Unexpectedly, Liu Hong's cold water not only failed to have the desired effect, but also further provoked the civil and military officials in the hall.
Liu Hong couldn't help but chuckle. It seemed that once the benefits reached a certain level, almost no one could resist the temptation.
Then Liu Hong asked with a laugh, "What if the Xiongnu and Wuhuan people refuse to give it to us?"
Han Rong, the Chamberlain, spoke up: "If they refuse, then send troops to kill them!"
"Yes, if they won't give it to us, then we'll go get it ourselves!"
"Not an inch of the land of the Han Dynasty can be lost!"
In an instant, all the civil and military officials in the hall stood up, each displaying righteous indignation and becoming the most steadfast supporters of the territorial integrity of the Han Dynasty.
"You are all right! The time to reclaim the lost territories of the Han Dynasty is now!"
Upon seeing this scene, Liu Hong also stood up from his throne, a surge of heroic spirit welling up within him.
"Your Majesty, we are willing to follow you to the death!"
Upon seeing that the emperor shared their views, the civil and military officials were overjoyed, eagerly awaiting the Han dynasty's recapture of those territories, from which they would naturally be able to reap a share.
"Your Majesty, I believe this matter should not be rushed; we should plan carefully before taking action!"
Just as everyone was lost in their beautiful dreams for the future, a discordant voice entered their ears.
Everyone turned to look in the direction of the voice and discovered that it was Cao Song again.
"What does the Grand Minister of Agriculture mean by this? Are we just going to let them trample on our Han territory at will?"
Wang Rui couldn't help but question it. This matter had escalated to a territorial issue of the Han Dynasty. Even if his official rank was lower than Cao Song's, and even if he spoke out against him, it could not be considered an overstepping of authority.
Liu Hong then waved to Wang Rui, who bowed and returned to the queue.
Liu Hong then looked at Cao Song, "I have the same question!"
"Your Majesty, it is not that I oppose the recovery of our homeland, but that the national treasury is not yet full. This year, the rebellion of the Qiang people in the northwest has just been quelled, and Bingzhou and northern Youzhou have been ravaged by the Xiongnu and Xianbei. They are still under reconstruction, and the military equipment in various places is not yet complete."
If we rashly launch an attack, even if we successfully repel the Wuhuan and reclaim our homeland, we will pay an extremely heavy price, and the Han Dynasty at present does not have the capacity to bear that price.
"The best course of action now is to prioritize the development of national strength and the well-being of the people. With the assistance of the three academies of engineering, agriculture, and medicine, the Han Dynasty will recover its strength in due time. At that time, we can reclaim our lost territories without lifting a finger. I urge Your Majesty to reconsider!"
Cao Song's words thoroughly awakened everyone. Although the civil and military officials in the hall were unwilling to admit it, what Cao Song said was indeed the truth.
The Han Dynasty is not currently unable to defeat the Xiongnu and Wuhuan, but it is indeed unlikely in the short term to completely drive them away or assimilate them and completely occupy those places.
Liu Hong nodded and said in a deep voice, "The Grand Minister of Agriculture is right. Right now, the Han Dynasty should focus on developing its internal affairs and restoring its national strength!"
Yuan Feng also stood up and said loudly, "Your Majesty, that is true, but coal and cotton are the nation's most valuable assets. If we can have these two things to help us, the development speed of our Great Han will definitely be twice as fast!"
"Regarding cotton, I have instructed the Grand Minister of Agriculture to prepare for trial planting next year. If it proves successful, it will be promoted. We also need to purchase large quantities from the Western Regions. As for coal... we must import it in large quantities as well..."
When the topic of coal came up, Liu Hong looked at the civil and military officials and then asked, "What good ideas do you gentlemen have?"
Cao Song's eyes darted around, and then he said with a smile, "Your Majesty, I think that since we can't occupy the Wuhuan and Xiongnu right now, we can't let them sit idle either. Why don't we use trade to buy coal at a low price and let the Xiongnu and Wuhuan work as laborers to mine coal for us!"
"That's a good idea!"
Liu Hong nodded, then looked at Cao Song and asked, "I wonder what specific procedures the Grand Minister of Agriculture has in place?"
Cao Song pondered for a moment before speaking, "Trading with the Xiongnu and Wuhuan is no small matter. Apart from the imperial court and government officials, anyone else who wants to trade with them must report to and apply to the government and the imperial court. Only those who have obtained the qualification to trade are allowed to do so!"
"The Grand Minister of Agriculture's words are very good!"
Then Liu Hong looked at Cao Song and Yuan Feng and slowly said, "Alright, this matter will be handled jointly by the Minister of Works and the Minister of Agriculture! Just draft a memorial and submit it tomorrow!"
"promise!"
Yuan Feng and Cao Song exchanged a glance, responded in unison, and then returned to their respective positions.
Then Liu Hong looked around at the civil and military officials in the hall and said in a deep voice: "Today I borrow Wenxian's words. In the past, our ancestors laid this place for us to live in, so that we can live here today. The land we have now is not enough for the people of our Han Dynasty to cultivate. I really don't know how our descendants will survive."
While we enjoy the blessings of our ancestors, we must not stand still. We must strive to create a larger and broader living space for our descendants, so that we may live up to the mission entrusted to us by our forefathers!
For a moment, the entire hall was silent, with only Liu Hong's powerful voice echoing in everyone's hearts.
Liu Hong gazed intently at the civil and military officials in the hall and asked loudly, "I wonder if you gentlemen are willing to join me in seeking blessings for future generations?"
"We, your humble servants, are willing to follow Your Majesty to the death!"
The fervor of the civil and military officials seemed to be ignited at that moment, and everyone shouted in unison.
The Imperial Guards and Tiger Guards patrolling outside the palace gates couldn't help but turn their heads to look inside, wondering what had happened that would cause those high-ranking officials to swear allegiance to the emperor like soldiers.
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
