Anning followed Prince Jin to the morning court again today.
As soon as Prince Jin and Anning sat down, several Ministers stepped forward to present their morials.
Most of them pertained to Prince Jin and the request for grain from various countries.
Quite a few Ministers felt that Prince Jin was being too rash.
Even if grain was to be requested, it should not be from all countries at once, but rather, select a few to approach. Otherwise, it could lead to collective aggression against Jin Country, which would be unfavorable.
After all, Jin Country is currently experiencing a major disaster, with shortages of food and clothing everywhere, making it ill-suited for war.
Yet, so belligerent Ministers thought Prince Jin’s act of demanding grain was correct, for plundering other nations’ wealth to enrich one’s own is only natural. Even if it leads to war, Jin Country has never feared anyone.
These Ministers’ argunts beca an indecipherable clamor.
Not to speak of Prince Jin, even Anning was beginning to develop a headache.
Prince Jin’s expression gradually soured.
Anning, who had been sitting by Prince Jin’s side and never said a word before, spoke up this ti.
"Each of your points is well-founded. However, since Your Majesty has made a decree, how could we rescind the royal order? That would inevitably give the impression of inconsistent commands."
As she spoke, the Ministers were all stunned.
No one expected that Noble Princess Consort Xie, who had been sitting there in a daze for so many days, would suddenly speak up.
The Ministers’ expressions turned sowhat ugly; they all thought that Anning was out of line.
Her re presence at the morning court was already a favor from Prince Jin. A woman daring to speak during court proceedings, and if this continues, could she even aspire to ddle in state affairs?
They were angry, but Prince Jin was not upset at all.
He seed quite pleased and, in front of the courtiers, took Anning into his arms, "Noble Consort speaks the truth. What do you suggest we do?"
Anning smiled, "Your Majesty could dispatch envoys to the countries in batches. Do not urge them all at once to deliver grain, making them believe Your Majesty only requests grain from a few select countries and not others. Thus, Your Majesty’s dignity remains intact, and it may also give the countries so peace."
Prince Jin laughed heartily, "The Noble Consort’s idea is excellent, let’s do just that."
The Ministers had no words to refute.
Indeed, Anning’s idea was quite sound.
Sending envoys in batches to pressure for grain from various countries, starting with a few, the others would believe it has nothing to do with them. Unwilling to offend Jin Country, they would naturally adopt a wait-and-see approach.
Even the countries that were prompted, though reluctant, would have to contribute so grain.
Once so countries had started, urging the rest to deliver grain would cause those who had paid to ridicule the rest. If the remaining countries were unwilling to give grain, those who had paid would feel hard done by. Without Jin Country’s coercion, they would pressure the remaining countries.
Anning’s proposal seed easygoing in theory, yet it was quite malicious in practice.
Grandmaster Geng stood there, squinting at Anning for a while before bowing his head in silence.
Pri Minister Liu stepped out and said, "The Noble Consort’s idea is quite good, only...I’m afraid of leaks."
Prince Jin waved his hand, "Let’s proceed with the plan. Even if soone leaks the information, am I to fear them?"
Anning pursed her lips and chuckled lightly without saying more.
Grandmaster Geng seed to think of sothing and stretched out his hand to pull Pri Minister Liu aside.
Pri Minister Liu was at a loss but still withdrew.
The morning court concluded, and Prince Jin, leading Anning, returned to Qifang Palace, while Grandmaster Geng and Pri Minister Liu left together.
Once they were out of the palace, Pri Minister Liu asked Grandmaster Geng, "Grandmaster, why did you stop ?"
Grandmaster Geng’s face was stern, betraying his seriousness, "Noble Princess Consort Xie is no simple character. You, Pri Minister Liu, should refrain from contradicting her words, lest she starts to take notice of you."
"She’s just a concubine from the harem, and I’m a minister from the previous dynasty. What’s there to be afraid of?"
Pri Minister Liu dismissed the concern.
Grandmaster Geng shook his head, "Just a concubine from the harem? But now she speaks during the morning court. This isn’t sothing an ordinary concubine is capable of. She has been in Jin Country for only a few days and already has Your Majesty permitting her to attend court. Tell , is Noble Princess Consort Xie a simple person?"
"But still..." Pri Minister Liu was still confused, "If she had an idea, she could have simply spoken directly to His Majesty afterwards. Why announce it in front of so many people? Isn’t she afraid soone will leak it, and then all the countries unite against us..."
Grandmaster Geng laughed, "You, my friend, think too simply. Noble Princess Consort Xie doesn’t want to solve the issue with the countries. What she wants is first, to keep the courtiers quiet and thus spare His Majesty any frustration, and secondly, to have the right to speak at court. As for how the other countries would react, that is of no concern to her."
Pri Minister Liu fell silent, "This woman has quite deep sches."
Grandmaster Geng gave a wry smile, "His Majesty trusts her deeply. I fear... in the future, she might interfere with state affairs and undermine the order of Jin Country’s court."
"She’s from Lu Country."
Recalling this, Pri Minister Liu was alard, "Grandmaster, let’s jointly advise His Majesty to stop letting Noble Princess Consort Xie intervene in state affairs."
Grandmaster Geng appeared helpless, "His Majesty won’t listen. Right now, he is fond of her, and her word is law."
"Traitorous concubine."
Pri Minister Liu cursed.
Grandmaster Geng hurriedly stopped him, "Watch your words. It won’t be a joke if His Majesty learns that you insulted her."
"Grandmaster, how can you be afraid of her?"
Pri Minister Liu grew angry, frustrated at Grandmaster Geng’s timidity.
Grandmaster Geng’s gaze deepened as he let out a hint of resolve, "Right now, she’s only said a few words, not yet overstepping too far. But the mont she brings calamity upon Jin Country, I will risk this old life to stop her."
Prince Jin returned to Qifang Palace with Anning. As soon as they entered, Anning urged Prince Jin, "Your Majesty said you would bring my family to Jin Country, so let’s go soon. Lest they suffer difficulties from King Lu. Also, since we’re going to press them for grain, why not have the envoy in charge bring my family along?"
Prince Jin smiled, pinching Anning’s cheek gently, "You an to press Lu Country for grain first?"
Anning blinked, "Yes, we have to demand it sooner or later, so why not do it early?"
Prince Jin tested her, "Aren’t you afraid that Lu Country won’t be able to deliver the grain? Even if they do, what will the people of Lu Country eat? The people there will curse you."
Anning showed no concern, laughing softly while leaning into Prince Jin’s embrace, "Lu Country has always been wealthy and its people aren’t short of grain. It’s the people of Jin Country who are starving and in need of grain. Besides, the one who matters most to is Your Majesty. As long as Your Majesty is pleased, what do the people of Lu Country matter to ? Even if I am cursed for it, it would be worth it."
"So you like that much?"
Prince Jin was clearly pleased by Anning’s words, laughing heartily.
"Mhm." Anning nodded vigorously, speaking with sincere affection, "I like you so much. Every ti I see Your Majesty, I feel so happy. Now, I’m really grateful to my cousin for sending to Jin Country. Otherwise, how could I have t Your Majesty?"
She looked down, playing with Prince Jin’s hand, "Your Majesty, how should I thank my cousin?"
Prince Jin looked down and leaned in close to whisper to Anning, "How about summoning him to the palace to keep you company? I’ve heard that your relationship with Feng Chengxi since childhood is quite special."
Anning was not the least bit flustered.
Blinking, she looked up and t Prince Jin’s gaze, her eyes filled with questions, "Who told Your Majesty that? Also, does Your Majesty an to suggest that my cousin should enter the palace to beco a eunuch?"
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