Chapter 209: Da Xia Is Rich

Fell into a dead silence.

Three hundred million shi of grain—this is truly astonishing.

Even scarier, there will be another two hundred million shi of grain in two months?

The Da Xia Dynasty currently lacks grain above all.

If this grain arrives, it would be a momentous cause for great joy to the Da Xia court.

"Minister Yang."

"You're probably being fooled, aren't you?"

"When could Jiangzhong Commandery possibly have this much grain tax?"

"The whole Jiangzhong Commandery can only plant about three hundred million shi of grain a year at most. Did the tax register write thirty million shi of grain, and you, with your old eyes, mistook it for three hundred million?"

He Yan's voice rang out immediately.

As Minister of Revenue, doesn't he have a sense of how much tax Jiangzhong Commandery pays each year? Of course he does.

Three hundred million shi of grain? Why didn't you go seize it? Hearing He Yan speak like that, Yang Kai grew displeased—he had labored and traveled far to Jiangzhong Commandery, even investigated thoroughly, and you accuse him of having old eyes?

"I, the old man, personally toured every part of Jiangzhong Commandery. Everywhere the commandery enjoys a bountiful harvest; the rice piles in the fertile fields rise like mountains. Gentlemen, do you know what the common folk's greatest worry is now?"

Yang Kai spoke, looking at the officials in the great hall.

Hearing this, the officials grew curious—what trouble remains after such a bountiful harvest? "The greatest worry of Jiangzhong's people is how to deal with this massive amount of grain."

"The granaries are already full; the grain piles like mountains. Every household's spare rooms are used to store grain, yet it's still insufficient."

Yang Kai spoke, his voice trembling despite his effort to hold it steady.

What on earth is called a golden age?

This damn thing is what they call a golden age.

Listening to Yang Kai, everyone present became completely numb.

For some reason, these words sound utterly unreal.

Not only the officials, even the Yongsheng Emperor was stunned into silence.

"Wait, wait, didn't Jiangzhong Commandery suffer a great drought?"

"The court dispatched five hundred thousand troops to suppress it—how could such a good thing arise?"

"Minister Yang, are you under an illusion?"

This time He Yan still didn't believe him; he still thought Yang Kai had a problem.

He doesn't believe it.

Not to mention his disbelief, who in the whole court believes?

"Lord He, if you speak like that, it's meaningless."

Yang Kai, listening more, felt something was off. "You don't believe me; I can understand, but you keep nitpicking, making it pointless, right?" He Yan replied, "No, no, Minister Yang, I truly have no idea what to say."

"It's not nitpicking; the main point is, this is unreasonable."

He Yan hurriedly spoke, hoping it were true, but the problem was he couldn't accept it—this is unreasonable.

"Enough."

At that moment.

The Yongsheng Emperor spoke, silencing the crowd.

Upon hearing the Yongsheng Emperor, the officials couldn't help but turn their gazes toward him.

The emperor showed no hint of surprise from start to finish; it seemed he knew the hidden truth.

Feeling the officials' attention, the Yongsheng Emperor snapped out of his shock and said,

"The trouble of Jiangzhong Commandery."

"In fact, it was already resolved by Heaven's Mandate Marquis Gu Jin Nian."

"Otherwise, where would the Heaven's Blessing come from?"

The Yongsheng Emperor's words enlightened everyone present.

Earlier, when the Heaven's Blessing was mentioned, some argued that Jiangzhong Commandery hadn't yet resolved its disaster, questioning how such a blessing could be granted.

Later, after speculation, everyone agreed that Jiangzhong's calamity had been settled—that the people were stable, the crops replanted; life remained hard, but at least there was no chaos.

Now, hearing the Yongsheng Emperor say that, everyone finally had a complete epiphany.

It seemed the trouble of Jiangzhong Commandery was not merely settled, but also yielded extraordinary gains.

"Your Majesty, please clarify."

At this moment, He Yan couldn't help but ask the Yongsheng Emperor for specifics about what had happened.

It wasn't only He Yan; the entire court was full of doubt.

"Ahem."

He gave a light cough and rose from the dragon throne.

Then he spoke slowly,

"This time, a Da Xia natural disaster struck Jiangzhong Commandery—a great drought overnight, destroying all crops."

"Heaven's Mandate Marquis Gu Jin Nian received a Heaven's Blessing, obtaining the Da Xia Dragon Ear, and planted it within Jiangzhong Commandery."

"The Da Xia Dragon Ear is a product of Heaven and Earth; this kind of rice ear, first, yields twice the amount of our Da Xia rice; second, matures every four months; third, possesses exceptional drought resistance; fourth, the dragon rice it produces is imbued with extremely high qi and blood."

"An ordinary civilian needs only two taels of cooked rice a day to stay energetic all day, while a regular soldier requires five taels daily."

"I have known this matter for a long time, but because it is the highest secret of Da Xia, I and Jin Nian did not inform the honored ministers, lest it cause unnecessary trouble."

The Yongsheng Emperor spoke, informing the civil and military officials about the dragon rice.

But the moment he said this, a huge uproar erupted instantly.

"The amount of rice is twice that of Da Xia's rice?"

"Matures once every four months?"

"An extremely high drought‑resistance?"

"Two taels of rice can fill a person for a day?"

In an instant, the officials present were each more shocked than the last, especially He Yan, who did a careful calculation and immediately derived numerous figures.

"For Da Xia commoners, normally about eight taels of rice per day is considered enough to be full."

"Now only two taels suffice, a reduction by four times; thus the effect of these thirty‑million shi of grain would be equivalent to one hundred‑twenty‑million shi of grain, wouldn't it?"

