Reborn and returned, sisters swapped

Chapter 159 The World's Situation is Like a Chess Game

These words immediately sparked whispers throughout the court.

Clearly, some people believe that Xiao Ji's words are not without merit.

Northern Xinjiang is arid and barren year-round, and many officials have doubts about the value of Hesha City—even if they can hold the city, how long can they sustain it?

Xiao Ji's words caused Emperor Xuan'an to frown slightly and fall into deep thought.

He looked at the assembled officials below, as if he could sense the undercurrents of support and opposition surging beneath the surface.

Every face in the court was filled with deep thought. Some officials had calm expressions, but their eyes revealed their own calculations.

Gu Yuande's face darkened, and he glanced at Xiao Ji, saying coldly, "Minister Xiao, you are overthinking this."

If Hesha City falls, the entire northern frontier will be lost, and no amount of money will be of any use then.

This is precisely the time to be prepared.

Left Censor-in-Chief Shen Tingzhi also stood up.

He echoed Gu Yuande, saying, "Your Majesty, it is your duty to defend the territory. If you abandon the city because of financial constraints, it would be a mistake that harms the entire country."

However, Liu Wenxu, the Vice Minister of War, quietly stepped forward.

He cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I am not against sending reinforcements, but given the current state of the national treasury, aid must be provided within our means, otherwise it may not be sustainable."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Xuan'an frowned slightly, his thoughts becoming even more complicated.

He understood the calculations behind Gu Yuande and Xiao Ji's actions—Gu Yuande was eager to send troops not only to protect the northern border, but also to expand his military power.

Behind Xiao Ji's caution, there was clearly another hidden interest.

Faced with the clash between these two factions, Emperor Xuan'an felt as if he were caught in a huge vortex.

Every decision could affect the future of the court and shake the balance of power within it.

Therefore, he must find a balance between caution and decisiveness.

Emperor Xuan'an pondered for a moment, but ultimately did not immediately issue the order for reinforcements.

He simply said coldly, "I will carefully consider what you all have to say."

There are no trivial matters in the imperial court. I hope that all of you will work together to devise a long-term plan for the nation.

As soon as he finished speaking, Emperor Xuan'an turned and left, leaving a group of court officials looking at each other in bewilderment in the hall.

Gu Yuande frowned, already having a plan in mind.

Xiao Ji appeared calm, but a hidden smile flashed in his eyes—he knew that Emperor Xuan'an's hesitation was his opportunity to use his methods.

On the night the battle report from Hesha City arrived, Gu Yuande, the Minister of War, stayed up all night in the imperial court.

He sat alone in his study, lit a stick of sandalwood incense, but his thoughts were far from peaceful.

The city of Hesha is in dire straits, and the soldiers within are in imminent danger. This not only worries him about the safety of the territory, but also makes him realize that a subtle power struggle has begun to surface.

At that court assembly, Xiao Ji, the Minister of Revenue, spoke words that appeared cautious on the surface, but which concealed his indifferent attitude towards the border war.

Gu Yuande knew that if reinforcements were not sent immediately, the consequences would be unimaginable if Hesha City fell.

To persuade the emperor to make decisions, a powerful "frontier defense faction" had to be formed.

Gu Yuande's gaze gradually hardened.

To achieve this goal, it is necessary to win over a group of like-minded courtiers to advance and retreat together.

So that very night he set off and went to the residences of several important court officials, first knocking on the door of Shen Tingzhi, the Left Censor-in-Chief.

Shen Tingzhi was known in the court for his integrity, uprightness, and dedication to protecting the country and its people. He was one of the emperor's most trusted and loyal ministers.

Upon hearing of Gu Yuande's visit, he naturally understood the significance of the matter.

In the study, Gu Yuande got straight to the point: "Brother Shen, the matter of Hesha City is related to the safety of the northern frontier. If we do not send reinforcements immediately, I fear that national disaster will befall us."

Shen Tingzhi was silent for a moment, then nodded deeply: "The military situation has reached this point and cannot be delayed any longer. However, with Xiao Ji secretly obstructing things, I'm afraid the court will need even greater power to suppress the opposition."

