Chapter 87
Just, Your Majesty, the Yun Crown Prince now holds his troops in self-reliance.
Just, Your Majesty, the Yun Crown Prince now holds his troops in self-reliance.
Just, Your Majesty, the Yun Crown Prince now holds his troops in self-reliance.
Wanting to have him enter the capital for a marriage alliance, I fear this will not be easy.
Wanting to have him enter the capital for a marriage alliance, I fear this will not be easy.
Seeing the officials in the court discussing heatedly, an old minister came out and poured a basin of cold water.
Seeing the officials in the court discussing heatedly, an old minister came out and poured a basin of cold water.
This is easy!
Translation: "This is easy!" Keep.
Your Majesty, please hear me: the Yun Crown Prince currently also serves as the Inspector of Cangzhou and is now training his troops.
Your Majesty, please hear me: the Yun Crown Prince currently also serves as the Inspector of Cangzhou and is now training his troops.
They plan to take advantage of internal strife in the enemy state of Great Yong to invade Great Yong's Qi Prefecture.
They plan to take advantage of internal strife in the enemy state of Great Yong to invade Great Yong's Qi Prefecture.
Hearing the old minister's cold water, the young scholar-official who had earlier proposed the marriage alliance hurriedly spoke up.
Hearing the old minister's cold water, the young scholar-official who had earlier proposed the marriage alliance hurriedly spoke up.
This is the ladder of advancement he proposed; naturally he must spare no effort to see it through.
This is the ladder of advancement he proposed; naturally he must spare no effort to see it through.
As for the life or death of those princesses and imperial clan women...
As for the life or death of those princesses and imperial clan women...
What does it have to do with me?
What does it have to do with me?
Now then, Your Majesty, I think we can send the princesses and imperial clan women, leading a unit of personal troops, to assist the feudal lords and marry them, thereby expressing the imperial family's goodwill and sincerity.
Now then, Your Majesty, I think we can send the princesses and imperial clan women, leading a unit of personal troops, to assist the feudal lords and marry them, thereby expressing the imperial family's goodwill and sincerity.
In that case, the Yun Crown Prince's deployment of troops from Cangzhou to invade Great Yong's Qi Prefecture would amount to having the imperial family's support and recognition, bearing a just cause, and perhaps could curb his separatist ambitions.
In that case, the Yun Crown Prince's deployment of troops from Cangzhou to invade Great Yong's Qi Prefecture would amount to having the imperial family's support and recognition, bearing a just cause, and perhaps could curb his separatist ambitions.
After rising to finish his rebuttal, the young scholar-official bowed to Si Xiao Fei and presented his strategy.
After rising to finish his rebuttal, the young scholar-official bowed to Si Xiao Fei and presented his strategy.
He even worried that on the battlefield swords are blind, fearing any mishap, in order to increase the chances of success.
He even worried that on the battlefield swords are blind, fearing any mishap, in order to increase the chances of success.
This fellow even plans to have Si Xiao Fei send more princesses or imperial clan women to deliver goods to the door.
This fellow even plans to have Si Xiao Fei send more princesses or imperial clan women to deliver goods to the door.
As soon as these words were spoken, the court immediately erupted in discussion.
As soon as these words were spoken, the court immediately erupted in discussion.
Some old ministers sighed and shook their heads, saying this would damage the imperial family's dignity, literally putting the Da Qian imperial family's face on the ground to be trampled.
Some old ministers sighed and shook their heads, saying this would damage the imperial family's dignity, literally putting the Da Qian imperial family's face on the ground to be trampled.
Sending goods to the door would be bad enough, but they still worry it's not enough, so they want to send even more.
Sending goods to the door would be bad enough, but they still worry it's not enough, so they want to send even more.
Looking through Da Qian's several-hundred-year history, it's simply unheard of!
Looking through Da Qian's several-hundred-year history, it's simply unheard of!
However, some scholar-officials believe this is a viable strategy: using just a few women can pacify the East Land Two Prefectures and buy time for Da Qian.
However, some scholar-officials believe this is a viable strategy: using just a few women can pacify the East Land Two Prefectures and buy time for Da Qian.
Weren't these princesses and imperial clan women born precisely for this moment?
Weren't these princesses and imperial clan women born precisely for this moment?
If at this time the Da Qian dynasty's prosperous age descended, all under heaven would be at peace.
If at this time the Da Qian dynasty's prosperous age descended, all under heaven would be at peace.