"Subtracting canal‑transport costs and so on, half of the grain could be sent to the three major disaster zones; just this thirty‑million shi of grain could sustain three commanderies for a year's consumption."

He Yan spoke up; his algorithm differed from the others, as he calculated based on consumption data.

But as soon as he said that, Emperor Yongsheng shook his head and said,

"Wrong."

"Under Heaven's blessing, the Ministry of Works has discovered several Spirit Crystal Mountains within Da Xia's borders, each holding Spirit Crystals amounting to more than ten times the treasury's reserves. Now that the Da Xia Dynasty is in need of revival, these Spirit Crystals can be put to good use."

"I will use Spirit Crystals to power all Dragon Boat Treasure Ships for grain transport. Normal canal transport loses about half the cargo; with Dragon Boat Treasure Ships, not even a single percent is lost."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke.

Extremely domineering.

Hiss.

All civil and military officials in the court boiled over at that moment.

"Four Spirit Crystal Mountains?"

"Heaven bless Da Xia, heaven bless Da Xia!"

"If we truly can transport with Dragon Boat Treasure Ships, the canal loss would indeed be negligible."

"So, this thirty‑million shi of grain would essentially suffer no significant loss and could be shipped entirely to the disaster zones?"

"Not only that—if this is truly the case, the migration becomes easy; we can allocate grain, and the relocation of the Five Great Oases can proceed as well."

"Didn't we say there will be another twenty‑million shi of grain in two months? This thirty‑million shi, distributed among the Five Great Oases and the three disaster zones, can sustain three months without issue. After two months, another twenty‑million shi arrives, plus grain from elsewhere, and we can fully launch the restoration plan."

Voices rose one after another; among these officials, who isn't a shrewd schemer? After decades of poverty becoming a habit, they try to make a single coin stretch as if it were two, and instantly thought of many solutions.

But the exact allocation still requires gradual discussion.

"No, no, you're all mistaken, mistaken."

"Isn't the grain in Jiangzhong County piled like a mountain? Didn't you hear what Minister Yang just said?"

"The court can spend silver to buy grain; at worst we owe it first. For the common folk, leaving it there is just leaving it. We purchase at market price, so we get exactly what we need."

Suddenly, an official spoke up, having thought of this method.

The moment the words were spoken, all civil and military officials widened their eyes.

It's not that they couldn't devise the plan; generally they would never even consider such a thing.

Buying grain on credit is not a good thing for the court.

But now it's different; the people's grain is piled like a mountain. Though on credit, with the Da Xia Dynasty's current credibility, would anyone still be corrupt? Moreover, leaving the grain idle is wasteful; better to use it.

"Wrong."

"Your Majesty, this is wrong."

"Farmers say, the more rice ears, the more mixed the grain; the faster it grows, the poorer the rice quality. Where on earth are there abundant rice ears with good rice that can also strengthen qi and blood?"

This time He Yan couldn't help but raise a question.

He wasn't being pedantic; having been poor all his life, hearing such joyous news at once was impossible to ignore.

Repeatedly picking at flaws is also reasonable.

Never mind him; among all the court officials, only Minister of Rites Yang Kai saw it with absolute certainty, and Emperor Yongsheng, while everyone else is skeptical.

Afraid it's just a beautiful dream, they fear it will be pierced open when they look back.

"Come forth."

"Steam the Dragon Rice."

Emperor Yongsheng had long known these officials were doubtful, but he did not rebuke them; such skepticism is a good thing.

At once, he ordered someone to steam the Dragon Rice, letting them see it with their own eyes.

Thus.

The court officials began to wait calmly.

About two quarter‑hours later.

Wei Xian entered the main hall, followed by a group of palace maids carrying small glazed bowls, each filled with Jiangzhong Dragon Rice.

Pale pink, exuding a strong rice aroma, merely being presented before the officials made each of them salivate.

Mainly because the scent was truly pleasant, and the officials had no habit of eating before attending court.

After all, during a court session, if anyone inadvertently broke protocol, even without the Emperor speaking, Yang Kai would not let it pass.

Having gone half a day without food, hearing this fragrance naturally made their mouths water.

When all officials were holding bowls and ladles.

Emperor Yongsheng also took a bowl, then said,

"Esteemed ministers, taste this Jiangzhong Dragon Rice."

Having said that, Emperor Yongsheng was the first to take a bite.

Seeing the Emperor eat, the officials didn't linger and each began to dine.

The Jiangzhong Dragon Rice entered the mouth.

The grains were exceptionally tasty, chewy, and full of rice fragrance.

In less than a few bites, everyone finished the Jiangzhong Dragon Rice, then started whispering praises repeatedly.

"Delicious, delicious!"

"This rice is truly delicious, even better than the rouge rice I once ate."

"Rouge rice is nothing; the texture of this rice is simply indescribable. I took a bite today, and honestly, I truly can't eat the rice from my own home."

"Damn it, I've fought wars all my life, I've tasted every mountain delicacy and sea fare. I never thought that one day a bowl of rice could be this tasty. I don't even need any side dishes."

"Delicious, delicious!"

Inside the grand hall, the officials each praised, sincere praise indeed.

Emperor Yongsheng also finished a bowl of Jiangzhong Dragon Rice, not a single grain left, then handed the bowl to the Wei Xian beside him.

"Your Majesty, these two taels of rice aren't enough to fill the gaps between my teeth; I am not full. I humbly request another bowl."

"Indeed, indeed, this rice is too little; I finished it in one bite. May I have another bowl?"

