novelhk Chapter 155 Winner
Chapter 155 Winner
However, the current problem was so urgent that even a sip of hot tea seemed a luxury. The old prime minister didn't even have time to savor the tea before he anxiously said, "Your Majesty, although you are right, we still need to prepare countermeasures in advance!"
As if he had already prepared something, Xiao Yanheng calmly continued while pondering a suitable strategy, "I seem to have heard that the Ministry of Revenue maintains a lot of statistical reports on the civilian population. Perhaps we can find some clues from these materials."
These words were like a bolt from the blue, leaving the old prime minister stunned for a moment. After a moment, he came back to his senses as if he had suddenly realized something.
I couldn't help but marvel at the young emperor's keen insight. He was able to come up with such an ingenious idea.
"Your Majesty, even if we estimate the number of people hidden in Jiangnan in this way, we cannot be completely sure of the exact number."
Xiao Yanheng knew that the fact that Xiao Lishi was sent to investigate could not be disclosed casually, so he had to deal with it vaguely.
"I want to train my troops during the grand court tomorrow."
Xiao Yanheng told the old prime minister in advance, which was actually a hint for him not to object.
The old prime minister smiled bitterly and could only nod to show that he understood.
the next day.
The eunuch's booming voice echoed throughout the hall.
"Your Majesty!"
After a complicated set of rituals, Xiao Yanheng brought up the issue of military training as he had said the day before.
Immediately, many generals who had been in power for a long time and had never seen the war seemed particularly excited.
"Your Majesty, I am willing to charge into battle for you, regardless of danger or hardship!"
A general shouted loudly, his voice full of heroism.
"Go away, can you do this?"
Another general obviously had some doubts about his ability and made provocative remarks without any hesitation.
Sparks immediately flew between the two generals, but they both tried their best to restrain themselves and did not dare to act excessively on such an important occasion.
In contrast, the civil servants looked unhappy.
They exchanged glances with each other and turned their eyes to the old prime minister, hoping to get words of advice from this important official of the court.
After all, for the civil servants who have enjoyed a peaceful life in the capital for a long time, war and military training are always a bad signal.
The old prime minister closed his eyes, as if he was meditating, with no change on his face. He was as steady as an unshakable rock.
His calm attitude made people feel an invisible pressure, and also conveyed a clear message to everyone: no matter what happened, the old prime minister would unswervingly perform his duties.
Since I already knew the emperor's intention yesterday, if I stand up and oppose it now, wouldn't that be a slap in the face of the emperor?
This unwise move will only make the emperor dissatisfied with himself.
Although he is old, he is not confused and knows that some things cannot be said too directly.
After waiting for a long time, the old prime minister remained silent. His silence seemed to be waiting for the best opportunity or a suitable turn of events.
The civil officials were anxious. "Your Majesty, please think twice. Raising a large number of troops will easily lead to disputes and will be detrimental to development!"
Their voices were filled with anxiety and earnestness as they tried to convince the emperor with a broader perspective on the country.
"As a great nation, we should value peace!"
Another civil servant followed closely and added.
He believes that as a major country, China should show more tolerance and kindness.
The generals couldn't stand it any longer.
They viewed such suggestions as a sign of weakness.
"What are you talking about? General Pan is guarding the border. You should go and tell the enemy about this!"
One of the generals scolded loudly, his face full of anger.
The civil servant was choked, but did not give up and still insisted on his position.
"Even so, our country should promote peace so that we can educate the people and enable them to live in harmony."
After arguing for a long time, Xiao Yanheng didn't say a word.
He silently weighed the pros and cons of all parties in his mind and thought about the best countermeasures.
Gradually, everyone quieted down and looked at Xiao Yanheng in unison.
It was as if he was the key figure in the debate and everyone was looking forward to his answers or opinions.
Xiao Yanheng smiled slightly and pretended to be embarrassed and said, "In that case, where is the Minister of Revenue?"
There was a hint of helplessness in his tone.
"The minister is here."
The minister who stepped out was the one who had voiced the loudest opposition just now. It was obvious that he also realized the importance of this issue.
Xiao Yanheng said casually, "Then quickly get the data on grain harvests and new population increases over the years and see if it's appropriate to do so now."
Suddenly, there was a whisper at the scene.
Everyone began to realize that something was wrong!
The old prime minister's eyes, which were originally half-closed, suddenly widened, as if he had just understood some important information.
Only then did he realize that he had been tricked by Xiao Yanheng yesterday!
It turns out everything was part of the plan.
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but look at the Minister of Revenue with pity.
His eyes were full of sympathy and helplessness, as if he saw an old friend who was about to fall into trouble.
The Minister of Revenue's face had changed and turned green.
He seemed to be enveloped by a chill in an instant, and he looked extremely nervous and uneasy.
I had originally planned to submit some fake accounts, saying that I had no money and was not suitable for training, but now I have to produce the real accounts.
Over the years, in order to hide the true financial situation, he carefully arranged a series of complex false reports. It was originally planned so carefully, but now everything has come to nothing.
He began to look around, searching for an opportunity to change the subject. "Your Majesty, these figures are too complex to report clearly right now."
He tried to buy himself more buffer space by stalling for time, but it was clear that no one would let him off easily.
A military officer nearby started to jeer, "Looks like you're trying to find an excuse not to let us take a look!"
The words of this military general were like a sharp needle, piercing the softest and most vulnerable part of the Minister of Revenue's heart.
This sentence directly hit the sore spot of the Minister of Revenue.
It felt like someone had hit his heart with an iron rod.
He suddenly raised his head, but only saw Xiao Yanheng with a smug smile on his face.
Behind that smile seemed to be hidden a certain confidence and satisfaction of a winner, which made the Minister of Revenue feel even more exposed.
At this moment, he was covered in cold sweat and was terrified.
The fear in my heart spread like wildfire, almost completely devouring my sanity.
Was this something the emperor had planned in advance?
This thought flashed through his mind like lightning, making him tremble all over.
No, it should just be a whim to train an army!
He said this to himself in his heart, trying hard to calm his emotions that were about to collapse.
The Minister of Revenue comforted himself in his heart and instinctively avoided the worst speculation.
If this was really premeditated, then everything he had done over the years would become meaningless and might even become the source of a greater disaster in the future.