novelraw Chapter 635: Better to Be a Defeated Monarch Than a King Who Lost His Nation
Chapter 635: Better to Be a Defeated Monarch Than a King Who Lost His Nation
Yes, Dazhou deploying troops at this time, is it the right time?
It’s July now, the weather is at its hottest, deploying troops now seems unwise, doesn’t it?
Marching under the blazing sun, aren’t they afraid the soldiers might suffer from heatstroke?
Normally, troops are deployed in autumn and spring to avoid extreme cold and heat.
So, what exactly is this Emperor of Dazhou thinking?
"Your Majesty, I think perhaps this matter has little to do with the Emperor of Dazhou, but rather it is the work of that Supreme Emperor."
"Hmm, although that Supreme Emperor abdicated, he still controls the power in Dazhou, especially the military power; he still holds it tightly. This troop deployment might be his idea?"
Pausing for a moment, Rong Zhuo pondered while resting his chin on his hand, "But he shouldn’t, considering that Supreme Emperor and the Princess..."
Having said this, Rong Zhuo stopped speaking and instead looked at Yingzi with a peculiar expression, "Perhaps, things are not as we imagined?"
...
"How did things become like this?"
In the Dazhou Palace, Qi Junlian looked at the border war report brought up by the subordinate, with furrowed brows, feeling quite troubled.
The Shantong Pass border commander actually clashed with the army from Liang Country?
That’s not all, the commander Gao Chi openly declared that if Daliang intends to provoke, then let there be a confrontation by arms!
Then, Daliang really mobilized its army, claiming to initiate a full-scale war.
This is really...
Qi Junlian is frustrated enough to want to die.
Since ancient times, generals are not under direct orders when outside, and many border commanders are difficult to control, so normally the commanders sent to guard the borders must be absolutely trusted individuals.
This Gao Chi is one of Qi Yun’s trusted aides, who, back in the days along with Cao Yin, followed Qi Yun in battles throughout the south and north.
If it were anyone else, Qi Junlian could reprimand immediately, withdraw military power, but it’s Gao Chi, Gao Chi is Qi Yun’s man, he can’t be touched indiscriminately.
This is the distress of having a Supreme Emperor above his head, clearly being the supreme Emperor, yet having his power diluted.
"Your Majesty, engaging in battle now is likely unfavorable!" A trusted minister of Qi Junlian bowed and said, "We never intended to go to war with Daliang; we are unprepared with provisions, supplies, and troop organization. Impulsively starting a war could have huge consequences!"
The words of this minister are well-measured; ’huge consequences’ being vague, in fact saying if defeated, it would be a massive loss for the whole country, potentially forfeiting some territories.
"Do you think I am one to indulge recklessly in war?"
Qi Junlian was infuriated and said coldly.
His health was not good to begin with, so this anger made him slightly cough, and the trusted eunuch beside hurriedly presented tea water.
"Your Majesty, please be cautious in your words!"
An official immediately reminded, reckless war... that was Qi Yun’s nature, this Supreme Emperor is still here, saying such words seems inappropriate, doesn’t it?
Qi Junlian probably also realized that his words were somewhat improper, but when one is angered to the point of wanting to spit blood, sometimes words come out carelessly.
He waved his hand and said, "Your Majesty, given the delicate border situation, in my opinion, send an imperial envoy to stabilize, additionally, issue a decree to instruct General Gao Chi not to act rashly for now."
Qi Junlian said calmly: "I know, you may all leave now!"
The minister still wanted to say something, but seeing Qi Junlian’s weary look and knowing the emperor’s health was not well, said nothing more, leaving together with the others.
Qi Junlian rubbed his aching brow and gazed at this empty palace, the palace where his father once lived, now inhabited by him.
Yet, for some reason, staying here, he constantly feels suffocated?
"Come, prepare the carriage, I want to go to Sanqing Palace!"
He has been on the throne for just over half a year, many things are still unfamiliar, especially facing such a major event as a war between two countries which determines the nation’s fate.
Thus, he has no choice but to seek counsel from the father residing in Sanqing Palace.
Perhaps, it’s his first time realizing the benefit of having a Supreme Emperor above!
In Sanqing Palace, Qi Yun dressed in Taoist robe, with a wooden fish in front of him, lived here with tranquility and abstention, even his needs were modest, like seeking redemption.
Qi Junlian knelt before him, just about to speak, when Qi Yun raised his hand to interrupt him.
"I know what you want to say."
"Father?"
Qi Junlian looked up in confusion at him, saw him take a document from the side and tossed it over, "Read it yourself!"
Not understanding, Qi Junlian picked up the document, opened it, and perused carefully, revealing a shocked expression.
"Father, this..."
"Surprised, right?" Qi Yun said with a gentle smile, "Gao Chi also mentioned that he fell into someone else’s strategy, and out of a moment’s impulsiveness, launched an attack on the defenders of Daliang.
Afterward, he deeply regretted it but knew such mistakes should never be acknowledged. Once owned up to, what face would Dazhou have? So, he wrote an apology letter to let me decide."
Qi Junlian was momentarily dazed, then immediately bowed respectfully: "I respectfully ask Father to decide!"
Qi Yun waved his hand and said, "Jun Lian, your temperament will make you a benevolent ruler."
A benevolent ruler? This simply means Qi Junlian is mild by nature, merciful to people and ministers, but a benevolent ruler may not necessarily be a wise ruler.
Qi Junlian bowed his head, silent.
"However, your temperament is too gentle; as a king, being too soft is not acceptable."
"Son listens respectfully to Father’s teachings!"
"Jun Lian, as a ruler, you must never be soft-hearted; from ancient times, the stronger the ruler, the weaker the ministers, and vice versa. If you are weak, those ministers will act lawlessly, do you understand?"
"Son understands!"
Qi Yun rarely gave such teachings to Qi Junlian before; it’s the first time, leaving Qi Junlian with indescribable feelings, maybe a bit of joy!
As a ruler who has held power for decades, the knowledge he imparts, even a small grasp can be beneficial for a lifetime.
"This is for dealing with ministers; as for foreign powers, let alone say, do you remember the late Yan Dynasty?
The court was weak and incompetent, seeking peace everywhere, whoever attacked them would make peace with that nation, sending money and grain and princesses, eventually forfeiting the ancestors’ legacy.
Jun Lian, such a dynasty must never emerge in Dazhou. Dazhou’s kings would rather be defeated and be the king of a fallen nation than to slowly, piece by piece, hand over the ancestral territory and be a ruler incapable of changing destiny, understood?"
Qi Yun’s light tone revealed but to Qi Junlian it felt like a wake-up call, as if many previously incomprehensible things suddenly became clear.
So, this is the reason for Qi Yun’s reckless pursuit of war!
He is precisely one decisive person who would rather break than bend!
He bowed deeply, knocking his head to the ground: "Son vows to heed Father’s teachings!"