Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 257 Silla
Wei Zheng sighed and said, "The most important thing in governing a region is stability. What you are doing may offend those noble families, which is minor, but inciting a rebellion among the people is major.
We have a large army of one hundred thousand, but what happens when they are dispersed to guard the cities and counties?
We still need to appease the common people and promote talented individuals to strengthen our army."
Zhang Hutan responded, "Then we should follow Duke Wei's suggestion, open the granaries and distribute grain, while also recruiting soldiers."
Luo Yi asked, "What about those noble families?"
Wei Zheng coldly replied, "Of course we will continue!"
"Hahaha, I knew Duke Wei was not an inflexible person."
Zhang Hutan was somewhat surprised: "Duke Wei's advice in the capital was not like this."
Wei Zheng disdainfully glanced at them and said, "His Majesty is the State Protector, so I naturally advise His Majesty to govern the world with dignity and righteousness. As for you commoners, what is there to be concerned about?"
At this point, the two of them could no longer laugh, but with Wei Zheng's help in appeasing the situation, they could indeed proceed with their plans.
Aside from next year's military campaign, it was also time to take decisive action against those cities within Goguryeo that were stubbornly resisting.
…………
On the side of Pyongyang, actions were ongoing, and their preparations for war were quite evident. Naturally, Silla and Baekje received the news.
However, at present, aside from secretly supporting the remnants of Goguryeo in their resistance against the Tang army, they had no better options.
In the past, the Sui Dynasty repeatedly launched campaigns against Goguryeo, effectively dismantling a powerful nation that had influence in Liaodong, surpassing both the Sui Dynasty and the Turkic tribes.
After the fall of the Sui Dynasty, the Tang Dynasty enjoyed a brief period of peace for two or three years. However, during this time, the Tang Emperor took advantage of the ongoing wars with the Eastern and Western Turkic tribes to completely annihilate Goguryeo.
It was one thing to destroy Goguryeo, but why did they also have to eliminate its remnants?
In Gyeong Palace, the tall Silla Monarch Jin Zhenping wore a worried expression as he asked his Minister of War San Jin Hou Ji, "If we ally with Baekje to resist, can we save our nation?"
San Jin Hou Ji immediately replied, "Your Majesty, I believe it is possible. The Tang Dynasty has only been established for three years and is already frequently engaged in battles with the Turkic tribes and Goguryeo. How much strength can they have left?
They have not even fully occupied Goguryeo; how many years would it take them to conquer us?
Our Holy Bone and True Bone will never yield to the enemy's might. The valiant Flower Knights are always ready to sacrifice themselves for Your Majesty!"
The terms Holy Bone and True Bone refer to a system similar to the Nine Ranks System. Holy Bone denotes direct royal family members eligible for succession, while True Bone refers to nobles.
Silla's recruitment policy is based on bloodlines; if one is not of their clan, no matter how talented or accomplished, they cannot rise above.
The Flower Knights are noble youths serving as a reserve army, instilled with five secular precepts: loyalty to their lord, filial piety towards their parents, trust in friendships, no retreat in battle, and selective killing. The court encourages them to charge into battle and sacrifice for their country.
Hearing his Minister of War's words, the Silla Monarch felt somewhat uplifted and turned to his other ministers.
The son of the Minister of Rites was the leader of the Flower Knights, so he expressed his support: "Your Majesty, my son has learned of this matter and is leading his men in rigorous training day and night, preparing to drive back the Tang army next year and protect our nation!"
The Minister of Personnel praised him: "Virtuous Assistant Loyal Minister, from this point forward, excellent generals and brave soldiers will emerge."
However, a woman kneeling beside the Silla King spoke up: "What if we cannot win? What if the Tang army continues to invade? Goguryeo's strength could not withstand multiple campaigns from the Central Plains Dynasties; how many can we in Silla endure?"
Silla Monarch has no sons; not only does he not have any, but neither do his two brothers. The Holy Bone lineage is in jeopardy, and there has been no good solution to this problem, leaving only Princess of Xiangyang to act as the Crown Prince.
"Your Highness! You should not say such things at this time. Is this not your country?"
Jindeman is also tall, but her appearance is not very pleasing. She calmly replies, "It is precisely because of this that we must consider carefully. With courage and wisdom, one can defeat enemies slightly stronger than oneself, but ants can never defeat humans.
We Silla are just a small nation. Even if we include Baekje, Goguryeo, and even count Khitan, we are still far inferior to the Central Plains.
I have heard that the Your Majesty of the Tang Dynasty was the one who broke through Pyongyang and killed Goguryeo Sovereign Gao Yuan. At that time, he was only in his twenties and just a general, but now..."
"Your Highness! Do you know the fate of those who lose their country?"
"I know, but I believe it is possible to negotiate with the Tang Dynasty Emperor. War is not a good choice, especially for us."
The fighting spirit that had been ignited in the Silla King by his ministers was extinguished by his daughter's words. He did not want to go to war with the Tang Dynasty; the disparity in strength was well known.
But should they abandon the thousand-mile Nation passed down by their ancestors?
After the argument, the Courtiers withdrew. Jindeman stood up and bowed to her father: "If you wish to discuss matters with the Tang Dynasty, I am willing to serve as an envoy and visit the emperor."
The Silla King stood up; he was nearly twice as tall as others. This unusual stature allowed him to maintain control over his country despite having no sons.
"I am getting old. This country will be handed over to you. Are you willing to give it up?"
Jindeman showed a sorrowful expression: "What can I do if I am unwilling? The Tang Dynasty Emperor has not given us many choices. Father, we have been at war with Baekje for many years, harboring deep mutual hatred. It is not as simple as just joining forces.
That Your Majesty is not as benevolent as rumored. If war breaks out and we end up defeated, what then?"
"Then you may go, taking our national treasure with you."
The Silla King removed the Jade Belt from his waist. This Jade Belt was not only radiant and exquisite but was also said to have been bestowed by the celestial beings during Jin Zhenping's ascension to the throne.
This Jade Belt, along with the Giant Buddha Statue and Hwangryongsa Nine-Story Pagoda, was known as the Three Treasures. Except for the pagoda, which could not be moved, Jindeman took both of the other treasures with him.
When news of the princess preparing to meet the Tang Dynasty Emperor spread, Silla's people were outraged, accusing the princess of cowardice and claiming she was unworthy of being an heir.
Even if there were no male heirs among the Holy Bone, selecting someone from the True Bone would be better than supporting such a timid woman.
At this time, Baekje was also holding a meeting called the Six Advisors Council, controlled by the Eight Prominent Clans: Sha Clan, Yan Clan, Kyeong Clan, Hae Clan, Jin Clan, Gukshi, Mu Clan, and Suh Clan.
Baekje King Buyeo Zhang clearly did not have absolute authority; however, it was not surprising since he was not of royal blood and had once lived off Yishan Sweet Potato. He had been supported by the eight clans to rise to power.
The Military Officer Zopei, responsible for internal and external troops, asked, "Has Silla not responded to our alliance proposal yet?"
The financial officer shook his head and replied, "Hmph, the weak Silla people will surely submit to the Tang Dynasty. We cannot rely on them at all!"
…………
(End of Chapter)
Comment 0 Comment Count