When Yang Shu conducted his previous inspection in Jingxi, he had already discussed matters with his strategist. In the end, they decided to marginalize those five Liu Brothers, but would not send them back to the City of Unjust Death.
The aim was to observe what exactly the Moon Shadow Tower and that Nine-Life Zhenren were plotting.
The reason for such boldness stemmed from the fact that his own power had increased significantly compared to before, which greatly boosted his confidence and emboldened him to probe some risks.
As for experts in the Post-Primordial Core Realm, counting the Royal Guard who were originally at his side, Yang Shu now had a total of seven people around him, not even counting those five Liu Brothers now placed at the periphery. So, from Yang Shu’s perspective, he was now fully capable of keeping the five Liu Brothers close to observe what tricks they were up to.
"Be seated, all of you." Yang Shu picked his teeth as he gestured for several strategists to find their own places to sit.
Yang Shu had already eaten meat, but the strategists had not. They would wait a while and go to the kitchen of the Prince Mansion for some noodles or other late-night snacks.
This had not always been the case; previously, Yang Shu would not eat alone while others merely looked on. Yang Shu always used to call his own men around one table or several to eat together, whether at roadside stalls or when feasting on rare delicacies—he was no different. The rule of eating separately was newly established, said to be a necessary start in asserting Yang Shu, Prince Ling’s authority, making clear the distinction of rank early; things could not be as casual as before, and so came the new rule of separate dining.
After everyone was seated, Yang Shu finally spoke: "Let us first discuss the second phase of the currency and grain tightening strategy. We spoke of it in general terms earlier, but now the southern front’s situation appears to be shifting more rapidly than we anticipated. As things stand, the conditions for implementing the second phase of tightening may very well be fulfilled ahead of schedule."
"My lord, it is not wrong to set strategy in advance. However, I believe that while the south may appear poised for a major decisive battle, it will not happen so quickly. Marshal Zuo Yuliang’s Central Army is still stationed at Wu Lake, showing no signs of advancing, and even both flanks have yet to press forward. It does not seem like a prelude to a great war."
"Hmph. Is Marshal Zuo’s strategy so easily predicted? Have you not seen that, according to Ministry of Revenue records, the Border Army’s monthly provisions have increased by nearly thirty percent over the last month? This is clearly preparation for a great decisive battle. I believe a large-scale conflict may erupt in mid-next month or early June."
"The Barbarian Race has not even formally established their Royal Court—how could they possibly possess the will for all-out decisive war? It is utterly illogical."
"We are discussing state affairs here; why must you be so unruly and brash?"
A strategist earns his keep with brain and tongue, not hands—a strategist never resorts to blows. No matter how fiercely they argued, it would not come to fighting; on the contrary, such verbal disputes were the norm among strategists. Although these two had begun by quarreling heatedly, their private friendship was strong. However, it was always the case that, when discussing affairs, differences must be made clear.
And, in fact, the two men’s stances also represented the two main viewpoints among all strategists present.
Back and forth, the discussion finally concluded: the second phase of the grain and currency tightening strategy could initially be advanced, but there was no need to rush to submit reports. All would wait for a significant change in the southern military situation before proceeding further.
In truth, the first phase of the tightening strategy was already being implemented across the National Dynasty. Its impact would slowly become evident, but it would not yet greatly affect the daily lives of ordinary citizens. After all, the Jingjiu Dynasty’s forty years of accumulated strength could not be undermined so quickly; restaurants and taverns everywhere were still open as usual, giving clear indication the first phase’s degree was not particularly severe—by comparison, it remained mild.
But should the second phase commence, it would be a wholly different situation. It would mean over forty percent of the Dynasty’s currency, grain, and other materials would be requisitioned to the front lines, and industries like winemaking—high consumers of grain—would be directly suspended.
Of course, the second phase of tightening would ultimately need to be discussed with both the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War; only after reaching consensus would it be rolled out at the opportune moment.
This deliberation lasted until mid-9 p.m. Once the tone was set, the remaining strategists took their leave, whether to eat or retire for the night—it was unknown. Only the chief strategist remained.
"Is there something else?"
"Yes, my lord."
"Very well. I’ll have the kitchen make you a bowl of noodles—you must be famished. Eat while you speak." Yang Shu gave the strategist no chance to refuse and instructed the Inner Guard to handle the arrangements.
The chief strategist could only express thanks in resignation, his heart touched by warmth. Prince Ling might have many small flaws in temperament, but he truly did care for his subordinates.
Soon, a bowl of minced pork noodles arrived. Though the portion was modest, it was quite sufficient for the strategist’s small appetite.
"No rush—have your meal first. We’ll talk business once you’re done."
In the time it took to burn half a stick of incense, the noodles were gone. The bowl and chopsticks set aside, the real conversation began.
"My lord, the tightening policy on funds and grain has already brought you many followers from various regions. While still not as stable as the great Gated Clans and established powers, you have certainly gained more than ever before. Now that you’ve returned, perhaps it’s time we made a move to secure control of the Four Gates?"
Previously, Yang Shu’s main strength lay among the merchants—his people could be found, openly or covertly, in every walk of life. It wasn’t much exaggeration to call his reach all-pervasive, and his influence across the Dynasty was indisputable.
Now, thanks to the special authority over currency and grain tightening, Yang Shu had made a tour of key cities throughout the Dynasty, acquiring sizable local government office influence that was previously out of reach. Admittedly, these forces were not yet stable, but the benefits were tangible; in prestige alone he had moved up among the leading positions of the six Princes.
With the first phase of currency and grain tightening completed, Yang Shu hurried back to the Imperial City, seizing the momentum. His ambition was, after this unprecedented boost in strength, to secure greater say and initiative at the heart of power: the Imperial City.
Where does one’s say come from? From having court ministers speak on your behalf in the Temple Hall, or from your own people occupying key positions in the ministries. Alternatively, from holding within your hand the martial force in the Imperial City that can be persuaded to choose sides.
The former methods Yang Shu was still unable to employ—whether it be his representatives in the Temple Hall, or his people within the ministries, their numbers remained few.
The only avenue Yang Shu saw for a breakthrough—a force he might truly grasp—was the martial offices within the Imperial City that could still take sides: namely, the guards of the Four City Gates and the governmental officials in the Imperial City’s Local Government Office.
"Since we’re back, we should test the waters. What’s your suggestion?"
"My lord, of the Four Gates, the East, West, and North Gates are already under the control of Prince Jing, Prince Shou, and the Fourth Prince, King Shang of Lu. It would be difficult for us to make any moves there. However, the South Gate used to belong to Prince Qian—its new commander has only just taken office. With Prince Qian recently killed, there is no longer a strong foothold; if we intervene, we may have the opportunity to reclaim it for ourselves.
As for the city government officials, the Imperial City’s Local Government Office is currently under the grasp of the Sixth Prince, Prince Qi Feng. But rumor has it that the civil servant group is recently out of sorts. If there’s an opening to poach some of Prince Qi’s people, you could then find the chance to fill the gaps."
"Let’s not discuss the Four Gates for now. That will require further consideration. As for the government office, how shall we get involved?"
"We could ask for Minister Bai’s assistance."