Emperor Zhao Chun said unconcernedly, "The only losses are a few vassal princes' troops. We don't need to worry about that. With things as they are, Northern Mang may be about to make a move. For now, we have to turn our attention north."
Zhang Julu knew that, of course. He sighed and said helplessly, "I'm afraid that after we fight the north, the situation in the south will already be beyond saving."
But the emperor didn't care. He declared imperiously, "Once we've dealt with Northern Mang, Gu Jiantang's three hundred thousand troops from Two Liao will march south. No matter how disastrous the fighting in the south becomes, they'll be able to turn the tide."
Seeing Emperor Zhao Chun make every decision himself, Zhang Julu felt utterly speechless.
Zhao Chun had wanted him to speak up at court, yet he wouldn't listen to any of his suggestions. Was he just playing with him?
So Zhang Julu simply stopped saying anything and offered a perfunctory, insincere, "Your Majesty is wise!"
The emperor realized the problem, too, and looked a little awkward. He laughed it off, then said, "In that case, Julu, you may return for now. You're an important minister of the court, so make sure to take care of your health!"
Zhang Julu shook his head helplessly. His only purpose in the court now was to be killed as a warning to others. What good would taking care of himself do?
Still, he didn't waste words with the emperor. He replied respectfully, "This subject takes his leave!"
He left the palace and returned home, his heart heavy. There, he saw his daughter, Zhang Gaoxia, dressed as a man, holding a sword and looking dashing.
He had never stopped worrying about Xia, and seeing his daughter dressed that way gave