The Human Emperor (1-200)

C95: Circumstances (2)

Those who were present here were mostly retired, but in terms of their intelligence networks, there were few in the empire who could match up to those gathered here. The moment the old master finished his words, someone immediately followed up.

“The Northern Protectorate Manor is under huge stress. It has sent several reports to the royal court in hopes that it could halt the trade of salt and steel so as to stop the surrounding countries from becoming stronger. However, His Majesty has always visioned an open Great Tang, so he didn’t agree to restraining the trade of the several goods. Thus, he has been refusing to make a stand on this matter.”

“Other than that, the Northern Protectorate Manor has been conducting talks with the Eastern and Western Turkic Khaganate, but they kept claiming that those were unaffiliated groups, and they have been trying to strike them down as well. As such, they’re also helpless before this matter.”

In the conference hall, a silver-haired elder spoke.

This silver-haired elder was ‘Elder Ma’, and back then, while he was a subordinate of the old master, he was the commander of the cavalries. Different from the typical soldier, he was skilled in calligraphy as well. His brush strokes were stable and forceful, but it wasn’t lacking in elegance. As such, he was also nicknamed the ‘Calligrapher on the Horseback’.

Of the old master’s subordinates, he was the one who was the most skilled in calligraphy.

“Eldest Gongzi, you’re an authoritative official of the royal court, and you have the right to discuss with His Majesty over such matters. Is it possible for you to bring up this matter in the royal court?”

As he spoke, Elder Ma turned to look at Big Uncle Wang Gen.

Wang Gen was already forty-five, and his children had already become adults. But before these elders, he was still that ‘Eldest gongzi‘.

“It’s no use. At the moment, we also require the steeds of the Eastern and Western Turkic Khaganate. If we were to ban the trade of salt and steel, we’ll be unable to obtain those steeds. It’s impossible for His Majesty to agree to this matter.”

Big Uncle Wang Gen replied. The Eastern and Western Khaganate possessed extraordinary aptitude toward training war steeds, and their steeds possessed incredible strength and stamina. This was something that no other countries could compare up to. As such, Great Tang would take a heavy blow from restraining trade with them as well.

Hearing Wang Gen’s words, the old subordinates frowned.

“… However, for the matter regarding the collaboration of the Eastern and Western Turkic Khaganate, the royal court has already sent men to create a rift between both sides. Furthermore, these two countries have always been at odds with one another, so it’s unlikely for them to work together in the short term.”

Wang Gen hurriedly added.

“Grandfather, I have an idea!”

Cousin Wang Li has been listening to the conversation attentively, and at this moment, he suddenly spoke up. The strong desire to perform could clearly be seen on his face. In an instant, everyone’s gazes fell upon Wang Li, and this included Wang Chong as well.

“We can have the Northern Protectorate Manor work together with the Chanyu Protectorate Manor, and with the might of the two, we could teach them a heavy lesson. As long as we show them our might just as the previous dynasties did, they would rein themselves in! Furthermore, this can also suppress the arrogance of the other states as well!”

Clenching his knuckles tightly, Wang Li spoke firmly.

Hearing his words, Wang Chong frowned in disapproval.