After listening to his words, a dark shadow emerged in Jingrong’s eyes, his pupils tightening slightly, revealing a cold and severe air.

He couldn’t guess what Wei Yi’s true intentions were. Then, his thin, cold lips lightly parted, “From the day Houlliao rose up on the Western Frontier grasslands, neither the Holy Emperor nor the late Emperor ever had such an idea or decision. It’s not that they didn’t dare or didn’t want to—they couldn’t! Do you know what the price is for making a tribe willingly submit? Have you ever considered what would happen if something went wrong?”

Wei Yi looked at him.

Jingrong’s brows were like sharp swords slanting into his temples, those pitch-black eyes commanding and cold. He said word by word, “If you don’t know, then I’ll tell you. If the Houlliao people are unwilling to submit and resist desperately, what will result is a life-or-death war! At that time, the entire Western Frontier grasslands will be engulfed in a bloody storm. Not only Houlliao—all the tribes of the Western Frontier will get involved. The final result… will be corpses everywhere across the Western Frontier grasslands, rivers of blood! This is a risk, not the mutual benefit you speak of.”

His words resounded powerfully!

His gaze was sharp!

Yet Wei Yi’s expression remained calm, as if he understood everything in his heart. He said, “I know all of what you’ve said, and I’ve thought it through.”

“Since you know and have thought it through, then what is the meaning of this imperial edict?”

Facing the interrogation, Wei Yi said seriously, “Jingrong, I’ll say it again. I’m not forcing you, nor do I have ulterior motives. You understand the Western Frontier better than I do, you understand Houlliao better. Once a force is consolidated, all it brings is ambition! Since Houlliao destroyed Yuedan, all the surrounding tribes have submitted to them. A tribe that has grown powerful is a threat to Great Lin! Don’t tell me you don’t even understand this principle? If Houlliao truly has no ambition, they will definitely agree to submit. But if they originally had ambition, then sooner or later, there will inevitably be an unavoidable war between Great Lin and Houlliao! Since it will happen eventually, why not resolve it early? Of course, unless they can show sincerity to prove they will never lead troops into the Central Plains in the future, then the war can be avoided! If you still think I have selfish motives, then tomorrow morning, let the court ministers decide. How about that?”

Jingrong’s expression grew increasingly dark, veins visible on his forehead.

From the court ministers’ perspective, now that Houlliao dominated the Western Frontier grasslands, their power would sooner or later spread to the Central Plains. So as a precaution, the ministers would definitely support Wei Yi!

Wei Yi continued, “I know you stayed in Houlliao for a while, so you have many concerns. But feelings are feelings—you can’t disregard the safety of Great Lin’s border people because of this. Moreover, as long as Houlliao is willing to submit, war can be avoided, death can be avoided, and the mutual benefit I spoke of will be realized. Isn’t that good?”

It was as if he were brainwashing him!

Jingrong’s throat tightened as he settled his mind to consider the matter: Indeed, Wei Yi’s every word couldn’t be faulted in the slightest. What he was doing was from the perspective of a good emperor. And since he had helped Houlliao defeat Yuedan, Muzha’er and Third Master would certainly give him some face, plus with his relationship with Muruo, having him lead troops to persuade Houlliao was most appropriate. If Houlliao and Great Lin could truly achieve harmony, it wouldn’t be a bad thing at all!

After a moment—

He raised the imperial edict in his hand, furrowing his sword-like brows, his expression severe, “Fine! I agree to this, but you must also agree to one thing for me.”

“Speak.”

“If Houlliao is unwilling to submit, at that time, you absolutely cannot send troops to harm even a single soldier of theirs.”

“As long as Houlliao shows sincerity and is willing to withdraw westward three thousand li to become territory of our Great Lin, I guarantee I will absolutely not issue an edict to harm even a single soldier of theirs.”

“Good!”

The two reached a consensus!

Afterward, Wei Yi added, “For this trip to Houlliao, I will have one person accompany you.”

Hmm?

Jingrong had a vaguely ominous premonition.

“Who?”

“Ji Huan.” The two words slowly rolled out from Wei Yi’s mouth.

The Ji family’s second young master?

Jingrong couldn’t conceal his shock, “Do you know who you’re talking about?”

“I do. Isn’t he the General Changlin that the late Emperor personally appointed back then—Ji Huan? He was expelled from the capital because of the Ji family’s rebellion.”

“Since you know, you still want to restore him to official rank? When the late Emperor was alive, he issued an edict that people of the Ji family could never enter court again, nor could they enter the capital. You previously allowed the Ji family’s second young miss to enter the capital, which already violated the late Emperor’s decree.”

He spoke with a tone of reminder.

“I know all this.” Wei Yi walked a few steps and said frankly, “First, let’s talk about that Second Miss Ji. Originally, she and Lord Shen had a marriage agreement, which was later canceled. But Lord Shen has devoted feelings toward Second Miss Ji. I truly couldn’t bear to see them separated. That feeling—perhaps others don’t understand, but I do! I would rather bear infamy than summon her to the capital, only to bring together a perfect couple. As for Ji Huan, you know he is a rare great general of Great Lin. When Prince Yi and Ji Li rebelled back then, he didn’t participate. He even repeatedly achieved remarkable merit for Great Lin, and at that time repelled the barbarians and established military achievements. How could such a great general be buried? I don’t want our Great Lin to lose such a military commander. Moreover, he has campaigned in all four directions for many years and is very familiar with Great Lin’s border affairs. Having him accompany you is most appropriate. Also, I’m not restoring him to his original rank—he’s just your assistant. It’s not his turn to regain military authority yet.”

His voice echoed through the Imperial Study.

Since Wei Yi had said this much, what more could Jingrong say?

After all, he had already agreed.

…

An hour passed from the time he entered the palace to when he left.

He emerged from the palace.

His expression was grave.

The guards outside the palace gate looked at each other, not daring to speak.

Because when the edict had just been issued, it had already spread everywhere!

He had just exited the palace gate when he stopped, standing there for a good while before turning to look back. Inside the imposing palace gate were magnificent palaces—symbols of power, symbols of Great Lin’s supreme authority.

It seemed full of irony.

His eyes couldn’t help but tremble slightly.

“Your Highness?” The coachman called to him.

He came back to his senses, took a breath, withdrew his gaze this time, turned around, and boarded the carriage he had arrived in.

He sat upright in the carriage, his tightly furrowed eyes looking at the curtain gently lifted by the wind before him, ripples stirring, like his current unsettled heart. Those hands placed on his knees gradually clenched into fists, yet there was no change whatsoever on his face.

The carriage slowly moved forward, the sound of the wheels like drumbeats flooding into his ears.

“Stop!” He opened his eyes and suddenly shouted.

Hearing this, the coachman pulled the reins, and the carriage stopped.

“What are Your Highness’s orders?” The person outside inquired within.

Jingrong’s brow furrowed even deeper, “I’m not returning to Prince Rong’s residence.”

“Then where shall we go?”

“Go to…”

The carriage gradually started moving. It headed toward a certain place…