There was a trace of confusion in Ye Li's eyes, but there was more disbelief. She looked at Ye Li and sighed bitterly, "Second Sister is dead, and I don't know if Fourth Sister is alive or dead. Fifth Sister and Sixth Sister … Let's not talk about them. How can we sisters … "
"Eldest Sister, the Southern Marquis' estate is still a kind family. The Heir Consort is also a smart person. She won't make things too difficult for you. You should live your life well, "Ye Li said in a low voice.
Ye Zhen was startled. When she came back to her senses, Ye Li was already far away. A trace of sorrow and unwillingness appeared in her eyes as she said faintly, "I don't have a child, and I don't have a family. How can I live my life well? Third Sister, not everyone has such a good life like you. "
News from the border came day by day, and the atmosphere in the entire imperial court became more and more solemn. The Xiling Army took three cities in a row for half a month and approached Xinyang. On the ninth day of the ninth month, news came that Leng Qingcang and the Southern Marquis' heir had led a hundred thousand troops to reinforce Xinyang. Marquis Zhennan had personally led fifty thousand troops to intercept and kill them. More than half of them were lost, and the remaining troops retreated to Xinyang. On the tenth day of the ninth month, Xinyang was surrounded. At the same time, the Xiling Army split into three groups and advanced to the north, south, and center. Urgent requests for reinforcements came from all the checkpoints at the border. However, at this time, Prince Dingguo, who had been protecting the Da Chu State for a hundred years, was still nowhere to be seen. The Dingguo Estate was as busy as a marketplace every day.
"Princess Consort."
In the study, Ye Li looked up at Director Mo at the door and asked, "Who wants to see you?"
Director Mo said in a low voice, "Duke Hua and Marquis Nan request an audience. Marquis Nan's heir went missing in the chaos. "
"Missing?! How could … "Ye Li frowned. She somewhat understood why Duke Hua and Marquis Nan were here. However, this was truly a bit difficult for her. Sighing softly, Ye Li said, "Invite Duke Hua and Marquis Nan in."
Not long after, Duke Hua and Marquis Nan arrived at the door. Ye Li personally stood up to welcome them. She stopped the two who were about to bow and said, "There are no outsiders here, so there's no need for formalities. Old Duke, Marquis, please have a seat. " The two thanked her and sat down. The maidservant served tea. Ye Li asked, "Old Duke and Marquis Nan came together. Is it because of the border?"
Marquis Nan looked haggard. He let out a long sigh and said, "I'm sorry to have disturbed Princess."
Ye Li shook her head and said, "Shizi and I are not outsiders. Marquis need not worry. This consort will immediately order people to search for the heir at the border. "
Marquis Nan shook his head and sighed, "My son is loyal to the country. Whether he lives or dies is up to fate. However … Princess, the Prince Ding Mansion must have received the news at the border faster than us. If this continues, I'm afraid that before His Highness Prince Ding returns, the hundreds of thousands of troops at the border will be wiped out! " Ye Li also sighed softly and said, "Xiling Jhennam Of Gojoseon has been conserving his strength for more than ten years. How can it be so easy for him to make a comeback? However, although the Prince Ding Mansion has already sent news to the Northern Tribes, there is still no news from the Prince. This consort is also … helpless … "
Duke Hua sighed heavily and said, "It's just a marriage escort. Why would the Emperor send Prince Ding out? Unfortunately, the only general who can lead troops to war, General Murong, is far away in Yongzhou. The General of Jing Kingdom is guarding the border of the Northern Tribes. This old man … "With a long sigh, Duke Hua suddenly stood up and was about to walk out," This old man will go to the palace to see the Emperor. Let this old man lead the troops to war! " Ye Li and Marquis Nan hurriedly pulled him back. Marquis Nan smiled bitterly, "Old Duke, even if we have to lead the troops to war, it should be us. How can we let you trouble yourself?" Looking at the two old men whose ages added up to more than 120 years, Ye Li smiled helplessly in her heart. She understood why they came, but she couldn't blame them. Because they were different from Mo Jingqi, Prime Minister Liu, and Marquis Muyang. They were really worried about the Shadow Guard of the Da Chu State and the people at the border. Because she used to be a soldier, she couldn't resent them just because of this.
