The opposing court officials, without exception, believe that the King of Hancheng has once again requested troops, relying on Bai Qingyan’s reputation for trust without suspicion, preparing for his own ascension as king.
Using this incident as an excuse, most of the officials who were dissatisfied with Bai Qingyan granting the King of Hancheng military power have stepped forward, vehemently accusing the King of Hancheng of harboring malevolent intent deserving of severe punishment. The previously harmonious atmosphere of the Zhou Dynasty’s court has turned tense, and the voices criticizing the King of Hancheng have been relentless.
"Having just reached the coast, immediately sending a request for troops, is this truly asking for forces? It’s clearly holding the navy in hand as leverage against His Majesty!" An official expressed indignantly, "Your servant does not dare say that it was wrong for His Majesty to hand over naval command to the King of Hancheng, but being surrounded daily by former Daliang generals, even if initially loyal to His Majesty, over time... other notions will inevitably grow, thus troops absolutely cannot be given! Not only should they not be given, but the King of Hancheng must be recalled! If he does not return... it is defying the imperial command! It’s already a sign of treachery!"
"Enough!" Bai Qingyan spoke with a smile.
Her voice brought silence among the court officials, all turning their gaze towards Bai Qingyan.
"I have heard everything you fine officials said, so... let’s tackle each matter one by one!" Bai Qingyan placed her hands on the table in front of her, "First, who would be appropriate to send to the Dongyi Kingdom?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Rushi took charge, stepping forward to bow deeply towards Bai Qingyan, "Your Majesty, your humble servant shamelessly seeks this mission!"
"Minister Liu is well-known in the Zhou Dynasty, indeed suitable for the task!"
"Exactly, and Minister Liu has previously faced off directly with the Tianfeng Kingdom and the Yan Kingdom, making him an ideal choice for this mission."
In diplomatic matters, Liu Rushi is undoubtedly the right person for the job.
"Alright... then Minister Liu, I ask for your dedication!" Bai Qingyan said smiling to Liu Rushi.
Liu Rushi smiled back, "Your humble servant would like to request two aides from Your Majesty..."
Bai Qingyan nodded, "Who does Minister Liu have in mind?"
"Lu Fenglang and Fan Yugan!" Liu Rushi said, looking to the serene-looking Bai Qingyan sitting in a high position, guessing Bai Qingyan likely knew he would proactively ask for this mission. These two people... are whom Liu Rushi wants to train, naturally they should be brought along to gain experience.
"Recently I heard Minister Liu procured a clerk from merchants proficient in the Dongyi language, is it true he has been diligently learning Dongyi?" Bai Qingyan smiled, questioning Liu Rushi.
"Nothing escapes Your Majesty!" Liu Rushi replied with a smile.
"Then this journey requires Minister Liu’s diligent effort..." Bai Qingyan said, smiling, and continued, "Next, let’s discuss the matter of the King of Hancheng requesting troops."
"Your Majesty..." Bai Qingqi stepped forward, bowing towards Bai Qingyan, speaking according to the discourse agreed yesterday, "Regarding the King of Hancheng requesting forces, this servant believes troops should be dispatched! It concerns the life and death of the coastal populace; once troops are sent, if the King of Hancheng rebels... then he shall be vanquished. If the King of Hancheng is acting for the people, then we shall heed his commands!"
As Bai Qingqi spoke, the court officials in the grand hall began murmuring among themselves.


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