Chapter 354: Reform (1)_1
"Prince, the Imperial Court is becoming more and more excessive. The grains and forage sent to the Northern Land in recent years are decreasing, and now even the military salary is in severe shortage. Our Northern Land has a small population and chilly weather. Other places can grow crops twice a year, whereas here we can only grow for one season, and we can’t even grow wheat and rice. If we only rely on our taxes, I’m afraid we won’t be able to last for long." Another military general spoke angrily.
Chu Suifeng’s brows furrowed slightly. The generals felt uneasy, and how could he not?
The Northern Land was his territory, and the late emperor decreed that neither he nor his descendants shall return to the capital. The emperor’s recent decree was like stabbing him behind his back. With the Tatars lurking at the border, without provisions, would the Imperial Court not fear losing the fort or believe that losing a Northern Land does not matter to Daqin?
"The Northern Land will no longer have to pay taxes to the Imperial Court. This is good news," Situ Gong said.
"Liao City is the gateway to the Northern Land. If the Imperial Court prohibits merchants from coming to trade, it will be a headache for us. The one stationed in Liao City is Guan Qinggu. This upright and stubborn man has always been loyal to the emperor. To prevent any unforeseen incidents, Prince, we need to be vigilant," Si Jinhan said grimly.
"We need to infiltrate some of our people into Liao City and also find ways to have the Imperial Court send more prisoners here," Chu Suifeng suggested.
The eyes of Situ Gong and Si Jinhan lit up; it seemed that the prince had made up his mind.