Lin Bozhou squinted his eyes and gave a soft “oh,” his lips flattened. It was as if he deliberately said, “Who is gone? The one who accompanied Your Majesty to play chess? Why don’t they stay and finish the game?”

Emperor Xuan He took his arm and smiled. “Imperial Brother is here, so why should We keep the others? We sent him away. Imperial Brother, sit down quickly!”

He was obviously a bit guilty when saying these words. After taking his arm, he went to take Meng Huan’s arm. “Imperial Sister-in-law, is your leg wound better?”

The tone was like a slightly experienced and knowledgeable teenager.

Meng Huan politely responded, “Much better, thank you.”

“That’s good, that’s good,” Emperor Xuan He gave a solemn nod. “Imperial sister-in-law was unfortunately kidnapped and has suffered. We have asked the treasury to send some herbs and silk to you to recuperate your body, so don’t refuse them.”

After the guilt passed, the emperor’s authority was also taken out.

Meng Huan blinked and nodded again. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Lin Bozhou sat at the side, his gaze falling on the chess game in the pavilion. Obviously, he was not fooled by Emperor Xuan He’s words. Although his expression was calm, the silent accusation contained in it was powerful.

How could Emperor Xuan He not understand it? So he had to behave better before him and pretended to be enthusiastic about political affairs. “Imperial Brother, We have read the letter about the military rebellion in Jianzhou of Liaodong. We heard that the line of the Great Wall had been penetrated, and it was a great emergency. What does Imperial Brother think should be done?”

Lin Bozhou said, “Let Mao Chengchang face the war.”

“Mao Chengchang, We don’t think he can do it,” Emperor Xuan He frowned solemnly. “Once this border war is fought, we don’t know how much more military expenses will be needed and how much people’s power will be consumed. It would be good to stop the war as soon as possible.”

Lin Bozhou looked slightly better. “Your Majesty is wise.”

The two asked one question and answered another, and the relationship between the ruler and the subject was evident.

The political matters being discussed were also grave.

Meng Huan pricked up his ears and listened, trying to reduce his presence. Lin Bozhou had two different faces when treating outsiders and himself. He would tease and coax him and was a perfect husband who spoiled Meng Huan to death. However, he was wary of outsiders, dignified and elegant but cold and distant, wearing a heavy mask, acting like two different people. Although Meng Huan felt strange, he would not spoil his business.

Emperor Xuan He cautiously looked at Lin Bozhou’s face and tried to propose a suggestion. “We heard that the chief of the Jianzhou Jurchen tribe’s son is in prison?”

Lin Bozhou: “In reply to Your Majesty’s words, yes.”

Emperor Xuan He pondered and said, “Then how about returning him to the Jurchen tribe for a truce? This way, there will be no more war, and the people’s lives will be saved. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Lin Bozhou’s drooping eyelashes closed and opened again, and his fingers clenched slightly.

The air was quiet for a while.

Emperor Xuan He slapped his head and suddenly realized, “Oh, no, that guy kidnapped Imperial Brother’s wife. With such a feud, how can we let him return intact?”

Lin Bozhou simply asked, “Who suggested this to Your Majesty?”

Emperor Xuan He realized from his tone that the problem was a bit serious and said, “ It was Our own idea.” He immediately realized, “We understand Imperial Brother’s disagreement. Who can bear it when he kidnaps Imperial Sister-in-law? Let’s pretend We didn’t mention this suggestion!”

He actually really thought it was a good suggestion, but he needed to consider Lin Bozhou’s mood, so he couldn’t apply it.

Lin Bozhou slowly and quietly said, “Your Majesty, even if the princess has not been kidnapped, An Chui cannot be returned.”

“Why?” Emperor Xuan He did not understand.

Lin Bozhou felt the blood in his body turning cold and said with a single breath, “If the other side threatens to invade and we agree to their conditions, then wouldn’t they come to besiege the city every day and threaten us with conditions to agree to? This is a sign of weakness and compromise. For the enemy’s invasion, we must rise up and bravely meet the enemy, even if it requires a great sacrifice. Let them suffer our pain and fear death even more than we do. We can only ensure peace and tranquillity when they are afraid to fight and flee at the sight of us.”

Emperor Xuan He sounded a little hesitant, “Is that so……”

“Does Your Majesty believe they will stop the war if we release An Chui?” Lin Bozhou said, “When you put expectations on others, be prepared to be disappointed. War is cruel but necessary. If they dare to stir up trouble, they must pay the price and feel fear. They kill prisoners of war; we kill prisoners of war. They slaughter cities; we slaughter cities. We kill more than they do and make their blood flow heavier so they will know the pain and feel the fear. Your Majesty, is that clear? Compromise will only make the other party unsatisfied with small gains.”

Emperor Xuan He finally understood, and it dawned on him. “So that’s how it is.”

Emperor Xuan He looked at him with admiration. “Imperial Brother is really wise.”

But…… he also knew that Lin Bozhou was knowledgeable and good at debating, so who knew if this was an excuse for him to take personal revenge?

Lin Bozhou’s face did not look good at all.

He sat with his palms slightly clenched.

He wanted to know why, after so many years of reading and education, Emperor Xuan He often made poor decisions.

If, one day, he left his side, what would become of the Great Zong, and how would he be able to fight against the evil-minded ministers?