Da Tang: Father, can I resign?

Chapter 449 No Way to Sell Out the Country
"Chief Steward Yuchi, I implore you to inquire further for me. What... exactly is His Majesty's intention?"

The Honglu Temple Annex, which His Majesty Li Ming referred to as an "inn," was a guesthouse exclusively for foreign envoys.

An old man bowed deeply to a spirited, dark-skinned man.

The old man was refined and easygoing, speaking Mandarin with an almost indistinguishable accent. He wore exquisite silk clothing and a mink collar, adding a touch of exoticism.

He was the envoy representing the kings of Silla and Baekje, requesting the Ming Dynasty to annex their countries. He was also the prime minister of Baekje, Buyeo Biryu.

The old man also had another identity: he was Yuchi Xunyu's subordinate, the highest-ranking spy that the Ming Dynasty had planted on the peninsula.

"Several days have passed since I had the honor of setting foot on your esteemed land and presenting my official letter with both hands."

"I have been unable to receive His Majesty's summons these past few days."

"I wonder where I have fallen short, or where the Xin and Baiyanghan have failed to serve the Great Power diligently? I hope the Grand Steward will be so kind as to enlighten me!"

Buyeo Biryu was very humble, but his confusion and anxiety were also written on his face.

We brought our country here to surrender! Territory was given away for free!
Why is the attitude from above so indifferent?
Yu Chi Xunyu looked embarrassed and scratched his head:

"Well, it should be that His Majesty is quite busy lately."

"You know, fighting the Japanese, developing water conservancy projects, and cleaning up after floods and stuff like that..."

Even Yuchi Xunyu himself didn't believe the excuse he came up with.

Could it be that Doflamingo wants to give the Koreans a little more of a warning and squeeze out a little more benefits?
But they've already given up their own country and are just lying there letting things be done to them.

What else can be extracted from it?
Not a single drop left...

"Joining the Ming Dynasty is the tragic wish of all Koreans."

"Please, Your Excellency, be sure to..."

Fuyu Biliu bowed deeply once again.

"No...there's no need for this..."

Yuchi Xunyu nervously helped the old man up.

He was really embarrassed; his toes were practically digging through the soles of his shoes.

My downline has finally completed the most difficult task, handing over the country with both hands.

But they haven't replied yet, so they're just keeping them hanging on.

What if we let all the pouty-lipped ones escape?

What is Li Ming doing?!

If you're not proactive in expanding territory, there's something wrong with your thinking!

"I...I must talk to him face to face today and get to the bottom of what he really means!"

Yuchi Xunyu stomped his foot.

The fact that he dared to be so disrespectful to His Majesty the Emperor in a government office where there were ears everywhere fully demonstrates his status as His Majesty's confidant.

"No, no, no, it's all my fault. Please don't let our trivial matters as Han Yi delay the important military and national affairs of the Ming Dynasty..."

Fu Yu Bi Liu, standing to the side, offered a rather cunning and manipulative advice to Yu Chi's confidant.

Just then, an indignant voice rang out from outside the door:

"Let me see who dares to disrespect the sage behind his back!"

The door opened, and a stern-looking man with a goatee peeked in, unsmiling, perfectly embodying the stereotypical image of a middle-aged bureaucrat.

The bureaucrat's gaze lingered briefly on the blackened charcoal in the room, and he paused slightly in surprise.

But he quickly regained his serious expression, squeezed into the room, and solemnly stroked his beard:

Even someone as noble as Lord Yuchi must not violate this taboo!

It's Tang Jian, the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial... Yuchi Xunyu curled his lip, his dark face growing even darker.

Tang Jian was a very rigid person; he was a professional at "speaking frankly and remonstrating" in the previous dynasty.

He repeatedly berated Emperor Li Shimin, who was then infuriated and nearly killed him with a knife.

Compared to him, Wei Zheng seemed gentle and refined.

The fact that this fellow could continue to work and even hold an official position in the government shows that the Li family father and son are truly remarkable.

Since this guy dared to criticize the emperor, the emperor's lackeys naturally couldn't escape his venomous tongue either.

