Chapter 100 [VIP]

The western border region has rebelled.

An urgent military report was delivered to the emperor, who turned pale.

In recent years, due to the general's indulgence and the supervisor's suppression, small-scale harassment in Xiliang has never been infrequent, and the massacre of villages and the killing of civilians are commonplace.

Now, in ten of the thirteen cities of Western Xinjiang, the people have rebelled simultaneously. After killing the military supervisor, they have advanced towards the city of Salka, where Xie Qiyun, the general of Western Xinjiang, is located.

They demanded that Xie Qiyun's head be cut off as a sacrifice to the flag, and that the general be reinstated.

They demanded that the imperial court not feign inaction and expel the people of Xiliang.

It is demanded that no more military supervisors be appointed in the Western Frontier!

Xie Qiyun was trapped in the city of Salka and urgently requested help from the imperial court.

Xie Qiyun was the eldest son of the Prince of Jin, and also the heir apparent. Upon hearing the news, the Prince of Jin nearly went mad.

Back then, he stole Gu Taotao's military achievements and sent his son to the Western Frontier, all so that one day he could take control of the Western Frontier just like the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion occupied the Northern Frontier. In recent years, the military supervisors of the thirteen cities in the Western Frontier have all been his trusted confidants transferred there one after another. Xie Qiyun is in charge of military and political affairs in the Western Frontier, and his word is law.

In just a few more years, once a permanent diplomatic relationship is established with the Liang Kingdom, the Western Frontier will belong to his Prince Jin's residence.

They say some Liang people entered the country and looted. So what if they stole some food? They can just grow more.

Poor and desolate places breed unruly people!

Those unruly people even dared to kill the military supervisor. If they were to break through the city of Salka, my son would be in grave danger.

The sudden turn of events in the Western Frontier left Prince Jin feeling uneasy. He immediately proposed to mobilize troops to suppress the unrest, but the cabinet rejected the proposal.

From the afternoon until dawn the next day, he argued and quarreled in the imperial study. The cabinet and the emperor both wanted to appease the people as much as possible. The Western Frontier was the border with the Liang Kingdom, and if the Western Frontier fell into chaos, the Liang Kingdom might take advantage of the situation.

However, appeasement means agreeing to their conditions...

When Prince Jin left the imperial study, he was exhausted, both physically and mentally.

The emperor was terrified of Liang Kingdom's attacks, and as long as he could quell the internal strife, he was willing to let these unruly people run rampant. What other options did he have?

Unless absolutely necessary, he really didn't want to threaten the emperor with "that matter" like he had done last time.

Using too much leverage against someone will only bring about your own demise.

The Prince of Jin slowly walked out.

He needs to think it over carefully... He only has this one legitimate son, and he absolutely cannot afford to lose him.

As he pondered, a figure as red as fire brushed past him. Prince Jin's mind raced, and he quickly called out, "Lord Supervisor."

Shen Xu didn't turn his head. A tabby cat was perched on his shoulder, its golden eyes wide open, meowing softly in his ear as if to warn him that someone was there.

"Shut up."

"Meow!"

The cat wasn't afraid of him at all, patting his cheeks with its soft paws, making a loud slapping sound. As soon as he frowned and raised his hand, it immediately clung tightly to his shoulder, its ears flying back, as if it would be mercilessly thrown out if it was even a second too late.

Wu Shang, who was following behind him, remained expressionless. This cat was completely unruly and always knew how to push its luck.

"Lord Shen."

The Prince of Jin hurriedly caught up from behind and said politely, "Please wait."

"What's up?"

Shen Xu curled his thin lips into a smile, but his dark eyes held a cold indifference that kept people at a distance.

"There is indeed a matter. I would like to ask Governor Shen to persuade His Majesty to mobilize troops to quell the internal strife in the Western Frontier. The Liang people are accustomed to taking advantage of others' misfortunes; if chaos breaks out in the Western Frontier, war is inevitable..."

Shen Xu slapped away the cat's face that was nuzzling him and said in a soft, feminine voice, "Your Highness can simply let the Crown Prince return to the capital; I'm sure the Emperor will agree."

The Prince of Jin was naturally aware of this, but doing so would be tantamount to fleeing in disarray. Not only would all his efforts in the Western Frontier be in vain, but it would also become a stain on his son's reputation in the future.

