Peasant Woman's Decreed Life as a Wife

Chapter 2164: Chapter 2161: Cavalry Battalion

"With a stable life, even the people of the grassland known for their fierceness would not want to fight every day, would they? Over time, people accustomed to a stable life naturally won’t have so much hostility within them, and this Northern Region can be guarded without spending a single soldier."

Censor Qi was still somewhat uneasy and retorted, "If we fatten the grassland as a result, they may develop a stronger physique to deal with us in the future."

"How can Minister Chen guarantee that once the grassland becomes strong, it won’t want to continue conquering territory?"

No one can deny this point. After all, every strong nation wants to conquer lands, and any ambitious emperor cannot escape this pursuit.

Chen Tianmin stroked his beard, looked at Chu Heng, who stood quietly and silently, and smiled faintly, "This issue, as Lord Chu mentioned earlier, lies in the development of our Great Chu’s economy. The people will not lack food or silver, the army will not lack military salaries and provisions, and even weapons can be refined. With more resources to support the training of more formidable cavalry, as long as our Great Chu soldiers are always a step stronger than Beirong, there’s no worry of them posing a threat to us."

"The situation described by Minister Chen is ideal and may not be achievable. Moreover, while our Great Chu soldiers are more numerous, the horses needed must be acquired from the grassland, which certainly won’t sell them to us. What if the growth of our Great Chu soldiers cannot match that of the Beirong soldiers?"

"This problem must be taken up by the Ministry of War." Chen Tianmin directly handed the issue over.

Xiang City, despite his dissatisfaction with Chu Heng, came from the barracks and had fought in wars for years as a general. Although he desired power, he also did not want a bunch of incompetent soldiers.

Upon hearing this, he bluntly said, "Minister Chen’s suggestion is that most of the silver earned from Beirong be used for troop training? In that case, much appreciated."

"No need to be polite, Minister Xiang. After all, the Emperor discussed this matter with me earlier." Chen Tianmin smiled complacently, not annoyed by Xiang City’s bold demand for most of the money.

It was evident he was confident and likely prepared.

Xiang City was even more displeased upon hearing this, realizing he had not been summoned regarding matters of the Ministry of War.

However, he dared not express his dissatisfaction openly in court.

"Oh? Is there any plan?" Xiang City asked casually.

He wanted to ask directly to avoid disputes with the Ministry of Revenue in the future.

Chen Tianmin saluted Emperor Xuanming, "Your Majesty, as we discuss the army in the Northern Region, I dare not presume to manage affairs without imperial instruction. I hope Your Majesty will designate someone to clarify."

"Minister Zhong, you take the lead." Emperor Xuanming regarded Elder Zhong with respect, speaking with a bit more warmth.

Elder Zhong, who appeared uninterested earlier, stood upright the moment he was called by the Emperor, opened his half-closed eyes, full of vigor, stroked his beard, accepted the command, and began to speak, "I discussed with Your Majesty, Lord Chu, Great Minister Qi, and several other officials to prepare to establish three cavalry battalions in the Northern Region."

"In the barracks, based on competitions to earn ranks, equipped with elite soldiers, to deter Beirong cavalry."

The reason Great Chu soldiers were consistently weaker than Beirong soldiers was due to inferior cavalry, an issue that had persisted for years. Now raised by Emperor Xuanming, it sparked immediate debate among the court officials.

But no one stood up to oppose the proposal.

After all, as the saying goes, the gun targets the standout bird, and the incident involving Imperial Censor Zhang served as a representation.