Quick Transmigration: The Cannon Fodder's Wish Check-in Machine

"Your Majesty, I have committed a capital offense, and I beg your forgiveness!" Xia Mingwei withstood the pressure and continued to speak.

The emperor never expected that the promise he had just made would be fulfilled in less than a quarter of an hour.

Throughout history, no figure has ever been as daring as Xia Wei.

However, prompted by "him," the emperor did indeed become somewhat curious. When others committed crimes, they all desperately tried to cover up their innocence, volunteering to confess their guilt—in all his years, "Xia Wei" was the first such person he had ever encountered!

Xia Mingwei's words not only piqued the emperor's interest but also aroused the curiosity of those around him. Several veteran generals, in particular, felt that Xia Wei's behavior was strange; otherwise, why would this child be spouting nonsense today?

"What crime did this person commit?"

"He's putting on airs in front of the Emperor just because he's done something good. I think he's got a death wish!"

"Why would someone admit their mistakes on such a joyous occasion? I think he's still too young!"

...

During the gathering, everyone had different thoughts. Some were just watching the spectacle, some were genuinely worried about Xia Mingwei, and some were afraid.

The person who was afraid was none other than Zhou Ying.

From the moment Xia Mingwei asked the emperor for her immunity from death, she had a bad feeling. Her eyes were fixed on Xia Mingwei, afraid that she would say something she shouldn't.

Xia Mingwei bowed to the emperor again before saying, "Your Majesty's reward to me is so generous, and I have no way to repay your appreciation in this life! But there is something on my mind that is of great importance and I must speak it out! In order to live an honest and upright life in the future, and to keep you in the dark, I have come here today to receive myself!"

This made the emperor even more curious.

"What important matter do you speak of, my dear minister? Since I have already made a promise, I will never break it!"

Only after the emperor gave an affirmative answer did Xia Mingwei feel a little relieved.

But the moment of final victory has not yet arrived, so she naturally will not overlook any detail.

She straightened her back and continued to answer the emperor, "Your Majesty, I am not Xia Wei! I am Xia Wei's younger sister, Xia Mingwei!"

As soon as these words came out, the whole place was in an uproar.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ying stared intently at Xia Mingwei with bloodshot eyes. Her hands gripped her handkerchief tightly. This wretched girl—how dare she? How could she reveal all this? She was driving her mother and brother to their deaths!

The emperor assumed she had done something wrong, never expecting it to be like this. Looking at Xia Mingwei clad in armor, he couldn't reconcile the person before him with the image of a woman. In his mind, women were synonymous with gentleness and virtue, while military campaigns were the domain of men.

The emperor fell silent for a rare moment before finally speaking: "General Xia, is what you said true?"

"When the news of conscription came, my mother threatened to kill herself, leaving me no choice but to enlist in the army in place of my brother! This was by no means an act of disrespect for the law of the court. I beg Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly and give me justice!"

Upon hearing Xia Mingwei's statement, Zhou Ying, who was sitting in her seat, felt as if she had fallen into an ice cave.

She looked up at the gazes of those around her. The people who had been so eager to curry favor were gone, replaced by faces full of disdain. Only two words echoed in her mind: "It's over."

"You say your mother and brother forced you, do you have any evidence?" the emperor asked again.

Upon hearing this, Xia Mingwei raised her head and said, "My experience of risking my life on the battlefield is the best proof! Think about it, if I hadn't been forced into it, why would I, a woman, leave my comfortable home and go to the front lines? Not to mention that swords and spears have no eyes on the battlefield, and if my identity were discovered, it could very well mean losing my head!"

After hearing Xia Mingwei's long explanation, the emperor was largely convinced. He pondered how to handle this thorny matter.

Regardless of whether Xia Mingwei is a woman or not, she cannot be punished in front of the enemy. If he punishes her today, she might receive news of the enemy's attempt to turn her to their side that very night.

If the punishment is too harsh, it will hurt the feelings of those who have rendered meritorious service and made a promise. If the punishment is too lenient, it will likely incite resentment among the old men in the court. Therefore, a foolproof method must be devised!

After pondering for a while, an idea took shape in the Emperor's mind.

"Xia Mingwei, although you have made great contributions, the country has its laws, and the family has its rules. Concealing your identity as a daughter when you entered the military camp—do you admit to this crime or not?"

Before anyone could react, the emperor changed the subject after saying this, and continued, "But considering that you have served the country and made great contributions, I have decided to relieve you of your duties in the military and have you serve in the Ministry of Works!"

Upon hearing this, the audience could no longer remain seated.

He was dismissed from his military post and transferred to the Ministry of Works. This appeared to be a punishment, but in reality, it wasn't.

The Ministry of Works was originally a demanding job, and officials there rarely stayed long, always wanting to move elsewhere. But this profession couldn't be abandoned, so the emperor devised a plan. To boost the morale of the Ministry of Works staff, the emperor offered many generous benefits to officials in the Ministry of Revenue. With improved treatment, the Ministry of Works seemed like a pleasant job after all!

Although the emperor came up with this plan, the old men in the Ministry of Works disagreed. How could Xia Mingwei, a woman, be allowed to serve as an official in the court?

A group of people knelt down in unison, shouting, "How can a woman be allowed to enter the court? We beg Your Majesty to reconsider!"

The emperor was annoyed to see his hard-won idea being opposed.

Suppressing a hint of anger, he asked, "Does my dear minister have any other ideas?"

The kneeling men looked at each other, speechless.

"Since none of you ministers can think of any other way, then do as I say!"

Upon hearing the emperor's words, the officials from the Ministry of Works finally understood that the emperor was determined to place Xia Mingwei in the Ministry of Works, and no matter how much they objected, it was futile!

They had no choice but to kowtow in gratitude, saying, "Your humble servants will obey Your Majesty's will!"

And so, at the banquet, everyone witnessed a spectacular show.

Some even glanced at Zhou Ying and, seeing her forced smile, felt a surge of mockery in their hearts.

It seems that the people of Beijing are about to have another source of amusement in the near future!