jdhmnovel Chapter 285 Dignity Lies Only on the Edge of the Sword
Chapter 285 Dignity Lies Only on the Edge of the Sword
The atmosphere in the imperial court of Cangling Kingdom was as heavy as the anticipation before a storm.
Sunlight streamed through the carved window lattice, casting dappled shadows, but it couldn't dispel the tension and somber atmosphere that filled the room.
Shen Yuxi sat upright on the dragon throne, his posture upright, but his eyes revealed an undisguised weariness and anger.
He stared intently at the officials standing in two rows below, his fists clenching unconsciously until his knuckles turned white.
"Absurd! If we don't send troops, are we just going to let those small foreign countries slaughter and harass our borders?"
His voice echoed in the empty hall, carrying an unquestionable majesty that made the air inside tremble slightly.
These words were spoken to Su Yu.
Su Yu, a senior official with considerable experience in the court, had just offered a suggestion to smooth things over, which infuriated Shen Yuxi.
By refusing to send troops or negotiate peace, it may seem like the government is trying to avoid offending either side, but in reality, it is disregarding national security and the lives of ordinary people.
Su Yu did not utter a word in rebuttal upon hearing His Majesty's rebuke, but simply bowed respectfully, his lowered eyes obscuring his expression.
To Shen Yuxi, that submissive demeanor seemed more like a perfunctory gesture, which fueled his anger and made his chest burn with rage.
Shi Wanxia stood aside, quietly watching all of this.
She was originally a commoner woman who was recommended to the palace because of her outstanding talent. Although she held a position in the court, most officials treated her coldly because of her low rank and her status as a woman.
At this moment, she was filled with confusion and anger. These officials, who usually spouted benevolence and morality, cared only about their own interests when the country faced a crisis and border people were being massacred.
To protect their official positions and maintain their family's power, they could stand by and watch the people suffer. How can such a court and such officials ensure the prosperity of the country?
Shen Yuxi's gaze swept across the faces of the assembled officials; he knew all too well the ulterior motives in their hearts.
They were either afraid that war would deplete their own wealth, or worried that a failed military campaign would affect their careers. But how could Cangling Kingdom show weakness at this time?
As he was thinking, his gaze fell upon Shi Wanxia. Seeing her furrowed brows and displeased expression, Shen Yuxi's heart stirred. He knew that although Shi Wanxia was a woman, she possessed insight and courage that rivaled any man's, and she must have her own ideas.
"Does Miss Shi have a different opinion? You are welcome to speak freely in the court!"
Shen Yuxi's voice broke the brief silence, gentle yet expectant.
When Shi Wanxia heard His Majesty call her name, her heart tightened, and she quickly stepped forward to pay her respects.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, but her heart was still racing uncontrollably. Faced with these officials who only thought about peace, her anger surged like a tidal wave.
"Your Majesty, I believe that it is absolutely unacceptable to negotiate peace at this time. Foreign countries have repeatedly invaded us. If we show weakness, it will only embolden them further."
"The people are suffering on the border. They have been forced to leave their homes and have been brutally slaughtered. If the court does not stand up for them, how can it win the hearts of the people?"
Shi Wanxia's voice was clear yet firm, each word striking the hearts of the crowd like a heavy hammer.
"Hmph, what does a woman know about matters of state!" Someone in the crowd muttered under their breath.
Shi Wanxia ignored her and continued, "Furthermore, although peace talks can ensure temporary peace, they will have endless consequences."
“The gold and silver treasures sent every year will only fatten those greedy foreign lands, and their appetites will only grow bigger and bigger.”
"If this continues, the strength of the Cangling Kingdom will inevitably be weakened. At that time, what will we use to defend our territory?"
Shi Wanxia stood tall with her back straight. Although she was slender, she exuded a strong and unyielding spirit that should not be underestimated.
Ignoring the piercing gazes of the ministers present, which seemed to want to devour her alive, she took a deep breath.
She continued her impassioned speech: "Your Majesty, as the saying goes, if we don't use money to build up national defense, are we going to use it to pay reparations?" Her voice was clear and crisp, yet carried an undeniable power that echoed for a long time in the empty hall.
These words caused an uproar in the court. The ministers, who were usually pampered and high above others, were filled with shock and anger.
Some stared wide-eyed, as if they had heard something shocking; others were so angry that they glared and muttered curses at the arrogant woman.
