In fact, in the recent past, Yang Hanye had already instructed people to secretly purchase grain. However, he thought that the imperial army would soon suppress the rebels, so he wasn't too anxious and only bought enough for half a year. But now, hearing Wu Caiwei's words, it seemed as if there would be constant warfare. Although he felt that the current situation was very unfavorable to the imperial court, he didn't believe it would be spent entirely in battles. Yet, based on his interactions and acquaintance with her along the way, he knew she wasn't someone who spoke carelessly. He became unconsciously cautious and quickly summoned his advisors to discuss the matter.
In truth, observing these few matters, everyone had already noticed the great importance he placed on that woman. Whatever she said would be discussed with everyone. This made some of them jealous, thinking that women only had long hair and short insight, and could not possess any foresight. Only the fourth son treated her words as treasures. Thus, out of a rebellious spirit, they fundamentally disagreed with her views and consistently opposed them.
This made him feel uneasy. He adopted a compromise. He ordered his subordinates to quickly acquire grain, but he did not reveal the seriousness of the situation or his inner anxieties, giving people the impression that having grain or not was not a big deal. As a result, everyone did not put their full effort into their tasks.
When the news of the great rebellion in the south spread, and the rebel army continued to march north, intending to seize territory, everyone finally panicked. They hurriedly purchased some grain and medicinal supplies they needed for emergencies. In just one day, the price of grain doubled. Southern Sudan Fiction Network.
This incident made the advisors extremely flustered, fearing that their standing in his eyes would decline. In fact, it was as they worried. Everyone felt that winning over Madam Jiang to their side was the wisest decision they had made, and it proved that he indeed had a different vision from others.
At this moment, the people he had sent to investigate the northwest also returned. Looking at the intelligence, he fell silent. He hadn't expected that the northwest, which he had once feared, was now so prosperous under the rule of King Jin, with every household having surplus grain. Everyone praised him, and he also heard that King Jin had assembled an army that trained day and night, possessing explosive combat power.
He couldn't help but sink into deep thought. He had originally thought that King Jin was low-key and contented, and would not participate in the struggle for the throne. He hadn't expected that this person was the truly wise one, concealing himself, secretly developing his forces, and watching the tigers fight from the mountain, waiting for others to be mutually destroyed before launching his troops to surprise everyone.
In the Celestial Dynasty, there were many royal princes of different lineages. These were the ones who had accompanied the First Emperor to conquer the land. In gratitude, the First Emperor had granted each of them a fiefdom, making them local autocrats. The generation of those princes was fine; they were grateful for the Emperor's recognition and managed their fiefdoms diligently. However, the next generation gradually developed ambitions. Although the Emperor declared it, they had the desire but not the courage. Moreover, the Empress did not approve. For their own safety and that of their families, they could only prepare in secret, praying for the day they could use their preparations. Unfortunately, their prayers went unheard. For many years, peace and prosperity reigned within the four seas. It wasn't until the ascension of the current Emperor that he initially appeared wise and dedicated to good governance, capable of heeding the advice of his ministers. However, as time went by, he began to feel that he was the Emperor, and everyone should obey his commands. He no longer wanted to be controlled and became increasingly headstrong. Gradually, the court became a place of absolute authority. Of course, there were also those who flattered and fawned over him, receiving the Emperor's great favor, and the court began to fall into chaos.
Especially in the last few years, the Emperor became obsessed with alchemy, hoping to ascend after death. He neglected state affairs and elevated the status of Taoist priests. He also spent a fortune within the palace to build them a Taoist temple with a large alchemy furnace, so they could better serve the royal family.
And those ministers who were favored by the Emperor, with his backing, acted with utter impunity in court. They were often involved in taking bribes, helping people out of trouble, settling lawsuits, or encroaching upon the fertile lands of the common people.
Despite constant appeals from the populace and even thinly veiled criticism from some court officials, the Emperor simply paid no heed, continuing to delegate all matters to them for full management. This emboldened them. Seeing the displeased faces of the ministers, they proudly raised their heads, enjoying the fact that the ministers disliked them but could do nothing about it.
They were not magnanimous people. Openly and covertly, they made things difficult for those who had reported them to the Emperor. If anyone dared to stand up for the wronged, they met the same fate. Everyone was shrewd; they saw the situation clearly and did not involve themselves in matters that did not concern them, adopting a "sweep the snow from one's own doorstep" attitude.
If the Emperor had been a wise ruler, everyone would have had ideals and aspirations, and would have worked diligently. But now, the Emperor had abandoned state affairs, and their hearts were filled with disappointment and sorrow. To find an outlet for their pent-up frustration, they simply went with the flow. As long as their own families lived well, they paid no mind to the impoverished common people outside. It wasn't that they were unwilling to help, but that the overall environment was such that even if they wanted to help, they couldn't. In any case, with so many destinies in the world, one more or less controlled person made little difference. Everyone chose to protect themselves.
Their interests were not harmed; instead, they gained quite a bit. But for the common people, the situation was dire. With constant and increasing petty taxes, the common people found it difficult to survive. Those who were truly desperate could only sell their children to ensure their survival, as following them meant certain death. In an instant, the countryside was filled with sounds of misery. Some people empathized with their plight, while others felt they were making a mountain out of a molehill, thinking, "It's just children, they can have more. Besides, most of those sold are daughters, who are already a financial burden, so it's better to get rid of them sooner."
Even so, many people died young. Some who could no longer bear their hardships in the countryside simply risked their lives and revolted. However, because these people had not undergone professional training and their organization and discipline were lax, the county magistrate directly ordered them to be suppressed. Afterward, everyone remained subdued for a period, and then the news of Prince Ping's rebellion spread.
His sudden move was like a drop of water falling into a boiling pot, creating ripples. Everyone watched him, eager to see his ultimate fate.
When they saw him defeat the imperial army, everyone became eager to try. Even Yang Hanye was no exception. To be honest, everyone was of the same mind: if others could rebel and aspire to the throne, why couldn't he?
He believed he was no less capable than the heirs of the various feudal lords. While he appeared to be idle in his fiefdom all these years, he had actually been secretly cultivating his strength. In the future battles, he intended to secure an advantageous position. If the opportunity arose to ascend the throne, he would not hesitate. Of course, if the situation became unfavorable, he would also choose a wise course of action.