The Second World in Ancient Times

Recently, the news of the invasion by barbarians from the border areas has swept across the country like a surging tide, and wherever the news reached, it caused an uproar.

"Jinshu, look at the atmosphere in this palace. The laughter and joy of the past are long gone, and now everyone has a worried look on their face." I whispered to the female official beside me.

Jinshu nodded slightly. "Your Majesty, it's not just the palace that's in such a state of panic. The people outside the palace are even more worried. I heard that in the marketplace, the people are all worried about whether the barbarians will attack them at their doorsteps and how they will survive."

I sighed softly, "This is human nature. Foreign enemies are coming with such force, who wouldn't be afraid? I only regret that I can't put an end to this war immediately and let the people return to peace."

As I was speaking, the king's attendants arrived, summoning me to the imperial study. I quickly tidied my clothes and hurried off.

The atmosphere in the imperial study was oppressive and suffocating. The king sat on the dragon throne, his brow furrowed, while the ministers flanked him, their faces solemn.

After I bowed to the king, I asked softly, "Your Majesty, have you summoned me? Is there any new news about the war on the border?"

The king looked at me, his eyes filled with fatigue and worry. "My beloved, the barbarian offensive is becoming increasingly fierce, and several important towns on the border are in imminent danger. I have summoned my ministers today to discuss countermeasures, but their opinions are divided, and I am at a loss as to what to do."

At this time, an old minister stood up and said tremblingly, "Your Majesty, I believe that the barbarians are so ferocious that if our dynasty fights them head-on, we will suffer heavy losses. It is better to seek peace for the time being and promise some money and property in exchange for temporary peace. Once our dynasty has recuperated, we can make plans later."

As soon as he said this, a young general immediately retorted, "Your Excellency, this is wrong! The barbarians are greedy and insatiable. Asking for peace today will only make them more aggressive. How can our dynasty, a great nation, bow to the barbarians? We must send troops immediately and fight them to show them the power of our dynasty!"

The old minister's beard trembled with anger. "General, you are young and full of vigor, but do you understand the cruelty of war? Once a war breaks out, countless lives will be lost. How much suffering will the people have to endure?"

The young general stood firm, saying, "Sir, if we simply seek peace, where will our dynasty's dignity be? Where will the fervor of our soldiers be? Are we to sit idly by while the barbarians trample upon our land and slaughter our compatriots?"

For a time, quarrels broke out in the court, and the ministers each insisted on their own opinions and refused to give in to each other.

I watched the chaotic scene with a surge of anxiety. I stepped forward and said to the king, "Your Majesty, arguing at this moment is pointless. Seeking peace and accepting war both have their pros and cons, and we must carefully consider them. But regardless, the most urgent task is to stabilize the people's hearts, both within the court and among the common people. If people panic, the country will be like a pile of sand, making it even more difficult to deal with external enemies."

The king nodded, "My beloved concubine, you are absolutely right. But the people are so panicked, how can we stabilize them?"

After a moment's thought, I said, "Your Majesty, I suggest you issue an imperial edict to demonstrate the court's resolve to the people, telling them that the court will defend the country with all its might, will not give up a single inch of land, and will not allow the people to suffer unnecessary sacrifices. At the same time, you should order local governments to open their granaries and release grain to provide relief to those displaced by the war, so that they can feel the court's care."

After hearing this, the king's eyes showed a hint of approval: "My beloved concubine, this is a very good plan. I will draft an edict immediately."

After the imperial edict was issued, I said to the king, "Your Majesty, I would like to hold a blessing ceremony in the palace and invite the concubines, palace maids, eunuchs, and the families of the ministers to participate. Firstly, to pray for the soldiers and civilians on the border, and secondly, to use this opportunity to bring some comfort and unity to everyone in this time of panic."

The king agreed, "My beloved concubine, you have considered this matter very carefully. I will leave this matter to you to arrange."

During the preparations for the blessing ceremony, I consulted with the concubines.

One of the concubines said worriedly, "Your Majesty, will this prayer really work? I am truly afraid."

