Chapter 359

Chapter 359

Those ministers who were previously opposed to suppressing the bandits immediately changed their attitudes, as many of them nodded their heads looking like ‘Lord Chengen words were reasonable.’

“I am also aware that the national treasury is empty, and the finances are overwhelmed...Minzhou needs to be pacified, and the flood in Huizhou.” The emperor watched these ministers jumping up and down from his throne as he repeated the opposing words they said earlier.

Lord Chengen hurriedly said, “Your Majesty, the court may have difficulties, but we cannot be deterred by this and disregard the safety of the people!”

As soon as Lord Chengen said this, the ministers behind immediately echoed.

“Your Majesty, what Lord Chengen said is very true. If we let the bandits in Jinzhou grow, the harm will only be greater.”

“For the sake of the people of Jinzhou, it is better to eliminate these lawless mountain bandits as soon as possible and return peace to Jinzhou!”

“...”

These ministers chattered lively, with a look of concern on their faces as if they were not the ones who opposed the suppression of bandits earlier.

While some of the ministers were initially confused by how fast the direction of the wind changed, gradually, some of them quickly glanced at the doorway and exchanged meaningful glances with each other, and continued to remain silent watching from the sidelines.

After some time, the emperor slowly stroked his beard and said in a deep voice. “In that case, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of War will first calculate the amount of money needed to pacify Jinzhou, if you can raise enough money for the troop’s salary and military supplies, then we’ll fight.”

Lord Chengen was afraid the emperor would change his mind again, and couldn’t wait to bow his head and said, “The emperor is wise!!”

After this matter, the other ministers had no intention of discussing anything else, so the emperor immediately dismissed the court.

He has been idle in his residence for a long time now, except for entering the palace on the first and fifteenth day of each month to pay respect to the empress, empress dowager, and concubine Liu, he has never seen his emperor father. He once thought that his emperor father had completely given up on him, though he knew that Lord Chengen had plans for him but he was still worried, panicked, and agitated...until now, he finally saw hope again.

So, it wasn’t like his emperor father had no father-son affection towards him.

Gu Jing cheered up, he looked at Lord Chengen and earnestly asked. “Grandfather, what should I do now?”

Lord Chengen patted Gu Jing’s shoulder and comforted him, “Your Highness, don’t worry, as long as enough money is raised for military supplies and salary, this matter will be done.”

After the initial happiness, Gu Jing gradually calmed down, slightly frowned, and said hesitantly, “Grandfather, do you think that Emperor Father was just trying to raise money?” And when there was enough money, his emperor father would leave him aside.

Lord Chengen was stunned and felt that Gu Jing was still narrow-minded after all. He then said seriously, “Your Highness, you must remember this, an emperor never says anything that he didn’t mean.” This not only rebuked him about the emperor but also telling Gu Jing that when he becomes the emperor in the future, he must also know that an emperor doesn’t give his words as a joke.

If the emperor goes back on his words, then where would the emperor’s prestige be?!

After being rebuked by Lord Chengen, Gu Jing understood. He solemnly bowed to Lord Chengen and said, “Thank you, Grandfather, for your guidance.”

Thinking that Gu Jing might have through disappointment during these days, Lord Chengen didn’t mind his previous words to heart and just nodded his head as he said, “Your Highness, you should prepare well during these days, as you will be going on a military expedition soon.”

Gu Jing regained his composure and said brightly, “Grandfather, don’t worry, I won’t disappoint you.” Gu Jing was ambitious, for him Gu Zezhi and Yu Fuyun were nothing. He would let his emperor father know that he was also capable in both literature and martial arts, capable of governing the country and wielding martial arts.

Sipping his tea, Lord Chengen remembered something and asked with concern, “Your Highness, this is a long way to Jinzhou, your injury...” Lord Chengen was worried that Gu Jing’s injury would not fully heal and would affect this expedition.

Gu Jing’s face suddenly stiffened, with a hint of embarrassment and gloom in his eyes. His tone was awkward as he said, “Grandfather, don’t worry, this won’t delay our expedition.”

***