The princess was ordained by Heaven.

Chapter 273 I Have a Plan

The crown prince was shocked, felt wronged, and was still shaken, but dared not be fierce. He could only weakly ask, "Are you mocking me?"

The Minister of Rites gave a forced smile: "How could that be?"

The prince knew he was talking nonsense, but he chose to cowardly believe him.

The Third Prince, who witnessed everything: ...

Ever since the eldest brother decided not to be the crown prince, he has completely let himself go and no longer cares about manners.

The Minister of Rites looked at Zheng Xun and patiently advised, "If we want to fight a war, we need people. If we don't have anyone to use, the Brown Kingdom will naturally be unable to wage war. What's wrong with clipping its wings and weakening its arms?"

Someone muttered in a moderate voice, "It would be better to send someone to the Brown Country to sell infertility drugs."

Another minister who overheard this chimed in, "That's a good idea too!"

Zheng Xun: ...

Whenever she felt she was being too cold-hearted, there was always someone who made her feel ashamed of herself.

Seeing that the Minister of Rites was eagerly awaiting her response, she coughed lightly: "The operation is a bit difficult."

The Minister of Rites said unwillingly, "How could that be? Princess, the Brown Kingdom is unaware that we have already become wary of them. We just need to be careful, and it's not impossible to do it."

Zheng Xun wanted to say something, but the Minister of Rites rubbed his hands excitedly: "I heard that the princess has already had a map of the Brown Kingdom drawn up. Now we are just waiting to verify it. Princess, as long as we have the map, my plan will work!"

Zheng Xun was not surprised that he knew about this.

Although she never publicized it, it wouldn't be difficult for someone with connections to find out.

Previously, because no results had been obtained, no one had ever mentioned it. Now, the situation is different, and the Minister of Rites blurted it out.

After saying this, he looked at Zheng Xun awkwardly, seemingly realizing that he had said something he shouldn't have.

Zheng Xun glanced at him casually: "Is there anyone else who can offer a suggestion?"

Perhaps stunned by the schemes of the two men before them, no one spoke for a long time in the Fengqin Hall.

Zheng Xun didn't urge him, but sat back down and waited quietly.

"Princess! I have a plan!"

兵部尚书？

Zheng Xun became interested: "Please speak, Lord Dong."

Dong Xi said slowly, "Your Highness, the current situation in the Brown Kingdom is actually far worse than that of the Great Yong Kingdom."

The flourishing development that Zheng Xun mentioned refers to the period after King Yong ascended the throne.

"Just by looking at the decisions made by the emperor of the Brown Kingdom regarding the Bookstore, it is clear that he is arrogant and short-sighted. In my opinion, what we should do is let this emperor continue to rule well. In this way, the Brown Kingdom will eventually bring about its own destruction in his hands."

"Moreover," Fang Xunshan, the Minister of Revenue, sneered, "the country of He is not your home, where you can do whatever you want."

You have to understand that they are based in Dayong, and even if they have spies, it is not an easy task for them to manipulate the politics of He Kingdom.

"If it can be resolved peacefully, no one wants war!" Dong Xi's voice rose slightly.

"The method you described requires a long and gradual process. But time waits for no one. I'm afraid your plan won't even be halfway done before the Brown Kingdom has already reached the capital!"

The ministers felt that the current situation was somewhat surreal. After all, the Minister of Revenue, who supported the war, and the Minister of War, who resisted the war, always gave people a sense of incongruity.

Fang Xunshan's anger flared up instantly: "Even if the current emperor of the Brown Kingdom is on the throne, the other side still covets the Great Yong! A war between the Brown Kingdom and the Great Yong is inevitable! Dong Xi! Can you please stop being so naive!"

"Naive? War consumes countless lives! How long has the Great Yong Dynasty recovered from the famine? The Great Yong's treasury is not yet full. How can a Great Yong, where even the crown prince's underpants are tattered, fight a war? Why not use a more reliable method?"

Crown Prince: ?

What does it have to do with him?

He was so innocent!

They can argue all they want, why sacrifice him? What did he do to deserve this?

"You are merciful, but the Brown Kingdom will not let this go!"

"Fang Xunshan, don't be so eager to stir up trouble. This is no child's play..."

"Don't forget, I am also a veteran who has retired from the battlefield! It is because I have witnessed the cruelty of war that I understand that a short pain is worse than a long one. No matter what method you use, it will only happen after the Brown Kingdom has been conquered. As long as this place exists, it will always be a threat to the Great Yong Dynasty. Dynasty after dynasty, in an endless cycle, haven't history taught us enough lessons?"

Fang Xunshan looked around and, with great passion, removed his official hat: "If our sacrifice can bring peace for thousands of years to come, then this humble subject is willing to lead the charge with my meager body!"

Dong Xi retorted angrily, "Who's worse than whom?! This humble subject is willing too!"

Zheng Xun: ...

Dong Xi, aren't you anti-war?

Why is your stance so wavering?

At this moment, Xu Ru suddenly stepped forward: "Although I am not good at fighting, I am willing to contribute seventy percent of my family fortune to strengthen the army!"

Other ministers: You talk too much!

No, you're being obvious, aren't you?

Didn't you always love to slack off? Keep it up!

Why start this now?

He stepped forward; how could the others stand idly by?

The war hasn't even started yet, and they're already trying to take money out of their pockets?

He expects them to carry his sedan chair? He's dreaming!

Ignoring the gazes falling upon him, Xu Ru bowed sincerely: "Your Highness! Since entering officialdom, neither the Great Yong nor the Emperor has ever mistreated me. In the past, I was often perfunctory and arrogant, but now I am truly ashamed!"

He lifted his robes and knelt on the cold ground: "I beg Your Highness to forgive this humble subject and give me a chance to atone for my sins."

Zheng Xun looked at Zhicheng.

Zhicheng stepped forward and helped Xu Ru up.

Zheng Xun smiled and said, "My lord, there's no need to blame yourself. Let's not talk about donating your family fortune. I only hope that you won't squander your talents, but instead strive for the well-being and peace of the Great Yong and its people!"

Xu Ru's eyes welled up with tears. She wiped them away and stood back down.

Jiang Weiguo's serious gaze fell on him.

He only managed to win Rui Rui's heart by following the princess's advice. Why is Xu Ru suddenly trying to turn over a new leaf?

What if Ruorui, after being married for so many years, decides to avoid trouble and ultimately rejects him outright?

He was wary and secretly cursed Xu Ru for his cunning.

He absolutely had to steal the spotlight today.

He frowned, lost in thought.

Let him think of a good solution.

A moment later, a brilliant idea struck him, and he stepped forward, saying, "Princess! I have a plan!"

Zheng Xun raised an eyebrow: "Please speak, Lord Jiang."

"Princess, in two months, it will be the annual summer festival of the Brown Kingdom, their most important festival. At that time, the Brown Kingdom's royal family will climb the mountain to pray for blessings. Why not take this opportunity to plan an assassination!"

The courtiers breathed a sigh of relief.

His plan, compared to the previous ones, can be described as quite minor.

Thank goodness, this shows that there are still normal people in the imperial court.

"Oh? How exactly should this be implemented?"

Assassination is something Zheng Xun dislikes—meaningless sacrifices. If an assassination is to be carried out, then it must achieve some kind of result.