She is the Side Character! — Watch Her Change her fate!

Fan Shi casually flipped through the pages, and was immediately stunned.

How could Your Majesty have so many useful books?

He had heard of divine providence descending; could it be that Your Majesty was such a being?

"Think Tank, didn’t you rest well?" Ah Chen asked with a smile.

Fan Shi quickly denied it, saying he was eating and drinking well, not daring to slack off in the slightest.

Song Jie, this traitor, was truly unreliable, saying everything in front of Your Majesty. If he missed even one meal or stayed up a bit late, it would be noted down.

With his current physique, what does it matter if he skips a meal or stays up two nights?

This Song Jie, once things have settled, he must be urged to practice his calligraphy, and there’s no escaping it!

Song Jie, who was currently arranging Fan Shi’s dinner, suddenly felt a sneeze coming on.

He wondered who was thinking about him. Was it the teacher? Surely thinking about what he would arrange for dinner tonight?

Before long, the news that the Nan Qi Ninth Princess was properly settled in a palace was relayed back to Nan Qi.

They would wait for the situation in Canglan Country to stabilize before dealing with it.

"It’s said that the Ninth Princess was not mistreated, being treated well with food and drink, suggesting that Canglan Country surely intends to form friendly ties with our Nan Qi," a minister remarked with some happiness in the court.

"Let’s see if, when the situation in Canglan Country becomes stable, we can propose some conditions to have them return the things taken from Bei Qi."

"I believe it’s better not to propose such things hastily. If this angers them, what would we do if Canglan Country decides to attack us?"

"I agree. Canglan Country’s ability to wipe out Bei Qi overnight should not be underestimated. Even if we want to propose such conditions, we must be confident that Canglan Country dares not start a war."

"Since they sent the Ninth Princess back, they surely dare not start a war. It’s a sign of weakness. We’re only asking for the items we sent to Bei Qi, not demanding anything from Canglan Country. Even if they’re a bit displeased, they wouldn’t really act on it."

"Fellow colleagues, don’t forget, Canglan Country destroyed the Bei Qi Royal Family overnight. Are they to be trifled with? Do you think the New Dynasty is easy to bully? If they come at us, who here would dare take responsibility? Put these words here today; whoever advocates proposing conditions will face the war if it breaks out."

Upon these words, the court fell silent, all eyes turning towards Song Chong, seated high above.

Song Chong was somewhat annoyed by the commotion, mainly knowing that Cui Chen was doing fine without suffering. Inside, he felt uneasy, but externally he could not show it.

The minister’s words just now startled him awake. Yes, since Canglan Country could annihilate the Bei Qi Royal Family overnight, they are not to be trifled with.

Song Chong felt a bit afraid, realizing he had only thought of restoring Da Qi’s lands and overlooked Canglan Country’s ruthlessness.

They must not anger, definitely must not anger Canglan Country.

Canglan Country had annihilated the Bei Qi Royal Family overnight and went on to kill many nobles in the Capital City, what kind of harmless opponent were they?

"The current situation is unstable on all sides. I believe peace should be the priority; we should avoid unexpected complications. If war breaks out, it will be the people who suffer. What do you think, my subjects? The items we sent to Bei Qi before were not essential. Without certainty, we must not suffer a loss over minor matters."

Those words had already intimidated most ministers, who then agreed with Song Chong.

A few military officials who originally wanted to showcase their skills shook their heads immediately.

They weren’t reckless warriors insisting on war. It’s just that showing a bit of toughness now, Canglan Country wouldn’t dare start a battle rashly. Looking at Your Majesty’s intention, should we still show respect to Canglan Country? Has Your Majesty been intimidated by those words? Sigh.

This is the time when Canglan Country is at its weakest; when it grows stronger, Nan Qi may suffer again.

The news about the Nan Qi Ninth Princess still being alive and well-treated in Canglan spread outwards.

Consort Li already knew about it; though not very pleased, she had to show a façade of relief and expectation.

Cui Jing knew about it, forced to appear happy, but inside felt extremely stifled.

The rest of the Cui Family had mixed feelings, unsure of what to think.

What they didn’t know was that during these days, Canglan Country’s spies had already infiltrated various parts of Nan Qi, preparing for the future.

Not only had they reached Nan Qi, but spies disguised as merchants were also moving eastward.

Ah Chen’s plan was to first take over Nan Qi, then move east. It wasn’t to underestimate those rebel armies, but their forces were too scattered and divided, with most behaving like bandits, just killing them would suffice, making it easy to conquer them. The suffering populace would be eager for their annihilation.

As for the few somewhat decent rebel forces, she’d just recruit them.

Actually, days ago, she had already received a letter from a certain rebel leader from the east, intending to pledge allegiance to her. However, he couldn’t make a move because once discovered by other forces, it would spell his death.

Ah Chen had already arranged for someone to investigate. If he were sincere in his allegiance, naturally he’d be absorbed.

With this leader acting as an insider, future matters would significantly ease.

Meanwhile, she didn’t forget to develop Canglan Country itself. People needed to be arranged for every aspect. Fortunately, more people were coming to seek refuge with her, and she used people without considering their background, nor caring about gender. As long as they sincerely followed, had a specialty, and weren’t of extreme evil, she’d employ them. Those who excel would surely be rewarded, but anyone daring to play tricks and ruin her major plans would face no mercy.

Pursuing wealth and glory was acceptable, but the task must be done well.

"Xue Qing, I heard your wife is talented in literature and good at managing finances. Would she be interested in serving as an official?" Ah Chen stopped Xue Shanhuai, whose words left him momentarily stunned.

He knew his wife was extraordinary, but he hadn’t expected Your Majesty to mention it.

Considering how Your Majesty had recently appointed several Female Officials, he was somewhat relieved.

Thinking of his wife’s capability, which wasn’t inferior to his, Xue Shanhuai felt excited but controlled himself: "I will ask my wife."

His wife was outstanding, and suddenly he felt it was time for her to leave that residence; she could indeed come out.

Ah Chen was quite satisfied with this; this old man wasn’t a stubborn traditionalist.

Lately, she had inquired with several ministers, and though these people were loyal, capable, and not malignant, many were overly traditional.

But they were from that era, with deeply rooted beliefs that were hard to change, so she wouldn’t force them to alter.

As long as they performed their duties, it was acceptable.

After all, they were already old, and she had no interest in changing them, preferring to nurture new talents.

Even if they were somewhat displeased internally, they couldn’t hinder her. Failing to keep up with her pace would only lead to their obsolescence.

Today, they disagree with their wives and daughters becoming officials.

Tomorrow, they would have to watch other people’s wives and daughters becoming officials, and by then, no vacant positions would be available for regretful opportunities.