Then those princesses and imperial clan women would naturally live prosperously, free of worry for their whole lives.
Then those princesses and imperial clan women would naturally live prosperously, free of worry for their whole lives.
But if an age of chaos arrives, then they would naturally become something else entirely.
But if an age of chaos arrives, then they would naturally become something else entirely.
If there's blame to be laid, blame them for being born in the wrong era!
If there's blame to be laid, blame them for being born in the wrong era!
Unfortunately, they were born in this Da Qian era of widespread war and chaos.
Unfortunately, they were born in this Da Qian era of widespread war and chaos.
Si Xiao Fei lowered his head, sunk in thought without speaking, weighing the pros and cons in his heart.
Si Xiao Fei lowered his head, sunk in thought without speaking, weighing the pros and cons in his heart.
He knows this is a sensitive and major decision that requires careful consideration.
He knows this is a sensitive and major decision that requires careful consideration.
But any decision, the difficulty is only the beginning.
But any decision, the difficulty is only the beginning.
After going through the difficult choice, deciding to abandon his own princess or imperial clan woman in exchange for temporary peace in the East Land Two Prefectures...
After going through the difficult choice, deciding to abandon his own princess or imperial clan woman in exchange for temporary peace in the East Land Two Prefectures...
Then Si Xiao Fei would not really object to the young scholar-official's suggestion of sending more.
Then Si Xiao Fei would not really object to the young scholar-official's suggestion of sending more.
Herding one sheep is the same as herding a flock.
Herding one sheep is the same as herding a flock.
Anyway, from the moment the decision to marry was made...
Anyway, from the moment the decision to marry was made...
The Da Qian imperial family's face has already been placed on the ground and stomped on hard several times.
The Da Qian imperial family's face has already been placed on the ground and stomped on hard several times.
Stomping a few more times makes no difference.
Stomping a few more times makes no difference.
Nowadays, the most important thing is how to ensure after being stomped on a few more times...
Nowadays, the most important thing is how to ensure after being stomped on a few more times...
Being able to guarantee getting what one wants!
Being able to guarantee getting what one wants!
Alright, let's discuss the marriage alliance later!
"Alright, let's discuss the marriage alliance later!"
Looking at the officials below arguing noisily, Si Xiao Fei waved his hand and ended the topic.
Looking at the officials below arguing noisily, Si Xiao Fei waved his hand and ended the topic.
On this topic, Si Xiao Fei felt that every word from the officials below was mocking him!
On this topic, Si Xiao Fei felt that every word from the officials below was mocking him!
Furthermore, I will send a wise and courageous minister to the territory of the Prince of Yun in Yun Prefecture to convey my wishes and sincerity. At the same time, I will closely monitor the reactions and movements of the East Land Two Prefectures, ready to respond at any time.
"Furthermore, I will send a wise and courageous minister to the territory of the Prince of Yun in Yun Prefecture to convey my wishes and sincerity. At the same time, I will closely monitor the reactions and movements of the East Land Two Prefectures, ready to respond at any time."
As for the person to be sent on a mission to the Prince of Yun in Yun Prefecture, do you have any recommendations?
"As for the person to be sent on a mission to the Prince of Yun in Yun Prefecture, do you have any recommendations?"
Si Xiao Fei changed the subject, looking at the officials of Da Qian, and then continued speaking.
Si Xiao Fei changed the subject, looking at the officials of Da Qian, and then continued speaking.
Well... this.
"Well... this."
A few senior officials in the hall fell silent for a moment, exchanging glances, each calculating their own choice in their hearts.
A few senior officials in the hall fell silent for a moment, exchanging glances, each calculating their own choice in their hearts.
Suddenly, an old minister stepped forward, knelt before the emperor, and said: "Your Majesty, I have someone to recommend."
Suddenly, an old minister stepped forward, knelt before the emperor, and said: "Your Majesty, I have someone to recommend."
When all the officials were at a loss, a bald guy stepped forward.
When all the officials were at a loss, a bald guy stepped forward.
As soon as he spoke, it was earth-shattering.
As soon as he spoke, it was earth-shattering.
The emperor looked at this old minister, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes: "Oh? Who is it?"
The emperor looked at this old minister, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes: "Oh? Who is it?"
The old minister took a deep breath: "Your Majesty, this humble subject recommends Grand Tutor Gu to go."
The old minister took a deep breath: "Your Majesty, this humble subject recommends Grand Tutor Gu to go."
