Traveling through an ancient military camp: Bao'er's survival song

The extermination of the Qiang was not something the emperor could simply promise and then immediately carry out. There were many preparations that needed to be made: the spies who colluded with the Qiang and harmed the entire Luo family had to be found; the court officials who advocated peace had to be appeased; the supplies, provisions, and troops needed to be prepared for this war, which everyone knew would be a losing proposition; and the resettlement of the people affected by the war on the southwestern border... Each of these preparations, which seemed like a single sentence, involved a huge and complex undertaking.

Luo Binghe knew all of this; he just wanted to hear a promise from the emperor in person.

"I deliberately preserved this General's Mansion because I know you will personally restore its glory after you avenge your great enemy."

"Your Majesty..." Luo Binghe forced his eyes dry, which seemed to be about to become wet. His Majesty the Emperor was as wise as ever, and as insightful as ever. For example, His Majesty the Emperor had never asked him whether he wanted to restore his identity.

Because he didn't need to say it, His Majesty naturally understood.

The emperor summoned him to the capital not only to bestow honors and rewards upon him, but also to give him a legitimate opportunity to investigate the case from years ago. Although Luo Binghe's network had already been established in the capital, he was far away on the frontier, making it difficult to control many things and easily overlooking information. The emperor also gave Peng Zizheng a five-man team, said to be composed of extraordinary individuals, to facilitate his actions.

The emperor and his minister continued their conversation for a long time until the second watch gong sounded. Only then, at the repeated request of the old eunuch Ruifu, did Emperor Liu Xu leave the General's Mansion and return to the palace by carriage.

The old eunuch in the carriage poured tea for His Majesty the Emperor, hesitated for a moment, and then carefully reminded him, "Your Majesty, General Peng has not finished speaking."

The emperor gently placed the teacup back on the table, startling the old eunuch who immediately knelt down in the carriage, begging for forgiveness: "It was this servant's fault for being so talkative..."

The emperor did not tell him to get up, but quietly watched as beads of sweat trickled down the old eunuch's forehead, sliding down his wrinkles and into his graying temples, before finally telling Ruifu to get up.

When the old eunuch got up, he dared not hold onto the carriage wall. He forced himself to stand up with his stiff old bones and retreated to a corner.

The emperor was well aware that the officers and soldiers of the southwestern garrison openly harbored resentment towards Wu Peng'en. Why would soldiers on the frontier hold a grudge against a high-ranking official with significant achievements in the court? Moreover, this Grand Tutor Wu had once been Peng Zizheng's teacher. The only possibility was that Peng Zizheng himself was filled with hatred for Wu Peng'en, and this dislike spread throughout the garrison, creating a pervasive atmosphere of discontent.

During the recent gathering between the emperor and his minister, Liu Xu mentioned Wu Peng'en's achievements several times during his years of personal rule. Peng Zizheng remained completely silent, his expression unchanged, but this very silence was unusual. Given Peng Zizheng's personality, upon hearing of Wu Peng'en's current accomplishments, he would surely have excitedly reminisced about their childhood studies together, or expressed his delight at having such capable ministers and generals by his side. But he did none of this; he simply listened quietly, waiting for the topic concerning Wu Peng'en to be moved on.

"Ruifu, does Grand Tutor Wu still disagree with the eldest daughter ascending to the throne?" The emperor asked, his eyes flashing.

Ruifu hurriedly stepped forward and replied, "Yes, Lord Wu told the Imperial Concubine that his eldest daughter, Wu Suining, was to be kept to marry into the family. If the Imperial Concubine insists that the Wu family produce an empress, she can only let her second daughter, Wu Youning, serve the Emperor."

The young emperor was so angry he laughed: "His second daughter is only nine years old!"