"I want it too, I want it too."

In an instant, the generals each spoke; their physiques are strong, their Qi and blood abundant, a usual two taels of rice certainly isn't enough for them, so they naturally feel no satiety.

And the civil officials each shouted twice in response.

But soon, all the officials present suddenly changed expression.

"Hiss."

"Why do I feel a ball of fire burning inside my body?"

"Indeed, indeed, I feel the same, like soaking in a hot spring in winter, an indescribable sour‑sweet feeling."

"It truly feels great, an indescribable sensation, and also a feeling of fullness."

"Truly, it's both delicious and filling, and each grain contains Qi and blood; after eating, the whole body feels comfortable."

Voices rang out one after another.

The civil officials each became extremely excited; they hadn't believed before, now they can't doubt it.

"But why am I still a little hungry?"

The civil officials are already full; they don't need to eat much, but this group of generals still aren't satisfied.

Each one shouted for another bowl.

"After the court session ends, each will receive a hundred jin of Dragon Rice."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke; a hundred jin per person isn't much at all.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

All the officials spoke together; at this moment, Yang Kai couldn't help but look at He Yan and say.

"Secretary He, do you still doubt me now?"

Yang Kai spoke, looking at He Yan as he asked.

"No longer doubting, no longer doubting."

"Sir Yang, you truly have worked hard."

"Your Majesty truly is wise."

"Lord Heaven's Mandate is the divine general of Da Xia."

At this moment, He Yan was about to burst into laughter; the court's biggest problem was half solved.

The food issue is resolved.

The other problems become even easier to solve.

Silver taels and such, we can take it slowly, no rush.

For now, as long as we stabilize the situation, the Da Xia Dynasty will keep getting better.

However, He Yan continued speaking.

"Your Majesty."

"Since this Da Xia Dragon Spike is so powerful, why not promote it nationwide? One Jiangzhong Commandery can produce five billion shi of grain per year."

"If we promote it nationwide, in a year, at least twenty billion shi of Dragon Rice, right? At ten taels of silver per shi, the annual revenue would be astronomical."

He Yan spoke, instantly calculating the value brought by this Da Xia Dragon Rice.

After all, the Da Xia Dynasty now has five great oases, which are even more suitable for planting Dragon Rice. With full development, the Da Xia Dynasty's food problem can not only be solved, but also exported abroad.

Indeed, for the Da Xia Dynasty, twenty billion shi of grain is certainly more than enough to consume; we can sell the surplus for profit.

Upon hearing of twenty billion shi of grain, the entire court boiled with excitement; they could hardly imagine it.

This is literally an astronomical figure.

Terrifyingly exaggerated.

"Nationwide promotion can wait; first stabilize Jiangzhong Commandery. Afterwards, Gu Jin Nian should handle planting this Da Xia Dragon Spike in the five great oases."

"Ultimately it depends on Gu Jin Nian's decision."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke.

This Da Xia Dragon Spike was brought by Gu Jin Nian; how to plant it, the methods, should all be consulted with Gu Jin Nian. With anyone else, we would be uneasy and fear they don't understand.

Nevertheless, the Da Xia Dragon Spike has not disappointed us nor the entire court.

"Your Majesty."

"Such Dragon Rice is truly incredible; I feel even Great Jin Dragon Rice cannot compare to our Da Xia Dragon Rice!"

"Isn't the Great Jin Dynasty currently working on some Dragon Rice Treasury Note?"

"These Dragon Rice Treasury Notes are linked to Dragon Rice; a certain number of notes can be exchanged for the same amount of Dragon Rice, and now…"

"First, it can counter them; second, our Da Xia Dragon Rice, within five years…"

"Your Majesty, what do you think?"

At this moment, Yang Kai spoke, putting forward this suggestion.

The Great Jin Dynasty's dragon‑rice treasure notes put Da Xia under some pressure; everyone knows that once these dragon‑rice treasure notes are issued, it is not a good thing for any country.

Although the Great Jin Dynasty makes all sorts of promises—saying they won't print notes arbitrarily and will be supervised by the world—so what? The Central Continent dynasties have their own exclusive treasure notes, so they don't care about this and issue them at will.

But so far in the Eastern Wilderness, no kind of treasure note has circulated; not to mention that treasure notes of the major dynasties are themselves extremely hard to promote and circulate.

Even if they did circulate, Da Xia treasure notes can only be used within the Da Xia Dynasty; they won't work elsewhere.

The Great Jin Dynasty seems to have thought of an excellent method, using dragon‑rice as a hook, making the common folk feel at ease using them.

Now the Da Xia Dynasty also has dragon‑rice; could they do the same?

This is Yang Kai's idea.

When this was said, everyone nodded in agreement, thinking it appropriate.

But He Yan shook his head helplessly and said.

"Minister Yang Kai, your idea is certainly good, but our dynasty still cannot match the Great Jin Dynasty."

"There are two reasons. First, Great Jin dragon‑rice is renowned across the world; who doesn't know how good Great Jin dragon‑rice is? Even the common folk know how excellent Great Jin dragon‑rice is."

"And our dynasty's dragon‑rice— even if we brand it—what then? Will the world believe it? Moreover, even if they believe, who can trust the production volume?"

"We cannot just claim an annual output of three hundred million shi and expect to produce that much; the redemption problem would be unsolvable. As for Great Jin dragon‑rice, not only has it taken deep root in people's hearts, but after so many years the Great Jin Dynasty must have stored a massive amount of dragon‑rice."

"Naturally, there is no worry about a run on the notes."

