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Chapter 126 A Decisive Move: Shen Moxuan Compromises

Chapter 127 A Decisive Move: Shen Moxuan Compromises

All the civil and military officials focused their attention on Zeng Shihong, and the Qingliu faction naturally echoed his sentiments.

Even the military generals who had initially been the most vocal began to voice their dissent.

This is not a good sign; the influence of the Qingliu faction is beginning to affect Xun Gui.

Emperor Xuanwu watched the officials' reactions with suspicion, already having some ideas in mind.

Admittedly, mobilizing troops is no small matter; logistical arrangements and food supplies are both significant expenses.

The Great Zhou treasury is indeed in deficit and cannot come up with the money.

However, Emperor Xuanwu firmly believed that as long as the army arrived in Jiangnan Prefecture, wealth would naturally follow.

Even though Emperor Xuanwu understood that Zeng Shihong was trying to mediate the conflict, he was helpless.

So he turned to ask Shen Moxuan.

"I wonder if Lord Shen has recovered his health?"

Shen Moxuan said calmly, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am fine, but I am temporarily unable to use my martial arts skills!"

When Emperor Xuanwu heard Shen Moxuan's words, he knew that Shen Moxuan still harbored resentment.

He then continued, "What is your opinion on this matter, Minister Shen?"

"It is entirely up to Your Majesty's decision."

When Emperor Xuanwu saw that none of the civil and military officials in the court were in accordance with his wishes, he was furious.

He did not believe that these officials were unaware of how he intended to deal with Jiangnan Prefecture.

But they all pretended to be stupid, how could he not be angry?

At the same time, it became clear that the Qingliu faction was indeed too powerful now.

Back when Yan Fan was still around, he could understand what Yan Fan was thinking with just a glance.

Emperor Xuanwu also knew that no matter how fierce the military officers were, once they arrived in Jiangnan Prefecture, they might kill them all but still not be able to shake the foundation of the aristocratic families.

He finally returned to the capital with a large sum of credit, but Jiangnan Prefecture was still controlled by the same powerful family.

Only the Prince of Zhenbei and the Duke of Dingguo dared to take action.

However, the army of the Prince of Zhenbei was stationed on the frontier and could not be mobilized.

Shen Moxuan pretended to be stupid again and remained inactive.

Left with no other choice, Emperor Xuanwu said, "Since that's the case, let's listen to Minister Zeng's suggestion! Send another imperial envoy. In my opinion, let's send Shen Ci from the Ministry of Works this time! Let him also oversee the construction of dikes in Jiangnan."

Upon hearing Emperor Xuanwu's words, Shen Moxuan narrowed his eyes and his expression changed slightly.

Meanwhile, the civil officials who belonged to the "pure stream" (a group of upright and honest officials) directly stepped forward to offer their advice.

"Your Majesty, neither reason nor sentiment dictates that Shen Ci is qualified! We beg Your Majesty to choose someone else!"

"Young people should always be given opportunities. Shen Ci has been an official for many years, and it's time for him to gain some experience."

Emperor Xuanwu said dismissively, "I have made up my mind, and it is not so easy to change it."

After hearing this, Zeng Shihong understood that Emperor Xuanwu was really serious this time.

They were even willing to break ties with Shen Moxuan and use his son as leverage to send troops to Jiangnan Prefecture.

Finally, Shen Moxuan spoke up: "I agree with Lord Zeng's opinion. Although it is no different from rebellion, we are still His Majesty's subjects after all, and it is inappropriate to send troops to suppress us."

Everyone was somewhat surprised to hear Shen Moxuan's words, as it was Shen Ci who had been sent.

He wasn't afraid that Shen Ci would follow in the footsteps of the previous two imperial envoys.

Soon, Shen Moxuan continued, "However, a single royal command flag is not enough. In my opinion, we should also bring some guards, otherwise it would be a pointless suicide mission."

When Emperor Xuanwu heard Shen Moxuan speak, his expression softened.

He knew that Shen Moxuan would not allow Shen Ci to be in danger.

"I wonder, Minister Shen, how many guards do you think should be sent along?"

Shen Moxuan said calmly, "The Vermilion Bird Army outside Bianjing City has been idle for a long time, so why not send them there?"

