My Wife Turns Out to be an Empress of the Dynasty

"No!" The Emperor's gaze flickered with turmoil. The former demeanor of authority and composure had vanished, replaced only by a profound sense of crisis.

The prophecy of the National Preceptor pierced Emperor Yu's heart like a needle, leaving him anxious and restless.

With the National Preceptor now deceased, Emperor Yu wiped away a few forced tears and hastily arranged for the burial, immediately convening an urgent council of ministers.

"Dong, dong, dong!" The gathering bell resonated, shaking the entire officialdom of Great Yu.

The gathering bell was only rung in times of emergency! Now that it sounded, ministers, regardless of their current tasks, hurried towards the direction of the palace.

Civil and military officials assembled in the court, and Emperor Yu had already taken his seat upon the dragon throne. As the ministers arrived, a eunuch announced loudly, "The council begins!"

"Your Majesty, may you be well!" The courtiers paid their respects. Normally, Emperor Yu would wait until everyone had bowed for a few breaths before granting permission to rise.

But at this moment, he did not incline ceremony, merely waving his hand and saying, "No need for formalities."

"The gathering bell tolls today to convene you all to discuss matters regarding our response to Jing Nation," he declared.

Buzzing discussions immediately erupted among the ministers. Those well-informed among them were already aware of the remnants of Wu Fan's forces returning to Great Yu.

Moreover, the enmity between Jing Nation and Great Yu, compounded by the assassination of the Crown Prince, was well known.

Naturally, everyone assumed that Emperor Yu, seizing the opportunity presented by the forthcoming spring, would amass strong forces to prepare for an attack on Jing Nation! To seek vengeance and justice!

For a moment, the fervor of the war hawks was palpable.

"Your Majesty, this endeavor is feasible!" Exclaimed an elderly minister.

"Currently, our granaries are full, and the people are at peace. Mobilizing tens of thousands of troops is not a difficult task! Jing Nation has just stabilized, and the Empress is still with child, her energies limited! Now is the opportune moment for Great Yu to strike! We can launch a sudden assault, breakthrough Jing Nation's defenses, and avenge our fallen princes!"

The old minister who spoke was a staunch supporter of Emperor Yu and an unwavering advocate for war.

Since Emperor Yu had clearly stated the purpose of the council was to discuss the response to Jing Nation, what better time to demonstrate loyalty?

After the old minister finished speaking, the other courtiers echoed his sentiments.

"We all support Your Majesty's decisive action to attack Jing Nation and seize our destiny!"

"For the sake of the princes, we must seek retribution!"

Observing the fervent response of his subordinates, Emperor Yu's expression turned troubled. Suddenly, he felt a pang of regret...

Oh dear. The courtiers, having been indoctrinated by him for so long, were brimming with hostility towards Jing Nation.

Now that he had just broached the subject of responding to Jing Nation, they were eager for war, leaving Emperor Yu at a loss for words... rather awkward indeed!

Fortunately, after the initial clamor, when they noticed Emperor Yu's silence, the courtiers lowered their voices.

"Your Majesty, what troubles you?" Inquired one.

"Haven't you always harbored resentment towards Jing Nation? This is the opportune moment. If we let this chance slip away, it will be futile once the Empress of Jing Nation gives birth to the Dragon Child. As long as you command, we will spare no effort in fighting for the future of Great Yu!"

The old minister who spoke first glanced at Emperor Yu again.

Emperor Yu rubbed his temples, nodding slowly.

"Your words, my dear ministers, are indeed worthy of consideration. It is true that Jing Nation was once our foe. However, I believe that direct warfare between Jing and Great Yus will only bring harm to our respective peoples. Moreover, the Empress of Jing Nation has issued proclamations of peace with neighboring realms. Perhaps it is time for us to set aside our enmity and seek mutual cooperation.

Let us not shed the blood of our soldiers unnecessarily."

