Chapter 238

C238 – The Chu Prefecture Was Lost

Duke Ann of State boldly questioned, “What is the King implying? Are you suggesting the Crown Prince is at fault?” He continued, “Even if the Crown Prince erred, can we really fault the Crown Princess?”

With a contemptuous snort, the King of South Jin retorted, “Do you believe such a ludicrous excuse can deceive me? Do you truly think I am blind? Under the law, clandestine troop deployments constitute a capital offense! Due to familial ties, I presently refrain from pursuing the Crown Prince’s transgressions, but as for the rest of you...”

The King of South Jin’s lips curled into a sneer, his tone dripping with coldness, “Do not presume this emperor refrains from action against the Crown Prince out of concern for the nation’s safety. Do not presume to openly conspire against me under the guise of national interest!”

“What is the King implying? While the Crown Prince may have erred, he has not violated the law. Moreover, he has consistently served the interests of South Jin. From his youth, to his philanthropic endeavors, all have been for the betterment of South Jin. Why does the Great King question his motives?”

“Is his loyalty to South Jin genuine, or self-serving? As the Crown Prince, he should prioritize the welfare of the public. Should he be granted impunity for his actions simply because of past deeds?”

“Allow me to inquire, Great King, is it a boon or bane for South Jin to possess such an exceptional army? Besides the Crown Prince, who else in South Jin possesses the capability to train such skilled generals? If the Crown Prince is held accountable, who else will serve the nation?”

“I have yet to witness these purported elite soldiers and generals. Let us reserve judgment until they have vanquished the North Yue army,” declared the King of South Jin, dismissing them with a wave of his hand.

Tang Yue cautiously observed the King of South Jin, uncertain whether he was included in the dismissal.

Before he could decide, Duke Ann grasped his arm firmly, pulling him out of the hall. His countenance grim, Duke Ann remarked, “It appears the plans of His Highness and the Crown Princess are ill-advised.”

Tang Yue offered a strained smile, “It was a temporary measure.” Admitting its flaws, he acknowledged, “It was never an ideal strategy.”

Their reliance rested solely on the King of South Jin’s valuation of the army’s importance in the ongoing war. As long as victory remained his objective, relinquishing control of such a formidable force was improbable.

Yueyang Marquis placed a consoling hand on his son’s shoulder, sighing deeply. “We must proceed cautiously. Let us pray for the Crown Prince’s triumphant return. Only then can we advocate on his behalf.”

Tang Yue shared his father’s sentiments, though he recognized victory wasn’t guaranteed merely by wishful thinking. The uncertainty of its timing loomed over them.

Upon his return to the manor, another eunuch arrived bearing the King of South Jin’s latest decree. Tang Yue was permitted freedom within Ye City but prohibited from crossing its gates.

This restriction extended to Little Luoyuan as well. For the first half of each month, he was to remain within the palace for ten days. Ostensibly for the Crown Prince’s absence, it was a thinly veiled attempt to oversee his great-grandson’s education personally.Reêad latest novels at novelhall.com

The court assembly today was singularly fixated on this issue. Some advocated for the Crown Prince’s command, citing his possession of the Commander Seal, while others fervently urged his return to the Palace. They seemed to overlook the fall of Chu Province and the looming crisis in South Jin.

“Enough!” the King of South Jin thundered, his head throbbing. “Whether the Crown Prince stays or departs is solely his prerogative. I cannot dictate to him! If Chu Province falls, which city will North Yue target next? Have you pondered this? 120 thousand troops. When did North Yue amass them, and when did they reach our borders? Have we dispatched scouts?”

The officials lapsed into silence. These queries were beyond their purview, mostly being civil servants with scant knowledge of warfare, let alone sound counsel in such matters.

For instance, State Duke Heng, State Duke Ann, and other venerable generals found themselves at a loss. Could they defend Chuzhou City if entrusted with its protection?

The fall of Chuzhou City served as a wake-up call. Advanced age hindered their cognitive and physical faculties. Leading troops into battle might not be in their best interest.

“Your Majesty, the border lies distant. It will take a month for news to spread. The information we receive now might be obsolete. Since State Duke Lu hasn’t requested reinforcements, I believe he can manage the enemy,” a handful of officials retained their composure.

The King of South Jin handed the frontline report to the Prime Minister. “Minister, prepare swiftly. Until the last moment, defeat mustn’t be an option. Enlist all males aged 15 to 30, barring sole sons, immediately.” His decree quelled the debate in the hall, redirecting focus toward soldier recruitment and stirring concerns over potential conflicts of interest.

War intertwined with every facet of governance, leaving few untouched. Following defeat, officials were consumed by agitation, unable to regain composure.

Chuzhou City’s fall stirred the Imperial Court profoundly. Among civilians, it merely served as conversational fodder. Speculations regarding the enemy’s next move or the outcomes of future battles abounded. Some even clandestinely established betting establishments to wager on war results.

Their seeming indifference stemmed not from callousness but from war’s distant impact. Unless North Yue besieged their own city, conquests like Ye City hardly perturbed their daily lives.

In essence, the monarchy’s fate held little significance to them.

Yet beneath this veneer of peace, many silently contributed to the war effort. Some donated funds, others resources, and some enlisted actively, each doing their part.

Since the Crown Prince’s Palace proposed fundraising for provisions, the Imperial Court established a bureau to oversee collection of donations. After meticulous accounting and scrutiny, these contributions were dispatched to the border in batches.

Tang Yue harbored reservations, sensing the initial goodwill might soon be tainted by corruption among the officials tasked with oversight. As time wore on, his misgivings seemed increasingly valid.

Hence, he initially opposed establishing such a bureau. The King of South Jin, however, perceived the potential and advantages of fundraising, deeming the bureau’s establishment inconsequential. He envisioned disbanding it once the war abated, expecting minimal repercussions.

Crown Prince Zhao heeded Tang Yue’s counsel, appointing fundraising overseers from his own trusted circle. He hoped Tang Yue would find solace in this arrangement.