"However—Shen Ci is neither from the Ministry of Justice nor an imperial censor, so his appointment as an imperial envoy to investigate cases is somewhat illegitimate."

"hiss!"

Someone gasped in surprise; the Vermilion Bird Army outside the city numbered over ten thousand.

Each of them was an elite soldier, a master of taking on ten men. Everyone knew that Shen Moxuan was serious this time. Emperor Xuanwu also showed a smile on his face at this moment.

He naturally understood what Shen Moxuan meant.

He smiled and said, "It's alright. Yang Wanli reported a few days ago that the position of Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice has been vacant for a long time. Let Shen Ci fill in for now. If he does a good job, he will be the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice when he returns."

"Your Majesty, I thank you on his behalf."

Shen Moxuan knew that Emperor Xuanwu's attitude was firm. Since he could not refuse, he naturally had to ask for some benefits. Shen Ci was promoted from a fifth-rank official in the Ministry of Works to a third-rank official, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he rose to the top in one step, and from this, we can see how angry Emperor Xuanwu was about the Jiangnan Prefecture.

The Qingliu faction has grown so powerful that it has become a threat to Emperor Xuanwu.

He doesn't have many years left to live, so he must create a relatively stable situation for Li Xuanye.

The situation in Jiangnan Prefecture was already settled, and Zeng Shihong had no intention of protecting them.

They brought this upon themselves; even if they wanted to kill the imperial envoy, they couldn't find a good reason.

It was done so crudely, yet so audaciously.

They wanted to burn Chen Yu to death with a single fire, which shows their extreme arrogance.

Once the decision on who to send is made, the next step is to prepare provisions.

Minister of Revenue Ning Zhiyuan looked bitter; the Ministry of Revenue was truly out of money.

"The provisions for Your Majesty's army of ten thousand are no small amount; the national treasury is empty and there is no surplus!"

Emperor Xuanwu frowned, thinking to himself, "This old bastard, is he trying to siphon money from my private treasury again?"

It is a fact that the national treasury is empty; everyone present knows this.

If they had money, the ugly incident of officials demanding back wages a few days ago wouldn't have happened.

Shen Moxuan said calmly, "This matter is easy to resolve. The Vermilion Bird Army still has some provisions. If they travel light, they can reach Jiangnan in half a month, and then they will naturally not lack provisions."

Emperor Xuanwu understood his meaning: this was an act of plundering by the troops, and everyone knew who they were plundering.

They must be from wealthy and powerful families; they have so much grain in their homes that it rots and they still can't finish it.

Everyone looked at Shen Moxuan with fear on their faces, and couldn't help but think to themselves.

"How ruthless Shen Moxuan is."

Emperor Xuanwu dismissed his words, considering it perfectly normal for the army to replenish its supplies locally.

He thought to himself, "That aristocratic family in Jiangnan is incredibly wealthy, having accumulated an immeasurable fortune. I cannot let him enjoy it all alone."

So he said, "Then let's do as Minister Shen says. I hope that Shen Ci can find out the reason why the tax revenue of Jiangnan Prefecture is so much short."

Zeng Shihong sighed inwardly but said nothing. During this period, the influence of the Qingliu faction had grown stronger.

These officials became increasingly unruly, to the point that even Zeng Shihong found it difficult to control them.

Emperor Xuanwu's reprimand may not be a bad thing, as Li Xuanye has not yet ascended the throne.

It's not advisable to show off your talents now.

The matter was settled, and Emperor Xuanwu immediately ordered all parties to return and prepare.

The mobilization of a large army is no small matter, and Shen Moxuan also needs to make preparations.

Since he wasn't personally in charge this time, Shen Ci lacked sufficient prestige.

Moreover, the situation in Jiangnan Prefecture is complicated, and Shen Moxuan still needs to find a few guards for Shen Ci.

To ensure his safety, Chen Yu himself was a seventh-rank martial artist, and the accompanying Imperial Guards included a third-rank martial artist.

Such formidable strength has vanished.

This forced Shen Moxuan to be cautious.

He already had someone in mind. If Shen Yan could step in, he should be able to protect Shen Ci.