Chapter 209: Officials make things difficult for each other, and brothers are at odds with each other
Chu Shizhao smiled and explained: “We can discuss trade rules together and set up multiple trading points on the border so that all tribes can participate.”

“Moreover, Da Zhou will ensure that trade is fair and just.”

The leaders whispered to each other, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.

Seeing this, Dawa became anxious. He was worried that the peace talks would be disrupted by other tribes.

“Brothers, the conditions proposed by His Highness the Fourth Prince are indeed good. If we can cooperate, it will benefit everyone.”

Dawa tried to persuade other tribes.

……

at the same time.

In the capital, when officials learned that Chu Shizhao actually wanted to negotiate with the barbarians from the grassland, they expressed their opposition.

There was an uproar in the court.

“Your Highness, this is too hasty. How can you easily negotiate peace with the barbarians on the grasslands?”

An old minister was the first to stand up and oppose.

“Yes, this move is a loss of dignity for our Great Zhou!”

Other ministers echoed this.

The second prince Chu Shiren and the third prince Chu Shiyu took advantage of the situation and secretly ordered people to fabricate stories that Chu Shizhao had ulterior motives, and that his cooperation with Caoyuan Manyi was fake and that he was actually secretly cultivating his own power.

These rumors spread quickly in the court.

“Have you heard? The Fourth Prince is negotiating with the grassland tribes in order to use their power to strengthen himself. He has a rebellious heart!”

“That’s right! Maybe he is secretly colluding with the grassland people and intends to rebel!”

Chu Shiren pretended to be worried in the court and said: “Father, this matter is of great importance. I hope you can investigate it thoroughly to prevent my fourth brother from going astray.”

Chu Shiyu also said: “Yes, Father, my fourth brother’s actions are really hard to understand. I hope you can consider it carefully.”

Emperor Yongjin sat on the dragon throne with a gloomy face. He looked at the ministers arguing in the court and thought in his heart.

“Pass on my order and let Chu Shizhao return to the capital as soon as possible. I want to ask him clearly in person.” Emperor Yongjin finally spoke.

……

Meanwhile, at the border peace talks, Chu Shizhao was still trying to convince the tribal leaders.

After some discussion, the leaders finally reluctantly agreed to the plan proposed by Chu Shizhao.

“Your Highness, in view of your sincerity, we will temporarily agree to this peace plan. But if you dare to go back on your word, our tribes on the grassland will never let you go.” A leader said solemnly.

Chu Shizhao was overjoyed: “Don’t worry, everyone. I, Chu Shizhao, guarantee with my character that I will abide by the agreement.”

At this time, Chu Shizhao received an order from Emperor Yongjin asking him to return to Beijing.

His heart sank, knowing that something must have gone wrong in the capital.

“General Zhang, there is an imperial decree from the capital asking me to go back.”

“Although a preliminary agreement has been reached in the peace talks here, you will still need to take care of the follow-up matters.”

“However, you don’t need to worry. I have already made arrangements for the specific plan and strategy. All you have to do is follow my plan!”

Before leaving, Chu Shizhao warned Zhang Gan with some concern.

Zhang Gan nodded: “Your Highness, rest assured, I will do my best. But I hope you will be careful when you return to Beijing.”

Chu Shizhao, along with a few trusted aides, immediately set out on the official road back to the capital.

The scenery outside the car window passed by quickly, but his mind was not at all on the scenery along the way.

He knew very well that he would face many difficulties when he returned to Beijing this time, so if he wanted to escape unscathed, he had to make some arrangements in advance!
[As soon as Chu Shizhao entered the capital, he was surrounded by a group of ministers at the city gate. ]

[The leader is the Chief Censor, Lord Wang.]

[His face was gloomy, and he questioned sharply: “Fourth Prince, I heard that you negotiated with the grassland tribes at the border and privately agreed to many conditions. Is this true? With such actions, where does the dignity of our Great Zhou stand?”]

Chu Shizhao was prepared and responded calmly: “Lord Wang, peace talks are for the long-term benefit of the Great Zhou. The war at the border is tense and the people are suffering. This move is aimed at stopping the war and creating an opportunity for the peaceful development of the Great Zhou. How can it be considered as disregarding our dignity?”

[However, Lord Wang refused to give in: “Your Highness, although what you said is reasonable, it is unreasonable to make a decision without consulting the court.”]

[At this time, several other ministers echoed: “That’s right, Your Highness’s action was too hasty, and you should give an explanation to the court.”]