"These two issues are the core competitive advantage for the Great Jin Dynasty in promoting its Great Jin treasure notes. Moreover, now the Eastern Wilderness realm has formed an Alliance, and all major forces are willing to promote the Great Jin Dynasty's Great Jin treasure notes."

"Our dynasty is excluded, has already missed the good opportunity, and cannot contend with them."

He Yan spoke; as Minister of Revenue, he is extremely sensitive to the topic of treasure notes.

After all, once treasure notes can be issued, fiscal problems can be solved.

Simply put, it's like Jiangzhong Commandery has tens of millions of shi of dragon‑rice, right? The Da Xia Dynasty could directly print treasure notes.

At a price higher than the normal standard.

Twenty taels of silver per shi.

Then three hundred million taels of silver treasure notes could be printed; of course these notes cannot be released all at once, but gradually.

Let them circulate in the market; if a run occurs, simply buy the dragon‑rice from Jiangzhong Commandery and exchange it house by house.

After all, treasure notes are exchanged for dragon‑rice, and grain is hard currency; whether you like it or not, at least you won't starve, you can eat and drink enough.

Previously, promoting treasure notes was aimed at gold and silver; the people's purpose in exchanging gold and silver was still to buy grain and other necessities.

Now directly exchanging for grain is even more straightforward.

Of course, this is just a metaphor; if we truly printed three hundred million taels of treasure notes, it would essentially be an advance on future national taxes.

Borrowing future silver to solve present matters.

This is not a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul.

After all, if we now have silver, once the Five Great Oases' issues are solved, in five or six years, together with Da Xia dragon awns, we can see how far the Da Xia Dynasty will develop.

But now without silver, the Five Great Oases' matters can only be handled slowly.

Delaying a day now pushes success a day later.

"Minister Yang, what do you think of the Alliance?"

Mentioning the Alliance, Emperor Yongsheng could not help but ask Yang Kai what he thought.

Regarding Da Xia treasure notes, Emperor Yongsheng is not very willing; he once tried it and almost collapsed the Da Xia economic system.

Now that the Great Jin Dynasty is doing it, he also immediately discussed it with He Yan, understanding that treasure notes are not something that can be produced on a whim.

In any case, at the very least, the Da Xia Dynasty cannot manage it.

"Your Majesty, the Alliance is a complete provocation of our Da Xia Dynasty; the Ministry of Rites is already preparing a proclamation."

"If the Alliance is established, the Ministry of Rites will sever friendly relations with all nations; any who join the Alliance will be barred from entering our Da Xia Dynasty."

"In trade and navigation, we will also launch a strong strike."

Yang Kai spoke.

This is his thought.

It is also the ministers' thought.

After all, the Alliance is a joint effort of the Immortal Sect, the Buddhist Sect, the Great Jin Dynasty, and the Fuyu Dynasty; trying to stop it would be difficult.

We can only try to intimidate some vassal states, give the Alliance obstacles; otherwise, saying nothing, Da Xia would truly be easy to bully.

But this answer did not satisfy Emperor Yongsheng.

"Simply cutting off commercial cooperation achieves little deterrence."

"I have a plan, I wonder how the ministers feel about it?"

Emperor Yongsheng said, and after finishing, under the officials' gaze, he slowly continued.

"War against the Xiongnu."

Emperor Yongsheng uttered these four words.

For a moment, the entire court of civil and military officials was stunned.

War against the Xiongnu?

This is no small matter.

If war breaks out, it is not a simple punitive expedition; it would be under the banner of annihilating a state; otherwise, just fighting a battle—what's the point? Our own house has a heap of unresolved matters, yet we would declare war abroad?

"Your Majesty, absolutely not."

"Your Majesty, at this moment, Da Xia cannot endure a great war."

"The three major disaster zones have not been fully pacified, the Five Great Oases are slowly relocating the populace; now is not the time for recklessness."

"Please, Your Majesty, think it over."

At this moment, the civil ministers all spoke up, each refusing; Yang Kai, Hu Yong, He Yan, Wang Qixin all spoke, even Minister of War Zhao Yiyang could not help but step forward; although he did not refuse, his attitude was very clear.

At this crucial moment, it truly cannot be fought.

But the civil officials refuse, and the military generals are each extremely agitated; now that they learn Jiangzhong Commandery has so much grain, the soldiers each become scheming.

For the generals, only war can raise their rank, so actually fighting is not a bad thing for them.

"Your Majesty, I think it is possible. The alliance's move completely looks down on our Da Xia Dynasty. If Jiangzhong Commandery can annually produce five billion shi of grain, all of this Dragon Rice, and we only need one billion shi of Dragon Rice, I am willing to sweep the Xiongnu for you, horse‑treading the royal court."

A marquis stepped forward, spoke directly, and wanted to volunteer.

But another voice rang out immediately.

"The old minister is willing to sweep the Xiongnu for Your Majesty. Though I am eighty‑three this year, I am still robust and can serve you. I do not need one billion shi of grain; just give me eight hundred million shi of grain."

A duke stepped forward, and he just calculated where one billion shi of grain would be needed—count it as a hundred‑thousand‑strong army's expedition.

A soldier consumes one jin of rice per day; including transport loss, warhorse fodder, and all other expenses, a day's consumption is only five million jin of grain.

Over a year, that amounts to only fifteen million shi of grain.

Of course this is only the simplest consumption; if war truly breaks out, there are also rewards for the three armies, military pay, and so on.

Annual consumption can be kept around one million shi of grain.

Including three years of fighting, plus various relief funds, various losses, and a whole series of other items.

