Chapter 189: Game Of Strategy
Commander Gao was not good at beating around the bush. After just a few words, he said, “If the Pei Family Army fully supports the Emperor with its current momentum, the Emperor will surely not mistreat the Pei Clan after unifying the empire.”
Pei Qinghe did not answer but instead asked, “Did the Emperor ask you to privately convey this, or did Commander Gao gauge the Emperor’s thoughts and come forward on your own to persuade me?”
Commander Gao stared fixedly at Pei Qinghe. “The Emperor’s thoughts don’t need gauging. Even a rough man like me can see them clearly.”
“Back then, when the Pei Clan was exiled, His Highness the Prince personally saw them off. At Sixth Sister Pei’s one word, His Highness knew he would be reprimanded by the Crown Prince upon return, yet he still sent his confidant guards to escort the Pei Family old and young.”
“After I returned to the Eastern Palace from Youzhou, His Highness privately inquired repeatedly about Sixth Sister Pei’s situation.”
“In these two years, after being enthroned as the Son of Heaven, His Highness has cultivated an expressionless demeanor. Only upon hearing news of Sixth Sister Pei does he show emotion.”
“When the news of the Pei Family Army’s great victory over the Fanyang Army reached the Emperor’s ears, the Emperor insisted on appointing Sixth Sister Pei as a fourth-rank military general despite opposition from all officials. He also ordered me, the Commander of the Son of Heaven’s Guards, to come and proclaim the imperial decree.”
“Sixth Sister Pei is one of the smartest people under heaven. How could she not know the Emperor’s intentions? Why play coy in front of an old acquaintance like me?”
After four years apart, the inarticulate Gao Yong now had clear thoughts and sharp words.
It was evident that Emperor Jian’an’s situation was truly dire. Even the rough and reckless Gao Yong had been honed to speak sharply.
Pei Qinghe smiled faintly. “Commander Gao first asked the Pei Family Army to fully support the Emperor, and now says these things. It seems that I, Pei Qinghe, should go through fire and water for the Emperor, even to the point of shattering to pieces, to repay the Emperor’s favor.”
Commander Gao was choked up for a moment.
In the end, His Highness the Prince’s casual act of kindness back then, and the so-called youthful feelings, did not carry that much weight. They could not sway Sixth Sister Pei’s cold and firm intentions.
Pei Qinghe had no intention of falling out with Commander Gao. After a few sarcastic remarks, her tone softened considerably. “The Pei Clan elders are now all in Bohai Commandery, and the Pei Family Army has pledged loyalty to the Emperor. Money and grain, weapons, warhorses, and military expenses are all handled independently by the Pei Family Army, without troubling the Emperor in the slightest. Defeating the Fanyang Army has brought face to the Emperor. The Emperor can use the Pei Family Army’s momentum to slightly suppress the Bohai Navy.”
“I think the current situation is already sufficient. What does Commander Gao think?”
Commander Gao was poked at his soft spot, and his tone softened as well. “Sixth Sister Pei’s loyalty and righteousness are all seen by the Emperor. Of course it is sufficient. It is I who am too greedy, hoping that Sixth Sister Pei will lead troops to Bohai Commandery.”
Pei Qinghe said, “The Pei Family Army’s foundation is in Yan Prefecture. Once they leave, they will end up like the Beiping Army, handing over their territory to others.”
“Moreover, General Zhang cannot tolerate the Pei Family Army. If I really went, it would surely arouse General Zhang’s wariness, and internal strife might arise. The Emperor certainly does not wish to see the Pei Family Army and Bohai Navy turn against each other.”
Emperor Jian’an wanted to use the Pei Family Army to curb the Bohai Navy’s arrogant and domineering arrogance, not have the two armies clash outright.
If it really came to that, Emperor Jian’an, this puppet Son of Heaven, would have even his last fig leaf torn away. If General Zhang was pushed to desperation, he might kill Emperor Jian’an and declare himself king.
Pei Qinghe did not voice these words.
Commander Gao, deeply trapped in his predicament, naturally understood all of it.
