The princess regretted it.

The early morning of late October was already noticeably chilly. A cool breeze blew past, sending shivers down my spine. Glistening dewdrops hung on the leaves, shimmering faintly in the rising sun. The entire inner courtyard of the imperial palace was shrouded in a thin layer of mist, looming like a mysterious palace. Only a few palace maids and eunuchs hurried along the paths within the inner courtyard, their steps cautious, afraid to make even the slightest sound. The cobblestones were slightly damp, and the flowers and plants on either side, damp with dew, drooped their heads. A faint frost hung in the air, giving me a feeling of coolness and tranquility.

At this time, the Golden Throne Hall was bustling with activity. This was because the Emperor had received reports of a battle in the northern border earlier in the day and needed the Ministry of Revenue to resupply food and fodder. As soon as this report came out, the court erupted in an uproar.

The Zhang family, led by the generals, argued that General Mu's prolonged delay in ending the war clearly indicated his incompetence, and that a new general should be dispatched to the northern border. The Zhang family's patriarch, the Minister of War, Lord Zhang, stepped forward, holding a tablet and bowing. He declared, "Your Majesty, General Mu has been engaged in campaigns in the northern border for years, yet the fighting remains unresolved. I believe General Mu may be overwhelmed. A capable general should be dispatched to the northern border to expedite the war and stabilize the frontier." This statement was echoed by officials at court friendly to the Zhang family.

Emperor Zhong's faction firmly opposed the proposal. The Imperial Censor stepped forward and declared righteously, "Your Majesty, General Mu has defended the northern border for many years and has made remarkable military achievements. This stalemate is due to the Yu invaders' stubborn resistance. General Mu's ability is known to all. We must not rashly change the commander, lest we disrupt the morale of the army." The two factions argued endlessly in the court, and the atmosphere grew tense. However, those who had secretly supported the Third Prince remained silent.

The emperor's eldest grandson Hongze looked at the ministers below calmly without saying a word.

At this time, the prince stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, since this concerns war, I believe we should consider it carefully. General Mu has been stationed in the northern border for a long time and is familiar with the local situation. His military talent is obvious to all. A hasty change of commander could cause unpredictable changes. However, prolonging the war is not a good idea either. I suggest sending an envoy to the northern border to understand the actual situation before making a final decision. As for the matter of food and fodder, you can inquire with the Ministry of Revenue in detail."

Upon hearing this, Minister Lin of the Ministry of Revenue immediately stepped forward, holding his tablet, and bowed to the emperor, reporting: "Your Majesty, the autumn harvest has concluded across the country this year. Overall, the results are acceptable. However, due to poor weather, some areas are experiencing slight declines. We have previously formulated a plan to transfer grain and fodder from areas with abundant harvests to provide relief to those affected, ensuring the livelihoods of the people." He paused, then continued, "However, we have received reports of intense fighting on the northern border this year. I believe it would be appropriate to divert some of the grain and fodder originally intended for relief to the north to alleviate the immediate crisis."

The Emperor nodded slightly at Minister Lin's words. Just as he was about to speak, Zhang Chengde spoke again, "Your Majesty, Minister Lin's plan is inappropriate. Harvests are failing in some areas, and people are already struggling. If the grain and fodder originally intended for relief were diverted to the northern border, the affected people would be plunged into despair. Riots would ensue." His words were vehement, his face full of disapproval of Minister Lin's proposal.

At this time, the Third Prince Changsun Wuwang, who had been silent on the side, stepped forward and said, "Father, I have a way to solve the desperate situation of the people as Minister Zhang mentioned. I think that wealthy businessmen from all over the country can be asked to donate part of their money and food to alleviate the difficulties of the people and the needs of the war in the north. At the same time, we can promise the people that the court will reduce taxes by 30%. In this way, we can alleviate the current difficulties and demonstrate the court's care for the people." Changsun Wuwang looked calm and looked at the emperor with a firm gaze.

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the court had different expressions. Changsun Hongze, who sat in the upper seat, looked at him with a deep gaze. Some of the courtiers below nodded slightly, believing that this plan had a certain feasibility; while others sneered, believing that the Third Prince's plan was completely unreliable.

A minister with disdain in his eyes stood up and said, "Your Highness the Third Prince, your idea is too naive. Those wealthy businessmen are all profit-driven. How could they easily cooperate with the court to donate money and grain? This plan is nothing but empty talk." Several ministers nearby also echoed and expressed doubts about the Third Prince's plan.

Changsun Wuwang didn't argue further, fully aware of the principle that too much is as bad as too little. He quietly retreated to his seat, his expression impassive, as if the previous argument had no bearing on him. He understood that he had made an appropriate suggestion, and whether or not it would be adopted was his father's decision. If so, his father would consult with the ministers. He simply had to wait patiently for the right moment and offer his own reasonable suggestions, thus deepening his father's impression of him.

The prince looked at Changsun Hongze with some surprise, then bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the most urgent matter is the war in the north. Please make a decision as soon as possible."

Changsun Hongze nodded slightly, glanced deeply at everyone in the court, and said in a deep voice: "The war in the north is related to the safety of the country, and it should be given priority. Minister Lin, you should immediately count the amount of grain and grass that can be mobilized across the country, and list the grain reserves in various places in detail, and present it to me tomorrow morning. The rest of the ministers should also think of good strategies and make plans for the war in the north." As soon as he finished speaking, he saw Zhang Chengde wanted to speak again, so he immediately stood up from the dragon chair and turned to leave. Eunuch Fuquan flicked his whisk and shouted sharply: "Dismiss the court!" Then he turned around and followed the emperor out of the Golden Palace.

All the ministers saluted and shouted: "Long live the emperor." Then they slowly left the Golden Palace.