Do Not Offend the Reborn Wicked Wife-Chapter 127: We Will Grant His Request!

Shengjing, beneath the Imperial City.

At dawn, before the sky even brightened, the officials had already risen, each carrying a lantern to the city gates, just waiting for the palace gates to open to attend the early court.

Except on holidays, fourth-rank and above officials must attend the Changchao, discussing major state affairs.

In recent days, the atmosphere in the court has not been great, because of the news from the south, the Xinan envoy mysteriously died within Dazhou territory, reportedly killed by local mountain bandits.

This incident shocked the nation, the Emperor was furious, and ministers and military officials were abuzz with discussion.

Holding local officials accountable is unavoidable, but the next headache is how to negotiate with the Xiliang people.

"Squeak—"

At this moment, the palace gates slowly opened, and a group of officials filed in.

In Qianlong Hall, the Emperor was already seated at the forefront, and the officials were arrayed according to civil and military ranks on the left and right. Everyone held a ceremonial tablet, each observing the decorum.

The Emperor on the throne was a middle-aged man around fifty, wearing a bead crown and an ink-colored Dragon Robe, looking sternly at the officials below, his eyes showing a hint of disdain.

Since he fell ill last year, these officials began aligning themselves with his various princes, often seen in court impeaching each other between the Crown Prince Faction, Third Prince Faction, and Seventh Prince Faction, all to eliminate opposing forces and consolidate their positions.

Ha, truly laughable! I’m still alive, and you’re courting factions right under my nose?

Well then, let them fight, fight to the death if possible, I’ll just watch from the sidelines!

For the past half year, Emperor Qi Yun has been watching them fight back and forth, balancing among them, making him seem lofty, unattainable, which was quite satisfying, except the recent envoy’s murder from Xinan disrupted his good mood.

Upon learning of this, Qi Yun was enraged, even implicating several small officials, and ministers didn’t dare to breathe loudly these days, afraid of getting involved, behaving submissively like quail.

But this submissiveness has become tiresome for Qi Yun over time.

"Why is it so quiet?"

The Emperor’s voice seemed to come from the Nine Netherworld, causing fear among the officials below.

At this point, a bold official stepped forward and said: "Reporting to Your Majesty, Xiliang’s spies have already learned of the envoy’s murder a while ago, and now the Xiliang Envoy in the capital, Yelv Hao, demands an explanation..."

"Oh? Are they here to hold us accountable?"

Qi Yun sneered, his gaze coldly scanning the ministers below.

"I’m terrified!"

The ministers quickly recoiled like turtles.

"I want you to come up with a plan, not cower here like quail! Bang!"

Qi Yun slapped the Dragon Throne, clearly showing anger.

There was a moment of hesitation among the ministers below, then someone stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, the first thing is to hold the local officials accountable, and ideally execute a few people to offset the anger of the Xiliang people. Next, we should apologize..."

"Are you suggesting we increase the annual tribute again?"

This official hadn’t finished speaking when he was interrupted by a cold voice. Qi Yun’s icy gaze fell, and the official instantly knelt with a thud, his head hitting the ground, "Your Majesty, the Xiliang people are fierce. If not compensated, their army might press the border..."

"What if their army presses the border? Are we to fear them?"

This time, it was another official speaking, opposing the previous one who suggested compensation, thus creating friction.

"Ridiculous, if a fight breaks out, it will cost the populace dearly!"

"But it will be once and for all, should we increase the tribute every year they provoke us? Who ultimately bears the burden of these tributes? Isn’t it taxpayers? That too costs the populace! Besides, there’s General Xiping, Cao Yin, stationed in the southwest; are we to fear those barbarians?"

"But we were defeated back then..."

"Why were we defeated back then?"

The aggressive official paused, then glanced at the Emperor. Luckily, Qi Yun remained calm, without anger.

He wanted to continue but heard Qi Yun speak indifferently: "Back then, the nation was enduring the Rebellion of the Seven Princes, causing turmoil and weakness, coupled with successive natural disasters and insufficient tax revenue. The Xiliang people took advantage and succeeded! Now, after over a decade of recuperation, the National Treasury is full, our weapons are refined, are we to fear them?"

"Your Majesty is wise! I am willing to lead troops into battle!"

A military general stepped forward, solemnly requesting the command.

"Your Majesty, war is undesirable, peace is paramount!"

An official saw this and immediately turned pale, quickly trying to dissuade.

"Undesirable to fight? Hmph, I want a war!" Qi Yun mocked coldly, "After thirteen years of peace, you only know to enjoy stability? Little do you understand that peace isn’t bought or negotiated but fought for! The Xiliang envoy died within our Dazhou territory? What if it was their ploy to coerce me into increasing the tribute?"

Oh no!

The official advocating for compromise was stunned.

Your Majesty, you’re being unreasonable!

If the Xiliang people heard this, they’d be at the gates by tomorrow!

Qi Yun stared at the dazed official, sneering: "What, are you planning to relay my words to the Xiliang people?"

"Ah, no, I wouldn’t dare, I deserve death a thousand times!"

The official was so terrified his face went pale, kneeling instantly!

This emperor is harsh; if truly angered, he could end you instantly!

Moreover, the Emperor laid a trap; if his words reached the Xiliang people, he’d be blamed, facing ruin! He’d have to find a way to seal it afterward...

Dear heavens, must it be this miserable?

Seeing him silent in fear, Qi Yun coldly said: "Let’s proceed with this matter. Execute or exile all officials in Gaoyang County, as an explanation to the Xiliang envoy. If they are dissatisfied and make trouble, I won’t fear them! At worst, we’ll wage war!"

"We accept Your orders!"

Since the Emperor had made up his mind, the ministers couldn’t object, and besides, various factions vie for succession, none would dare irritate the Emperor now; it’d only provide adversaries opportunities.

Thus, while there would usually be many opposing a war, few did this time; and thus, the decision was made.

While preparing to discuss war strategies, a nondescript official suddenly stepped forward, saying: "Your Majesty, the Gaoyang County Magistrate has a memorial!"

"Hmm?"

The crowd paused, then someone snorted, "Trying to defend his failures, shameless, Your Majesty, he should be executed!"

"Your Majesty, this memorial... is somewhat different. I intended to discard it, hesitated though, feeling it should be shown to you."

The official looked conflicted as he spoke.

His demeanor intrigued Qi Yun, who said with a smile: "Alright, bring it to me then!"

The eunuch handed up the memorial, Qi Yun read it for a while and suddenly laughed heartily: "Good, good, this official is brave and resourceful, excellent, he pleases me, let’s proceed as he requests!"