PGC 676+

Chap 688

Chapter 688: Making an enemy out of others while displaying impressive might

Han Yunxi said, “Your Excellency, it’s still too early to prepare battle horses, recruit men, and collect grain. In this aspect, the Board of War could better use its one to two month window to observe the situation and see if there’s a way to end it without battling at all. After all, war is the option when none others exist. It’s also used to wrap things up, so it doesn’t need much advance preparation at all.”

Hearing this, the minister of the Board of War felt helpless. But he feared Baili Yuanlong too much to speak out on his own. Unexpectedly, the Minister of Civil Personnel by his side spoke up with a grin. “Esteemed wangfei, it’s all very well to talk, but getting things done is another matter. Judging from the current situation…”

“Are you the Minister of Revenue?” Han Yunxi snapped.

“I...this official, this official is in charge of Civil Personnel,” the minister said as reveal his identity. 

“Esteemed wangfei was condescending to grant instruction to the Ministry of Revenue, not you. Why are you butting in?” she asked coldly.

The Minister of Civil Personnel was rendered mute. He didn’t know how to reply besides cupping a bow with hands clasped. “Yes, this official was too indiscreet.” He was afraid that Han Yunxi would treat him like how she’d treated the Minister of Revenue. If he didn’t have a plan for that, he’d be ruined.

“Speaking out of turn, someone come, box his ears!” Long Feiye suddenly said coldly.

The quite hall was quiet except for the sound of rain dripping off the aves outside. One droplet fell as soon as Long Feiye spoke, but made no sound. The silence in the room was almost frightening. The Minister of Civil Personnel shot glance for help towards the clan head who’d pushed him out, only to see the man knit his brows at him. He was unsatisfied with the results, but would keep quiet.

Soon enough, the guards arrived. The Minister of Civil Personnel fell to his knees and apologized. “Esteemed wangfei, this official had a slip of the tone and committed a breach of etiquette! May Your Excellency esteemed wangfei show generosity by sparing this official this once.”

Han Yunxi just waved a hand for the guards to take them away. The Minster of Civil Personnel exhaled a breath. “Many thanks to esteemed wangfei!” 

Baili Yuanlong only fretted as he watched from the sidelines. He feared that Han Yunxi wouldn’t be able to shoulder the consequences of the Duke of Qin’s favor and make herself a laughingstock in front of the other clan heads! Now that things had gotten so awkward, she needed to convince them fast before they sought to pay back what they’d been accused of in fool. It had to be something they accepted and left them staring and speechless!

Han Yunxi said, “Plenty of top-tier natural resources will be smuggled out of the borders during the war between three nations. These will either be exported to Northern Li or the south central regions. Here is the safest place and most suitable for a residence. Thus, these advantages will draw the exports towards us.”

As she spoke, she asked seriously, “What do I mean by top-tier natural resources? Of course it’s people and material goods. Let’s talk about the people first: who are they?”

The group looked at Han Yunxi with a mixture of curiosity and surprise. They didn’t really understand what she was talking about, but it sounded very interesting. Han Yunxi’s “top-tier natural resources” was a completely foreign term to their ears.