Chapter 1212: The Princess Consort Whose Memories Were Altered (87)

In truth, during these past few months, Shangguan Yi had been preparing for war.

He believed that, given Beitang Huo's temperament, there was absolutely no chance he would hand her over.

Courtesy before force—that was his plan. If the other side refused, he would use the excuse that Beitang Huo had abducted Southern Shu's Imperial Noble Consort and launch an invasion of Northern Yan.

The moment Beitang Huo received the letter, he made it public throughout the country.

The entire population of Northern Yan was instantly enraged upon learning that Southern Shu had the audacity to try to steal away their Empress.

At once, everyone declared that if Southern Shu dared to come, they dared to fight.

Whoever dared to take away Her Majesty the Empress, they would wage war against them!

In their eyes, the Empress was a celestial immortal sent from heaven. Her descent upon Northern Yan was a blessing bestowed upon them.

Yet Southern Shu had the nerve to claim that Her Majesty the Empress was their Imperial Noble Consort.

Shameless!

The better-informed officials knew the real reason behind the conflict.

Not a single person opposed Beitang Huo's decision to fight.

In fact, it had been a very long time since wars had broken out between the nations.

Since Southern Shu was willing to ignite the flames, Northern Yan had no intention of avoiding them. They had coveted Southern Shu's abundant resources for years.

If they could conquer Southern Shu and expand Northern Yan's territory, it would be an achievement remembered for generations.

Those ministers who had come from other countries and had once suffered unjust persecution hated Shangguan Yi and Shangguan Jing to the bone.

In their eyes, Tang Guo's experiences resembled their own, and they felt a kinship born of shared suffering.

Immediately, they redirected their hatred toward Southern Shu and unanimously supported going to war.

Besides, they had no choice but to fight.

If they truly handed over the Empress, wouldn't Northern Yan become a laughingstock for cowardice?

"Since all my beloved ministers fear neither Southern Shu nor war," Beitang Huo said, "then I shall send my reply."

"Your Majesty is wise! This time, we must teach them a proper lesson."

"Your Majesty," one minister rose excitedly, "since they are so arrogant, why not go all the way and conquer Southern Shu entirely?"

"This minister agrees!"

"This minister agrees!"

"Southern Shu is rich in resources and is a rare treasure of a land. This minister believes that the Emperor of Southern Shu is foolish and incompetent. It would be far better to place the country under the rule of Northern Yan."

"Indeed! This minister has heard that many of Southern Shu's people still suffer from hunger and cold. In our Northern Yan, every household eats meat. Conquering Southern Shu would be for the sake of its people."

One minister after another stood and spoke.

By the end, every single one wore a look of righteous conviction. Anyone watching would think they were preparing to perform some great act of benevolence.

In their minds, going to war was not conquest—it was salvation.

They would be rescuing the people of Southern Shu and bringing them prosperous lives.

As for the Emperor of Southern Shu, his inability to feed and clothe his people was his greatest crime.

"Your Majesty," Yun Mujun said with a crafty smile, "this minister suggests we first send people to spread rumors among Southern Shu's commoners. Tell them that every household in Northern Yan eats meat daily, that everyone stays warm during winter, and that they receive new clothes every season. Once they hear this, they'll be filled with envy."

"After war begins, we should capture several cities first and then halt our advance temporarily. During that time, we can focus on improving the lives of our new subjects."

"The rumors we spread are like a delicious pie hung before them. Once we truly deliver that pie into their hands, the saying 'He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world' will become reality. Ordinary citizens don't care who rules over them. As long as they can eat their fill and keep themselves warm, it makes little difference to them."

Yun Mujun continued at great length, listing one scheme after another for how to win over—and thoroughly tempt—the people of Southern Shu.