Chapter 109: Discussing Strategies And Assigning Tasks
After discussing the affairs of Xiangzhou, everyone’s gaze shifted to other locations on the map.
Xiao Yi, having just experienced the feeling of offering suggestions, inwardly mused that there would likely be no further opportunities for him to speak.
Just then, an official from the staff reported, “Mister Wei Renpu came out of the hall. Upon his return, he said, ‘My Lord, Ma Duo’s reply has arrived.'”
Xiao Yi, with sharp eyes, saw that it was not a reply at all, but clearly a betrothal letter.
Guo Wei did not look at it and directly summoned Li Chongjin, handing it to him.
“Wang Wenbo, the marriage alliance you proposed is now a success.”
Wang Pu smiled slightly and was about to reply.
“So it’s you!”
Li Chongjin suddenly became angry, pointing at Wang Pu and spitting, “It was you, you scholar, who gave that rotten idea.”
“Whether the idea is rotten or not will be clear after the General’s marriage,” Wang Pu bowed with a smile and said, “General, you may proceed to Shen Prefecture to fetch the bride.”
“Now?”
“If we delay further, killing Liu Xin will be difficult.”
“You mean…”
Li Chongjin stopped mid-sentence, then abruptly turned to Guo Wei, silently cupped his fists.
“Li Chongjin, I order you to lead one hundred elite soldiers, disguised as a wedding procession, to Shen Prefecture to join forces with Ma Duo. Await my order, then advance into Xu Prefecture to take Liu Xin’s head. Do not be early, nor late.”
“Understood!”
Li Chongjin accepted the order and asked, “In that case, fetching the bride is a pretense…”
“It is genuine,” Guo Wei said, “Your father-in-law and son-in-law are united; do not let this important matter be mishandled.”
“Nephew… I receive your command!”
Li Chongjin’s eyes were tearful, his face filled with grief and indignation. He accepted the order and withdrew.
He Fujin stroked his beard and laughed, “This dark-skinned fellow is getting the advantage and still acting as if he’s suffering.”
Thus, the strategy to divide the southern feudatories was largely decided.
Xiao Yi’s gaze fell upon Xu, Yan, and Yun prefectures. He thought that since Murong Yanchao was dead, the small flags on the map had not yet been changed; it must be that the new military governors had not been appointed.
Indeed.
“Regarding the military governor of Taining Army, what are everyone’s thoughts?”
Xiao Yi’s heart stirred. Compared to guarding the gates, he also wanted to be a military governor, a feudal lord, free and unfettered.
Although from the map, Yan Prefecture’s territory was not large, squeezed alongside Xu and Yun prefectures, it was likely a place of conflict… More importantly, he was currently unqualified.
“Murong Yanchao’s son, Murong Jixun, has self-proclaimed himself military governor of Taining Army and submitted a petition for forgiveness. What are everyone’s thoughts?”
“Dispatch a new military governor and kill him.”
“Are there any candidates? Let everyone discuss.”
Xiao Yi thought that going to Yan Prefecture to cut the grass by the roots would also be good, to prevent Murong Jixun from targeting him, the “murderer of his father.”
“Xiao Yi impaled Murong Yanchao, showcasing the might of the vanguard army. I believe Guo Chongwei could be dispatched to govern Yan Prefecture,” said He Fujin.
“That is not advisable,” Wang Jun said, “If Guo Chongwei is openly transferred to Yan Prefecture, it will surely frighten Liu Yun and prevent him from entering the capital.”
Wang Yin said, “There is one person who accompanied my Lord in pacifying the three prefectures, and was the first to break through the city. He is capable of carrying this important responsibility: the main commander of the Right Wing of the Imperial Guard’s Control Crane Guard, Han Lingkun.”
“You are quite unreserved in recommending relatives,” Wang Jun sneered. “Although Han Lingkun is brave, he is not suited to govern a feudatory.”
“He is not only brave, but he also implemented a policy of reducing taxes to attract refugees.”
“Using him will still frighten Liu Yun,” Wang Jun said, turning to Guo Wei, “We should dispatch Yan Yan, the Scholar of the Hall of Illustrious Affairs, to temporarily govern Yan Prefecture.”
Wang Yin said, “How can a civilian be a match for Murong Jixun?”
Wang Jun said confidently, “Yan Yan already has a strategy. He has beforehand contacted Cui Zhoudu, the judge of Taining Army, and Yan Honglu, the Sima. They will cooperate from within and without, and will surely eliminate Murong Jixun.”
Although Xiao Yi felt Wang Jun had ulterior motives, he also approved of this strategy.
Indeed, Guo Wei said, “Select one hundred elite soldiers to escort Scholar Yan to his post in Yan Prefecture.”
“Understood.”
