Chapter 105: Fulfilling One’s Duties in Office

“Aunt, you’re so capable, don’t you want to conquer the world with Uncle, competing for the throne?”

Shen Ning put the pot aside and stared at the bowl of hot medicine for a moment before saying, “Actually, I don’t like war.”

“Hmm?” Princess Pingyao was surprised.

“Every war means countless people will die on the battlefield, families will be broken, and wives and children will be separated.” Shen Ning’s tone was calm, “For the country, the cost to the treasury is also enormous. When the treasury is empty, the rulers and nobles will find ways to extort from the people. When they are extorted too much, they can’t survive, selling their wives and daughters, leading to a scene of devastation… Therefore, years of warfare, apart from allowing generals to gain merit, it bring no benefit to the country.”

Princess Pingyao pondered her words, “Although what Aunt says makes sense, war is not something a general can decide on.”

Shen Ning acknowledged, “I only said I detest war, not whose fault the war is. If foreign enemies invade, generals going to the battlefield is to defend the homeland, if the ruler is ambitious, the general is there to expand territory. Standing from different perspectives, one’s attitude towards war is also different.”

Neither Princess Pingyao nor Ji Yucang spoke.

“However, there are often better ways to resolve things.” Shen Ning sat back down on the stool, “If the ruler is wise, values the counsel of virtuous officials, treats military generals well, and does not forget to train the troops during times of peace, making them strong and powerful, then even if foreign enemies have ambitions, they would not dare to invade easily.”

As for developing national strength and enriching the treasury, it all starts with improving the livelihood of the people.

This is not something that can be explained in a few words, specific situations require specific measures.

Princess Pingyao thoughtfully said, “In that case, if I ascend to the throne, I must first work hard for the prosperity of the Yong Kingdom, find ways to appoint strong generals, train an invincible army, and make Yong a strong country that foreign enemies dare not invade?”

“Fulfill one’s duties in office.” Shen Ning said, “If the ruler neglects state affairs, it will lead to the rise of treacherous officials and the suffering of the people. The destruction of the country and the loss of homes may be imminent.”

Princess Pingyao’s lips twitched as she thought about the days after ascending to the throne, probably spent buried in a pile of memorials and the annoyance of the entire court constantly saying, “Presenting to the Emperor.”

She couldn’t help but beat a retreat, “Forget it, I’ll just be my Princess. Enjoying the company of many, what a pleasure.”

Following the routine of attending court and discussing politics was really not her interest.

Not to mention other things, just the fact of having to get up before dawn every day to attend court completely went against her naturally lazy nature. She liked to sleep until she woke up naturally, liked the days without constraints, liked freedom and doing as she pleased.

Thinking about the dull and complicated court affairs and those old fogeys on the court who were past their prime and hopelessly dull, Princess Pingyao felt that being an Emperor was not a good job.

She stood up and bowed solemnly to Ji Yucang, “I spoke too boldly just now, and I apologize to Uncle here. The throne is not something my mediocre abilities can handle, but I can support Uncle in taking the position.”

After saying this, without waiting for Ji Yucang’s response, she turned and left, as if she didn’t want to stay a moment longer.

Ji Yucang and Shen Ning silently watched her hastily departing figure, momentarily at a loss for words.

After a while, she turned to Ji Yucang, “Did I scare her?”

“No.” Ji Yucang’s voice was steady, “She’s very brave, she just has a deeper understanding of the throne now.”

Shen Ning acknowledged and handed the medicine to Ji Yucang, “But if the Princess really wants to back out, what do you plan to do?”

Ji Yucang took the medicine, his gaze resting on Shen Ning’s face, “Don’t you think you would make a great ruler?”

Even with a deep-seated blood feud, she still maintained compassion for all living beings, hating war not out of fear, but simply not wanting to see too many casualties.

Leading the army for seven years was not for military merit, but to end the war as soon as possible and restore a peaceful life for the people.

Such a person, if fortunate enough to be born a man, would surely be the most qualified heir to Nan Dynasty. Now, Nan Dynasty would not face the embarrassing situation of having to borrow troops from other countries.

However, after seven years of warfare, she ultimately did not achieve everything she wanted. The country was ultimately destroyed by the two people she trusted the most.

“Me?” Shen Ning was taken aback, then slowly shook her head, “I’m not capable enough.”

“I think you can do it.” Ji Yucang insisted, as if trying to convince her, “Most of the military power in Yong is in my hands. As long as you’re willing—”

“Ji Yucang.” Shen Ning frowned, not quite understanding his thoughts, “You are of royal blood, even if you seize power by force, it’s within reason. But I’m just the legitimate daughter of the Duke’s household, neither an empress nor a Princess. How could you have such thoughts?”

No matter what her previous identity was or what skills she had, at least here in Yong Kingdom, she was only the daughter of the Duke of the State’s household and now the Regent’s wife.

She had no reasonable grounds to become the ruler of Yong Kingdom.

“If you want it, even if you can’t be an empress, you can still be the Regent Empress.” Ji Yucang reached out and rubbed her head, “The only regret is that we may never have our own children, so…”

Shen Ning felt he was thinking too far ahead.

She really wasn’t interested in being the Regent Empress.

It was just…

Thinking about what she had said to Princess Pingyao earlier, Shen Ning momentarily furrowed her brow.

With Ji Yucang in power, Yong Kingdom was currently still strong, but after next year, if Ji Yucang continued to hold power without letting go, there would be suspicions of him controlling the court.

Some things, by a certain time, should have a clear outcome.

Before, she had been blinded by hatred and didn’t want to think too much about anything. However, after seeing Han Rong, tormenting Han Rong, and satisfying the flames of revenge within her heart, she found that she still hadn’t found a clear goal.

Even though Ji Yucang talked about traveling the world in the future, she felt no anticipation or desire.

From a selfish perspective, she wished for eternal peace in the world, although she knew it was a luxury, she was still willing to do her best.

Deep down, she always harbored compassion for all living beings, perhaps because she had seen too much of life and death during those seven years. People who were alive one moment would forever close their eyes the next.

She had a profound understanding of life and death, so she didn’t want to see the people suffer, didn’t want to see families torn apart, and couldn’t bear to see too much hardship.

But achieving peace in the world might take a very, very long time…

“Shen Ning.” Ji Yucang’s gaze fell on the medicine in his hand, “Don’t you regret it?”

Regret?

Shen Ning looked at him, puzzled, then understood his meaning. After thinking for a moment, she said, “From a rational standpoint, this is a transaction. I cured your poison so you could live longer, and only then do I have the opportunity to use your power to do what I want. So, you don’t need to feel like I did it for you.”