The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 295 - Borrowing

When Ye Yun arrived, Ning Chen had just finished meeting with the officials. He was also anxious about the military pay, and after discussing it for a while, everyone had gone back to think of solutions.

Upon hearing that Ye Yun had come, Ning Chen furrowed his brows and said, "Tell Ming Xiuyi that I will find a way to send the military supplies. She should not worry about General Ye's safety."

This clearly meant she wasn't planning to be seen, considering the Emperor only had the time it takes for an incense stick to burn before he had to meet the next group of ministers.

However, Huai'an, the messenger, said, "Ming Xiuyi mentioned that she's not here to inquire about General Ye's situation, but rather has some thoughts about the military provisions that she wishes to share with His Majesty."

When he said this, Huai'an was quite anxious.

The rule of the ancestors was that the harem must not interfere in state affairs, but Ming Xiuyi had personally come to him for help. After all these years of being cared for by her, he couldn't refuse her request to speak.

It truly put him in a difficult spot.

Unexpectedly, Ning Chen remained silent for a moment before saying, "Let her in."

Huai'an thought he had misheard, pausing in surprise before quickly rushing out to invite her in.

When Ye Yun entered, the servants inside the room tactfully withdrew, leaving only the two of them.

"Your Majesty, I come to pay my respects. Though I know this is not something I'm allowed to speak of, I wish to share my thoughts to ease Your Majesty's worries, and I am also concerned for my brother. I humbly request your permission to speak, even at the risk of my life."

"Stand up," Ning Chen glanced at her, waving his hand.

Only after Ye Yun stood up did he softly say, "Do you take me for such a rigid person? If you have good ideas, haven't I accepted them before? Given the situation now, just say what you need to. If it's useful, it'll be to your credit."

Upon hearing this, Ye Yun didn't relax in the slightest. She composed herself and bowed again.

"In the past, Your Majesty would always ask first, and then I would speak. But this time, I'm taking the initiative, which makes it different. The matter is of great importance, and even if I were to face execution, I still must try."

"Don't be ridiculous," Ning Chen frowned, sighing as he stepped forward and took her hand. "You're a mother now; why are you still talking about death so lightly? Go ahead and speak—I won't blame you."

If Ning Chen had harbored any misgivings earlier, they were now completely dispelled.

Only then did Ye Yun begin to speak.

"In my opinion, waiting for the military provisions to arrive in the capital will not work. The quickest solution is to transfer grain from several counties close to Lingzhou."

"I've thought of that, but it's July and August now. In the north, the rice, wheat, and soybeans are either not ripe yet or still unharvested in the fields. The local granaries deliver grain to the court once a year, and now, after half a year, there's not much left. Everyone's waiting for the autumn harvest."

Ning Chen looked troubled, his brows furrowed tightly, a sense of helplessness emanating from him.

However, what Ye Yun said next immediately lifted his spirits.

"The government may not have grain, but the common people and merchants must have stored some. Your Majesty could borrow grain from the people in this emergency, promising to return it with a small interest afterward. At a time of national crisis, the people would surely be willing to lend. If Lingzhou runs out of grain and falls, and the Liao army invades Nan Qi, who could remain unaffected?"