sbdcsierra Chapter 349 Discussions with the Southern Qiang Kingdom
Chapter 349 Discussions with the Southern Qiang Kingdom
His thin lips, like a sharp blade, seemed to proclaim his decisive and resolute character when tightly closed.
Her hair was neatly tied up in a magnificent jade crown, which was translucent and resembled the brightest star in the night sky, radiating a soft yet dazzling light.
A few strands of silver hair quietly crept up his temples, like the first frost and snow of winter. They were the marks left by the intertwining of time and power, silently telling the story of his ups and downs and glory in the court.
He frowned slightly and replied, "I agree with what the Imperial Tutor said."
Although the Southern Qiang Kingdom had many paddy fields and a suitable climate.
Crops have short growth cycles, and if properly managed, the taxes paid in the future will greatly enrich the national treasury.
However, the internal power structure is complex and intertwined; a hasty takeover could trigger internal strife and destabilize the borders.
The Duke of Zhenguo sat upright in his chair, like a tall pine tree firmly rooted in the earth, displaying an unwavering posture.
His back was straight, like a taut steel bar, without the slightest bend or slackness, demonstrating his unwavering will and high degree of self-discipline.
His shoulders were flat and broad, like two solid rocks, bearing the heavy responsibility of protecting the country and giving people an unparalleled sense of security, exuding an innate majesty.
His python robe was exquisitely embroidered, with gold thread embroidered python patterns winding across it, like a lurking giant python ready to take flight at any moment, showcasing his noble status and extraordinary position.
His face was resolute, with distinct features, like a rock carefully sculpted by time, etched with the marks and vicissitudes of life.
Beneath his thick eyebrows, his eyes shone brightly, like cold stars twinkling in the night sky, sharp and profound, exuding an imposing aura without anger, as if they could see into people's hearts, making people dare not look directly at him.
His nose was high and straight, like a steep mountain peak, standing firmly in the center of his face.
His thin lips were slightly pursed, like a tightly closed gate, making it impossible for anyone to guess what he was thinking.
His chin has strong, sharp lines, as if carved by an axe, which adds to his decisiveness and fortitude.
Her long, white hair was neatly tied under a purple-gold crown inlaid with jade, the jade on the crown being warm and lustrous.
With his arms crossed over his chest, his muscular arms taut as if containing boundless power, his voice boomed: "Your Majesty, although the Southern Qiang Kingdom has promised to submit, the hearts of men are unpredictable."
If they are accepted, capable officials should be sent to govern them, and a large number of troops should be stationed to guard them.
However, this would inevitably lead to a significant increase in military spending, and the pros and cons need to be weighed.
Prime Minister Xie wore a black gauze hat, and the hair under the brim was half white, neatly tied up, with a few strands of silver hair showing the luster of time under the sunlight.
His face was thin, with slightly prominent cheekbones, and his facial features were both strong and refined.
His eyebrows were high and arched, and although they were sparse, they still exuded a heroic spirit. Below them were a pair of deep eyes, dark and bright, which contained a sharp insight into people's hearts, as well as the composure and wisdom of someone who had experienced the ups and downs of officialdom. With just one glance, he could take in everything around him.
Beneath his high, straight nose, his thin lips were taut, often pressed into a serious straight line, with the corners of his mouth slightly downturned, exuding the majesty of someone who had been in power for many years.
His purple court robe was embroidered with exquisite and intricate cloud patterns, and the jade belt around his waist outlined his slightly plump figure. With every gesture, his sleeves fluttered, exuding the imposing aura of a superior.
Facing the emperor seated above, he bowed slightly and analyzed clearly: "From an economic perspective, the submission of the Southern Qiang Kingdom can broaden our dynasty's trade routes."
Promote exchanges with neighboring countries and increase fiscal revenue.
However, from a political perspective, accepting the Southern Qiang Kingdom meant taking on the responsibility of governing it.
If handled improperly, it will not only waste a lot of resources, but may also damage China's prestige among neighboring countries.
The atmosphere in the Imperial Study was both solemn and heated. After hearing Prime Minister Xie's analysis, everyone was like a lake surface tossed with pebbles, immediately erupting into a commotion.
Censor Ma had a furrowed brow, a slender and upright figure, and a black official robe that accentuated his capable demeanor.
