Chapter 2783: A Nation Has Its Orphans

There is one secret about Xi Mengfu that is almost never discussed publicly. But at this moment in Bao Hua Palace, all present are the highest layer of Xia Country, so naturally everyone knows. When Xi Mengfu was born that year, he had six toes on his feet. His birth parents considered him a deformed monster and threw him directly into the river.

It just so happened that a boatman saved him. That boatman was a widower, who had lived alone on his boat his whole life, and he didn't care about idle gossip, so he adopted him. Unfortunately, good times didn't last long. When he was seven years old, one day, guests on the boat saw his six toes and thought he was of a demon bloodline, so they wanted to tie him up to feed to fierce beasts. The boatman came to block them, and was actually beaten to death. He took advantage of the chaos, jumped into the river to escape, and then ran to report to the officials. The person who beat the boatman to death said he was eliminating demons, and that it was not a pity for someone protecting demon creatures to die.

That time, the child still called Xi San'er, stripped himself naked in the hall and asked the adults present, "Where am I a demon?" That official was a reasonable man and sentenced the murderer to public execution. But how to handle Xi San'er troubled him. The boatman was already gone. He finally found his birth father, but the other firmly refused to admit he had given birth to such a thing. The official had no choice but to raise the child himself, as an adopted household servant. But this life also didn't last long. When Xi San'er was nine years old, the county yamen caught fire, and the official's entire family burned to death. Only Xi San'er, who was outside buying goods at the time, escaped the calamity.

Some people said he was a star of heavenly disaster, and that all those close to him would not come to a good end. Some people said he had burned the official's family to death, harboring hatred in his heart, not wanting to be a household servant, but wanting to be the official's son. Some people caught him to question his crime, but they couldn't find any evidence, so they had to release him. Just like this, he was once again homeless. And this time, no one dared to adopt him.

Somehow, this matter came to the attention of Emperor Xia Xiang at the time, who personally issued an instruction to send this child into the national academy. He said, "The country has its orphans, the country raises them." Xi San'er read books and gave himself the name Xi Mengfu. He thought he had a home, and that he was the eldest son of that home, so he took the character "Meng," but he was also homeless, as that widower had lived on the boat his whole life, so he also took the character "Fu." He hoped to have his own home.

Later, there was a time when Emperor Xia Xiang visited the national academy and, on a whim, wanted to test the students' knowledge. The teacher selected six students in total and sent them before the emperor. Among them was not Xi Mengfu, who had the best grades. Xi Mengfu himself knew the reasons for this. The national academy was a place where scholars gathered, but not all scholars could understand reason. Being "strange" itself was a kind of crime. He was already accustomed to it.

But Emperor Xia Xiang said, the teacher's selection didn't count. He didn't want to see woven silk brocade, he wanted to see self-grown thorny weeds. He had people bring the name list, covered the eyes of the accompanying imperial prince, and had the little imperial prince randomly circle a selection. The little imperial prince held the pen and circled, thus selecting seven students.

After Emperor Xia Xiang personally tested them, he was very happy, because one student performed too well. He patted that student's shoulder and said, "You are a good talent of my Xia Country." That student knelt down and asked the emperor, "Do you know I have six toes on my feet?" Emperor Xia Xiang was stunned for a moment and said, "Yes, I know. So, do you have any special ability you want to show me?" This student was naturally Xi Mengfu.

Old matters could not be mentioned by himself. But Liu Xiyi actually uttered the words "Six Toes Thief" today, which was undoubtedly a great humiliation to Xi Mengfu. It was a great denigration of his character and even personality! Therefore, some civil and military ministers who originally wanted to echo Liu Xiyi were silenced for a time. They didn't dare to speak again.

On the throne to the right of the second-level Dan Bi, Min King Yu Li Yang's expression was somewhat unnatural. After all, he was the one who led five True Persons to besiege Jiang Mengxiong, and finally returned without merit, still losing Tai Hua, that True Monarch, the famous master of formation dao. Every sentence Xi Mengfu spoke was like exposing his shortcomings. As for the Six Toes Thief, what Xi Mengfu could not speak of pain, it was irrelevant in reverse.

On the left throne, Wu King Si Jiao had always kept his eyes closed and did not speak, already not knowing where his spirit was wandering. On the Dragon Chair at the highest level, Xia Tianzi sat upright, quietly observing the full court of civil and military officials, as he had done for so many years. He only looked, not spoke. And from within the pearl curtain hanging down behind the Imperial Seat, a dignified female voice suddenly rang out: "State Minister Liu, you have lost your composure!"

Although Liu Xiyi had an explosive temper, he was extremely respectful to the Empress Dowager, especially at this moment when he also knew he had misspoken. He cupped his hands towards the Dan Bi above, then retreated back to his standing position. At this time, only Xi Mengfu remained standing alone in the middle of the great hall. The bright pearls on the dome reflected his shadow, drooping on the ground, as if a soul that had already given up struggling.

