Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress novel Chapter 1247

Chapter 1247: Chapter 1242: Behaving Oneself

Their Emperor used Zhou’s grain to support the people of Xiliang. Despite the difficulties, as the Minister of Revenue, he complied because he knew the Emperor’s goal was the unification of the nation. The Emperor already treated the people of Xiliang as his own.

Now, if Zhou were to go to war with the Yan Kingdom, the issue of supplies... this would indeed be a monumental challenge for him.

But challenges must be met. Sitting in the position of Minister of Revenue, if he doesn’t solve the problems, what does the Emperor expect him to do? He can’t just throw up his hands and complain to the Emperor about being poor!

Moreover, given the current situation, the Emperor had just put the Prince to sleep and would leave the city once awakened. Even if he were to cry poverty, there would be nowhere to cry to. He still had to find a way...

After much contemplation, he felt he might have to target the businesspeople within Zhou’s borders.

After all, Zhou is the strongest nation right now. Once Zhou decides to go to war with the Yan Kingdom, businesspeople! No need to think... most definitely will gravitate toward Zhou.

But the Emperor has only stationed troops at the Yan border without issuing an official order to attack, so he had no excuse to demand silver from the merchants!

Regardless, it’s best to prepare ahead of time. Anyway, the Emperor has already moved troops. Just say that the battle is imminent and ask them for silver, to start preparing.

If no battle occurs at the time, then return the silver along the original route and request a commendation from the Emperor on their behalf. They will likely be quite pleased. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Wei Bugong looked up at the sky and sighed deeply. Everyone says the Minister of Revenue is the most lucrative official position under the heavens, but only those who occupy it truly know how difficult it is! Especially with a leader who wants to unite the world, it’s even more challenging.

·

The eunuch in the palace summoned Commandant Lu, Minister Shen, and Minister Dong to the palace, but after they entered, they were stopped by Mrs. Dong outside Bai Qingyan’s bedchamber.

They were told that Bai Qingyan was extremely weary, had just taken medicine and was dozing off, and asked the three officials to return for now and discuss everything once Bai Qingyan awoke.

Mrs. Dong already knew that A Yu intentionally used the situation to enter Yunjing, and that Xiao Qi might have been captured there as well. Therefore, she wanted her daughter to rest first and set off as soon as possible to settle matters early, so she could confidently settle in for her confinement.

Unexpectedly, as soon as Commandant Lu, Minister Shen, and Minister Dong returned home and hadn’t even had time to remove their official robes, they heard that the Emperor’s convoy was already prepared to depart.

The three dared not delay and hurried to the city gate simultaneously, greeted each other upon seeing one another.

Seeing Bai Qingyan’s carriage slowly coming from inside the city and stopping, the three boarded the carriage and paid their respects to Bai Qingyan.

"Understood!" the three replied in unison.

The matter of exiting Dadu City and circling back was something Bai Qingyan did not mention to the three officials. Her mother wanted her to have a proper confinement period, and Bai Qingyan trusted in the capabilities of the three officials. Once matters were settled clearly, she would return to Dadu City to properly rest and rejuvenate her body, both for A Yan and to stay with her two children for a long time.

"Minister Shen..." Bai Qingyan looked at Shen Jingzhong, "For this battle between our Zhou and the Yan Kingdom, Minister Shen must prepare for combat, and work with Minister Wei on the issue of supplies! One thing is certain... the soldiers must not go hungry."

Such large-scale troop movements and provisioning, the Yan Kingdom would quickly receive the news. Once out of Dadu City, she would also have to send someone to inform Murong Li and Xiao Rongyan of the news. What she could do for the merger of the two nations was limited to this.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty! I understand the importance!" Shen Jingzhong said, and then he continued, "However, I still believe that after we defeat Xiliang, our Zhou should recuperate and not engage in further war. We should properly integrate the newly acquired lands and population of Daliang. Naturally... I understand Your Majesty has considerations, but I hope Your Majesty will heed my words and avoid unnecessary conflict!"

"I understand Minister Shen’s point!" Bai Qingyan then turned to Dong Qingping, "After Xiliang is defeated, if our Zhou and Yan Kingdom take further actions, those with ulterior motives in Daliang might become restless and incite trouble. Uncle must handle this carefully. I have not relocated all the troops from Anping Camp. If necessary, demonstrate authority by force. Moreover, the garrison at Yuanping Camp remains unmoved, ready to eliminate those with malicious intents in Daliang when needed."

Shen Jingzhong nodded repeatedly. This was his concern as well. Daliang had just been incorporated into Zhou, and if troops stationed there were withdrawn, those with ulterior motives would certainly feel an opportunity arises. If a conflict between Zhou and the Yan Kingdom ignites at that time, those who wish to restore Daliang would undoubtedly cause trouble.

Bai Qingyan spoke steadily, "For newly reclaimed Daliang territory, our previously soft approach has been used. Should they cause more trouble, they must be severely punished, so they understand that even with Zhou’s forces divided between Xiliang and the Yan Kingdom, we still have the power to handle them! Only then can those with fantasies and delusions see Zhou’s might and completely settle down."