[Chu Shizhao tried to explain, but the ministers refused to listen and the situation became deadlocked.]

After the first simulation, Chu Shizhao frowned. He concluded that the omission of this simulation was that he underestimated the intensity of the ministers’ attack, and the response method was too conventional, which failed to effectively control the situation. It seems that he needs to prepare more convincing arguments in advance next time, and skillfully guide public opinion to win the support of some ministers.

[At the city gate, facing Lord Wang’s questioning, Chu Shizhao smiled and took out a document from his arms, and said loudly: “Lord Wang, ministers, this is the detailed agreement of the peace talks. This peace talk was not decided by me alone. As early as the early stages of the discussion, I sent pigeons to ask for advice from many adults in the court. Many of the terms were also based on the suggestions of the adults.”]

[As he spoke, he handed the document to the minister beside him for reading: “This records in detail the plan for trade exchanges and the considerations for the long-term interests of our Great Zhou. Peace talks can not only save the people at the border from the suffering of war, but also enhance the national strength of our Great Zhou through mutual exchange of goods and services.”]

[After reading the document, some ministers nodded slightly and their attitudes softened.]

[But Lord Wang remained firm: “Even so, Your Highness has given the grassland tribes many concessions during the peace talks. Are they too generous?”]

Chu Shizhao was prepared: “Lord Wang, the grassland tribes are suffering from drought. If we don’t help them now, when they recover, war may break out again.”

[“Giving preferential treatment is to appease them, and it can also demonstrate the benevolence of our Great Zhou.”]

[“And, in the long run, the gains from trade will far outweigh these concessions.”]

[But some ministers still raised objections: “This is just your Highness’s one-sided statement. Who can guarantee future benefits?”]

Although Chu Shizhao prepared documents as arguments in advance and won the support of some ministers for this deduction, he failed to effectively respond to the ministers’ doubts about future benefits.

It seems that the next step is to prepare some more sufficient and specific economic data and case analysis in order to truly convince these high-ranking officials.

[At the city gate, Chu Shizhao faced the ministers’ difficulties and first presented the peace agreement document, explaining in detail the background and significance of the peace talks.]

[Then he took out an account book: “My Lords, this is the account book of estimated trade revenue that I asked the officials of the Ministry of Revenue to calculate in detail.”]

[“Based on past trade data with other surrounding areas, this trade with the grassland tribes is expected to increase tax revenue in border areas by 20% in the short term. In the long run, the boost to the domestic economy is immeasurable.”]

[Ministers passed the account books around, and many of them looked surprised.]

[Lord Wang still tried to refute: “Although the account books are there, the world is unpredictable. If something unexpected happens, all these profits will be gone.”]

[Chu Shizhao responded calmly: “Lord Wang is right, so I have formulated a comprehensive response plan.”]

[“In terms of the management of the trade market, a special agency will be set up to strictly supervise the transaction process; in terms of dealing with emergencies, sufficient supplies and troops will be reserved to ensure that nothing goes wrong.”] [At this time, a minister stood up to support Chu Shizhao: “Your Highness the Fourth Prince has considered everything carefully. This peace talk may really bring new opportunities to our Great Zhou.”]

[However, just when the situation eased a little, the second prince Chu Shiren suddenly appeared: “Fourth brother, you said it so lightly.”]

[“But is there any hidden purpose behind this peace talk? Are you trying to use this opportunity to build up your own power?”]

This time, although he used data and plans to respond to the ministers’ doubts about the benefits, Chu Shiren’s sudden appearance disrupted the rhythm, and the previous response strategy was insufficient for such malicious speculation.

It seems that it is time to find something for this good brother of mine to do.

[At the city gate, after Chu Shizhao had dealt with the ministers’ questions about the peace talks, Chu Shiren suddenly appeared and started a fight.]

[Chu Shizhao responded solemnly, “Second brother, what do you mean by that?”]

[“I am only concerned about the country and the people of the Great Zhou Dynasty and the well-being of the people.”]

[“This peace talk has gone through many hardships and difficulties. I have worked hard day and night just to bring an opportunity for peaceful development to my Great Zhou.”]

[“Second brother, while I am busy with border affairs, you are spreading these groundless suspicions in the capital. I wonder what your intention is?”]

Chu Shiren’s face changed: “Fourth brother, please stop slandering me! I’m just concerned about the court’s affairs.”

[Chu Shizhao sneered: “Care about the court’s affairs?”]

[“Why didn’t my second brother give me any support during the peace talks with the grassland tribes, but instead spread rumors behind my back in an attempt to disrupt the peace talks?”]

