Chapter 53: For the Great Snow Dragon Riders, Decided to Go to the Border
The next day.

The sky is full of morning glow.

Li Chengyun, dressed in gorgeous royal robes, walked lightly into the magnificent hall.

Everyone in the hall focused their eyes on him, some with a flattering look, some with a wary look.

But Li Chengyun remained calm and ignored all these glances.

In fact, he didn't have much interest in attending the government affairs.

The reason I came here today is because I have another plan in mind - I want to find a good opportunity to show everyone that I am willing to go to the border.

In this way, he could naturally take back the 10,000 Snow Dragon Riders and avoid attracting too much attention, which was really killing two birds with one stone.

The court meeting was well-organized, and each matter was decided one by one without any omissions.

Until Emperor Qing slowly unfolded a memorial from the border and said in a deep voice:

"My dear ministers, this memorial mentions the border war. You can circulate it in turn and discuss countermeasures together."

After he finished speaking, the eunuch Hou beside him respectfully took the memorial and slowly passed it around the hall so that all the civil and military officials could read its contents.

This memorial is actually an urgent letter asking for help.

Not only did they ask for food and fodder, they also asked for soldiers.

After Li Chengyun saw it, his eyes lit up instantly, and he was secretly delighted: "Isn't this a godsend opportunity to go to the border?"

After Emperor Qing allowed everyone to speak freely.

Li Chengyun stepped forward resolutely, stood in the center of the hall, and bowed as he played:

"Father, the battle at the border is critical and the soldiers are worried. Seeing this, I am heartbroken. I am willing to put on my armor and take up my sword to personally fight at the border to help the country!"

As soon as this statement came out, everyone was shocked.

Everyone looked at each other, confused.

Why is it so? Isn't it a good thing to enjoy honor and glory in the capital?
As a prince and a noble lord, why should you risk your life at the dangerous border?

War is ruthless and does not care about your background. You can die at any time.

Everyone thought that Li Chengyun's move was crazy.

Moreover, this move is even more abrupt at a critical moment in the fight for the throne.

Wouldn't it be a waste of opportunity to leave Kyoto at this time?
Emperor Qing sat high on the dragon throne and nodded when he heard the words.

He had this idea a long time ago, and Li Chengyun's initiative to volunteer was exactly what he wanted.

If Li Chengyun is ordered to go to the border and fight on the battlefield.

This move can serve as an opportunity to weaken Li Chengyun's influence.

Secondly, once he goes on an expedition, he will not be able to marry Fan Ruoruo in the short term. This is a good strategy that kills two birds with one stone.

It should be noted that Fan Jian not only held the position of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, but was also his most trusted confidant and could dispatch the red-armored soldiers.

Emperor Qing was deeply afraid that Fan Jian would become Li Chengyun's arm.

The only thing that made Emperor Qing a little worried was that he did not want Li Chengyun to take control of the military power through this opportunity.

Once you lead the troops, the military power will inevitably fall into the hands of others, and when the general is away from the king, he may not obey the orders of the king.

If Li Chengyun develops disloyalty at this time, the consequences will be disastrous.

When Emperor Qing was pondering, Fan Jian's eyes flashed with approval.

In his heart, he quite agreed with Li Chengyun's proposal, and the reason was similar to the second concern of Emperor Qing. Both of them did not want Li Chengyun and Fan Ruoruo to get married in the near future and wanted to prevent their wedding from taking place.

Seeing this, Li Chengyun looked at Emperor Qing who was still hesitant, and bowed again and said firmly:
"Father, I am willing to sign a military order for this trip and vow to return victoriously!"

His words were sincere and his will was firm. He was determined to go to the border!

Seeing Li Chengyun's determination, Emperor Qing finally nodded in agreement:
"I know your strength. You have enough strength to protect yourself, but you have little experience in leading troops, so I'm afraid it will be difficult for you to convince others."

"Why not let General Qin accompany you? General Qin has made outstanding military achievements and is well versed in military tactics. With him by your side, you can ask for advice at any time."

