CHAPTER 190: CHAPTER 188: THE EMPRESS’S INSTRUCTION

Inside the royal palace at night, Eldest Princess Annie was reporting the day’s events to the Empress.

"The Earl of Brandelis was right; you indeed behaved too indecisively, Annie." After listening to Eldest Princess Annie’s report, the Empress shook her head slightly disappointed: "Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures. Earl of Brandelis was not wrong. In these times, hesitation is not an option. We must swiftly remove those opposing us by any means necessary to stabilize the Empire’s political situation."

Clearly, the Empress’s thoughts and attitude aligned with Perfikot’s belief that the potential opposition and threats should be quickly resolved.

However, Eldest Princess Annie still had some difficulty understanding and said: "But Mother, you used to teach me that when the Royal Family handles such matters, there must be irrefutable evidence, leaving no room for argument?"

"That is under normal circumstances. The Royal Family needs solid evidence, merely to protect its reputation, not because clearing away dissidents requires evidence." The Empress was somewhat helpless, feeling that perhaps she had educated Eldest Princess Annie to be a bit too naive: "Annie, you must understand, you are thinking as an Empire leader, not just as a princess, a general, or a knight.

In some matters, the Royal Family indeed needs undeniable evidence, leaving no rebuttal, but at certain times, what we need is swift decisiveness, rendering speechless opposition."

Speaking of this, the Empress couldn’t help but sigh: "Earl of Brandelis is indeed exceptionally talented. At such a young age, she already sees through the essence of all this. Truly, the younger generation is to be feared! If she were not too young and lacking in prestige, she could entirely replace Duke of Gloster.

Her political talent is on par with her prowess in alchemy, though she might prefer using more straightforward methods to solve problems."

Upon hearing the Empress’s praise of Perfikot, Eldest Princess Annie couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow in disbelief: "Does young Perfikot really have this ability? The way she handles problems doesn’t seem particularly exceptional to me. With such straightforward methods, is she not worried about inciting civil unrest and attracting more opposition?"

This was precisely Eldest Princess Annie’s concern; she feared that overly aggressive measures might lead to unnecessary social criticism and instability.

"How do you still not get it?" The Empress was somewhat helpless, sighing because of Eldest Princess Annie’s lack of understanding, having to break the matter down and explain it to her: "In times of peace, stability is most important, for only peace and stability can bring prosperity.

This is precisely why, in times of peace, we need to handle every matter cautiously, avoiding irreversible situations.

However, in extraordinary times, it’s the opposite. As decision-makers, what’s needed is decisiveness and determination, even if you’re uncertain what the consequences might be, you must make a decision immediately.

Just like deciding on an attack direction during wartime, any indecisiveness will cause you to miss opportunities.

The reason Earl of Brandelis is pushing you to make a decision is also a test of whether you possess the determination and capability to shoulder the responsibility of leading the Empire during this critical juncture.

She even thoughtfully prepared the standard answer for you. Do you think why she mobilized the steam knights today? To show off her military might? No, that’s done to show you! Telling you that even if you mess up, she can cover your back!"

Upon saying this, the Empress sighed again, shaking her head as she said: "Looking at it now, you are still lacking much in crisis management. You should have immediately mobilized the Imperial Guard Knights and the Guard Army, clearing all the opposition with overwhelming force.

This not only can deter potential opposition but also proves to everyone that the Royal Family has both the capability and resolve to maintain the Empire’s stability, while also leading the people through this disaster.

This is the answer Earl of Brandelis wanted, yet you have disappointed her twice already. If not for your close friendship with her mother, you also having taken care of her before, Earl of Brandelis might have already decided to stop supporting you."

Hearing this, Eldest Princess Annie couldn’t help feeling remorseful, regretting why she wasn’t more decisive.

Perfikot is willing to sacrifice her reputation to save the Empire, yet she as the Royal Family has shown a lack of responsibility, which makes Eldest Princess Annie, who prides herself as a knight protecting the people, feel deeply ashamed.

Seeing that Eldest Princess Annie seemed to have come to realize this, the Empress nodded in comfort.

Though it was already somewhat late, timely understanding is still not considered too late, now everything is still not considered too late.

Nevertheless, the Empress then asked Eldest Princess Annie: "So do you understand what to do now?"

"Have the Intelligence Bureau compile a list for arrests, then send out Imperial Guard Knights and the Guard Army to seize them." Eldest Princess Annie thought for a moment, in addition to repeating the measures the Empress had mentioned, she added some of her own ideas: "Additionally, dispatch troops to block ports and roads, doing this with the greatest impact, and immediately execute any who dare resist during the arrests, directly charging them with treason without public trials after capture."

Having realized, Eldest Princess Annie finally demonstrated her decisive side as a soldier, deciding to handle everything with the most aggressive means she could think of.

However, the Empress still shook her head, supplementing her advice: "That’s still not enough, you must also directly confiscate all their assets."

"Confiscate their assets?" Eldest Princess Annie didn’t quite understand why she should seize the opposition’s assets.

"Because the doomsday response plan requires massive funding, and the money raised by Earl of Brandelis selling assets plus what you have previously gathered is far from sufficient." Upon saying this, the Empress couldn’t help but show some sighs: "As a solitary child from a baron’s family, Earl of Brandelis could have ignored all this, with her intelligence, she could very well survive splendidly on her own under doomsday.

But because of your persuasion, she decided to help the Empire, even though the Empire has let her down once.

The Empire owes her a great deal in this matter, so the Royal Family must spare no effort in supporting her! Because only by doing this can we ensure the Empire’s survival."

Upon saying this, the Empress’s expression became very solemn, she said earnestly to Eldest Princess Annie: "My daughter, you must remember, Earl of Brandelis is the key to ensuring the Royal Family’s survival and the continued existence of the Victor Empire in this disaster!"