Rebirth: So what if my husband is a little crazy? He loves me.

Chapter 309 Too Deceitful

The palace was filled with the smell of gunpowder. The palace servants were hurriedly sweeping up the debris of the red firecrackers that had just burned out. They all kept their heads down and didn't say a word. The only sound was the broom scraping against the bluestone slabs.

The atmosphere was somewhat somber, but the firecrackers scattered all over the ground showed that the atmosphere hadn't been like that just moments before.

Along with the Xiao family, three other cabinet ministers and four ministers also entered the palace. Prince Yi and Prince Rui received the news at a family banquet and were now waiting in the hall with Emperor Cheng.

Shen Li noticed that Emperor Cheng's face was extremely gloomy and oppressive, as if it were the eve of a storm.

She stole a glance at Li Rui and saw that he was also looking at her, his usually playful face now showing the same seriousness.

With just one glance, Shen Li knew that the situation was dire.

"Take a look at them all." Emperor Cheng placed a report on a tray, which was then carried away by a eunuch and handed to Xiao Zhan, who was sitting there.

After the old Duke opened the report, his aura clearly darkened. Xiao Bailing, who was standing beside him, quickly tried to calm him down, afraid that his emotions would affect his health.

"Your Majesty, the Rong and Di have gone too far in bullying our Great Zhao. This old minister proposes that we immediately send troops on a distant expedition against them and teach them a lesson." Xiao Zhan said excitedly, "This old minister is willing to personally lead the expedition... cough cough..."

"I know the old Duke is loyal and devoted, but you should not trouble yourself. Leave it to the younger generation," Emperor Cheng comforted him.

At the same time, the newspaper was also delivered to the other people present.

Shen Li was the last to see it. Although she was mentally prepared, she still felt a surge of anger in her chest when she saw it.

The Rongdi launched a surprise attack, seizing cities and territories. Such things happen several times a year, not to mention food and women. But this time, the Rongdi mobilized a large number of soldiers, not only looting but also slaughtering the people of five towns.

Among them were infants and pregnant women.

By the end, her eyes were red with anger.

She was certain that such a thing hadn't happened in her previous life. Although the Rongdi people had a difficult winter that year and launched attacks and robberies, there was absolutely no massacre.

Moreover, the cost of the Rongdi's surprise attack and the deployment of a large force was very high, which was not in line with their usual combat methods.

She couldn't figure it out, so she simply stopped thinking about it. If she was capable of doing something, she had to pay the price!

Whatever the reason, this blood debt must be avenged.

The cabinet ministers and officials from the six ministries present were united in their stance: to fight.

Whether for revenge or to show off, if someone bullies a nation on its doorstep, any country with a modicum of courage will inevitably engage in war.

"Father, this is a provocation against our Great Zhao. Your son is willing to go to the front lines to kill the enemy." Li Rui lifted his robe and knelt on the ground to ask for orders. This was the first time he had taken the initiative to take on a task.

Not wanting him to seize the initiative, the King of Yi immediately followed up, saying, "Your subject is also willing to share Your Majesty's burdens."

Emperor Cheng simply waved his hand and looked at Gu Chang'an: "Minister Gu, with the current strength of our dynasty, is it even possible for this war to be launched?"

Warfare is expensive, and it's all about who's more resilient, so naturally, the Ministry of Revenue has to be consulted.

"Your Majesty, the reforms have begun to show results. Although the national treasury is not yet full, it is enough to fight this war." Gu Chang'an's courage prevented him from uttering a single word of objection.

Even if it's a long and arduous journey, this battle cannot be avoided.

If we don't take action after being bullied like this, we will lose our deterrent power over all the surrounding countries, and then it won't just be the Rong and Di tribes that will attack Da Zhao.

Who wouldn't want to eat such a piece of fatty meat?

"Good, let's fight." Emperor Cheng was also invigorated upon hearing this. "Old Duke, Ministry of War, how do you think we should plan for this battle?"