Chapter 286: The War Situation is Severe

Chapter 286: The War Situation is Severe

Occupying a position without fulfilling its duties—this phrase indeed describes those court officials. As for incompetence and folly, Song Ye just didn't specify who he was referring to.

Upon hearing this, Song Que's expression finally turned more serious.

"Ye'er, be careful with your words," he said.

Song Ye then closed his mouth, but his expression showed some dissatisfaction.

Song Que sighed and continued, "War is not a simple matter, especially when facing a powerful country like the Great Khitan."

"If we truly break ties with the Great Khitan, leading to a full-scale war between the two countries, the people of Great Jin will suffer greatly."

"If we get bogged down in the quagmire of war, and the Great Jin, watching from the sidelines, decides to intervene, Great Jin might face the danger of collapse."

At these words, Qin Xiaoyao and Song Ye's expressions changed.

But only for a moment, Song Ye's face soon clouded over with displeasure and anger.

Seeing this, Song Que did not get angry.

Instead, he patted his brother's shoulder and continued, "This time, the Great Khitan's invasion is not without reason."

Song Ye immediately looked at his elder brother.

"Previously, many prefectures and states across Great Jin suffered from droughts."

"Take our Hua'an Prefecture as an example; the drought it suffered was among the most severe."

"Hundreds of thousands of people fled their homes, countless died of hunger, or were killed by bandits and marauders."

"Our Lingquan Town was even occupied by mountain bandits. If it weren't for the Second Prince leading troops to eliminate them, Lingquan Town would not have peace now."

"Without going too far, within Hua'an Prefecture alone, there are many examples like Lingquan Town."

"And even now, not all towns and cities have been cleared of banditry."

"This is just Hua'an Prefecture. Across Great Jin, such situations are not uncommon."

At these words, Song Ye fell silent quickly.

Seeing this, Song Que knew his brother had listened and continued, "Great Jin is currently facing internal and external troubles simultaneously."

"If we fight to the bitter end with the Great Khitan, it will be difficult to suppress internal rebellions and quickly restore the livelihood of the people."

"Moreover, the court has spent countless silver and grain on disaster relief, making it hard to raise sufficient military supplies to support the border wars."

"The Great Khitan's invasion at this time is likely because they see this weakness, aiming to take advantage of it to plunder wealth and people."

"If the court seeks peace, the Great Khitan can take the opportunity to extort peace payments and land."

"If the court insists on war and continues to lose, the Great Khitan might seize the chance to destroy Great Jin."

"The latter possibility is something Great Jin cannot afford."

Upon hearing this, Qin Xiaoyao and Song Ye felt a heavy weight in their hearts.

Especially Song Ye, whose small face turned pale with fear.

He had only heard his classmates talk about how the court was inactive, allowing the Great Khitan's iron hooves to trample Great Jin's territory, which he found extremely hateful.

But he did not know that behind this war, there were so many reasons.

If what his elder brother said was true, then Great Jin was truly in a precarious situation.

As citizens of Great Jin, everyone, including him, naturally feared becoming slaves of a fallen nation.

Seeing Song Ye's reaction, Song Que patted his shoulder again to comfort him.

"You are still young; listen to matters of state, but do not take them lightly."

"Do not easily fall for manipulation and incitement, lest you invite trouble."

Although Empress Jia has a broad mind, her followers are not all the same.

There are many who flatter and curry favor, using this to ingratiate themselves with Empress Jia.

In recent years, there have been no shortage of literary inquisitions.

Seeing that Song Ye did not respond, Song Que added, "When you grow older, pass the imperial examinations, enter officialdom, and even ascend to the halls of power, you can advise the emperor. Your words will naturally be heard and could influence the fate and future of the nation."

Song Ye's eyes widened in surprise.

Thus, a seed was planted in his heart by his elder brother.

Qin Xiaoyao, upon hearing Song Que's words, deeply agreed. Her gaze towards Song Que was filled with admiration.

Her husband was indeed extraordinary.

Returning to the Song family residence.

After dinner, the couple washed up and went to bed early.

Then, inevitably, they discussed the most popular topic in Lingquan Town at the moment.

"In my previous life, after leaving with the Second Prince, I no longer paid attention to Lingquan Town's situation."

"But based on the development of the war in my previous life, the Great Khitan did indeed reach Hua'an Prefecture in the end."

"Lingquan Town might be attacked," Song Que said with a frown.

Qin Xiaoyao's expression tightened.

"What should we do? Do we—need to move?" he asked.

Song Que shook his head.

"No need. Hua'an Prefecture is still in chaos in many places. Leaving Lingquan Town might not be safe on the road."

"Besides, Hua'an Prefecture is vast, and Lingquan Town is deep within its territory. The Liao Army might come, but it's not certain."

Qin Xiaoyao still felt uneasy.

Perhaps because the people hated the Liao Army so much, their descriptions of them were far more terrifying than those of bandits.

While bandits had massacred when they entered the city, they didn't continue to slaughter indiscriminately afterward.

But the Liao Army was said to have done many things like capturing slaves and razing cities.

In a place like Lingquan Town, deep within the territory, capturing slaves would be too troublesome, making the likelihood of a massacre greater.

Seeing this, Song Que reached out and grabbed Qin Xiaoyao's hand.

"Don't worry."

"The court has already sent envoys to negotiate with the Liao."

"By the time the Liao Army reaches Hua'an Prefecture, the negotiations will likely be concluded."

"Even if the Liao Army does come to Lingquan Town, they will withdraw soon after."

Qin Xiaoyao nodded and leaned into Song Que's embrace.

Yet, she felt a sense of helplessness rise within her once again.

The last time she felt this way was when the bandits entered the city.

Since coming to this ancient era, she believed that with her unique abilities and unparalleled martial arts, she could protect her family.

But when the bandits entered Lingquan Town, she realized that when the tide of events came, she alone could not control or change anything.

Later, when her husband was in trouble, although she had captured the bandit leader and later killed the second-in-command,

if it weren't for the Second Prince's troops outside the city and his timely attack, she couldn't have saved her husband on her own.

Now, if the Liao Army really comes,

and if they massacre the town, carrying out indiscriminate killings, can she protect her family...

Looking up at her husband, who had closed his eyes and was preparing to sleep, Qin Xiaoyao couldn't help but have some other thoughts.

She and her husband had refused the Second Prince and stayed in Lingquan Town. Was this really the best choice?

If she had people under her command and her husband had power, would they still fear bandits or the Liao Army?

In this chaotic ancient era, human lives are as insignificant as grass.

For an ordinary person to live a peaceful life is extremely difficult...

And according to her husband's memories from his past life, after the Liao invaded, Great Jin would fall into internal strife.

It wouldn't be until three years later, when the Second Prince ascended to the throne, that Great Jin would enjoy several decades of peace.

Could their family survive this flood of turmoil...

Gazing at the handsome face of the man, Qin Xiaoyao felt a deep longing.

After watching him for a while, she moved slightly, got up, and blew out the lamp.

She climbed into bed and fell asleep.