The Demon Lords-Chapter 741 - 162: Conferment of Kingship!_1

If one were to divide people into two categories, there would be many ways to do so: men and women, good people and bad people, or, more directly and superficially, attractive and unattractive people...

Yet, for the people within the palace, their division of the world could be reduced to a single distinction:

Those who live in the palace, and those who live outside.

Eunuchs and palace maids had their own lives, not as constantly on edge as outsiders might imagine. However, they did need to be even more cautious than those outside the palace walls.

The palace was bound by many rules. When rules multiplied, people were easily reduced to something akin to caged quails.

At times, even speaking loudly or running around boisterously was considered a transgression.

But, as with all things, there were exceptions. When news of the great victory at Wang River reached the palace, the eunuchs and palace maids began to cheer and spread the thrilling tidings.

They were, in a way, like dogs raised by the Royal Family. Dogs, however, always understand their master's mood, knowing when it's appropriate to be playful and affectionate. At such times, the master wouldn't find them bothersome but rather endearing.

Truth be told, the Crown Prince felt much the same as them. He lived a life of luxury in the palace, surrounded by fine clothes and food, yet he was nothing more than a dog at his Imperial Father's feet. It all depended on performance.

The Crown Prince proceeded towards the Imperial Study with his attendants. Since the news had already reached the palace eunuchs and maids, it was clear his Imperial Father also knew.

He wasn't going to report the news, nor was there a need for him to offer specific congratulations. As the heir to the throne of Yan, it was simply his duty to be present during such significant events.

Being his Imperial Father's Crown Prince was, in many ways, easier than it had been for most crown princes in history. This was because his Imperial Father often seemed devoid of typical paternal feelings—including the jealousy and wariness an emperor might normally harbor towards his successor. But his Imperial Father was overwhelmingly majestic. In his presence, he, the Crown Prince, always felt a crushing pressure, as if a mountain were bearing down on him. Despite already presiding over the East Palace, he still felt his own radiance was as faint as a firefly's glow.

"Ah, Your Highness the Crown Prince, you've arrived."

"Eunuch Wei."

"His Majesty is currently discussing matters with several ministers. Please, Your Highness, come in."

It was perfectly normal for the Crown Prince to enter at such a time. Wei Zhonghe, being the chief eunuch, possessed this much discernment. If one had to ask the master for permission for every little thing, the master would undoubtedly grow annoyed.

The Crown Prince entered the Imperial Study. The assembled ministers, led by Zhao Jiulang, all rose to salute him.

The Crown Prince took half a step back and returned the courtesy with a half-bow.

The Yan Emperor nodded, saying,

"Grant him a seat."

"Thank you, Father."

After everyone was seated again, Zhao Jiulang glanced at the Crown Prince and then stood up to continue,

"Your Majesty, now that the great victory at Wang River has been achieved, the war should be nearing its conclusion."

At this, Hsu Guanghuai, the Minister of Revenue, spoke up, "But what about the Chu people?"

Zhao Jiulang, hearing this, was in no hurry to respond but looked to the new Minister of War, Mao Mingcai.

Mao Mingcai began,

"Minister Hsu, you may not be aware. Along the Wang River front, the Chu army has been holding Jade Plate City from within, while the wild people operated on the outside. It was precisely because these two forces—one static, one mobile—formed a pincer-like defense that they managed to resist our Great Yan's formidable army for so long.

Now that the wild people have been routed, this pincer formation along the Wang River has clearly been broken. Even if the tens of thousands of Blue Luan troops can continue to defend Jade Plate City, it will be very difficult for them to turn the tide." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Hsu Guanghuai nodded immediately, saying, "I understand now, thank you for the clarification."

Mao Mingcai responded promptly, "Minister Hsu, you overstate things."

The atmosphere in the Yan court was generally amicable. The Yan Emperor set an example by refraining from meddling with generals at the front line; consequently, his ministers also avoided pretending to be omniscient, understanding that everyone has their own field of expertise.

The Yan Emperor said,

"Wu Jing's way with troops has always been decisive: he either doesn't make a move, or when he does, it's like a thunderbolt sweeping away fallen leaves. Now that the main force of the wild people has been crushed at Wang River, the campaign in the Three Jin lands should conclude swiftly."

Scarcely had his voice faded when all the ministers, along with the Crown Prince, rose to their feet:

"We, your ministers (I, your son), congratulate Great Yan and congratulate Your Majesty (Father)!"

"Sit down, all of you. Now, it's about time we discussed how to properly manage the lands of Three Jin. Since it's territory we've conquered, we must ensure it's firmly in our grasp."

"Your Majesty, this old minister is not well-versed in military affairs, but I still believe that after this war in the Jin lands concludes, we should allow the populace to rest and recuperate."

The Minister of Revenue, responsible for Yan's finances, naturally knew that after several years of major wars, the state treasury was already stretched thin.

Never mind active warfare; even mobilizing troops in peacetime, if it involved tens of thousands of soldiers, incurred a significant cost in provisions and funds for deployment.

In recent years, Yan had frequently mobilized forces numbering one hundred thousand, two hundred thousand, or even upwards of three hundred thousand.

Even though crushing the powerful clans had temporarily filled the state coffers, the nation's finances couldn't withstand being depleted at such a rate.

Those managing finances always disliked depleting reserves and preferred a steady, sustainable income.

Although the Earl of North Border's household had voluntarily relinquished half of its established North Border Army forces, the Imperial Court had also transferred Imperial Guards to garrison the area. Moreover, the annual funds and provisions allocated to the Earl of North Border's household had not decreased by a single coin.

The taxation and development of the Jin lands were still in the planning stages. The Three Jin region had endured too many wars in recent years; it was unrealistic to expect it to provide sufficient supplies and replenishment for the state anytime soon.