Unlimited estates for rural beauty-Chapter 688 Peace Edict (1)

"Yes, Your Majesty, the current situation necessitates that we take Sunset Kingdom. If the neighboring small nations band together, they would represent a not insignificant force. If they have no food, then they’ll resort to plundering. Once they get their hands on food and their bellies are full, tasting such spoils, a seed of thought will firmly take root in their minds—to avoid starvation, they’ll desperately plunder again and again. With increased confidence after the first time, they will inevitably conquer Sunset Kingdom sooner or later, and this would pose a great threat to our country." This was the conclusion the Prime Minister drew after repeated deliberation, and he, himself, wished even more for Xueyan Country to annex Luo Kingdom, as it would mean greater safety for his daughter.

Ludong was all smiles after hearing the Prime Minister’s words, whereas the Minister of War and Zi Weijiang, acting as the Minister of Works, were indignant in their hearts. However, the clever ones among them said nothing, keeping a position of neutrality, and those ministers who maintained silence were even more quiet, all quietly awaiting the emperor’s decision.

"I’ve decided to reclaim the Luo Kingdom." Seeing that the ministers had become silent rather than continuing their heated discussion, Dugu Chen announced his decision.

"A wise and illustrious decision, Your Majesty." Those who had remained neutral immediately jumped in with flattery. Tian Qing and Yang Jian reluctantly followed suit, knowing that once the emperor made a decision, it was an unalterable fact. Even if unwilling, they had to comply.

Dugu Chen glanced at Tian Qing and Yang Jian, noting their discontented expressions, their faces having grown long, and with a slight squint of his eyes, he questioned them, "Yang Jian, Tian Qing, you seem quite displeased. Do you not agree with my decision?"

At the sound of the emperor’s calm yet imposing voice, they trembled all over and felt a chill down their spines, hastily falling to their knees, "Your subjects dare not defy. We will resolutely carry out any decision made by Your Majesty."

"Good. I have already sent a message to Luo Kingdom. Before long, the emperor of Luo will come to us. During this time, all of you should prepare for the annexation of Luo Kingdom and attend to your respective duties."

"We will obey the edict," they responded.

Pleased with their awareness of the situation, and having resolved the matter of the Luo Kingdom, Dugu Chen stood up with his hands clasped behind his back, left the side hall, and returned to the palace to be with his beloved wife and daughter, and took the opportunity to share the good news with his lady.

"Ha ha, look at how happy you are, just for this? I knew the answer long ago." Feng Xuxu listened patiently to her husband’s mimicry, then shook her head with a laugh. She looked up at his disappointed face and said with a gentle smile, "Who can change the decisions you make? Besides, as a commander experienced in warfare, you naturally understand that if Luo Kingdom falls into others’ hands, we will be at a disadvantage. Since Luo Kingdom cannot serve as our natural defensive barrier, let’s annex it and by doing so, give Lou Qianyu a favor—it’s certainly much better than losing Luo Kingdom altogether."

"There’s one more thing."

"What is it?" Feng Xuxu thought for a moment but couldn’t figure it out, then asked with a frown.

"My dear, if you were the emperor of Luo Kingdom and faced this situation, what would you do?"

Feng Xuxu frowned, glanced at him, then sat in a chair and pondered slowly. After a while, she looked at him, "I would ask you for grain and silver." That way, wouldn’t I have Luo Kingdom in my grasp? Of course, the emperor of Luo had probably thought of that too, but why... not ask, and instead offer it up willingly? Shaking her head, she was utterly baffled.

"Yes, that’s right. Considering my relationship with Zhenzhen, I might indeed lend it to him if he asked. But instead, he has offered up the entire Luo Kingdom with both hands. Do you know why?"

Feng Xuxu shook her head, not understanding, waiting for him to finish his point.

"Almost all of Luo Kingdom’s silver has ended up in the hands of Zi Weijiang. Even if Lou Qianyu tries his hardest to hold on to Luo Kingdom, facing an empty treasury, he would be powerless in the end and still have to obey Zi Weijiang’s manipulation. Lou Qianyu is a proud man; he doesn’t want to be controlled by anyone, yet he wishes to keep Luo Kingdom from being ruined in his hands, so then..."