Those officials who had tried to kill with a borrowed knife and force Boles into a hasty decisive battle had not fully gotten their wish, but they had tested the Empress Dowager's resolve to settle the Three Borders problem, as well as the degree of protection she afforded Boles. At least in the short term, they would not dare to openly hold him back again.
A chill ran through the officials' hearts. This Empress Dowager, who ruled from behind the curtain, was absolutely no deep-palace woman ignorant of military and political affairs. The maturity of her methods and the distance of her vision made them not dare to underestimate her.
This time, she had swept aside all objections to appoint Boles and granted him enormous authority. Clearly, she had made up her mind to thoroughly excise the festering tumor that was the Three Borders.
Yet just as everyone thought today's court council was about to end, and each of them prepared to withdraw with their own thoughts in mind, a minister who had remained quiet the entire time slowly stepped out. His words instantly dragged everyone's attention away from distant Herwenham and back before the imminent, far deadlier threat right in front of them.
The one who stepped out was Earl William, Minister of the Department of Public Welfare, an old minister known for being practical and well-informed.
His expression was grave, and his low voice echoed clearly through the great hall, which had suddenly become exceptionally quiet. "Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, fellow ministers, though the banditry in the Three Borders must be taken seriously, there is another matter at hand that concerns the survival of the kingdom and admits no delay. This minister has no choice but to report it!"
Everyone's eyes instantly focused on him, and even Empress