never anticipated.

After all, she never dared to hope that Emperor Jingzhao would have any genuine feelings for her.

But to her surprise, he actually surprised her.

She was filled with mixed feelings, a complex mix of emotions.

Finally, she continued firmly, "I understand Father's concerns and worries, but since I dared to volunteer for the battle, I will definitely return unharmed. Besides, the battlefield is never smooth sailing; there will always be dangers. I urge Father to prioritize the affairs of the country. I will surely return victorious this time."

"Although I know that Ayao could resolve this matter if he went, the battlefield is extremely dangerous. Even if there is only a slight risk to him, I do not want him to go. He is my husband, and I am afraid and heartbroken that he will get hurt. So I will go instead. Please grant my request, Father."

Emperor Jingzhao listened quietly to Lingyan's words, his weathered face displaying an increasingly complex expression.

After Lingyan finished speaking, he remained silent for a long time.

Then, with a sigh in his voice, he said, "You child, you have such deep affection and righteousness. I never expected that your feelings for the sixth prince would be so profound, nor did I expect that your determination would be so firm. I admire your courage and resolve. How many people in this court can match this righteousness!"

After he finished speaking, he looked into Ling Yan's determined eyes, and the scales in his heart began to slowly tip.

Seeing Emperor Jingzhao's softening expression, Lingyan's inner flames burned even more fiercely.

Then she continued in a steady and powerful voice: "Father, the Northern Li is treacherous and cunning, and the Southern Frontier is extremely vicious. Their poison techniques are ever-changing, complex and insidious. Those poison techniques are like an invisible net, making it impossible to guard against them."

She paused, took a deep breath, and continued, "But my daughter-in-law has studied medicine since childhood and has also done in-depth research on poisons. I can identify the components of various poisons and know how to detoxify them. Even A Yao can't match me in this respect."

At this moment, she seemed to be standing on that vast battlefield, commanding thousands of troops: "After much consideration, I believe that I am the most suitable person to go on this expedition, and I am the one with the greatest chance of success. No one is more suitable than me!"

Her gaze grew increasingly profound, as if she could see through all the illusions of the world: "I will use what I have learned to break the enemy's poisonous arts and restore peace to my Great Zhao. I will let the world know that my Great Zhao has the ability to overcome all conspiracies, tricks, and difficulties!"

Her voice grew increasingly impassioned, its momentum surging like a tidal wave.

Emperor Jingzhao watched her quietly. Her determined expression and confident demeanor seemed to exude an air of dominance over the world.

The powerful aura emanating from him even made this emperor, who was used to grand occasions, unconsciously feel intimidated.

A strange sense of trust welled up in his heart, as if she was sure to win a great victory this time.

He then fell into deep thought, Lingyan's words constantly echoing in his mind.

And her confidence, her determination, her aura.

He paced back and forth in the imperial study, his steps seemingly carrying the weight of a thousand pounds.

I kept weighing the pros and cons in my mind.

Finally, he stopped in front of Lingyan, his gaze fixed on her.

His eyes were filled with trust and expectation as he said, "Good! I agree to this! I believe you have the ability, and I look forward to your triumphant return, but you must remember to come back safely."

When Lingyan heard Emperor Jingzhao agree, the burning flame in her heart seemed to be ignited to its fullest extent.

She then respectfully curtsied and performed a solemn bow.

Then she stood up, her posture as upright as a pine tree standing proudly on a mountaintop.

His eyes seemed to sparkle with brilliant stars.

With a steady and resonant voice, she said, "Thank you for your trust, Father! Your daughter-in-law will certainly live up to your expectations!"

Her words were powerful and resounding, echoing for a long time in the imperial study.

This also filled Emperor Jingzhao's heart with anticipation and hope.