No one in the imperial court dared to speak. Xing Yuan grew even more displeased and directly brandished her large saber.
"Are you all mute? Didn't you all have backbone? Why can't you even speak now?" As Xing Yuan approached each courtier, they silently prayed that His Majesty would not choose them.
They would rather die than perish so miserably and pathetically! Being killed by a mad tyrant would not bring them any good reputation.
"Your Majesty, please reconsider!" Seeing that there was no one useful in the entire court, the Prime Minister had no choice but to step forward.
Alas! In the end, she had to bear everything alone.
"Oh? Prime Minister, do you have any good suggestions?" Xing Yuan's lips curved upwards, feigning an attentive posture.
The Prime Minister whispered a few words into Xing Yuan's ear, and Xing Yuan's expression visibly brightened.
However, she still questioned, "Does the Prime Minister have confidence?"
"Your Majesty, rest assured. I have served two dynasties and consider myself to possess some intellect. Since I dare to speak, I must have a certain degree of confidence," the Prime Minister replied respectfully.
"Good! Prime Minister, you are indeed a great talent!" Xing Yuan chuckled and patted her shoulder in encouragement.
Looking at the other ministers, her expression turned grim. "A bunch of good-for-nothings! You don't even have the courage to face me. Why aren't you leaving quickly!"
Under the Prime Minister's subtle hint, a group of ministers fled as if escaping.
Xing Yuan brought the Prime Minister to the imperial study, smiling with relief. "My dear minister, can you now explain in detail to me what the specific method is?"
As the pillar of the nation, the Prime Minister was always adept at observing people's hearts. She had previously felt that the atmosphere between His Majesty and the Young General was not quite right, which was why she had taken a gamble. The outcome proved that the Young General's position in His Majesty's heart was even higher than they had imagined.
After all, no one had ever survived an enraged His Majesty's wrath. And judging by His Majesty's demeanor today, she clearly still intended to seek peace with the Young General.
What the Prime Minister said to Xing Yuan today was precisely: "Your Majesty, I have a plan that can make the Young General change her mind and willingly return to the capital."
Although presumptuously guessing the emperor's thoughts was always taboo, if she happened to find the right method, she would undoubtedly be heavily relied upon. This was a matter of probability.
"Your Majesty, this matter cannot be rushed," the Prime Minister patiently guided.
"Your Majesty also knows that the Young General has always been stubborn. Once she sets her mind on something, ten oxen cannot pull her back. If Your Majesty forcibly summons her back, even if she truly obeys the decree and returns, she will likely harbor resentment in her heart. It would be better to let her remain at the border."
Xing Yuan's brow furrowed, and she looked at the Prime Minister displeased. "I summoned you here to help me devise a plan, not to persuade me. I know Ning Yue's temperament better than you do."
Xing Yuan's angle of grasping the key point was always unique, leaving the Prime Minister momentarily stunned.
She had expected her words to be met with His Majesty's opposition, but she never imagined that His Majesty would refuse in such a tone of jealousy.
Could it be... The Prime Minister was startled by her own thought.
She shook her head, telling herself not to meddle in what was not her business, lest she end up like those others.
The current emperor was a decisive and ruthless individual. If she felt her thoughts were being pried into, she had plenty of ways to silence her.
Thus, her demeanor became even more respectful. "Your Majesty, do not worry, I will get to the point immediately."
"The Kingdom of Xi is going to war, so let us go to war. Your Majesty, think carefully, if we win, and Your Majesty bestows rewards upon the meritorious soldiers, wouldn't the Young General, as a commander, still have to return?"