Chapter 217 Consolidating Strength, Shocking News...
The next morning, Zhang Ting went straight to the military camp.
Chen Jue may be able to lose, but the lives of her entire family depend on the success or failure of the undertaking, and she cannot afford to lose even half a time.
The north wind howled, and she let the dry, cold air hit her face. She exhaled and felt more awake than ever before.
When there was a shortage of soldiers, they absorbed displaced people and started to cultivate land.
Chen Jue sat in the main seat, pondered for a moment, and had her own considerations: "What reason could we possibly have for establishing military farms? The court is not easy to deal with. If there is the slightest disturbance, all our years of hard work will be in vain."
Liu Wang also said, "It's not that we haven't considered absorbing refugees to strengthen the army, but we're already stretched thin just to cover the expenses of 100,000 soldiers. Recruiting more soldiers... I'm afraid..."
Xu Qiushui had also been thinking about this matter recently. Expansion was definitely necessary. She wholeheartedly supported Zhang Ting's proposal to establish military farms. "Yingzhou Prefecture is vast and rich in resources, and it is also the home of our clan. It is only right to take care of the refugees. However, the nobles in the city prefer cleanliness and prohibit the refugees from entering the city." Since they could not enter the city, the refugees would naturally flow into the camp.
Chen Jue clapped his hands in praise, "Minister Xu's words make sense. This way, we can bring fresh blood into our army without diminishing the court's suspicion." With the pretext and follow-up arrangements settled, the issue returned to its core—food.
When everyone was racking their brains without success, Zhang Ting stepped forward and said, "Currently, the Yingzhou Prefecture granary can feed and drink the soldiers for three years. We can also barely supply them by absorbing some refugees. But it's only for three years." She looked at everyone and said, "If we train our troops hard and the time is not right after three years... we will have no choice but to bite the bullet and go for it."
With her guarantee regarding supplies, Chen Jue was overjoyed. "Then we have nothing to fear." As for the timing Zhang Ting mentioned, it was certainly important, but she smiled mysteriously. "Minister Zhang, there's no need to worry. The time will come."
Although she had been deposed for many years, she had still cultivated a high position for so long, earning a reputation for virtue and possessing no shortage of connections and loyal followers. Chen Jue's eyes darkened. If fate did not favor her, she would carve out her own path and create her own opportunity!
In front of all the officials, Chen Jue took Zhang Ting's hand and made her sit down below him, displaying a very respectful and courteous attitude.
"I have been fortunate to have a wise minister, and I have been able to plan for hegemony and defeat rebellious ministers. I should treat you with the respect due to a national hero!" Chen Jue had been lying low for many years, and no one, whether it was her old subordinates who came to her door on their own initiative or the famous scholars she invited after three visits to their thatched cottage, had ever received such favor from her.
The army is full of all sorts of people, and some couldn't help but feel envious, whispering sourly, "Can someone who rose to power through nepotism be called a national hero? Bah! I think their ambitions are doomed to fail sooner or later." Who didn't know that the confidante who suddenly appeared beside the lord was her grandson's wife? She wouldn't accept a status gained by sleeping with men!
These elderly women followed His Highness all the way here, only to gain nothing and be overshadowed by a newcomer. To be treated like a national hero just for saying a few words—is that fair?
What is a national hero? It refers to a person within a country whose talent, wisdom, virtue, and achievements are the most outstanding and unique. How could a mere young girl, who has only been an official for a few years, have such an exceptional background?
Although they spoke softly, the large tent was narrow and it was inevitable that someone would hear them.
The room was completely silent, deathly quiet.
Chen Jue hates it when someone badmouths you when you're in a good mood. She puts one hand to her forehead, then opens her eyes and points at the person, saying calmly, "Come here."
The speaker was Xu Yun, the former Crown Princess's tutor and an official under the Eastern Palace. When she realized that her words had been overheard, she broke out in a cold sweat. After thinking about it, she realized that she was in the right no matter what. Whether it was to appease her former subordinates or to uphold fairness and justice, the Crown Princess had to give her an explanation. So she walked over with her neck stiff.
