Military exercises are essentially a contest of eloquence between generals, as well as a contest of military technology. In this era of cold weapons, whichever country possesses a complete set of advanced siege weapons, military equipment, and armed forces can easily win the war.
Having complete city defense technology to block the enemy's invasion can also win a war.
Unfortunately, Ye State lacked all of these qualities, making it a backward and vulnerable country.
So, the five countries came here ostensibly to have a friendly military exercise and exchange ideas, but in reality, they were using their own technology and skills to crush Ye, causing Ye to lose face and prestige among the other countries.
“But what does this have to do with me? The Prince of Ye wouldn’t be so unsure about conducting military exercises that he would summon me, the general’s wife, to oversee the entire army, would he?” Zheng Quchi laughed as she finished speaking.
When Wei Yao learned that the six countries would be holding a military exercise showdown, he was also extremely solemn.
If the Prince of Ye weren't stupid, he wouldn't agree to something that was so obviously bullying, but he did. He really doesn't know what those civil and military officials in the court are good for!
“Madam, have you forgotten that besides being the general’s wife, you are also Zheng Qing of Ye Kingdom, the leader of the Jichun Craftsmen’s Guild?” Wang Zebang reminded her.
"But this matter is only circulating in a small circle, how could the Prince of Ye know about it..."
Halfway through his sentence, Zheng Quchi understood.
Oh, I almost forgot that there's a spy of the King of Ye in their camp. Who knows, they might have already secretly passed on her information.
However, she didn't bother to keep it a secret, firstly because it was unnecessary, and secondly because it was impossible to hide.
Zheng Quchi changed the subject, saying, "The military craftsmen of Ye are all top-notch. Surely the King of Ye wouldn't set his sights on me."
Although the artisans of Changxunpo Camp were among the best in Ye Kingdom, the military artisans of Shengjing were top talents recruited from other countries at high salaries. Their skills and construction level were naturally more valued by the "foreign-worshipping" King Ye.
"The situation is still unclear, but once we report that we have found the eldest prince, I'm afraid we will be unable to refuse this trip to Shengjing no matter what," Wei Yao said truthfully.
As the saying goes, a higher-ranking official can crush a person, let alone the fact that the Prince of Ye was their superior, and he could easily control their lives with a single word.
If he orders her to go and she refuses, it would be considered disobeying an imperial decree.
Zheng Quchi was only troubled for a short while before she cheered herself up again. Since there was no room for maneuver, she could only face the situation positively.
Knowing that she would soon meet the Prince of Ye, whom everyone had described, she wanted to find out more about him so that she could better deal with and handle any unexpected situations in the future.
"Besides his eldest son and a princess, does the Prince of Ye have any other children?" Zheng Quchi asked the two of them.
Wang Zebang replied, "The Prince of Ye and the Queen have a young son who is currently six years old. However, the young prince has been weak and sickly since birth and has been raised in a greenhouse, rarely seeing people."
There's another child this young?
The eldest son must be in his mid-twenties by now, while the youngest son is only six years old. There's been no news of anything happening for over a decade or two.
Is it because of poor health, or is it because of old age?
"How old is the Prince of Ye?"
"He should be around fifty years old by now."
How old is the age of fifty? She thought about it, and the ancients seemed to say that twenty was the age of coming of age, thirty was the age of establishing oneself, and fifty was the age of destiny.
The King of Ye was fifty years old, which wasn't considered very old.
How is his health?
As loyal courtiers, they could not so boldly discuss the king's private affairs in private, but their loyalty was limited, so they had no psychological burden in discussing it.
“The Prince of Ye hasn’t walked on the ground for several years.” Wei Yao’s tone was neither sarcastic nor cold.
Zheng Quchi exclaimed in surprise: "He's paralyzed?"
Seeing that his wife had misunderstood, Wang Zebang took over and explained, "No, it's because His Majesty had an excessive appetite in his early years and developed obesity, which has worsened year by year. Now he can no longer stand up and walk on his own."
Obesity?
His people were all starving and emaciated, while he alone was plump and healthy...
That's it. With such a last king, the Kingdom of Ye is doomed sooner or later.
However, given his physical condition, he's probably already suffering from cardiovascular disease. He might just pass away from some kind of shock. If he were to die, the Crown Prince would very likely become the new King of Ye...
Zheng Quchi immediately forgot about the Prince of Ye and asked with concern, "Where is Yuan Xingzhou?"
"The eldest prince is still in Doctor Liao's medicine hut. Doctor Liao said that the eldest prince's injuries are not serious, just superficial wounds, and he will wake up soon."
"Let's go together and donate to charity."
"Offering charity?"
Zheng Quchi looked at them seriously: "No matter what method you use, you must change his bad impression of us."
When this matter was brought up, both Wang Zebang and Wei Yao were speechless.
How can this situation be reversed?
They must have offended people to death long ago.
“If he really refuses to forgive... then let Doctor Liao give him some medicine to make him stupid,” Zheng Quchi said, half-jokingly.
Wang Zebang and Wei Yao: "..."
Madam, are you serious about what you're saying?
——
Since she had no choice but to go to Shengjing to "deliver goods," Zheng Quchi should now make proper arrangements for what would happen after her departure.
She has received a response to her recent message to the "Four Families," who have all expressed their willingness to provide financial assistance to help her through this difficult time.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
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