Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
The Qin Emperor looked excitedly at Li Gang, who was indeed a person of both literary and martial prowess. As a Civil Official, he was able to propose such a good strategy; it was truly impressive.
It seemed that Father Emperor had made the right decision in promoting Li Gang, allowing him to offer counsel.
I was really too flustered; my mind momentarily went blank. The Western Route Army was not just a name; even the valiant Western Xia Cavalry feared them. How formidable they must be.
He said, "Your Excellency Li Gang is truly versatile, and to come up with such a good solution so quickly is wonderful. We will surely defeat Jin Bing."
"I will immediately send someone to draft an edict, dispatching swift riders to each province, instructing them to bring troops to guard the capital. If we can indeed repel over a hundred thousand Jin Bing, Your Excellency will surely be appointed as a minister and granted nobility."
Li Gang also laughed heartily. The current emperor was indeed a wise ruler, willing to heed his advice, unlike the Predecessor Emperor, who was ignorant and only sought peace, leading to the loss of Great Song's Territory and Silver.
The revival of Great Song seemed promising. If only I could have ten years, I would certainly stabilize the court, drive away those treacherous officials, appoint capable ministers, strengthen the Song State, and no longer fear the Jin Kingdom.
He remarked, "Your Majesty is truly a wise ruler. By following my advice, we will surely defeat Jin Bing. The revival of Great Song is within reach."
Qin Feng looked at the emperor and felt very pleased that he adhered to the Loyal Minister's advice and insisted on a proactive stance in warfare because seeking peace was too humiliating and destined for failure.
He also praised the Qin Emperor as a sagacious ruler for employing talented individuals; the revival of Great Song seemed hopeful.
Although the Golden Dragon Robe-clad Qin Emperor felt joy, his tears had long since stopped flowing.
However, upon careful consideration, sending troops from various places to guard the capital would completely sever ties with the Jin Kingdom. A large-scale war was bound to occur again; peace would not last.
Having just ascended to the throne for less than two months, I had hardly enjoyed carefree days. Reports from the border kept coming in relentlessly, exhausting me. I did not want to fight!
In truth, I also wished for peaceful days—three thousand beauties in the harem, nights filled with music and romance. Even if that were not possible, there shouldn't be constant warfare!
I glanced at the respectful Qin Feng beside me and decided to invite him to the Imperial Garden to discuss military and political matters.
He went to the Northern Border and understood the intentions of the Jin people better. He should know whether they want to occupy the Song State or demand more Silver.
If they only want more Silver, that would be reasonable. They could increase taxes to make up for the Silver, wanting only peace and a stable life as an emperor.
If they are determined to occupy the Song State, they would surely mobilize the entire nation for war, not wanting to become prisoners and lose the dignity of being an emperor.
With a smile that carried a hint of foolishness, he said, "Your Excellency, Qin Feng has been to Taiyuan and knows the true intentions of the Jin people. Do they really want more Silver to agree to Negotiation, or do they wholeheartedly want to conquer the Song State? Speak plainly, Qin Feng!"
Qin Feng had been smiling a lot, thinking that the emperor was fully committed to war and would not consider Negotiation.
However, hearing such words clearly indicated that there was still a desire for Negotiation, not wanting a full-scale war where victory or defeat would be hard to predict.
His expression darkened as he said, "Your Majesty, the Jin Kingdom will not negotiate. They are inherently ambitious and are like a Vicious Wolf that cannot be tamed. The more we retreat, the more land they will occupy, showing no regard for our Song State."
"You have seen the memorial sent by General Wang Bin with the Eight Hundred Fast Riders. The Jin Kingdom is arrogant and rude, showing no intention for Negotiation. We should prepare for war with all our strength. I am willing to fight on the battlefield and serve Your Majesty."
Li Gang also sensed that the emperor still had some inclination towards Negotiation, thinking that the Jin Kingdom might accept it and withdraw their hundreds of thousands of troops.
But he was mistaken; the Jin Kingdom was inherently ambitious and wanted these tens of thousands of Great Song Territory. How could they withdraw their troops? They must fight to the death.
He continued to advise in support of Qin Feng's approach, rallying the nation's strength for war was already decided and could not be changed.
The face of the Qin Emperor darkened even more than Qin Feng's, heavy with despair.
The War Faction's view was indeed focused on war without any room for Negotiation. Their determination put immense pressure on him, like a mountain pressing down on him.
It felt suffocating without the sweet words from the Peace Faction that made him feel comfortable.
Although the Peace Faction's words were somewhat hollow and merely wishful thinking, they sounded very comforting to him; he did not know why.
"That's enough, that's enough! I've already decided to go all out for war, so why am I still thinking about negotiation? It won't be like that."
A smile reappeared on his face, and he seemed to have come to terms with it.
He said, "What you two Excellencies said makes sense. I am well aware of the Jin Kingdom's wolfish ambitions; they will not seek peace. Therefore, I will fully commit to war."
He looked at the Chief Eunuch beside him, an elderly man in his forties dressed in deep blue clothing.
"Wang the Chief Steward, quickly send someone to the Privy Council to convey my orders and issue the Emperor's command for the troops from various provinces to come and protect the capital. They must come swiftly."
The Chief Steward, dressed in deep blue, bowed and said, "This old servant will send someone to handle it right away. I will go arrange it now, Your Majesty."
His face bore a sincere smile, showing great loyalty.
The Qin Emperor waved his sleeve, urging him to hurry as this was an urgent matter.
Wang the Chief Steward quickly ran off to notify the relevant people at the Privy Council to convey the orders.
Qin Feng and Li Gang both took a few deep breaths, feeling very relaxed. The situation was set; it was decided!
The Qin Emperor turned around and looked at Li Gang, who had quite a bit of white hair. He truly had aged from worrying about state affairs.
Although Li Gang's principles of governance were reasonable, they made Qin Emperor's head ache; they were indeed very tedious and troublesome to implement.
Most advice on governance is often unpalatable and uncomfortable to hear. Thus, he found Li Gang somewhat displeasing despite being a Loyal Minister.
He said, "Your Excellency Li Gang, you may withdraw for now! This matter is settled. Also, inform the Ministers in that hall to return as well; there will be no Morning Court today."
Li Gang felt that it was about time. Today's discussion was indeed refreshing; he had expressed everything he wanted without interference from those incompetent members of the Peace Faction. It felt invigorating.
"Your Majesty, then I shall take my leave," said the Minister.
He turned and walked out of the Imperial Garden, where the plum blossoms were truly beautiful. In the past, he had thought them extravagant, but now they seemed delightful, vibrant in various colors.
Qin Feng also said this and was about to turn around to walk out with him, feeling quite tired as well.
However, the Qin Emperor spoke up, asking Li Gang to leave first, as he wanted to talk with Qin Feng, who was of a similar age.
He asked him not to go and to stay and chat with him. It had been a while since they last met, and he felt a bit nostalgic!
"Qin Feng, you used to be so refined, fond of literary pursuits. How have you completely transformed into a General now, shouting for battle? It's really hard for me to get used to."
"Did you perhaps suffer from a serious illness that left you only knowing how to fight? I have a fine poem I've collected; later, you can help me appreciate it, though there are some parts I don't understand."
Qin Feng was somewhat surprised; it seemed he had a good relationship with the Emperor, who actually understood him well enough to ask for his help in appreciating poetry.
But he truly did not understand Poetry and Lyrics at all. How could a modern person get entangled with such antiquities that were complicated and difficult to comprehend?
He could only nod reluctantly; this was the Emperor's wish, and how could he dare refuse?
Comment 0 Comment Count