The Prodigal Son

The next day, there will be a court meeting.

Zhao Luan ordered Shangguan Youyi to announce the good news that had just been received the previous afternoon in court.

After hearing Shangguan Youyi's words, the entire court suddenly fell into an eerie silence.

The courtiers looked at each other, their faces filled with shock.

They asked the third prince of Yan to help them negotiate with Chu, and also negotiated the terms for withdrawing from Guanzhou with Yan.

Negotiations can be conducted like this?

By leveraging the power of the Yan state to put pressure on the Chu state, and by generously using the resources of the Chu state to persuade the Yan state to withdraw from Guanzhou, Da Ning gained control of all seven states of the Min state!

"Haha! Brilliant, absolutely brilliant!"

Suddenly, one of the ministers couldn't help but burst into laughter.

As the minister's laughter rang out, the previously deathly silent court instantly erupted into a frenzy.

"In this negotiation, our dynasty not only gained a large amount of supplies, but also recaptured Guanzhou without bloodshed! It's truly killing two birds with one stone!"

"Yes, our dynasty is currently facing a tight budget. This negotiation has been a great success, and the gold and silver treasures seized in Yuyang will greatly alleviate the financial pressure on the court!"

"This old minister has long said that Qin Yu is a man of great talent. Who would have thought that he could actually get Yan Li to help them negotiate and resolve both issues at once!"

"Haha, that was a brilliant move! It seems this kid is quite the all-rounder!"

"Your Majesty, although Qin Yu has rendered great service, Your Majesty has not permitted him to negotiate with the Yan Kingdom. Qin Yu's actions may be seen as acting arbitrarily!"

"You're a treacherous villain! You've done nothing to serve the court, all you do is stir up trouble!"

"Exactly, I think it's just jealousy and envy of talent..."

The courtiers were thrilled and showered Qin Yu with praise.

However, a very small number of officials seized upon the fact that Qin Yu had taken it upon himself to negotiate with the Yan state, and questioned its veracity.

However, those voices spreading rumors were quickly drowned out by the angry outbursts of the courtiers.

Those two ministers who stirred up trouble were also scolded so badly they couldn't lift their heads.

"Alright, alright!"

Zhao Luan raised his hand to stop the assembled officials. "Gentlemen, please don't be so excited. Today's court assembly will not discuss anything else, only two matters! First, how to reward Qin Yu and the other meritorious officials! Second, how to govern the seven prefectures of Min State, and where will the officials to govern these regions come from?"

She's already had her fill of joy!

Now, it's time to deal with the headache that follows the joy.

After hearing the two questions raised by Zhao Luan, the court gradually quieted down.

Soon, Gao Yi, who was the prime minister, began to offer his advice.

"In my opinion, those who have rendered meritorious service should be rewarded accordingly! The most urgent task is to properly handle the affairs of the seven newly acquired provinces!"

"To govern the seven provinces, the first priority is to ensure their stability. Minor disturbances are acceptable, but major chaos must be avoided!"

"Although Du Zhiwen has already gone to Yuyang, our dynasty must send more capable officials to take charge of the governance of Min!"

"This old minister suggests that capable officials be drawn from the seven northern provinces to govern the newly acquired seven provinces..."

Gao Yi seemed to have been prepared, and spoke fluently and confidently.

The seven northern states have long been under threat from the Northern Qi and Yan states, and many officials in the seven northern states are both civil and military talents.

He can fight on horseback and govern a region when he's off horseback.

And Minjiang needs officials like this now!

Gao Yi continued to speak eloquently, and the ministers and Zhao Luan nodded in agreement from time to time.

However, Zhao Luan sensed Gao Yi's deeper intentions.

To check and balance the Qin family!

Qin Fumeng was in charge of military affairs in the seven northern provinces, and many of his former subordinates were in those provinces.

If Qin Fumeng harbors rebellious intentions, it would be an absolute disaster for the imperial court.

