Guo Ming and Zhao Pingkong, following Di Nian’s orders, led tens of thousands of imperial troops south to Shuzhou to suppress the bandits. Yet they suffered continuous defeats at the hands of the swiftly moving rebels. Not only had they failed to eliminate these bandit forces, but they had also allowed them to flow along the Jiankang Road into the southern mountainous forest regions of both Linhuai and Chao’an Routes, and even the Chengfu Route below had reports of bandit activities.

What Jiang Ping had said earlier was indeed true. These remnant rebels from the previous dynasty seemed to have no pattern, but once they couldn’t be immediately eliminated, their growth as they dispersed was like a rolling snowball, multiplying several times each day.

Previously, bandits blocking the Jiankang Road had prevented imperial troops and provisions from moving north, already adding significant pressure to the northern border. Now, with bandits also rising in the southern parts of Chao’an and Linhuai Routes, if the roads connecting the three routes were cut off, the nearly one hundred thousand troops at the northern border would have to rely on roundabout routes from the east and west to transport provisions and armor. This would make it impossible to sustain a prolonged confrontation with the northern Jian army.

Moreover, with tens of thousands of imperial troops under Guo and Zhao already being bogged down by the bandit forces, even if more troops were committed to suppressing the bandits, the slight advantage just gained at the northern border might not be maintained.

After understanding this, Meng Tinghui’s heart instantly turned cold.

Those in the hall were also first delighted, then shocked, and finally furrowed their brows.

Ying Gua rose from his seat, picked up a memorial from the table, and announced, “Di Nian reports in secret that within three days of Han Peng breaking through Zizhou and advancing on Huizhou, the northern Jian court sent an order to the front, instructing their commanding general and Northern Academy Envoy Zhao Hui to submit and seek peace.”

She was surprised again, and those around her exchanged glances.

Although this wasn’t mentioned in the military report, since the Emperor was willing to let the two departments know about Di Nian’s secret memorial, he presumably wanted to hear their opinions.

An Maolin was the first to speak, “I believe we should accept their request and negotiate peace between the two armies. This way, the northern border conflict can be halted, and the court can focus solely on suppressing the bandits, with the main imperial forces quickly being redeployed for this purpose. If the bandit threat is not contained, I fear the consequences will be difficult to manage.”

Jiang Ping, however, was extremely angry and loudly said, “How can we let northern Jian off so easily! They sent envoys to our court to discuss reducing troops and annual tributes then broke their word and invaded our borders. Now, after suffering defeat, they immediately turn around and ask for peace. Does northern Jian think they rule the world?”

Ying Gua’s gaze circled the room, landing on Fang Kai whose brows were deeply furrowed. After a long moment, he said, “I fear northern Jian is cunning and deceptive. Under the guise of seeking peace, who knows what they’re plotting behind the scenes.”

However, the secretariat ministers were unwilling to give up this opportunity for peace. Ye Shi urgently stepped forward, “Your Majesty, the northern border war has lasted only three months, yet the court’s military provisions have already cost eleven million. If the northern conflict can be somewhat contained, it would be a blessing for the people.”

Gu Qin then said, “Your Majesty, at the beginning of the year, northern Jian sent envoys to discuss mutual troop reductions and annual tributes. In your wisdom and benevolence, you granted their request. Now that northern Jian has been defeated and is seeking peace, why not use this opportunity to greatly increase their tribute and have them reestablish their status as a vassal paying annual tribute? At this moment of great victory at the northern border, demanding two or three hundred thousand in cash and silk annually would not be excessive. If we miss this opportunity, I fear it will be difficult to demand such terms again.”

The senior ministers all made sensible arguments, but the Emperor remained silent, gripping the memorial in his hand even tighter.

Seeing this, Meng Tinghui frowned and said, “Your Majesty, the opinions of both departments have merit. Currently, the bandit threat persists. Although the northern border has temporarily gained victory, it would be difficult to maintain for long. The court’s urgent task is to eliminate the bandits to restore peace to the border regions. If we can negotiate peace between the two armies at this time, the internal bandit situation can surely be resolved. However, we must guard against northern Jian’s wolf-like ambitions. I propose we send an envoy to the northern front, making a detailed show of negotiating peace with them, demanding a tribute of one to two million. They will certainly not agree. If the peace envoys from both sides cannot reach an agreement, they must remain at the front, and then return to report to their superiors. This process of imperial edicts going back and forth several times would allow the northern border to remain without conflict for two to three months. The court can take advantage of this opportunity to massively redeploy troops southward to suppress the bandits. Once this is accomplished, we need no longer worry about Northern Jian’s intentions. Whether we fight or not, our Great Ping will be able to act with greater freedom, forcing them to submit.”

