Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress novel Chapter 1442

Chapter 1442: Chapter 1437: Resolute Decision

"What Minister Dong said is very reasonable, I hope Your Majesty will consider it carefully!" Wei Bugong also hurriedly kowtowed, "Typically, when emperors personally lead expeditions, it is to show that they are chosen by heaven and blessed by it, with both civil and martial prowess. But Your Majesty is already our Zhou Dynasty’s war god and has implemented new policies beneficial to the nation and people, earning the reverent praise of citizens as a sage. Now is not a time of crisis for the Zhou Dynasty, and there is truly no need for you to lead an expedition personally!"

"Elder Sister! You are the Emperor... how can you easily leave the capital!" Bai Qingyu also disagreed, "I don’t agree either!"

"Yes, Eldest Young Lady, Eldest Young Lady, like me, your brother doesn’t agree either!" Bai Qingqi also disagreed.

"Then... should I still go?" Bai Jinzhi asked.

Bai Qingjue raised his hand and lightly patted Bai Jinzhi’s forehead, signaling him to speak less, then smiled and said to Bai Qingyan, "Eldest Young Lady, Xiao Si and I are enough! Such a small Dongyi... Eldest Young Lady, give Xiao Si and me a chance to gain merit, otherwise, I’ll feel somewhat guilty as a King."

Bai Jinxiu also appeared urgent, "The business of the Court Affairs Department can temporarily be handed over to Wei Zhong for management, and as for Brother Wang... it is all for our Zhou Dynasty, Brother Wang will surely understand me as a mother! Eldest Young Lady, I’m going!"

Listening to her brothers’ persuasion, Bai Qingyan picked up the gold medal placed at the corner of the table, gently rubbing it with her fingers, once again recalling how Cheng Yuanzhi had relayed the message that the King of Hancheng had bid farewell before departing, saying he would serve her in the next life, her heart couldn’t help but feel heavy, speaking with a hoarse voice: "To the King of Hancheng... I feel guilty."

"Your Majesty, the death of the King of Hancheng for the country is known and it brings you sorrow, but Your Majesty... you are the Emperor, not a hot-blooded youth, nothing should be done rashly!" Commandant Lu interrupted before Bai Qingyan could finish her words, solemnly kowtowing in hope that Bai Qingyan would reconsider her decision.

Commandant Lu was not Dong Qingping, but Bai Qingyan’s uncle, who always spoke with careful consideration, saying Bai Qingyan acted impulsively today was already quite bold.

"Going personally to destroy Dongyi is not an impulsive act." Bai Qingyan put the gold medal in her hand aside, looked up at Commandant Lu, Minister Dong, Master Wei, and her brothers and sisters, speaking heavily, "The King of Hancheng is the surrendered prince of Daliang; our military commanders or court officials of Zhou may look down on him, yet the King of Hancheng surrendered to avoid civilian slaughter, holding high prestige among Daliang’s naval forces and populace!"

Her eyes were sore: "This time, the King of Hancheng died for protecting fishermen and envoys! The escort navy was annihilated! Do you not think this... would not stir up a massive uproar in the hearts of former Daliang citizens?! The navy we use in Zhou originated from Daliang’s navy and is not entirely one-hearted with Zhou, yet the King of Hancheng... it was he who pacified those navy soldiers along the coast with his status! Protected the coastal civilians!"

"Now the Dongyi Kingdom has spread word that they want me, the Zhou Dynasty Emperor, to personally come and collect the King of Hancheng’s body; do you think it’s merely a casual challenge from Dongyi Kingdom? Think about how the King of Hancheng died for protecting fishermen and envoy ships, if I don’t go, wouldn’t it break the hearts of navy soldiers and coastal fishermen?"

Commandant Lu wanted to speak, but Bai Qingyan raised her hand to stop him; she knew what Commandant Lu was going to say.

"I do not seek fame in civil and military prowess, nor do I think I can win battles only by going personally, nor do I care for any fame in this sure-win battle! I go... to fulfill the loyalty of the King of Hancheng! Also, to rally the loyalty of the navy, to capture the hearts of the people who have become Zhou citizens but still remember Daliang’s royal family! Let them know... the Zhou Dynasty Emperor is personally coming to avenge the King of Hancheng! The Zhou Dynasty Emperor views the King of Hancheng and their navy as his own! Treats civilians as his own children!" Bai Qingyan’s fingers clenched tightly, speaking one word at a time, "Especially at this moment, the King of Hancheng died for protecting civilians, whether coastal civilians or navy, surely mourning deeply; it is time for the Zhou Dynasty Court to state its position, the Zhou Dynasty Emperor follows Dongyi Kingdom’s proposal to request the body of King of Hancheng, personally leading an expedition against Dongyi, that is the best statement!"

Bai Qingyan knew from early on the importance of unity between soldiers and citizens; she believed that a monarch should not be enthroned merely to be provided for by citizens in the capital palace, but should appear wherever there is disaster or war, united with her citizens.

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