Peasant Woman's Decreed Life as a Wife

Chapter 1976: Chapter 1973: Deliberations

However, the matter of the Minister of Punishments is not the most pressing issue; the most pressing issue right now concerns the Northern Region.

We must remember, the Beirong Prince is currently in the capital. No one can prevent him from sending news back to Beirong at any moment. If Beirong learns about the death of the King of Huainan, they might seize the opportunity to attack the crucial passes in the Northern Region.

If this leads to the destruction of the alliance, causing temporary loss of cities, it would have significant repercussions for the whole of Great Chu.

By then, under the cavalry of Beirong, who knows how many innocent souls might perish in the war.

Indeed, when Emperor Xuanming mentioned recommending a general to go to the Northern Region.

Few officials paid attention to the position of the Minister of Punishments.

That position was never likely to be immediately decided.

“I believe General Fei is suitable.” This was the recommendation made by Minister Qi.

“I think General Guo is more appropriate.” Grand Tutor Deng was quick to follow up, recommending his own associate.

At this moment, Elder Zhong suddenly said, “I believe it would be suitable to let the Princes go.”

As soon as these words were spoken, the court ministers were silent for a moment. Upon seeing that Emperor Xuanming did not immediately deny it, they wisely guessed that perhaps this was Emperor Xuanming’s intention, merely spoken through Elder Zhong.

Immediately, they began whispering to each other.

Hearing this, Minister Qi’s eyes flickered, and he refrained from further objection.

This could be an opportunity for Prince Qi to be trained and gain military power, not to mention that the Northern Region is a rich piece of land right now. All that he said before was merely wishing to share a portion of the spoils.

Unexpectedly, it came so easily.

Upon hearing this, Grand Tutor Deng’s heart sank, becoming somewhat anxious.

Although his Deng Family has also produced a prince, the Fifth Imperial Son is merely one year old. Such a young child, due to his age, is missing a prime opportunity.

However, this time he wisely kept his mouth shut. If this was the Emperor’s decision, he could only comply, for only then could he continue to receive favor.

Thus.

In the morning court, this decision was settled: indeed, several Princes would go to the Northern Region, along with some military generals.

However, Prince Qi was left behind and was to depart fifteen days later.

Elder Zhong directly raised this point in court, “Your Majesty, I suggest that Prince Qi should monitor the Beirong Prince, for if Prince Qi leaves now, it would immediately alert the Beirong Prince. He might even suspect chaos in our Northern Region. If Beirong receives this false information, what if they cannot resist the temptation and suddenly decide to tear up the alliance?”

“This would only render all our previous efforts futile. Of course, the most important thing is to prevent this matter from hampering our Great Chu’s powerful progress.” Elder Zhong’s voice was loud and rich, showing none of the frailty of old age.

It was highly persuasive, arousing patriotic fervor among the military generals, who joined in responding passionately.

Minister Qi knew trouble was on the horizon as soon as Elder Zhong mentioned Prince Qi.

Indeed, when he heard Elder Zhong’s suggestion, he almost fainted from anger, feeling the urge to silence Elder Zhong altogether.

“Your Majesty, this… If we do not treat them equally and send all the grown Princes for training at the border regions, wouldn’t this make the Beirong Prince even more suspicious, guessing something has happened?” Minister Qi urgently spoke, subtly reminding them.

Elder Zhong was evidently prepared, glancing at him leisurely, “This issue you raise, Minister Qi, is precisely what Prince Qi is meant to address.”

“My recommendation to keep Prince Qi in the capital is to confuse the Beirong Prince and his entourage, and also to have Prince Qi hold the Beirong Prince in check. Otherwise, wouldn’t it be blatantly telling the Beirong Prince that the Northern Region is in dire need of commanders to guard it?”