bluff?
Upon hearing Tang Huan's guess, Wu Lanxi and Wang Tianze each had different reactions.
Wu Lanxi frowned in thought, her expression showing a hint of realization, as if Tang Huan had enlightened her.
Wang Tianze had a lot to say, and it was clear that he was full of questions.
Tang Huan thought for a moment and then suggested, "When the Northern Region delegation enters the capital, they will go to the palace to meet the Emperor, right?"
"The Northern Region delegation will enter the palace at the morning court tomorrow, and they will then make their demands."
With Wu Lanxi's confirmation, Tang Huan nodded and continued, "In that case, His Majesty can directly refuse their conditions at tomorrow's morning court session."
"What if the people of the Northern Regions turn against us directly and start a war after they return? Winter has arrived. Although the disaster in Kuizhou has been alleviated, there are still many places in Daqing facing various problems. The court will have to spend money on disaster relief. If a war breaks out at the same time, we will face great pressure."
Wang Tianze was deeply worried about this and did not want to see such a situation occur.
"My lord, if we agree to the Northern Region's conditions and give them everything they need, how much capacity will Daqing have left for disaster relief?"
This question stunned Wang Tianze. He hesitated for a moment before saying, "Perhaps we can discuss giving the Northern Region fewer supplies, or sending some of the supplies over several years. This way, we can focus our efforts on Daqing."
Tang Huan laughed, "Lord Wang, don't be silly. Once the Northern Region receives some of the supplies from Daqing, they will rest and recuperate during the winter, and then they will tear up the contract and continue to cause trouble in the spring. At that time, Daqing will have just finished its disaster relief efforts in China, and it will be unable to deal with their counterattack."
Tang Huan didn't speak to Wang Tianze again, but instead looked at Wu Lanxi.
The key to the matter lies in the Empress's attitude; whether to wage war or to make peace depends on her opinion.
As long as she doesn't back down, things won't get to that point.
"If we take a step back, we will give up too many benefits. Daqing cannot bow down to the Northern Region under my rule."
Wu Lanxi's expression was firm. She looked at Tang Huan and asked, "Tell me your thoughts."
"Your Majesty, I believe that as long as we firmly reject their conditions at tomorrow's morning court, Gongshan Liqun will definitely propose other conditions, which they also cannot afford to sustain a large-scale war."
Whether it is or not, you'll know once you try.
Perhaps because Tang Huan had already explained all the pros and cons, he finally convinced Wu Lanxi.
Even so, Tang Huan still couldn't calm down.
After all, it was all just his own speculation.
The next morning at the court session, Tang Huan was not as relaxed as she had been the previous times; she appeared very serious.
The other officials were mostly puzzled by the arrival of the Northern Region delegation in the capital, but several ministers, including Cui Renshi, had similar expressions to Tang Huan. They already knew the purpose of the Northern Region delegation and knew that today's morning court session would not go smoothly.
"Summon the Northern Region delegation to the palace."
The chief eunuch, Li Lianying, conveyed the Empress's message and shouted loudly to the outside of the hall.
The Northern Region delegation, which had been waiting outside, entered the hall. At first glance, there were only three figures.
The most prominent one is A-Da, who is known as "the mountain of flesh" by the people of the capital. In addition, there is the graceful and sexy Princess Gongyang Tingbai.
On the contrary, Gongshan Liqun was the least noticeable among the three.
Yet it was this most inconspicuous person who brought the greatest pressure to the ministers after entering the main hall.
"Gongshan Liqun, the envoy from the Northern Regions, greets the Empress."
Gongshan Liqun bowed and clasped his hands in the main hall, but did not kneel.
Gongyang Tingbai also bowed and greeted him with a smile on his face.
The behavior of the group drew criticism from the crowd.
"These people from the Northern Regions are far too presumptuous; they don't even kneel or pay their respects to His Majesty."
"Arrogant and disrespectful, are all the people of the Northern Region so barbaric?"
"Sooner or later, the Northern Region will become part of the territory of Daqing, and at that time they will have no choice but to prostrate themselves before His Majesty."
"..."
Many people quietly vented their dissatisfaction with the people from the Northern Region.
Gongshan Liqun turned a deaf ear to the ridicule and sarcasm from Daqing's officials.
After the initial, ceremonial greetings, the crucial part of the matter came.
Gongshan Liqun mentioned the war in the north, saying that the northern region had already achieved great victories. If this continued, it would eventually force Daqing to retreat. However, the severe cold had arrived, and the northern region did not want both sides to sacrifice too many people in vain, so it took the initiative to seek peace.
"impossible!"
"General Pang is personally leading the army to guard the northern region. How could you possibly gain an advantage? Do you think my Great Qing Military God is just a figurehead?"
"You're quite boastful. If only you really had that much ability."
The officials of Daqing once again raised questions about the northern region.
On the dragon throne, Wu Lanxi said with a stern face, "General Pang, is what General Gongshan said true?"
As soon as he opened his mouth, everyone's eyes immediately turned to Pang Conglong in front of him.
As a general, he was one of the few who wore armor to court.
Pang Conglong stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Your Majesty, our side has suffered considerable losses in the Northern Region war..."
Pang Conglong's words confirmed everything, and everyone stared wide-eyed ahead, feeling incredulous.
The Northern Region, which I never took seriously, actually managed to achieve a certain victory?
And why has it caused so much trouble for Daqing?
Taking advantage of the moment, Gongshan Liqun spoke up amidst the ministers' discussions: "The Northern Region, out of compassion for its soldiers, does not wish for them to continue fighting in the bitter cold, and has therefore sought peace and a ceasefire."
"Seeking peace? It's probably not that simple for the people of the Northern Region to seek peace, is it?" someone questioned. After all, if the other side had gained an advantage, they would definitely ask for benefits if they took the initiative to seek peace.
Gong Shanliqun said in a deep voice, "That's right, all that's needed is for Daqing to provide one million taels of silver from the northern region..."
After Gongshan Liqun revealed all of the Northern Region's demands, various questions and insults erupted uncontrollably in the main hall.
Almost no one agreed with this, and more people expressed dissatisfaction and resentment towards the people of the Northern Region.
Gongshan Liqun stood there proudly, unaffected.
"You're asking for an exorbitant amount; Daqing will never agree to these conditions!"
"You won't agree?" Gongyang heard Bai Jiao laugh. "Then let's continue the war. Anyway, the Northern Region has nowhere to retreat. We can only exchange our lives for a better life. We need food, money, and land. Perhaps war will make no difference."
Upon hearing that this princess intended to instigate a war, the voices of doubt in the hall gradually subsided.
No one dared to respond directly to these words, after all, even Pang Conglong had failed to achieve victory, and perhaps the war was indeed not in Daqing's favor.
Just then, someone suddenly said, "In that case, let's fight."
The sound came from behind the main hall.
Everyone turned around to look, including Gongshan Liqun and Gongyang Tingbai.
They saw Tang Huan with a serious expression, showing no sign of backing down.
"Since the Northern Region wants to provoke a war, then Daqing will naturally accompany them. Let's use a war to determine the winner. It is still unknown who will be the winner."
"Who is this?" Gongshan Liqun asked in confusion.
Tang Huan squinted at the other person, "Tang Huan, the magistrate of Qihuai County."
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