Her proposal was comprehensive, considering both the Central Command’s unwillingness to yield and the Secretariat’s desire for peace. The tense atmosphere between the two departments immediately eased considerably.

But the Emperor’s expression remained unchanged. He merely glanced at her before turning to look at Gu Qin, saying, “Di Nian reports that northern Jian has requested a civil official be sent to the border to discuss peace matters, to prevent disturbances at the military front.”

This was something no one in the hall had anticipated.

Gu Qin thought for a moment before saying, “With the two armies facing each other for so long, if the commanding generals of both countries were to negotiate peace directly, it would be difficult to ensure that further friction wouldn’t arise. Northern Jian’s request indeed makes sense.”

Ying Gua slightly furrowed his brow and instructed, “Select a civil official above the rank of academician from the court to go to the border. Follow Meng Tinghui’s earlier plan—negotiate at Jinxia Pass with northern Jian for an annual tribute of one to two million in cash and silk, aiming to delay the northern border conflict.”

Gu Qin acknowledged softly, and as he raised his head, his gaze turned to explore Meng Tinghui’s reaction.

The other members of the Secretariat also turned to look at her.

Meng Tinghui stood calmly at the back, meeting their gazes directly.

The deep meaning in these gazes was very familiar to her, and her mind involuntarily recalled that year during the mutiny of the imperial troops at Liuqi. It was in this same Ruisi Palace, with these same gazes.

The Central Command also immediately understood and began to furrow their brows.

However, before anyone could speak, Ying Gua threw down the memorial in his hand and said with a cold face and decisive tone, “She cannot go!”

Gu Qin lowered his head and said, “Your Majesty, among the civil officials above the rank of academician at court, only Meng Tinghui has experience with military affairs. Moreover, Meng Tinghui has the merit of having traveled north to quell rebellions in the past and can communicate effectively with the imperial army generals at the front. Meng Tinghui is intelligent and capable. Since this plan was proposed by her, why not have her go to the northern border to facilitate its success? The journey to Jinxia Pass requires traveling north from Chao’an. Meng Tinghui is from Chao’an, so if there’s any urgent situation, she would certainly have advantages that others wouldn’t.”

Other members of the Secretariat voiced their agreement.

She gently lowered her eyes, wiping her sweat-dampened palms against the side of her official robe.

She had anticipated when proposing the plan that if someone were to be sent from the court to negotiate peace, both departments would certainly choose her.

The Secretariat’s reasons were obvious—in terms of military affairs and capabilities, there was probably no court official more suitable than her to go to the front and negotiate peace with the enemy. The veteran generals of the Central Command had personally witnessed how she had once admonished Zhao Hui, so they would certainly have full confidence in her mission to the northern border.

Sure enough, it wasn’t long before Fang Kai stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, how dangerous was the mutiny of the imperial troops at Liuqi back then? Yet Meng Tinghui went personally into the rebellious city without fear, fulfilling the imperial orders. The dangers at the northern border now are not as great as Liuqi was then, and Meng Tinghui is much more mature and experienced than she was then. I believe she can certainly uphold the national dignity and not fail Your Majesty’s trust.”

Anger layered in Ying Gua’s eyes, and his tone was heavy, “I just said, she cannot go!” He paced impatiently for a few steps, then stared at Gu Qin and Fang Kai, “This journey to the northern front is not child’s play. How can we let her go!”

Meng Tinghui’s heart began to beat faster and faster.

It seemed he was concerned for her safety.

But his displaying it so obviously made her increasingly nervous.

She cleared her throat and finally spoke up, “It’s late tonight, and all the officials and generals have already gone without proper rest for several nights. Discussing matters now might lead to oversights. Perhaps we should decide tomorrow. What does Your Majesty think?”

“Dismissed,” he said without hesitation, his tone extremely unfriendly.

The officials had no choice but to withdraw one by one.

She wanted to stay back to say a few words to him, but he turned his back and said, “You withdraw as well.”

She could sense the coldness in his tone and thought that perhaps the chaos in the north had exhausted him too much. She fell silent and quietly withdrew with the others.

The early summer night wind was slightly cool, refreshing one’s face upon contact.

Chao’an Northern Route—why was it the Chao’an Northern Route again?

As she stepped down the stairs, her mind kept replaying all these events that had occurred since she entered the Central Command Office.

The New Year’s grand court assembly, the northern envoy, the bandit troubles, external turmoil, peace negotiations…

Suddenly, her footsteps halted.

A thought flashed quickly through her mind, gone before she could grasp it completely.

However, a name appeared in her mind and lingered, refusing to fade away.