Remarrying Chun Yuan

Chapter 319 Additional Troops

"Half of the three thousand soldiers were lost when they encountered bandits. Based on the appearance of the dead and wounded bandits, they were identified as people from the State of Chu."

"If it weren't for Governor-General Chen's timely arrival, the entire army would have been wiped out."

"The bandits in Huai Prefecture are too rampant. I hope Father Emperor will send more troops!"

……

The entire urgent edict was basically Qin Muyan's complaints. The court officials hadn't expected this to happen. Why didn't Yuan Cuo encounter bandits when he went to Huaizhou, but Qin Muyan ran into trouble on his way there, and what's more, the bandits were from Chu?

All the mysteries lingered in people's minds, and there was much discussion in the imperial court.

Emperor Qi Xiao glanced at the seemingly unaffected Prince Chun, "The west is closest to the State of Chu, yet I have never heard you mention any Chu invasions?"

"There have been disturbances, but the casualties have not been great. Moreover, it is too far from the capital. Even if I report to His Majesty, the people will still be robbed, and some will be killed. His Majesty can only make up for it with the amount of money for the relief." Prince Chun was completely unmoved by this, as if he had long expected that Qin Muyan would be intercepted when he went there.

Emperor Qi Xiao felt a tightness in his chest from these words.

What do you mean by "only silver coins can be given"?

"It seems that my decision to transfer the Southwest Army to Huaizhou was appropriate." Emperor Qi Xiao looked at the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies. "The bandits of Chu nearly killed my son within the territory of Qi. Immediately issue a reprimand to Chu and demand an apology!"

"Send 30,000 more troops to Huaizhou. I want to see how bold the Chu Kingdom is. I refuse to believe that they can't protect this prosperous land!"

The next sentence was addressed to the Minister of War.

The Minister of War immediately accepted the order.

The court was filled with imposing presence; after so many years of suppression, this was the first time the Great Qi dared to stand tall and proud.

But the Minister of Revenue quietly stepped forward, "Your Majesty, you must be cautious!" The national treasury doesn't have much silver. How many suits of armor, how many soldiers, how much supplies and provisions will be needed for an additional 30,000 troops? These all add up to a lot of money!

"Stop telling me you're broke all the time. What have you been doing with the tax revenue from the national treasury? We've had years of recuperation and development; I refuse to believe we're short of money!"

Emperor Qi Xiao was angry when he saw the old man, the Minister of Revenue.

The Minister of Revenue was also helpless. "We do have some silver, but winter is just around the corner, and we need to prepare for potential disasters in various places in advance, just in case. Besides, once war breaks out, it will only lead to continuous losses." The Great Qi really can't afford to fight a war!

“The mining and smelting of mineral veins also require money and time.”

"Your Majesty, please reconsider."

Several court officials stepped forward one after another, all of whom disagreed with breaking off negotiations with the State of Chu at this time.

Emperor Qi Xiao's cold laugh was chilling. "So I'm going to make my son suffer such great injustice, beaten and not even daring to utter a curse?!"

The imperial court was completely silent.

Instead, Prince Chun stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I agree with your opinion. Great Qi has endured so much humiliation for so many years, and we cannot continue to be looked down upon like this."

"The Great Qi has already formed an alliance with the Meng Kingdom, so we must teach the Chu Kingdom a lesson!" The Vice Minister of War was full of dissatisfaction.

"Agree!"

"I hope that the Great Qi can regain its former glory!"

The people in the Ministry of War had been eagerly anticipating this day for a long time!

"I will allocate 30,000 troops to defend Huaizhou to the death!" Emperor Qi Xiao had no time to hesitate; he was determined to do this. "If you are not capable of allocating funds from the Great Qi treasury, then leave it to Minister Fang."

"I am capable of making good use of people. Whoever can come up with a way to replenish the national treasury of the Great Qi, I will employ them!"

In the blink of an eye, the Minister of Revenue was stripped of his power.

Fang Ziqing's father was given an important position.