His face has strong features, and the years have etched a few shallow wrinkles on his forehead. The hair at his temples is also slightly gray, revealing a sense of vicissitudes that have been accumulated over the years.
He forcefully flicked his sleeves, his face filled with urgency and worry: "What the Prime Minister says is absolutely right! The matter of the Southern Qiang Kingdom's submission involves a complex web of interests."
If accepted, our Censorate will then assume the heavy responsibility of oversight.
Just imagine, if local officials are corrupt and wantonly exploit the people of Nanqiang, the consequences would be unimaginable!
Moreover, the Southern Qiang Kingdom was mostly inhabited by ethnic minorities, and the customs of each ethnic group were quite different.
If the people become dissatisfied and cause unrest, the prestige that our dynasty has painstakingly cultivated will likely crumble in an instant. This is no small matter!
He spoke with a flushed face, veins bulging on his forehead, and eyes wide open, filled with anxiety and determination.
Minister of Revenue Qian (the uncle of the Left Vice Minister of Revenue) could no longer sit still. He stood up abruptly and put his hands behind his back.
His brows furrowed into a deep frown as he paced back and forth, saying as he walked, "From an economic perspective, the submission of the Southern Qiang is indeed an opportunity."
With the expansion of trade routes and the increased frequency of goods exchanges, profits will inevitably increase.
But don't forget, after accepting the Southern Qiang, the local infrastructure construction, such as water conservancy and roads, all required a lot of money to be invested.
This poses a huge challenge to our country's finances.
While the long-term returns may be substantial, we need to carefully consider how to fill this funding gap in the short term!
As he spoke, he would occasionally stop and scan the crowd, seeking their approval.
The national treasury had just started to have some reserves when this happened; it's likely to be empty again.
This is a real headache!
Upon hearing this, Minister Sun of the Ministry of Rites widened his eyes and hurriedly stepped forward.
Waving the tablet in his hand, he said anxiously, "Minister Qian is right. The Southern Qiang Kingdom is mostly inhabited by ethnic minorities, but we cannot underestimate the cultural differences!"
The culture of the Southern Qiang people is very different from that of our dynasty, and their customs and etiquette are completely different.
If we accept it hastily, any conflict between the people on both sides will only escalate.
The Ministry of Rites will make preparations for cultural exchange activities as soon as possible to help people on both sides understand each other.
But this isn't something that can be accomplished overnight; we need to be given time!
His face was full of earnestness, his hands outstretched, and his expression full of helplessness.
Currently, the biggest headache for the Ministry of Rites is dealing with ethnic minorities, because each ethnic group speaks a different language.
The re-emergence of Suzhou is already a major headache.
Now another Southern Qiang Kingdom has arrived, and this one is even more difficult to deal with than Suzhou.
At this moment, Minister Li of the Ministry of War raised his thick eyebrows, slammed his hand on the table with a loud "bang," which made everyone's hearts tremble.
He stood up and said in a booming voice, "In terms of military affairs, the Ministry of War has an inescapable responsibility! With the Southern Qiang surrendering, the border defenses must be redeployed, and it is inevitable to deploy troops to guard them."
However, troop deployment also requires strategy. If too many troops are sent, neighboring countries may think we are going to start a war and become suspicious without reason.
Sending too few troops would make it difficult to guarantee border stability; the balance needs to be carefully considered!
After saying that, he crossed his arms, his expression was stern, and his eyes revealed an undeniable determination.
She would glance at the Duke of Zhenguo from time to time, hoping he would agree with her point of view.
He was just like a child who longed for praise.
However, the Duke of Zhenguo was whispering with the Duke of Su and didn't see it at all.
The look in her eyes as she looked at the Duke of Zhenguo was filled with grievance.
The Dragon Guards and Shadow Guards, hidden in the shadows, seemed to blend into the darkness, yet they had a clear view of the entire scene unfolding in the court.
Lord Zhang looked at him with the childlike expectation of praise, and his eyes were filled with grievance when he looked at the Duke of Zhenguo.
It made them want to laugh, but they dared not make a sound.
"Hey, did you see that? Lord Zhang's longing look is just like a child waiting for candy." Long Si lowered his voice, the corners of his mouth slightly turned up, his eyes full of laughter.