Page 1103

The Emperor watched the ministers below arguing in a tumult and felt a headache coming on.

He massaged his temples and said, "Now it’s not only the issue of who will be the chief commander; we’ve been unable to conquer the territory for so long, and the lack of food and fodder has also become a major issue.

My beloved subjects, do any of you have a solution for the food and fodder problem? "

As soon as this issue was mentioned, everyone fell silent.

Everyone knew that the South had suffered a disaster this year, and the shortage of food was no small matter. To fight this war, the common people had already tightened their belts and were scrimping on. To extort anything more from them wouldn’t yield much food.

Just as everyone was at their wits’ end, the Protectorate Prince sneered and stepped forward, cupping his hands in salute, "Your Majesty, Consort of the Crown Prince handled the flood matter very skillfully; why not entrust this matter to her as well?"

Those who followed his lead, the sycophants, suddenly saw the light and clapped their hands, "Exactly, Your Majesty, now that the national treasury is depleted, there’s nothing we can do about the food and fodder.

But the Consort of the Crown Prince surely has silver.

She has always been expanding her businesses, and I’ve heard they’ve even spread to neighboring countries, each one doing very well. "

The Emperor looked at them indifferently and asked, "So what you’re implying is that a bunch of grown men can’t find a solution, and we must rely on a woman to gather food and fodder?"

Upon hearing the Emperor’s words, those who had spoken hung their heads in shame.

However, some had thicker skins, like the Protectorate Prince, for instance.

He said, "Your Majesty, in times of national crisis, everyone has a duty to solve the problem with the supply of food and fodder. How can we say we are relying on a woman? The Consort of the Crown Prince is a daughter-in-law of the Imperial Family; naturally, she should also be concerned about the country’s difficulties. "

The Emperor was silent for a moment and then said, "The Protectorate Prince’s words are also true.

Therefore, all of you will forfeit one year of salary, to be deducted over two years.

Starting from now, all expenses of the Imperial Palace will be reduced.

From the Harem to the households of all ministers, everyone must refrain from eating meat and stick to vegetarian dishes until our army returns in triumph. Wan Decheng, draft the decree!"

The faces of the ministers turned the color of pig liver, an amusing variety of expressions indeed.

The Harem, caught in the crossfire, will probably become quite lively.

...

When the Imperial Decree arrived at the Crown Prince Residence, Xiang Chun’s face was as colorful as those of the ministers, like a painter’s palette.

Gu Youyou said with a smile, "Put away the Imperial Decree. Don’t be so indignant. I guessed this would happen if we couldn’t take Xining within three months."

Xiang Chun indignantly said, "That’s too much, why should you be the one to solve the food and fodder problem? Are all those ministers just drawing their salaries for nothing?"

Gu Youyou helplessly responded, "If those words get out, even ten of your heads won’t be enough to save you. Enough, let’s not talk about this anymore. At least we were not ordered to eat only vegetarian, to give up meat. I have it all planned out; I’ve been prepared for the food and fodder issue."

"What?" Xiang Chun couldn’t believe it, her eyes widened.

Her mistress was too incredible, almost seemingly clairvoyant. It felt as if she knew everything and as though nothing was impossible for her.

Gu Youyou sat in front of the desk and signaled Xiang Chun to grind the ink for her.

Before the army even set out, she had anticipated the shortage of food and fodder.

The South had experienced flooding this year. So many people were displaced; food and fodder were bound to be a problem.

The supply of food and fodder provided by the Imperial Court had lasted for three months, which was already the limit.

That’s why she had expanded her businesses to neighboring countries; she used the money earned from these businesses to buy food, which had already been shipped back.

In three months, she had amassed quite a large stock of food.

With just one order from her, this food would be sent to the frontline army.