Young Master Is Being Jealous Again!
Chapter 1257: Daqian, Reeling in the Storm, Adds Frost to Snow

Chapter 1257: Chapter 1257: Daqian, Reeling in the Storm, Adds Frost to Snow

Palace.

Ganqing Palace, Qinzheng Hall.

Xiao Jun’an sat at his desk, flipping through the reports urging for grain supplies from the Northern Frontier, his face as still as water.

Batches of grain and fodder had been sent to the Northern Frontier, yet less than forty percent actually reached the frontlines of the 150,000-strong army.

With the frontline battle situation critical, knowing full well the utter audacity of those corrupt officials, he could only feign ignorance to prevent them from being driven to desperation, which would mean not a single cart of grain reaching the Northern Frontier.

The adequacy of grain and fodder often determines the outcome of a war; without it, soldiers can’t fight.

Unfortunately, this year’s drought in the north meant that the court could not afford the rations for Beijing’s 150,000 soldiers.

Xiao Jun’an turned to the next report, which was an appeal for disaster relief from officials in the south due to flooding.

Below that was a report from officials in the north on the details of the drought; this year’s harvest was less than half of the previous years, and after taxes were paid, many families could not even afford basic subsistence.

The situation on the Northern Frontier was grave, the northern drought was severe, and refugees had already begun to entertain thoughts of rebellion.

In such turbulent times for Daqian, both internally and from external threats, it was like adding frost to snow.

Xiao Jun’an closed his eyes, concealing all weariness and resolve within.

The northern drought necessitated a response from the imperial court; otherwise, if the starving populace were to rebel, it would be like pouring oil on the fire for the current state of Daqian.

After a silent pause, Xiao Jun’an reopened his eyes and called out in a deep voice, "Where is the Minister of Revenue?"

"Your servant is here."

An elder prostrated on his knees approached in the Qinzheng Hall.

Xiao Jun’an commanded sternly: "Liangzhou, Bingzhou, and Youzhou are severely hit by disasters. Order that these three states will be exempted from taxes for the next two years.

Youzhou faces even harsher conditions; Minister of Revenue, personally ensure the delivery of the relief silver to Youzhou, and you must pacify the people properly."

Youzhou is predominantly inhabited by Nomadic Tribes, known for their fierce customs and excellent horse-riding and archery skills.

If these people are not controlled, they will undoubtedly bring serious crisis to Daqian.

The Minister of Revenue bowed deeply, accepting the order: "Your servant will obey the Decree!"

In fact, two days ago, His Majesty had already discussed with him about the disaster in the north.

In recent years, with constant military campaigns on the Northern Frontier, the state treasury was nearly emptied; there was no silver for relief efforts except from the thirty thousand taels the Emperor had to transfer from his private funds.

The specific amount of relief silver was not mentioned just now so that the Minister of Revenue could raise a part of it from rich merchants and gentry along the way.

Xiao Jun’an pushed aside the reports in front of him.

Eunuch Anjin immediately placed a blank Imperial Decree on the desk respectfully with both hands.

Xiao Jun’an stood up, picked up the imperial brush, and begin writing on the Imperial Decree quickly yet steadily.

He spoke slowly as he wrote, "A nation cannot be without a ruler for a day, nor can the imperial harem be without a master. Since ascending the throne, I have yet to appoint an Empress. What do my courtiers think of Lady An from the harem?"

As the question left his mouth, Xiao Jun’an had already finished writing the decree.

He narrowed his eyes at the fresh ink on the Decree, a mild smile on his face that did not quite reach his eyes.

He hoped Lady An would not disappoint him.

If it were possible to drive the Huns back, he would not wish to pursue a strategy that costs the enemy a thousand but costs us eight hundred.

The Northern Frontier could hold on no longer; this was a fact.

The Huns’ army of five hundred thousand boasted one hundred thousand Iron Cavalry. The soldiers of Daqian guarding the Northern Frontier were no match; it took an average of five men to kill a single Hunnic Iron Cavalry.

Fifteen thousand Daqian soldiers facing off against a hundred thousand Iron Cavalry was akin to throwing eggs against rocks.

There might be a way to quickly end this battle.

But the tactic was too sinister, harming not only the Huns but the people of Daqian on the Northern Frontier and the 150,000 soldiers fighting against the foreign enemies.