"Let me make this clear first: the Great Ming Code doesn't have any crime of disrespect!" Yuchi Xunyu prepared for a verbal battle, putting on a layer of armor for himself.

"That's why I said it was taboo, not illegal. We should always respect His Majesty... Never mind, that's not what I came up with."

This time, Tang Jian unusually did not take it seriously, only offering a verbal criticism before turning to the Baekje envoy beside Yuchi Xunyu.

Buyeo Biryu narrowed his eyes and immediately bowed, saying:
"Lord Tang, I have been staying in the capital for the past few days and have caused you much trouble."

When the foreign minister suddenly visits at this time, it is most likely that he has important matters to convey, and he would not dare to be negligent.

He appeared calm, but his heart was pounding.

The fate of Baekje and Silla rests on this moment!
"Ahem, this..."

Even Tang Jian's stern face showed a hint of embarrassment. He coughed awkwardly a few times and said:
"Regarding the letter of state submitted by Your Excellency, His Majesty, after careful consideration, feels that..."

This opening act immediately dampened Buyeo Biryu's spirits.

"I feel that the timing for this matter is probably not yet ripe."

What do you think, sir?

It was phrased rather tactfully, but it clearly expressed the attitude of those above them.

Want to be incorporated into the Ming Dynasty? No way!
What could I possibly think? Could I possibly outmaneuver the Emperor? Fuyu Biliu's mind went blank. He stood there dumbfounded, not knowing how to respond.

Not only him, but Tang Jian, who announced the news to him, was also completely blank-minded.

He simply couldn't understand it; people were practically handing the country over to their doorstep for nothing.

Why refuse?

Are Baekje and Silla some remote, inaccessible place?
Yes, no.

For the ancient Chinese dynasties, the area beyond the Yanshan Mountains was essentially their actual border, and the peninsula was truly the ends of the earth.

But for the Ming Dynasty, Liaodong was the place where the dragon rose, the Northeast was the rear base, and the two Koreas were just two neighbors at its doorstep. It was only a short drive south from Pyongyang.

The place is not far away, the customs are similar, and although the produce is not particularly abundant, it is habitable, farmable, and mineable, so it can't be called a liability!

I don't understand, I just don't understand...

"This... isn't right?" Yu Chi Xunyu scratched his head in confusion.

Why wouldn't you accept the land offered to you?

Is this still the same gluttonous beast who said "I want them all"... no, is it Doflamingo?
"It must be a treacherous official who's behind this! I want to see him in person!"

Black Charcoal Head left the dumbfounded Baekje envoy behind and stormed out of the room in a huff.

Before leaving, he didn't forget to glare fiercely at Tang Jian.

Don't glare at me, I'm just an innocent mouthpiece... Tang Jian turned his face away and ignored him.

"Humph!"

Yuchi Xunyu left in a hurry.

Only the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies and the Prime Minister of Baekje remained in the room, two middle-aged and elderly men who were not very familiar with each other, staring at each other.

"Chief Steward Yuchi is as reckless as ever..." Tang Jian thought to himself, turning his gaze to the guests in the room.

"Ahem! Um..."

He organized his thoughts and said somewhat uncertainly to the other person:
Should I... congratulate them?

According to normal diplomatic logic, if a country is preserved and does not lose its independent status, shouldn't that be a cause for celebration?

However, the Baekje prime minister, who was usually so adept at social maneuvering, now seemed to have lost all his spirit, standing there blankly with a vacant look in his eyes.

His pitiful appearance, like a stray dog, stirred a pang of sympathy in Tang Jian.

"That's what His Majesty meant, that's not it."

"The matter is not yet settled. Please wait for further notice."

After saying that, he left in a hurry.

As I left, I was still wondering to myself:
What is wrong with this world?
One is given away for free and refused; the other has no way to betray the country.

What happened to the diplomacy that was supposed to be based on interests?

Are you all learning from Kong Rong and becoming humble and modest?

"This job is tough, this job is really tough..." Tang Jian muttered indignantly.

…………

After seeing off the two guests, Fu Yu Bi Liu felt completely numb.

He held the dual roles of Prime Minister of Baekje and spy for the Ming Dynasty, yet he never considered himself a double agent.

