"Marquis Wu'an, you can speak frankly." Emperor Yuan Jing's tone became calmer.
Last year, the Northern Wei invaded with great force and the war situation was urgent. When the news reached the capital, people were in panic. At that time, they were planning to transfer back the fourth prince Xiang Wang Mu Yundi who was stationed at the border of East Chu, but because the distance was too far, they did not make it in time.
At such a critical moment, Liang Qingwu defeated the invading enemy forces of Northern Wei, and Emperor Yuan Jing was of course overjoyed.
"You've returned just in time. When we attack Northern Wei, I'll appoint you as commander-in-chief of the Great Zhou army."
Mu Yunyin's face was gloomy. He had tried to win over Liang Qingwu before, but not only did he fail to make friends with her, he also offended her so much that he pushed her completely to the side of Prince Qing.
He couldn't help but look at Song Shiwen, dissatisfaction evident on his face.
Liang Qingwu said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I believe it would be inappropriate to hastily attack Northern Wei, at least not now."
"Um?"
Emperor Yuan Jing's expression turned colder, and he asked, "What does Marquis Wu'an think is wrong?"
"Our previous victories were pyrrhic, and our army paid a heavy price. Now, we are severely short of food, manpower, and weapons... We are simply unable to fight the Northern Wei."
"I appointed the Pacification Envoy to prepare in advance for the collection of food and fodder, the recruitment of troops, and the construction of equipment. I will also be preparing to recall the Fourth Prince when the time comes..." Emperor Yuan Jing said in a low voice, "I will never stop until the Northern Wei is destroyed!"
His tone was firm and brooked no argument.
Liang Qingwu was speechless. No one understood the situation better than her. The Northern Wei Dynasty was no longer what it used to be. What she said was reserved not only because of the problems of food, fodder and manpower, but also because the national strength of the Great Zhou Dynasty was simply not enough to support this war.
The so-called Northern Wei's begging for peace and surrender was just an exaggeration. The actual situation was that the Northern Wei did not want to continue, and the Great Zhou did not want to fight even more.
We won the battle, but at a great cost.
It is now May, and only half a year of preparation is far from enough. The most important problem is the weakening of national strength, but no one admits it and everyone is stuck in the past.
"Is the female commander too conservative? My Great Zhou occupies fifteen states in the Central Plains. We have a vast territory and a large population. Could it be that we are unable to defeat a small barbarian tribe?"
At this time, an official from the Ministry of Rites stood up and said, "Women are women. You are the female commander of the Great Zhou Dynasty, but you are not even as good as an official from the Ministry of Rites like me."
"Don't think you can get cocky just because you won a battle. What our Great Zhou lacks the least is generals."
"yes."
"It's wrong to boost the morale of others and destroy your own prestige before the war even begins."
There were rebuttals and even criticisms one after another.
Just because she was a woman, these people had many prejudices against her. It was the same when she was being conferred a title. They always said things like it was against common sense to confer a title on a woman.
Liang Qingwu had been very tolerant before, but now seeing the expressions on these people's faces, she could no longer tolerate it. She walked up to a court official and asked, "You said before that what the Great Zhou Dynasty lacked the most was female generals?"
"So what?"
This man was a doctor from the Ministry of Rites. He had a long beard and was a head shorter than Liang Qingwu, but he held his head high and chest puffed out with an arrogant look. What was there for him to be afraid of in the court?
"I heard that some people are so frightened that they're even advising to move the capital to Jiangzhou City."
Liang Qingwu said calmly, "I remember that the Ministry of Rites had the most people admonishing the emperor, and you were one of them, right? Since you said the Northern Wei were just a small barbarian country, why didn't you go to the battlefield?"
"What did you say? Be careful with your words in the court." His face flushed.
"When the war begins, I will take you to the battlefield."
"Humph, I am a scholar, how could I do the things that those vulgar warriors do."
Liang Qingwu laughed angrily.
"When the enemy attacked, you were terrified. It was us, the crude warriors, who went to the battlefield. Now that the enemy is gone, you despise us for being crude warriors. You can even say such shameless words."
"you....."
At this time, Song Shiwen said calmly: "Marquis Wu'an only won a battle, but he is so proud of himself and doesn't take anyone seriously."
"That's enough."
Emperor Yuan Jing said calmly, "An attack on Northern Wei is imperative. From now on, everything will be focused on preparing for war."
"His Majesty."
At this time, an official in his fifties stood up. He was the Minister of Revenue, named Li Chao.
"Your Majesty, the treasury is empty, and the Northern Army's salaries have not been paid yet. Raising the funds needed for the war is even more difficult..."
He was interrupted before he could finish his words. Emperor Yuan Jing angrily scolded, "If you don't have money, then find a way. Increase the summer tax and autumn grain by another 10%, or even 30% this year. This war is to enhance the prestige of the Great Zhou. I think the people will understand."
"His Majesty?"
Li Chao thought he had misheard. A casual remark that taxes would increase by 30% must be a joke.
Emperor Yuan Jing didn't give anyone else a chance to speak. He looked at Mu Yunxiu again and said, "You are responsible for all matters concerning money, food, and troops. I don't care about the process, I only care about the results. If you can't do it, I will hold you accountable!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Mu Yunxiu responded in a deep voice. If he had no money, he would find a way to raise money. If he had no one, he would find a way to collect funds. As for the lives of the common people, it was not within his consideration. He only knew that if this matter was done well, he would be one step closer to competing for the throne.
Moreover, they can use the power in their hands to act for their own benefit.
Liang Qingwu looked at Lu Taiyuan and the ministers around him. She didn't understand why no one objected to such an outrageous agreement?
Song Shiwen would be fine, as he doesn't care about the lives of the people and only cares about his own selfish interests. Why didn't Lord Lu, the Second Assistant, say a word? Is there no one in the court who cares about the lives of the people?
This country...is finished.
A sentence suddenly came to Liang Qingwu's mind.
"Your Majesty, attacking Northern Wei is a major event to enhance the prestige of our Great Zhou. How can His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, as the heir to the throne, sit idly by? Even if he does not serve as the pacification envoy, he can still assist His Royal Highness Prince Qing." Song Shiwen was unwilling to give in and was still fighting for the Crown Prince.
Mu Yunyin took a deep breath and said, "The amount of money and food needed to prepare for the war is enormous. I am worried that my second brother will not be able to do it and delay the important matter. If I can help, it will naturally be completed."
"Well, you have a point."
Emperor Yuan Jing paused and said, "Since that's the case, then you, Crown Prince, should also do this. The two of you will each be the left and right pacification envoys. I will employ whoever performs well, and I will hold accountable whoever performs poorly."
"I will do my best." Mu Yunyin stood up. This was also an unexpected surprise.
Although Mu Yunxiu was unwilling, he knew that what he said was useless. He had no chance originally but now it was worth it. At least he had the qualifications to compete with the prince.
Both of them have their own ulterior motives.
Song Shiwen saw this and couldn't help but sigh in his heart, Your Majesty, your imperial way is still so perfect.
When two tigers fight, they will naturally try their best.
But... he shook his head and dared not have any other thoughts.
The court fell into silence. They didn't know if it was an illusion, but they always felt that His Majesty was deliberately instigating the two to fight for the throne.
Liang Qingwu frowned and looked up at Emperor Yuan Jing who was sitting on the throne.
In this case, the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness Prince Qing will resort to any means necessary to raise money, food and other supplies for the war, and the people will suffer as a result.
Doesn’t the emperor care about the lives of the people?
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