The Vice Minister waved his hand and said, "I, too, do not know how to distinguish a genuine decree from a fake one. I am merely puzzled as to why the decree commands both Prince Rui and Prince Ning to depart for their fiefs. With His Majesty's passing and a new emperor ascending the throne, it is the perfect opportunity for our enemies to take advantage. If Prince Ning returns to the Northern Frontier, he can indeed guard against the iron cavalry of the Jin State. But the Jin State is currently in utter chaos; they likely have no leisure to concern themselves with Daxia. The real threat lies with Prince Yu in Nancheng. Once Prince Ning departs, who else in the court can offer any resistance?"
The Empress let out a soft laugh, caressing her gilded fingernail guards, just as the Senior Grand Secretary's cough rang out.
Two Black-Armored Guards dropped from the rafters. A flash of cold steel, and the Vice Minister of War's official cap, still attached to his severed head, rolled to the feet of the Minister of Revenue.
Chapter 155