On the contrary, he felt that he was the true patriot of Baekje.

South and North Korea are huddled at the southern tip of the peninsula, with barren land and scarce resources. There is no future in living in their small, isolated place.

To achieve any progress, we must fully integrate into the Chinese mainland!
It was precisely in order to realize his ideals that he, as a royal prime minister, was willing to serve under Yuchi Xunyu as a lowly informant.

Otherwise, what would he be after? The activity funds?

And his experiences along the way proved the correctness of his strategy.

After groveling before the Ming Dynasty, they had money, rice, and even ordinary people could occasionally eat some meat.

This is the kind of blissful life I never even dared to dream of before!
This left an ideological imprint on the people of North and South Korea—

Follow the Ming Dynasty, and you'll have plenty to eat!
The opportunity that solidified the people of both countries' resolve to "turn to the Ming Dynasty" was none other than this Japanese invasion.

When the Japanese landed, they were initially invincible, slaughtering the Koreans until they cried out in despair. Fortunately, the Koreans had accumulated enough imperial favor and unleashed a powerful "Imperial Favor Earth-Shattering Fist," which directly smashed the Japanese into pieces (physical).

With such a powerful and capable leader who can enrich the country through literature and stabilize the nation through military force, how could the Koreans, who understand how to be subservient better than him, not cling to him tightly?
What kind of "clinging to a powerful figure" can be more loyal and thorough than "directly joining a powerful figure"?
Once we join the Ming Dynasty, we'll be bathed in imperial favor. Who would dare bully us then?

"It's all gone, all gone..."

"Hehe, hehe!"

The old prime minister gave a bitter smile.

He suddenly realized that the beliefs that had supported him for so long were beginning to crumble.

…………

"The problem is, how do we get logistical supplies onto the island?"

As the sun sets, it's theoretically time to leave work.

But the State Affairs Bureau remained busy.

In the study on the top floor, Li Ming was having a heated discussion with the two prime ministers about the logistical issues of sending troops to Japan.

"The key to conquering the Japanese is not on the battlefield—as you two have seen, the Japanese are utterly incompetent and no match for the soldiers of our Great Ming Dynasty."

"But conquering the Japanese is difficult, mainly because of the logistical challenges."

"Japan is an island nation, and it is barren and mountainous, so it is impossible for it to obtain food from the enemy."

"We must ensure sufficient logistical supplies and transport enough food and equipment to the island in a timely manner!"

Li Ming spoke eloquently, spouting grand principles.

Food and equipment have never been a problem for the Ming Dynasty.

The problem is how to transport these logistical supplies to the front lines.

In ancient times, when transportation relied primarily on walking, laborers were the only reliable means of transport.

Therefore, Li Ming concluded by emphasizing:

"Therefore, we must simultaneously conscript a large number of laborers from both the peninsula and the Japanese islands."

"Who is in favor and who is against?"

Fang Xuanling said expressionlessly:

"I object."

Li Ming raised an eyebrow.

"Tell me your reasons."

“It’s simple, no one, no money.” Fang Xuanling spread his hands.

“The whole country is not just focused on the campaign against the Japanese pirates, especially this winter.”

"Returning the river to its original course is a laborious and costly undertaking."

"If a large number of laborers are transferred to the peninsula, who will build the domestic water conservancy projects?"

Li Ming countered:

"Couldn't we recruit more laborers?"

"I'm afraid not," Changsun Wuji replied.

"This year—please forgive my bluntness—has been a year of many disasters and hardships."

"The first half of the year was marked by frequent battles, while the second half was plagued by natural disasters."

"Reconstruction requires manpower, war requires manpower, and the people need rest and recuperation, Your Majesty."

Fang Xuanling nodded slightly, indicating his agreement with his colleague.

Once "people" are involved, the costs will be high.

But Li Ming refused to accept it:

"Then what do you think we should do?"
"Without laborers, who will transport food for the army? Are we to make the heavenly soldiers eat grass like those barbaric Japanese devils?"

Fang Xuanling had already prepared an answer to the Emperor's expected question.

“We can abandon the peninsula and establish warehouses in Yangzhou and Qingzhou, using the ports there as our starting point.”