After Emperor Qing finished speaking, he turned to stare at Qin Ye and said earnestly:

"Qin Ye, I order you to protect the King of Yan. The King of Yan is young and has never experienced war. You must take the lead in this trip."

"If something unexpected happens, I will allow you to act according to circumstances and make sure that the King of Yan is safe and that the war is won."

This arrangement is equivalent to giving Qin Ye real power, and Li Chengyun is just a figurehead.

This configuration, if it is for the purpose of training Li Chengyun, is indeed a well-intentioned move.

However, apart from Li Chengyun, I am afraid that only Emperor Qing and Qin Ye can understand the profound meaning of this. It is impossible for Qin Ye to collude with Li Chengyun.

All because of past events, Qin Ye and his family had personally wielded the butcher's knife, and were naturally in opposition to Li Chengyun.

What they least wanted was for Li Chengyun to take power, so as not to endanger themselves.

Therefore, by sending Qin Ye to accompany him, Li Chengyun would have no chance of taking control of the military power.

Hearing Emperor Qing's words, Qin Ye, who was dozing off in his chair, suddenly woke up, quickly stood up, bowed respectfully and said:

"The minister obeys the order!"

Li Chengyun had no intention of having military power at all.

He didn't even care about the soldiers of Qing Kingdom.

All he wanted was to rush to the border as quickly as possible. Then, the 10,000 Snow Dragon Riders under his command would be able to show their power and come in handy.

Thus, at the court meeting, it was decided that Prince of Yan Li Chengyun and General Qin would go to the border together to quell the war.

Choose an auspicious day to set off.

The court meeting is over.

Li Chengyun left the palace.

In one day, the Prince of Yan's Mansion was completely renovated, with a plaque hanging high on the door, and it was ready for people to live in.

All the servants given by Emperor Qing have been settled in the mansion.

But Li Chengyun knew in his heart that among these servants, there must be Emperor Qing's spies.

But he didn't need to know the specifics, because he had already decided in his heart that he would not trust any of these people.

He would not reveal any secrets in front of these servants.

The Prince of Yan's Mansion was originally the residence of a prince of the previous dynasty. After going through many vicissitudes, it was later renovated and given to a prince of the current dynasty.

However, after the old prince passed away, the Prince of Yan's Mansion has been vacant ever since.

It was not until now that it was reopened.

The craftsmen and stonemasons carefully repaired and cleaned the mansion, and it was completely new and became Li Chengyun's palace.

Li Chengyun strolled around and found that although it was not as luxurious as Chen Garden, it also had its own unique flavor.

Especially the bedroom, which is decorated very comfortably and will surely allow him to sleep well and without worries.

Just as he was strolling in the garden of the mansion, a young maid ran up to him, bowed and said:
"Your Majesty, the Princess requests an audience."

Li Chengyun was slightly surprised when he heard this.

The court had just ended, and the princess came so quickly? She was really well-informed.

He had already guessed about 70% of the situation in his mind. The reason why the princess came this time was probably because of what happened at the court meeting.

He is about to set out for the border to lead his troops into battle.

The eldest princess, as his staunch ally, naturally came to inquire about the situation before the war.

"Lead her to the main hall."

Li Chengyun pondered for a moment and gave the order directly.

The maid was slightly stunned when she heard this. Main hall?

Isn't that where the prince's bedroom is?
However, she did not say much, thinking that Li Chengyun was used to receiving guests in the main hall, so she replied softly:

"Yes."

Then, the maid took small steps and hurried out of the mansion.

Li Chengyun went straight to the main hall and waited for the arrival of his aunt, the eldest princess.

Not long after they sat down in the main hall, a maid came to announce that the eldest princess had arrived.

Li Chengyun then ordered everyone to leave and invited the princess in.

The eldest princess walked into the hall and saw Li Chengyun lying on the couch at a glance. A hint of worry flashed between her brows.

"King Yan, it's already this late, how can you still be so leisurely?"

There was both blame and concern in her words.

……

(End of this chapter)