allonlinenovel Chapter 270 Decision made
Chapter 270 Decision made
Imperial City.
Zhonghe Hall.
"I have decided to declare war on the State of Chen."
The empress's majestic voice resounded throughout the hall.
Before this, she had received a letter from Jiangzhou, and when she learned that the time was ripe, she immediately announced the matter to all the ministers.
This war to conquer the State of Chen in the south does not only involve the front-line troops, but also requires coordination and cooperation from various departments in the rear.
After hearing the emperor's words, the ministers had their own thoughts.
"Your Majesty, we must not rush into the war. Our dynasty has just signed a peace treaty with the State of Chen. If we start a war now, it may cause dissatisfaction in other countries and damage the reputation of our Great Yan State."
At this time, the right prime minister stood up as usual and began to sing a different tune.
As the most senior official in the court, only Lu Jun dared to slightly oppose the empress's opinion.
It is precisely because of the existence of this conservative faction that the new policies that the empress has always wanted to implement cannot be implemented at all.
Facing the right party led by Lu Jun, Chen Qingyun did not show any anger at all. He just said calmly: "I have made up my mind. No need to say more."
At this time, Lu Jun still did not give up, and stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, if there is no suitable reason to declare war, it is very likely to cost the destiny of our Great Yan Kingdom!"
As he spoke, he looked as if he was concerned about the country, and even had a somewhat anxious tone.
The reason why Lu Jun opposed attacking the State of Chen was simply because if the two countries went to war head-on, it would harm the interests of their right party.
The best outcome is to maintain the status quo.
Chen Qingyun frowned slightly, and after a moment, he hid his inner dissatisfaction and said calmly: "I have my own plans. This expedition to Chen State has been prepared for a long time, and it must not be delayed any longer."
As for how to find a reason to start a war, it is indeed a very important matter.
If Chen Qingyun wants to unify the entire world, what he needs is legitimacy.
The Central Plains Dynasty has the Mandate of Heaven, but if it wantonly invades other countries, it may cause dissatisfaction among other countries or their people.
At this time, the left prime minister Wei Hong stood up and said, "Your Majesty is wise. Now that Chen is in civil strife, it is a good time to recover lost territory. The three states in the east of the lake are the reason for our Yan State to declare war."
Upon learning that a war was going to be declared with the State of Chen, the happiest person present was Wei Hong.
Before this, he had already made many memorials, hoping that the emperor would prepare to attack the State of Chen as soon as possible, and now he finally got his wish.
At this time, Wei Hong said excitedly: "The three states in the east of the lake have been the territory of our Great Yan State since ancient times. It was the Chen State that occupied the land of our people. This is enough to call on a million troops to march south to attack the Chen State!"
As soon as this was said, other officials immediately echoed, "What the Left Prime Minister said makes sense. The three states in the east of the lake have been occupied by the Chen thieves for a hundred years. Our dynasty must take them back as soon as possible. This is also what the people want."
Listening to what these officials said, Right Prime Minister Lu Jun felt quite disdainful.
But Chen Qingyun was very satisfied with this. At least now most of the officials in the court still agreed with the plan of the southern expedition.
Now that Mobei is pacified and there is no war in the northwest, the State of Yan has nothing to worry about.
"The goal of this southern expedition is to retake the three states in the east of the lake and recover all the territories lost in the thirteenth year of Tianwu!"
Chen Qingyun said in an excited voice.
It is not an easy task to destroy the State of Chen. The goal this time is temporarily set to recover the lost territory.
As long as the lost territory is recovered, the achievements of the female emperor Chen Qingyun will definitely leave a mark in the history of Dayan.
"Your Majesty is wise."
All the ministers shouted in unison.
Among these officials, some are happy and some are sad.
The war faction was naturally very happy to hear the emperor say this.
But the peace faction headed by Lu Jun was extremely worried at this moment, and Lu Jun, as the leader of the right party, already had some bad thoughts in his mind.
……
Prime Minister's House.
"It's only been a few months since the peace treaty was signed, and we're already going to war with the State of Chen again. This is really a waste of money and manpower!"
Lu Jun stroked his gray beard, his expression full of displeasure.
When it comes to the State of Chen, he has always advocated peace.
If there is a war, how will the right party make money?
"There was no news before, and now you are suddenly saying you want to go to war. Don't you think it's a bit strange, Prime Minister?"
Xu Renyou on the side said, and poured a cup of hot tea for Lu Jun.
Lu Jun was unable to calm down his anger and said, "I'm afraid it was Jiang Zuo who did this again. As the general of the Southern Expedition, this must have been his doing."
"Earlier, Jiang Zuo was talking nonsense, saying that it would take two months to destroy the State of Chen. Now, after such a long time, they have just reported this news. It seems that they are not very sure. Prime Minister Lu does not need to be too angry."
Xu Renyou said.
They originally thought that Jiang Zuo was a surrenderist, but two months later, news came that Jiang Zuo was preparing to go to war with the State of Chen, which really made them feel helpless.
Lu Jun frowned and said, "I'm afraid this time, it will be like ten years ago, with countless casualties and no results at all."
As a veteran of three dynasties, he has witnessed too many defeats.
Xu Renyou said: "Prime Minister Lu is concerned about the country and the people. He is indeed an important official of our dynasty. However, the emperor has made up his mind now, and I am afraid there is no turning back."
Now, the left party is in power in the entire court, and the right party headed by Lu Jun is gradually being alienated by the empress.
Of course, Lu Jun was the most clear about this situation. What he had to do now was to prove to the court and the outside world that without him, a veteran of three dynasties, no major national event would succeed.
"This Prime Minister will never let the State of Yan go to its end."
Lu Jun's eyes were deep and his gaze was solemn.
Xu Renyou said: "It's a pity that the emperor doesn't understand the prime minister's loyalty. I heard that the 120,000 Huainan troops have already been deployed. As long as your majesty's order is delivered, they will definitely go directly to the State of Chen."
"The Linghe defense line is not so easy to break through. If they really want to attack by force, I'm afraid many soldiers will be killed or injured."
Lu Jun looked a little worried.
Xu Renyou was quite calm and said nonchalantly, "As long as they suffer a defeat, the court will retreat. This time, it's just a lot of noise but little action. The Prime Minister doesn't need to worry too much."
Lu Jun sighed again and said, "This Prime Minister must do something to stop this."
"What does the Prime Minister mean?"
Xu Renyou looked up at Lu Jun.
Lu Jun thought for a moment before saying, "I want to inform the State of Chen of the court's plan."
Hearing this, Xu Renyou's eyes flashed with surprise, and he whispered: "Prime Minister, please think twice. If His Majesty knew that we leaked the court's plan, wouldn't it be..."
Lu Jun's face was heavy, and he waved his hand and said, "I will bear all the consequences."
The plan in his mind was that as long as the court's military plan was leaked to the State of Chen, the State of Chen would definitely deploy a large number of troops for defense on the border in advance.
By that time, the imperial army would surely return empty-handed.
As long as the court suffered this defeat, it would further prove that his idea as the right prime minister was correct.