Wang Jun agreed and pointed to Yun Prefecture, saying, “Gao Xingzhou has managed Tianping Army for over ten years. Although he did not follow Liu Chengyou’s orders to send troops, he reinforced his border in Yun Prefecture, observing the prevailing wind. His intentions are unclear. In my opinion, we should dispatch a contingent of troops to station in Yun Prefecture, ostensibly fearing Murong Yanchao’s rebellion, and ask Yun Prefecture to temporarily supply grain and fodder. Allow them to station troops there and observe his attitude.”
Xiao Yi had little interest in this task; serving as a guest army was not particularly meaningful.
Wang Yin, however, objected, “Gao Xingzhou’s refusal to send troops has already shown his stance. Acting rashly will only alienate the feudatories.”
He Fujin stepped forward and said, “I have an old acquaintance with him and know his temperament. As long as we increase his enfeoffment, generously bestow wealth, and transfer his son to a prominent position in the Imperial Guard as a hidden hostage, Yun Prefecture can be secured.”
“Will he agree to that?”
“He is old and weak, and has no will to fight. His son is only twenty-four years old. If he receives a high position and great wealth and honor in the Imperial Guard, how can he refuse?”
Thus, the matters of Yan and Yun prefectures were settled.
Wei Renpu pondered, “The biggest concern right now is that Liu Yun might not come to Kaifeng, and instead join forces with Liu Chong.”
“What are your insightful suggestions, Daoji?”
“Use the Empress Dowager’s name,” Wei Renpu said. “Liu Yun is most afraid of my Lord killing him or taking him hostage. We should ask Empress Dowager Li to issue a decree summoning him, to show that my Lord is returning power to the court and the Empress Dowager is overseeing affairs. Then, send an envoy to Xu Prefecture, stating that the officials deeply wish for Liu Yun to ascend the throne, and if he hesitates, Liu Xin might contend for the position, thus provoking his ambition.”
“How about Feng Dao as the envoy?”
“There is a more suitable candidate.”
Having said this, Wei Renpu turned and looked at Xiao Yi.
“Xiao Lang, you are the Commander of the Inner Guard officially appointed by Empress Dowager Li, and you have received her generous rewards. How about you go to Xu Prefecture to welcome Liu Yun?”
Xiao Yi had not expected to receive such a mundane task, but he saw a hint of deeper meaning in Wei Renpu’s eyes. He replied, “I am willing to serve my Lord.”
Wang Jun said, “Sending this junior is not as good as sending Feng Dao.”
Wei Renpu laughed, “Xiao Yi is a lucky general, capable of breaking the Liu clan’s destiny.”
This reason left Wang Jun speechless for a moment.
“Liu Yun may not trust easily,” Wang Yin said, “I have an item that can dispel his wariness.”
At that moment, Wang Yin suddenly produced something from his sleeve and held it up with both hands.
Xiao Yi recognized the item; it was the Imperial Guard Military Tally from last time, which had somehow found its way back to Wang Yin via Guo Wei.
Guo Wei said, “Tell Liu Yun that I am willing to hand over command of the Imperial Guard. Once he ascends the throne, I will lead the Tianxiong Army back to Ye Du to resist the Khitan.”
“Your subordinate receives the order.”
Xiao Yi stepped forward and took the Imperial Guard Military Tally.
No one objected to this. Guo Wei’s command of the army relied on his merit and prestige from pacifying the three prefectures, not on a few pieces of metal.
Finally, everyone’s gaze turned to Hedong.
“Liu Chong is the strongest,” Wei Renpu said with a grave expression. “Even if he does not ally with the other feudatories, he is a formidable enemy.”
Guo Wei said, “I will personally lead the troops north.”
A single sentence, and the matter was settled.
The council concluded, and everyone took their leave.
As Xiao Yi was about to leave the main hall, he saw Wang Jun waving at him. He stopped and waited to hear what he had to say.
Wang Jun looked at him with a scrutinizing gaze and asked, “Since Li Ye knew the imperial treasury was emptied, why didn’t he keep a portion of the heavy gold for himself? Did you not see it?”
“May I ask, if Minister Wang were to walk over twenty li to Yingling, could he carry heavy gold?”
“The junior speaks without sense.”
Guo Wei said gently, “Brother Xiufeng is dedicated to state affairs. You are a junior and must be considerate.”
“Yes.” Xiao Yi thought that Wang Jun was likely eyeing more than just gold, so he said, “The thirty qing of land bestowed by the Empress Dowager, I am willing to offer to my Lord to reward the soldiers.”
“What nonsense is this? The Empress Dowager bestows it upon you, and I would immediately take it away? Is there such a greedy and stingy person in this world?” Guo Wei waved his hand, “Take it with peace of mind, and go.”
“Yes.”
Xiao Yi turned to Wang Jun, his tone calm, “Minister Wang is forthright. Although you have repeatedly rebuked your subordinate, it has always been for state affairs, not personal matters. I bear no resentment.”
Wang Jun snorted coldly, but it seemed to be received well, as he said nothing further for the moment.
Xiao Yi left the hall and faintly heard conversations behind him.
