"My Lady, what's wrong?"
Cuiguo heard this with a puzzled look on her face.
This is the first time I have seen the Empress so serious since she reviewed the memorials.
"This is a memorial from the Yan territory in the northern border." Zhao Lingying looked serious and continued, "It's about the King of Yan."
She had been her personal maid since childhood, they had grown up together, and she was smart and loyal.
So I didn't hide it and just said it directly.
King of Yan?
Cuiguo heard this.
Suddenly his expression began to change.
She naturally knew that a vassal king with a fiefdom was very scary.
Now an official from Yan has submitted a memorial.
I think it’s not a small matter.
Immediately, she hurriedly said, "My Lady, what did the King of Yan do?"
"It's said that after the Prince of Yan was enfeoffed, he was quiet for a while, with no unusual activity," Zhao Lingying said. "But in the last two weeks, the Prince of Yan suddenly started taking action against some of the Yan clans, liquidating and consolidating them."
"At the same time, Prince Yan is also contacting the Sun family, seemingly intending to take control of the Sun family by claiming to be the grandson of the former head of the Sun family."
"What's even more serious is that his men are buying up horse farms from major families."
As soon as these words were spoken.
Cuiguo's eyes widened immediately.
You know, the Sun family has unparalleled influence in Yan area.
It is not an exaggeration to call him a local tyrant.
Just think.
A large army can be mobilized at any time.
At the beginning, Emperor Taizu Gao also knew this and did not want to cause unnecessary casualties.
He chose to start negotiations with the Sun family, and after a long period of time, he finally made them compromise and surrender to the Wei Dynasty.
But this surrender was not in the true sense, because after that, the influence of the Sun family was not weakened at all.
The emperors of all dynasties were also troubled by this, but for the sake of the people, they did not easily start a war.
Just choose to appease and ensure that there is no rebellious intention in Yan.
But even so.
The officials sent there were always changing.
The imperial court's influence on Yan territory never fully penetrated there.
And now, the King of Yan has not only started to take action against the forces in Yan, but also started to expand the horse farm. What's worse, he is even trying to control the Sun family. What exactly does he want to do?
Cuiguo could guess it all, but she didn't dare to say it out loud, because this was a serious matter and not something a little palace maid could say out loud.
Zhao Lingying naturally knew what the other party was thinking and immediately smiled.
"Although the King of Yan seems to have started to take action, it doesn't mean he will definitely do that."
"Your Majesty is so wise and powerful, he may have already thought of a countermeasure. There is no need to worry too early. Of course, this matter still needs your Majesty's knowledge."
Hearing this, Cuiguo nodded. As a maid, she really couldn't think too much. But soon, because of the things happening in the northern border, she thought of another problem and couldn't help but say, "Your Majesty, I think you should worry about another thing."
"The general is not doing well in the northern border. The last time the grassland tribes marched south, they were unprepared, resulting in the loss of many soldiers."
"I've heard that the civil officials in the court have been very dissatisfied many times, and even some generals in the army have complained."
"It's just because of the Marquis's face that I didn't say it."
The general defending the northern border.
Who else could it be except Concubine Ying’s brother and the eldest son of Marquis Shenwu?
At this moment, Zhao Lingying felt a headache after hearing Cuiguo's words.
She actually also read the memorial about this matter.
Although it was essentially a sneak attack by the grassland tribes.
But to be honest, it was also because of my brother's poor defense, otherwise this would not have happened.
Sighing, Zhao Lingying immediately said, "Brother does have some problems in this matter, but it's not anyone else's fault. After all, he is the General of the Northern Frontier, responsible for the defense of the northern border. If something goes wrong, he must be held accountable."
"Brother, you're such a fool! My father clearly told me since I was a child that I should practice martial arts and read military books in order to deal with the grassland tribes."
"But he's good. He has talent, but his mind is not focused on it at all."
For this brother.
She was indeed very tired and speechless.
His talent in military affairs is definitely no less than his father's.
It’s just that my heart is completely put in the wrong place.
"Speaking of talent..." Cui Guo thought for a moment, then said, "I heard that the Queen's younger brother, the young uncle, told His Majesty a few days ago that he had talent. His Majesty was very happy and even enlisted him in the Imperial Guard. He will take up his post in the next few days."
"He is the queen's younger brother. It's normal for him to join the Imperial Camp if he doesn't like studying," said Zhao Lingying.
She knew Song Hongzhi very well. He was a playboy and very famous in the capital.
Even when she was still in the boudoir, she often heard rumors about the young uncle.
"My lady, aren't you afraid?"
Hearing that the other party seemed to be completely unconcerned, Cui Guo couldn't help but say, "My young uncle joined the Imperial Front Camp, and His Majesty also said that he has talent and seems to be very fond of him. I am worried that His Majesty will let him lead the army in the future..."
If it were an ordinary palace maid, she would never dare to gossip like this. If she was discovered, she might be beaten to death.
But Cuiguo came from the Shenwu Marquis Mansion after all, and was a confidant, so of course she could speak directly.
In her eyes, His Majesty the Emperor promoted Song Hongzhi.
Maybe he has some idea of dealing with the Marquis' Mansion.
"I know what you're going to say."
Zhao Lingying said, "It's nothing more than using Song Hongzhi to divide some of my father and brother's military power, but what's the big deal?"
"I told you last time that Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven. The Son of Heaven values balance, and this is Your Majesty's way of checks and balances. The prestige of the Marquisate in the army is too great, and it will definitely be suppressed, especially now that there is no war."
"Although Song Gongwen has entered the cabinet, he is a civil servant after all, and his influence is limited. It is expected that Song Hongzhi will take the lead."
It is said that a daughter who is married off is like water poured out.
Zhao Lingying's words were completely from the emperor's perspective.
But it's normal, she likes politics very much and has been exposed to it for some time.
I also understand that only by following Your Majesty's wishes can I protect my family.
There is a saying that goes, "When one's achievements are too great, they will frighten his master."
And in fact.
Zhao Lingying was not afraid that the military power of the Marquis' Mansion would be taken away.
What I am afraid of is that Your Majesty will rely too much on the Marquis' Mansion and praise my father and brother too highly. This would be really dangerous.
"But your Majesty, can the young uncle lead the troops? He can't even read well. What if a big war breaks out there...this..." Cuiguo said. Her meaning was very clear, that is, she felt that Song Hongzhi had no military talent and could not be a general.
"The principle is the same as Song Gongwen's. Whether or not they are competent has nothing to do with their abilities. What matters is that His Majesty needs them to be in this position."
After thinking for a moment, Zhao Lingying continued, "Besides, do you really think that this father and son have no real talent?"
The reason she said this was because she had seen the proposal of Song Gongwen to distribute the land tax according to the amount of land a few days ago.
As she is extremely sensitive in political affairs.
You can tell it almost at a glance.
If it can be truly implemented, it will not only benefit thousands of people.
Even the imperial court’s tax revenue will be greatly increased, which is truly a good policy for the country.
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