Chapter 135 The Little Beggar is Back
Jiang Ling was surprised that he would ask this, and paused for a moment before thinking about it seriously.
"Naturally, we must address both the internal and external threats. At a time like this, choosing only one approach is too dangerous. If the external threat is not resolved, the internal problems will become even more chaotic; if the internal problems are not stabilized, the external threat cannot be stopped either."
Lu Qian leaned forward slightly and pressed, "If the situation forces us to prioritize, how should we choose?"
Jiang Ling hesitated for a moment, organized her thoughts, and then clearly said:
"To repel external threats, one must first secure internal stability. Internal troubles are a thorn in the side, while external threats are a ailment at one's side. If a country is in chaos internally, with refugees scattered and food shortages, and the people unable to even eat, who can be expected to guard the border with peace of mind?"
"Then, even without the barbarians attacking, our internal situation will collapse first. We must stabilize our internal situation first, take some time to ease external pressures, and then find an opportunity to deal with the external threat later. This is the safest approach."
A hint of surprise flashed in Lu Qian's eyes. He hadn't expected that Jiang Ling, a woman, would give such an answer.
He leaned forward again, eagerly: "But what if the country's food supply cannot support the consumption on both sides at the same time?"
Jiang Ling added, "The border troops' invasion is merely a result of their knowledge of the internal turmoil in our dynasty, and they want to take advantage of the chaos. As long as we can stabilize our internal situation first, we will have at least won half the battle!"
The Great Yu Dynasty, located in the southeast, is inherently prosperous, with a pleasant climate and fertile land. The other two kingdoms have long coveted it; otherwise, they wouldn't have spared no effort in seizing its territory. This year's poor rainfall has caused disaster for the Great Yu Dynasty, and the harvests of the other two kingdoms will inevitably suffer as well. With food shortages, this war will definitely not be a protracted one. As long as we don't panic, perhaps they will be the first to succumb.
These words were similar to the discussion in the court today, and Lu Qian's eyes at this moment could not hide his surprise and admiration.
The issues that were hotly debated in the imperial court were seen so clearly by a country woman.
"Then... does Miss Jiang have any specific suggestions?"
Seeing that he asked seriously, Jiang Ling thought carefully and said, "To solve the internal problems first, we must open the granaries and distribute grain, set up more soup kitchens, and make sure that the people have food to eat, so as to prevent large-scale starvation and the refugees from turning into bandits."
Secondly, orders were issued to urgently transfer grain and supplies from unaffected areas such as the south to the north.
Thirdly, work-for-relief programs could be implemented. Organizing able-bodied disaster victims to repair water conservancy projects, fortify city walls, and build roads allowed them to earn food through labor, thus both pacifying the people and strengthening the foundation of national power.
"As for external threats, we should shift from offense to defense. Relying on the border walls and strategic passes, we should hold our ground and wear down the barbarians' morale and supplies. We should not seek merit, but only avoid mistakes and simply hold the line. We should try to avoid a decisive battle with our main force and focus on delaying the inevitable until next spring. Things may then take a turn for the better."
Lu Qian was so shocked after hearing this that he couldn't speak, and just stared at Jiang Ling.
She explained the root of the internal and external troubles of the Great Yu Dynasty in just a few words!
I really underestimated her!
Before Lu Qian could say anything more, a waiter ran in and whispered something in Li Hong's ear.
Li Hong's expression changed slightly, and he waved his hand to dismiss the waiter.
He glanced at Jiang Ling before whispering, "Young Master, your uncle has arrived. He's waiting for you in the courtyard."
Lu Qian was taken aback.
What does the Imperial Uncle want with him?
Thinking of the recent controversies in the court, Lu Qian had no choice but to get up and take his leave.
After seeing Lu Qian off, Jiang Ling looked up at the sky. It was already noon, and the sunlight was dazzling.
She had originally planned to invite Lu Qian to have dinner with her.
Xiao Ran, seeing that the two horses outside the door had disappeared, then spoke:
"Brother Lu seems very busy. Apart from harvesting vegetables, he doesn't seem to go anywhere all day. The villagers say they've been to the city several times and passed by the shop but never saw him. Even the shop assistants say they know there's a young master, but they've never seen him."
Jiang Ling's eyes darkened as she gazed in the direction Lu Qian had left, and she whispered:
"Perhaps he has more important things to do."
How could the young master of an ordinary merchant family easily inquire about national affairs, internal and external troubles?
They even calculated that the grain and fodder were insufficient to support the simultaneous expenditures on both sides.
When it was time to eat, Xiao Ran volunteered to eat.
"Sister Jiang, I'll go cook!"
After helping out in the kitchen for a while, he was no longer unfamiliar with those novel kitchen utensils. He was eager to try them out.
Jiang Ling nodded with a smile. She had bought a lot of cooked dishes on her way to the store, which could be eaten after heating them up.
She watched from the kitchen doorway. Under her guidance, Xiao Ran had become quite adept at using modern kitchen appliances such as the gas stove and microwave oven. Although she was still a bit clumsy, she was doing a pretty good job.
Before long, a plate of glistening spiced duck, a bowl of tender Dongpo pork, and a plate of vibrant green stir-fried vegetables were placed on the table.
The fragrant rice, served in a rough porcelain bowl, was steaming hot.
The aroma of food filled the grocery store, whetting everyone's appetite.
Jiang Ling laughed and said, "It smells delicious. From now on, you'll be in charge of cooking!"
Xiao Ran straightened up. "Leave it to me from now on."
He often cooks at home, and besides, Sister Jiang's dishes are mostly ready-made, just need to be heated up, which is not difficult.
"Alright, let's eat."
Jiang Ling and Xiao Ran had just picked up their chopsticks and taken a couple of bites when they heard a rustling sound coming from the doorway.
Could it be a villager who came to buy something?
Xiao Ran immediately put down her chopsticks and bowl: "Sister Jiang, I'll go take a look."
He walked to the door and looked around, but saw no villagers in sight.
Thinking I had misheard, I was about to turn back when my eyes unexpectedly caught sight of a small, thin figure in the corner by the door.
Xiao Ran frowned instantly and shouted at the figure, "What?! It's you again?! How many times have I told you not to come here?!"
It turned out to be the same refugee they had driven away last time.
The child was still wearing that patched hemp garment, the fabric was even more tattered, the cuffs were worn through, revealing his thin arms, and his ankles were bare and covered in mud.
Upon seeing Xiao Ran, he huddled in the corner by the shop entrance, too afraid to speak.
With his head buried in his knees, he inhaled deeply through his nose, savoring the rich aroma of food in the air.
"Coo coo—"
A clear sound came from his stomach, and he lowered his head even further.
Hold your stomach tightly with both hands; the pressure will make your stomach feel slightly full, thus preventing you from making any noise.
Seeing that he didn't answer, Xiao Ran's voice was filled with helplessness, "Aren't there porridge distribution tents outside the city? You'd better hurry up, or they'll be gone!"
The young refugee raised his head, his face sallow, his cheekbones high and prominent. His voice was barely audible, tinged with a sob:
"I...I went...but I couldn't get any..."
He was terrified the moment he saw Xiao Ran, and wanted to run away.
But he was so hungry, and the food inside smelled so good, that his legs were too weak to walk.
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