[“Is this how you care about the court?”]

[After hearing this, the ministers all turned their eyes to Chu Shiren, their eyes full of doubt.]

【Chu Shiren was speechless for a moment, not knowing how to respond.】

[At this time, the third prince Chu Shiyu also came over: “You two, you two, please don’t hurt the harmony.”]

[Chu Shizhao knew that Chu Shiyu’s appearance at this time was definitely not to act as a peacemaker. He knew without thinking that the other party must have some ulterior motive.]

[However, in order to solve the current dilemma, Chu Shizhao still nodded slightly in agreement with the other party. ]

[“Third brother is right, but this peace talk has already achieved initial results. If we take a long-term view now, the grassland tribes may think we lack sincerity, which will affect the hard-earned peace situation.”]

[“Third brother, you don’t want to see the war at the border start again, do you?”]

This time, Chu Shizhao directly turned the blame for the entire incident towards the brothers Chu Shiren and Chu Shiyu.

This is truly a great idea that kills two birds with one stone.

Not only did he successfully resolve the ministers’ difficulties, effectively countered Chu Shiren’s malicious speculation, but he also cleverly blocked Chu Shiyu’s words.

But he also knew that the situation in the court was complex and changeable, and he still needed to remain vigilant.

After that, I had nothing to do along the way anyway.

Chu Shizhao took advantage of this gap to conduct several more simulations, constantly refining various possible situations and response strategies.

Corresponding response plans were formulated one by one in response to whether Chu Shiren and Chu Shiyu would unite and whether these ministers in the court might raise other tricky questions.

After many deductions and improvements, Chu Shizhao finally deduced a relatively satisfactory response strategy.

When he leaned out again and looked outside through the carriage window.

At this moment, the carriage had unknowingly arrived near the city gate of the capital.

As the carriage slowly stopped.

Chu Shizhao, who had been through a long journey, immediately tidied his clothes, then got out of the car with a calm face, and walked towards the people who had been waiting for a long time at the city gate.

It seems that he is ready to deal with the coming turmoil.

……

Here, Chu Shizhao had just gained his foothold.

Among the officials, the chief censor, Lord Wang, stepped forward and began to question them.

“Your Highness, I heard that you negotiated with the grassland tribes at the border and privately agreed to many conditions. Is this true?”

“With such behavior, where does the dignity of our Great Zhou stand?”

“Shouldn’t you give an explanation to the officials and His Majesty?”

Seeing all this, the result was almost the same as what I had deduced.

Chu Shizhao immediately put on an appearance of having a clear conscience and bowed slightly to the other party.

“Sir Wang, let me explain this matter in detail.”

“This peace talk was not a private decision. As early as the beginning of the action, I sent a pigeon letter to the court with the intention of peace talks and the preliminary plan, and presented it to the emperor for review.”

“During this period, we also received valuable suggestions from many adults, and the peace agreement was reached through repeated discussions on this basis.”

After that, Chu Shizhao signaled his attendants to present a thick document: “This is a record of the entire peace talks, including the correspondence between me and my father, as well as the final terms of the agreement. I hope that Lord Wang and all the lords will take a look at it.”

The ministers passed the documents around and many of them nodded slightly.

Lord Wang did not give up. “Even so, Your Highness has given the grassland tribes many concessions during the peace talks. Are they too generous?”

“This may be a loss of dignity for our Great Zhou.”

“We are the great Celestial Empire. Shouldn’t those barbarians pay tribute to us?”

Chu Shizhao smiled and responded: “Lord Wang, the grassland tribes are in trouble due to drought. If we don’t lend a helping hand now, when they recover their strength, the border will surely be in flames again.”

“Giving them preferential treatment is, firstly, to appease them and avoid the suffering that war would bring to the people; secondly, it is also an opportunity to demonstrate the benevolence of our Great Zhou.”

He looked around with a determined look: “More importantly, from a long-term economic perspective, this is an extremely cost-effective move.”

As he spoke, Chu Shizhao took out another account book.

“My Lords, please read this. This is the revenue estimate that the Ministry of Revenue officials have calculated in detail based on past trade data and the current peace talks plan.”

“It is expected that in the short term, tax revenue in border areas will increase by 20%. In the long run, the boost to the domestic economy will be limitless.”

“Trade exchanges will provide a broader market for our silk, tea, porcelain and other specialty products. At the same time, we can introduce high-quality cattle, sheep, fur and other resources from the grasslands to promote the development of various industries in the country.”

(End of this chapter)