As Song Ci entertained guests with a feast, Niu Pan'er was kneeling in Yangxin Hall, her head buzzing.
"Last year, the snow in the Turkic region fell heavily, killing many sheep and horses. As a result, before spring even arrived this year, the Turkic tribes launched a significant border invasion, led by Meng Jue from the Turkic Camp. Your father disregarded advice and went to the battlefield..." Emperor Chu handed over an urgent eight-hundred-mile secret report.
Eunuch Zhou received it with both hands before presenting it to Niu Pan'er.
Niu Pan'er took it, opened it, and felt her heart drop as she lay prostrate on the ground, saying, "Emperor, my father is already advanced in years. With both new injuries and old ailments, I'm afraid he can't lead troops to battle anymore. I humbly ask the Emperor to grant my father retirement from military duties and allow him to return to the fields. I am willing to guard the Northeast for life in my father's stead."
