eurekapd Chapter 126 The Prime Minister is actually a woman, and His Majesty the Emperor drools over her.
Chapter 126 The Prime Minister is actually a woman, and His Majesty the Emperor drools over her.
Sorrow immediately appeared on her face. Seeing her dejected and heartbroken, his heart felt as if it had been squeezed tightly, suffocating and aching.
He was heartbroken to death because she kept emphasizing that she was a concubine.
"Mumu, don't talk about yourself like that. You're not a concubine; you're my lover."
Mu Wanwan smiled bitterly, pulled away from him, and considerately straightened his clothes. "I know you have feelings for me, but I also know my place. But don't worry, I won't compete for favor with the other concubines like they do."
"Mumu~"
Mu Wanwan took a deep breath, composed herself, and checked her attire to make sure everything was in order.
He bowed to Mu Chenfeng and said, "Thank you for your meticulous care these past few days, Your Majesty. I am deeply grateful."
Without waiting for Mu Chenfeng's response, she said, "Cui'er, let's go."
She took Cui'er and left without looking back.
During the morning court session, Mu Chenfeng was in a bad mood and stared blankly at Mu Wanwan, who was standing to the side of His Highness.
Following the emperor's gaze, Eunuch Qian realized that it was highly inappropriate for him to be openly staring at Prime Minister Mu in the main hall.
He whispered a reminder from the side, "Your Majesty!"
The emperor then came to his senses, and the minister who had just presented his report was bowing and waiting.
Mu Chenfeng hadn't heard what the minister said at all, so if asked to speak, he couldn't give a coherent answer.
"In a moment, bring your memorial to me. I will review and approve it after reading it."
"I have something to report." Zhao Yihan took a step to the side, then stepped forward again.
Mu Chenfeng's face was ugly as he stared at Zhao Yihan, wondering what kind of ivory could come out of his dog mouth.
"Your Majesty, it is soon time to expand the army. I suggest that this time the age limit be raised to 15, and that we enforce military service so that ambitious young men can serve the court as soon as possible."
Upon hearing this, the ministers began to whisper among themselves.
"15 years old?" Mu Chenfeng asked him to confirm his age.
Zhao Yihan nodded, confirming, "Yes, Your Majesty, she is 15 years old!"
Mu Chenfeng leaned back, placed his hand on the dragon head armrest, and scrutinized Zhao Yihan with a stern gaze.
"Grand Commandant Zhao, in our country, military service has always been voluntary. Will forcing people to serve in the military cause dissatisfaction among the common people and thus cause unrest among the people?"
Zhao Taiwei smiled slightly, determined to get the emperor's approval of his proposal today.
"Your Majesty, according to the rules of our ancestors, every year people aged 45 and above are dismissed."
It is believed that the Emperor is already aware that in recent years, the number of people dismissed has been three to four times that of the newly recruited soldiers, resulting in a sharp decrease in the number of soldiers.
If we cannot immediately replenish our forces, what will we do if we have no soldiers to lead an army into battle?
Mu Chenfeng took off the thumb ring and fiddled with it, raising an eyebrow as if he were somewhat nonchalant.
"Prime Minister Mu, what is your opinion on this?"
Mu Wanwan stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, Grand Commandant Zhao’s initial intention to expand the army is good.”
Zhao Yihan turned his head slightly and gave Mu Wanwan a grateful look.
If even Prime Minister Mu stands by his side, his plan to dominate the world will surely succeed.
Just as he was basking in his own smugness, Mu Wanwan began to add more.
"Forced service will only arouse public outrage. I believe that voluntary service should be the main approach."
Mu Chenfeng nodded slightly; his Mu Mu had indeed not disappointed him.
Mu Wanwan isn't stupid; she's a modern woman who, in modern society, volunteers voluntarily enlist in the army.
Moreover, there are requirements for joining the army; it's not something anyone can do.
Zhao Taiwei's proposal was clearly pushing Mu Chenfeng into a fire pit. If the powerful and the common people united to overthrow the regime, Emperor Mu Chenfeng would be in danger.