Gu Changqing, the Undefeated War God of the Da Qian dynasty, also a Three Dynasties Elder and an Entrusted Minister, exhausting all effort to preserve the Da Qian foundation.
Gu Changqing, the Undefeated War God of the Da Qian dynasty, also a Three Dynasties Elder and an Entrusted Minister, exhausting all effort to preserve the Da Qian foundation.
A senior official of the court, high in virtue and prestige, his might shakes the four directions.
A senior official of the court, high in virtue and prestige, his might shakes the four directions.
Upon hearing it was Gu Changqing, Si Xiao Fei's eyes flashed with a hint of approval and respect.
Upon hearing it was Gu Changqing, Si Xiao Fei's eyes flashed with a hint of approval and respect.
He knows Gu Changqing is the best choice, but he also understands that sending Gu Changqing to Yun Prefecture would leave the defenses of Qian Capital vulnerable.
He knows Gu Changqing is the best choice, but he also understands that sending Gu Changqing to Yun Prefecture would leave the defenses of Qian Capital vulnerable.
This is an important gamble, requiring deep thought.
This is an important gamble, requiring deep thought.
Currently, Gu Changqing, the Undefeated War God of the Da Qian dynasty, is leading the last tens of thousands of the Da Qian Qian Capital's Forbidden Army, garrisoned at the Four Gates of Qian Capital.
Currently, Gu Changqing, the Undefeated War God of the Da Qian dynasty, is leading the last tens of thousands of the Da Qian Qian Capital's Forbidden Army, garrisoned at the Four Gates of Qian Capital.
Guarding the safety of the Da Qian capital city.
Guarding the safety of the Da Qian capital city.
Only if Gu Changqing personally guards the Four Gates of Qian Capital can Si Xiao Fei relax and chat idly with these officials.
Only if Gu Changqing personally guards the Four Gates of Qian Capital can Si Xiao Fei relax and chat idly with these officials.
Grand Tutor Gu is certainly the best candidate, but I also need to consider his health.
Grand Tutor Gu is certainly the best candidate, but I also need to consider his health.
Si Xiaofei pondered for a moment, then said slowly, "Moreover, the Grand Tutor is already advanced in age; the toil of travel—can he bear this heavy responsibility?"
The old minister heard these words, and his heart gave a slight start.
He understood the emperor's worries, but he firmly believed only Grand Tutor Gu's ability and prestige could shoulder this important task.
Stabilize the two eastern provinces!
"Your Majesty, although Grand Tutor Gu is advanced in age, he has led many campaigns across the lands and has never neglected his duties."
"This trip to Cloud Prefecture is to stabilize the situation and buy time for the Da Qian dynasty."
"Grand Tutor Gu and Wen Zhong, the Commander of the Nine Heavens Army of Cloud Prefecture, were both undefeated War Gods of our Da Qian dynasty many years ago, and they have served together at court for many years."
"They are old acquaintances; if we send Grand Tutor Gu on a mission to Cloud Prefecture, he will surely pacify the Prince of Cloud and give our Da Qian dynasty a breather."
The old minister spoke with a firm voice.
Si Xiaofei heard these words and fell into deep thought.
He knew the old minister's words were true, yet the worry in his heart could not be dispelled.
Gu Changqing is his last line of defense.
Once the Four Gates of Qian Capital are left without Gu Changqing.
Si Xiaofei felt that even his sleep was not very peaceful.
He feared that as soon as he woke, an unknown army would storm the palace.
After all, the Da Qian dynasty is now turbulent and uncertain.
Moreover, within the Qian City of the Da Qian dynasty, hidden currents surge.
"This matter is of great importance; allow me to consider it further."
Si Xiaofei spoke slowly, waving his hand to signal the end of court.
Dong!
The resonant bell signaling the end of court rang out, breaking the palace's tranquility.
The civil officials rose one after another, bowed their heads in salute to the emperor, and slowly exited the hall.
Their footsteps echoed in the vast hall, sounding especially clear.
Si Xiaofei sat upright on the dragon throne, watching the officials leave one by one; his eyes held a trace of fatigue, but more so determination and resolve.
He knew that for the future of the Da Qian dynasty, he had to make a choice.
The candlelight in the hall swayed gently in the breeze, casting Si Xiaofei's solitary silhouette.
With the last civil official leaving the hall, the entire chamber fell silent once again.
Si Xiaofei sat alone on the dragon throne, gazing deep into the distance, his mind filled with contemplation and weighing.
(End of chapter)
End of Chapter
