I Am Truly Not a Treacherous Minister Your Majesty

Chapter 25: Strategic Bribery, Military Communication

In the Duke of Anguo’s mansion, Qin Ji was furiously scolding the head of the Ministry of War in front of him.

“I’ve told you many times, money is not a problem. Is Daxia short of money?! The northern border cannot be lost, no matter what!” He forcefully crumpled the paper in his hand and threw it on the ground. “This money is to give our troops as much advantage as possible. The reason the northern barbarians dared to act this time is probably because we have an insider causing trouble. Now you’re telling me we need more money? Afraid to spend money? If you’re afraid to spend money, then don’t fight! Just wait for them to come to our doorstep!”

“Calm down, Lord Taiwei. It’s not that I don’t want to do it, but given the current situation, we are almost certain to take Hanyin City. There’s no need to spend this money to bribe the northern tribes…”

“They are small and weak, and they follow the wind. Do you know why the northern border is still dominated by the Sal Kingdom? Because these small tribes don’t dare to provoke the Sal Kingdom! If Hanyin City is attacked, those tribes outside will be threatened by the Sal Kingdom and will start harassing our borders. If they move first, we will be passive. As long as we are passive, this battle cannot be fought.”

Qin Ji calmed down a bit, and his tone softened.

The satisfaction of the Xia Kingdom and the northern regions is different. Within the Great Xia, most of the citizens are primarily engaged in farming, especially in the northern regions. Although there are nomadic tribes, most of them have fixed residences. If those small tribes launch attacks, even if they are not successful, they will inevitably put the citizens of the empire in a dangerous situation. If the people’s hearts are disturbed, the northern regions will be in chaos. Currently, there are still a group of traitors waiting for the people’s hearts in the Xia Kingdom to be disturbed.

Therefore, Qin Ji proposed to use money to buy off those small northern tribes. On one hand, this would prevent them from affecting the internal affairs of the Great Xia. On the other hand, this money is not given for free. Although it is a large sum for those small tribes, they must know that they need to stay alive to spend it.

As long as such a transaction is made, the Saer Dynasty will inevitably notice any clues. These small tribes might choose to approach the Great Xia. In this way, even if they only maintain a close relationship, it will be enough to ensure the future peace of the Great Xia’s borders.

So this money must be spent. A stable border is crucial for the Great Xia. As for the future…

There is no future.

Qin Ji was considering a once-and-for-all solution to the northern border issue of the Great Xia. The Saer Dynasty had provoked trouble more than once or twice. In the past, the Great Xia had defended and then pursued the enemy, sometimes penetrating hundreds of miles, sometimes killing tens of thousands. But in the end, they always left a bit of leeway.

But now, Qin Ji wanted to solve the problem directly.

The Great Xia cannot wait. The western countries are now turning their attention to this country that has not been touched by the church. Qin Ji was certain that in the future, the Xia Kingdom would inevitably face a coalition of multiple countries. In such a crisis, he must quickly extend the authority of the Great Xia to the surrounding countries.

Successive monarchs have implemented a policy of appeasement and assimilation towards the surrounding areas, mainly to avoid generational conflicts and ensure border stability. But since the Saer Dynasty no longer wanted peace, there was no need for peace—if they wanted peace, they should not interfere with each other and remain friendly; since they did not want peace, as a neighbor with almost all soldiers, the Saer Dynasty must be destroyed.

So this money also involves future strategy.

“Then, this money…”

“Her Majesty will allocate it to us. She, like us, must have already anticipated this.”

When Qin Ji said this, he was very calm because he knew that no matter how reluctant Xia Yuxiao was, she would definitely provide the money. After all, it concerns the future fate of the country.

After receiving his confirmation, the other party took their leave.

Qin Ji looked at the map behind him and sighed deeply.

Great Xia… This country has been prosperous for a thousand years for a reason, but prosperity does not mean safety. From the current strategy and the attitude of the western Holy Church countries led by the church, the Great Xia is likely to face a series of unavoidable conflicts and wars.

Qin Siyue was beside him. She looked carefully and then pointed to a country in the northwest: “What country is this?”

“Oh, the Soleqin Dynasty, a country with weak national power but a very important location.”

“I think you might want to ask them for military access.”

Qin Siyue said.

Qin Ji knew what she was talking about. Military access was a term from the game Qin Siyue played, referring to military passage rights.

“The military access in this world is not a game, it’s not so easy to get.”

“No, I’ve read many historical records of this world… Actually, it’s easier to get than in the game,” Qin Siyue said. “In the game, you need to have a certain level of favorability with the other party and may need to give them something. But in reality… the Xia Kingdom’s iron cavalry is standing right there, would they dare not give it?”

“Political influence, little sister…” Qin Ji covered his face helplessly. “We are a peace-loving country. Using military threats to get military access, isn’t that a bit too…”

“I’m just looking at it from a strategic perspective,” Qin Siyue pointed to the location. “Strategically, although this country is not strong, the dynasty has always liked to build defensive cities. Almost all actions are centered around city defense. Because of this, the Saer Dynasty has never truly conquered this country. The domestic fortifications are strong and difficult to break, but they occupy a huge geographical advantage. If we can get military access and ensure they lean towards the Great Xia, the Saer Dynasty will face a border that is not only difficult to break but also constantly threatened by the Great Xia’s troops.”

She smiled sinisterly: “Why should only our Great Xia be harassed by barbarians at the border? This is unfair, so we can play this game too. Maybe, just maybe, we can play the Saer Dynasty out of existence.”

“But we can’t force them… Maybe offering benefits is feasible. I’m not sure Her Majesty will agree. To stabilize the border, I’m already preparing to ask Her Majesty for a large sum of money. If this continues…”

“You have three hundred thousand troops, just ask for it. Can she refuse?”

“…”

……………….

In the sleeping palace, Xia Yuxiao, who had already lain down to rest, suddenly felt a chill all over her body and sneezed loudly.

The maid beside her hurried over to take care of her, but was dismissed by a gesture.

Strange, why do I suddenly feel uneasy? Is there some treacherous subject trying to frame me?

No, a mere treacherous subject is not enough to make me so uneasy.

It must be that grandson of Duke An!