A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1132 - 1032: War Is No Child’s Play!

The Great Chu empire stands at war with Western Xia. The Emperor, Zhao Junyao, is swamped with the countless affairs of state. Meanwhile, within the harem, the women are as quiet as possible, seldom leaving their abodes unless absolutely necessary. They behave like kittens basking in the sun, meek and largely unnoticeable. The same somber atmosphere pervades the imperial court. Day after day, officials avoid bringing up any matters to the Emperor unless they are critically urgent and beyond their own capacity to resolve. They fervently wish to avoid provoking him. Even the most garrulous of officials, those usually quick to criticize, now remain silent, desperately attempting to make themselves invisible, wishing they could melt into the very earth.

Zhao Junyao cast a piercing gaze across the silent assembly. "State your business swiftly, or you shall be dismissed!" he commanded. A wave of silent hope washed over the gathered ministers: may we have nothing to report, and may this court session conclude quickly! Occasionally, a few unfortunates, unable to postpone their petitions any longer, would steel themselves to approach the Emperor. Internally, the others condemned them, thinking, "What kind of official are you? Must you bring such trivial matters before the throne?"

Finally, court was dismissed. As Li Shengan announced the end of the session, Zhao Junyao departed with haste. The officials, like startled rabbits, scattered even faster, fearing the Emperor might return with his famously icy and terrifying demeanor.

Regarding the silent protest of his ministers, Zhao Junyao felt no anger. In fact, the lack of pressing matters brought him a sense of relief, saving him considerable effort. However, one issue loomed large, an unavoidable consequence of the ongoing conflict. This was the matter of the Fifth Princess Consort, Hai Feng, daughter of King Hai Xiangjin of Western Xia.

Given the war between the two nations, the daughter of the enemy emperor represented a valuable hostage. Holding her could potentially coerce the enemy, or at the very least, compel them to act with greater caution. But Hai Feng held another significant identity: she was the legitimate wife of Great Chu’s Prince Zhe, thus bearing the title of Princess Consort Zhe.

According to Great Chu's laws, a married daughter was no longer legally connected to her birth family's affairs, akin to spilled water. If the death penalty were applicable, the Emperor's own relatives, within the nine familial connections, would also be implicated. Furthermore, King Hai Xiangjin, as the sovereign of Western Xia, was not subject to Great Chu's laws. As for divorce, Great Chu's statutes permitted it only if a woman committed the Seven Misdeeds. Hai Feng had committed none. Over the years, she had even moderated her once-fiery temper from her days as a Commandery Princess. Her relationships with her sisters-in-law had become harmonious. She was filial to the Imperial Noble Consort, raised her son, and managed the household of Prince Zhe with remarkable order. The concubines lived in peace, with no whispers of jealousy or harm to heirs.

These commendable actions provided no grounds for divorce. Nevertheless, the civil and military officials found the situation deeply problematic. Could they simply allow the daughter of King Hai Xiangjin to live comfortably and unharmed in their midst? The ministers vehemently declared that this was unacceptable!

For several days, Zhao Junyao and his officials engaged in heated debates on the matter, reaching no consensus. On this particular day in court, the hall once again became a scene of fervent argument, with opinions sharply divided into two main factions.

The Stubborn Faction argued: "Your Majesty, our Great Chu stands as the foremost nation in the Central Plains, boasting immense national power and renowned for its adherence to rites! There is no reason we cannot achieve victory honorably; we should not resort to using a woman as a political pawn! Such actions, should news spread to neighboring countries, would undoubtedly make us a laughingstock!"

The Radical Faction countered: "Your Majesty, warfare is no trivial matter! If employing a woman as a pawn proves effective, why must we sacrifice the lives of countless soldiers? Is our reputation truly more important than the lives of millions of soldiers?"

The Stubborn Faction retorted: "A true man sacrificing his life for his country is not a source of disgrace! However, for a mighty nation to resort to unscrupulous means that ensnare a woman, especially a Princess Consort who has borne the Crown Prince, that is deeply disgraceful!"

The Radical Faction pressed their point: "What value do such high-sounding principles hold? Why not exchange the life of one woman for the lives of millions of soldiers? Remember, these soldiers also have parents, spouses, and children. Must they all sacrifice their lives for the nation?!" The Stubborn Faction paused for a moment, seemingly gathering their thoughts before preparing to respond again.

"King Hai Xiangjin is ruthless; having instigated war, he abandons all familial relations!"

"If we use the Princess Consort to threaten him, and he denies her, wouldn’t we lose face and our soldiers’ lives as well?!"

The Radical Faction, undeterred, countered once more.

"King of Western Xia, that old fox, has only this one legitimate daughter, raised beside him from young, he cannot deny her!"

"He is counting on our vanity, banking on our reluctance to threaten!"

"Thus, we must take the opposite approach, catching him off guard!"

The Stubborn Faction: "..."

The Conservative Faction: "..."

Everyone argued with their own reasoning, neither side willing to give an inch.

The court was as noisy as a marketplace, faces flushed as if ready to brawl.

Zhao Junyao suffered from a headache.

What they say seems right, but also appears wrong!

Feels like something hasn’t been addressed properly!

Amidst the uproar below, thinking seemed impossible.

Finally, he could bear it no longer.

Zhao Junyao slammed his palm on the imperial desk, the Ru Kiln Lotus Pattern Refined Lid Cup leapt high, fell straight to the ground, and shattered to pieces.

"Silence!"

The ministers were terrified and dared not argue further, each withdrawing to their positions, holding their breath.

"Just look at yourselves, can you not accomplish anything!"

"Do you think this is a marketplace?"

"Is it impossible to find a win-win solution? Fools, every one of you!"

After scolding the ministers harshly,

Zhao Junyao finally felt satisfied, waving his hand.

"We’ll discuss this matter later, court is dismissed!"

He then left in a fairly good mood.

Though troubled, at least the stifled anger was vented.

It was better to return to the Imperial Study Room to ponder the issue.

The civil and military officials glanced at each other and finally left obediently.

As they left, some gave each other sarcastic looks, each hoping for an advantage in the next dispute.

Nobody could bear the sight of each other.

Exchanging a few cold remarks, they left, none willing to yield.

...

Back at the Imperial Study Room.

Zhao Junyao glanced around.

Unable to approve memorials, unable to read books, feeling restless and unsure what to do?

He decisively rose, taking Li Shengan with him to the harem.

In Duanning Palace,

Xia Ruqing was playing with Yue Er, with some goldfish she had requested from the Little Eunuch of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

In the translucent, glass-like fish tank, several golden-red fish with their large eyes swam back and forth.

Their translucent, fan-tail fins spread like a sheer gauze scarf in the clear water.

Paired with the carefully placed, emerald water plants and colorful pebbles by the Little Eunuch.

The entire fish tank was exceptionally beautiful, and Yue Er squatted by it, unable to part with it.

"Father, Father, look at that one, it’s so beautiful!"

Zhao Junyao smiled.

"Does Yue Er like it?"

"Yes, I like it!"