He did not speak for a time. Of course, he remembered more details about getting along with the former emperor that year. For example, the imperial prince accompanying the former emperor at that time was the Third Imperial Prince of Xia who was later chopped to pieces by the Life-Cutting Knife when blocking Chong Xuan Chu Liang in the territory. For example, he had actually replied a sentence at that time, saying, "I tried particularly hard." And Emperor Xia Xiang said, "This is the most special ability." For example, that night he went back, covered himself with the quilt, and cried silently for a long time. But he said nothing now.

Empress Dowager Xia's voice said again: "Last year's decision on Sword Peak Mountain was made jointly by the grieving family and all the ministers. So-called this time and that time, the most appropriate decision at that time may become inappropriate after extending the time to today. But if this calamity can be endured, and time is extended by another ten or a hundred years, perhaps it will be right again. Who has eyes that can pierce the future? Even the former sage Bu Lian made ancient mistakes, we don't need to flip through old accounts."

She was not lacking in the courage to admit mistakes, but she could not admit mistakes. Because the one leading this "mistake" was Yu Li Yang. It was Yu Li Yang who failed to counterattack Sword Peak Mountain, it was Yu Li Yang who was repelled by Jiang Mengxiong. In a situation of few against many, Yu Li Yang couldn't even protect Tai Hua! Not defeating Jiang Mengxiong was not a mistake, but not being clear about the situation, misjudging the strength, Yu Li Yang could not escape blame!

But... Min King Yu Li Yang achieved True Monarch in the 17th year of Shenwu, and for a long time, he had always been regarded as the hope for the rise of Xia Country in the Shenwu era - how could it not be a proof of prosperity that a country could still have a newborn True Monarch grow up? He once gave the people of Xia Country too much confidence and courage. He himself was also one of only two True Monarchs of the Derivation Dao in Xia Country, and the foundation for resisting the strong Qi. At this time, how could he be blamed for things that had already happened, for this pillar that supported the heavens?

Empress Dowager Xia's voice was pleasant and kind, containing the nobility and dignity born with her. For so many years, it had always given people a sense of inner stability. With such a speech, she nailed the coffin on the matter of Sword Peak Mountain. Then she said again: "And seeking peace is impossible in itself. It is not that the grieving family is unwilling to give up the state and the country. The foundation left by the former emperor, the grieving family has guarded for him for thirty-two years. If I can meet him in the Nine Springs below, I will not be ashamed. But all the ministers should also think about what kind of person that Jiang Shu is?"

"That year, he was single-mindedly set on swallowing Xia, regardless of multi-party obstruction. State letters from various countries went one after another, and he replied hypocritically while advancing. Only when Yi Tian Guan was truly completed was he willing to retreat. He was not talked back by us, he was beaten back by us!"

"This time, he first secretly transferred Cao Ji, helped Mu Country take Li Yuan City, and promoted the struggle of Mu Jing. Then he fought with Jing Country on Star Moon Plain, won the struggle for Tianjiao, and forced Jing Country to withdraw from Yi Tian Guan. Step by step, he has reached this point, choosing to march one hundred thousand troops eastward during the full-scale war of Mu Jing. Is his determination not clear enough?"

"His wild ambition to swallow heaven has long been evident."

"What he wants is not one city or two cities, not one prefecture or two prefectures. What he wants is the fertile land of my Great Xia's twenty-one prefectures, he wants the accumulation of my Great Xia's thousand years of history."

"If my Great Xia does not perish, it will be difficult for him to sleep peacefully!"

Empress Dowager Xia's voice echoed in Bao Hua Palace, giving everyone a sober awareness, breaking that still existing fantasy of ceding land and seeking peace.

"Empress Dowager is wise!" The commander of the Town Country Army, Long Jiao, stepped forward. This was a tall and sturdy man, born with a dignified appearance, and even in Bao Hua Palace, he was in full armor. He had a firm quality, giving people an unbreakable feeling. At this time, he only said: "Jiang Shu has the ambition of a wolf, his desires are bottomless. To make him retreat, we must let him know that this hard bone of Xia Country will break his teeth!"

He lifted his head and faced the supreme ruler of the entire Xia Country: "This minister wears armor today and can go to war at any time! If this minister dies in battle, there is no need for a coffin, let the horse hooves step on it, and let the flesh and blood mix into the soil of Xia!"

"Good, Long Jiao!" Empress Dowager Xia's voice from behind the pearl curtain said: "Worthy of being a famous general of my Great Xia, not failing the name of bravery!"

The two contrasted, further showing Xi Mengfu's timidity. In the strange gazes of many ministers, Xi Mengfu's face still had no expression, as if he fundamentally didn't know what shame was. He only said: "It is easy for Great Xia to lose a general. Thirty-two years ago, many died. But how difficult is it for Great Xia to build a strong army! General Long, if you die in battle, and the horse hooves step on it, it's done and over. If the Town Country Army is annihilated, how will you explain it to me?"

