Chapter 31

Chapter 31 - Planned Departure From the Capital

Emperor Gong was very patient. He first explained the geographical environment of Xi Zhou before delving into the politics. "The left minister mentioned that Zhen Qi Wang had guarded the frontier for many years, but he still could not solve the issue of the drought during his stay at Xi Zhou. He suggested that since Zhen Qi Wang was incompetent, he should be replaced. There are also some who think that having so many troops in Xi Zhou is useless and half of them should be withdrawn."

He bent over as if to whisper these things to Gong Yi Mo, yet his voice was loud enough for the entire hall to hear it. Many of the ministers' faces were stiff with embarrassment.

After his explanation, Gong Yi Mo blinked and tilted her head in thought. The green flower tassel on her hair hung to one side, making her cute face appear more tender.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

"Zhen Qi Wang is incompetent? Him commanding a hundred thousand troops and horses is too much? The yearly drought has rendered Xi Zhou helpless?" The more she spoke, the more she looked upon the crowd of ministers with loathing. "This princess feels that whoever offered these claims should be replaced."

The left minister sneered at the young princess' unkind words. "I do not know what wise idea the princess has."

The old man laughed mockingly in his heart, thinking that it was lawless for a mere little princess to involve herself in political affairs. A young girl who had never even been outside of the palace gates-how could she have any good ideas?

Unexpectedly, Gong Yi Mo only sleepily rubbed her eyes then said in a soft voice, "Bring me a paper and pen!"

What they brought over was heavy paper and a hard-tipped pen that Gong Yi Mo herself made.

Before she came to this world, she had studied a few years of painting, so a simple diagram was easy for her. With a just few strokes, mountains and valleys were clearly depicted on the paper. When Emperor Gong drew near to curiously peek at her sketch, she was already finished drawing.

Only the emperor was allowed to see her work.

"Father, please take a look. Does the drawing of this terrain resemble Xi Zhou?"

Emperor Gong nodded. "Close enough."

Gong Yi Mo smiled and sat on the empty half of the dragon chair.

"There are snowy mountains on both sides of Xi Zhou. When the snow first melts, water is abundant. But because of Xi Zhou's unusual geography and hot climate, the water would dry up quickly, causing an ongoing drought. Is that right?"

Gong Jue?

Emperor Gong narrowed his eyes and scrutinized the Ninth Prince. At this time, his son was eleven years old. In the past two years, he behaved properly and seemed like he would trust anything Gong Yi Mo said. Most people would only remember Gong Yi Mo and forget Gong Jue, who was like her shadow.

Gong Jue didn't have a mother nor anyone else to help him, so he had no job or position. His existence in the imperial palace was like that of an invisible person, and only this daughter would request for Gong Jue to take her place when even the emperor himself had forgotten about him. As for what Gong Yi Mo said about Gong Jue being able to do anything, he subconsciously thought she only said it to persuade him. Emperor Gong wasn't alone in thinking this; the other ministers also believed Gong Jue had no abilities. At the thought of all this, they decided that they would let him and just give him an official title when he came back...

Emperor Gong patted Gong Yi Mo's head thoughtfully.

Anyway, in these past two years, even though this son wasn't particularly brilliant, he was free of any crimes. He was a practical choice for the moment, so with a wave of his hand, the request was accepted.

Plus, the ministers wouldn't dare go against something the emperor had finalized, although they secretly resented Gong Jue for having such a sister like her. After Gong Yi Mo presented her plan, she took advantage of the emperor being very pleased and successfully recommended Gong Jue, causing everyone else to look useless!

"Children thank Father Emperor for his approval!"

Gong Yi Mo said this cutely, and when Gong Jue bowed his head in appreciation, she shot a pleased glance at him. Seeing this, Gong Che was very envious of him.

For these past two years, Gong Che had a close relationship with his sister. By her side, every day was something new. Even if something unpleasant came his way, just seeing her would make such troubles disappear in a flash.

Sister Gong was so intelligent that if there was a problem he couldn't solve, he only had to consult her and it would be solved.

It was just a pity that however intimate they were with each other, Gong Yi Mo treated Ninth Brother** better. He would feel a sense of loss whenever he saw her protect Ninth Brother.

(**ed: Gong Jue)

Nevertheless, Gong Jue quickly shook his head. No, he really shouldn't be jealous of his younger siblings.

Soon, the emperor's decree would be sent forth.

The matter had been finalized, and Gong Jue would be taking the relief supplies to Xi Zhou within the next seven days.

Before leaving, Gong Yi Mo personally gave him a bag to pack his belongings and was itching to stuff it with all sorts of good things.

Gong Jue had never left her side before. This time, he would be away for so far and for so long. The truth was that Gong Yi Mo was rather upset. However, when a child grows up, he will have to be independent one day, so Gong Yi Mo suppressed her unwillingness to let him go and put her entire heart into paving a path for him.