Seeing that he agreed, Gu Yuande pressed his advantage and whispered, "That's why I came to find you."

Brother Shen enjoys high prestige in court. If you and I jointly offer our advice, I believe His Majesty will be swayed.

Shen Tingzhi frowned slightly, and after a moment of deep thought, he slowly said, "I understand your feelings."

But Your Majesty's doubts are not without merit; without sufficient reason, rash advice is unlikely to be effective.

"Therefore, we must make His Majesty understand that reinforcing the northern frontier is the most urgent task."

Gu Yuande's eyes were firm.

It was implied that "if He Jingzhi and Liu Wenxu were to assist the court, the 'strong border defense faction' could form a united force."

Shen Tingzhi nodded slightly: "Alright, since that's the case, I'll heed my brother's advice. This matter concerns the border, and we cannot stand idly by. I will stand with my brother through thick and thin."

Gu Yuande smiled to himself; Shen Tingzhi's addition laid a solid foundation for his plan.

After his private conversation with Shen Tingzhi, Gu Yuande went straight to the residence of He Jingzhi, the Grand Councilor.

As a Grand Councilor, He Jingzhi held some military power and was a force to be reckoned with in the court.

But he was cautious by nature, and Gu Yuande knew that it wouldn't be easy to win him over this time.

He Jingzhi listened quietly to Gu Yuande's purpose.

After a long silence, he said, "Lord Gu, we have served in the same court for many years and I know that the mobilization of troops is no small matter."

Now the Minister of Revenue is opposing the reinforcements on the grounds of the national treasury, and His Majesty seems to have concerns as well...

I fear that hastily increasing troop numbers may not be effective.

Gu Yuande already had a plan in mind.

Seeing his hesitation, he calmly said, "Brother He, Hesha City is the gateway to the northern frontier. Once it falls, I'm afraid there will be no more defensible places to defend it."

If we do not strongly urge them to surrender, the fall of Hesha would be a severe blow to the court.

"What face will the imperial court have to the world then?"

His tone was tinged with sorrow, and his eyes were piercing.

Upon hearing this, He Jingzhi was slightly moved.

He spent his life in the military and had a deep loyalty to the country, knowing that this matter was indeed related to the fate of the nation.

"Since Brother Gu has made this decision, I, He Jingzhi, should also join in this great undertaking."

He sighed softly, "It is our duty to protect the northern border for the imperial court."

Gu Yuande showed a hint of relief after hearing this.

He bowed and thanked him, saying, "Brother He has a noble heart; this action will surely move His Majesty."

At tomorrow's court assembly, I will certainly join Shen Tingzhi in advising His Majesty, and I hope Brother He will speak out alongside us.

He Jingzhi nodded: "We will stand together through thick and thin." Although he was overthinking things, once he made a decision, he would not back down.

Gu Yuande returned to his residence for a short rest, and his last target was Liu Wenxu, the Vice Minister of War.

Although Liu Wenxu was in the Ministry of War, his stance was quite wavering, and he was always cautious.

Gu Yuande knew he was a key figure.

If Liu Wenxu can be persuaded, the entire "Strengthening Border Defense Faction" will gain absolute support.

When Liu Wenxu greeted Gu Yuande at home, he had already vaguely guessed his purpose for coming.

The two sat facing each other, and Gu Yuande got straight to the point: "Brother Liu, the survival of Hesha City is of great importance."

As pillars of the court, we should share the burden of its safety and security.

His tone was calm and his gaze was firm, trying to reassure Liu Wenxu first.

Liu Wenxu pondered for a moment, then hesitated to speak.

He had some doubts in his heart.

They were unwilling to antagonize the opposition forces in the Central Government, yet they were also worried about the enormous financial burden that would result from rashly sending reinforcements.

Seeing that he remained silent, Gu Yuande continued, "Brother Liu, I know you have concerns."

But we must act in unison; if we constantly avoid risks, how can the court maintain its credibility?

Liu Wenxu's expression changed slightly.

If there are serious disagreements in the court, the emperor's trust will be lost.

If they side with Gu Yuande at this time, their position in the Ministry of War will be more secure in the future.

