Emperor Taihe felt a surge of anger in his heart and hardened his expression: "This is my decision, and it has nothing to do with my elder sister. If anyone spreads rumors again, Mother, just have the idle talker beaten to death, and stop mentioning this in my presence."
Empress Dowager Li, unprepared for her son's outburst, felt somewhat aggrieved: "I'm only considering the stability of your throne. If you don't appreciate it, so be it, but don't blame your own mother."
"Currently, the border army is guarding Si State, struggling to resist. Rouran Cavalry is besieging Si State on one side while burning, killing, and looting everywhere. At this rate, who knows how many innocent people will die? Does the Emperor not feel heartache?"
Emperor Taihe's expression turned bleak, and after a long moment, he said, "My heart aches, and I hate myself for being powerless!"
As he spoke, his body swayed.
