However, there are already a group of pessimists among the courtiers. They believe that Daxia has been weak in recent years, and if a major war breaks out, Daxia's defeat will be certain.

It is not possible to subjugate the country. After all, the Great Xia has a vast territory, and there are many people in the world. Although there are many strong people, although they will not participate in the war, if the country really faces subjugation, these strong people in the world will definitely take action to jointly resist foreign enemies.

The country will not be destroyed if the country is destroyed, but there will definitely be no shortage of treaties such as land cessation and indemnity. After all, after losing the war, foreign enemies cannot let Daxia off so easily. The conditions that should be demanded are definitely not less, such as food, grass, cloth, land, etc.

The courtiers listening behind Zhao Wujiang and others were extremely attentive, their hearts were turbulent, and they had different thoughts. The words of the courtiers who put forward different opinions would also cause many colleagues to think seriously and consider whether it was feasible.

The ministers chatted more and more speculatively under the light snow. Someone next to Zhao Wujiang made a suggestion. There will be no morning meetings in the next two days. Why not have a banquet to eat and chat today?

Most of the courtiers readily agreed that in the depth of winter and the cold weather, wouldn't it be fun to eat and drink in the warm pavilion?

Soon, the courtiers met at the Furong Restaurant in Kyoto to have a luncheon. Except for some officials who were unable to leave their posts, everyone who could spare time would attend the banquet.

Zhao Wujiang and Liu Zhe both held their hands in their sleeves, looked at each other, and smiled dumbly. They both saw some cunning in each other's eyes, as if they were making plans at the same time.

————

Noon.

Furong Restaurant.

The courtiers exchanged cups and cups and talked with each other about the anecdotes of the court.

After three rounds of drinking, the ministers were all drunk and became less reserved and more bold. They were not stingy or worried that their opinions were insufficient, and they all opened their mouths to express their opinions.

What aspects of border defense should be focused on, and whether more supply lines should be opened just in case.

Should we recruit more troops and recruit people from all walks of life to join the war?

Opinions were put on the table one by one, some questioned and some agreed.

Zhao Wujiang sat slumped comfortably on the couch, drinking wine into his heart and keeping silent. He swayed the white jade wine glass with his right hand, rubbed his fingers with his left hand, and listened quietly to the speeches of the courtiers.

Liu Zhe and Dugu Yihe moved their heads slightly closer and exchanged words in low voices.

The Minister of Hubu and the Minister of Industry left their seats with wine in hand and walked towards Zhao Wujiang to make a friendly toast.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Finance has been rising to high positions this year, and he has received a lot of help from Zhao Wujiang. He is also a member of the Liu family in the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce, and is considered to be in the top half of businessmen. When toasting, he was respectful and grateful to Zhao Wujiang.

.

He did not shy away from making many financial suggestions to Zhao Wujiang. For example, he could give Zhao Wujiang part of the annual dividends from the Liu family of the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce.

For example, if Zhao Wujiang needs something, the Liu family will definitely provide it if they have it, and if they don't have it, they will do their best to find it, etc.

The Minister of the Ministry of Industry also came to thank Zhao Wujiang. It was Zhao Wujiang who allowed him, a provocative minister, to see the power of gunpowder that he had never seen before. It was also Zhao Wujiang who asked for credit for being the person in charge of the two ministries and one temple among the courtiers.

He still remembered that he was a supporter of Xuanyuan Yuheng before, but he was threatened by Xuanyuan Yuheng's Gu insects. It was Zhao Wujiang who relieved him of the power of the Gu insects and made him return to his lost ways.

Now Zhao Wujiang does not care about the past grievances and his previous faction, and trusts him.

Therefore, he admired Zhao Wujiang from the bottom of his heart for his gentleness, humility and tolerance.

Zhao Wujiang returned the drink with a gentle smile, his eyes were deep, and he said with a smile:

"Two adults, how much money did you bring with you today?"

The Minister of Industry and the Ministry of Household were full of doubts. They wondered what Zhao Wujiang was suddenly asking.

After all, the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance is half a businessman, and his mind is more flexible. He suddenly remembered that Zhao Wujiang held a banquet for the ministers to raise donations to fill the treasury.

At this moment, Xu Shi heard Zhao Wujiang's question. Liu Zhe, who was sitting aside and chatting in a low voice with Dugu Yihe, filled a glass of wine for himself, and looked at each other with a smile. Both of them were looking at each other.

Smiling, like two foxes, one big and one small.
Chapter completed!