Chapter 195: The Weight of Leadership
Despite Lin Yuer's resolve, the aftershocks of Minister Hao's betrayal ripple through the palace. Ministers, once eager to pledge loyalty, now act with caution, wary of stepping out of line for fear of being labeled a traitor. There is tension in the air, a sense of uncertainty that Lin Yuer cannot ignore. Her every move is now scrutinized, her decisions met with whispered conversations behind closed doors.
She retreats into her private chambers, hoping for some solitude, but there is no escape from the empire's demands. The letters and reports keep coming, each one more pressing than the last. The provinces in the north may have quieted, but the undercurrent of rebellion is far from gone.
A soft knock at the door interrupts her thoughts. "Enter," she calls, her voice tired.
Li Mei steps inside, her expression grave. "Your Majesty, there is troubling news. General Xian's forces have made a surprise move—they've seized control of one of the border cities. It seems they have formed an alliance with the neighboring kingdom. The north may not be as peaceful as we thought."
Lin Yuer's face hardens. "How did they manage to rally support so quickly?"
Li Mei hesitates. "It appears that some of the discontented nobles from the northern provinces have pledged their allegiance to him. They're promising land and titles in exchange for their loyalty."
"Traitors," Lin Yuer mutters. "And this neighboring kingdom... who are they?"
"Kingdom of Daalar," Li Mei replies, her voice tight. "Their ruler has always been a thorn in our side, but we did not expect them to openly support a rebellion against us."
Lin Yuer takes a deep breath, the weight of the situation settling over her like a heavy cloak. "Prepare the troops. We march tomorrow. This rebellion ends now."