Emperor Jingkang looked unhappy, but in the hall, he still wanted to hear the opinions of all the ministers.
As the echoes grew louder, Emperor Jingkang glanced around and called out Shen Weian’s name.
Shen Weian is only a compiler in the Hanlin Academy now, and it is not his turn to speak on matters like this.
But he was the new top scholar this year, and Emperor Jingkang also wanted to know what the new top scholar thought about this matter.
Shen Weian was named by Emperor Jingkang, but he was not flustered at all. He walked out from the court officials neither servile nor arrogant. For a moment, everyone in the hall focused their attention on this young and promising champion.
Shen Wangqiu’s eyes also fell on Shen Weian, and he felt a little nervous.
The emperor's seemingly casual words were actually a test for Shen Weian. After learning about this yesterday, Shen Wangqiu had not had time to discuss this matter with Shen Weian, but today the emperor took the initiative to ask Shen Weian's opinion, and Shen Weian had to answer it despite gritted his teeth.
Shen Weian held the tablet in his hand and saluted politely, then said in a loud voice: "I think we should not agree to the Jin Kingdom's request to marry Princess Anle."
Shen Weian's words caused a small commotion in the hall.
Because the emperor was still sitting on the dragon throne, the ministers below did not dare to be too presumptuous.
Master Qin snorted heavily through his nose, turned around and no longer looked at Shen Weian.
Emperor Jingkang gave an ambiguous "hmm" and said, "Go on."
Shen Weian continued, "I believe that the Jin Kingdom has occupied the northern border for many years, and returning the territory of Great Chu to us is a matter of course, not a favor. Their request is really unreasonable, so I think we should not agree to it. If we agree to it easily, it will only encourage their arrogance. This is Yu Gong."
"How does it feel personally?" Emperor Jingkang asked again.
Shen Wei'an said, "Personally, Princess Anle is a princess of our Great Chu, and she is as precious as gold and jade. If she were to marry into the Jin Kingdom, the journey would be long and the environment would be harsh. The Jin people would be furious if they thought that they had married the princess but lost seven cities in the northern border. I'm afraid they would vent their anger on the princess. I'm afraid the princess won't have an easy time in the Jin Kingdom."
When Shen Weian said this, Shen Wangqiu was shocked. This Shen Weian was really too bold. Who doesn't understand such a truth? But he dared to say it.
The matter is not yet a foregone conclusion. If Emperor Jingkang really marries the princess to the Kingdom of Jin, she will inevitably resent Da Chu if she finds out in the future. This is a truth that has been served in the court for many years and is a shrewd person. Don't they know it? If no one dares to say it, Shen Weian will say it.
Moreover, if the Jin Kingdom's request was not agreed, how could the northern border be recovered? War was inevitable, but war would be costly and arduous. Was it worth it to exchange the bloodshed and sacrifice of so many frontier soldiers for a princess?
After all, Shen Weian is too young to dare to say such words in front of so many people in the hall. I just hope that Emperor Jingkang will remember that Shen Weian is young and does not know the seriousness of the matter and will not punish him. If the emperor punishes him, then Shen Weian, the newly crowned number one scholar, will probably never be able to make a name for himself again.
Shen Wangqiu was about to stand up and plead for Shen Weian, but unexpectedly, Emperor Jingkang laughed.
"Good! Good! Good!" Emperor Jingkang laughed. "A bunch of court officials, not even one of them dares to speak the truth. How dare the Jin Kingdom, a mere small country, covet my Princess of Great Chu? It's truly wishful thinking!"
After Emperor Jingkang finished speaking, the hall fell silent and everyone held their breath and dared not speak.
Emperor Jingkang then asked, "According to what you said, if we do not agree to the Jin Kingdom's request, how can we recover the northern border?"
This question stumped Shen Weian. Shen Weian was a civil official, and it would be difficult for him to lead troops to fight.
At this time, Lu Xingzhou stood up.
"I believe that the recovery of the northern border can be achieved through negotiations with the Jin Kingdom, using courtesy first and then force. If the Jin Kingdom disagrees, the Great Chu can also send troops to recapture the southern border by force."
"This is not just for the princess, but for the reputation of our Great Chu. Great Chu is a powerful nation, so why should we agree to the unreasonable request of the Jin Kingdom?"
Emperor Jingkang pondered over this and asked, "If I were to send troops to attack, who do you think I should send?"
When Emperor Jingkang said this, his eyes wandered among the ministers below, but the civil and military officials who were usually eloquent fell silent.
Except for the tense war in the northern border, the country of Chu can be said to be peaceful and prosperous. People are used to living a life of luxury in Wangjing City. Moreover, marrying a princess can quell the war. Who would be willing to lead troops to attack the Jin Dynasty?
Emperor Jingkang was somewhat disappointed. These military generals received salaries from the court, but acted like cowards at the critical moment.
Shen Wangqiu wanted to step forward and volunteer to lead the troops to recapture southern Xinjiang. The ancestors of the Shen family were military generals. In his generation, although he did not follow the path of a military general, the belief in defending the country has always been in his bones and blood.
But Lu Xingzhou didn't give him this opportunity. He just said loudly, "I, your son, would like to volunteer to be an envoy to negotiate peace with the Kingdom of Jin. If the peace talks fail, I am willing to lead the troops and fight alongside the Marquis of Zhenbei. I will not return until the northern border is conquered!"
Lu Xingzhou did not make this decision rashly. He had discussed it with Shen Liyue yesterday.
Chen Liyue also thought so. The Northern Frontier was originally the territory of the Great Chu, so it was natural for the Jin Kingdom to return to it. If they easily agreed to the Jin Kingdom, wouldn't the great Great Chu become a laughing stock in the eyes of the world?
Personally, Shen Liyue was also very worried. Lu Yun was her best friend for many years, and Shen Liyue couldn't bear to watch her walk into the fire pit.
Lu Yun was still so young. If she had married into the Jin Kingdom alone, the result would have been predictable.
The Queen was also very fragile. She fell ill just after the news came out and things were not settled. If Lu Yun was really married to the Jin Kingdom, Shen Liyue was afraid that the Queen would not survive.
But if the request of the Jin Kingdom is not agreed, war will be inevitable. Once the war breaks out, who should the emperor send?
Lu Xingzhou is the most suitable candidate.
As a prince, it was his unshirkable responsibility to recover the northern border. And as Lu Yun's brother, he had an even greater responsibility to protect his sister.
The only person that Lu Xingzhou was worried about was Chen Liyue.
After all, he and Shen Liyue were newly married, and if he went to the Northern Frontier, he would really be reluctant to leave her.
However, Shen Liyue didn't take this question to heart at all.
Shen Liyue tilted her head and blinked, “Who said I want to stay in Wangjing City?”
Lu Xingzhou was surprised when he heard this and asked, "Are you going to the Northern Frontier with me?"
Shen Liyue nodded: "Yes."
Lu Xingzhou refused without a second thought: "Nonsense. The environment in the northern border is harsh, and I have government affairs to attend to. If the peace talks fail, launching a war is no joke."
Shen Liyue pouted: "Rushu can go, why can't I go?"
"She is with her husband..."
"I am also following my husband!"
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