Thirty hundred million shi of grain is just right; the extra five hundred million shi would be used to boost morale, and after a victory to issue more military pay, raising spirits.

Thinking that way, Duke Xin's inner voice shouted.

He has never fought such a wealthy campaign in his life.

If Your Majesty approves, I'll bring eight hundred million shi of grain myself; still afraid we won't win?

I can exhaust them to death, these Xiongnu dogs.

Today we won't fight, reward the three armies.

Tomorrow we fight, what? Our troops stand for a day with no casualties, reward.

Ha? The weather is bright and sunny; this is a good omen from Heaven, reward.

At this rate, how spectacular will the momentum of a million‑strong army be?

Think about it, we haven't even fought yet, and we're giving this much without winning; if we win, how much more will we give?

Throughout history, wars are fought over provisions; with provisions comes morale, and with morale everything improves.

When the quantity piles up, there's no fear of losing.

Unfortunately, just as Duke Xin finished speaking, someone immediately stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, I think the duke has bled for Da Xia for the first half of his life; now it should be time for him to enjoy his later years."

"Such a war should be taken up by us juniors; I am willing to lead with six hundred million shi of grain, and within three years, conquer the Xiongnu nation."

A marquis stepped forward and said so.

"What? Since when does a war require so much grain?"

"I only need five hundred million shi, Your Majesty, five hundred million shi is enough."

"Good fellow, reducing one billion shi to five hundred million shi? Do you want it that way? Your Majesty, four hundred million shi will do for me."

"Everyone stop arguing, I have three hundred million shi; if that's not enough I'll sell my own property to fight, okay?"

In an instant, the generals each began to undercut each other, from one billion down to three hundred million shi, and later someone even offered two hundred million shi of grain.

Anyway, knowing Da Xia isn't short of grain, they'll shout first and worry later; if we truly go to war without grain, can the court refuse to supply?

Before we were poor and had to save; if it's gone, it's gone.

Now we have so much grain, there's no worry.

Listening to the generals speak like that, the civil officials each shook their heads.

Emperor Yongsheng's gaze turned oddly toward these people.

Do these people have something wrong with their brains?

Da Xia is so rich now; why should they be the ones to campaign? This war, no matter what, must be led by us. But of course, we can't say that outright.

"Enough."

"The matter of marching against the Xiongnu, my mind is set; however, considering Da Xia's current famine year, it's not good to raise troops."

"Zhao Aiqing, I task you with drafting the battle plan; my budget this time is fifteen hundred million shi of grain."

"As for the troops, let me think; the war must be fought anyway, but we can delay a while. When exactly, we'll decide later."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke.

Anyway, going to war is inevitable; horse‑treading the royal court is something every Da Xia emperor wishes to do, and every soldier wants to achieve.

Only this sky‑splattering merit is enough to be recorded in the annals.

Who doesn't want that? Of course, to lead the imperial carriage into battle, one must find a reason and an excuse, and also have others request it; otherwise, if I were to step forward and say I want to lead, …

The biggest resistance is probably these generals.

Especially since I just said a fifteen hundred million shi grain expedition.

With so much grain, this isn't a campaign; it's a display of wealth.

To be honest, when I finished mentioning the fifteen hundred million shi of grain, Emperor Yongsheng was so excited; fighting once in this life…

But right now we need to handle two groups of people.

Civil officials.

Military generals.

"When the time comes, let Duke Zhen Guo speak publicly and give me a hand; I've been so good to Gu Jinian, Duke Zhen Guo should give me some face, right?"

Emperor Yongsheng thought to himself.

"Your Majesty."

"We still refuse to go on campaign."

"Please, Your Majesty, think it over."

He Yan continued speaking, trying to dissuade Emperor Yongsheng.

After all, the good days have finally arrived; now you want to go to war—can't you just have a little peace?

"Dismiss the court."

Then Emperor Yongsheng ignored He Yan, waved his hand and said to dismiss the court.

Campaigning against the Xiongnu was his greatest dream.

In the past there was no choice; he had nothing to say.

Now there is a choice, and he must act.

Some matters, if not done now, will never be done later.

Of course, this matter truly requires careful deliberation, but regardless, the generals must be dealt with.

The civil officials have nothing to say.

He wasn't asking those civil officials, but informing them.

As for the generals, it's indeed difficult; it's clear they all want to lead troops to campaign against the Xiongnu.

After the court was dismissed,

the civil officials gathered and discussed these matters.

Regardless, whether we go to war or not, at least the Da Xia Dynasty's grain crisis has been resolved.

Yang Kai was surrounded by the ministers, constantly being asked about Jiangzhong Commandery.

And the generals, unusually, gathered to listen.

Yang Kai, in fact, didn't brag at all; he just laid out the matters of Jiangzhong Commandery one by one.

But there were also nitpickers; He Yan kept nitpicking, and everyone knew his purpose—to fear that this was just a dream.

Thus.

The affairs in the court gradually spread outward.

Such matters can't be hidden; aside from that, after the Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty made their major decisions, the Da Xia Dynasty learned of it immediately.

Only the Zhongzhou Dynasty was different; after all, its court meetings are rare, and the Zhongzhou emperor issues orders one by one.

If rumors spread, it would be easy to target directly.

Other dynasties tried to copy the tactic, but couldn't; first, it's a matter of imperial authority, second, it's dangerous.

All matters are handled by the emperor alone; if something goes wrong, the emperor alone is responsible.

That's irregular and not good.

That's why the Zhongzhou emperor is called a legend.

Jiangzhong Dragon Rice.

Campaign against the Xiongnu.

