105 Planning
◎I, your humble servant, am honored to be the Empress. I have nothing else to ask for.◎
Rong Qianyu had already had this in mind, so only after Fu Hua nodded did she dare to speak. "Qianbei was hit by an epidemic at the beginning of the year, and many cattle and sheep died. If we provoke them now, there's no guarantee they won't invade southward, resulting in a complete catastrophe. Appeasement will only embolden them. It's better to take advantage of the epidemic and offer them some sweet treats so they can't stop us, allowing Your Majesty to keep them in check forever."
She was more thoughtful than Fu Hua, and Fu Hua was somewhat surprised by her words. Although they had been married for many years, they were just the most familiar strangers. His understanding of Rong Qianyu still remained at the time of the last epidemic.
I just thought she had some courage, but I didn't expect that she also had such insights into state affairs, and was no less than the ministers in the court.
Fu Hua has always disliked intelligent women. A woman who is too smart always makes him, the emperor, seem useless. Although Cui Rumei is very favored, she has never had any ideas about such matters.
It seems that it is true to marry a virtuous wife.
Fu Hua patiently tried to hear her thoughts, his eyes filled with admiration. "What do you mean?"
Rong Qianyu spread out the map and pointed to the border between Qianbei and Great Zhou. "This is the northernmost point of Great Zhou, right next to Qianbei. We can open a trade market here to promote trade. Firstly, it will be more convenient for the people living on the border. Secondly, it will increase exchanges and make life more peaceful and prosperous, which will also benefit the country."
Before she finished speaking, she continued, "It's not enough to just focus on the border areas. We also need policies in the capital to encourage the people of Qianbei to come to Zhou to trade, become officials, and settle down."
This was a method Fu Hua had never thought of. The influence of the late emperor had made him believe that the only way to solve the problem between the two countries was through force and marriage.
He also understood Rong Qianyu's good intentions, but this had nothing to do with the current epidemic. He asked again, "Then how should this epidemic be handled?"
This is exactly what Rong Qianyu was going to say next. She had always been so reserved in the past because she didn't want her true nature to be seen through. She didn't want Fu Hua to see this.
But now that she has ascended the throne, she is well aware of her responsibilities. Whether she is willing to admit it or not, she and Fu Hua are one. Only when the emperor and empress work together can the country be strong and the people be happy.
Therefore, even if she didn't like Fu Hua, she would give him advice and suggestions as long as he needed her. Even if she didn't like Cui Rumei and the women in the harem who regarded her as their mortal enemy, she would not touch any woman.
The Queen's duty is to manage the country. If she distracts the Emperor, she will be derelict in her duty.
She may not have grace, but doing these things is what people want and is her best guarantee.
She may not have children, but she loves them sincerely, and all her children have to call her mother.
To this end, she will fulfill her duties as a subject and her responsibilities as a wife. She never asks for anything else.
"Qianbei's climate isn't conducive to the growth of medicinal herbs. Great Zhou could provide them with a prescription, prepare sufficient quantities, and have them delivered to the front lines 800 miles away. We are friendly neighbors and don't wish to engage in war. However, we must be prepared. The specific dosage of this prescription cannot be disclosed."
This move was indeed brilliant. He gave Qian Bei a life-saving prescription, but he didn't tell him the details. Firstly, the Great Zhou had not deceived him and had extended a helping hand. Secondly, it was also to leave a back-up plan for himself, to grasp Qian Bei's vital point and hold it in his own hands forever.
This would not only solve Qian Bei's urgent problem, but also give him a chance to gain control. The people would not only not feel resentful, but would be grateful instead. It would also earn Fu Hua a good reputation for being compassionate to the people. It was a perfect way to kill two birds with one stone.
After listening to her, Fu Hua suddenly understood and clapped his hands in praise of Rong Qianyu, "That's very good, very good!" He couldn't stop smiling.
Giving a sweet date naturally leads to a slap in the face. Rong Qianyu smiled and said in a gentle tone, "I have another unwelcome request. I wonder if it is possible..."
Fu Hua was in high spirits and would agree to anything he said, "You say!"
She flattened the map, circled an area, and moved the state.