After Liu Xiyi was speechless, Xi Mengfu's words were obviously sharper. Long Jiao turned to look at him, still maintaining relative respect: "National Master, whether to fight or not, it all depends on the Empress Dowager's word. I can only say that if it is for war, I will not hesitate to die. My tens of thousands of soldiers, with the name of Town Country, dare not die in time of national peril?!"

Xi Mengfu slightly nodded, indicating respect, then said: "I respect your courage, but your death may not solve the problem. The annihilation of ten thousand Town Country Army itself is a huge problem!"

"May I ask National Master!" Feng Guo Gong Zhou Ying walked out at this time: "What do you think can solve the problem?" As the head of the famous Zhou clan in Xia Country, Zhou Ying was a contemporary True Person on par with Tai Hua. He naturally had doubts about Xi Mengfu's confidence and qualifications. And he was indeed not polite.

"Cede one city?"

"Cede one prefecture?"

"Send a surrender table?"

"Reduce the emperor's title?"

He took a step forward, then asked a question. The more he asked, the sterner his expression became, the more intense it became. His words were like knives and spears.

"Like that Lord of Zhao Country, wagging his tail and begging for mercy, 'Willing to be a Marquis of Qi'?"

"Or say—" He walked to Xi Mengfu's front, almost face to face with him: "Wait until you are the National Master of Qi Country, then the problem will be solved?" His gaze was already frighteningly cold, and he sneered: "It seems we are not considering the same problem!"

The atmosphere in the great hall was already very solemn. But at this time, another voice continued: "It's a pity that Qi Country is too big, and with the strength of Real Person Xi, it's unlikely to become a National Master!" The speaker was Guang Ping Hou Li Fu. Although Li Fu was not a contemporary True Person, the Li family had a long history and a deep foundation. As a hereditary Marquis, he was not lacking in the confidence to face Xi Mengfu.

Yang Ling Hou Xue Chang said coldly again: "What are you thinking, Guang Ping Hou! Qi Country fundamentally has no position of National Master!"

"Then this Marquis was wrong." Li Fu repeatedly apologized, and then pretended to be doubtful: "Then what is a certain person calculating? The state's great kindness and heavy rewards, has it really raised an unfamiliar ingrate?"

Long Jiao had fought for the country for many years, accumulating merits cast with fresh blood. As a person, he was also low-key and upright, with an excellent reputation in court and among the people. His expression of willingness to go to war was repeatedly forced by Xi Mengfu. It was truly unbearable. Those who had earlier thought State Minister Liu's words were too excessive were now unable to feel sympathy for Xi Mengfu. For a time, emotions ran high. From Feng Guo Gong Zhou Ying to Guang Ping Hou Li Fu, and then to Yang Ling Hou Xue Chang, their words were more intense than the last. Long Jiao himself, at this time, didn't say a word. As he himself said, he only had the determination to die in battle, and no intention to target anyone specifically.

And Xi Mengfu only quietly looked at these people, waiting for them to finish their back and forth, finish scolding, and then said: "It seems all lords think that seeking peace is not a way." As he spoke, his gaze swept over the full court of dukes and ministers, as if soliciting each person's opinion. Seeing that he seemed to have a change of heart, Zhou Ying coldly snorted: "I have flipped through history books and have never heard of peace being sought in the world!"

"Oh, it is like this." Xi Mengfu nodded, as if he had indeed been persuaded. Then he said again: "Since seeking peace is not possible, this old man still has a strategy!"

"National Master, please speak without hesitation." Empress Dowager Xia's voice from behind the pearl curtain said: "So-called court discussion is to speak freely and debate the right from wrong. No matter how others see it, the grieving family is willing to listen to your opinion." Thus, Zhou Ying, Li Fu, and Xue Chang all quieted down for a time.

And Xi Mengfu stood in the middle of the hall and first said: "I must assume all lords already know about An Guo Hou's trip to Chu and his return without merit." An Guo Hou Jin Ling went to Chu as an imperial envoy, stating the relationship of lips and teeth perishing together, and respectfully inviting Chu Country to send aid troops. This had begun since the battle on Star Moon Plain. But Chu Country seemed not to care who their eastern neighbor was, or perhaps they had other plans. In any case, they were unmoved. This was also one of the reasons for the gloom and sadness up and down Xia Country now. Looking around the world, there was really no one who would give them the face of relying on Qi Country.

Xi Mengfu said loudly: "This old man thinks that it is not that Chu cannot come to aid, but that An Guo Hou's method is not right! We should exhaust the land south of Huai Qing Prefecture and present it to the Chu Emperor. In this way, when the Qi army marches south, will they fight or not? When the Chu army marches west, will they defend or not? Let the two tigers fight each other, and my Great Xia can rest easy!"

In Bao Hua Palace, the ministers looked at each other for a time.

------ Out of Topic Words ------Thank you to book friend "Frost Lan," for becoming the alliance master of this book! This is for the 280th alliance of Red Heart Patrolling Heaven! Thank you to book friend "An An Jing Jing Jie Men" for becoming the alliance master of this book! This is for the 281st alliance of Red Heart Patrolling Heaven!