These two matters were dispatched at the fastest speed.

The biggest reaction came from Lord Zhen Guo.

Within Jiangzhong Commandery.

Lord Zhen Guo, upon hearing the news, laughed for a long time inside the main camp.

"Indeed, just as I suspected, Your Majesty will certainly campaign against the Xiongnu."

"All these court generals, each shameless, even want to volunteer for the campaign? Can't they see? This time's Xiongnu campaign, Your Majesty has already preselected the candidates."

"I am the unrivaled choice."

"Hahaha."

Lord Zhen Guo laughed heartily; hearing that Your Majesty intended to campaign against the Xiongnu made him extremely delighted, and learning that the entire court's civil and military officials volunteered only to be rejected by the emperor made him even happier.

Why? Because it's clearly an invitation for him to go.

In the whole Da Xia Dynasty, if he doesn't go, who will?

"Grandfather Gu, don't laugh so happily; what if you aren't chosen after all?"

"Besides, you're already of advanced age, still clamoring to go to the battlefield— is it necessary?"

Inside the main camp, Gu Ningya spoke.

Hearing this, Grandfather Gu frowned.

"Old Six."

"Come here."

He called out.

Gu Ningya slightly frowned.

"Grandfather Gu, you don't intend to hit me, do you?"

Gu Ningya asked.

"Come over, father has something to tell you."

Grandfather Gu smiled.

"Father, don't lie to me."

Gu Ningya thought for a moment, then stepped forward.

Immediately, Grandfather Gu kicked forward.

Boom.

The latter fell to the ground, crying out in pain.

"My age?"

"At my age I'm still thinking about going to the battlefield, while at your age you're busy all day thinking about how to flatter and curry favor, thinking about climbing the ranks."

"You should look at your own cowardice; if it weren't for the great achievements I made back then, who would be the Suspended Lantern Department Commander today, let alone you?"

"You really are funny."

"Besides, for the General Who Conquers the Xiongnu, if I don't pick myself, who else would I choose?"

"Think about it yourself: among all the military officials of the court, who can match your father?"

"They're all a bunch of useless trash; believe it or not, if I go to the court, who would dare to petition? No one would even utter a single nonsense word."

Grandfather Gu cursed.

Hearing that, Gu Ningya felt a bit depressed; he knew he was about to get a beating.

But thinking carefully, his own grandfather wasn't wrong.

"Father, the words aren't wrong."

"But whether to fight or not is still an unknown; we didn't always shout about fighting before, and what happened? Nothing ever materialized."

"The Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of Personnel, Ministry of Works, Ministry of Rites—will they agree?"

"Moreover, since the Xiongnu Nation is joining the alliance this time, if a real war breaks out, the Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty—would they just sit and wait for death?"

Gu Ningya spoke up; after taking a kick, he became honest.

"This time is different."

"It's precisely because the Xiongnu Nation joined the alliance that a war becomes possible."

Grandfather Gu shook his head.

Yet he understood what Gu Ningya said.

War is no child's play; it's not enough just to have food, you need a justified cause, high morale, and most importantly, war profits.

None can be lacking.

Otherwise, to start a war just for pride? Then the brain must have been kicked by a donkey.

"Fine, you're right; I need to write a letter to Jin Nian."

"Actually, the key is the Ministry of Revenue; as long as the Ministry has no major issues, this war has hope."

"Now the grain tax of Jiangzhong Commandery was arranged by Jin Nian; we need to give him a face, let him lobby the Six Ministries, and the Ministry of Revenue should grant him that favor."

"Moreover, Yang Kai gets along well with Jin Nian, so the Ministry of Rites issue is also resolved."

Grandfather Gu muttered to himself.

As for the civil officials, he can't handle it; only Gu Jin Nian can.

"If we let Jin Nian recommend again, Father, this expedition will have many eyes on it; if Jin Nian can say a couple of words for you, wouldn't that secure it?"

Gu Ningya spoke, reminding Grandfather Gu.

But Grandfather Gu shook his head outright.

"Why let Jin Nian take the lead? This position has already been internally assigned to me by His Majesty; who else but me? Moreover, if I fight for it, who dares not give me face? His Majesty must grant me at least a sliver of favor."

Grandfather Gu was very domineering.

It's not blind confidence.

In fact, that's how it is; among all the civil and military officials of the court, who is more suitable than oneself? Pick someone else? "That's not necessarily so."

Gu Ningya still felt his old father had reached his age; not contesting it, the hope is not great.

"Shut up."

"Keep your eyes wide open and watch carefully; when I petition, see who dares to contest me. Whoever does, I'll slap them away. Don't doubt it—if I don't slap them, your father will be the one with a reversed surname."

Grandfather Gu spoke, immensely bold.

At this moment, a battle plan already formed in his mind.

With his mind set, Grandfather Gu immediately wrote a letter to Gu Jin Nian.

Same.

As the news spread to the various nations.

Inside the Xiongnu Court.

The Xiongnu King's expression was the worst.

"Does the Da Xia Dynasty truly refuse peace?"

"What's this? Why attack us Xiongnu when everything's fine?"

"During this period, what has the Xiongnu Nation provoked from Da Xia?"

On the throne.

The Xiongnu King, furious and desperate, said Da Xia's calamity has just passed; aren't they supposed to provide disaster relief? Aren't they supposed to take care of the aftermath?

And suddenly, out of nowhere, they say they want to attack us?

Isn't that sick?

Full and got nothing to do?

Listening to the Xiongnu King's anger, in the great hall each official remained silent.

And after the Xiongnu King vented his fury.

