Just as Qin Shaofeng was deep in thought, a burst of hurried footsteps abruptly interrupted him.
Immediately afterward, a guard dropped to his knees, panting as he spoke to the Emperor.
"Bad news, Your Majesty! An urgent report has arrived from the frontier. The southwestern army has reached our borders. The Great General cannot hold them off alone, so please dispatch reinforcements at once."
"Moreover, somehow this news has leaked out and the common people have learned of it. They are panicking now, especially frightened."
The guard spoke in a flustered rush, sweat covering his face as he looked utterly panicked.
Seeing the guard like this, the Emperor's expression turned exceedingly grim. In the end, he clenched his fists tightly.
"What are those people even good for?"
His tone was clearly dissatisfied, and his expression was exceptionally grave.
The temperature throughout the grand hall plummeted, as though it had been shrouded beneath dark clouds.
Qin Shaofeng fell silent as well. Was this trial not a little too close to reality?
Nearly every part of it revolved around the responsibilities and authority of the Imperial Preceptor.
Could it be that they wanted him to deal with this national crisis again?
But that did not seem right. No matter what, this was a decision that ought to be made by the ruler of a nation. In the end, he turned his gaze to the Emperor.
"Your Majesty need only send reinforcements to support them. As for the common people, I naturally have a solution."
The Emperor's eyes immediately lit up, and he quickly asked,
"Then what brilliant plan does the Imperial Preceptor have?"
Qin Shaofeng gave a mysterious smile, then had a nearby guard prepare paper and brush. He intended to draft an emergency edict.
The Emperor was not overly anxious. His