After the court session ended, Qin Mushuo couldn't smile at all.

Although Fang Ziqing is his concubine and Fang Shilang is also his man, it is simply outrageous that the Ministry of Revenue's money is being used to supplement Qin Muyan's income!

"He has already taken control of the mines, and now he has troops and money to supply him. Isn't Father afraid of raising a thankless wretch? He's being far too careless!"

"The Minister of Revenue is a cunning old fox. He deliberately made excuses about this matter, which shows that raising funds is a very difficult task!"

"His Majesty has made up his mind to make a scene, and His Highness the Crown Prince cannot stop him." The Empress was ignorant of politics, but she understood Emperor Qi Xiao's thoughts.

"I just don't understand why Father Emperor won't use the Southwest Army? Isn't Chen Hongwu already there? Even if he's worried about his uncle's mutiny, he's already in the capital. Can he fly back overnight to mobilize troops?!" Qin Mushuo also saw the unusual tension between his father and uncle.

"Keep your voice down!" The Empress looked around to make sure no outsiders had let anything slip. "You are not allowed to speak ill of His Majesty and your uncle!"

"Is it just my opinion? The whole capital is talking about the matter between my uncle and father. And that Yuan Cuo, how did he suddenly become my cousin? This is simply unbelievable, utterly absurd!" Qin Mushuo couldn't bear to think of it; what kind of person was he!

The Empress glared at him fiercely, "Don't talk nonsense about this, and especially don't mention it in front of your father!"

"So what am I supposed to do now?" Qin Mushuo was at a loss. "I can only watch as Father Emperor mobilizes troops and sends money, while I only have a few old fogies who are good at talking, and they can't be of any use when it matters?!"

"How about I suggest that Father Emperor send more troops from the Lu family army?" This was the only force he could rely on, though it was small.

The Empress shook her head. "Don't be greedy for momentary glory. We should wait and see how things develop. Besides, were those who intercepted the Third Prince really from Chu?"

"If he's not from Chu, then who else could he be..." Qin Mushuo's voice grew slower as he spoke. He and the Empress exchanged a glance, and a name popped into their minds simultaneously: Prince Chun.

The two dared not say another word.

Silence.

At this moment, Emperor Qi Xiao was also in the imperial study, drinking the medicine that Physician Sun had just prepared.

The medicine was very bitter, but it relieved palpitations and liver stagnation.

Since Prince Chun arrived in the capital, he has been unable to sleep at night and has to drink this bitter medicine soup every day to relieve his discomfort, which he finds truly disgusting.

Upon seeing the dregs of medicine left at the bottom of the bowl, Physician Sun confirmed that His Majesty was unharmed and then asked to take his leave.

Cheng Hai secretly slipped a piece of candy to Emperor Qi Xiao, saying, "This old servant took it secretly; if Physician Sun sees this, he'll be furious."

Emperor Qi Xiao felt very comfortable putting it in his mouth.

At least I feel like I can still get by.

"Do you think those who intercepted the third prince were really from the State of Chu?" he asked the same question as the empress.

Cheng Hai pursed his lips. "Does Your Majesty suspect that person?"

"Huaizhou is not far from the west, but the State of Chu is not close to Huaizhou." Emperor Qi Xiao had already received the complete map sent by Yuan Cuo. Although it was not a complete map, he knew the general situation of the Huaizhou area.

"Does Your Majesty wish to keep an eye on this?" Cheng Hai quietly inquired.

Emperor Qi Xiao shook his head. "That old man beside him is like a demon; you won't be able to find out anything about him even if you go."

"This servant is foolish and lacks skill," Cheng Hai immediately apologized.

"There's no need to keep an eye on him. I don't believe he can remain calm even if I send 30,000 troops." Emperor Qi Xiao planned to play his hand openly. "Unless he truly has a clear conscience, his true colors will inevitably be revealed!"

At this moment, Prince Chun returned to his residence and unleashed his first furious rage.

"Who on earth ordered the interception of Qin Muyan? I never gave such an order!!"