What? The courtiers were dumbfounded by Emperor Yu's words! Was this truly coming from Emperor Yu? Previously, he had vowed to obliterate Jing Nation!

Nevertheless, the courtiers, having listened to his words, had prepared themselves for war.

As long as Emperor Yu gave the command, they could immediately mobilize troops to deploy at the border!

Originally, everyone thought this council was a precursor to Emperor Yu initiating war, but they hadn't expected this turn of events. What did it mean? Extending an olive branch?

"Your Majesty, the hatred for the several princes still lingers!" Declared a loyal minister.
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"If we let go of the princes, Jing Nation will eliminate all our sympathizers and allies! With all these factors considered, Great Yu should not peacefully coexist with Jing Nation! Are you out of your mind?"

A faithful minister stepped forward, loudly proclaiming, "At this point, to suggest not going to war? Your Majesty, we have prepared for so long, mobilizing our forces! Now, why refrain from war? For the sake of avenging the princes, for the suffering inflicted upon our court by Jing Nation, retaliation is necessary!"

Subsequent ministers joined in, echoing his sentiments.

Emperor Yu listened with a headache. These ministers' deep-seated animosity towards Jing Nation was not easily swayed.

However, the National Preceptor, at the cost of his own life, had foretold the existence of a formidable figure within Jing Nation.

If Great Yu truly went to war with Jing Nation, it would ultimately suffer, perhaps even face destruction in an instant!

Recalling the National Preceptor's prediction of Gu Lan, the husband of the Empress of Jing Nation, whose power was sufficient to obliterate Emperor Yu half a year ago, was terrifying!

Faced with the Empress, who had now surpassed the Saint Realm, and Gu Lan, revered by the Tianji Pavilion, how could Emperor Yu alone contend?

The outcome of whether his armies could breach the borders was uncertain. If the Tianji Pavilion intervened, there would be no need to extinguish Great Yu's elite combat forces; Jing Nation could easily crush their remaining morale.

At that point, the dissolution of Great Yu was inevitable! The consequences were dire indeed!

Emperor Yu straightened up immediately, waving his sleeve and speaking in a grave tone, "Ahem... My esteemed ministers, there's no need for further discussion! What's done is done. I have reflected and believe that this path is not advisable. Let us calm our thoughts. Let us focus on improving the livelihoods of the people of Great Yu.

Only through peaceful coexistence with Jing Nation can we achieve mutual prosperity. Let bygones be bygones. Let us not dwell on past grievances."

Emperor Yu's authoritative voice echoed throughout the entire court.

The ministers exchanged glances, all of them wearing expressions of bewilderment.

What was happening to Emperor Yu? When did he become so benevolent? His sons were killed, yet he remained unmoved?

If it weren't for Emperor Yu's unmistakable aura, some among the ministers would have suspected him of being an imposter!

Emperor Yu observed the expressions of the ministers below with a sense of resignation. The pain of his son's death naturally weighed heavily on his heart.

But for the sake of Great Yu's fate, he had to suppress it! Regardless, he couldn't afford to offend Jing Nation now! This matter had to be suppressed, preventing conflict between Great Yu and Jing Nation...

Of course, establishing peaceful relations would depend on whether Jing Nation was willing. Likely, it would entail humiliating gestures of submission, such as offering tributes...

Emperor Yu sighed silently.

He knew the ministers were feeling resentful, but for Great Yu, they had to swallow their pride and bear the bitter consequences!

At this moment, Emperor Yu felt a great deal of discomfort, pondering how to make amends for his previous actions against Jing Nation, to make his overtures appear less ignoble and embarrassing...

"I am feeling a bit weary. I shall retire to the harem for some rest. You may continue your discussions," announced Emperor Yu, rising from his seat with a heavy heart and heading towards the harem.

"We bid Your Majesty farewell..."

The ministers bowed sparsely.

As they watched Emperor Yu's figure fade into the distance, the ministers exchanged incredulous and puzzled glances...