plumnovel Chapter 60 It's good to be a director
Chapter 60 It's good to be a director
Today, a final decision will be made regarding the national policy of whether or not to launch a campaign against Goguryeo.
On his throne, Yang Jian's sharp, hawk-like eyes slowly swept over the assembled officials below.
His gaze was devoid of any emotion, but when it swept across the ranks of the imperial clan, Yang Yan could feel his father, Yang Yong, stiffen noticeably and his breathing become more rapid.
"The strategy for the conquest of Liaodong has been discussed for several days by the Secretariat and the Ministry of Personnel. Has a final decision been reached?"
Yang Jian finally spoke, his voice echoing throughout the hall.
And so it begins.
Yang Yan felt a chill run down his spine and glanced at the head of the civil officials out of the corner of his eye.
As expected, Gao Jiong, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, stepped out of the ranks slowly, holding his official tablet. His steps were steady and powerful, each one precise as if measured.
"Your Majesty, I hereby report."
Gao Jiong bowed respectfully, his voice loud and clear: "Your Majesty, we have been working with the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue for several days to devise a final strategy, taking into account the climate of Liaodong, the transportation of grain supplies, and the terrain of Goguryeo. We request Your Majesty's review of the final plan."
An imperial attendant quickly stepped forward, took the memorial from Gao Jiong's hands with both hands, and respectfully presented it to the emperor's desk.
Yang Jian unfolded the memorial and his gaze swept over it quickly.
"Using barbarians to control barbarians", "Rotating garrison troops", "Fortifying defenses to resist the enemy", "Emphasizing agriculture and stockpiling grain".
This is a typical "protracted war" and "defense and counterattack" strategy, which is the most stable approach given the current national strength of the Sui Dynasty. It is also a moderate approach that completely rejects the idea of "the emperor personally leading the expedition" or "launching a large-scale offensive".
As Yang Jian looked at the memorial, his brows relaxed slightly, and his fingers tapped lightly on the imperial desk.
"Streamlining the army and simplifying administration, proceeding gradually... these are indeed wise words for governing the country."
"Crown Prince."
Yang Jian's sudden call to name Yang Yong made him tense up again, just as he had breathed a sigh of relief.
"Your subject is here!" Yang Yong hurriedly stepped forward, his movements slightly flustered.
"You are the crown prince, the foundation of the nation. What are your opinions on Minister Gao's strategy of 'postponing the major campaign and adopting a defensive approach instead of an offensive one'?"
This is both an easy question and a trap question.
If it were the Yang Yong of the past, he would probably have already launched into a long speech, or even advocated sending troops to demonstrate his "heroism" and try to replicate his younger brother Yang Guang's achievements in pacifying Chen.
But at this moment, Yang Yan stood behind, staring intently at his father's back, silently chanting in his heart: Don't add any more drama, please don't add any more drama!
Yang Yong swallowed hard, the almost threatening instructions his son had given him in the study last night flashing through his mind—"Just bring your ears, not your mouth."
He took a deep breath, suppressing the restlessness within him that compelled him to show off, and bowed respectfully, saying:
"Your Majesty, I believe that Minister Gao is a pillar of the nation, possessing profound wisdom and foresight. This strategy not only safeguards the peace of the borders but also conserves the people's strength and contributes to the nation's prosperity; it is truly a perfect plan. I... second this proposal."
That's it.
There were no grand pronouncements, no self-righteous cleverness, just an unremarkable "seconding of the motion."
Yang Jian, seated on his throne, paused slightly as he tapped his fingers on the table.
A hint of surprise flashed in his deep eyes, as if he hadn't expected the Crown Prince, who always liked to "show off" and was fond of grandstanding, to be so... well-behaved today?
Or perhaps, it's just so mediocre?
But this mediocrity, at this moment, gave Yang Jian a strange sense of comfort.
The Crown Prince doesn't cause trouble, doesn't vie for military power, and listens to the old ministers; that's enough.
"Um."
Yang Jian nodded slightly, his tone softening: "The Crown Prince is considerate of the people's plight and knows when to advance and retreat; that's good."
That "not bad" reassured all the officials in the Eastern Palace faction.
Yang Jian nodded slightly, his gaze shifting to the side of the military officers, finally settling on one person.
"Yang Su".
Yang Su, whose name was called, trembled and immediately stepped forward, saying, "Your subject is here."
"You are the Right Vice-Chancellor, and a veteran of many battles. Vice-Chancellor Gao's strategy is to 'postpone the major campaign and instead focus on defense.' Do you have any objections?"
The question seemed to freeze the air in the hall.
All eyes were on Yang Su.
