Jiang Xinwei coughed up a mouthful of blood.
She was just worrying about how to pay off the debts on the south bank of the Yu River when the Wushui Kingdom eagerly asked her for benefits. Indeed, it was a barbarian land, not worth discussing things with.
Just as she was about to speak, Xiao Ling smiled.
"Your Highness, in my opinion, the General's proposal is not inappropriate. It is only natural to repay kindness. However, Your Highness has just been stationed in Yucheng. It is probably too early to talk about firmly occupying the area south of Yujiang. Even if Your Highness is willing to cede three cities, Your Highness yourself is not yet secure. How can Wushui Kingdom firmly occupy the three cities?"
These words were reasonable and well-founded, and Jiang Xinwei was greatly pleased to hear them.
"That's exactly right! General, how about we present our thanks after I've recovered the south bank of the Yu River?"
The general of Wushui Kingdom laughed heartily.
"Your Highness has quite the plan. My soldiers from Wushui Kingdom risked their lives to conquer the land for you, so you can reign as emperor in peace? In that case, why don't I inform the king and lead my troops to attack Yu Kingdom?"
Jiang Xinwei, suppressing her anger, asked, "What brilliant idea do you have?"
"In exchange for ceding three cities, the soldiers of my Wushui Kingdom will lend Your Highness a hand, allowing you to smoothly take the south bank of the Yu River. Otherwise, hmph!"
The implicit threat in her words enraged Jiang Xinwei.
Xiao Ling pulled her back and said with a smile, "Your Highness will give an answer after considering it. Please, General!"
The general of Wushui Kingdom walked out with great majesty and high spirits.
Jiang Xinwei was furious. Before this, she, as the princess of the Yu Kingdom, had never suffered such humiliation.
"This is outrageous!"
"Your Highness, please calm down. Those who achieve great things do not concern themselves with trifles. The area where Wushui borders my Yu Kingdom is mostly on the north bank of the Yu River. The area where it borders the south bank is either mountainous or mostly barren. Even if we give it to Wushui Kingdom, it won't be a big problem. Besides, this is just a delaying tactic!"
Jiang Xinwei's eyes lit up; that was indeed the case.
That remote and impoverished place, your Wushui Kingdom may give it to you.
"That's right, that's exactly it!"
"Your Highness should first secure your throne and occupy the south bank of the Yu River."
"Ling'er, thank goodness you comforted me, otherwise I really wouldn't know what to do."
Xiao Ling smiled.
"I only desire Your Highness's favor; I ask for nothing else."
The only person I can serve is Your Highness.
...
Not many days later.
Linghu Lan then received a report from Guo Feng.
Jiang Xinwei is about to ascend the throne!
Linghu Lan looked at the report and remained silent for a long time.
Wow, the female lead is amazing!
Having occupied half the country, he wanted to ascend the throne and become emperor.
Since she wanted to be emperor so badly, as her aunt, she naturally had to send her a congratulatory gift!
then……
Linghu Lan ordered Jiang Xinwei to be demoted to a commoner and removed from the imperial family genealogy.
He also issued an imperial edict: On the south bank of Yujiang, those who successfully defend the city will be exempt from taxes for three years, and the generals who defend the city will be promoted one rank. If they die in battle, they will be posthumously honored. Those who help defend other cities will also receive rewards from the imperial court.
The entire court was shocked when this decree was issued.
Exempting people from taxes for three years is quite an extravagant gesture.
"Your Majesty, I fear that exempting people from taxes for three years would be contrary to propriety."
"Indeed, the imperial court has never set such a precedent."
"I'm afraid that if this door is opened, what will happen to other places? The people in other places work hard to pay taxes and support their armies. If this happens, I'm afraid the people's hearts will be scattered and disordered."
Linghu Lan was speechless.
She replied quietly.
"If you're so capable, go and collect all the taxes from the south bank of the Yu River!"
The ministers fell silent.
They haven't recovered from the idea that Jiang Xinwei is the third princess and wouldn't split the country.
Linghu Lan felt really exhausted!
A bunch of senile old people.
What's wrong with being generous with the heroine's money? It's a problem!
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