CHAPTER 293: CHAPTER 293: FEARING TO ACT AGAINST AN ENEMY FOR FEAR OF HARMING ONESELF

"Your Majesty, I once heard a saying, ready to risk life and limb, daring to pull the emperor off his horse."

"The Star-picking Tower has a bit of that meaning."

"To eradicate the Star-picking Tower, one must muster extraordinary ruthlessness."

"Severe problems require strong medicine!"

"With the collective strength of our entire Daxia, removing the Star-picking Tower is not difficult."

The old general Wei Huo, regarded as a pivot by Emperor Xia, stepped out from the crowd and spoke sternly.

In the past, the Three Kingdoms united against the Star-picking Tower, but were forced to compromise by the Tower’s suicidal retaliation.

Now, attempting to eliminate the Star-picking Tower within Daxia’s borders with the power of one country alone will undoubtedly be more challenging.

"Your Majesty, you mustn’t!"

Before Emperor Xia could respond, someone stepped forward to counter Wei Huo, "Your Majesty, the enemy is in the dark, while we are exposed. If the Star-picking Tower employs a scorched-earth strategy, Daxia will surely suffer heavy losses."

"If Beili and Great Yin take the opportunity to wage war against Daxia, then with both internal and external troubles, Daxia would be in great peril!"

The speaker was the current Grand Tutor Lv Shiyi.

Lv Shiyi, an official for over forty years, a stalwart through three reigns, with countless protégés and former subordinates.

As soon as Lv Shiyi spoke, others began to echo his sentiments.

"Your Majesty, even if we target the Star-picking Tower, we must proceed slowly and carefully!"

"If we act hastily, we may not save the Fourteenth Prince, but Daxia will certainly suffer grave damage."

"Your Majesty, please reconsider!"

Lv Shiyi spoke again.

At first glance, Lv Shiyi’s advice seemed entirely for the sake of Daxia’s state and people.

Yet, what his heart truly calculated is a mystery, for people’s hearts are hidden from view.

After all, if war with the Star-picking Tower ensues, their assassins are certain to target the civil and military officials of the court and the nobility’s children continuously, making these people targets.

"Your Majesty, minor impatience will disrupt major plans!"

"Previously, the court was discussing military action against Great Yin. It is really not appropriate to invite extra complications at this moment!"

The Minister of War Pang Yong also stepped forward to advise Emperor Xia.

Emperor Xia glanced at the assembled senior officials and realized that among all the civil and military ministers, those in favor of taking action against the Star-picking Tower could be counted on one hand.

After all, the Star-picking Tower’s retaliation would target all the court’s civil and military officials and their families.

Not only were they afraid, but even Emperor Xia himself was afraid.

Currently, the Star-picking Tower only targeted the Fourteenth Prince. If they were to target all princes and princesses, or even those within the palace, Emperor Xia dared not imagine such a situation.

His ancestors had once acted against the Star-picking Tower but ultimately failed.

Could he succeed?

"Your Majesty, today the Star-picking Tower so recklessly targets the Fourteenth Prince; if tomorrow someone else places a bounty, targeting other princes or princesses, what then?"

Wei Huo spoke in a deep voice, looking at Emperor Xia.

Emperor Xia’s gaze flickered slightly, unsure of how to respond.

Faced with Wei Huo’s question, Emperor Xia could not answer.

And others, whether it was Lv Shiyi, Pang Yong, or anyone else, all remained silent. At this time, they dared not speak.

After all, Wei Huo’s question was too pointed.

"And all of you!"

Wei Huo coldly looked at Lv Shiyi, Pang Yong and others, "Today, the bounty is on the Fourteenth Prince. If tomorrow, the bounty is on you, or your families, what then?"

...

PS: Asking for subscriptions, asking for monthly votes, love you all dearly!