I looked at her and comforted her, "Sister, praying may not directly repel the barbarians, but it can calm our hearts and let the soldiers and civilians know that we are with them in the rear. In this difficult time, we must believe that God will protect our country."

On the day of the blessing ceremony, everyone gathered in the palace square. Incense smoke curled up, and the sound of chanting echoed everywhere. I stood at the front, hands clasped together, and prayed silently in my heart.

"May God have mercy on us and protect our soldiers on the border to return safely, and protect the people from the suffering of war, so that this country can return to peace as soon as possible." I murmured softly.

After the ceremony, I spoke with the families of several ministers.

A minister's wife said, "Empress, this prayer has given me some peace of mind. When I return, I will inform my family and ask them not to panic and to trust the court."

I smiled and said, "Thank you, Madam. The country is in trouble right now and needs everyone's cooperation. If you have any difficulties, please let me know and I will do my best to help."

However, despite all the efforts, the panic in the country has not completely dissipated.

"Your Majesty, news has come from outside the palace that some wealthy businessmen want to flee the capital with their families and property. They are worried that the capital will be occupied by barbarians." Wanqing reported to me anxiously.

I frowned. "These wealthy businessmen, in this time of national crisis, only care about their own interests. If we allow them to do this, it will surely cause even greater panic."

I immediately went to the imperial study and informed the king of this matter.

The king was furious: "These people are so short-sighted! I will never allow them to disturb the people's hearts."

I said, "Your Majesty, please order the gates of the capital to be sealed and prohibit anyone from leaving the city at will. At the same time, send people to persuade those wealthy merchants, making them understand that only by preserving the country can their property and status be preserved."

The king nodded. "I will follow your words, my beloved concubine. I will also have the Ministry of Justice investigate those who spread rumors and mislead the people. I will show no mercy."

After dealing with the wealthy businessman, another minister came to report that prices in various places began to soar, especially daily necessities such as food and salt.

The minister said worriedly, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, prices are skyrocketing. The people simply can't afford to buy anything. If this continues, it will definitely lead to a civil uprising."

After a moment's thought, I said, "Your Majesty, you can order the Ministry of Revenue to allocate some grain and salt from the national treasury and sell them at a fair price to stabilize prices. At the same time, send people to investigate whether anyone is hoarding goods. If so, they will be severely punished."

The king agreed, "My beloved concubine, this plan is feasible. I will also have local officials monitor the market to ensure the normal supply of goods."

In this moment of national crisis, I've been running around the palace, discussing countermeasures with the king and striving to stabilize people's hearts. But I know this is only the beginning. More challenges await us, and I must face them with strength, for the sake of the country, the people, and everyone in this palace.

As time went on, the country's crisis became more serious.

"My queen, refugees from the border areas have begun to pour into the interior. They are ragged and hungry, and many places can no longer accommodate them." Jinshu said to me with a worried look on her face.

My heart ached. "These poor people have suffered so much. I cannot sit idly by and watch."

I immediately gathered everyone in the harem and said, "Sisters, refugees are pouring in from the border areas and they are in urgent need of our help. I have decided to set up a refugee shelter in the harem. Everyone can donate their unused clothes and bedding. At the same time, we can also organize the palace maids and eunuchs to help take care of the refugees and provide them with food and shelter."

The concubines responded one after another: "Your Majesty, we are willing to do our best to help you."

I then said to the king, "Your Majesty, relying solely on the harem's power is far from enough. You should order local officials to set up temporary tents outside the city to house the refugees. At the same time, arrange for doctors to treat the injured and sick refugees to prevent the spread of the disease."

The king nodded. "My beloved, you always find a solution in times of crisis. I will issue the order immediately."

In the refugee shelter, I personally visited the refugees.

An old woman, holding her child, knelt before me and cried, "Empress, you are a good person. Our home is gone, and our loved ones are all dead. If it weren't for you, we really don't know what we would do."

I helped the old woman up, tears in my eyes. "Don't worry, Auntie. You won't be abandoned in this country. The court will find a way to let you live a good life again."

However, the ministers in the court had differences on how to deal with the refugee problem.