Just like him, he gained military merit from Gu Taotao. Even though he has climbed to his current position, if the Duke of Wei can't win an argument with him in court, he will mock him for having an illegitimate title of prince.

The Prince of Jin said, “My lord, Yun’er is now the commander-in-chief of the Western Frontier. How can she flee without a fight?”

Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by a cold laugh. Shen Xu said impatiently, "Since Your Highness is so righteous, let the Crown Prince open the city gates to appease public anger."

"To put it bluntly, the prince is reluctant to give up the foundation in the Western Frontier, but he is also afraid that the heir will return to the capital with the crime of fleeing without a fight, becoming a laughing stock."

"Stop beating around the bush, I'm tired of it."

"you……"

Prince Jin endured it all. Shen Xu had always been short-tempered; his sarcastic remarks were the least of his worries. Last time, he didn't know what he had done to offend him, but Shen Xu had made a scene in front of the emperor, almost causing him to stumble and fall.

The emperor trusted him, especially after his recent illness, Shen Xu's status has risen dramatically. If there is anyone else who can persuade the emperor, it is only him.

In this situation, I can only rely on him.

The Prince of Jin lowered his stance and said frankly, "I would like to ask the Grand Eunuch to persuade the Emperor to send troops. As long as the Grand Eunuch is willing to help, you can make any request you have."

Shen Xu looked at him with great interest, while the Prince of Jin slowly frowned.

"Meow!"

The cat, growing impatient, lazily yawned, its fluffy head nestled in the crook of his neck, its warm breath gently patting against his neck.

Shen Xu curled his fingers, hesitated for a moment for once, and did not push it away.

He said calmly, "A transfer?"

Prince Jin had considered transferring him, but if he were to be transferred back to the capital, it couldn't be a downward transfer; it would have to be at least a lateral transfer or a promotion, otherwise it would be no different from abandoning the city and fleeing.

The general is already a first-rank official; even if he is transferred to a later position, he still needs a post.

Which official in the capital could he easily squeeze out?

"What does Your Highness think of the Five Armies Commandery?"

"The Five Armies Commandery is far from having the time... Oh, right!" Prince Jin's brow twitched, his eyes brightening. "What does the Commander mean?"

Sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, casting dappled patterns on Shen Xu's profile and making the vermilion birthmark at the corner of his eye appear even more striking. He rarely spoke to Shen Xu face-to-face like this, and couldn't help but gaze at the birthmark a few more times.

Shen Xu dusted off his sleeves, a smile playing on his lips, and said slowly, "His Majesty gave Admiral Gong a ten-day deadline, and there are six days left."

The Prince of Jin's heart skipped a beat. It had to be said, this was an absolutely brilliant idea.

Not only could we take this opportunity to transfer Yun'er back to the capital, but if she could replace Gong Hai, that would be a real position, a very important one.

The Prince of Jin's attitude improved even more: "Thank you for your guidance, Chief Supervisor."

Shen Xu glanced at him sideways, as if no one else could catch his eye. His posture and gaze were exactly the same as the cat perched on his shoulder.

The tabby cat had its eyes half-closed, and its head was drooping listlessly.

"Your Highness, will the young master be able to hold on for six days?"

Shen Xu stroked the red string on his wrist with his fingers and said with great interest, "If the young master cannot last six days, there is no use in saying anything more."

The Prince of Jin's face paled for a moment, and he hurriedly said, "Please, Chief Supervisor, help me with this matter. If this succeeds..."

“If this matter can be accomplished,” Shen Xu took a step toward him and continued, “Your Highness will promote Jiang Youzheng to the position of General.”

His wisps of hair fluttered slightly, casting a dark shadow over the Prince of Jin.

No matter how many times he recalled it, he could not make out the appearance of the guerrilla general in his memories. He only remembered the bloodshot eyes and bloodstained hands when the general ordered the massacre of the Yin family.

Xie Yingchen said it was him.

Shen Xu guessed and believed it.

The Prince of Jin was also scrutinizing him, and asked tentatively, "Is the Commander-in-Chief interested in the General of the Western Frontier?"

Shen Xu gripped the small jade pendant hanging from the red string, not answering directly, but saying meaningfully, "His Majesty is currently in poor health. Will Your Highness choose to gain another merit for supporting the emperor, or become the regent?"

