Confiscating property? A stunningly beautiful substitute bride empties the national treasury and is

The next day, the army attacked the capital in four routes. General Tu was defeated and forced to retreat, and in the end, he could only defend the imperial city to the death.

Lu Jingchuan led his troops to camp at the moat and ordered Wu Yanshu to evacuate the people, letting them leave first. In just one day, the entire capital was left in a deathly silence.

Seeing the Nanyuan army advancing with unstoppable momentum, the officials in the court who were ordered to resist dared not make any rash moves and fled the city with their families.

Sure enough, before dusk, Wu Yanshu walked in, holding a bow and arrow, and respectfully handed the note stuck in it to Lu Jingchuan.

Lu Jingchuan's expression changed drastically in an instant. He tightened his grip on the creed, and finally slammed his fist on the table in front of him.

Lu Jin'an and Wu Yanshu were immediately startled, stood up, and asked, "What did Emperor Zhao say?"

Lu Jingchuan tossed the letter over, and Lu Jin'an picked it up and quickly scanned it with Wu Yanshu. Wu Yanshu instantly burst into angry curses:

"This dog emperor is always so cunning and treacherous. I never imagined he was so despicable. Even tigers don't eat their cubs!"

"He's actually using the Crown Prince as leverage, demanding ten cities in exchange for the prince, and asking us to divide Suzhou into two parts. Isn't that just wishful thinking? Even if we give it to him now, the people won't agree to it!"

After hesitating for a moment, Wu Yanshu continued his analysis: "Your Majesty, there are currently less than five thousand people trapped in the entire palace. The Northern Xia is now corrupt and its treasury is severely depleted. I estimate that these people can only last for a month at most."

"If we poison the water supply leading to the palace, they will be routed within five days at most, let alone be threatened; they will surrender without resistance."

"No!"

Lu Jingchuan refused, saying, "The river that enters through the palace will flow out, and in the end, it will be the innocent people who suffer. Although we want to occupy the palace, we must minimize the losses."

Wu Yanshu fell silent instantly. Although this was indeed a way to solve the problem once and for all, the harm was too great and it was not advisable. However, he was really annoyed to be threatened like this.

After pondering for a moment, Lu Jingchuan instructed, "Yanshu, take five thousand men and circle around to the north gate of the palace. Launch a long-range attack, mainly to deplete the palace's military supplies. Do not launch a direct assault; just feint."

"Yes, my subordinate, go right away!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Yanshu immediately became excited. He knew that his third brother would not compromise. The crown prince was already a cripple. It was a miracle that he was alive, and it wouldn't be a pity if he died!

As soon as Wu Yanshu stepped out of the tent, he bumped into Hu Huairou, who was helping the Empress Dowager walk towards him. He didn't even look up and ignored her.

When Lu Jingchuan saw the two of them, his eyes instantly turned icy cold. He gave Bei Mu a sinister look.

Bei Mu was immediately terrified and lowered his head in guilt. He was clearly about to leave with his men, but the Empress Dowager stopped him. The Empress Dowager wanted to protect Hu Huairou, and there was nothing he could do!

When Lu Jin'an saw the Empress Dowager enter, he rubbed his forehead in exasperation, feeling somewhat helpless.

"Is there any news about Lin'er? What did Emperor Zhao say?"

The Empress Dowager asked anxiously, just as Hu Huairou told her that a letter had been sent back from the palace, which must be about Lin'er.

Lu Jingchuan pursed his lips and remained silent, his eyes fixed on the letter. At the Empress Dowager's signal, Hu Huairou carefully took the letter and read it aloud in a low voice.

In an instant, the Empress Dowager trembled and almost fell backward, but Lu Jin'an caught her with quick reflexes.

The Empress Dowager spoke with great sorrow: "Lin'er has become like this, you can't just stand by and watch him die. He is the only son of the Imperial Concubine. Ask yourselves how the Imperial Concubine treated you two brothers back then."

"All I want is for him to live peacefully. Is that too much to ask?"

Lu Jingchuan said in a deep voice, "Mother, Lin'er is already terminally ill and there is no need to save him. I would never let down so many soldiers who risked their lives for him."

Snapped!

A crisp slap rang out, and in a flash everyone was stunned—the Empress Dowager had actually struck the Emperor…

The Empress Dowager trembled as she pointed at him and cursed, "Lu Jingchuan, don't think you've forgotten your roots just because you've been emperor for a few days. You were willing to give up five cities to save the second prince, but now you won't shed a drop of blood for Lin'er. How can you face your elder sister?"

Lu Jin'an quickly stopped her, saying, "Mother, don't be impulsive. The situation is different now. Even if Lin'er is rescued, he won't live for many days."

"You're talking nonsense. The Empress's medical skills are so good. If she could save Lin'er once, she can definitely save him a second time. If you save him, I, this old woman, will take care of him from now on. I will definitely not make things difficult for you."

The Empress Dowager shouted angrily. Hu Huairou tried to pull her but couldn't. Watching Lu Jingchuan wipe the bloodstains from the corner of his mouth, she could imagine how much force the Empress Dowager had used.

With a cold, mocking smile on his face, Lu Jingchuan murmured, "Mother, if you blame me, I have nothing to say. But I did my best in this matter concerning Lin'er. It was Qianqian who gave him a chance to live back then, but he was stubborn and refused to see the truth. Now, none of us can help him."

"Even if Qianqian were here, she wouldn't save Lin'er a second time. How many of our soldiers have died at his hands? He's only reaping what he sowed by failing to recognize talent."

"Lu Jingchuan, you are unfilial! I was so wrong to trust you..."

The Empress Dowager suddenly lost her breath and fainted. Lu Jin'an hurriedly picked her up and carried her to the room.

“快，叫太医！”

Lu Jingchuan quickly gave his instructions and followed. Hu Huairou, afraid of being chased away again, didn't dare to get too close and lagged behind the group...

After learning that the Empress Dowager had only suffered a stroke due to blood loss, the two brothers were relieved. Hu Huairou stood trembling by the side, silent and not daring to say a word.

Lu Jin'an sighed and pulled Lu Jingchuan out of the room. Hu Huairou saw the two leave and hurriedly went over, holding the Empress Dowager's hand tightly with great concern.

Outside the door, Lu Jin'an glanced at Lu Jingchuan's slightly swollen cheeks and helplessly comforted him:

"Mother acted impulsively just now, don't hold a grudge against her."

"will not!"

Lu Jingchuan spoke expressionlessly. This was the first time his mother had ever hit him since he could remember; she must have been really angry just now.

Lu Jin'an patted his shoulder and said, "Mother came for Lin'er, and this matter will definitely not be left unresolved so easily. I'll help stall her for the next two days, and you can do whatever you want."

"Big brother, you're not mad at me?"

Lu Jingchuan spoke in a low voice, his tone full of self-reproach.

Lu Jin'an smiled faintly and comforted him, saying, "Why blame you? What difference does it make whether you save them or not now? It would only increase the casualties. So many soldiers are willing to fight for you. You are responsible for each and every one of them."

"Thank you!"

Lu Jingchuan nodded gratefully. If Lin'er were safe and sound, and there were no casualties, he would definitely be willing to save her, but it was not worth it now.

Lu Jin'an whispered to comfort her, "Go ahead, leave this to me. At worst, she'll slap me a few times. It's a blessing that my mother can discipline me now."