After the ceremony, the crown prince felt very uneasy.
He deeply understood the cruelty and ruthlessness of war, and cherished the peace and tranquility before him even more.
He secretly vowed to use his own strength to protect this land and its people, so that such a tragedy would never happen again.
He turned to look at General Wang, his eyes shining with determination. "General, what I have seen today has made me deeply realize that behind every peace lies the sacrifice and dedication of countless heroes."
As the Crown Prince of the Southern Dynasty, I should remember this even more, learn from history, and strive to govern well. Those years of war not only forged the indomitable backbone of our nation, but also serve as a reminder to cherish the peace we enjoy today and never forget the legacy of our martyrs.
I should set an example by being diligent in governing and caring for the people, and by opening up avenues for talent, so that the Southern Dynasty may become prosperous and strong, and the people may live in peace and contentment. Only in this way can I live up to this peaceful and prosperous era, and also be the best tribute to those who have bravely sacrificed themselves for their country.
I will also dedicate myself to ensuring that there is no more war in this world, and that the people can share the joy of peace.
Upon hearing this, General Wang's eyes flashed with emotion. He bowed deeply to the Crown Prince and said in a deep voice, "Your Highness's ambition is a blessing for our northern lands."
The crown prince nodded heavily, as if he had made an unshakable vow in his heart.
He looked around and saw that although the old, weak, sick and disabled soldiers were no longer physically strong, their spirits were as unbreakable as a rock.
The Crown Prince knew that this strength was the very reason why the North could stand firm and keep moving forward.
He turned to Rong Ning and said, "Ning, what can I do for these soldiers?"
Rong Ning smiled slightly, "Posthumous honors are useless. It's just that their living relatives have to accept the separation of life and death, which is too cruel for them."
But that's the cruelty of war, brother. All you can do is urge the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue to deliver the pensions of fallen soldiers to their families, ensuring their loved ones receive proper care and support.
Upon hearing this, a hint of helplessness flashed in the Crown Prince's eyes. She pulled Rong Ning aside and whispered, "This matter has been underway. When you were summoned back to Nanyang City from the North by the Emperor last time, you mentioned these things and said that the court should allocate a sum of money to allow these old, weak, sick, and disabled soldiers to go home."
However, the national treasury is empty, and this sum of money has not yet been raised.
As Rong Ning listened, a heavy look appeared in her eyes. Many of these soldiers who had fought bloody battles for the Southern Dynasty were no longer able to gallop across the battlefield as they once were due to old age and illness. But Rong Ning could not accept letting them fade away in the vicissitudes of time.
They don't even have the most basic respect and protection.
She took a deep breath and said resolutely, "I know the court is in a difficult position, but this matter concerns the greater good of the nation. They once protected this land with their lives. Now they are old and frail, or seriously injured, and they deserve the care and support of the court."
Rong Ning continued firmly, "The national treasury may be empty, but if we want to raise money, we just need to investigate those corrupt officials in the court, confiscate their homes, and that will provide the funds, won't it?"
The North is remote and far less prosperous than the South, but look how much silver has been confiscated in the North in such a short period of time.
Everyone knows that the Southern Dynasty is wealthy. Although it has been fighting the Great Jing for more than a year and has spent a lot of money, the national treasury should not be so empty. Where did the tax money that should have gone into the national treasury go?
"Isn't it just in the hands of corrupt officials?"
Rong Ning grew angrier as she spoke, “Under the indulgence of the late emperor, corruption was rampant in the Southern Dynasty. The late emperor himself was the biggest corrupt official, hoarding the wealth of the world without any restraint.”
This is also the reason why the national treasury is empty.
This is something I know. You and Father have been navigating the court for years, how could you not know?
If you are determined, take this opportunity to have the Censorate and the Ministry of Justice join forces to thoroughly investigate officials at all levels throughout the country, especially those who hold high positions and wield great power.
Once those who embezzle, abuse their power, or line their own pockets are discovered, they will be severely punished without exception, and their assets will be confiscated to replenish the national treasury.
I am not advocating for harsh laws and severe punishments.
I just feel that if we want to stabilize this country and win the hearts of the people, we must first rectify the government and cleanse the social atmosphere.
Father and you fear that a major conflict would destabilize the court, but as members of the royal family, we should be able to distinguish right from wrong and prioritize the greater good.
Imagine, if those parasites are allowed to continue to run rampant, how can the people live in peace and prosperity?
Where did the soldiers on the frontier get their food, supplies, and weapons?
If this continues, won't the foundation of the Southern Dynasty be destroyed in an instant?
If that's the case, what was their father's motive for going to such lengths to seize the throne?
Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince remained silent for a moment, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. "A-Ning is right. This matter is indeed of great importance to the nation and cannot be taken lightly. When I return today, I will write a secret letter to my father and ask him to consider this matter seriously."
“But, A-Ning, you must know that this matter is of utmost importance. If we are not careful, it could cause turmoil in the court and even a national crisis. Although we are determined to eliminate this threat, we must proceed with caution and ensure that nothing goes wrong.”
The Crown Prince spoke with a solemn tone, and a hint of worry was visible between his brows.
“I understand, brother.” Rong Ning felt relieved. “I’m not asking you to become successful overnight. Just take the first step.”
This is easy to say, but in everything, the first step is often the hardest.
The Crown Prince remained silent…
After a while, the Crown Prince stepped forward, looked at the soldiers in front of him with deep affection, and said in a deep voice, "Heroes, the people of the Southern Dynasty will remember your sacrifices, and I am deeply impressed by them."
Please believe that no matter where you are, the Southern Dynasty will never forget your contributions and sacrifices.
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