From cute to empress

Chapter 139 The galaxy is bright

The flames were bright red, just like the world he had won for me through his brave efforts. The black ink on the letter seemed stained with a burning sensation, and my heart tightened at the sight. Zhen Youcai unfolded the letter solemnly, his brow furrowing as he read.

"What's wrong?" My hand involuntarily tightened around his arm. My fingertips could feel the tenseness of his muscles and the uneasiness that came through his clothes.

He took a deep breath and handed me the letter. "The Northern Di are ready to make a move, gathering their troops and intending to invade."

I quickly scanned the contents of the letter. The border was in danger, and war was imminent. Looking up, I met Zhen Youcai's deep eyes, which reflected the raging flames of war. That was the determination to defend my country, and it was also a fate I could not stop.

"I have to go back." His voice was low and firm. "The border needs me."

I understand. He's the nation's sharp sword, the people's guardian. I took a deep breath, suppressed my surging emotions, and forced a relaxed smile. "I understand. Go ahead. I'll await your triumphant return."

He pulled me into his arms, his strength so strong that it seemed as if he wanted to rub me into his bones and blood. "When I come back, we will..." His voice stopped abruptly and finally turned into a sigh.

I know what he wants to say, and I'm looking forward to that day. But I also know that now is not the time to discuss personal affairs. The safety of the country is above all else.

I straightened his armor and fastened his cloak, each movement filled with reluctance yet unwavering determination. Even after sending you a thousand miles, we must eventually part.

I held a grand farewell ceremony for him. Civil and military officials came to see him off, and the people lined the streets, cheering with cheers that reached the sky. Clad in silver armor and riding a tall warhorse, he looked like a god descended from heaven, a majestic figure. My eyes followed his figure until he disappeared from view.

"Your Majesty, Craftsman Li and Laborer Wang request to see you." Li Defu's voice behind me interrupted my thoughts.

I turned around and said, "Xuan."

Craftsman Li and laborer Wang walked hurriedly into the hall. Both of them looked exhausted, but their expressions were extremely determined.

"Your Majesty, we two ministers beg to accompany the general to the border to serve the country!" Master Li knelt on one knee, his voice sonorous and powerful.

"Your Majesty, although we are rough people, we also know that defending our country is everyone's responsibility!" Wang the migrant worker also knelt down, his rough face full of sincerity.

A warm feeling welled up in my heart, and I quickly stepped forward to help them up. "I deeply admire your patriotism. But the frontier is bitterly cold, and the sword is merciless..."

"Your Majesty, rest assured. We have already put our lives at risk!" Craftsman Li said firmly. "I have studied a great deal about siege equipment over the years and will surely be able to assist you on the battlefield!"

Wang the laborer also patted his chest and assured: "Your Majesty, I have no other skills, but I am very strong. I will build fortifications and dig trenches. I guarantee that the task will be completed!"

I looked at them with emotion. They were all ordinary people, but they stood up when the country was in danger. I was moved by their sincere patriotism.

"Okay! On behalf of all the soldiers and people in the world, thank you!" I said solemnly.

At this moment, an unexpected figure appeared at the entrance of the hall. He was dressed in a simple long gown, and his slightly hunched figure was completely different from his usual arrogant and domineering appearance.

"Your Majesty, I... I am also willing to do my best to donate all the food in my home to meet the needs of the soldiers on the border!" Landlord Zhao knelt on the ground tremblingly, with his head lowered and his voice choked with sobs.

I looked at him in surprise. How could the landlord Zhao, who used to do anything for profit, actually have such awareness?

"Landlord Zhao, what are you doing..." I asked tentatively.

"Your Majesty, I know I've done many wrong things in the past." He raised his head, his cloudy eyes filled with guilt. "Now, the rise and fall of a country is the responsibility of every citizen. I am willing to do my part to protect my country. I only ask..."

He paused, as if struggling with something, and finally made up his mind, "I only ask Your Majesty to allow me to build a cenotaph for those soldiers who died in the battle..."

Before he could finish his words, County Magistrate Sun and Country Gentleman Zhou walked into the hall side by side. They looked at each other, and County Magistrate Sun stepped forward, bowed and said: "Your Majesty..." "Your Majesty, Country Gentleman Zhou and I are willing to stand behind you and fully support your Majesty's decision to overcome the difficulties together!" County Magistrate Sun said in a firm tone and with a burning gaze.

My heart warmed, and I cast grateful glances at them. Local officials who once cared only about self-preservation, even obstructing national development for their own selfish interests, now stood up and were willing to face the challenge with me. This made me deeply realize that the saying "the rise and fall of a nation is the responsibility of every citizen" was no longer an empty slogan, but had truly been ingrained in everyone's blood.

On the day I bid farewell to Zhen Youcai, the sky was clear and the autumn wind was bleak. Standing on the city wall, I watched him, his steed and the mighty procession leading him, disappear over the horizon. He turned and waved, his eyes filled with reluctance and determination. I knew the journey was long and arduous, and he would face unknown dangers and challenges alone, but I was confident that he would return triumphantly.

After Zhen Youcai left, I immediately summoned all the ministers to discuss how to deal with the upcoming trade dispute.

"My dear ministers, the situation on our borders is tense right now, and with other nations eyeing us covetously, we must unite as one and overcome this difficult time." I spoke calmly, my gaze sweeping over everyone. "This trade dispute concerns the economic lifeline of our country, and we must not take it lightly."

"Your Majesty, I believe that the top priority is to stabilize the domestic market, while actively seeking cooperation with other countries to break their trade blockade." The Minister of Revenue spoke first.

"I second the proposal," the Minister of Rites continued. "We can send envoys to various countries to explain our position and seek their understanding and support."

For a moment, the ministers offered their suggestions one after another, and the entire court was filled with a lively atmosphere of discussion. I listened carefully to their opinions, sometimes nodding in approval, sometimes raising questions, striving to formulate the most sound response strategy.

At this moment, a messenger hurried into the hall and knelt on the ground, "Report--"

"Urgent news from the border!" With trembling hands, he held up a blood-stained letter.

My heart sank suddenly, and an ominous premonition came over me...