"This is the city that the late emperor conquered from Qianbei a few years ago. I think we should show some respect to Qianbei this time and return it to them, so that they can see the sincerity of the Great Zhou."
Fu Hua was in a dilemma when he said this. This place was conquered by the previous emperor, who had spent a lot of effort on it. Now the mourning period has not yet arrived. Returning this place would be unfilial and would also make it seem that the Zhou Dynasty was changing its policies.
"But if we do that, won't it seem like we're too easy to talk to?"
"Although this place is the territory of our Great Zhou, the people who live here now are descendants of Qianbei. They are over twenty years old, but they have never submitted and are often in internal strife. A family is separated by a river and can never see each other in their lifetime. In such a situation, forcing them to stay in the Great Zhou will only bring endless troubles. Why not do a favor and let these people appreciate your majesty's kindness?"
Rong Qianyu had thought of every detail so carefully that no one could come up with any reason to refute her.
This is a good thing. During the ten years since Qianzhou Ru Dayu was exiled, there has been almost no peace. It has been a hot potato for the Great Zhou, so returning it would be a relief.
Fu Hua was also convinced by her and admired Rong Qianyu very much, "You are very thoughtful. If the Queen has anything she wants, just tell me, I will definitely make it happen!"
Rong Qianyu looked at Fu Hua timidly, "Your Majesty, are you serious?"
Fu Hua's eyes were bright, and he looked much happier today. He said, "Of course."
Rong Qianyu thought it over and said, "Yu'er is a smart child, but his mother is of humble origin. He is frightened, and Liu has cried to me, fearing he might be bullied. I like Yu'er very much, and he is Your Majesty's eldest son, a noble one. Please allow me to adopt Yu'er as my son."
This was indeed an idea she had been planning for a long time, but the process had been accelerated. She didn't want to be so anxious, but now that things had come to this, it would probably be difficult to find another opportunity to ask Fu Hua for help.
He did not refute it. He should give Liu Chunyan an explanation for this matter.
"There's one more thing..." Rong Qianyu's expression became tense, and she no longer had the ease she had just in the conversation.
Fu Hua could see that she was a little embarrassed and didn't know what she was going to say, but he still nodded and allowed her to speak, "Go ahead, don't worry."
Rong Qianyu spoke hesitantly, and despite Fu Hua's consent, she was still very embarrassed.
She was not pleading for others, not for herself, but for Cui Rumei.
It’s not because she is so magnanimous, but because she wants to find a way to nip the problem in the bud. If she wants to put an end to Cui Rumei’s arrogance, she must solve the problem fundamentally.
Fu Hua could never have imagined that she would plead for Cui Rumei at this moment. In his impression, the two of them were like water and fire.
Fu Hua knew all these things. The concubines in the harem had a lot of complaints about Cui Rumei because she was not on good terms with them, and he was very aware of it, but he never stopped them.
"Although Cui was indeed pampered this time, she did contribute to childbearing, and Your Majesty has punished her. I think that's enough. Ultimately, Cui is so worried because there's no one to take care of her at home. She's a weak woman all alone, relying on Your Majesty. It would be better if Your Majesty promoted a few of her brothers to give her some face. However, the official titles must be appropriate and not biased, otherwise the old ministers will have many objections."
This matter touched Fu Hua's heart. He had this intention for a long time, but had to give up because of Yu'er's matter. Now that the Queen had spoken, it was justified.
He was extremely delighted. This was the first time Rong Qianyu bowed her head to show goodwill.
Fu Hua took Rong Qianyu's hand, covered her fair and tender little hand with his big hand, and clasped their fingers together tightly. One would have thought that they were a deeply affectionate young couple.
Fu Hua was the best at acting, sometimes even fooling himself. "You've been so thoughtful. Mei'er will definitely appreciate your efforts. Why don't you just ask for something for yourself?"
Rong Qianyu gradually softened in front of him and put her hand on him again, "I am honored to be the queen. I have nothing else to ask for. I only hope that Your Majesty can consider us as a couple and not let me down."
About ten days later, Rong Qianyu hastily held a simple family dinner and officially acknowledged Yu'er as her adopted son. In this way, Yu'er had a status comparable to that of a legitimate son, and Liu Chunyan no longer had to worry.
