Once the decree to mobilize the troops was issued, none of the military officers objected.
But the Imperial Court erupted.
Countless ministers submitted memorials asking Zhao Guangyi to rescind his decree. Several Chancellors earnestly laid out the dangers, arguing that the Western Regions offered the Great Song no benefits. An arduous expedition was bad enough; even conquering the territory would bring nothing but needless expense.
Some went further, denouncing Zhao Guangyi for recklessly pursuing warfare and draining the nation's strength.
"Your Majesty!"
"You must not campaign against the Western Regions!"
In the Imperial Court.
The assembled ministers bowed again to Zhao Guangyi, pleading with him.
Zhao Guangyi watched them and gave a cold snort.
"Your reasons?"
"Give me a reason to oppose it!"
As soon as Zhao Guangyi finished speaking, a man stepped forward and bowed to him.
Zhao Guangyi's gaze settled on him, and his brows drew together slightly.
"Chancellor Lü?"
"...What wisdom do you have to offer?"
"I would not dare call it wisdom!"
Lü Mengzheng bowed to Zhao Guangyi and said, "Merely a few humble observations. Please give them some consideration, Your Majesty."
Zhao Guangyi snorted and waved a hand. "Speak!"
"A ruler must take the people as his foundation. Since our dynasty's founding, we have campaigned north and south for years, incurring tremendous expense. Now the Central Plains have been pacified, You Yan has been recovered, and the old lands of Hexi belong to our Great Song once more. The seas are calm and the rivers clear throughout the realm. These achievements far surpass those of the Five Dynasties!"
"The proper course now is for Your Majesty to lay down arms, foster peace, and improve the people's livelihood!"
"The Western Regions are exceedingly far away!"
"In the thousand years since Qin, no dynasty apart from the