Chapter 130: A Poisonous Plan
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The glaring sunlight extended into the court, illuminating the fine dust particles floating in the air.
The heated arguments between civil and military officials, as well as the princes, filled Xiao Wenxuan’s heart with irritation.
Like everyone else, he knew that the Great Yu Empire was no match for the barbarians. When Prince Zhao had visited the capital recently, his words had been filled with apprehension about the barbarians.
Although Prince Zhao’s underlying message was a plea for more money and supplies from Xiao Wenxuan, it was clear that the once-mighty Zhao family, known as the “Iron Curtain of the North,” was showing signs of strain.
Meanwhile, Prince Liang and Prince Yong were barely holding their own against the barbarians’ constant raids. Over the years, the treasury’s funds and the equipment from the Artillery Bureau had been funneled to these three northern princes.
Coupled with the annual tribute payments, the Great Yu Empire’s treasury was now empty, leaving no resources to support Xiao Ming. This was precisely why the imperial guards couldn’t be deployed lightly—they were the last line of defense for Chang’an.
Thus, the Second Prince’s words resonated deeply with Xiao Wenxuan, while the Fourth Prince’s remarks displeased him. The Crown Prince’s retort to the Fourth Prince was exactly what Xiao Wenxuan himself wanted to say.
“Enough! Stop arguing. I have made my decision. We cannot increase the tribute this time. The treasury is already in deficit, and we have no money left to give to the barbarians. Moreover, constant concessions will only make the barbarians despise the Great Yu Empire even more. This time, we do not seek to defeat the barbarians, but to make them understand that the Great Yu Empire cannot be pushed around.”
“Your Majesty is wise!” Luo Quan and other military officials shouted in unison.
Meanwhile, many civil officials looked as if they were mourning a great loss, their faces pale with fear. They dreaded the possibility of the barbarians reaching Chang’an, where they would lose their wealth and the comforts of their luxurious lives.
“Your Majesty, we cannot fight!” Cui Hao suddenly knelt on the ground, kowtowing repeatedly.