Chapter 160
The news that Qiu Chi intended to personally lead a military expedition to conquer the neighboring countries made the court officials' hearts leap into their throats once more.
"Your Majesty, a personal expedition is incredibly dangerous. If you wish to conquer the neighboring countries, wouldn't it be sufficient to send General Jian? There is no need for you to go yourself."
These officials were a peculiar bunch. They knew full well how powerful and autocratic Qiu Chi was, yet they still couldn't resist stepping forward to try and dissuade her.
Although they were filled with grievances against her, they pleaded, "Your Majesty, a nation cannot be without its ruler for even a day! You absolutely must not expose yourself to such danger!"
Qiu Chi had heard more than enough of this routine. "Does We need you all to spout nonsense about what We intend to do? Just manage yourselves. Don't start getting restless when We are no longer in the imperial city."
There were advantages to being a tyrant.
Even though they vehemently disagreed with her decision and wanted to persuade her with earnest pleas, the moment Qiu Chi opened her mouth, they all fell silent.
As for whether they would harbor dissent while Qiu Chi was away from the capital—they certainly wanted to. But having served under her for some time, when they recalled the scene of the abdication, they couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat, grateful that they had remained obedient.
Therefore, even with Qiu Chi about to lead a personal expedition, they wouldn't dare to harbor any dissent, at least not for the time being.
With Qiu Chi leading the expedition, the duties of regent naturally fell to the Tanhua Lang.
A puppet emperor could also be put to good use.
Although she planned to abdicate in favor of the Tanhua Lang, she had no desire to nurture his ambition in the process.
Her intention was to pass the throne to him, not for him to covet it—the nature of the two was fundamentally different.
After arranging matters in the imperial city, Qiu Chi set off for the border.
Qiu Chi had no taste for schemes and conspiracies, but her martial prowess was formidable.
Her arrival also significantly boosted the fighting capabilities of the border soldiers.
The army of the Pei Dynasty was unstoppable, crushing all opposition in its path. A constant stream of victory reports flowed into the capital.
Even with Qiu Chi absent from the capital, the pressure she had established there remained.
The Pei Dynasty had traditionally valued civil pursuits over martial ones, but with a female emperor as exceptionally skilled in martial arts as Qiu Chi, the dynasty's military strength had now begun to flourish.
When Qiu Chi attacked the other nations, she did not bring General Jian along, leaving him to guard the border as before.
It wasn't that she distrusted him, but rather that she had treated his wife and son poorly. While there was no physical abuse, the psychological torment had been considerable. She felt no guilt about it, but she didn't want to be tormenting his family while simultaneously ordering him around. It felt somewhat improper.
As for what General Jian himself thought, Qiu Chi couldn't care less.
It took Qiu Chi five years to conquer all the nations surrounding the Pei Dynasty, and that was with her deliberately holding back.
When she returned in triumph five years later, the changes in the capital were immense.
For instance, Qiu Chi had previously decreed that women could attend schools and serve as court officials.
Though Qiu Chi had been away from the capital for five years, her words had remained.
Even though some court officials still vehemently disagreed, what could their disapproval accomplish?
The Tanhua Lang worked diligently to realize Qiu Chi's decrees, mainly because he felt his own dear Wan'er was so wonderful that she, too, deserved to attend school and study.
If anyone voiced their disapproval, he would simply invoke Qiu Chi's name. Even if those officials were cursing the Tanhua Lang in their hearts, they had no choice but to concede.
This was a testament to the sheer scale of Qiu Chi's influence.
Over time, even the officials who had disapproved grew accustomed to it.
When Qiu Chi returned in triumph, the entire city erupted in celebration.
Qiu Chi felt a bit uncomfortable with the sheer enthusiasm of their welcome.
In the imperial palace, the Tanhua Lang sought out Qiu Chi the moment she returned and began to lament tearfully, "You have no idea how I've survived these past five years! Look at my emaciated body, look at the dark circles under my eyes! This is all from exhaustion! I haven't even had time to spend with my Wan'er..."
The Tanhua Lang's meaning was clear: he wanted Qiu Chi to start reviewing the memorials and handling state affairs herself.
Unfortunately for him, Qiu Chi had no intention of doing such exhausting work.
She patted the Tanhua Lang on the shoulder. "You've done an excellent job. You must continue to work hard. We have spent these years braving the elements out on the campaign trail; We haven't had it any better than you!"
As if. She had been having a wonderfully carefree time.
But there was no need to say that aloud.
The Tanhua Lang was rather easy to fool. Although he knew Qiu Chi was formidable, he figured that conquering all the neighboring countries to achieve a grand unification was indeed more arduous than his own work, so he immediately believed her.
Even though he was worked to the bone, he was too embarrassed to complain to her any further.
After returning, Qiu Chi rested for two days before going to see Jian Ninghua.
Jian Ninghua's condition could only be described as terrible.
The Tanhua Lang was exhausted, yet full of vigor. Jian Ninghua, who did nothing at all, was gaunt and haggard, completely devoid of spirit and radiating an aura of death.
Seeing him like this, Qiu Chi raised an eyebrow. She figured further provocation would be pointless and was about to turn and leave.
But just then, Jian Ninghua called out to her. "Kill me."
Qiu Chi stopped and looked back at him. "Can't you end it yourself? Are you afraid?"
Jian Ninghua said nothing.
He truly didn't dare. Even though he had been reduced to this state, feeling every day that life was an unbearable torment and wishing for death, he still couldn't bring himself to do the deed.
He had tried to take his own life, but he had never once succeeded.
Five years had passed. He thought that perhaps he really was useless—not just useless, but a cowardly piece of trash.
Qiu Chi sneered. "Well, what do you know. You've finally recognized the fact that you're useless."
With that, Qiu Chi left without another word.
There was no longer any point in seeing Jian Ninghua in this state. As for whether he would take his own life, he probably lacked the courage.
As for Madam Jian, Qiu Chi didn't visit her in person, but she did take a look with her divine sense.
Madam Jian's mental state was also poor, though slightly better than her son's. Compared to Jian Ninghua's deathly aura, Madam Jian was filled more with irritability, resentment, and indignation.
Qiu Chi didn't pay them any more mind, as she was already preparing to abdicate and depart.
Although her arrival had brought about some changes to this era, the patriarchal society of the time was not something that could be easily overturned.
Her reign as a female emperor was purely a result of her suppression through martial force. If she were to choose a woman to inherit the throne, the peace and stability the world now enjoyed would quickly crumble soon after her departure.
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