The emperor gets cold feet before he departs for his expedition. Lord Ning worries that he won't be able to get what he wants if the emperor stays, so he persuades the emperor personally that people will talk about this expedition, which will raise the prestige of the empire for thousands of years. Upon hearing that, the emperor is tempted. Lord Ning seizes the opportunity and says that he would check out the situation at Mobei first. The emperor finally agrees to go on the expedition when Lord Ning offers to arrange troops and horses personally for him. (Source: Viu)