mtl008 Chapter 323: To maintain national peace
Chapter 323: To maintain national peace
Chapter 323: To maintain national peace
"Increase the intensity of the search. Even if we have to dig up the entire capital, we must find him for me!"
Zhao Guoan tried hard to suppress his surging emotions, his whole body emitting a bone-chilling chill, his tone as cold as frost, and he gave stern orders.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Eunuch Xu and Guo Jingnan immediately complied with the order, their voices tinged with fear.
"My dear Lord Guo, the crown prince of the Miao Kingdom is so audacious that he kidnapped the princess within our territory. The Miao Kingdom must give me an explanation for this matter.
You must immediately draft a letter to the Emperor of Miao, clearly explaining the whole story and demanding that he hand over the eldest prince. Otherwise, don't blame me for going to war!"
Guo Jingnan quickly accepted the order, withdrew in a hurry, and began to prepare the letter.
At the same time, in the distant country of Japan, the senior officials who had received food supplies were secretly planning a sinister plan to attack the Xia Kingdom.
They gathered in a secret room. On the wall of the room hung maps of Xia and Li countries, with various strategic points densely marked on them.
"This batch of food is enough to sustain our military needs for six months. The master wants us to take the lead in attacking Li Country and completely occupy it within six months. Do you have any objections?"
The Japanese general Yamamoto Jiro let out a cold laugh that was creepy.
"But Commander Yin is injured and it will take at least half a year for him to recover!" a general said in a low voice.
Yamamoto Jiro said angrily, "Without Commander Yin's participation, can we not take over a small country like Li?"
"That's right, Xiaolang, you are too timid!" Immediately, someone started to make fun of the general named Xiaolang.
Everyone nodded, their eyes flashing with greed and undisguised ambition.
"Attacking Li Country is only the first step. Once we take Li Country, we can use it as a solid springboard to advance straight into Xia Country."
A counselor spoke in a sinister voice, his voice like a poisonous snake spitting out its tongue, with a hint of chill.
Yamamoto Jiro stroked his chin lightly, a cold light flashed in his eyes, and a fierce look was revealed:
"That's right. We will first gradually erode Li Nation and weaken its national strength. Once Commander Yin has recovered, we will encircle Xia Nation and annex it in one fell swoop."
At this moment, in the court of Xia State, the ministers were engaged in a heated debate over the kidnapping of the princess by the eldest prince of Miao State and the potential threat from Japan.
Some people advocated sending troops to Miao Kingdom immediately to seek justice for the princess with lightning speed and to demonstrate the power of Xia Kingdom.
Some people also believe that they should suppress their anger for the time being and wait for a reply to the letter before making a decision, so as to avoid starting a war rashly and falling into a passive position.
Zhao Guoan sat upright on the dragon throne, listening to the ministers' arguments one after another, feeling extremely annoyed.
At this moment, a guard hurried into the court, knelt on one knee, and reported loudly:
"Your Majesty, the envoy from the Kingdom of Li requests an audience, stating that they have an extremely urgent matter to discuss."
Zhao Guoan's brows furrowed instantly. After a little thought, he waved his hand to signal the guards to bring the messenger in.
Soon, the envoy from the Kingdom of Li hurried into the court. After paying his respects, he said anxiously:
"Your Majesty, our ruler has received accurate information that the Japanese, after receiving a batch of grain, are plotting to first attack our Kingdom of Li, and then use Li as a stepping stone to attack your country."
As soon as these words came out, there was an uproar in the court.
The ministers were whispering to each other, with different expressions, some looked frightened, and some were lost in thought.
Zhao Guoan thought for a moment, then said to the Li Kingdom envoy with a serious expression:
"Your news is extremely timely. I will consider this matter carefully. Once I have discussed a response plan with my ministers, I will immediately respond to your request."
The envoy from Li State bowed again and left the court.
The discussion in the court became more and more intense.
Some people advocated an alliance with Li Kingdom to fight against Wa Kingdom, believing that the lips and teeth would be cold if they were separated, and only by sticking together could they resist a powerful enemy.
Some people were also worried that the alliance with Li Kingdom would give Miao Kingdom an opportunity to take advantage of the situation and launch an attack, putting Xia Kingdom in a desperate situation where it would be attacked from all sides.
"Your Majesty, Japan is very powerful. We must not rashly start a war..."
Gou Hongying's face was full of worry, and there was a tremor in his voice as he continued.
As soon as he finished speaking, some ministers echoed him, their voices full of fear and retreat.
Zhao Guoan looked at the group of ministers who advocated peace, his brows furrowed even deeper, and a hint of disappointment and anger flashed in his eyes.
"If we don't fight, after Japan invades Li Country, Xia Country will be in danger. And on the Miao side, if the kidnapping of the princess goes unresolved, where will the dignity of our Xia Country be?" Prime Minister Ouyang Shu stepped forward and spoke in a sonorous and powerful voice.
At this time, a general strode out of the ranks, saluted with his fists, and said loudly:
"Your Majesty, I believe we should first unite with the Kingdom of Li and combine our strength to resist the Kingdom of Japan. The Miao Crown Prince kidnapped the princess, which is a blatant provocation. Once we defeat the Japanese, it will not be too late to call the Miao Kingdom to account."
As soon as these words were spoken, many ministers nodded in agreement, feeling that this plan could not only solve the urgent problem but also maintain the dignity of the Xia Kingdom.
"Your Majesty, we cannot fight. We have just experienced a plague, followed by a drought. The treasury is empty and there is no surplus food for the army."
As Gou Hongying finished speaking, all the ministers echoed him: "Yes, Your Majesty, we cannot fight..."
"Brother Emperor, the treasury is completely empty. What can we use to wage war against Japan? In my humble opinion, we can send the princess to Japan for marriage. This will prevent the suffering of the people and spare them from the ravages of war."
Zhao Yucheng felt that the time had come, and immediately stood up and spoke with a look of urgency on his face.
"Royal brother, you..."
"Your Majesty, the only solution now is to send the princess to marry..."
In an instant, more than half of the ministers knelt on the ground, with voices rising one after another.
"Your Majesty, please send the princess to marry!"
"You cowards! Xia is a powerful nation. How can we rely on a woman to maintain national peace?"
At this time, the Imperial Censor Zhao Wenjin was furious and his beard was shaking with anger.
However, someone immediately responded with a sharp question:
"Lord Zhao, the national treasury is short of food, and there are no good generals available. How should this war be fought? Is Lord Zhao willing to donate his own food and manpower..."
"Those old, weak, and disabled soldiers of Lord Zhao's family will probably be scared to pee their pants before they even go to the battlefield, hahahaha..."
"you……"
Zhao Wenjin was so angry that he couldn't speak. He could only stare at the other person with wide eyes.
"Your Majesty, we cannot send the princess to marry a foreign prince. Marriage is completely different from a marriage alliance. Otherwise, the dignity of the Xia Kingdom will be gone!" Zhao Feng also hurriedly stood up and anxiously advised.
For a moment, the court was in an uproar, with all kinds of voices intertwined together, making it a mess.
"Everyone go back and think about it carefully, come up with a proper solution, and discuss this matter tomorrow!" Zhao Guoan had a splitting headache from the noise and felt extremely annoyed.
Now, he is indeed facing the dilemma of food shortage, which makes him feel extremely difficult and helpless.
"Retreat from the court..."
As the eunuch's shrill and long voice fell, Zhao Guoan's face was full of anger. He waved his sleeves and left, leaving the ministers looking at each other in bewilderment.