Everyone knows that Yang Su is a leading figure in the war faction and a staunch ally of Prince Yang Guang. According to the usual script, he should be jumping out now to vehemently refute Goguryeo, listing its crimes and requesting an army of 100,000 to crush Liaodong.
Even Yang Yong couldn't help but steal a glance at Yang Su, his palms sweating, as if afraid that she might say something nasty.
However, something completely unexpected happened.
Yang Su bowed slightly, his expression exceptionally respectful, showing no trace of hostility.
"Return to Your Majesty."
Yang Su's voice was steady, even carrying a hint of approval: "Minister Gao is a pillar of the nation. This plan is far-sighted and well-considered. Liaodong is bitterly cold, and it is now almost deep winter. It is indeed not advisable to launch a major attack. I have thought it over carefully and think this plan is excellent. I... have no objections."
Although the hall remained quiet, these words struck many officials like a thunderbolt from a clear sky.
Yang Su actually agreed?
That "vicious dog of the court" who bites Gao Jiong whenever he sees him and should be the one to cause trouble at this time has actually changed his nature?
Although Yuwen Shu and the others behind him were full of astonishment and resentment, they could only swallow their words under Yang Su's veiled warning gaze.
Faced with Niu Hong's definitive "Memorial on Agricultural Affairs in Liaodong," any proposal for a war and a strong offensive would seem utterly foolish.
"it is good."
Yang Jian nodded. Although he longed to settle the score in one battle, he was not a reckless or muddle-headed ruler.
Gao Jiong's strategy is undoubtedly the safest choice at present.
Yang Yong stood to the side, his palms sweating profusely.
He kept his son's instructions firmly in mind, keeping his mouth shut tighter than a clam shell, afraid that he would ruin things if he opened his mouth.
"The small, insignificant Goguryeo kingdom has repeatedly violated our borders. My mind is made up; I will send heavenly troops to punish this disobedient state!"
Yang Jian's voice was not loud, but it resonated like thunder throughout the hall.
"This battle is not for territorial expansion, but for the permanent elimination of border threats!"
Yang Jian's voice was not loud, but it seemed to carry immense power, causing the air in the entire hall to sink.
He paused, his gaze finally settling on Gao Jiong.
"I hereby adopt Gao Puyi's strategy that in Liaodong, we should 'delay the war and prepare for an attack'."
Upon hearing this, several barely perceptible heavy breaths were heard from the ranks beside Yang Su.
Yang Su's eye twitched almost imperceptibly, but then she regained her composure.
Officials from Gao Jiong's faction visibly breathed a sigh of relief, with many exchanging gloating glances.
"Gao Pu's words on governing the country are mature and prudent." Yang Jian's tone was full of approval. "Our Great Sui has just established itself in the world. Although the country is strong, the people's strength has not yet recovered. As you said, we should not rashly resort to arms because of momentary anger, which would exhaust the world."
"My mind is made up. This matter shall be implemented immediately, based on Minister Gao's plan."
"However, preparations for war are a complex and multifaceted matter, requiring everyone to fulfill their respective duties!"
"Hereby, Left Attendant Gao Jiong, take charge of all logistical preparations for the Liaodong campaign."
It sounded like a promotion, but Yang Yan's heart sank.
really.
"The Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue must report directly to me every three days regarding the allocation of military equipment and provisions!"
"Hereby, Yang Su, Right Assistant Minister, shall be appointed Chief Clerk of the Army, responsible for overseeing frontline battle tactics and simulations, and assisting in the selection of generals!"
"Hereby, Xue Daoheng, the Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, shall be in charge of the maritime transport of grain!"
One decree after another shattered the pie of "preparing for war."
Gao Jiong, the nominal "person in charge," was instantly sidelined.
All that remained in his hands were trivial tasks like allocating laborers and repairing roads.
The emperor firmly held the core of war—military power, financial power, and the power to devise war strategies—either by handing them over to Yang Su or to trusted confidants like Xue Daoheng.
Gao Jiong's face turned somewhat pale at this moment.
He seemed to want to step forward and say something, but after glancing at the expressionless monarch on the dragon throne, he ultimately chose to remain silent.
"Your Majesty is wise! We, your subjects, obey your decree!"
Gao Jiong stepped forward and bowed deeply to the dragon throne. His usually calm face showed no sign of pride, as if he were merely stating a trivial matter.
Although Yang Su and the other pro-war ministers were extremely unwilling, they had no choice but to step forward and accept the order under the joint decision of the emperor and Gao Jiong.
The power struggle at court seemed to end in a complete defeat for the pro-war faction, but Gao Jiong and his associates did not gain enough power.
With the campaign against Liaodong about to be finalized, the army was about to begin preparations in an orderly manner.
Just now.
A slightly abrupt voice broke the impending settlement of the court situation.
"Father, wait!"