The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure

Chapter 1275 - 1274: Double-Crossed at a Critical Moment

By the end of April, a major event occurred in the Imperial Court.

The current state of the Imperial Court’s frontier is still relatively stable. Although there are occasional conflicts with neighboring countries, both sides exercise restraint and keep it within a small scope.

There are no large-scale conflicts.

The frontier is guarded by tens of thousands of border troops, and with these forces, the Imperial Court remains stable as a mountain, and the people can live peacefully.

However, the annual expenditure for the border troops’ provisions and silver is significant.

Aside from other things, just for the provisions of the border troops, it requires the strength of the whole country to transport from the affluent areas of fish and rice to the frontier.

Areas with waterways are fine, but those without have to rely on mules and horses for transportation.

Especially in regions near the frontier, which are dry, most of the living supplies have to rely on mules and horses to be transported over.

Therefore, in a place about two hundred li from the frontier, there is Chicheng County, because the county is surrounded on three sides by hills, with little land suitable for growing crops.

However, it is suitable for horse breeding, and the Imperial Court has two horse farms in Chicheng County, specifically for raising the mules and horses used for transporting military provisions.

Mules and horses can carry heavy loads and have strong endurance. Although they are not as magnificent as fine horses, they have their unique qualities.

With these mules and horses, the provisions can be continuously supplied to the border troops every year.

But early this year, Chicheng County submitted a report saying there was a problem with the horse farm breeding mules this year; the number of newborn mules was severely insufficient.

If this continues, the aging mules will be eliminated, and the newborn mules will not match the number of eliminated ones. In a few years, there might be no mules to transport military provisions.

Don’t underestimate the small issue of mule birth rates, as it can lead to significant problems.

If mules are insufficient and military provisions can’t be delivered on time, how can the border troops guard the frontier without enough food and supplies?

If the soldiers’ morale falters and the enemy takes advantage of this, a major war could be imminent, which wouldn’t be a minor issue.

Therefore, upon receiving this news, everyone from the Emperor, the military department, to the Ministry of Revenue paid significant attention.

The Imperial Court has been debating this for a long time.

It divided into several factions: some advocating for holding the Chicheng County Prefect accountable, others saying the priority is to gather enough mules from other areas, some suggesting buying from neighboring countries, and others proposing to investigate the low birth rate of mules to see if there was poisoning or other reasons.

For a while, the entire center of the Imperial Court worried over mules every day, wearing out their voices.

Song Chongjin, upon learning this news, knew it had begun!

The Hanlin Academy members, being part of the Emperor’s inner circle, naturally knew about it too.

Although he had just entered into officialdom and it wasn’t his place to worry, the country’s safety concerns everyone.

In their spare time, everyone gathered and discussed the mule issue of Chicheng County, expressing their opinions, debating fervently, showing no trace of their usual refinement.

Song Chongjin was dragged along daily and listened to numerous opinions, some insightful and others with flights of fancy.

He noted them down carefully and copied them out when he returned, preparing for eventualities.

For several days, the court almost reached a fevered pitch over the issues of Chicheng.

The Emperor then convened a grand court meeting, asking civil and military officials whether their debates had yielded any conclusions.

This grand court meeting included even officials from Song Chongjin’s lower ranks, all crowding into the large hall full of ministers.

Those of lower rank like them could only stand by the doors, unable to clearly hear or see the Emperor speaking.

Song Chongjin, though, was better off; he had excellent hearing and could still hear what the Emperor said.

He heard the Emperor’s words, followed by a moment of silence in the grand hall.

Then the ministers rolled up their sleeves and debated again, barely reaching a consensus. Whether drawing mules from across the country to temporarily alleviate military provisioning or purchasing from neighboring countries, those were future considerations.

The Chicheng County Prefect was definitely going to be held accountable, as an edict had already been issued summoning him to the Capital City for questioning.

Now the issue was who would assume the position of Chicheng County Prefect, investigate the lowered mule birth rate, and gradually increase mule numbers.

Upon this conclusion, the grand hall fell into silence again.

Everyone knew the position of Chicheng County Prefect was a hot potato, likely to ruin whoever took it.

Even if someone bravely took it on, who knew how to breed mules? If after two or three years mules were still insufficient, the current prefect’s fate would serve as a warning.

Nobody was foolish enough to step up now; it would be tantamount to self-denial of their career!

Suddenly, civil and military officials glanced at each other, hoping someone from the opposite faction would volunteer.

At that moment, someone stepped forward and announced: "Your Majesty, I have a suggestion. I recall that Chicheng was once a place where the Duke Weiguo was stationed and should be quite familiar. Duke Weiguo spent years in the frontier and had cavalry under his command, likely with unique methods for horse breeding. Now, Duke Weiguo has an heir, and the Heir of Duke of Weiguo is young and capable, like father, like son. Growing up in the countryside, he should be familiar with breeding livestock and horses."

"After consideration, the Heir of Duke of Weiguo seems the most suitable choice! Firstly, he holds Duke Weiguo’s past favor, making him more acceptable locally. Secondly, the Heir of Duke is young and fearless, ideal for such challenges to allow him to gain experience."

The speaker was none other than Duke Qiguo.

Song Hong’s face changed, glaring at Duke Qiguo as though wishing to eat him!

Scoundrel! Stirring trouble at this critical moment!

Absurd! He is the Heir of Duke Weiguo, a distinguished Imperial Messenger and Hanlin Reviewer, and now he’s suggested to be transferred to manage mule breeding?

If this happens, where would the face of Duke Weiguo be?

Song Hong immediately stepped forward in protest: "Your Majesty! Absolutely not! I’m not obstructing out of personal interest, but my son is young and inexperienced, unable to handle such a weighty duty. This concerns military provisions for tens of thousands of troops at the frontier, not child’s play! Although he grew up in the countryside, he’s dedicated to studying sage books and knows little of mule breeding. If he were to go, it would not only delay military matters but also let down Your Majesty’s hopes. Isn’t that a grievous sin worthy of death?"

"Therefore, I humbly ask Your Majesty to appoint someone seasoned and competent to oversee this matter!"

Following his words, someone retorted: "I feel Duke Qiguo has a point! While the Heir of Duke Weiguo may not understand mule breeding, if he were appointed, naturally, he doesn’t need to understand it! He just needs to deploy personnel, letting those who know how to breed mules do so?"

"Given the Heir of Duke Weiguo’s status, transitioning smoothly in Chicheng is assured without disturbances. If the Heir of Duke Weiguo can help the court resolve this crisis, it will be a significant contribution! Duke Weiguo, you shouldn’t neglect public duty in favor of private concern!"

The speaker, not a stranger, was General Ruan, Lady Ruan’s father.