Xu Yun argued vehemently, "Your Highness appoints relatives and favors those in power. Aren't you afraid of chilling the hearts of us old ministers?" She straightened her chest, appearing righteous and composed.
Before Chen Jue could speak, everyone in the tent burst into laughter. His Highness was practicing nepotism? Leaving aside Zhang Ting's efforts in raising funds and supplies for the army, their ability to train troops in Yingzhou Prefecture without worry was entirely due to her contributions. How dare a mere former Crown Princess's tutor disrespect the Prefect? Was she simply taking advantage of her 'senior' status to act arrogantly?
"Bah! You dare to speak ill of Lord Zhang? Go back and take a piss in your mirror and see what kind of person you are!"
"Luckily, Lord Zhang is mild-mannered and didn't hold it against you. If it were me, I would have beaten you so badly your own father wouldn't recognize you!"
"Sour grapes, why bother with such a petty person? In terms of talent, reputation, and achievements, in what way can she compare to Lord Zhang? All she can do is rage in vain."
Faced with the public's indignation, the person involved remained calm, lowered his eyelashes, and said nothing.
Chen Jue realized it was her turn to appear; there are all sorts of people in a big forest. It's easy for people to talk when they're not in her shoes. Besides Zhang Ting, who else could let her train troops in Yingzhou Prefecture without any worries? Besides Zhang Ting, who else could provide her with endless financial and logistical support?
Of course, there was another very important reason. Chen Jue scanned the tent and saw that civil and military officials who had previously been at odds with her were now all jumping out to defend Zhang Ting, demonstrating her influence and appeal. She had also heard that the people of Zhangzhou and Yinzhou prefectures revered her as a deity. What difference was there between this and gaining control of Zhangzhou and Yinzhou prefectures?
Many people don't realize that, aside from Zhang Ting's unparalleled wisdom and logistical abilities, she herself is a huge walking resource. Relying on her widespread reputation for virtue, she can naturally gain the favor of the people and the loyalty of her students and officials who admire her. This is a tremendous source of energy at any time.
If such a virtuous person cannot be called a national hero, then who is qualified?
Chen Jue could even say, without exaggeration, that if Zhang Ting were her sister, she would step down without hesitation, because she would have no chance of winning against her.
But fate is strange. Heaven bestowed upon Zhang Ting unparalleled wisdom and prestige, but also bequeathed her noble royal bloodline, and made Zhang Ting, a virtuous minister who is one in a thousand years, her granddaughter-in-law.
On another level, the fact that Heaven sent down a rare and outstanding minister to assist her in turning the tide only serves to prove that she was indeed a wise and benevolent ruler. Perhaps this was the will of Heaven.
Chen Jue thought about many things, but in reality, it only took a moment.
Despite the pressure of the officials' insults, Xu Yun walked up to his lord, hoping she could uphold justice for him.
Chen Jue wanted to seek justice for Zhang Ting, and he couldn't let her chosen minister be wronged.
"I have been diligently governing for decades, and while I may not be widely known for my virtue, I am certainly respected by the people. I can overlook your insult to me. However, Zhang Qing's talent and loyalty are evident to both me and my ministers. Your unwarranted insult to Zhang Qing is unbearable!" She sighed and continued, "As for your accusation of nepotism, I am only grateful to have formed a marriage alliance with Zhang Qing. If Zhang Qing is willing to shoulder more responsibilities, I would be more than happy to oblige."
Xu Yun was dumbfounded: "Your Highness, what are we old ministers supposed to do?!"
"To continue this entanglement is extremely inconsiderate," Chen Jue said with a stern face. "Merit and ability don't lie. Do you think your abilities and achievements far surpass Zhang Qing's?"
"Of course not," Xu Yun stammered, having some self-awareness. "We have followed Your Highness for a long time. How can you treat the old servants harshly and favor the new ones?"
She kept saying she was senior and everyone had to defer to her. Chen Jue was getting very impatient. She was almost sixty years old, dragging her old bones out to rebel. She was so much older than her younger brothers and sisters. Why didn't they surrender to her?