Prince Jin's eyes flashed: "You flatter me, Chief Supervisor."

"What does Your Highness think I should choose?" Shen Xu raised his hand, his fair and slender fingers with distinct knuckles. "With the Western Frontier in hand, I can choose however I want."

Shen Xu made no attempt to hide his ambition, which actually reassured the Prince of Jin somewhat.

He's just a general in the Western Frontier; it's hard to say whether Shen Xu can handle him or not. What's there to be reluctant about?

As long as Yun'er can return safely.

Shen Xu won't help me for nothing; he'll only do his best if there's something in it for me.

Exchanging the Western Frontier Commander for the command of the Imperial Guards is a worthwhile deal.

"Once the matter is accomplished, it will certainly be done as the supervisor wishes."

As for the future.

Shen Xu was right about one thing: whether to follow the emperor or to act as regent, we need to think about it carefully.

"Meow."

The tabby cat was hungry and meowed impatiently.

Shen Xu nodded and walked away without looking back, maintaining his arrogant demeanor, and did not say goodbye. Wu Shang followed closely behind him.

With a troubled mind, the Prince of Jin watched him walk away and hurriedly left the palace.

The Prince of Jin's residence also had its own sources of information in the western frontier. He spent a day and a night arguing his case in the imperial study. When he returned, his desk was piled high with urgent messages sent by carrier pigeon.

The situation was far more serious than the military reports the court had received. As expected, the Liang Kingdom took advantage of the internal strife and ambushed troops at the border.

Xie Qiyun, on charges of treason, attempted several times to send troops to suppress the besieging civilians, but was stopped by his deputy general and others on the grounds of "not killing indiscriminately." Even the soldiers ignored his orders. In these few days, Xie Qiyun was beset by both external and internal troubles, and was essentially sidelined.

The Prince of Jin quickly read all the messages sent by carrier pigeon.

So far, the rebellious populace has not stormed the garrison headquarters, nor has it clashed with the city guards. They have merely killed the military supervisor and his personal guards, and together they have expelled the Liang people who were looting and entering the city. They have not stormed the passes, nor marched eastward, and none of them have declared themselves kings.

The emperor will definitely choose to appease him.

If this continues, Yun'er will become a pawn to be abandoned.

"Can the young master hold out for six days?"

The Prince of Jin was troubled by what Shen Xu had said.

If they can't hold out for six days, or if Gong Hai really manages to find fault with the Gu family and regain his position as Left Admiral, they will truly miss this only opportunity. Moreover, even if Gong Hai really can't find the arrow, given the Emperor's trust in him, there's a high probability he won't actually dismiss him.

Now, the only option is to take risks and, no matter what, bring Gong Hai down.

The Prince of Jin immediately summoned his advisors and confidants. After discussing the matter for a day, he drafted a memorial impeaching Gong Hai for embezzling millions of arrows in an attempt to commit treason.

This memorial was like a raging fire, instantly igniting the court. The Prince of Jin's faction united in impeaching Gong Hai, accusing him of moral failings, abusing his power, and indulging in debauchery, as well as of his indiscriminate consumption of meat, his rivalry with Princess Zhaoyang for actresses, his forced seizure of women, and his lack of moral integrity.

Gong Hai never expected that this fire would spread to him in just two days. Seeing the storm brewing, Gong Hai quickly launched a counterattack, but he had already lost the initiative. Subsequently, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of War submitted a memorial impeaching Gong Hai for embezzling public funds and that the number of Imperial Guards was only half of the registered number.

In other words, the Imperial Guards officially numbered 150,000, but in reality, they numbered less than 80,000. Along with the memorial, a roster was also submitted.

The memorial concluded by stating that if Liang Kingdom were to send troops again, the military strength of Daqi would be too weak, and the situation would only be worse than it was six years ago. Daqi no longer had Duke Zhenguo Gu Taotao; who could lead the army?

The emperor had received news that the Liang Kingdom had ambushed troops at the border, and this report reminded him once again of the nightmare of being pressed in by the Liang Kingdom years ago.

In shock and anger, the emperor severely reprimanded Gong Hai and ordered him to submit a memorial to defend himself.

In the blink of an eye, Gong Hai was dragged down from the clouds.

It was too fast; he didn't even have time to discuss it with his staff.