Finally, the Xiongnu Nation's Minister of Revenue spoke.

"Your Majesty."

"I believe this time the Da Xia Dynasty will not invade our Xiongnu Nation."

As the Minister of Revenue spoke, for a moment all civil and military officials of the court couldn't help but look at the other side.

Their gazes were full of curiosity.

"Why is that?"

The Xiongnu King looked puzzled and asked thus.

Upon hearing this, the Minister of Revenue let out a slight cough, then spoke slowly.

"There are three points: the Da Xia Dynasty has no intention of invading."

"First, the Da Xia's recent natural disaster has just ended; although there is Heaven's blessing, I know that Da Xia's Longxi Commandery, Donglin Commandery, Nanyue Commandery, and many other matters still need to be dealt with, and the five great oases also need relocation, the grain and fodder consumed are countless. To put it bluntly, only the Great Jin Dynasty, the Fuyu Dynasty, and our Xiongnu Nation can spare the full effort to assist."

"Otherwise, the Da Xia Dynasty could not safely get through this juncture, and at this critical moment, what reason would the Da Xia Dynasty have to invade our Xiongnu Nation?"

He spoke, brimming with confidence.

But as soon as his words fell, a different voice rang out immediately.

"Incorrect."

"There are reports that the Da Xia Dynasty has recently produced a kind of dragon rice, identical in quality to Great Jin dragon rice, even superior, and this grain is abundant, originating from Jiangzhong Commandery. It is precisely because of this that Da Xia has taken the intention to advance."

Someone spoke up, rebutting the other.

Upon hearing this, the Xiongnu Nation's Minister of Revenue couldn't help but laugh heartily.

That laugh caused many to frown.

"Lord Hā Yóu, why do you laugh?"

Someone spoke, furrowing their brows.

"I laugh at the Da Xia Dynasty's lack of strategy."

"How dare they present such a scam to embarrass themselves?"

"All under heaven know that the Great Jin Dynasty possesses dragon rice, and the Great Jin Dynasty is recently preparing to issue dragon rice treasure notes."

"At this critical moment, the Da Xia Dynasty also has dragon rice? What does that imply?"

"Everyone, think carefully: the Da Xia Dynasty is clearly trying to counter Great Jin dragon rice, so they fabricated a lie, perhaps also intending to issue Da Xia treasure notes. Unfortunately, the Da Xia Dynasty is far too arrogant."

"Treating the people of the world as fools, truly believing that by presenting a portion of high‑quality grain, they can pose as dragon rice?"

"This is also the second reason the Da Xia Dynasty will not attack."

Hā Yóu sneered continuously, his gaze full of arrogance.

"Pose as dragon rice?"

"Dragon rice treasure notes?"

"With your words, I understand now."

The ministers gradually awakened, feeling that Hā Yóu was indeed correct.

"That's not right. If this were true, then simply obtaining a bit of dragon rice from the Da Xia Dynasty would reveal whether it's genuine or not, wouldn't it?"

"Could the Da Xia Dynasty be so foolish?"

Someone frowned, thinking this unlikely.

"This is precisely the only wise aspect of the Da Xia Dynasty: Heaven's blessing naturally gives rise to wondrous phenomena."

"Jiangzhong Commandery dispatched five hundred thousand troops to garrison, proving that a genuine uprising occurred there; this point cannot be explained clearly."

"However, after Heaven's blessing, Jiangzhong Commandery may have truly been elevated by this blessing, and the grain transformed."

"In other words, Jiangzhong Commandery now indeed has a substantial amount of high‑quality grain, whose effect is likely no weaker than Great Jin dragon rice, after all it is Heaven's blessing."

"Thus the Da Xia Dynasty conceived this plan: feigning an attack on our Xiongnu Nation, while actually intending to do two things."

"To deter our Xiongnu Nation from joining the Alliance, and to broadcast the reputation of Da Xia dragon rice, thereby resisting Great Jin dragon rice."

He spoke, appearing supremely confident.

In an instant, everyone fully comprehended, for this logic was sound and highly reasonable.

"I, the King, understand now."

"Your meaning is that the Da Xia Dynasty's invasion of our Xiongnu Nation is a pretense; its true aim is to counter the Great Jin treasure notes, and the claim of invasion is merely for face?"

The Xiongnu King also understood, and couldn't help but sigh in relief.

At this critical juncture, if the Da Xia Dynasty truly attacked, it would indeed not be a good thing for the Xiongnu Nation.

"Indeed."

"Your Majesty is wise."

Hā Yóu nodded seriously, causing the Xiongnu King to deeply exhale in relief.

"However, according to your meaning, should our Xiongnu Nation still join the Alliance?"

The Xiongnu King was somewhat worried.

Since the Da Xia Dynasty aims to prevent the Xiongnu Nation from joining the Alliance, serving as deterrence, with the intention of countering the Great Jin treasure notes, if the Xiongnu Nation insists on joining, could it invite trouble? "Yes."

"Your Majesty, joining the Alliance is the path to lasting stability."

"This time, the Da Xia Dynasty seeks to resist the Great Jin treasure notes, so the Great Jin Dynasty will inevitably provide aid. Moreover, by joining the Alliance, we become allies; if the Da Xia Dynasty truly dares to lead troops to attack, would a fellow ally stand idly by?"

"If we refuse to join the Alliance, first our Xiongnu Nation's morale will drop, second the Da Xia's plot will succeed, third the major dynasties will ignore us. Should the Da Xia Dynasty be ready and truly attack, the Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty would certainly not consent."

He spoke, earnestly analyzing the current situation.

