Chapter 791 - 45: Though the Name of the Gu Clan Is Weighty, It Cannot Outweigh Kyushu United

The news spread rapidly, shaking the entire Song Dynasty court with a seismic wave. Naturally, no minister would oppose Gu Rui’s decision.

On the contrary, they were all happy to see Western Xia inviting the Great Song to share in the plunder of the Liao nation.

It’s a simple logic.

Who wouldn’t want something given for free?

Moreover, this was an opportunity to expand territories, and for everyone, there was no reason to refuse. Some even proactively proposed to join forces with Western Xia for a quick division of Liao.

Giving Liao no opportunity whatsoever.

Kaifeng, Chuigong Hall.

Before the voices supporting the alliance with Western Xia to divide Liao had settled, a more aggressive argument quickly arose.

A young official in a red robe stepped forward excitedly, his voice tinged with urgency: "Your Majesty, Grand Tutor!"

"Western Xia’s proposal is certainly delightful, but success in warfare demands swiftness!"

"Even a declining tiger like Liao still has the might to retaliate."

"If the struggle between Xia and Liao is prolonged, unforeseen changes could arise!"

"I implore Your Majesty to immediately issue an order to deploy elite troops, station forces at the border, and once Western Xia and Liao engage in battle, our royal army can swiftly advance north!"

"Only then can we exert overwhelming force, leaving Liao no breath to recover!"

Once this proposal was put forth, it immediately garnered support from many younger officials and military leaders eager for military achievements.

"Indeed! An opportunity not to be missed, never to return! We should strike like Mount Tai, to resolve the issue in one fell swoop!"

"Relying solely on Western Xia, if they cannot break through for a long time, or secretly reconcile with Liao, wouldn’t our court be at a disadvantage? We must have our thunderous stratagem!"

"I agree! We should swiftly deploy troops under the guise of defense, yet with the intent to conquer!"

The atmosphere inside the hall grew even more fervent. Those in favor of war were eager and ready, seemingly already armored, prepared to march north.

Their thoughts were simple.

Clearly, they wanted to seize this opportunity to gain some military accomplishments once again.

This is human nature.

Even though the Song Dynasty’s court had maintained a good level overall, in such circumstances where personal benefits were involved without affecting the bigger picture, these people naturally stepped forward.

Every one of them had a serious expression, showing no sign of fear.

This was a legitimate matter, and they would not act purely out of personal interest.

There was naturally nothing to fear.

But just then, a sharp, cold shout rang out, suppressing the clamor.

"Absurd!"

Wang Anshi, with furrowed brows, stepped forward again, ignoring the war faction, and directly faced the throne and Gu Rui: "Your Majesty, Grand Tutor! Do not heed these impetuous remarks!"

"Since Western Xia is willing to be the vanguard, they should be left to fight Liao to the death."

"Why should the Great Song expend any soldiers, any grain?"

"Once both sides are exhausted, we can reap the benefits - this is the best strategy!"

"Deploying troops now would only waste national strength and could draw Liao’s wrath towards our court, which is unwise!"

Zeng Bu immediately supported: "The Duke is wise in planning for the state!"

"Western Xia’s initiative is merely to leverage the strength of the Great Song to restrain Liao."

"Our court should watch the situation unfold, which is the prudent path."

"Rashly deploying troops not only bears no benefit but might also mire us in a quagmire. I urge the Grand Tutor to reconsider!"

Wen Bo nodded slowly: "Should there be military action, the expenditure on resources would be immense. Gaining land without warfare is the ideal strategy."

For a moment, Chuigong Hall was distinctly divided into two factions.

One side advocated for immediate military action to seize the opportunity;

The other side advised observing from the sidelines to preserve strength.

Each party held firmly to its position, the debate was heated, and neither side could persuade the other. As time passed, their eyes naturally turned to the person, always silent, who would decide the final direction - Gu Rui.

Despite not changing his expression throughout, Gu Rui wasn’t silent but gently waved his hand. This simple gesture immediately silenced the entire Chuigong Hall, stopping all arguments, and all eyes focused on him.

He spoke calmly, his voice not loud but clearly reaching everyone’s ears: "Everyone’s arguments have merit."

He paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over the war faction, making them inwardly delighted.

However, Gu Rui’s next words instantly froze their smiles and plunged the entire Chuigong Hall into a stunned silence.

"We should deploy troops."

His tone remained indifferent, as if stating the most ordinary fact.

"But, not against Liao." Gu Rui’s eyes suddenly sharpened like a knife, each word landing with weight: "But against Western Xia."

—Against Western Xia!

When these three words were uttered by Gu Rui, the entire atmosphere of Chuigong Hall seemed to freeze several degrees.

Whether those favoring immediate military action or those advocating watching from the sidelines.

Both sides were momentarily stunned!

Against Western Xia?

Did they hear wrong?

The ministers widened their eyes, instantly showing disbelief.

"Grand Tutor!"

Wang Anshi almost immediately spoke up, but before he could say anything, Gu Rui interrupted him again.

"Does everyone think Western Xia offers Nanjing and Tokyo as a sincere submission, willing to be a vanguard for the Great Song?" Gu Rui looked at those present, slowly speaking, his voice still steady, carrying a chill that understood worldly affairs, "Or, have you all been blinded by the hollow reputation of expansion?"

With this statement, silence descended once again.

Regardless of their reactions, Gu Rui continued with a soft sigh: "Western Xia, with its wolfish ambitions, would never willingly remain subordinate."