Chapter 1109: The Decision Is Made
The two nodded and then quietly discussed the books they had read.
The Emperor became interested and asked a few questions about military strategy, to which both responded fluently.
The Emperor frequently nodded, with even more admiration in his eyes.
At the end of the competition, according to the statistics reported by the secretary, You Er and Qi Er took first and second place in the cavalry group.
The top three from the cavalry and infantry groups were all invited to the viewing platform, where the Emperor encouraged them.
Then he gave out rewards.
Everyone else received material rewards, but when it came to You Er and Qi Er, the Emperor paused for a moment, "Jiang Che and Lin Ziqi are promoted to Chiliarch."
The Lord Chief Minister was startled, just about to comment on their young age; the words were swallowed back.
Jiang Youzhi smiled silently.
Qi Er and You Er exchanged a glance, both eyes filled with surprise and joy, kneeling together: "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After the competition ended, officials gradually descended from the viewing platform.
Mr. Han caught up with Jiang Youzhi, "Lord Chief Minister, would you be interested in sharing a few drinks with an old man?"
Jiang Youzhi glanced at this old fox, shaking his head, "No, the day is ending, I must hurry back to the mansion."
"Hey hey hey," Mr. Han saw Jiang Youzhi about to leave, quickly grabbed him, "Walk slowly, Lord Chief Minister, I have a good matter to discuss with you."
Jiang Youzhi stopped, "If you have something to say, say it; I’m quite busy."
Mr. Han initially intended to bring up the matter over drinks, but Jiang Youzhi clearly had no interest in talking further, so he said directly, "I have a daughter, just eighteen, with beauty like flowers and moons, knowledgeable and courteous. I see your young master is a dragon among men. Would you consider becoming in-laws with me?"
Jiang Youzhi chuckled, "My son will only be fifteen by September; his marriage, well, I fear we’ll consider it in five or six years."
Mr. Han felt deflated, in another five or six years, his daughter would be over twenty, practically a spinster.
He snorted, flicking his sleeves and departing.
Jiang Youzhi chuckled softly, Mr. Han, if you’re useful to him, he smiles; if not, he turns his face faster than a book.
Just a few days after the army competition, Jiang Youzhi proposed to dispatch troops to Jin Country in the court.
Upon hearing this, it sparked a wave of opposition.
Grandmaster Jiang remarked that now wasn’t the time to attack Da Jin.
Grand Tutor Xie stated that Great Chu wasn’t yet capable of battle, and a war would surely set back its hard-won economic progress by twenty years.
Mr. Han further accused Jiang Youzhi of wanting to destroy Great Chu’s hard-earned peace.
The Emperor on the dragon throne coldly watched his courtiers bicker nonstop.
After a long while, he glanced toward the corner of the Golden Throne Hall at the whip-wielding eunuch.
The eunuch suddenly swung the whip.
"Smack!"
"Smack!"
"Smack!"
After three crisp sounds, the Golden Throne Hall quieted down.
The Emperor slowly spoke, "Lord Chief Minister’s proposal coincides with my thoughts."
"Now the Emperor of Jin Country is gravely ill, a Crown Prince is not yet established, the Princes are young, and the forces behind the Princes are fiercely contending."
"If we don’t dispatch troops now, are we to wait until the Emperor of Jin Country recovers? Or wait until a Prince firmly sits on the dragon throne before acting?"
"Regarding the military action against Da Jin, my decision is made."
After finishing, the Emperor looked around.
The ministers began to discuss again, their varied voices intertwined, buzzing loudly.
Grandmaster Jiang suddenly stepped forward, "Deploying troops is a significant matter, I ask His Majesty to consider carefully."
The Emperor responded sternly, "Consider carefully? More than carefully! I’ve pondered this matter repeatedly for a long time."