Chapter 261: Chapter 261

The Crown Prince’s heart stirred, and he looked deeply at Zheng Chen: "That’s indeed a good idea."

Zheng Chen whispered, "This matter should not be rushed. We can proceed gradually. This Da Liang, sooner or later, will belong to Your Highness. Once you truly hold power, who can stop you from doing what you wish?"

The young and spirited Crown Prince found these words very agreeable, and finally smiled: "You’re right, I am still young and have plenty of time."

Zheng Chen cupped his hands, speaking earnestly, "I am willing to serve Your Highness with all my might!"

The Crown Prince smiled happily: "We’ve grown up together, our bond is like brothers. In the future, I will never treat you poorly." He paused for a moment and whispered, "Now, I have to rely on Prime Minister Wang for court matters, so I must show some favor to Wang the Fourth. It’s just for the outsiders to see. In my heart, you are always the closest and most trustworthy."

Zheng Chen appeared deeply moved and replied quietly, "I understand Your Highness’s intentions. I also hope Your Highness can recognize my loyalty. No matter when or where, no matter what the situation, I will always stand behind Your Highness."

The Crown Prince, deeply moved, firmly grasped Zheng Chen’s hand: "I will never let you down."

The relationship between a ruler and his minister is akin to the bond between lovers.

You offer your heart, and I will never betray you.

Zheng Chen and the Crown Prince exchanged a smile, but what they were planning in their hearts was unknown.

"What? The court is allocating two million taels of silver for the border army’s military expenses?"

Several days later, an exclamation from Feng Wenming was heard in the study of the Nanyang Prince Mansion.

Jiang Shaohua’s face was grim as he nodded: "Not only that, but they also plan to cut the military expenses of local garrisons by thirty percent."

Chen Zhuo, looking furious, added, "The disaster relief efforts will also have to slow down."

Feng Wenming was so enraged that his veins bulged: "Ridiculous! Absolutely ridiculous! The people of the Northern Provinces are starving to death or becoming bandits and refugees, desperately needing aid and comfort from the court. Doing this will only cause more chaos in the North." New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵✶𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖✶𝓷𝓮𝓽

A cold glint flashed in Jiang Shaohua’s eyes: "To the Emperor, the stability of the border army is paramount."

This may sound heartless, but for those in power, the most crucial thing is to ensure military stability. Only with a stable army can the nation be secure.

As for how many civilians die in disasters and wars, as long as it doesn’t threaten the core of the empire, who truly cares?

Chief Historian Feng, straightforward by nature, turned red with anger, his eyes burning with a fiery glare.

Seeing this, Chen Zhuo had no choice but to patiently offer some comfort: "Getting all worked up is of no use. The decision is already made, as we’ve all received the news. The best course of action now is to think about how we should respond."

Chief Historian Feng, quick to react, immediately looked at the Commandery Princess: "Commandery Princess, the Nanyang Army’s funding will also be cut by thirty percent."

Jiang Shaohua said, "The Prince Mansion will cover that thirty percent. Given the current chaotic times, the stronger the Nanyang County’s military power, the better. We cannot let the soldiers become disheartened at a time ."

Feng Wenming calculated in his mind, reluctantly nodding: "This year’s corn and sweet potato harvest was plentiful. Selling them should net a substantial amount of silver, just enough to fill this gap."

Upon mentioning grain sales, Chief Clerk Wen, who had been silent, suddenly became spirited and said, "Commandery Princess, the Tang Family has sent three groups of men, each carrying ten thousand bushels of new grain. Based on the previously set prices for these grains, the thirty thousand bushels should fetch seventy to eighty thousand taels of silver."

"That’s not how the math works," Song Yuan interjected. "Each grain convoy is accompanied by five hundred trusted aides. These aides need food and pay, and in case of bandit attacks, there will be casualties, requiring compensation."

"If we really consider everything, selling the grain is not profitable at all. The Commandery Princess doesn’t expect much silver from the grain sales. Instead, it’s about using this as a justification to promote the new grains. The aim is to establish corn and sweet potato, these high-yield crops, in the North so people can fill their bellies."

"This is the Commandery Princess’s generous heart, and it shouldn’t be measured in silver."

To get the usually reticent Commander Song to say so much was truly for the Commandery Princess.

Chief Clerk Wen chuckled, "Commander Song is right. However, getting some silver back is always good."

Chief Historian Feng nodded in agreement: "Chief Clerk Wen is right. Even a mosquito’s meat is still meat."

This Chief Historian didn’t mind in the least.

Jiang Shaohua took over the conversation: "We also need to prepare for the worst."

The worst case is that the grain gets stolen by the starving populace, not only failing to promote the new grain but potentially sparking riots and danger. With Jiang Shaohua’s words, the gathered officials collectively sighed.

In these times, trying to accomplish anything is incredibly difficult.

"Keep an eye on the court activities, Chief Historian Chen. Report back immediately with any updates."

Chen Zhuo solemnly agreed.

Jiang Shaohua instructed Chief Historian Feng: "Please prepare the military funds for the Nanyang Army promptly, Chief Historian Feng. I’ll write a letter to be sent to the Nanyang Army Camp, to quickly reassure all the soldiers."

Chief Historian Feng responded with a serious expression.

Jiang Shaohua then turned to Song Yuan: "Commander Song, the Personal Guard Camp is to send a letter every three days. The responsibility for this lies with you. Report any unusual movements immediately."

Song Yuan cupped his hands in acceptance of the order.

Jiang Shaohua then instructed the workshop to hasten the production of swords, weapons, and armor, while Ma was put in charge of procuring warhorses. Numerous other administrative tasks were also delegated, ensuring everyone had duties to keep them busy.

Two days later, the court’s official document about the reduction in military funding arrived at the Nanyang Army Camp.

The military generals took turns reading it, and afterward, they were either furious or pale with anger.

"It’s already bad enough our garrison is inferior to the Capital Army, but even the border army is given precedence over us."

"Our garrison defends the State, maintaining local peace. How can we be considered lesser than the border army?"

"The border army’s Left General is a lackey of Prime Minister Wang. Now that Prime Minister Wang wields absolute power, the Left General naturally becomes more prestigious. They can just demand two million taels of military funding! And it’s coming from our rations!"

"Bah! I sacrifice my family and my life, staying in this camp every day, yet they won’t even let us eat our fill."

The military generals argued intensely, but Yu Chong remained composed, drawing another letter from his sleeve: "This is a letter from the Commandery Princess. Take a look!"

A letter from the Commandery Princess?

The military generals were taken aback.

The quickest to react was Li Tie, who reached for the letter. After reading it, he was overjoyed: "No more arguing, everyone. In her letter, the Commandery Princess says she’ll cover the military expenses reduced by the court."

This kind of good news?!

The generals’ eyes all lit up, and they immediately crowded around to read the letter. Someone yelled, "With the Commandery Princess treating us so well, from now on, we all belong to her. Even if she were to rebel against the court, I would follow her."

Yu Chong shot a glare: "Watch your tongue! The Commandery Princess is loyal, patriotic, benevolent, and kind. How could she possibly rebel?"

The chastised general sheepishly smiled and slapped his own face: "My loose tongue tends to say nonsense. But my loyalty to the Commandery Princess is genuine."