Although food and supplies could be transferred from other places, it would take time, and even Song Gongwen had to obtain the emperor's approval to do such a thing.
After all, it is a local matter and is related to the war. No matter how powerful you are, you cannot do anything with it unless there is an order in advance.
"Indeed, this matter does need to be reported back to His Majesty first. We must prepare in advance and not let the other party take advantage of any loopholes."
Song Gongwen nodded and said, "Then General Lu and I will meet with Your Majesty tomorrow and report this matter."
"That's what our family means too." Wang Jin nodded.
Although he was in charge of the East Factory, he was also the chief eunuch of the Imperial Household Department.
However, he did not have the power to interfere in the political affairs of the previous dynasty or the dispatch of the army, so it was not his turn to report on such matters.
Even though Wang Jin knew that the emperor might not say anything if he did this, he must remember not to overstep his authority. The East Factory had its own responsibilities, but it must never do anything beyond those duties.
So he told Song Gongwen and others what he was thinking and asked them to raise it.
"Okay, that's it for today."
"Now that we have received news about Baiyue, General Lu, you should also prepare your men's inspections."
Finally, Song Gongwen spoke and explained some things. Then everyone left without saying anything else.
...
"What? Song Gongwen and Lu An want to see me?"
Early in the morning, Wei Yunyi had just finished washing up when he heard Wang Jin coming to report.
During this period, he didn't care about the things below and didn't see anyone.
After all, he had just reached the peak of the fourth level of martial arts and needed to consolidate it. However, the fact that these two people came up again today surprised Wei Yunyi. Could something have happened?
After thinking for a while, he finally decided to meet them first and said immediately, "Let them wait for me in the front hall."
After saying that, he went to another room to eat.
As an emperor, it is only right to let his ministers wait.
In the front hall.
Song Gongwen and Lu An stood respectfully aside. Even after waiting for a while, there was still no sign of anxiety on their faces. After all, this kind of thing could not be rushed.
"My two dear ministers, what brings you to see me so early?" Soon, Wei Yunyi, who had finished his meal, came over from behind.
Without looking at the two of them, he walked directly to the main seat, sat down, and leaned back in the chair.
"Your Majesty."
The two men bowed in greeting, and Song Gongwen spoke first, saying, "Your Majesty, we've recently been experiencing some problems with our food supplies. We're running low, and the money from the Ministry of Revenue hasn't arrived yet. At this rate, I'm afraid it won't be long before my officers and men have trouble getting enough to eat. Therefore, I'm requesting that you mobilize some stored grain from various locations in the southern border to alleviate this urgent need."
Not enough food?
Upon hearing this, Wei Yunyi raised his eyebrows.
Recently he checked the accounts of the transfer department and found that the money was indeed running out.
If we bypass the southern border and prepare food and supplies from other places, it will not be enough and it will take a long time.
Therefore, the other party proposed to mobilize food and grass nearby, which would save a lot of trouble and would not cost money. It was indeed a good idea. After all, there must be no problems in the rear of an army of 200,000.
However, after hearing this, Wei Yunyi shook his head and said directly: "The grain reserves in various places are to prevent droughts and floods. If they are mobilized to Zhennan Pass, what if there is a disaster somewhere and the people have nothing to eat, and the local government cannot provide food?"
"Father-in-law, as the Minister of Revenue, you should be very clear about this matter. Therefore, the grain reserves in the southern border cannot be transferred. You should find a solution from other places."
Of course, he did this not because he wanted his soldiers to have no food to eat.
Instead, he saw that the Ministry of Revenue did not have enough silver on hand. If he did not take this opportunity to spend some more, how could he curb his fortune?
"But Your Majesty, the money in the Ministry of Revenue is also useful..." Song Gongwen was a little anxious. He thought, it's impossible to empty the Ministry of Revenue, right? What if something unexpected happened? The Ministry of Revenue would be unable to do anything.
"Of course I know, but isn't the money of the Ministry of Revenue used for times like this? Do you still want to snatch the surplus food from the people because of this southern expedition? Well, let's do it." Wei Yunyi waved his hand, signaling the other party not to say anything more.
After all, his original purpose was to empty the national treasury. Now that he has finally completed the first step, he will naturally not let it go.
Therefore, no matter what his father-in-law said, he would not give in.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Song Gongwen was helpless. It was impossible for him to directly talk back to His Majesty, right?
However, he felt that His Majesty did this for the sake of the people. If the Ministry of Revenue had no money, it would only make the court suffer a little, which didn't seem like a big deal.
"What about you?" Wei Yunyi ignored the other party and turned to look at General Lu An of Zhennan.
"Your Majesty, I have received news regarding the Baiyue people."
"The Barbarian Lord Meng Jue is gathering a large army. Preliminary estimates indicate there are 50,000 to 60,000 men. He seems to be planning to launch another attack on our Zhennan Pass."
At this point, Lu An bowed slightly and said, "I beg Your Majesty to allow me to lead 50,000 troops and station them outside Zhennan Pass to resist the enemy's attack."
If it were any other time, it would be fine. Lu An felt that he could completely rely on the strong city of Zhennan Pass to resist the Baiyue people.
In this regard, the Great Wei has a huge advantage, but now, His Majesty is in Zhennan Pass City. What if something happens to happen?
Moreover, if he had 50,000 troops, he would be able to better investigate the news of the Baiyue side.
After all, if they wanted to attack Zhennan Pass, they could only attack those few places at best.
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