Bai Jinse used her sleeve to wipe away the tears, her throat choked up, she turned her head and couldn’t help but cry softly.
She knew, this... was the greatest driving force for Eldest Sister to ascend to this position!
Once Eldest Sister ascends the throne, the remaining Bai family army and Bai family mbers will know that returning to Dadu City will no longer implicate the Bai family. They won’t have to endure humiliation for revenge anymore. Eldest Sister wants them to know that the Jin Kingdom has changed hands to the Zhou Kingdom, everything is in the past, and a new Chapter is about to begin, to start the war for unifying the world.
Eldest Sister wants the Bai family masters and Bai family army to return with honor!
Bai Qingyan beckoned Bai Jinxiu, signaling her to bring her helt...
"King Liang’s party has just left the city, I will rescue Grandmother and return. If sothing changes, Bai Qingyan will definitely return before the enthronent ceremony." She took the helt handed by Bai Jinxiu, clamping it under her elbow, and said, "During Bai Qingyan’s absence from Dadu, the political affairs will be overseen by Pri Minister Lu and Bai Jinxiu."
"Your Majesty!" Liu Rushi still wanted to persuade, but was stopped by Pri Minister Lu.
Pri Minister Lu knew that Bai Qingyan was raised by her Grandmother, the Eldest Princess. She could not disregard her Grandmother, and Bai Qingyan might also have the intention of settling the final accounts with the imperial family. But the current turmoil in Dadu City made it crucial for Bai Qingyan to stay to stabilize the people’s hearts. Persuasion was necessary, but it could not be as blunt as Liu Rushi, it needed a more tactful approach.
Pri Minister Lu habitually used his smooth tact that he employed with the Emperor of Jin, smiled, and bowed deeply to Bai Qingyan: "Your Majesty, rest assured when you go. Everything in Dadu City will be managed by and Mrs. Qin, there will definitely be no mishaps! After the date for the enthronent ceremony is set, I will send envoys to inform the various nations, and by then, the envoys will co to congratulate, please make sure to return before the ceremony!"
Pri Minister Lu paused for a mont and then continued: "However... there is currently a difficult matter. Many official positions are vacant, and it is necessary for Your Majesty to fill these positions before departure, this matter.... We dare not act beyond our authority."
Bai Qingyan nodded to Pri Minister Lu, understanding that he was subtly persuading her to stay, avoiding suspicion. Pri Minister Lu did not want people to think he would seize the opportunity to insert his own people, nor did he want others to do the sa. The most important thing was to give Bai Qingyan a chance to show kindness to the officials, helping to stabilize the people’s hearts. Yet Pri Minister Lu did not say this directly.
Perhaps because he was used to kings not listening to advice, not hearing Bai Qingyan respond, Pri Minister Lu feared that because this matter involved the Eldest Princess, Bai Qingyan might act impulsively. He advised again: "King Liang has divided his troops into six routes, without confird information, Your Majesty should stay in the palace, wait to determine where King Liang has taken the Eldest Princess, and then act."
Upon learning that King Liang had taken her Grandmother out of the city, Bai Qingyan quickly ran through the map in her head and figured out where King Liang and his n were heading. To the south was Shuoyang, but King Liang would not go there. To the east was Dengzhou Prefecture, where Bai Qingyan’s uncle leads the Dengzhou Army, making it easy to be surrounded on both sides.
The forces of Bai Qingyan had just returned from the north, making King Liang’s party hesitant to venture there, leaving only the southwest. In the southwest, King Liang could choose... either Guangling or Luohong City.
Without an army, to oppose Bai Qingyan, King Liang would need troops and supplies... Coincidentally, Yanwo is currently building the Guanghe Canal, having both troops and supplies...
And once the Guanghe Canal is completed, Yanwo will beco the largest granary of the Jin Kingdom. Considering all aspects, if they escape Dadu City, finding a city to hold firmly, Guangling City and Luohong City are the best choices.
And since Guangling City is near the Yan Kingdom, King Liang’s party would likely not take such a risk, leaving only Luohong City.
Pri Minister Lu still feared not being able to persuade Bai Qingyan, grabbed Dong Qingping’s arm and pulled him forward...
Bai Qingyan quickly descended from the high stairs, not putting on any airs, treating herself as a junior.
Pri Minister Lu pulled Dong Qingping close and earnestly said to Bai Qingyan: "Being a monarch is different from being a military commander. The chaos in Dadu has just settled, the court and the people are in disarray... the governnt is unstable, and the people’s hearts are even more unstable. Now, this place... requires Your Majesty to stay and stabilize the overall situation. Your Majesty is the backbone of Dadu City!"
Dong Qingping also nodded: "Yes, in this matter... I think Pri Minister Lu made a good point."
"Eldest Sister, Pri Minister Lu and Uncle Dong are right, I will go!" Bai Jinxiu said, "I will definitely ensure Grandmother’s safety!"
Bai Qingyan was not one to ignore advice, and the Bai family never had intentions to rebel. Therefore... Bai family mbers were taught from childhood how to be good commanders, never how to be a monarch.
In terms of being a monarch, she is a student with much to learn.
She nodded and bowed to Pri Minister Lu, who quickly stepped aside to avoid Bai Qingyan’s salute, stating he was not worthy.
"Bai Qingyan, taught by my grandfather as a child... learned how to be a good commander. Now I am to govern a nation, I need Pri Minister Lu and various ministers to assist greatly!" Bai Qingyan looked at Pri Minister Lu, "I wish to appoint Pri Minister Lu as my Imperial Master. Please teach the way of kingship."
Accustod to being humble and smooth before the emperor, Pri Minister Lu was caught off guard by the sudden humble request from this soon-to-be empress, which left him deeply moved.
The Bai family people are upright, with hearts for the world, willing to ask for guidance. In comparison, the Lin family imperial clan is far inferior. With such a monarch in the future Zhou Kingdom, why worry about not unifying the world?
The Bai family has never produced useless wastrels, due to their pure and correct family style, truly excellent at educating their children.
With tears in his eyes, Pri Minister Lu was deeply emotional, and solemnly bowed to the ground before Bai Qingyan: "With your Majesty’s favor, I am willing to offer my utmost effort, to impart all my knowledge and support your Majesty."
Bai Qingyan’s sincere and humble attitude moved the scholars in the hall to tears.
"Bai Jinxiu, Lin Kangle... You two lead the troops imdiately towards Luohong City to pursue, ensuring the Eldest Princess and the deposed Crown Prince’s safety, be quick! I will follow shortly." Bai Qingyan ordered.
"Bai Jinxiu obeys!" Bai Jinxiu replied with a fist salute.
"I humbly accept the order!" Lin Kangle didn’t ask why, Bai Qingyan never miscalculates, having learned thoroughly in three battles. Whenever the Princess of Zhen gives an order, he never hesitates.
The Imperial Palace had been cleaned, the piled-up morials were moved in.
Bai Qingyan, with her blood-stained silver armor unchanged, the ministers still in their white clothes, all sat in the hall to handle the long-neglected state affairs, none dared slack off.
Bai Jinse sent soone to light the lamps in the hall, instructing: "Send soone to fetch clean clothes from the hos of the ministers and prepare food for them."
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