Huh? The Tyrant Cries After My Inner Thoughts Were Exposed!

Chapter 235: Sending Troops to Aid Chu

In the blink of an eye, May arrived. The diplomatic envoy from Chu Kingdom arrived in the Capital City with documents, drawing the attention of civil servants and military generals alike.

News from the border reported that Chu Kingdom could not withstand the Southern Country and had suffered successive defeats, losing heavily. Four cities had been seized one after another. This diplomatic envoy must be seeking military aid from Da Jin.

The next day’s court debate, where the Minister of the Ministry of Rites brought up the matter regarding the envoy from Chu Kingdom, saw many old courtiers quickly opposing.

"Your Majesty, the Southern Country has strong military forces. If we dispatch troops now, it will be opposing the Southern Country, and we risk inviting trouble upon ourselves!"

"Indeed, although our army is sufficient, our wealth is not comparable to that of Chu Kingdom. It is really unwise to provoke that Southern Country."

Chu Guang, having just ascended the throne, is in high spirits. Becoming an enemy of the Southern Country now is not sensible.

Most civil servants oppose sending troops to aid Chu, believing that preserving peace is paramount.

Many military officers, however, contend that Chu Guang is ambitious. If he conquers Chu Kingdom and gains wealth, expanding his army, the resulting situation is predictable, and we must act early to prevent it.

Dispatching troops to aid Chu now would be the best strategy.

The debate was heated on both sides, each presenting valid arguments.

The Old Emperor desired to send aid to Chu Kingdom but lacked a strong, convincing rationale at this moment. Without it, how could one inspire the troops?

His gaze fell upon Su Juan amidst the crowd, almost gesturing for her to speak.

Su Juan observed the situation, wanting to see if there were any trouble makers left in court.

She recalled when Song Qianfan was in power, and Chu Kingdom sought aid; some courtiers even proposed attacking Chu, seeking to share the spoils or negotiate terms to send troops for Chu to cede three cities and mines.

At that time, those individuals were profiteering, with short-sightedness that only saw immediate gains and never considered what would happen when Chu Kingdom was conquered, affecting Da Jin, neighboring Chu Kingdom.

Now, whether to send troops or not, these courtiers genuinely considered the wellbeing of Da Jin, making Su Juan somewhat relieved and accomplished.

Da Jin, free of trouble makers, indeed presented a harmonious aura.

Seeing Su Juan silent for a long time while the courtiers argued, almost ready to fight, the Old Emperor couldn’t sit still. What’s wrong with this girl? Why isn’t she speaking when she usually talks so much?

The Old Emperor cleared his throat, "Jin Yang, what do you think about this matter?"

As he spoke, everyone in the court instantly turned their eyes to Su Juan.

Everyone’s heart was momentarily tense. Privately, they hoped not to go to war, knowing it would strain resources.

But based on their understanding of Su Juan, war seemed inevitable.

Su Juan: "Grandchild believes that troops should indeed be dispatched."

The Old Emperor squinted his eyes, satisfied at heart.

The courtiers supporting the dispatch of troops breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that the Crown Princess was still clear-headed.

Those against dispatching troops were urgent, "Your Highness, we cannot fight this war!"

Su Juan, solemn and articulate, loudly declared, "This war must be fought. Da Jin borders Chu Kingdom. If Chu Kingdom falls, the Southern Country will inevitably advance south to attack Da Jin."

"Considering today’s Chu Kingdom, how can you be sure it won’t be Da Jin tomorrow? If Da Jin is encircled one day, where will we turn for aid?"

Duke Ping listened, feeling his heart surge with passion, almost wanting to jump up and applaud his niece-granddaughter. What excellent words!

However, the Imperial Censor said, "Our relationship with the Southern Country is currently amicable. The Monarch of the Southern Country visited our court two years ago, hinting at a marriage alliance. Sending troops now might damage our friendship..." The Imperial Censor earnestly tried to explain more, wanting them to grasp the seriousness.

Going to war is not that simple!

Liu Miaoying and Liu Xuan became anxious for Su Juan.

Su Juan, in a grave tone, said, "The Imperial Censor only knows that Chu Guang visited our court, hinting at a marriage alliance, but is unaware that long ago, spies from the Southern Country infiltrated Da Jin, attempting to steal our military secrets and border defense maps."

This statement shocked the courtiers!

The Imperial Censor was dumbfounded, wondering when this happened.

The Old Emperor’s face turned cold, "Is this really true!?"

The courtiers immediately erupted in discussion, astonished that Chu Guang revealed such intentions years ago!

Su Juan continued, "Back then, Chu Guang proposed a marriage alliance and acted so openly in our Capital City, which made grandchild suspicious. Investigating discreetly, it was discovered that someone in our Ministry of War has colluded with the Southern Country."

This revelation made the head of the Ministry of War feel chilled, thinking: This should have nothing to do with me, right?

"To avoid alerting them, grandchild devised a counter-plan, swapping out the documents, having spies watched closely, sending false information frequently over the years."

"Early this year, a spy from the Southern Country attempted to sneak out of the Capital City. Grandchild’s men detained him, with numerous classified documents on him, currently held at the Ministry of Justice."

The Old Emperor was surprised, as he was entirely unaware of these actions, amazed at how many actions this girl had undertaken quietly, showcasing foresight.

Now, the Minister of the Ministry of Justice spoke, "Your Majesty, there indeed is such a matter. This minister was about to report this to Your Majesty today. Yesterday, those spies confessed, and many people were arrested. These spies have lurked within our court for many years, evidencing the Southern Country’s ambitions far beyond Chu Kingdom."

The Old Emperor was furious, "What a Southern Country!"

At this moment, those opposing the dispatch of troops remained silent. The Southern Country’s ambitions were evident; if Chu Kingdom were conquered, next might be Da Jin.

Seeing the atmosphere now, Su Juan thought someone should step up and volunteer.

Thinking this, those military generals stood up, "Your Majesty, the Southern Country’s ambitions can’t be allowed to prosper!"

"I am willing to lead troops, assist Chu Kingdom in repelling the Southern Army!

The court buzzed with voices, one after another standing up to support and request orders.

The Old Emperor was very pleased with the scene before him, "I understand everyone’s intentions, but aiding Chu involves many details that need further discussion, not to be rushed today."

...

After the court session, the Old Emperor convened with several ministers, and even invited the envoy from Chu Kingdom, to discuss the matter of dispatching troops to aid Chu.

After much discussion, there was still no candidate to lead the troops. The matter was significant, needing an experienced veteran, but Prince Han was currently defending the border, and Duke Ping and others were ancients from past battles.

At this moment, Su Juan proposed, "Grandfather, grandchild believes General Shi from the Huai State Camp could be suitable."

Several ministers pondered. Shi Yuan had fought alongside Duke Ping in the past. Later, when they had differences, he was relocated to Huai State when the conflict settled. He was younger than Duke Ping by about ten years, and with such steady character, he had quelled the Forbidden Army mutiny last time. He was indeed suitable.

The Old Emperor looked towards Duke Ping, eager to hear his opinion, "Minister Xie, how do you feel about this?"

Duke Ping momentarily hesitated, recalling that Xie Xun was still in Huai State Camp, and ultimately spoke truthfully, "I believe, if someone is to lead, Shi Yuan is indeed suitable."

The Old Emperor immediately determined, issuing a decree to Huai State to appoint Shi Yuan to lead troops with the envoy to aid Chu.