"Gulp-"
Someone in the crowd swallowed, and soon a whole chorus of swallowing followed.
Western Liang could hardly be called a powerful nation, but it was truly wealthy.
Moreover, it had always been clever enough to remain neutral, never revealing the slightest opening despite their many probes.
Great Rui had long coveted Western Liang's various scarce resources, but all these years, it had never found a legitimate pretext to cross blades with it.
Yet on this beautiful day, all of that was about to come to a decisive end!!
[Hmm... but-]
No sooner had Jiang Yingcheng resolved one grave concern than she thought of another problem.
[Now that the pretty Aunties have brought this news, Imperial Father's security is bound to tighten. If I slip him a little note at a time like this...]
...won't it be spotted really easily?
Jiang Yingcheng twisted all ten fingers together, her chubby little face filled with indecision.
But if she could not tell Imperial Father and the uncles about this as soon as possible, she would never feel at ease, even if the enemy had only sent an elite squad.
[What am I supposed to do...?]
After their initial shock, the Upright Officials present had calmed down considerably. Now, hearing the little girl's troubled thoughts, they even revealed knowing smiles.
Since they had already learned so much, it was time to open an entirely new door for her!
Lu Yao, Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, stepped forward and fired the opening shot of the day.
"Your Majesty!"
Since Ding Ruihan had already exposed Emperor Mingze's identity, he duly knelt and paid his respects.
Yet two sets of knees struck the floor at once, their overlapping thuds exceptionally loud.
Lu Yao paid no attention and declared clearly, "Might Your Majesty permit me to