One minister said, "Your Majesty, there are too many refugees. If this continues, they will consume a large amount of supplies and become a heavy burden on the country. It would be better to send them back to the border and let them find their own way."

I looked at him angrily. "Sir, how can you say such heartless words? These refugees are also our people. They have suffered persecution at the hands of the barbarians and now come to the interior to seek asylum. How can we turn them away?"

Another minister said, "Your Majesty, I am not heartless, but the country is facing many difficulties and cannot bear so many refugees."

I said, "Sir, the country is in trouble and the people are suffering. As subjects, we should share their suffering. We can organize the refugees to participate in some productive labor, such as reclaiming wasteland and building water conservancy projects, so that they can become self-sufficient, while also preparing for the country's post-war reconstruction."

After hearing this, the king said, "My beloved concubine, your words are very true. I will follow your advice and arrange for the refugees to participate in production labor."

Amidst the agonizing dilemmas of this national crisis, I strive to balance the conflicts and problems faced by all parties, attempting to find a glimmer of order amidst the chaos. But I know this is but a drop in the bucket. To truly resolve the national crisis, I need a complete victory, driving the barbarians from our territory. But how easy is that? I gaze at the still gloomy sky, silently praying for a turnaround.

While dealing with the refugee issue, I also did not forget to pay attention to the families of the soldiers on the border.

"Jinshu, go and take a look at the families of the soldiers on the frontier to see if they need help. I want to hold a condolence event for them in the palace to let them know that the court has not forgotten their relatives who fought bravely on the frontier." I instructed the female official.

Jinshu took the order and left. Not long after, he returned to report, "Your Majesty, after statistics, we have found that the families of many soldiers on the frontier are living in poverty. In particular, after the pillars of the family went to the battlefield, only the elderly, women, and children are left. They are facing the dilemma of lack of food and clothing."

I felt a pang of sadness: "These soldiers are fighting for their country on the frontier. We must never let their families suffer."

I gathered everyone in the harem and said again, "Sisters, the families of the soldiers on the frontier are having a hard time right now. We must lend a helping hand once again. Everyone can donate your jewelry and belongings to provide the soldiers' families with the necessities of life. At the same time, arrange for the palace maids and eunuchs to visit them regularly and help with whatever they can."

The concubines responded one after another, and some even took out their most precious jewelry.

"Your Majesty, this is my most beloved jade pendant. Although it is worth a lot of money, it is nothing compared to the sacrifices made by the soldiers on the frontier. I hope I can do something to show my appreciation for their families." said a concubine.

I was moved and said, "Sister, I've taken note of your kindness. I'm sure the soldiers and their families will be grateful to you, too."

During the condolence activities, I met many families of soldiers.

An old woman took my hand and said, "Empress, my son is fighting on the frontier, and I worry every day. But seeing how much you care about us, I'm relieved. I will pray for my son at home, hoping he returns safely."

I comforted her, "Auntie, your son is a hero. The court will take good care of you, and you should also take care of yourself."

However, the strategic decision-making on border wars continued to be debated within the court.

A military advisor said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, in my opinion, we can adopt a circuitous tactic, avoiding the barbarians' frontal attack and attacking from the flank, cutting off their supply lines and causing them to fall into chaos without fighting."

A veteran general countered, "While this plan is sound, it's too risky. If our army penetrates deeply into the heart of the barbarians, we'll be ambushed and the consequences will be disastrous. We'd better hold our current defenses and wait for the barbarians to reveal a flaw before striking."

I listened to their argument and said to the king, "Your Majesty, both of your plans have merit. Perhaps we could consider a comprehensive approach, sending a small force to test the barbarians' strengths and weaknesses while strengthening our defenses and preparing for a protracted war."

The king pondered for a moment. "My beloved concubine, your words make sense. I have decided to send an elite reconnaissance unit to investigate. At the same time, I will order the border garrisons to reinforce their defenses and stockpile supplies."

In the vortex of this national crisis, I kept shuttling between the harem and the front court, trying to coordinate relations between all parties, stabilize people's hearts, and do my best to deal with the invasion of barbarians.