"Madam, please hasten on your way. The Emperor awaits my report," the eunuch said, looking at the two embracing figures as if discussing a trivial matter.
A sharp glare, with eyes like burning embers, shot forth. The intense killing intent forced the eunuch back a step. He forced a smile, "Ly White, I am merely following imperial orders. If I am late, and the Emperor is angered, I cannot bear the consequences."
Ly White’s face twitched violently. "I shall seek an audience with the Emperor at once!"
The eunuch’s face fell. "Ly White, the Emperor issued an oral decree that he would not see you."
Ly White trembled uncontrollably upon hearing this. Yet, beyond staring at the submissive eunuch, he knew not what else he could do. Suddenly, his arm went limp. He looked down to see Elith’s tear-filled, smiling face.
Elith, seeing Ly White’s tearful yet gentle expression, slowly shook her head. "To have a husband such as you, what more could one ask for?"
Hearing her say this with a smile twisted Ly White's heart like a knife, and tears streamed down his face.
Elith broke free from his embrace, stood up, and walked towards the guards holding white silk sashes.
Ly White knelt on the ground, unable to look any further. Facing the Emperor’s command, what else could he do?
Faint sounds of Elith’s suppressed sobs, the involuntary trembling of her body, and intermittent, heavy breaths reached his ears… Finally, Elith’s breath ceased.
The sound of hurried footsteps faded into the distance. The room was empty. A mournful cry erupted from Ly White’s chest, spilling out. He struggled to his feet, took Elith down from the beam, held her in his arms, and wept.
Without Elith, how could he continue to live?
Meanwhile, within the Winter Palace.
"With the two families united, I intend to personally lead the army to attack the beast race again. What does Viktor think?"
Viktor smiled enigmatically and leaned closer to Tydarell. "Your Majesty, I believe now is the opportune moment to attack the beast race!"
Tydarell paused slightly, looking at Viktor. "Explain."
"I have just received news, and I was coming to report this very matter. The beast race’s selection of officials to reform their governance has touched upon many vested interests, and has ultimately failed."
Tydarell let out a cold laugh. "The Beast King has only just stabilized internal affairs, with both Winter and Saint Roman Empire looming. He still wishes to appease the officials and maintain his hold. Such folly, to touch upon the interests of various races, truly suicidal."
"Your Majesty is wise! The Beast King personally decreed the execution of the administrator. This incident involves many, even the rising star Gat in Saint Roman Empire is implicated."
"Even the new nobles of the beast race are involved? Interesting, very interesting."
Tydarell rose to his full height, looking at Viktor. "It seems the internal affairs of the beast race are indeed in disarray."
Tydarell nodded, a cold smile on his lips. "It appears heaven itself intends to destroy the beast race!"
At this, Tydarell’s spirits lifted. "Speak your mind, Viktor. What are your thoughts on this campaign against the beast race?"
Viktor smiled confidently and began to speak at length.
The emperor and his minister conversed until noon before parting ways.
In Saint Roman Empire, Salephais had not yet rested, his mind still working at full speed. The three cities in the northwest are all from the demon race. In terms of cultivation, Oggert might not even be their match. If they were to fight in the northwest, perhaps a skilled general would be needed.
Xiao Xun pondered. "Aaron must be kept close for deployment; New Moon needs troops to defend against the beast race; Ruske needs to defend against Winter; Vincent needs to guard major cities... These are all essential positions."
After racking his brain for a suitable candidate, he steeled himself. If all else failed, he would use Oster.
Although Xiao Xun had been contemplating the recovery of the northwest, Saint Roman Empire was currently on the rise, having just recovered from a hard-won victory against the beast race. Winter was a constant threat, and the beast race harbored hidden intentions. When would the northwest finally be recovered?
As Salephais was worrying about the future of Saint Roman Empire, a report arrived from the beast race. Although Saint Roman Empire had allied with the beast race, they had always been closely monitoring their movements.
After reading the report and handing it to Xiao Xun, he let out a hearty laugh. "Heaven aids us! It seems the pacification of the northwest is within reach!"
With a laugh, Salephais breathed a sigh of relief.
The next day, within the Fire Shield Divine King's palace.
"You believe the time is right?" Xiao Xun asked Ogart beside him.
Ogart nodded. "Lord Svyen, I truly believe it is time to conquer the northwest! Winter has repeatedly interfered in the politics of the Xiliang barbarian tribes, causing Gisde's rebellion. Winter will surely be fully engaged and have no interest in Saint Roman Empire; the beast race, after the Ji Yan case, is in internal turmoil, and I have heard whispers that Winter intends to attack the beast race.
In short, both the beast race and Winter are in a difficult situation, both internally and externally. Meanwhile, Saint Roman Empire, after years of recuperation, has seen its agricultural economy revive and its military strength greatly enhanced.
As long as Lord Svyen launches a three-pronged attack with lightning speed, the three cities can be pacified and lost territories recovered in one fell swoop!"
Xiao Xun had naturally harbored this intention for a long time. He nodded repeatedly, pleased that Ogart had brought it up proactively. He immediately praised, "Well said! However, do you have any good suggestions for pacifying the northwest?"
"Suggestions?"
Ogart began to ponder the question seriously. After a long while, he said, "I believe the people of the northwest are fierce and brave warriors. Their rebellious hearts will not be extinguished by one or two defeats. To fundamentally resolve the northwest issue, the best method would naturally be to kill all the rebels!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Xun's expression turned serious. However, Ogart continued:
"However, complete annihilation would only leave behind useless scorched earth. Such a northwest would be of no use to our Saint Roman Empire, and it clearly does not align with our national policy.
Therefore, I believe the best way to deal with the northwest is to quell the backbone of the rebellion, while adopting a policy of appeasement towards the remaining populace."
Xiao Xun then burst into laughter. "Indeed! This aligns well with Gre's strategy of 'conquering hearts is primary, conquering cities secondary; psychological warfare is primary, military warfare is secondary.' It seems it is time to pacify the northwest!"
As Xiao Xun spoke, he stood up and gazed westwards through the layers of obstruction. "I intend to personally lead the campaign into the northwest!"
"What?"
Ogart had not expected Xiao Xun to personally lead the campaign into the northwest. He quickly advised, "Lord Svyen! Gisde and his ilk are merely mere clowns. Why must Lord Svyen personally lead the expedition? Moreover, the northwest is a barren land, a place of miasma. Lord Svyen carries the heavy responsibility of the nation, the welfare of all the people of Saint Roman Empire. How can you risk yourself so easily?"
He then offered, "Lord Svyen! I, Ogart, though untalented, am willing to lead a detachment to share your burden!"
Ogart's proactive offer surprised Xiao Xun. He paused slightly. "Ogart, your willingness to do this greatly gratifies me! However, as you said, Saint Roman Empire is also in dire straits. We must pacify the northwest rebellion with swift and decisive action to have no worries in the future. My expedition is precisely to resolve the northwest predicament for the Emperor."
Seeing Xiao Xun's firm tone and resolute decision, Ogart knew his words were futile. He then asked doubtfully:
"Why would Lord Svyen reveal such an important matter to me?"
Xiao Xun picked up Duker's will from Salephais off the table. "When Duker departed, he recommended you. Moreover, after observation by His Majesty and myself, we also believe you to be a talented individual."