RWNEFE -Chapter 624 I Will Lead the Expedition Personally!

Liu Yanhui was just thinking about how to defuse the awkwardness among the colleagues when he suddenly noticed a brick in His Majesty’s hand.

“Em…Your Majesty…what do you intend to do?”

Shen Lanxi raised an eyebrow with a mischievous smile at Liu Yanhui, who felt his heart thumping wildly.

“Oh no~”

The brick was tossed high in an arc, heading straight toward Wei Jie.

Liu Yanhui’s eyes widened, and he dryly swallowed.

Heavens, the Emperor is truly still a child at heart!

The brick brushed past the top of Wei Jie’s head and landed with a heavy thud.

Wei Jie’s expression changed, and he shouted: “Assassin!”

Guards hidden nearby immediately revealed themselves.

“Protect Lord Wei!”

Shen Lanxi grabbed Liu Yanhui and ducked to the side.

“Let’s just watch the fun.”

Perhaps sensing something, or perhaps struck by inspiration, Wei Jie suddenly shouted.

“Look quickly! It’s His Majesty!”

Shen Lanxi, watching the spectacle, froze.

“Oh no, Your Majesty! Lord Wei has discovered us!”

After shouting, Wei Jie respectfully knelt on the ground.

Seeing this, everyone else immediately knelt as well.

“Long live His Majesty, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years…”

Shen Lanxi sighed helplessly. Being spotted enjoying a spectacle by court officials was hardly embarrassing.

Women are forever young at heart.

“Ping—”

She turned just in time to see Wei Jie, who had been kneeling and shouting “Long live!” suddenly stand up and sprint toward his house.

He ran incredibly fast, slamming the door shut behind him.

Liu Yanhui looked dumbfounded: What just happened?

Shen Lanxi immediately realized, smiling with exasperation.

“How dare he try to trick me?”

She had almost believed him.

Liu Yanhui rolled her eyes and laughed: “If Lord Wei realized he almost actually called out to His Majesty, I wonder what a spectacular expression he would have made?”

Shen Lanxi opened her folding fan and walked off with a smile.

After a few steps, she said to Liu Yanhu: “Keep an eye here. If there’s any follow-up, report it to me immediately.”

“Who would have thought that the stiff, wooden Lord Wei at court could ever look so utterly embarrassed…”

Shen Lanxi swayed her folding fan lightly, strolling off like a carefree noblewoman enjoying a spectacle.

Liu Yanhui glanced toward Wei Jie and followed, smiling.

…

With the Northwest pacified and foreign tribes submitting, Shen Lanxi felt greatly relieved.

Three days later, she made a decision that shocked the entire court and nation.

“I will personally lead the expedition!”

The court erupted in uproar, and officials opposed her.

“Your Majesty, the nation cannot be without its sovereign for a day. The ruler should command from a high position, not risk personal danger.”

“The safety of the Emperor is tied to the nation itself; the throne cannot be risked lightly.”

“Your Majesty, the battlefield is merciless, and the court has no reliable backup—do not go into danger yourself.”

None of them were foolish enough to let the Emperor point out a regent. The memory of the previous official’s fate remained fresh—there had been no clues from the three departments even until now.

“Though the eastern expedition is necessary, it does not require Your Majesty’s personal involvement. Great Zhou has countless brave men. As long as Your Majesty raises your arm and calls for action, many will gladly serve, fight, and earn merit.”

“Your Majesty, Zhou Ruyuan may be detestable, but you need not personally slay him. You are the ruler of a nation—how can you risk yourself for such a petty individual?”

“Your Majesty, every move you make affects the stability of the realm. We beseech you to reconsider!”

The officials knelt, pleading earnestly.

Shen Lanxi calmly surveyed the court. Whether their words came from true concern or ulterior motives, she saw it all.

“Bring me my Banyuè Blade!”

A single command made the officials’ scalps tingle.

Only then did they fully realize: the Emperor was supremely martial, capable of conquering the realm by sheer force. Such a sovereign was naturally warlike.

Soon, eight strong men brought the half-moon blade.

Shen Lanxi held the blade and declared again: “I will personally lead the expedition!”

The officials remained silent.

“During the eastern campaign, the Grand Tutor, Liu Mingxin, and Master Ruohua will oversee the government. The six ministries and nine ministers shall perform their duties. Anyone who dares stir trouble in my absence will have their entire clan executed!”

“From the army, ten thousand troops will be drafted to form the eastern expeditionary force.”

“The Ministry of Revenue shall prepare supplies in advance. Departure in one month!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

The Emperor had arranged everything in advance. This was clearly not a sudden idea. Any attempt to stop her now would only incur her resentment.

“We obey the order!”

An expedition had risks and rewards. Though no heir had been officially established yet, this also demonstrated His Majesty’s courage and strength—she could still rule for another twenty years.

The campaign would also serve as a show of force, signaling to all directions that the realm was rich, powerful, and led by a wise and strong sovereign.

Of course, proper security measures had to be in place.

“Lord Liu, you will accompany the expedition—protect His Majesty carefully.”

“Lord Liu, we do not mean to pry; we genuinely care for His Majesty.”

“The imperial physician must also accompany the expedition. The Royal Guards must all follow, and prepare extra clothing—Dongchuan is cold…”

Liu Yanhui, busy as ever, had no time even to return home, attending to the officials’ concerns.

…

“Ban Sicao, Peach Blossom Valley, and the Grand Tutor will accompany us. You two…”

Shen Lanxi lowered her gaze to the two standing at her sides, considered for a moment, then said: “One stays behind, one follows. Choose for yourselves.”

The two exchanged a glance and silently nodded.

The next day, a roster was presented to Shen Lanxi. After reviewing it, she signed with approval.

…

News of the Emperor personally leading the campaign spread quickly.

Zhou Xinrou was delighted—she had long awaited this moment.

The Shen family was a mix of excitement and worry.

“The battlefield is merciless. If anything happens, what will we do?” Madam Liu thought anxiously, but also had other concerns.

Though Shen An had not been formally adopted, there was the potential. If Shen Lanxi were harmed in Dongchuan, the Third Branch could exploit this.

It was all the fault of the cursed Wu family. Had her grandson not married the daughter of a condemned official, with Yuanxu’s merits, if Shen Lanxi died…

No, there was still Shen Yuanjing.

Madam Liu carefully glanced at her family members, keeping her thoughts secret.

Madam Miao, thinking even further, feared that if Shen Lanxi were harmed, her grandson, though adopted, was too young to secure the throne even if it were available.

She fretted deeply. Why couldn’t Shen Lanxi wait until her grandson was older before risking her life?

Each branch of the family had its own concerns.

Before the campaign, Shen Lanxi returned home. Besides bidding farewell to the Shen family, she also met with her mother, Zhou Xinrou.

“Mother, when I return from this campaign, I will ensure you can enter the palace openly and with honor!”

Zhou Xinrou, showing unprecedented tenderness, smiled and said: “Take care, protect yourself.”

Shen Lanxi: “Rest assured, Mother. I will return safely.”

Zhou Xinrou nodded with a smile: “Good.”

“Mother, most of the armies are gathering at Jinmen. I still need staff to handle meals and lodging.”

This time, Zhou Xinrou was generous: “I will give you the last 500 people under my command. This is all the personnel I have left—let them serve as your guardians in my stead.”

Shen Lanxi accepted the token: “Thank you, Mother. You always care for your daughter.”

Zhou Xinrou smiled: “Of course.”

After showing her concern, Shen Lanxi took the command token and departed.