The imperial court is at war with Western Xia.

The Emperor manages countless affairs, busy with state matters.

The women of the harem, let alone fighting for favor or love,

They never leave their quarters unless absolutely necessary, making no noise if they can help it.

Each one is as obedient as a kitten basking in the sun, remarkably docile, barely noticeable in their presence.

The situation on the court is no different.

Every day in court, unless faced with issues too urgent and significant to resolve on their own,

They absolutely would not provoke the Emperor.

Even those officials who usually enjoy criticizing this or that, now hold their breath, not daring to speak, wishing to shrink into cracks in the ground, desperately lowering their presence to the bare minimum.

Zhao Junyao cast a sharp glance around.

"Report your business quickly, or else be dismissed!"

No one spoke up.

They fervently hoped in their hearts: we have nothing to report, let’s quickly dismiss the court!

Occasionally, one or two who absolutely couldn’t avoid it, would brace themselves to petition the Emperor.

In their hearts, everyone could insult them to death with their thoughts!

’What kind of official are you? Why so much petty business!?’

Finally, court was dismissed.

As Li Shengan announced the closure, Zhao Junyao swiftly departed.

The officials bolted faster than rabbits!

Afraid that the Emperor would return with that gloomy, terrifying face darker than an iceberg!

...

As for the silent protest of these officials,

Zhao Junyao felt no anger.

On the contrary, having no business to attend to was a relief and saved him effort.

However, there was one matter he had to face and could not ignore.

That was the Fifth Princess Consort!

The current King Hai Xiangjin of Western Xia’s daughter, Hai Feng.

Considering the war between the two countries,

The daughter of the enemy Emperor is truly a handy hostage.

With such a hostage in hand, manipulating her at will,

It is uncertain if the enemy will surrender, but they will definitely be cautious in their moves!

But, let’s not forget!

Hai Feng also holds another identity, as the legitimate wife of Great Chu’s Prince Zhe, Princess Consort Zhe!

The law of Great Chu states that guilt does not extend to married daughters.

Meaning, a daughter once married off is like spilled water, no longer connected to her parental home’s affairs!

Even if the death penalty extended to her,

The Great Chu royal family is also within the nine familial bonds, wouldn’t they all be implicated as well?

Moreover, King Hai Xiangjin is the Emperor of Western Xia, and cannot be bound by Great Chu’s laws.

As for divorce,

Under Great Chu’s laws, only women committing the Seven Misdeeds can be divorced.

Hai Feng has committed none of these, and over the years has even restrained the bad temper she once had as a Commandery Princess.

Her relationship with her sisters-in-law has become increasingly harmonious, she is filial to the Imperial Noble Consort, raises her son, and even maintains the Fifth Prince’s household in good order, with concubines living harmoniously and no rumors of jealousy or harm to heirs have been heard.

This is indeed quite commendable, thus, there is no justification for divorce...

The civil and military officials find this very troubling.

She is clearly King Hai Xiangjin’s daughter; should we just let her live comfortably and unharmed?

The ministers expressed, it cannot be done!

Zhao Junyao and the civil and military officials debated this problem on the court for several days without conclusion.

On this particular day, the hall erupted into heated arguments again.

Opinions were divided, primarily into two factions.

The Stubborn Faction:

"Emperor, our Great Chu, the formidable leader of nations in the Central Plains, boasts of great national power and embodies the renowned land of rites!"

"There is no reason we cannot win honorably; why use a woman as a pawn!"

"Neighboring countries are all watching; news of this would certainly make us a laughingstock!"

The Radical Faction:

"Emperor, war is no child’s play!"

"If using a woman as a pawn is effective, why should we sacrifice so many soldiers’ lives!"

"Is our reputation more important than the lives of countless soldiers?!"

The Stubborn Faction retorted:

"A true man sacrificing his life for the country is not disgraceful!"

"Yet a mighty nation resorting to unscrupulous means that trouble a woman, especially a Princess Consort who has borne the Crown Prince, that is disgraceful!"

The Radical Faction countered:

"What good are such high-sounding words?"

"Why not exchange the life of one woman for the lives of millions of soldiers?"

"Soldiers also have parents, spouses, and children. Must they sacrifice their lives for the country?!"

The Stubborn Faction hesitated momentarily before responding again.

"King Hai Xiangjin is ruthless; having instigated war, he abandons all familial relations!"

"If we use the Princess Consort to threaten him, and he denies her, wouldn’t we lose face and our soldiers’ lives as well?!"

The Radical Faction, undeterred, countered once more.

"King of Western Xia, that old fox, has only this one legitimate daughter, raised beside him from young, he cannot deny her!"

"He is counting on our vanity, banking on our reluctance to threaten!"

"Thus, we must take the opposite approach, catching him off guard!"

The Stubborn Faction: "..."

The Conservative Faction: "..."

Everyone argued with their own reasoning, neither side willing to give an inch.

The court was as noisy as a marketplace, faces flushed as if ready to brawl.

Zhao Junyao suffered from a headache.

What they say seems right, but also appears wrong!

Feels like something hasn’t been addressed properly!

Amidst the uproar below, thinking seemed impossible.

Finally, he could bear it no longer.

Zhao Junyao slammed his palm on the imperial desk, the Ru Kiln Lotus Pattern Refined Lid Cup leapt high, fell straight to the ground, and shattered to pieces.

"Silence!"

The ministers were terrified and dared not argue further, each withdrawing to their positions, holding their breath.

"Just look at yourselves, can you not accomplish anything!"

"Do you think this is a marketplace?"

"Is it impossible to find a win-win solution? Fools, every one of you!"

After scolding the ministers harshly,

Zhao Junyao finally felt satisfied, waving his hand.

"We’ll discuss this matter later, court is dismissed!"

He then left in a fairly good mood.

Though troubled, at least the stifled anger was vented.

It was better to return to the Imperial Study Room to ponder the issue.

The civil and military officials glanced at each other and finally left obediently.

As they left, some gave each other sarcastic looks, each hoping for an advantage in the next dispute.

Nobody could bear the sight of each other.

Exchanging a few cold remarks, they left, none willing to yield.

...

Back at the Imperial Study Room.

Zhao Junyao glanced around.

Unable to approve memorials, unable to read books, feeling restless and unsure what to do?

He decisively rose, taking Li Shengan with him to the harem.

In Duanning Palace,

Xia Ruqing was playing with Yue Er, with some goldfish she had requested from the Little Eunuch of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

In the translucent, glass-like fish tank, several golden-red fish with their large eyes swam back and forth.

Their translucent, fan-tail fins spread like a sheer gauze scarf in the clear water.

Paired with the carefully placed, emerald water plants and colorful pebbles by the Little Eunuch.

The entire fish tank was exceptionally beautiful, and Yue Er squatted by it, unable to part with it.

"Father, Father, look at that one, it’s so beautiful!"

Zhao Junyao smiled.

"Does Yue Er like it?"

"Yes, I like it!"