“Wenzhong, you are foolish! Today I enfeoffed the Nanyang King to that old scoundrel An Shenqi. What about Gao Xingzhou and Fu Yanqing?”
“Brother Xiufeng, please do not be agitated. The situation requires it…”
He exited the courtyard.
In the front courtyard, Wei Renpu and Wang Pu were talking privately. Seeing someone approach, they paused. Upon seeing it was Xiao Yi, they continued.
“Others become more steady with age, but he becomes more arrogant.”
“My Lord has relied on him for military advice since pacifying the three prefectures. This time, his entire family remaining in the capital was also killed. My Lord feels a certain sense of past acquaintance and guilt towards him. Do not contradict him; just go along with him.”
Wang Pu, being quite upright, did not accept this. He stiffened his neck and said, “How can we agree to everything he says? And how can he be infallible?!”
With that, he flicked his sleeve and left.
Wei Renpu smiled wryly and turned around.
“Xiao Lang, do you also have any grievances to express?”
“I only have many unclear details about this trip to Xu Prefecture and would like to seek advice from Mister Wei.”
“Xiao Lang, your primary task will be to prevent Liu Yun from borrowing troops from Hedong. You must pay close attention to the messengers traveling between this father and son.”
“Understood. Reassure Liu Yun, and prevent Hedong from sending troops.”
“We need to ask the Empress Dowager to write a personal letter to allay his wariness. If you can persuade the Empress Dowager to write it, that would be best. If not, you can ask Li Tao to persuade her; he is quite eloquent. When you reach Xu Prefecture, do not forget to mention the Empress Dowager first.”
“Alright.”
“The entourage can only consist of twenty people. Two eunuchs will be personally chosen by the Empress Dowager; three officials from the Ministry of Rites and two guides will be dispatched by me. They will provide you with intelligence on Xu Prefecture. You will then choose twelve of your elite subordinates, armed with lamellar armor and short weapons.”
Xiao Yi asked in a low voice, “Does Mister Wei have any other instructions?”
The two looked at each other, and Wei Renpu shook his head slightly.
“No rush. As long as Liu Yun is willing to enter the capital, the longer it takes, the more leisurely we will be in dealing with Hedong.”
“Good.”
“If anything changes in Hedong, I will send you word at any time. At that point…”
Wei Renpu stopped speaking here.
Xiao Yi understood implicitly.
After the conversation, as he was about to leave, a servant from the Guo Residence hurried over.
“Xiao Lang, please wait. The cotton cloth you sent the other day, the lady of the rear mansion instructed that if you came, she must thank you in person. Please take this.”
Xiao Yi thought for a moment and said, “Please convey to her that I was previously ordered to escort the young lady, fulfilling my desire for merit. The gift of cloth was merely a small token of my regard. I will be busy with official duties from now on and will not disturb her further.”
Originally, he hadn’t thought much of their interactions, but Old Pan’s mention of marriage had made him realize.
Thinking of Guo Xin’s lonely and bored appearance, he felt a pang of melancholy, but since he had no intention of marrying for the time being, he could no longer interact with her without restraint. She should understand what he had said today.
After she finished her mourning period, those feelings would likely fade.
The saying goes, “Why provoke if you don’t intend to marry.”
He rode his horse back to Xuanwu Gate. A servant from the Li Residence was waiting outside the gate. Seeing him arrive, the servant stepped forward and said, “General, the master of the house heard of your return escorting the Emperor and invites you to dine at the residence.”
Xiao Yi said, “Please thank Duke Xin Chen for his generous hospitality, but I am very busy with official duties recently and dare not trouble him.”
“I have one more matter. The Li family young lady asks if you will attend the public execution of Su Fengji in three days.”
“I need to go on a long journey and may not be in the city then.”
“If the young lady asks where the General is going, how should I answer?”
“The roads of the world are long, and we must each take care of ourselves.”
With that, Xiao Yi entered Xuanwu Gate, thinking that with Li Zhaoning’s intelligence, she would understand his meaning.
“Alas.”
Li Chongjin happened to be coming out, sighing heavily. “I’m leaving now to fetch the bride.”
“Congratulations, Brother Chongjin. It’s a shame I can’t have a sip of your wedding wine.”
“Congratulations my foot! By the way, there’s something I didn’t manage to do. Could you do me a favor?”
“What is it?”
“I heard someone gave Wu Niang three bolts of cloth, which made her very happy. She has found over ten tailors, but none are satisfactory. Find out who the damned person is, but don’t touch him for now. We’ll talk when I return.”
“Brother Chongjin, you’re mistaken, actually…”
“Mistaken my foot! Farewell!”
Before Xiao Yi could finish his sentence, Li Chongjin had already left with a troop of elite soldiers.
It was already dusk, and Xuanwu Gate was being locked.
Xiao Yi looked back alone. The vermilion palace gate slowly closed, separating him from the mundane world, causing him to momentarily lose himself in thought.