However, Shi Wanxia seemed not to hear, her eyes burning with fervent light as she looked at Shen Yuxi on the dragon throne.
He continued, "We keep calling ourselves the Celestial Empire, turning a blind eye to the smaller countries around us and letting them grow unchecked. Are we supposed to give them money so that they can one day grow stronger and carve up our territory?"
Her words were filled with heartache and worry, and every sentence hit the nail on the head regarding the current predicament of Cangling Kingdom.
Shen Yuxi sat on the dragon throne, his brows furrowed and his face ashen.
Shi Wanxia's words struck him like a heavy hammer blow.
He was well aware of these principles, but the various factions in the court were deeply entrenched, making change extremely difficult.
"Your Majesty, my colleagues, dignity lies only on the edge of the sword, and truth lies only within the range of the cannon."
Shi Wanxia raised her voice, her gaze sweeping across the ministers' faces, her eyes filled with disappointment and condemnation.
"As pillars of the nation, we are paid by the emperor, so we should shoulder the heavy responsibility of serving the country and the people, and we should not turn a blind eye to the suffering of the people."
"After all, if an official doesn't serve the people, he might as well go home and sell sweet potatoes!" She practically shouted the last sentence, filled with indignation and helplessness.
The court fell silent instantly, everyone stunned by Shi Wanxia's words.
These seemingly vulgar words were like a sharp sword, piercing straight into the hearts of those ministers who only knew how to indulge in pleasure and disregarded the lives of the people.
"Be bold!"
Finally, an elderly minister stepped forward, his finger trembling as he pointed at Shi Wanxia, his face flushed with anger.
"You, a mere woman, dare to spout nonsense in the imperial court, slandering the entire court of officials. What is your punishment!"
"What is my fault?"
Shi Wanxia met the other party's gaze without fear. "I am merely stating the facts. My lords, while you are arguing endlessly in this magnificent court and scheming against each other for your own interests, the people on the border are struggling in dire straits."
"They are displaced, their families are broken, and we, as their support, have done nothing for them?"
Shen Yuxi listened quietly, his mind filled with countless thoughts. Every word Shi Wanxia spoke was like a ray of dawn in the darkness, giving him hope for change.
He knew it was time to make a choice: whether to continue maintaining this seemingly peaceful but actually corrupt situation, or to heed Shi Wanxia's advice, rise up to reform, rectify the government, and strengthen national defense.
"Shut up!"
Shen Yuxi stood up abruptly, his voice authoritative and loud, “What Miss Shi said, though harsh, is entirely reasonable. As the ruler of a country, I have caused my people to suffer, which is truly my fault.”
His gaze slowly swept over the assembled officials, his eyes revealing an unprecedented resolve. "From this day forward, I have decided to increase investment in national defense, train the troops, and cease my appeasement of foreign powers. If anyone dares to obstruct me again, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
The court was silent. The ministers looked at each other, none daring to utter a sound.
Looking at Shen Yuxi, Shi Wanxia felt a complex mix of emotions: relief, anticipation, and a touch of worry.
She knew this was just the beginning, and the road ahead was long, full of unknowns and challenges, but she firmly believed...
As long as one has the people and the country in their heart, they will surely be able to pave a bright path for the Cangling Kingdom.
Shen Yuxi nodded slightly, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes: "Miss Shi is absolutely right. In your opinion, how should we send troops?"
After a moment's thought, Shi Wanxia said, "Although the foreign army is fierce, they have traveled a long distance and have difficulty with supplies. We can first send elite troops to cut off their food supply, then set up an ambush, and launch a surprise attack when their morale is in chaos."
"At the same time, we can unite with the small countries around us that are being harassed by foreign powers to fight the enemy together. In this way, our chances of winning will be much greater."
Upon hearing this, Shen Yuxi clapped his hands and laughed, "Well done, Miss Shi! You are a woman who is just as capable as any man!"
Having said that, he looked coldly at the assembled officials and said, "My dear ministers, even a woman like Miss Shi can offer advice and strategies for the safety of the nation. What about you?"
The ministers looked at each other, then lowered their heads, not daring to meet His Majesty's gaze.
A court debate about the fate of the nation quietly took a turn after Shi Wanxia's advice, and the Cangling Kingdom was about to embark on a journey to defend its dignity and peace.