The transfer of Qin Fumeng's former subordinates to the seven northern prefectures, along with the replacement of officials from other regions, was a way to check and balance Qin Fumeng.

It seems that Qin Yu's sudden emergence has made Gao Yi begin to consider the threat that the Qin family poses to the imperial court.

Or rather, he was eager to use this to show his loyalty to himself and let himself see that he was devoted to the court and worked tirelessly for it!

"What Minister Gao says is absolutely right!"

"I believe that the court should implement a military-first strategy in Min! A capable and experienced general should be selected to oversee military affairs in Min!"

"No! Min has just suffered repeated wars. I believe that now is not the time to implement a policy of prioritizing military force. We should focus on ensuring the livelihood of the people and winning their hearts!"

"Your Majesty, I agree! The State of Chu has suffered a crushing defeat both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. It should be powerless to threaten our dynasty's security for the next few years. Yuwang Pass only needs to be guarded by a capable general. The court's focus should be on Guanzhou! The court does not need to deploy too many troops in Min!"

"How can we win the hearts and minds of the people without ensuring stability in the seven states?"

"The imperial court's annual military expenditure is already exorbitantly high. If we implement a policy of prioritizing military needs, military spending will inevitably become even higher. How long can the national treasury's meager funds sustain this?"

"Indeed, the strategy of prioritizing military force is short-sighted! The court should seize the opportunity presented by Chu's weakness and Yan's temporary friendly relations with our dynasty to quickly govern the newly acquired territories..."

Soon, the courtiers started arguing again.

Both sides held their own opinions and refused to give in.

Both sides had valid points, so Zhao Luan didn't stop them and let them argue. However, she knew exactly what was going on.

The argument between the two sides stemmed from both political differences and disputes over the interests of their respective groups.

Whether the focus is on the military or the people, the benefits gained by these court officials are different.

For many who adhere to the strategy of prioritizing the people, the imperial court needs people to appease the people and govern the local areas!

And these are all things that they and their former students and subordinates excel at.

By implementing the strategy of prioritizing the people, their disciples and former officials could be sent to Min to assume important responsibilities, thereby strengthening their power.

Those who insist on a military-first strategy must have the same considerations.

This imperial court is not only a place to decide important national affairs, but also a place for fame and fortune!

After the ministers had calmed down their arguments, Zhao Luan asked Gao Yi, "Prime Minister Gao, do you think the court should implement a policy of prioritizing the military or the people in Min?"

"The wisdom of our ancestors!"

Gao Yi replied decisively, "If neither the Yan nor Chu states pose a threat to Min for the time being, it is the perfect time to govern Min!"

"This old minister suggests that a nominal position be established in Min to oversee the administration of the seven prefectures, to be held by a highly respected official from Min. The prefectural officials should be officials of our dynasty, with officials from Min serving as their deputies!"

"Furthermore, we should select some capable officials from Min County to serve in the imperial court. This will not only appease the people but also solve the problem of a shortage of officials in our dynasty..."

Gao Yi had already thought about these things.

However, he chose to say it only today.

There was no other reason than that he had received a message from his son two days ago, which was sent back by a messenger on horseback.

Yu Jing has agreed to marry Gao Yao!

Now, he and Yu Jing are basically family!

Both publicly and privately, he felt that the court needed to do this.

Zhao Luan understood Gao Yi's selfish motives, but he had to admit that Gao Yi's strategy was indeed beneficial to the court.

"Prime Minister Gao's suggestion is indeed excellent!"

Zhao Luan gave Gao Yi an approving look. "However, whether to prioritize the army or the people, I must consider this carefully before making a decision! How about this, after today's court assembly, each department will recommend some officials to serve in Min. After the Ministry of Personnel's review, a final decision will be made!"

"Your Majesty, we obey!"

The officials accepted the decree in unison, and many ministers were secretly delighted.

This is a great opportunity to expand our influence!

"Alright, let's now discuss the rewards for those who contributed to this battle!"

Zhao Luan brought the topic back on track...