"Old Duke, Marquis …"
Duke Hua turned back and saw Ye Li's clear and calm eyes. He was startled and sat down again. Duke Hua said somewhat apologetically, "Princess Consort, don't blame this old man for insensibly disturbing you at this time. It's really …"
Ye Li shook her head, "Old Duke, you're too serious. Ye Li understands."
Duke Hua said, "Now that Xiu Yao isn't here, it's not easy for a woman like you to support such a large Ding Kingdom. How can this old man not know? It's just that the border is in a state of emergency. I'm afraid we can't wait for Prince Ding to return. This old man has heard of Princess Consort's abilities. I ask Princess Consort to do something for the sake of the lives of Da Chu State's people and the soldiers at the border. This old man just said that it's definitely not necessary to lead the troops to war. This old man is well aware of Princess Consort's misgivings. If Princess Consort trusts this old man, this old man will personally lead the troops. At the very least, we can hold on until the day Prince Ding returns. No matter how anxious the Emperor is, he won't think of seizing this old man's military power at the last minute. Once Prince Ding returns, he will rush to the border and regain control of the troops. Then, everything will be settled. What do you think, Princess Consort? "
Ye Li said with a bitter smile, "Old Duke, are you so sure that Ye Li can mobilize the Mohist army?"
Duke Hua raised his white eyebrows and looked askance at Ye Li, "Then can Princess Consort do it? If Princess Consort says no, this old man will get up and leave. "
Ye Li was silent for a while. Then, she raised her head and said, "The military power cannot be given to Old Duke. It's not that Ye Li doesn't trust Old Duke, but even if Old Duke is given the Army Tally, I'm afraid it won't be easy to mobilize." A trace of disappointment flashed across Duke Hua's and Marquis Nan's eyes. However, they heard Ye Li lightly say, "Ye Li will accompany you to the border. It's just that the Old Duke is already old and I'm afraid that he won't be able to travel long distances … "Marquis Nan said happily," If Princess trusts me, I will immediately request the Emperor to lead the troops to battle. No, I can also take the position of Deputy General and leave the position of Commander-in-Chief until Prince Ding returns! "
Duke Hua looked at Ye Li with slight shock. His eyes were full of praise. He nodded and said, "Good, Xiuyao really has good eyes. I'll have to trouble Princess Consort this time. "
Ye Li shook her head and said with a smile, "Old Duke, don't be happy too early. No matter how good our plans are, the Emperor may not unify." Duke Hua said in a heavy voice, "If the Emperor is truly the ruler of a country, he will naturally agree." Hearing this, Marquis Nan stilled. He looked outside the study and said in a low voice, "Old Duke, you can't say this."
After sending off Duke Hua and Marquis Nan, Ye Li returned to the study and saw Feng Zhiyao standing under the bookshelf with his head down as he flipped through a book. Hearing her footsteps, he turned his head and said worriedly, "Did Princess Consort really agree to Old Duke and Marquis Nan going to the border?"
"You heard?" Ye Li smiled faintly. She walked back to sit behind the desk and said, "Xi Ling is coming aggressively. It is impossible for the Mohist army to stay out of this, even if the Prince is not here. Perhaps people can understand why I am not giving them military power right now. However, once the war situation worsens, no reason will work. Everyone in the world will only see the Da Chu State being trampled by foreign tribes. The Mohist army will turn a deaf ear to this. Also, since we will have to send troops sooner or later, the earlier we enter the battlefield, the earlier we can control the situation. Besides … even if I agree, that person in the palace may not agree. "
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