Parents are busy farming

Ever since Princess Fuxia and Duke Chongguo received the imperial edict, the atmosphere in the entire court was as heavy and depressing as a dark cloud pressing down on one's head, making it difficult for people to breathe.

The ministers looked at each other, and no one dared to speak to break the deathly silence.

Not long after, with the announcement of "dismissing court", everyone left in a hurry as if they had been pardoned, as if they were afraid that if they stayed any longer they would be swallowed up by the solemn atmosphere.

After all the ministers left, the emperor did not return to his own palace, but went straight to where the retired emperor was.

Ye Zifen's heart tightened, she knew very well that the emperor's action today would inevitably cause dissatisfaction from the retired emperor, so she hurried forward, wanting to find out the retired emperor's attitude in advance.

When Ye Zifen arrived outside the palace of the Supreme Emperor, the scene before her made her gasp.

The emperor, dressed in a gorgeous dragon robe, was kneeling upright in front of the palace gate. His posture was as straight as a pine tree, but his handsome face revealed a complex expression of stubbornness and helplessness.

Recalling that the imperial concubine had also knelt and begged here some time ago, and now the emperor has suffered the same fate, this same treatment is really sad.

Moreover, it seems that the emperor emeritus has no intention of meeting the emperor, leaving him to wait outside.

Ye Zifen moved her feet carefully, trying not to make any noise.

She slowly approached the emperor, her eyes falling on his straight back, feeling the oppressive aura emanating continuously from him.

The pain of not being understood and the deep helplessness seemed to turn into reality, weighing heavily on everyone's heart.

The guards and palace maids all lowered their heads, and even their breathing became extremely light, for fear of accidentally angering the emperor who was in a bad mood at the moment.

The wind blew quietly, gently lifting the corners of the emperor's dragon robe, fluttering in the air, adding a sense of desolation.

Just as Ye Zifen took a step forward, the eunuch who had been standing respectfully beside the retired emperor came up to her quickly like a ghost and gestured to Ye Zifen to come in.

Although Ye Zifen was a little nervous at this time, she knew that she could not refuse the invitation from her father-in-law.

She shook her head helplessly, then took a deep breath, took a step forward without hesitation, even walking directly past the emperor who was sitting there, and followed her eunuch closely into the palace.

When the emperor saw Ye Zifen for the first time, his originally serious face instantly broke into a kind and slightly playful smile.

The emperor gently stroked his gray beard and teased Ye Zifen in a half-joking, half-serious tone: "Oh my, now your little girl's wish has finally come true! You can finally fly away like a free bird!"

Hearing the words of the Emperor, Ye Zifen couldn't help but smile. Her bright eyes sparkled with a lively light, and she responded in a neither humble nor arrogant manner: "Your Majesty, you are wrong. I didn't ask to leave on my own initiative! It was the Emperor who personally ordered me to leave. He felt that he no longer needed my service, so you don't have to worry so much!"

As she spoke, Ye Zifen slightly raised her head, her eyes firm and clear as water, looking straight at the retired emperor.

Then, Ye Zifen continued, "Grand Emperor, you should know better than anyone that in life, how can we always hide under the wings of others for protection? Sooner or later, everyone must learn to face the difficulties and challenges in life alone. Haven't you let go of these things a long time ago?"

After saying this, Ye Zifen raised the corners of her mouth slightly, revealing a confident and calm smile.

However, after hearing what Ye Zifen said, the emperor snorted coldly.

But judging from his slightly trembling beard and the subtle admiration in his eyes, perhaps he did not completely disagree with Ye Zifen's remarks...

Ye Zifen said with great longing: "In fact, the grassland area is of utmost importance! After I go there and manage it carefully, maybe I can really take the entire grassland into my pocket. In this way, our Great Xia's territory will surely be more vast."

The emperor shook his head gently after hearing this and said slowly: "This is not the most critical point. You should know that the grassland is not suitable for farming, but only for grazing. If you go there, it will not be easy to improve the local people's livelihood."

However, Ye Zifen was confident and responded without hesitation: "Your Majesty, you don't know that I own my own horse farm. How can I easily abandon the entire vast grassland? In my opinion, this arrangement is perfect."

The emperor had no choice but to shake his head again and said earnestly: "Silly boy, once winter comes in the north, the cold is beyond imagination. Even many strong men in the Zhenbei Army can hardly endure such extreme cold."

But Ye Zifen's eyes remained firm. She said firmly: "There are always more solutions than problems. These problems can definitely be properly solved."

The Emperor frowned slightly, his thick black eyebrows, and said solemnly: "You are too young and impetuous after all. On the vast grassland, many tribes are known for their ferocity. They have lived here for generations, and they are unruly and wild in their bones. How can they easily yield to others?"

Ye Zifen, who was standing at the side, clenched her fists tightly, her joints turning white due to the force. Her eyes were firm and ardent, and she responded without hesitation: "That is why we urgently need brave men to step forward and tame these unruly forces. And I firmly believe that I am the one who can take on this important task!"

The emperor couldn't help but sigh, his tone full of deep worry: "My child, you know that the climate on the grassland is not only unpredictable and the environment is extremely harsh, but also that all kinds of supplies are extremely scarce. Once you set foot on this land, if you are not careful, you may fall into a desperate situation, or even face life and death danger."

However, Ye Zifen showed no fear. She straightened her back and raised her head high, like a plum blossom that stands proudly in the snow and frost. She said proudly, "I am never afraid of any difficulties or obstacles. Even if the road ahead is full of thorns, I am willing to take the risk. Because I know very well that this move is related to the prosperity and bright future of the Great Xia Dynasty."

The emperor stared silently at the heroic woman in front of him, and spoke after a long time: "Since you have made up your mind, I can't stop you even if I want to. But remember, you must make thorough preparations for this expedition, and don't take it lightly."