If she were truly useful, she would simply ask the prefectures of Jizhou and Huzhou for money and grain. Would they give it to her?
To balance the relationship between the emperor and his ministers, Chen Jue summoned Xu Qiushui, a familiar face among his old acquaintances. "Does Minister Xu think my actions have been biased?"
Xu Qiuping stated frankly: "I believe there is nothing wrong with this. Whether serving as an official in the court or handling important matters in the military, from ancient times to the present, strength and seniority have always been respected, and age cannot be used as a standard of measurement."
The others echoed this sentiment.
Upon seeing this, Xu Jun's face turned deathly pale, as if he had reached the end of his rope.
Chen Jue wanted to give Zhang Ting face, and also wanted to win over the hearts of important officials. "Minister Zhang, what do you think should be done with this person?"
Zhang Ting glanced at the person in the center, his heart not feeling much. "Although there is an intention to sow discord between the ruler and his ministers, it is ultimately just a verbal dispute. Once it's out in the open, it's over."
At this critical juncture, Chen Jue could neither severely punish the veteran minister nor let Zhang Ting off lightly and disappoint him. Hearing this, he was satisfied and extremely impressed with her. Look, this is what it means to be open-minded and inclusive.
The remaining officials either silently breathed a sigh of relief, admired Zhang Ting greatly, or expressed high praise for her. Xu Yun, however, asked in a shocked tone, "You don't blame me?"
Zhang Ting cultivates her character and mind; someone who can be easily provoked is not her.
Not wanting to provoke conflict between the new and old officials, she said, "We both serve His Highness and are in the same boat. At such a critical moment, we need to unite against external threats. There is no question of blaming or punishing anyone. If my words were inappropriate, I will remember them in the future."
Xu Yun stared at her in a daze. The person in front of her had come secretly, wearing only a maroon robe. It was clearly simple and plain, yet it seemed to shine with a magnificent light, which deeply stung her eyes.
Everyone present was full of praise. Look at this, what is the demeanor of a renowned scholar? This is it.
The happiest person was Chen Jue. She stood up and declared firmly, "If anyone criticizes meritorious officials or shakes the foundation in the future, I will not let them off lightly!" She made her decision first to avoid future chaos.
After this incident, Zhang Ting's reputation in the army was firmly established, and all civil and military officials followed her lead.
Time flies, and another winter has arrived.
The military camp has recruited 50,000 new soldiers, and the number continues to rise due to the unusually cold weather this year.
Chen Jue sat at the head of the table, rubbing her temples, while Zhang Ting sat to her left.
Ironware consumption is enormous, and they're using it every day. The group is discussing where to swindle or rob some. The reason is simple: supporting hundreds of thousands of men consumes enormous amounts of money and provisions; they're lucky to have enough to eat, let alone anything to trade.
Furthermore, they plan to recruit a total of 250,000 troops, including 150,000 infantry, 50,000 spearmen, and 50,000 cavalry. Currently, they have enough spearmen and cavalry, but they are still short 100,000 infantrymen. They can recruit more gradually, but how can they fight a war without weapons?
Zhang Ting knelt on the mat, his ears ringing from the noise. The two officials opposite him were fighting; one was cursing the other for being shameless and a robber, while the other was calling him a hypocrite and a woman. Some people were mixed in with the fighting, while others were cheering from the sidelines.
She glanced outside the tent and sighed, realizing she wouldn't be able to leave work on time again. She poured herself a cup of tea to calm her nerves.
Chen Jue had a splitting headache and felt that these people were really awful. She was so old, yet they were still yelling at her as if they were afraid she would live too long.
She slammed her hand on the low table angrily, "Stop it, all of you!"
When their lord was enraged, no one dared to act recklessly anymore; they all stood there disheveled and in a sorry state.
Just as Chen Jue was about to give a reprimand, a panicked cry rang out from outside the tent, "Your Highness! Your Highness—" A soldier rushed in in a panic, his eyes wide with horror.
"His Majesty has passed away!"
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