Commander Gao’s tone softened further. “Sixth Sister Pei thinks thoroughly. It is I who was too presumptuous.”
Pei Qinghe smiled. “Commander Gao’s unwavering loyalty to the Emperor is admirable. I am different from Commander Gao. I am the Pei Clan Leader, bearing the heavy responsibility of revitalizing the Pei Clan. With three thousand elite soldiers under my command and several thousand villagers in the village, I must be responsible for everyone. I cannot act impulsively on a burst of passion alone.”
“Bohai Commandery—I cannot go, and I will not go.”
“There is a saying: do not put all your eggs in one basket.”
“By staying here and holding Yan Prefecture, focusing on training troops, one day if the Emperor faces danger, the Pei Family Army will be the Emperor’s retreat and the confidence for rising again.”
Commander Gao rose with a grave expression, cupped his hands, and bowed solemnly. “Sixth Sister Pei thinks deeply. I, Gao Yong, am far inferior.”
Pei Qinghe smiled and helped Commander Gao up. “Commander Gao, please rise quickly. You and I are both loyal to the Emperor; we just fulfill our loyalty in different ways. There is no better or worse.”
She then smiled and teased, “The Emperor appointed me as a general, and it was Commander Gao who personally proclaimed the imperial decree. Commander Gao should change how he addresses me!”
Commander Gao chuckled. “Look at me, so careless. I actually forgot about that. General Pei, please do not take offense.”
Pei Qinghe smiled radiantly. After they were both seated, she personally poured tea for Commander Gao.
Commander Gao was flattered and hurriedly gave thanks. He gripped the tea bowl with his large hand and drained it in one gulp.
Pei Qinghe smiled casually and asked, “Early next year, the Emperor will be out of the mourning period. Is it time to welcome Miss Zhang into the palace?”
Commander Gao inexplicably felt somewhat embarrassed, but this matter was known to all and could not be concealed. “Yes. The wedding date is set for February next year.”
General Zhang truly could not wait a moment longer. Since happy events are inconvenient in the first lunar month, the wedding date was set for the second month.
A trace of mockery flashed in Pei Qinghe’s eyes, but she smiled and said, “Miss Zhang has deep feelings for the Emperor and has always quietly stayed by his side. The Emperor should marry Miss Zhang into the palace as soon as possible to become the Empress, so as not to disappoint Miss Zhang’s affections.”
Commander Gao coughed. “The Emperor wants to co-opt the Zhang Family, so the position of Empress must go to Miss Zhang. However, the Emperor will later bring in favored women to the palace and grant them the position of Imperial Consort.”
His expectant gaze drifted back and forth across Pei Qinghe’s face.
Pei Qinghe seemed not to catch it and smiled. “I wonder which miss has such luck.”
No matter how thick-skinned Commander Gao was, he could not bring himself to say such shameless words as “that lucky person is you, General Pei.” He awkwardly changed the subject. “The Pei Family Army is full of talents. Pei Yun, Gu Lian, and Feng Chang are already independently leading troops. Pei Yan, Mao Hongling, Sun Cheng, and others are all fierce generals.”
“And that shrewd and capable Steward Shi manages the money and grain accounts in perfect order, leaving General Pei without worries.”
Pei Qinghe smiled and continued, “Commander Gao has a good eye. In just a few short days, he has figured out the Pei Family Army’s lineup. Steward Shi sought refuge with the Pei Family Army two years ago and has always worked diligently. He is capable and sufficiently loyal. It is only right that I put him in an important position.”
Commander Gao looked at Pei Qinghe with implication. “There are quite a few women in the Pei Family Army who have married men into the family. Presumably, General Pei will also marry a son-in-law in the future.”
Pei Qinghe smiled and said, “I am busy leading troops and training every day, with no time to think about these things. If the Emperor asks in detail later, please help me report to the Emperor that I, Pei Qinghe, have only the country and its people in my heart, with no time for romantic love.”
Pei Qinghe’s gaze was calm, her expression composed.
Commander Gao locked eyes with Pei Qinghe for a long time but ultimately conceded defeat. “I have noted General Pei’s words.”
