Chapter 977 - 973: Top Priority
Minister Liu did not know that the Rong was entirely under Bai Qingyu’s control and had already become a part of Zhou. As a minister of Zhou, it was not surprising for Liu Rushi to think this way.
However, Bai Qingyan could not reveal A Yu’s identity to Liu Rushi for the time being, so Bai Qingyan merely said, "The reason for asking Minister Liu to delay King Yan Li Zhijie of Xiliang is because our spies in Xiliang have been caught. It is unclear whether it was due to their identities being exposed or for other reasons! Bai Qingqi has already set out for Xiliang; whether the alliance will be signed is wholly under Bai Qingqi’s control. However... before everything is settled, Li Zhijie must remain in Dadu City."
Liu Rushi was taken aback but quickly nodded, "Since His Majesty has said so, I understand, but... King Yan Li Zhijie’s entrance into Dadu City was to celebrate His Majesty’s ascension to the throne. Holding Li Zhijie in Dadu City without warning might lead to public criticism."
"Li Zhijie absolutely cannot leave Dadu City before the alliance is solidified. He has three paths to choose: to ally with Zhou, or to join hands with the ghost-faced Prince of Rong to resist strong nations together, or to ally with the Ninth Prince of Yan once war breaks out between Rong and Xiliang, letting Yan Kingdom hinder us Zhou!"
Liu Rushi was about to speak but saw Bai Qingyan gesture him to listen to the end: "Our Zhou’s goal is to unify the world, so we must not let either Xiliang or Rong destroy the other, forming a tripartite situation with us, because then the difficulty to unify the world would be even greater than today!"
Liu Rushi, being straightforward, knew Bai Qingyan’s words were based on the overall situation, but... Liu Rushi believed that even for the greater good, one must not give up on morality.
"I have not stood at His Majesty’s height, so I do not understand His Majesty’s overall layout and control, but I understand His Majesty’s words clearly." Liu Rushi’s attitude was very rigorous, "Nevertheless, I still wish to advise His Majesty, if someone else prevents King Yan of Xiliang from leaving Dadu... then fine! But we Zhou, being a grand nation, if we hold a congratulating envoy and forbid his departure from the Capital of Zhou, it will surely be criticized! Losing morality in Xiliang, how can we gain Xiliang? I urge His Majesty to think carefully!"
As soon as Liu Rushi finished speaking, it was reported from outside that Minister of Revenue Wei Bugong requested an audience.
Liu Rushi stood up, walked to the center of the main hall, and bowed deeply to Bai Qingyan: "I take my leave now, Your Majesty."
"Minister Liu, there’s one more thing I want to entrust to you." Bai Qingyan smiled faintly at Liu Rushi, "Starting next month, every three days, the court will dispatch a key figure to discuss state affairs with the students of the Imperial College. Minister Liu, please go first to discuss with the students whether we should establish alliances with Xiliang and Rong."