bayedsolid Chapter 2074 Improving Treatment
Chapter 2074 Improving Treatment
Feng Anguo's analysis, based on the complexity of real-world governance, directly points out the potentially huge hidden dangers in Chu Ning's strategy.
Feng Anguo's words immediately resonated with the other generals.
They may not be good at governing local areas, but they all know the importance of a stable rear for the front lines.
General Ran Ming frowned and echoed in a gruff voice, "Your Majesty, what Lord Feng said makes sense!"
"I'm a rough man, but I know that forced relationships won't be happy. Who knows what these people from Wei are really thinking?"
"If we recruit some half-hearted guys who stab us in the back during a battle, that would be no joke! We can trust the soldiers we bring from our hometown!"
After a moment's thought, Zhao Yu also released his statement, taking a more militaristic approach:
"Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, the newly recruited soldiers have not undergone rigorous training and are hardly fit for important tasks."
"Especially in this sensitive area, if we hastily send troops, not only will their combat effectiveness be questionable, but we will also need to divide our forces to guard against them, which may distract our troops and weaken the combat power of our main army."
"It would be more reliable to conscript troops from the heartland of the country, even though it would take a little longer."
Even the usually taciturn Guan Yun stroked his beard and said, "Your Majesty, I also feel that this matter requires caution."
"To appease the people is the best long-term solution. If conscription leads to local unrest, it is tantamount to putting the cart before the horse."
Xue Huaide nodded in agreement: "Your Majesty, the soldiers have been fighting bloody battles for days and are exhausted both physically and mentally. Each legion also needs time to reorganize, process the prisoners, and train the existing troops."
"Introducing a large number of unreliable new recruits at this time may cause instability in the army and chaos in management. It would be better to postpone this plan."
In an instant, almost all the core generals sided with Feng Anguo, pointing out the drawbacks of recruiting soldiers locally.
They raised objections from multiple perspectives, including public sentiment, military morale, combat effectiveness, and rear stability.
Inside the main hall, the atmosphere, which had just eased due to the report of the battle results, became somewhat heavy again because of this future decision.
All eyes turned to Chu Ning on the throne, awaiting his final decision.
Inside the palace, the candlelight shone brightly, yet a subtle silence fell over the unexpected decision Chu Ning had made.
The generals' reasons for opposing the local recruitment of soldiers were reasonable and stemmed from a prudent consideration of the overall situation. They had assumed that the emperor would heed their advice and postpone the proposal.
However, Chu Ning sat upright on his throne, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest, his deep gaze sweeping across the faces of each general.
The look in his eyes did not convey displeasure at being questioned, but rather a confidence and decisiveness that transcended the current battle situation and overlooked the overall global trends.
He spoke slowly, his voice not loud, yet carrying an undeniable power that clearly reached everyone's ears, breaking the silence in the hall:
"What you, my dear ministers, have said is wise and insightful in your advice on governing the country, and it all comes from a public-spirited heart. I am very pleased."
He first acknowledged everyone's concerns, then abruptly changed the subject, his tone suddenly becoming more assertive:
"However, you have all overlooked one point, which is that times have changed and the tide has turned in our favor!"
He leaned forward slightly, his gaze piercing, as if it could penetrate the palace dome and see the vast star map of the Nine Provinces:
"The world is in turmoil now, and the situation of nine dynasties coexisting has long since become a mere formality!"
"In this battle, Li Jing's hundreds of thousands of troops were wiped out, and the Tang Kingdom lost nearly half of its elite forces, suffering a severe blow!"
"Looking across the world today, who else can rival my Great Chu? Only the dying Li Tang!"
His voice carried an overwhelming sense of pride and confidence: "The victory in this battle is not about the gain or loss of a single city or place, but about establishing a firm foundation for the entire world!"
"My prestige and the power of the Great Chu will surely spread to every corner of the Nine Provinces with this great victory!"
"The hearts of the people, whether they are Wei citizens, Qi citizens, or others, do not depend on who can represent the general trend of unification and who can bring them peace and order!"
He looked intently at Feng Anguo: "Minister Feng is worried that the people's hearts are not yet won over. How could I not know?"
"However, precisely because of this, we should take the initiative to embrace them, rather than fearing them like tigers and pushing them out the door!"
"At this moment, our Great Chu, riding the wave of its great victory, is in the air with boundless vigor. It is the perfect opportunity to win over the hearts of people from all directions and turn former enemies into our own people!"
"If one lacks even this kind of courage, how can one talk about conquering the world and unifying the universe?"
Immediately afterwards, Chu Ning revealed his true strategy: not to forcibly conscript, but to use a combination of kindness and coercion, prioritizing winning hearts and minds.
"As for how to win their hearts, I already have a plan."
He spoke calmly and clearly: "First, improve the pay and rations of the soldiers recruited locally, so that their treatment is equal to, or even slightly better than, that of veterans in our country, to show that I treat everyone equally and without any favoritism!"
"Secondly,"
He emphasized, "For all families that enlist in this army, their family members' taxes will be reduced again, and they will be exempt from paying taxes for three years!"
"And the local government should take good care of his family and resolve his worries!"
Chu Ning's gaze swept over the generals, his voice resounding: "Gentlemen, consider this: for ordinary families, what is fundamental? It is livelihood, food and clothing, and security!"
"I have bestowed generous salaries upon his sons and nephews, and enabled their families to enjoy the tangible benefits of tax reductions. Furthermore, I have demonstrated my power and the momentum of unification to their future!"
"With a combination of kindness and severity, as long as our Great Chu governs properly and rewards and punishes fairly, given time, why should we worry about the people's hearts not being won over or the army's morale not being solid?"
"They may have been citizens of Wei before, but they will become the most loyal and courageous guards of our Great Chu!"
These words were like parting the clouds to reveal the sun, peeling away the layers of doubt in the hearts of the generals.
Chu Ning did not simply dismiss their concerns, but instead, from a higher strategic perspective, pointed out the necessity and feasibility of proactively integrating forces by taking advantage of the great victory.
They also put forward specific and highly enticing measures to appease and win over the people. This was no longer just a simple military recruitment effort, but a well-thought-out political battle for popular support.
The worry on Feng Anguo's face gradually faded, replaced by deep thought and admiration.
He bowed first, and said loudly with heartfelt admiration, "Your Majesty's wisdom is profound and insightful!"
"This old minister is foolish and dull, failing to grasp Your Majesty's profound meaning, merely clinging to old ideas. Hearing Your Majesty's words is like a sudden awakening!"
"Your Majesty not only saw the potential danger, but also the way to break the deadlock. The combination of kindness and severity is truly the best strategy! This old minister has no further objections!"
Ran Ming, Zhao Yu, Guan Yun, Xue Huaide, and the others also realized what was happening and showed admiration on their faces.
Yes, His Majesty did not act rashly, but rather with a complete plan.
Riding the wave of a great victory, coupled with tangible benefits, there is indeed a high probability that the people of this region can be won over quickly.
Their previous concerns stemmed more from military caution, but they failed to consider the overall picture from a political and strategic perspective like His Majesty has.