Chapter 926 - 99: Godmaking, the Rise of War

Tang Sihui had a gaunt face, his words elegant and often referenced classics, surrounded by young officials from the Hanlin Academy.

Such as Recordkeeper Zhou Mi, skilled in writing and critique, his writings recorded court actions and influenced scholarly trends.

Additionally, there were officials close to the emperor and adept at discerning the emperor’s intentions, like Director of the Privy Council Qian Duanli.

Although not a cabinet minister, due to his military authority and the emperor’s trust, he often attended important discussions. His stance was ambiguous, he moved between factions, essentially serving as the emperor’s key piece in balancing the cabinet ministers.

At this moment, the atmosphere was heavy, and all eyes were on the current patriarch of the Gu Clan, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works and Chief of the Palace Construction, Gu Qing, who had just finished speaking.

Gu Yan, around forty years old, inherited the Gu Clan’s distinct handsome features, albeit with a somberness wrought from practical experience that exceeded his ancestor’s, Gu Hui.

Today, he did not wear his official uniform, instead dressed in indigo everyday clothes, with ink stains visible at the cuffs, as if he had rushed from the workshop or the drawing bureau.

"Gentlemen," Gu Qing’s voice was not loud but clear and powerful, overshadowing the chirping of sparrows outside the window, "Since the beginning of Emperor Qihu’s reign, the tribes at the Northern Border have enjoyed the benefits of trade and the winds of enlightenment for several decades."

"Yet ultimately, governance in these lands is fragmented, the tribes present a facade of respect but harbor differing intentions."

"Recently, reports from the border suggest that a formidable leader may rise from the depths of the grasslands, uniting the tribes, with ambitions that are not small."

"A man named ’Temüjin’ of the ’Kiyan Tribe’ has organized armies and implemented martial law, he is no ordinary chieftain."

He paused briefly, his gaze surveying the varied expressions of those present, and continued, "Qing is not one who favors war."

"Yet, observing from ancient times to present, when the grasslands are united, the desire to move southward becomes intense."

"Rather than waiting for him to grow stronger, with years of turmoil at the border consuming incalculable resources, we might seize the opportunity while his wings are yet undeveloped, while division still exists among the tribes, and use the court’s authority, supported by elite forces, to implement the ’replace grass with farmland’ policy: build cities, cultivate fields, appoint officials, establish schools, and truly bring both the Southern and Northern Desert under royal governance, forever easing worries of threats from the north."

"This is not a mere military achievement, but truly the foundation for eternal peace."

As his words fell, the room was silent enough to hear a pin drop.

The incense smoke from the brazier rose in a straight line, only to be disrupted by a series of soft coughs and sighs.

Elder Chen Kang spoke first, his aged voice carrying a firm certainty: "Nephew Qing is concerned with border affairs, seasoned in national strategy, his intentions are commendable."

"However, matters of the Northern Border affect the whole body when a single strand is pulled."

"Now, the canals and seas are clear, with most of the revenue relying on trade taxes, including a significant portion from commerce involving northern furs, horses, and medicinal materials."

"Once troops are sent, trade routes will be severed, the tax foundation shaken, and the national treasury will immediately face difficulties."

"Moreover, a distant military campaign, with grain and fodder transport, will cost well beyond millions."

"Though the Ministry of Revenue has had surplus in recent years, it cannot endure such extensive expenditures." He looked at Zhao Ruyu, Minister Zhao promptly added, reporting a series of startling figures, all concerning the immense scale of grain, silver, and labor deployment.

Though an absolute supporter of Gu Hui.

Perhaps due to increasing age, he now appeared quite stubborn, his conduct more inflexible, seemingly forgetting Gu Hui’s remarks on the changing times.

Yu Yunwen tapped his fingers lightly on the table, speaking slowly, "The cavalry of the Northern Border are elusive, advantageous in field battles."

"Our dynasty excels in city defense, firearms, and naval prowess; venturing into the Northern Desert, a short strike against a long advantage, the outcome is unpredictable."

"Lord Yue also once said, the northern expedition must be cautious."

"Furthermore, can the commanders and soldiers at various border garrisons, long unaccustomed to war, shoulder this heavy responsibility?"

"Soldiers are deadly tools, the Saint uses them only when necessary." Wang Youzhi nodded slightly, speaking muffledly, "The grassland is vast, even if ten thousand elite troops spread out, they would be like mud cows entering the sea, with a long supply line vulnerable to disruptions."

Tang Sihui stroked his beard gently, his tone drawn-out, "Grand Tutor’s proposal, does it not defy Marquis Wenzhong’s former Northern Border strategy of ’emphasizing law, promoting culture, and drawing plans slowly’?"

"During Grand Tutor’s time, trading bridled them, education influenced them gradually, hence the current relative stability in the north."

"Sudden military action will incite border conflicts, possibly losing the trust of the tribes, and harm the court’s virtue of ’benevolence and righteousness’."

"We should send envoys to reassure them, explain the advantages and disadvantages, or use titles and rewards to divide their forces, which would be the best strategy." Zhou Mi and others whispered in agreement, their words referencing Confucius and Mencius on ’cultivating virtue to attract distant people’.

Qian Duanli’s eyes gleamed, he chuckled and mediated, "Everyone’s words are reasonable."

"Grand Tutor has profound foresight, seasoned in statecraft;"

"Minister Chen, Minister Yu are concerned with national resources and the people’s livelihood, prudent and cautious;"

"Cabinet Elder Tang upholds the teachings of the Saint, with a benevolent heart."

"This matter is of great importance, not to be decided in haste. Shouldn’t we first send directives along the border paths, strengthen vigilance, spread ears and eyes extensively, observe the truth about this Temüjin, and then deliberate calmly?"

"At present... let’s focus on stability, prioritize stability."

Upon hearing these words, the ministers all involuntarily nodded.

Clearly—

When faced with the matter of military action, the previously contentious factions quickly unified.

No one wants war.

Especially... in situations that might even affect their interests!.....

.....

(Ps: I beg for monthly votes, asking brothers to give more support, Fish is immensely grateful.)