I Am Truly Not a Treacherous Minister Your Majesty

Chapter 39: Foreign Policy

When Qin Ji was called before Xia Yuxiao, he had not yet recovered from his rest.

However, since His Majesty personally summoned him, how could he not comply? Moreover, it was said that envoys from the Sal Kingdom had arrived.

“Sit.”

Xia Yuxiao said.

Naturally, Qin Ji did not stand on ceremony and sat down directly. He would never disobey the emperor’s orders.

“The Sal Kingdom sent people over. How do you think we should respond?”

Xia Yuxiao asked.

According to common sense, this matter should be handled by the Prime Minister. Qin Ji, as a Grand Marshal, should only be in charge of military affairs. But now, he was not just a simple Grand Marshal.

“The Sal Dynasty sent an envoy, most likely for one thing: to request a ceasefire from us,” Qin Ji yawned and then said, “Since they are requesting a ceasefire, Your Majesty can make the decision. Whether to fight or stop, I believe the empire can sustain it.”

“Of course, I hope for a ceasefire. After all, although the Sal Dynasty made the first move this time, the stability within Daxia is currently the most important.”

Xia Yuxiao was indeed very annoyed by these fickle barbarians, but now, she could only find a way to ceasefire first and make the other party feel the pain. After all, even the internal affairs were not yet resolved, and the people at home had already started daring to assassinate her. If she still focused on the north, her head might be chopped off and kicked like a ball.

“Yes, I understand Your Majesty’s thoughts,” Qin Ji nodded and said, then he smiled at Xia Yuxiao, “But to be honest, Your Majesty, if we ceasefire like this, it will be hard to explain both domestically and internationally. Although we have recaptured Hanyin City and almost annihilated those invaders, in the end, we are still just defending ourselves. The other party only lost those invading troops.”

“However, according to previous military reports, after these Sal troops invaded Hanyin City, they committed several acts of arson, murder, and looting. If we let them go like this, Daxia will not be able to deter other countries.”

Qin Ji looked at Xia Yuxiao. At this moment, Xia Yuxiao was wearing her daily home clothes, a kind of “nightgown” tribute from those western countries. Under the hem of the skirt, her fair and delicate calves looked particularly tempting, making people involuntarily shift their gaze there.

However, Xia Yuxiao obviously didn’t care about these things. She was still frowning, thinking about what attitude to take.

“Qin Ji, do you know? The country now needs various constructions, the canal is also being excavated, and we need to stockpile a certain amount of grain to ensure the stability of future grain prices. After all these actions, we actually don’t have much money left. We can’t afford a war that can truly teach the other party a lesson.”

Xia Yuxiao said worriedly.

The Xia Kingdom is now vigorously building various infrastructure projects. Since Xia Yuxiao took the throne, she has been planning these things, and now these projects are being put on the agenda one by one. Although the benefits are very long-term, one fact can never be changed – these projects are very costly now.

If it weren’t for the fact that the late emperor left a lot of money jars for her before he died, the current empire wouldn’t dare to take such big steps. And if they insist on fighting the Sal Dynasty, the empire would need to mobilize at least 100,000 troops.

Compared to the current large-scale army of the empire, 100,000 doesn’t seem like much, but considering the consumption of food and fodder, pensions, the manufacture of various equipment, armor, and weapons, 100,000 is a scale that the current empire simply cannot afford. General Bai’s 50,000 troops had already bled the national treasury.

“Why must we send troops?” Qin Ji tasted the tea with added sugar. It was said that this tea was a tribute from the west, and it was to be drunk mixed with sugar and milk, although the tea leaves were not as good as those of Daxia.

“Qin Ji, my idea is to take this opportunity to weaken the Sal Dynasty.”

“Your Majesty, I truly admire your foresight,” Qin Ji flattered a little, “But, Your Majesty, how do you plan to weaken them?”

Xia Yuxiao put the pen in her hand aside and then pointed to the map spread out in front of her: “Look, I plan to carve out this area from the Sal Dynasty – I don’t intend to swallow it myself, giving this land to the surrounding small tribes is a good choice.”

Qin Ji stared at the map.

There, Xia Yuxiao had already drawn a circle. The place circled was called Karashige, a flat, open, and lush area. It was simply a paradise for those nomadic tribes.

“Your Majesty plans to cede this land?”

“This is the best place. The late emperor was merciful at the time and did not want to exterminate the Sal Dynasty, so he gave this land to them. Now that they have already attacked Daxia, they no longer need to hold this land,” Xia Yuxiao said coldly, “I have decided to give this land to the Solqin tribe – didn’t you always want military privileges in the Solqin area? This time you can exchange it for the military privileges you want. I believe the impoverished Solqin will not refuse this windfall.”

“Your Majesty is wise!”

Qin Ji’s words were heartfelt.

Although the emperor had previously approved a sum of money to seek military passage privileges from the Solqin, having the ability and actually using it were two completely different things. The Solqin tribe was not stupid, and this money was a hot potato, so they were still dragging their feet on the deal – although they would eventually accept it sooner or later.

But now, giving them Karashige was a different concept.

The Solqin tribe would gain a fertile land that could support many tribesmen. They had no reason to refuse this favor. As long as the empire promised to protect it, they would definitely jump to the empire’s side.

Anyway, the empire didn’t necessarily need Karashige, giving it away in exchange for a more loyal supporter was not a bad opportunity.

The northern border was vast, so vast that the various tribes were constantly fighting each other. The Sal Dynasty was a giant in the north. Having the ability to weaken this giant and block the Sal Dynasty was definitely a good thing.

“Alright, since you also agree with this approach, I will send someone to communicate with the other party,” Xia Yuxiao said, lying sideways on the chair, “Next, let’s talk about something else. How is the investigation I asked you to conduct?”

Sure enough, calling me over was still for that matter.

Qin Ji took a deep breath and then said in a low voice:

“After thorough investigation day and night, I have finally identified the following suspects.”

He took out a piece of paper and handed it to Xia Yuxiao.

Looking at the list in front of her, the Empress’s pupils suddenly contracted.

“Are you serious?”

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“It has been repeatedly verified.”

“Alright,” Xia Yuxiao’s face showed a trace of panic. She quickly crumpled the paper in her hand and put it aside. “Who else knows about this?”

“Rest assured, Your Majesty, this matter was ultimately investigated by me personally. Ling Yan is not aware of the list.”

Hearing this, Xia Yuxiao gave him a subtle look.

“That’s good.”