Outside, people were clamorously searching for the whereabouts of the former Qin treasure. Meanwhile, Yusheng and Lanyue remained as quiet as if nothing had happened. The annexation of Yunqi and Beirong did not elicit much of a reaction either.
Especially for the people of Yunqi, their lives remained unchanged, and in fact, subtly improved. The common folk were not interested in who was on the throne, but rather in who could provide them with a good life; they would support whoever that was.
In a way, the people were the easiest to satisfy. Their demands were few: just enough food and clothing, and freedom from displacement.
Yusheng, on the other hand, was not so fortunate. The people of Beirong, with their inherently fierce customs, preferred to resolve any minor dissatisfaction with their fists. The administrators found themselves in a miserable predicament, unable to kill them, unafraid of being beaten, and constantly needing to avoid various conflicts.
The former Beirong populace was like rebellious teenagers. If you reasoned with them, they wouldn't listen. If you tried to resort to force, they acted as if they were immortal and you were their grandson, making the imperial officials grind their teeth in frustration and wish they could kill them, yet daring not to use excessive force!
Those ministers who incessantly urged Nangong Yu to attack Lanyue fell silent upon hearing that the incorporated Beirong cities and their populace frequently caused trouble, with skirmishes erupting from time to time. When the Emperor inquired if there were any methods to deal with them, everyone unanimously fell silent, no longer daring to mention the conquest of Lanyue.
"Your Majesty, the contradictions between Yunqi and Lanyue can only increase. When we are in internal turmoil, they will not be any better off," a minister stepped forward and said. "Let us take Lanyue as well during this period of unrest. Since it's the same effort to herd one sheep or a flock, let's annex them all and civilize them together."
Nangong Yu's lips twitched. "If that is the case, I decree you to be the vanguard. How many troops do you require to take Lanyue?"
The minister who spoke suddenly froze. "Your Majesty, I... I am merely a civil official and know nothing of warfare."
"You know nothing of warfare, yet you speak so easily. I had thought that my esteemed minister could easily capture Lanyue and add luster to my empire," Nangong Yu said unhurriedly. "As it turns out, you are merely a theorist. Are there any other ministers who wish to attack Lanyue?"
The civil officials who had been the most vocal immediately fell silent. They merely desired the unification of the realm and for Yusheng to be the sole dominant power. However, if they were the ones to fight and risk their lives on the battlefield, they were certainly unwilling.
Seeing that no one spoke, Nangong Yu's lips curved into a smile. "Since no one is willing to go, then I shall lead the campaign myself."
"Your Majesty, absolutely not!"
Nangong Yu raised his hand, stopping his court officials. "Do you know why the Empress of Lanyue was able to annex Yunqi without shedding a drop of blood?"
Everyone exchanged glances. They had always been curious, suspecting that the young Emperor of Yunqi had traded his empire for a beautiful woman, willingly surrendering it. However, what kind of person was the young Emperor of Yunqi? He was ruthless, cold, and heartless. In order to seize power, he had executed Dugu Man, who had raised him and fought for his empire, without hesitation. It was impossible for him to abandon his empire and power for a woman.
If the young Emperor of Yunqi would not risk his empire for a woman's smile, then Xiao Man must have used some scheme to subdue Yunqi. Even if they racked their brains, they could not understand how a frail woman could have conquered Yunqi without bloodshed.
"Xiao Man incorporated all the forces under the former Empress Dowager Dugu Man of Yunqi."
A collective gasp echoed through the imperial court. Dugu Man's forces were no small power. Even after being severely weakened by the young Emperor of Yunqi, they were still incomparable to ordinary forces. Moreover, the Empress Dowager's influence was deeply rooted in Yunqi. If utilized well, annexing Yunqi without bloodshed would be an easy task!
"Your Majesty, this minister believes that this is not the best time to campaign against Lanyue!" Those ministers who had been eagerly clamoring to attack Lanyue, upon hearing that Xiao Man had incorporated the Empress Dowager Dugu Man's forces, all changed their minds.
His Majesty's Silver Armored Army was formidable, but the Crimson Feather Army was not to be trifled with. They had initially been astonished that the Crimson Feather Iron Cavalry was under Xiao Man's command, but now, Xiao Man had incorporated the Empress Dowager's forces. This was a truly terrifying power.
"Did you not always believe that this was the best time to campaign against Lanyue?" Nangong Yu retorted. "Why have you changed your minds now?"
"Your Majesty, the recently incorporated Beirong populace has yet to be subdued. If we were to initiate a conflict with Lanyue at this time, it might create opportunities for others. The former Beirong people have no affection for Yusheng and might be utilized by those with ulterior motives, betraying Yusheng. This minister believes that the matter of attacking Lanyue should be postponed until the Beirong people are completely subservient to Yusheng, after which we can discuss the conquest of Lanyue."
"Alternatively, we could first make a move against Wuyue Kingdom."
"Your Majesty, absolutely not!" The court officials quickly objected. "Wuyue Kingdom is currently a vassal state of Lanyue. If we attack Wuyue Kingdom, Lanyue will certainly not stand idly by. Moreover, Lanyue places great importance on Wuyue Kingdom and has stationed the Crimson Feather Iron Cavalry there permanently. If we were to attack rashly, we might suffer heavy losses."
Nangong Yu frowned. "Are we to simply allow Lanyue to continue growing stronger?"
"Your Majesty, it is not that we are allowing it, but rather we are waiting for the opportune moment," the court officials began to chatter noisily. "Yusheng's campaign against Beirong was costly and exhausting; we urgently need to recuperate."
"But if we do not attack Lanyue now, it will be difficult to find such a good opportunity..."
"Your Majesty, if we were to mobilize the entire nation to attack Lanyue at this time, even if we were victorious, it would be a pyrrhic victory, far too costly and exhausting. Your humble servants suggest we first establish friendly relations with Lanyue and await the optimal moment."
After the morning court, Nangong Yu felt a rare sense of relief. Indeed, it was not only Beirong that feared Dugu Man, but also Yusheng. Dugu Man had not only broken the spirit of the Beirong people but had also instilled fear in the people of Yusheng.
"To be demoralized before battle, with such little spirit, and yet dare to attack Lanyue – a fool's dream."
"Your Majesty, you struck fear into the hearts of those old ministers in court by bringing up Empress Dowager Dugu Man!" Si Chen somewhat disagreed. In his opinion, there was still a gap between Xiao Man and Dugu Man. Even though Xiao Man had incorporated Dugu Man's forces, she was still not Dugu Man.
"Si Chen, are you afraid of Dugu Man?"
Si Chen's expression became somewhat indescribable. He immediately recalled years ago, when Dugu Man, like a living Asura amidst a sea of soldiers, had fought her way to them and pierced Nangong Yu's chest with a single sword. The ferocity and decisiveness of that moment still sent shivers down his spine.
"She is like a nightmare."
"And Xiao Man?"
Si Chen's expression became even more difficult to describe. On the hunting grounds, when Xiao Man had desperately tried to kill their master, at that moment, he had even experienced an illusion, seeing the two as one person.
"Your Majesty, at certain times, this subordinate feels that Xiao Man and Dugu Man are very similar. But no matter how similar, she is not Dugu Man!"