Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Thirty years have passed, and I have once again decided to dispatch troops to attack the Wei State.

Unlike thirty years ago, Great Xia now possesses a surplus of soldiers and generals, and the national treasury is overflowing. I am no longer that reckless, impetuous youth of the past.

Great Xia is barren, while the Wei State enjoys a superior geographical location and abundant resources. I intend to seize it and turn it into the granary of my Great Xia!

Beyond that, there is a more important point: the Wei State worships ghosts and gods. It is said that the High Shaman, who serves the Wei imperial family, can communicate with the yin and yang realms, excels at summoning souls, and can bring the dead back to life.

I have searched for almost every Taoist priest in Great Xia who is skilled in the arts of yin and yang, yet they were all powerless. I have no choice but to turn my gaze toward other nations.

After I proposed the attack on the Wei State, the court was in an uproar. Most of the veteran officials held opposing views.

“To dispatch troops without cause is to lack a righteous pretext.”

“The last time we fought the Wei State was when the Late Emperor had just ascended the throne. That battle was truly tragic. Although we narrowly won, it cost Great Xia more than half of its national strength.”

“Your Majesty, please think twice. Do not follow in those footsteps.”

Those who supported me were mostly young men, all eager to fight on the battlefield and achieve fame and merit. Leading the charge was Grand General Zhou Ke.

Casting aside his usual laziness, he stared at those old officials with burning eyes.

“Who says we lack a righteous pretext?”

“During the Battle of Pingqiao Ferry, the Wei State launched a despicable sneak attack, severely wounding our Late Emperor. Such villainous behavior is truly contemptible. Our Emperor was magnanimous and allowed them to linger on for these years. However, national enmity and family grudges must be avenged. Otherwise, we would be unworthy of being citizens of Great Xia. Now is the time for us to seek justice for the Late Emperor and for Great Xia.”

“Those who harm our Emperor shall be punished, no matter how far away they are!”

Several young military officers echoed him, “Punished, no matter how far!”

The veteran officials looked at him with indignation.

Zhou Ke paused, then added, “You aren’t afraid, are you?”

“Has the easy life of these past years ground away all your blood and spirit?”

Someone rebuked him, “Zhou Ke, do not be so arrogant. Show some restraint.”

Zhou Ke gave a cold snort. “I am arrogant. The people of Great Xia have never known the meaning of ‘restraint’ in their bones and blood.”

“I’ve wanted to attack the Wei State for a long time. When the time comes, we’ll seize their land, their silk, and their tea, so that the people of our Great Xia can also live prosperous lives with favorable weather.”

Attacking the Wei State was not a whim of mine. Nor was it entirely for Che’er.

If I hadn’t passed away, I would have certainly led my troops south within five years. Great Xia is bitter and cold, lacking the wealth of the Wei State; I have long harbored the intention to move south.

Since the Battle of Pingqiao Ferry, I had been accumulating national strength, preparing for the future. But I didn’t live to see it. I had thought this opportunity would fall into Che’er’s hands.

I glanced at Cui Yan.

Since I proposed the idea of heading south to attack Wei, he had remained silent, merely lowering his head in deep thought.

“What does the Chancellor think?”

After I spoke, the entire hall fell silent. Everyone looked toward Cui Yan. He was a veteran of three reigns with the highest prestige in court, and he had personally led troops in battle against the Wei State. Everyone was eager for his opinion.

Cui Yan remained silent for a moment, gave me a deep look, and said, “This old official is aged and does not dare to speak rashly.”

The officials withdrew their gazes.

After the court session ended, I asked Cui Yan to stay behind.

“You do not approve of attacking Wei?”

Cui Yan shook his head. “Your Majesty, this official is indeed old.”

I looked at the white hair at his temples; he certainly wasn’t young anymore. I took a sip of tea and handed him a cup as well. “It’s not as if I’m asking you to personally lead the troops into battle.”

Cui Yan held the tea and said nothing.

Involuntarily, I reached for my left arm. During the assassination attempt at Pingqiao Ferry, it was Cui Yan who had fought desperately to save me.

“And you won’t have to risk your life to save anyone again.”

Cui Yan stiffened.

I set down the teacup, lowered my eyes, and sighed softly.

“Accumulate strength and strike when the time is right. Chancellor, tell me, is it time to attack Wei?”