"What Lord Gu said makes sense, but I fear... the burden on the national treasury is real, and there are serious disagreements within the court."

After hearing this, Gu Yuande smiled slightly: "Brother Liu, rest assured, He Jingzhi and Shen Tingzhi have already discussed it with me and will jointly advise him."

If we unite, we will surely be able to persuade His Majesty to make his decision.

Brother Liu and I have been colleagues for many years, why don't we work together to accomplish something great?

Liu Wenxu took a deep breath, knowing he couldn't refuse.

He nodded: "Since Lord Gu insists, I, Liu, am willing to speak out in his favor."

Gu Yuande felt a weight lifted from his heart and cupped his hands in thanks, saying, "With Brother Liu's help, this matter will surely succeed!"

That evening, Xiao Ji hosted a small banquet at his residence.

Only Zhou Xianxian and Cheng Lin were invited.

The room was dimly lit and filled with the aroma of wine. The three of them sat around in the study of the Xiao family mansion. On the table was a map of the northern frontier, with the mark of Hesha City standing out prominently.

"Lord Zhou, Supervisor Cheng," Xiao Ji said with a smile, raising his cup gently.

But with a hint of coldness in his voice, he said, "Hersa City is in dire straits. I think you, like me, have already seen the opportunity here."

Zhou, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, put down his wine cup and squinted at the map.

He said slowly and deliberately, "Gu Yuande has used border defense as an excuse to seize a large amount of military power over the years."

If he succeeds again this time, the balance of power in the court will likely be completely tilted.

Cheng Lin, the director of the Imperial Observatory, lightly tapped the rim of the cup with his fingertip.

His gaze was steady: "However, if we allow Hesha City to fall, how will His Majesty and the people of the world explain this?"

We must be well-prepared, otherwise we will become the target of everyone's criticism.

Xiao Ji smiled slightly, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes: "That's precisely why we need a meticulous plan."

Not only must we make the reasons given by North Korea and China for opposing reinforcements seem 'reasonable,' but we must also turn this crisis into an opportunity for us to seize the initiative.

Zhou leaned forward slightly, his hands clasped on his knees: "Lord Xiao, Gu Yuande's stance is very firm; he has the support of Shen Tingzhi and He Jingzhi."

If we want to bring him down in court, I'm afraid we'll need to use some 'methods'.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ji narrowed his eyes: "That's why I invited you here."

Since Lord Zhou is in charge of the Ministry of Justice, he can use this matter to launch an investigation into the Ministry of War and create suspicion.

As for Supervisor Cheng…” Xiao Ji turned to Cheng Lin, his tone becoming softer, “If we could get a forecast of the border war situation from the Imperial Observatory…”

Pointing out the secret that sending reinforcements to Hesha City was not advisable would only make His Majesty more hesitant.

Cheng Lin remained calm, but asked without showing any emotion, "Lord Xiao, are you aware that once this kind of thing is discovered, the prestige of our Imperial Observatory will be greatly diminished?"

Xiao Ji chuckled lightly: "Don't worry, Supervisor Cheng, this is only temporary."

Once Gu Yuande loses power and the situation stabilizes, we will restore the reputation of the Imperial Observatory.

Furthermore, the most important thing right now is to prevent the border guard faction from gaining further power.

Cheng Lin pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded: "Alright, as long as this matter can be guaranteed to be foolproof, I will certainly help."

At this moment, a meaningful smile appeared on Zhou Xian's lips: "Actually, I have a suggestion that can completely deprive Gu Yuande's faction of its right to speak in this court assembly."

"Oh?" Xiao Ji looked up at Zhou Xian, his eyes full of interest.

Zhou picked up his teacup and said calmly, "Our Ministry of Justice has recently received some reports about corruption in border rations."

If I were to launch an investigation into the Ministry of War during the court assembly, citing the 'issue of grain and salary management,' then no matter how anxious Gu Yuande's faction was, they would be unable to push for reinforcements.

Who would dare to publicly support him in something like this?

Xiao Ji slapped the table and smiled approvingly, "Great plan!"

This would not only prevent the troop deployment, but also provide an opportunity to weaken the Ministry of War's prestige.