"When the court envoy arrived in Jingzhou, he would first come to Jiangling to proclaim the decree, then go among the barbarians on his mission. Even if he intended to investigate thoroughly, that would happen only after he returned from the Barbarian Tribes. But if barbarian soldiers intercepted and killed him on his way there, gentlemen, what do you think would happen?"
The idea startled everyone. Each man pondered it, and for a moment the room was silent as a nest of crows and sparrows struck dumb. Kong Changyu murmured, "That would mean war..."
"Exactly!" Li Jingxuan raised his brows, turned, and pointed:
"That would mean war!
That would mean the Southern Man declaring war on our great Southern Qi!
There would be no room left for reconciliation!
Even if the Imperial Court wanted to quiet the matter and keep the peace, it could not propose it. The guilty barbarians would have to be crushed first!
But the Imperial Court would never willingly send a great army all the way to Jingzhou to campaign against the barbarians.
First, much toil for little gain. Second, victory would bring insufficient glory, while defeat would damage its prestige. Third, the treasury is empty, and northern barbarians threaten the north. Just look at the kidnapping of the Duke's son: the Imperial Court sent an envoy, not the Imperial Guard.
So unless there is absolutely no alternative, His Majesty will not weary an army with a distant expedition. Yet the barbarian threat must still be quelled. Who will quell it?
Once war begins, Jingzhou becomes a war zone. With the Prince stationed here, could there be a more suitable choice than him?
The Prince need only apply a few more measures and stir several Barbarian Tribes into rebellion together! The Imperial Court will surely reopen