allonlinenovel Chapter 128 Crisis of Trust
Chapter 128 Crisis of Trust
In the morning, the sun was bright and blazing. Its intense, scorching light streamed through the palace's tall, intricately carved windows, pouring relentlessly onto the court like a golden torrent. However, this warm, summer-like light failed to dispel the tense and oppressive atmosphere that permeated the court like a gloomy haze.
The ministers, dressed in gorgeous, solemn, and intricately embroidered court robes, chattered among themselves, their expressions varying. Some had furrowed brows, their faces filled with worry; some had anxious, anxious eyes; and still others had a cold expression, their eyes revealing deep suspicion and dissatisfaction.
Some ministers raised sharp and unrelenting questions about the performance of the Women's Corps. A thin minister with a wooden face took the lead. He straightened his back and raised his voice, his piercing voice resonating like a sharp arrow through the empty and solemn court: "Your Majesty, since its establishment, this Women's Corps has consumed countless manpower, material, and financial resources, but its results in training and logistics are truly disappointing. It's like a stone thrown into the ocean, not even a ripple is seen." As he spoke, he waved his tablet vigorously, his emotion as if the existence of the Women's Corps was a farce.
"Yes, Your Majesty," another minister echoed. He was a middle-aged man with a bloated body, a big belly and a thick waist. There was an anxious look in his eyes. "Their performance on the battlefield is far from what was expected. It is simply not enough to cope with the current turbulent, severe and complex war. Now that the country's resources are stretched to the limit, we should make an immediate decision to disband the women's corps and use the limited resources where they are needed most." His voice was as firm as iron, as if disbanding the women's corps was the only panacea at the moment.
"Women are inherently weak, how can they shoulder the heavy responsibility of warfare? This is utterly absurd, absurd!" An elderly minister trembled, his voice tinged with the vicissitudes of life and a prejudice as stubborn as a rock. His graying beard trembled violently as he spoke, like a candle in the wind, and the wrinkles on his face, like ravines, seemed to angrily express his distrust of the women's army.
The discussion in the court surged like a surging wave, each one higher than the last. Calls for the immediate disbanding of the women's regiment rose and fell, relentlessly. Some ministers passionately expounded their opinions, gesticulating with joy and blushing, as if using the court as a platform for their outbursts. Others lowered their voices, whispering to those around them, their discontent visible as a bright light in the dark night.
Upon hearing these questions, Concubine Su walked calmly and steadily out of the procession. Her posture was as graceful as a swan, yet she carried the inviolable majesty of an unsheathed sword. She stood in the center of the court, her gaze as calm as water yet as deep as the ocean. She slowly scanned the questioning ministers before gazing up at the emperor, towering above.
Concubine Su took a deep breath and said in a voice as loud as a bell, crisp and clear: "My lords, although the women's corps was established not long ago, they have overcome all difficulties under extremely difficult conditions and continued to grow and progress. We cannot give up easily because of temporary difficulties and minor shortcomings. This is unfair to them and irresponsible to the country." Her eyes were as firm as stars and her face was as calm as water, as if the voice of doubt was just a breeze that could not shake her determination in the slightest.
Concubine Su pulled out detailed data and specific examples she had prepared long ago from her sleeve. "Please read this, everyone. This is the recent training report for the Women's Corps. Their physical fitness has grown like bamboo shoots, and their combat skills have blossomed like flowers. Both have improved significantly." She handed the memorial to a nearby eunuch, who respectfully presented it to the Emperor. Her fingers trembled slightly, not out of fear, but from inner tension and deep concern for the Women's Corps.
"And these are the results of their hard work in logistics support. In the transportation of supplies, they are as hardworking as ants, and when treating the wounded, they are as warm and comforting as the spring breeze. The women's corps has played a role that cannot be ignored." Concubine Su continued, taking out another memorial in her hand. The memorial seemed to be her solid shield to defend the women's corps.
"Although they may still have some shortcomings at present, every setback is a step towards growth. We should give them more time and support, rather than easily denying and abandoning them." There was a firm light flashing in Concubine Su's eyes, like the brightest stars in the night sky. She looked directly at the ministers who raised questions, without flinching.
As the ministers listened to Concubine Su's statement, the clamor of a bustling city gradually faded, like the receding tide. They began to seriously consider Concubine Su's words, their expressions softening. Some ministers nodded slightly, a flicker of thought in their eyes, as if questioning whether their views were too extreme. Others frowned, lost in deep thought, as if re-evaluating the value of the women's army.
Concubine Su continued, "My lords, the soldiers of the women's army are also full of passion and are determined to fight for the peace of the country. They gave up their comfortable lives and devoted themselves to arduous training and life-and-death battles. How can we erase their contributions so easily? How can we deny their future because of temporary difficulties?" There was a hint of grief and helplessness in her voice, as if she was crying.
The emperor carefully read the memorial presented by Concubine Su, his face a thoughtful expression. His eyes wandered over the words, sometimes frowning as if pondering their deeper meaning, and sometimes nodding slightly as if agreeing with certain points. After a moment, the emperor raised his head, glanced at the people in the court, and then nodded slightly, agreeing with Concubine Su's point of view.
"What Concubine Su said makes sense. I have seen and remembered the efforts and contributions of the women's army. They deserve more opportunities and support." The emperor's voice was majestic and solemn, like the sound of a huge bell, echoing in the court, with lingering sound.
A brief silence fell in the court, like the calm after a storm. Then, the ministers knelt and said in unison, "Your Majesty is wise and wise."
Concubine Su's powerful response silenced the ministers who had been clamoring so loudly, stabilized the situation, and won more support and precious time for the women's army.
Since then, the women's corps has trained even harder, proving their worth through action and earning the respect and trust of the court and the people. Their presence has become a vibrant sight on the battlefield, and their stories, recounted among the people, have inspired more people to strive tirelessly for national peace and prosperity.