The barbarians invaded and captured eight cities in the pass in succession, injuring twelve border guards and causing heavy casualties among the soldiers.
The emperor looked at the 800-mile urgent document that was presented to him. Long Yan was furious. He threw the memorial on the ground, glanced around the civil and military officials of the dynasty, and scolded: "The great and powerful country of the Celestial Dynasty was actually beaten by a mere barbarian."
After your clan has been bullied to this extent, do you people still have the dignity to serve as officials in court?"
There was silence in the court hall, and everyone was too afraid to speak.
Mu Jingrui lowered his eyes and thought.
Before this, the Ministry of War did not receive any news of war at the border. It was not until the cities were lost one after another that the losses were irreversible, and the memorial was directly sent to the emperor.
This itself is not normal.
"Your Majesty, the top priority right now is to send additional troops and horses to support the border and regain the lost territory." As the prime minister, Shangguan Yue was very worried when such a big thing happened.
The emperor's anger calmed down a little.
In fact, he had already thought of the problem. But who would go on the expedition became the biggest problem.
In the past, the best candidate was Zheng Binghong.
Not only does he have a calm and reserved personality, he also has rich combat experience and is almost always victorious in every battle.
but……
The emperor felt a little embarrassed at this time.
After all, he had just thrown Zheng Binghong into jail for some unreasonable things, and everyone in the court was a smart person. How could anyone not see this little thought on his part.
The people in Yiyonghou Mansion are not stupid either, so they naturally know.
If Zheng Binghong or anyone from the Zheng family is sent to be executed at this time, wouldn't it be telling everyone that he really can't live without the Zheng family?
The emperor was a little unwilling.
Besides, Zheng Binghong and Xiao Qingyu had just gotten married. They were newlyweds, so how could they think about fighting? His precious sister would definitely not agree either.
"Of course I know this. So, do you think there is anyone in the court who can take on this important task and lead the troops on an expedition?"
The atmosphere fell into silence once again.
Shangguan Yue had the heart to recommend the other two brothers-in-law, but he still swallowed his words.
During this sensitive period, please speak less and make fewer mistakes.
"Your Majesty, please go."
A loud voice remembered, and everyone's eyes focused on Mu Jingrui.
He is the general of the Shenji Camp, holds the position of Minister of the Ministry of War, and is the youngest senior official in the court.
He had just come to power, and all the old foxes in the court were observing him. No one could figure out which faction Mu Jingrui, who had been promoted so quickly, belonged to.
"You?" The emperor looked at Mu Jingrui seriously.
He seemed to see the shadow of his father in Mu Jingrui.
"Do you know how dangerous it is to go to the border this time?"
"Of course I know."
After all, Mu Jingrui was young, so the emperor was still a little worried about handing over military power to him.
"Your Majesty, I have been following my father in the battles to kill enemies since I was a teenager. I am most aware of the cruelty of war. I ask for orders to go and regain the lost territory. If I cannot return in triumph, I am willing to die for my country."
Mu Jingrui's eloquent words made everyone look at him with admiration.
The emperor pondered for a long time and decided to take a risk.
After all, he needs someone who can replace or compete with the power of the Yiyong Hou Mansion in the court.
"Okay, I will now make you the Grand Marshal of the Army of the World. You will be in charge of the troops and horses in the court. All the garrison troops you pass along the way will be at your disposal. You will also lead the troops in the court with 200,000 soldiers and horses. You must do it in the shortest possible time.
Recover lost ground.”
"My lord, I obey the order."
Shangguan Yue frowned deeply as he watched Mu Jingrui receive the order.
The news that Mu Jingrui was about to lead troops to conquer the barbarians spread like a gust of wind throughout the streets and alleys of the capital in just one morning.
"Brother, do you really not want me to go with you?" Mu Jingyan followed Mu Jingrui like a tail all morning, stalking him. "I can help you carry the flag, I can help you
Cooking, I also..."
"You should stay at home obediently and wait for me to come back." Mu Jingrui's mind was a little wandering, and Shangguan Wan Ning's figure would flash in his mind from time to time.
How should I explain this matter to her?
"I don't, if anything happens to you..."
"If something really happens to me, you can't change anything even if you are by my side. Xiaoyan, if unfortunately I can't come back this time, the court will also give you a pension. From now on, you can make your own decisions and find a good family to marry.
That’s it.”
Mu Jingyan was so angry that he almost jumped.
"Sir, Miss Shangguan is here." The housekeeper walked in and reported.
Mu Jingyan saw a hint of helplessness flash across his brother's face, and suddenly felt relieved.
"If you don't want to explain it to me, well, now someone who can take care of you is here. Let me see what you do."
After Mu Jingyan finished speaking, he turned around and returned to the inner hall.
In fact, she was a little afraid to face Shangguan Wan Ning. Because she knew that Shangguan Wan Ning must have known that she and Xiao Yujue were hiding behind the rockery at the eldest princess's mansion that day.
She was still somewhat embarrassed.
Shangguan Wan Ning went out to buy bird's nests for her mother. When she heard everyone discussing this matter, she couldn't help but get angry. She held her handkerchief tightly and turned a little pale.
She ignored the restraint that a girl should have and came directly to question her.
"Coming?"
Mu Jingrui was a little panicked at first, but the moment he saw Shangguan Wan Ning, he became very calm.
He waved his hand to dismiss the servants waiting at the side, and gently held Shangguan Wan Ning's hand.
Shangguan Wan Ning withdrew her hand angrily, "Master Mu, please respect yourself."
Mu Jingrui couldn't laugh or cry.
"Are you angry with me?"
"Why did you take the initiative to ask Ying to regain the lost territory?" Shangguan Wan Ning asked angrily.
"Do you think what I did was wrong?"
Shangguan Wan Ning was speechless for a moment.
Actually, there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with it.
"Ning'er, I know you are worried about me and afraid that I will be in danger when I go on an expedition. However, as a military general, I have the responsibility to protect my family and the country. Now, when foreign tribes invade, how can I stay out of it?"
Shangguan Wan Ning looked at Mu Jingrui and couldn't help but feel a little dazed.
In her previous life, her contact with Mu Jingrui was after Xiao Zhenting came to the throne. In her impression, Mu Jingrui had a cold personality, even a little cruel.
It was difficult for her to overlap the man in front of her, who was full of sense of justice and ambition, with the murderous God of War in her previous life.
"What's more," Mu Jingrui took a step forward and held Shangguan Wanning's hand tightly again, "I also hope that when I return in triumph, I can marry you in all glory. When the time comes, I want you to be my royal wife.
.”
Shangguan Wan Ning lowered her eyelids and shyly hid her happy smile.
"Who wants to marry you..."
Mu Jingrui smiled tenderly and took Shangguan Wan Ning into his arms. "It's not up to you. If you don't agree, I will lead my troops to the Prime Minister's Mansion to snatch you out."
Shangguan Wan Ning leaned against Mu Jingrui's chest, feeling a little sad in her heart.