"Although it is farther from the Japanese islands than the peninsula, it is closer to the populated hinterland, so personnel can be recruited nearby, avoiding the consumption of manpower and materials over long distances, which is cheaper."

Changsun Wuji echoed:

"I second the proposal."

Li Ming tapped the map:
"These two places are far from the main battlefield on the Japanese island. Is it possible to transport supplies in time?"
"The primary consideration in war should be how to ensure victory!"

Fang Xuanling and Changsun Wuji also refused to give an inch:
"But economic issues must also be taken into account, otherwise the nation's strength will be overdrawn and the people will be unable to live and thrive!" Your Majesty!

The two sides are locked in a fierce battle over the location of this logistics supply base.

Just when things were at a stalemate, there was a knock on the door.

A stern-looking face with a goatee peeked in.

"Your Majesty, I have already informed the Baekje envoy of the matter you wished to convey."

It was Tang Jian; he had come to report back.

Then he saw the emperor and the two prime ministers slowly turn their heads and stare at him without saying a word.

He was getting really creeped out by their stares.

It seems I arrived at the wrong time...

"Oh."

Li Ming nodded in the end, taking it as a sign that he understood.

Neither of the two prime ministers made any comment on this.

How much trouble can Koreans cause?
Water conservancy, reconstruction, conquering the southern barbarians, conquering the eastern Japanese pirates... none of these are less important than those two remote and insignificant vassals.

The bigger the country, the bigger the scale and the more problems there are.

Especially now, it is a crucial time to discuss strategies for conquering the Japanese pirates.

They simply couldn't care less about the Koreans anymore.

It's just a matter of having the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies deliver a message; what trouble could it possibly cause?
"Then, please excuse me for taking my leave!"

Tang Jian felt relieved and turned to leave.

Before he could even leave, Yuchi Xunyu rushed in.

"Oh no! The Baekje envoy has attempted suicide by hanging himself!"

"Damn it..." Li Ming cursed inwardly.

Even passing on a message can cause such a mess?
"How are they?"

Changsun Wuji asked somewhat nervously.

Although people usually look down on the two Han states, if a Han prime minister were to die on the territory of the Ming government, it would still be considered a major event.

This is truly a situation where you can't reason with someone, and it might even needlessly incite hatred between the two countries.

At this critical moment in the war against the Japanese, it would be quite troublesome if the Koreans betrayed us from both sides.

"Fortunately, they discovered it in time and got the messenger down from the rope. He's unharmed," Yuchi Xunyu said, still shaken.

As a model (positive) state of secret police rule, it was perfectly normal for the Honglu Temple Annex, which hosted foreign envoys, to be under the complete surveillance of intelligence agencies.

The spies and agents inside are all clustered together.

This is why Yuchi Xunyu was able to discover the Baekje envoy's self-harm immediately.

That's why it was Yuchi Xunyu who came to report this matter.

Li Ming glared at Tang Jian.

"What did you tell him?"

Tang Jian was very wronged:

"No... I was just politely and courteously conveying His Majesty's message to him!"

"Chief Steward Yuchi can testify for me! The spies planted in the villa can also testify for me!"

He was extremely anxious.

Regardless of whether the envoy killed himself or not, he's definitely going to take the blame for "damaging relations between the two countries"...

"Alright, please come with me to visit the envoy in a little while and calm him down."

Changsun Wuji waved his hand, intending to send Tang Jian away.

"Tsk! I already have enough to do, and now this has just popped up out of nowhere..."

Tang Jian stood to the side with his head down, looking just like a primary school student being scolded.

Li Ming narrowed his eyes, then suddenly thought of something, and a smile appeared on his lips.

Changsun Wuji moved closer.

"Does Your Majesty have a brilliant plan?"

"Yes. The problem is that we can't free up laborers, right? That's easy to solve."

Li Ming pointed at Tang Jian, who was standing there dumbfounded.

"Aren't there plenty of laborers on the front lines?"

Tang Jian was stunned for a moment, then pointed blankly at himself:

"Me? Exile me to Silla to carry rice?"

(End of this chapter)