Chapter 1433: Chapter 126: Prestige Like a Dragon, the Etiquette of Audience
In the court of Ying Country, the officials remained silent.
Crown Prince Jiang Gao and Prince Jiang Yuan were also silent at this mont. Grandmaster Jiang Su’s hands were concealed in his sleeves, his expression calm, while Jiang Wanxiang looked at the battle report which read that the Qilin Army had invaded the frontier, defeated our main army, and captured several cities.
The world is vast, divided into counties and districts, with Ying Country hosting over two hundred states and more than five hundred districts, each having multiple counties under them, extending the vastness to its limit. At this mont, the intrusion of the Qilin Army signifies a minimal loss to the ten thousand li expanses of Ying Country.
Yet, this is akin to an on of beginnings, a single sword often strikes to the bone.
The empire, after nurous defeats, has suffered a break in its soaring ambitions, leaving many officials inwardly shaken to the core.
Why did the Great Emperor of Ying Country never pay much attention to Jiangnan before?
Simply because of this.
Jiangnan spans a re thousand li, with only eighteen states, over fifty towns and cities, nothing compared to the empire’s vast ten thousand li expanse and hundreds of districts, which easily justified the decision to invade.
They almost breached Jiangnan’s eighteen states within just over ten days.
Dealing with Chen Country, however, took a full two years of border skirmishes in a dozen states, without a deeper penetration.
This is the distinction between a major empire and a vassal state. Now, what was once thought easily overturned by a flick of the hand, a small vassal to be trampled on at will, has transford into a sitting Pixiu, a Qilin raising its head.
Biting fiercely into the hand of Ying Country.
Moreover, this counterattack is intensely fierce, a profound agony upon them.
The defeat at Jiangnan is still within an acceptable range.
Yet what terrifies the officials in the court is the future developnts.
The defeat at Jiangnan signifies that the rise of Marquis Qin Wu cannot be impeded. Once his montum floods forth, seizing the region surrounding the southwest and its waterways, it would no longer be a re thousand li skirmish but rather the foundation of a great power.
Pri Minister Wei Yiwen reported: “Your Majesty, although the Jiangnan region is distant from our Daying’s core, with Jiangnan’s basis, they cannot penetrate deeply. Otherwise, though our military forces might be severed, they would find themselves at the Wolf King’s end.”
“However, caution on all sides, firm defense without sorties.”
“The forces departing Jiangnan are nurous, the expenses on n and horses are exhaustive; they can’t sustain more than two months.”
“rely defend steadfastly.”
Jiang Wanxiang responded: “Are you suggesting that with the enemy in our lands, we cannot counteract? Are we to turtle up inside our fortresses to avoid battle?”
Wei Yiwen replied: “Precisely.”
Jiang Wanxiang’s chest heaved fiercely, but this ancient emperor’s eyes were fierce for a long while and said: “Agreed!”
Wei Yiwen continued: “I also request the Grandmaster to lead the Tiger Barbarian Cavalry to aid the defense.”
“Previously, the Grandmaster’s forces were isolated deep within the Western Regions, forced to retreat when the Wolf King attacked our cities. Now, with the Grandmaster at ho, fortune favors us, and Marquis Qin Wu’s isolated incursion finds the situation indeed changed.”
After the Ying Country court session ended, Jiang Wanxiang returned alone to the palace, gripping a scroll as he gazed over the battle report from atop the Star-picking Tower, hearing footsteps approaching from behind and turning to see Grandmaster Jiang Su arriving.
Jiang Wanxiang suppressed the stab of pain in his heart, managing a self-mocking laugh:
“Underestimated that youngster, to end up in such disarray.”
“Though this battle’s loss won’t cripple Daying Country, it thoroughly ends the possibility of vying for the realm within the next decade. Grandmaster, whom should I appoint as Crown Prince?”
Jiang Su replied: “The grand affairs of the state aren’t matters for a minister to decide.”
Jiang Wanxiang said: “It’s just the two of us now. Speak freely.”
Jiang Su remained silent, then answered:
“Currently in the world, neither Daying nor Chen Country can claim dominance anymore. A path forward for Daying lies in recuperation and consolidation in the north; the world won’t spiral into total chaos if we pursue this.”
“For such a path of recovery, Crown Prince Jiang Gao is better suited.”
Jiang Wanxiang was surprised, coughing several tis, and laughed: “I thought you’d say my second son Jiang Yuan is the one suited to rule in tumultuous tis.”
Even seated, Jiang Su, in his black robe, appeared extraordinarily majestic and said:
“If the world moves where Daying still commands unparalleled power, devouring ten thousand li, with formidable foes at every turn, then Prince Jiang Yuan’s the opportunity. But presently, the world is undecided, Daying repeatedly thwarted, calling for recuperation.”
“Continuing without respite will lead this vast nation to collapse.”
“Moreover, an alliance with Chen and Chen Dingye to resist Qin Wu is needed; there must be no disputes for over ten years. Daying’s foundations remain, the court’s base endures; a few localized victories cannot sway this.”
“Within the military, there’s still , Qin Yulong, He Ruoqinhu, Yuwen Lie, while in Li Guanyi’s forces, only he is a renowned general. Duke Xue, though present, can’t fight alone.”
“With the Crown Prince’s virtue, Daying can recuperate for several years; while under Prince Jiang Yuan’s nature, mighty yet vengeful, a few more years may herald new wars.”
“Then, Daying would face annihilation.”
Jiang Wanxiang was surprised, coughing a few tis, falling silent, and said: “Let’s discuss it later.”
“I, this old body, still have so fight left.”
Grandmaster Jiang Su and Jiang Wanxiang played a ga of chess, then Jiang Su rose to leave. Jiang Wanxiang, until then, watched Jiang Su exit the palace. Unable to bear it any longer, looking at the battle report with a pale complexion, he suddenly spoke.
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