A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1108: The Scourge of the Northwest

A group of sturdy generals muttered curses as they departed.

Prince Jin observed their retreating figures and nodded approvingly.

’These men excel at commanding armies. Securing them ensures half the plan’s success!’

’Outstanding!’

He lingered beside the window for an extended period.

Dark clouds hung heavily, keeping the sky gloomy.

The atmosphere held a lingering rotten chill, making all seem devoid of life.

Prince Jin balled his fists tightly, gnashing his teeth while pondering.

’Soon!’

’Change is coming very soon!’

First, grab control of the military, then strike at Great Chu.

During the lean seasons of spring and summer, the famished wolves have endured hunger for too long.

Great Chu’s dynasty boasts strength and sturdy troops.

However, Western Xia’s fighters are savage, each matching ten foes on the battlefield.

Besides, the fierce will to live against death proves unstoppable.

Particularly as Fengfeng has arranged matters inside Great Chu already.

This moment.

Even if they fail to slay that fat hog, they’ll carve off a hefty chunk of meat at least.

So his subjects and soldiers can gorge themselves fully!

Idleness brings nothing but doom.

Only the flames of battle offer a way to live.

Starvation leaves them no alternatives!

Prince Jin squinted his eyes, drew his luxurious golden fox-fur cloak closer, and headed back to the inner room.

…

The Crown Princess Consort lay unconscious still.

Prince Jin gazed at her sharply, a faint trace of mockery flickering in his eyes.

’This woman fantasizes solely about ruling as Western Xia’s Empress!’

’For that ambition, she’ll poison the Crown Prince without hesitation!’

’Within Great Chu Dynasty’s Imperial Palace, eunuchs exist as a class of men. Those dosed with such poison become just like them—titled castrates!’

’Her tactics are poisonous like vipers!’

’A woman like this deserves no mercy!’

With that resolve, he called over a trusted aide and murmured instructions quietly.

A vicious spark lit up in the confidant’s gaze.

Next, he nodded smugly in agreement, departed with a face full of glee!

Likely… plenty resent the Crown Princess Consort!

Prince Jin grinned.

’Nephew, your uncle avenges you by eliminating her!’

’Henceforth, our paths diverge with debts settled!’

…

Sunny March.

Smack in the midst of the Capital’s blooming splendor.

Innumerable youths and maidens, noble ladies and misses, clad in trendiest spring garb, galloped on steeds or rode in ornate carriages.

They ventured outside the walls to savor verdant sights, burn fragrances, admire blooms, sip tea—the capital and outskirts, roads and lanes, teahouses and inns all thrummed with vibrant energy.

An 800-mile urgent report raced in overnight from southwest and northwest, landing in the King’s Imperial Study by dusk.

Zhao Junyao had learned of it by then.

Several uprisings in the southwest and northwest ravage the populace, resisting all efforts to quell them.

In milder cases, they plunder food and wealth.

At extremes, they torch and massacre, sparing no lives, seizing all valuables, trailing devastation.

Villages and towns fall to looting too, corpses strewn about, homes deserted, even animals taken.

Word spread like wildfire, sparking terror among the people.

Chaos engulfs the entire southwest and northwest…

Zhao Junyao scanned the dispatch, fist clenched hard against shredding it, his expression grim as coal.

’How bold to ravage the innocent so brazenly! Death is what they seek!’

’He’d best begin regretting being born!’

The next morning at dawn.

This issue dominated court discussions.

Civil and martial officials chattered animatedly, voicing diverse views.

The Minister of Revenue mourned profoundly:

"These bandits lack any humanity; the disaster-struck folk are so pitiable, urgent aid is essential…"

The Minister of Justice’s visage turned iron-dark.

"Your Majesty, investigate this promptly, seize the guilty, toss them in the Imperial Prison, and punish harshly!!"

After speaking, he plotted inwardly: with so many slain, lingchi execution fits.

No, enhance it with hot irons and more!

Indeed, drag in their nine clans too, wipe out their families entirely.

Perfect, that hits the mark.

The Minister of Justice, face stern, bowed his head low, a covert grin of delight at his lips’ edges.

The Minister of Works heard it out briefly, figuring it unrelated to his duties.

Chose silence, pondering Jiangnan’s waterway troubles instead.

He let out another sigh:

Why hasn’t Lord Xia’s group returned from Portland Country, where they sought ways to fortify the river dikes? It’s dragging on far too long!

Without their swift comeback, Jiangnan risks another devastating flood this year, leaving the common folk in misery!

A heavy weight pressed on his heart...

The Minister of Rites saw no connection to himself.

Just like the others, he bowed his head low, free from any concerns.

Yet, driven by the duty tied to drawing the King’s pay and aligning with his worries.

He busied himself with a task.

His mind raced: After the Emperor nabs the offender, severe punishment must follow.

He ought to retreat and brainstorm those scathing descriptors, then unleash them on the guilty one.

Make certain to paint the despicable rogue so vividly that it delights the Emperor!

The Minister of Personnel stayed silent too.

With head lowered, he schemed in quiet:

On this occasion, how many officials will get dragged in, and how to shrewdly purge even more of those loathsome corrupt ones he’d long targeted.

These vermin have begged for a purge for ages—now the perfect chance has arrived!

Thrilling inwardly with glee...

Regarding Minister of War High Official Yang He.

He ardently pleaded for the chance to fight.

"Emperor, these bandits have grown utterly rampant. Grant me leave to command troops and wipe them out!!"

Zhao Junyao shook his head firmly.

"Not suitable!"

"The southwest and northwest terrains are treacherous, and Ministry of War troops lack familiarity, making ambushes all too easy!"

"Plus, southwest miasma and northwest bitter cold—the Capital City soldiers might not endure!"

In essence.

It amounted to squandering elite skills improperly.

Yang He agreed the Emperor made sense, yet frustration lingered.

"In that case, permit me to head southwest and aid General Shi in crushing the bandits!"

No matter what, he was set on going.

Growing older only fueled his burning resolve to charge ahead.

He couldn’t stomach bandits ravaging the people so badly.

Besides, urgency gnawed—if not now, when?

After years of tranquility.

He never dreamed his role as Minister of War could still aid the Emperor before stepping down, filling him with eager satisfaction.

Zhao Junyao eyed Yang He’s fervent gaze fixed upon him.

Reluctance tugged at him; he paused briefly before denying the request.

"Send Marquis Zhongyong instead!"

"These bandits are sly foxes, relying on dirty tactics"

"General Yang embodies upright honor and unyielding resolve"

"He shines in honorable army clashes"

"But stooping to bandits’ lowly schemes doesn’t suit him, so..."

Disappointment etched Yang He’s face.

Still, upon reflection, he admitted such underhanded ploys against bandits indeed fell short of Marquis Zhongyong’s prowess.

Thus, he yielded.

"Your Majesty speaks wisely!" Yang He nodded.

Zhao Junyao offered a faint smile.

And so, the decision stood firm!