A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace

Chapter 733: Chapter 733: Luring the Snake out of Its Hole

Zhao Junyao, seeing his reluctance, said no more.

Everyone continued to discuss military affairs as usual.

「Three days later」

The battle plan was finally set.

In front of everyone, Zhao Junyao announced the participants in the battle then and there.

There had been many minor skirmishes before. The Great Chu Dynasty, having lost patience, directly initiated the decisive battle.

The enemy, too, seemed fully confident. Without further questions, they immediately accepted.

The decisive battle was set for Xiahe Bay, where both sides would deploy their full forces. There, the victor and vanquished would be decided. The victor would be king, the loser an outlaw—that much was certain.

During the meeting, Zhao Junyao deliberately glanced at Zhao Junqi several times. Seeing no change in his expression, Zhao Junyao paid him no further mind.

”This time, General Xiao will be Commander-in-Chief, General Liang the Deputy Commander, and Yang He will be Inspector-General of the land forces!”

”If the battle is at sea, so be it. But if they make landfall, not a single one is to escape!”

Generals Xiao and Liang immediately assented.

Yang He, brimming with ardor, kowtowed.

”Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty! Even if it costs me my life, I swear I will not fail your imperial mandate!”

Zhao Junyao nodded.

”Good!”

”I await your good news of victory!”

After speaking, he looked around. With the main commanders appointed, the others remained undecided, all eagerly awaiting the Emperor’s word.

Fifth Prince Zhao Junzhe remained composed; after all, he was more adept at scholarly pursuits than martial arts. He had come this time merely as an observer, not to actually fight on the front lines.

Seventh Prince Zhao Junyan, on the other hand, appeared utterly impatient, his eyes screaming: Imperial Brother, send me! Quickly, send me! Even if I can’t be an officer, I can be a soldier! I want to slay the enemy! I want to go to the front lines!

Compared to his fifth brother, his scholarship was sorely lacking. However, Zhao Junyan’s martial prowess was second to none among the princes! Therefore, he dreamed of such chances to become a hero on the battlefield!

Aside from these two young princes of the Royal Family, the others present were equally eager. Yang Chenyi, Xia Tingfeng, and even younger talents like Ye Tang—their eyes, one and all, were like those of starving people who had just spotted grain, full of yearning and fervor.

This sight displeased Zhao Junyao greatly. What’s all this? It’s as if I haven’t fed them enough!

Finally, unable to bear such expectant gazes any longer, Zhao Junyao waved his hand magnanimously.

”You may all go, but... you must remain by my side to protect me!” Zhao Junyao declared, his face stern and his tone self-righteously formal.

The others didn’t immediately understand, staring in stunned silence.

After a moment, Yang Chenyi finally asked, still rather dumbfounded, ”Your Majesty, could it be that you want to...”

”Imperial Brother, you intend to go as well?”

”Your Majesty, please reconsider!”

The veteran officials also grasped the situation and began to dissuade him one by one.

The tent quickly erupted into a clamor. Zhao Junyao waved his hand decisively, ”All of you, silence! Be quiet!”

Zhao Junyao scanned everyone with a sharp gaze, stating with conviction, ”In the past, when you objected, I always yielded. But this time, I truly wish to go. Just this once!”

Zhao Junyao’s voice held a note of helplessness, and perhaps... even a hint of negotiation.

Everyone exchanged uncertain glances.

After a long silence, General Xiao finally spoke. ”Your Majesty, you are the sovereign of this nation... Why must you take such a risk? You must understand, if anything were to happen to you, the realm would descend into chaos!”

Zhao Junyao glared at him. ”Where do all these ’what ifs’ and ’mishaps’ come from?”

Yang He also stepped forward to persuade him. ”Your Majesty, indeed, mishaps may not be frequent, but even a one-in-ten-thousand chance is a risk we cannot afford! Please reconsider, Your Majesty!”

Yang He knelt down.

General Xiao and General Liang, upon seeing this, also knelt down.

Zhao Junyao’s expression instantly turned exceedingly grim.

”You...”

HMPH!

Zhao Junyao, too furious to utter another word, gave a cold snort, flicked his sleeves, and stormed off!

The three veteran officials wiped the cold sweat from their brows and helped each other to their feet. The atmosphere was instantly thick with awkwardness. Ultimately, the assembly dispersed on a discordant note. As for whether the Emperor would personally go, the matter remained unresolved.

Watching the generals depart in twos and threes, Zhao Junqi felt a sense of unease. Would Imperial Brother go, or would he not? Others could remain in the dark, but he could not afford such ignorance.

”Imperial Brother, Imperial Brother!” Zhao Junqi chased after him.

「...」

Back in his tent, Zhao Junyao sat on a chair, furiously sipping his cold tea.

Zhao Junqi followed him in, feigning consolation. ”Imperial Brother... why don’t you refrain from going, and let this younger brother, your servant, go in your place!”

Zhao Junyao shot him a cool glance. ”You?”

Zhao Junqi scratched his head. ”Imperial Brother, I know you may not think much of me, but you are the Emperor. The Great Chu Dynasty cannot be without you! Besides, there are Fifth Brother and Seventh Brother. Fifth Brother aside, Seventh Brother is highly skilled in martial arts. If I go with him, there shouldn’t be any danger!”

Having members of the Royal Family lead the troops is primarily to boost morale; the effect should be roughly the same! There was historical precedent for this. The Emperor would nominally lead the campaign but not personally go to the front lines, his brothers taking his place instead. This way, he wouldn’t have to take risks, and it would still boost the soldiers’ morale—a perfect solution.

Zhao Junyao pondered for a moment, then asked, ”Are you truly capable?”

Zhao Junqi, as he often did, thumped his chest confidently. ”Imperial Brother, I know I can be unreliable, but with the nation in peril, capable or not, I must step forward! Even if it means sacrificing my life, this younger brother, your servant, is willing! As long as I can shield the common folk from disaster!”

Indeed, his words were impeccably righteous.

Zhao Junyao fell silent for a moment, an expression of deep feeling on his face, then chuckled. ”Uncle Prince Yan always says you’re good for nothing, but in my opinion, you’re not so bad after all!”

This was praise indeed.

Zhao Junqi chuckled, visibly pleased. ”As long as Imperial Brother doesn’t consider me too foolish, I am willing to serve by your side henceforth!”

Zhao Junyao nodded. ”In that case, you shall go in my place when the time comes. Later, I will have my battle armor sent to you. Go and thoroughly crush the enemy’s arrogance!”

”Yes, Imperial Brother!”

Upon leaving the Emperor’s tent, the expression on Zhao Junqi’s face suddenly changed. He paused for a moment, glancing back, his eyes filled with a sharp, sinister light. It was unclear what thoughts crossed his mind, but after a moment, he turned and strode away.

「...」

Thus, the battle strategy was finalized. Both sides began preparing for the final, decisive battle set for three days later.

That evening, Zhao Junqi, as usual, returned early to his own tent. When he sensed that all was quiet outside, Zhao Junqi, just as before, evaded all patrolling soldiers and headed towards the coast. Someone was waiting there to meet him, as usual.

The only difference from the previous time was that, this time, after he departed, the figures who emerged were not only Xia Tingfeng but also Zhao Junyao.

”Your Majesty,” Xia Tingfeng, barely able to restrain himself, wanted to apprehend him on the spot.

”Don’t move!” Zhao Junyao abruptly stopped him.