CHAPTER 697: CHAPTER 283: YE QICHI’S INTELLIGENCE (THIRD UPDATE)

Ye Qichi pondered, it is indeed imperative for Xiao Jinxing not to go.

It’s not that there’s any doubt about the Bai Family generals’ abilities.

But it’s because Xiao Jinxing led the army to victory last time, which has boosted the troops’ morale.

The soldiers have a kind of worshipful admiration for Xiao Jinxing, and his mere presence in the army, even if he does nothing, is an inspiration and brings confidence to the soldiers.

On the contrary.

When Xiao Jinxing is absent, the Bai Family’s army has suffered repeated defeats.

If Xiao Jinxing were not there this time, in their hearts, the soldiers would lose their foundation of confidence.

And in war, the most important thing is the soldiers’ morale.

Ye Qichi contemplated and asked, "So what do you plan to do? Leave the court behind and go straight into battle? If you leave, it is inevitable that there will be chaos in the court!"

"I’m thinking..." Xiao Jinxing looked at Ye Qichi, "about who to find to help me govern the country."

Ye Qichi’s eyes narrowed.

Xiao Jinxing is indeed bold.

He hasn’t even settled into his position, yet he’s ready to let someone else take charge.

But it must be said.

Those who achieve great things are like this, not sweating the small stuff.

She said, "So have you thought of anyone yet?"

"Wu Xufan," Xiao Jinxing said straightforwardly.

Ye Qichi knew it would be him.

For Xiao Jinxing, the person he trusts the most is still Wu Xufan.

The bond Wu Xufan formed with him since childhood and the fact that Wu Xufan unequivocally chose Xiao Jinxing over his own father this time, clearly shows his loyalty.

"I actually think that letting Wu Xufan govern the country would not be well-received, and it would only bring trouble to him. He’s great in a fight, but to face off against so many wily old men, to engage in all these underhand political battles, I truly think you’re trying to put him in his grave," she said.

This has always been Xiao Jinxing’s concern.

Entrusting Wu Xufan to govern the country is problematic because he is young and would find it hard to control the old ministers in the court, which would result in him being led by the nose, and the court would still be in disarray.

"I do have a prime candidate." Ye Qichi spoke up.

Xiao Jinxing’s eyes narrowed.

Naturally, he was somewhat expectant.

Bai Mowan, watching from the side, was displeased.

She could clearly sense the trust Xiao Jinxing had in Ye Qichi.

Unable to hold back, she blurted out, "The Princess wouldn’t be recommending herself, would she?!"

Ye Qichi glanced at Bai Mowan.

The words she was about to say, she swallowed them back down.

Intentionally going along with Bai Mowan’s suggestion, she said, "Your proposal is not bad, what do you think, Prince?"

Xiao Jinxing’s expression visibly darkened.

"The absence of the Prince is one thing; the Princess taking up the role of regent could somehow be justified," Ye Qichi self-recommended, "Leave Wu Xufan to me, one skilled in pen and the other in sword, it might indeed be quite the effective combination. General Bai truly has a discerning eye!"

It seemed like she was praising Bai Mowan.

In reality, she was praising herself.

Which made Bai Mowan so irritated, she was at a loss for words.

"Don’t even think about it." Xiao Jinxing outright rejected.

He didn’t give Ye Qichi any face.

Ye Qichi rolled her eyes.

She didn’t want it either, alright?

Who would want to govern the country, to face those cunning old officials, to be as tired as a dog every day!

Just look at how Xiao Jinxing has been these past few days, has he had a good night’s sleep?!

Bai Mowan felt slightly relieved in her heart to hear Xiao Jinxing’s cold refusal of Ye Qichi.

Ye Qichi was really too presumptuous.

"I’ve told you before, you must accompany me on the campaign," Xiao Jinxing added.

Bai Mowan’s smile, undisguised at the corners of her mouth, immediately stiffened.

So Xiao Jinxing’s intention is not to leave Ye Qichi to govern the country simply because he wants to take her to the border to fight.

It is not because she lacks the ability.

Nor is it because Ye Qichi is overestimating her own competence.

The bitterness inside became even more pronounced.

She could clearly feel Xiao Jinxing’s trust and recognition of Ye Qichi.

"Can I not go?" Ye Qichi refused.

"Ye Qichi!" Xiao Jinxing’s voice was cold.

Ye Qichi fell silent.

"I have no wish to waste any more words." Generally, when Xiao Jinxing is angry and refuses to be rejected, his manner of referring to himself changes.

Ye Qichi had been by Xiao Jinxing’s side for so long, she understood him.

So, she didn’t argue any further.

"You tell me, who is your best candidate," Xiao Jinxing demanded coldly.

He also knew that Ye Qichi would never nominate herself.

It just seemed to him that Ye Qichi had no interest in power.

"Xiao Hezhen," Ye Qichi said, pausing after each word.

As soon as she spoke,

Xiao Jinxing’s expression visibly changed.

In his eyes, there was an unmistakably surprised delight.

"It is only right for Xiao Hezhen, esteemed as a Princess, to take on national responsibilities when our father the Emperor has passed away, the elder brother is on campaign, and the younger brother is still young. The ministers will not have any objections either, after all, you are going to war to protect our country and home, and this courage alone is enough to subdue those presumptuous men. It must also be said that returning victorious from the campaign before ascending the throne will win you more people’s hearts than doing so right now," Ye Qichi explained with clarity, and indeed admired Xiao Jinxing’s wisdom, knowing that everything requires careful pacing. She went on to say, "With Hezhen governing the country, Wu Xufan will be even more dedicated and loyal than when you are here, for your sake. Wu Xufan might not want to waste his wits competing with powerful ministers, but for Hezhen, he might be willing."

Xiao Jinxing nodded.

Clearly, he completely agreed.

"You always wanted Wu Xufan to govern the country. With this arrangement, it not only achieves your goal but leaves the ministers without complaints. At the same time, haven’t you always been concerned about the relationship between Hezhen and Wu Xufan? From now on, the two of them must stand united, sharing a common hatred, and their feelings will improve over time. Plus, if you take Yuan Wenkang with you, are you still worried that Hezhen won’t come to like Wu Xufan? Wu Xufan himself is not bad either," Ye Qichi spoke her mind, not forgetting to praise herself in the process, "I’m simply too impressed with myself, killing three birds with one stone!"

Hearing Ye Qichi’s words, Bai Mowan’s face darkened.

Indeed, entrusting the Princess with a great responsibility to govern the country makes it even more legitimate.

Ye Qichi’s analysis was indeed spot on.

She was forced to admire Ye Qichi’s wisdom at that moment.

But her inner pride wouldn’t allow her to admit that another woman might be stronger.

Her heart twisted slightly.

She bit her lip, adjusting her emotions.

She resolutely refused to become the envious woman she most despised.

"Fine, let Xiao Hezhen govern the country," Xiao Jinxing agreed readily, "The day after tomorrow, following the burial of the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, we’ll start preparing for the military expedition!"

Ye Qichi nodded.

"This campaign must ensure that Beimu Country dares not set foot into Daxuan ever again!" Xiao Jinxing declared with overwhelming authority.

Determination was evident in his eyes.

Bai Mowan naturally harbored the same ambition, and listening to Xiao Jinxing’s words, she too felt somewhat excited.

Only Ye Qichi remained calm.

After all.

She knew that Xiao Jinxing could accomplish it.

Therefore, she didn’t feel any particular anticipation.

She just looked forward to finishing the campaign quickly and leaving.

As long as Xiao Jinxing ascends the throne successfully, there will be no Princess Consort of Chen.

There will be no more, an irrevocable royal decree that keeps them apart!