She still had to help him before the emperor was satisfied, lest the mission fail before he died.
"Prime Minister Mu, I am all ears. Please continue."
Mu Chenfeng was indeed intelligent; this was due to his hint, "I'm all ears."
"In my humble opinion, a 15-year-old boy is still too young and his mind is not yet mature. Even if he is forced to enlist and go to the battlefield, he will only be sacrificed."
The emperor can raise the age to 18, a mentally mature age.
Experienced soldiers were selected from the military camps and free schools were set up in the countryside to teach them, so that children in the countryside could also understand the significance of marching and fighting in the streets.
If we plant a seed of serving the country and protecting our homeland in children's hearts from a young age, they will naturally be willing to serve their country when they turn 18.
Zhao Taiwei frowned and snorted coldly, "Prime Minister Mu, wouldn't it take many years to implement your proposal? If our country goes to war with other countries during this time, are we just going to be the ones getting beaten?"
Mu Wanwan bowed to Grand Commandant Zhao, "Grand Commandant Zhao, I know you are also concerned about the safety of our Great Wu Dynasty, and I believe that His Majesty is willing to exchange these few years for future peace and prosperity."
Eunuch Qian helped Mu Chenfeng to his feet. He walked down step by step to the middle of Mu Wanwan and Zhao Yihan, and patted them on the shoulders at the same time.
"Grand Commandant Zhao and Prime Minister Mu are both my most capable assistants. I have a solution that satisfies both of them."
The two of them stepped back at the same time, creating distance between themselves and Mu Chenfeng.
"Grand Commandant Zhao and Prime Minister Mu, each of you should compile your thoughts into a book and submit it to me. I will then take into account your opinions and make a decision. What do you think?"
"Yes!" they both answered simultaneously.
"Then I'll leave it to you two. Court adjourned!"
Mu Chenfeng turned and left, and Mu Wanwan cursed him eight hundred times in her heart.
What a perfect solution! This dog of an emperor has arranged a job for her!
What's the difference between this and modern workers who work like beasts of burden at the company during the day and then have to work overtime like beasts of burden at home at night?
She snorted at him, then turned to leave.
He had only taken two steps when Zhao Yihan grabbed his sleeve. "Prime Minister Mu, may I have a word with you in private?"
Mu Wanwan sized up Zhao Taiwei in front of her. Although she didn't have any evidence that Zhao Yihan wanted anything bad, his behavior today was really suspicious, perfectly matching the descriptions of treacherous officials in some historical records.
"Of course! Please!"
The two found a secluded corner, and Zhao Yihan confirmed that no one was around.
"Prime Minister Mu, we are old acquaintances. Regarding today's proposal in court, I am doing it for the greater good. I urge Prime Minister Mu to support it for the safety of the people."
Mu Wanwan touched her chin. Zhao Yihan in front of her was very humble, and he kept saying that he was doing it for the common people. From his words, it seemed that he was really a good official.
She had previously asked people to inquire about Zhao Yihan. He was highly respected among the common people, and many high-ranking officials and nobles were his supporters.
That's why she had to be wary of the person in front of her.
In today's society, those who hold high positions outwardly appear to be happy about society, but behind the scenes they engage in shady dealings, using their power and the support of the masses to amass wealth, causing the people to suffer and become increasingly resentful.
"Grand Commandant Zhao, His Majesty has also affirmed your proposal, and I also express my support. There is only a slight disagreement on the implementation details, but it's not a major issue."
Zhao Yihan wore a gentle smile, which Mu Wanwan couldn't help but admire.
The handsome men of ancient times were truly no less attractive than those pretty boys in modern society who only flaunt their good looks.
"Prime Minister Mu, we both serve the Emperor, so we should naturally work together to assist him."
I think since His Majesty has asked the two of us to write down the detailed rules and submit them, we can discuss them privately to reach a consensus, which will save His Majesty the trouble of worrying about this matter.