What he said was entirely correct.

However, at that moment, a voice sounded from outside.

"Report."

"Great Jin envoy, an urgent missive from ten thousand li."

"Please, Your Majesty, review it."

As the voice rang out, everyone couldn't help but turn their gazes.

The Xiongnu King immediately took the letter.

He opened it and read, then couldn't help but rejoice greatly.

"Very well."

Hayu, just as you said.

The Great Jin Dynasty also saw through Da Xia's plot; the Da Xia Dynasty simply wants to hinder the development of the Great Jin treasure notes.

The alliance meeting will be officially held in two months, in the Xiongnu Kingdom; at that time all major forces will gather. The Great Jin emperor's letter said that if the Da Xia Dynasty dares any incursion, the whole Eastern Wilderness will be wiped out together.

Hahaha.

I, the king, want to see what other means the Da Xia Dynasty has.

The Xiongnu King was overjoyed.

Although Hayu said a lot, his logic also holds.

But he still isn't reassured.

Now it's different; the Great Jin Dynasty sent a letter, which, in and out, is unconditional support, and the alliance will hold a grand conference, set in the Xiongnu Kingdom.

This is telling the Da Xia Dynasty that they are not afraid; if they want to move against the Xiongnu Kingdom, they must weigh whether they are worthy.

Even at its peak, the Da Xia Dynasty might not have been able to destroy the Xiongnu Kingdom, let alone now with so many affairs.

Moreover, there is direct aid from the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty; at that time, there might even be support from the immortal sect and the Buddhist sect.

This time he is not scared at all.

If he weren't afraid of causing too much impact, he would have wanted to shout out.

Since that's the case, let's proceed with that understanding.

The Xiongnu King spoke.

Let all civil and military officials withdraw.

After all civil and military officials withdrew, a figure appeared here.

It was the Kong family Great Scholar.

Sir, are all the incriminating evidences cleared?

The Xiongnu King spoke, somewhat urgently.

Your Majesty, to resolve it completely still poses some trouble; grant me three more months, and it will be clean.

He spoke earnestly.

As soon as possible.

Sorry to trouble you, sir.

The Xiongnu King sighed; he was also a bit impatient, but couldn't press.

Please, Your Majesty, rest assured.

The latter nodded.

He understood this matter in his heart, because if it were discovered, it wouldn't be a trivial issue.

By the way.

When dealing with this, leave not a single survivor.

The Xiongnu King continued.

That's nearly a hundred thousand people; were they all killed?

The Kong family Great Scholar swallowed his saliva, somewhat shocked.

I'm not a Xiongnu; if they are killed, let them be killed.

Remember, leave not a single living soul.

The Xiongnu King spoke.

Understood.

The latter nodded.

Thus.

Time passed bit by bit.

The Da Xia Dynasty's dragon rice issue and the matter of attacking the Xiongnu Kingdom, the Eastern Wilderness remained very calm.

The only thing that happened was that the Great Jin Dynasty directly stated, asserting that the Da Xia Dynasty has no dragon rice at all.

Aside from that, nothing else was said.

Da Xia commoners were high‑spirited; war or not, morale must be present, especially after the heavens bestowed blessings, the people were unclear about Da Xia's exact situation.

But they always felt Da Xia was invincible, so naturally, when the court wanted war, everyone supported it.

As for the Da Xia Capital.

The hottest topic wasn't that.

It was the Da Xia Nightless City.

The commoners had no idea what the Da Xia Nightless City was; they only knew a small town was built outside the city gate, knew nothing about it, and previously guessed it was Gu Jin Nian's marquis residence.

Now that the news spread, the people finally understood what it was.

The reason it quickly dominated the conversation is that anyone who went to the Da Xia Nightless City received a gift.

For the commoners, that was a good thing.

Most importantly, the Da Xia Nightless City was opened by Gu Jin Nian, attracting countless commoners to visit.

During this period.

One dragon boat after another, and one merchant cart after another, were sent into the Da Xia Nightless City, mostly carrying grain.

There were also some strange and odd items, all concealed.

No one knew exactly what they were.

But the more mysterious, the more enticing.

For the capital's commoners, each day was nothing more than finishing a meal, chatting idly, having a sip of wine after chatting, then listening to a tune; those with silver would go to the arcade to play, those without would just enjoy themselves.

Wealthy people also at most just keep lingering in the garden, unable to tear themselves away.

Besides that, there actually aren't any recreational activities; as for things like horseback riding and archery, only the especially wealthy can play them.

Nowadays, suddenly there's something new, and it naturally attracts people, ah.

Over the past ten or so days, the entire Da Xia Nightless City has been busy every day.

Even the court has taken notice.

Knowing it was Gu Jin Nian who came up with it, the court from top to bottom is puzzled, not knowing what this actually is.

Inside the Crown Prince's residence.

Looking at the notice of Da Xia Nightless City, Li Gao also managed to relax a bit; these past days, his mood has been very bad.

Now seeing this scene, his mind eased a little.

And inside the imperial palace.

The Yongsheng Emperor looked at the notice, then turned his gaze toward the Nightless City.

Finally, he sighed.

"Ah."

"Prepare some silver, in a few days send it to the Crown Prince, and say it's money that Jin Nian returned to him."

"Really, making the Crown Prince lose money would just be troublesome."

The Yongsheng Emperor spoke, ordering Wei Xian.

At the same time he sighed, shook his head, and basically had no confidence in this so-called Da Xia Nightless City.

Soon, the Yongsheng Emperor turned back to the jade table and continued studying the major military campaign.

He will personally lead the expedition!!!

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