The banquet was not large, with no outsiders present. There were only the emperor, the empress dowager, the prince's biological mother, and a few well-trained concubines and ladies-in-waiting.
Fu Hua's major issue was resolved, and he had been very happy in recent days. "Today is a family dinner, a wedding banquet, everyone please feel free to do as you please, no need to be restrained!"
The concubines and ladies were toasting each other, but there was only one person who had a gloomy face and didn't say a word from beginning to end.
"Has Lord Xue arrived?" Bai Yi put down his wine glass, finally unable to hold back.
Xue Ji stood out from the crowd, dressed in a red robe, and said, "Greetings to the Queen Mother."
Bai Yi was intimidating without being angry. His eyes swept over everything below him. The concubines dropped their chopsticks and dared not speak. "You are the seal-bearer of the Imperial Household Department, responsible for reviewing and stamping documents. So how did this imperial edict get to the Ministry of Chancellery?"
Xue Ji didn't understand what was going on. "That's... no problem. I wonder what the Queen Mother means?"
Rong Qianyu knew that this was directed at her.
"It's not your problem, it's the emperor's problem?" she asked.
Not getting an answer from Xue Ji, she turned to question Fu Hua, "The five counties and seventeen districts of Qianzhou have been part of our Great Zhou territory for twenty years. I wonder what your majesty's intention is in handing over the city that the late emperor worked so hard to conquer to someone else."
Ultimately, it was Fu Hua who approved this matter, and he didn't want to embarrass either of them at this time. "Mother, today is a family dinner, not a discussion of political affairs."
"A country exists only when there is a family, and state affairs are also family affairs. Since today is a wedding banquet, I will ask the host of this banquet." Bai Yi finally asked Rong Qianyu, "Queen, how do you plan to explain?"
Rong Qianyu stood up and knelt, and the women in the room followed suit, saying, "This was all my son's idea. Mother, please don't blame the Queen."
Bai Yi didn't expect that she didn't even want to argue, and was so calm as if she was fearless.
Ever since Fu Tao's death, Bai Yi rarely cared about palace affairs. Her health was not as good as before and she didn't want to get involved. However, this matter involved the late emperor. She and the late emperor had been in love for thirty years, and she couldn't ignore it.
"After the last incident, the Empress has become more and more able to make decisions for the Emperor, and the Emperor is truly obedient. Are all the ministers dead? They even gave Qianzhou to someone else, so why do you give it to me just like that? I like your cleverness and sense of propriety, but now you are a little too clever."
Xue Ji interrupted, "Empress Dowager, the final rules were set by me, and I was responsible for stamping them. It has nothing to do with the Empress Dowager!"
Rong Qianyu really didn't want to argue and took the initiative to admit her mistake, "This was my son's idea."
Bai Yi was startled, "What?"
Although Rong Qianyu was kneeling, she stood straight and neither humble nor arrogant. It would be more accurate to say that she was fearless rather than admitting her mistake.
She raised her voice again and said, "I did this, but please listen to what I have to say before you make your decision. I will obey your orders and have no regrets!"
Bai Yi was also curious about what excuse she could have for ceding the land. "Tell me."
"This time, Qianbei has made some unusual moves, and the ministers are thinking of appeasement. Appeasement is nothing more than tolerating the traitors and lowering their stance. This way, our Great Zhou can recuperate. But if we continue to make concessions and wait for Qianbei to recover and invade the Central Plains, the people will suffer."
This was indeed her own initiative, and her words seemed to be very familiar and she could handle it with ease.
She was smart and knew what to say to calm Bai Yi down.
"I, your son, have taken the initiative and come up with an idea. Rather than waiting for death, I would rather take advantage of it and make Qianbei my own. Those who plan ahead will prosper, while those who plan beforehand will perish. Those who plan beforehand plan beforehand, while those who are cautious will be cautious before they succeed. Qianzhou is the former territory of Qianbei. If we can only conquer it but not govern it, it would be better to return it so that the people of Qianbei will be grateful for your majesty's kindness. The end result of the six kings and the four seas being united was only the destruction of the country and the ruin of the family. It is clear that simply conquering without being able to subdue or surrender is ultimately useless."
Bai Yi was touched, but his expression was more serious than ever, and he was still angry. "Go on."
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