Who among the officials doesn't embezzle salaries? Each garrison has a full complement of 3,300 men, and having 2,000 is already quite good. But to claim that they are steadfastly guarding their posts while stealing from the enemy and swallowing millions of arrows is utterly unreasonable.

The first memorial was submitted by the Prince of Jin. What had he done to offend the Prince of Jin that made the Prince of Jin go to any lengths to deal with him?

Gong Hai immediately submitted a self-defense memorial and stood outside the imperial study requesting an audience. The emperor did not see him, but after reading his self-defense memorial, he threw it out violently.

Upon hearing the sound of a heavy object falling inside, Gong Hai knew something was wrong. He knelt outside and cried out, "Your Majesty, I have absolutely no ill intentions. I beg Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly."

"Your Majesty has received word that the arrows are inside the Thousand Machine Camp. I beg Your Majesty to allow me to search the camp!"

"I will find the arrow!"

"Your Majesty, it was Prince Jin who colluded with the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion and did this on purpose. I beg Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly."

He knelt under the sun until nightfall. Li Deshun finally came out and stood on the high steps, looking at Gong Hai and saying, "Admiral Gong, by imperial decree, you are temporarily suspended from your duties from today onwards."

Gong Hai blurted out incredulously, "Impossible!"

“Admiral Gong, just now Captain Pang Yi confessed that the arrows were not stolen. It was you who had someone take the arrows away and hide them, and instructed him to pin the crime on Prince Gu.”

Gong Hai was stunned.

Pang Yi... confessed?

It was definitely a forced confession!

The Eastern Depot? Not only the Prince of Jin, but the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion has also colluded with the Eastern Depot?

"Eunuch Li, I need to see the Emperor. Please grant me permission."

Li Deshun smiled.

Gong Hai, who had always been arrogant and looked down on eunuchs, was now addressing them with the respectful "you" at every turn.

Li Deshun walked down the steps, helped him up with both hands, and said kindly, “Admiral Gong, it’s not that the Emperor doesn’t trust you. It’s just that there are too many memorials impeaching you now, and there is Colonel Pang Yi as a witness. The Emperor is also trying to protect you. Admiral Gong, think about it, if the Emperor really suspects you, he should dismiss you and investigate, not just suspend you from your post.”

"Once the Emperor has investigated the truth, he will reinstate you to your post."

Gong Hai couldn't tell how credible Li Deshun's words were. As the Grand Eunuch of the Imperial Household, he never flattered or belittled others, and was always polite to everyone, which made him even more unfathomable.

"Admiral Gong, please return."

Gong Hai stood silently.

He hadn't knelt like this for many, many years. His knees were stiff, his legs were sore and numb, and he fell forward with one step, his head bleeding profusely.

Gong Hai has been suspended from his duties.

This news was like a thunderbolt, causing an uproar throughout the imperial court.

Immediately afterwards, the emperor ordered his deputy general Liu Guangming to temporarily take charge of all affairs of the Five Armies. Pang Yi had already confessed. The first thing Liu Guangming did after receiving the imperial edict was to order all the soldiers of the Five Armies to return to their camp immediately.

"Your Highness, all five military camps have been withdrawn."

Qi Fu reported, "This subordinate sent out scouts to investigate, and they have indeed all left."

Gu Yican, being in the military camp, was fully aware of the changes in the capital. Gong Hai thought he had him trapped, but in reality, when the camp was built, secret passages that allowed free entry and exit had been dug.

The standoff was merely a ploy to use Li Qing as bait to distract Gong Hai and prevent him from making a desperate move by setting the mountain on fire.

Five days in total.

No more, no less.

Although Xie Yingchen was in the military camp, he manipulated everyone in the court and the countryside at will, treating them like chess pieces, allowing him to place and push them away at will.

Black-hearted.

They're really ruthless!

Despite being physically weak, he could wield immense power in the heavens, controlling the universe and stirring up storms.

Oh dear, my sister is so gentle and kind; she must have been tricked by him. Unforgivable!

After having Qi Fu lead people to investigate the place where the arrows were hidden, Gu Yican decided not to move them for the time being.

"Liu Guangming is extremely loyal to Gong Hai. Now, whether or not Gong Hai can find the arrow is the key to his comeback, and his retreat was too swift. It can only be said that it was a trap."

However, Liu Guangming now only dares to act in secret; he cannot mobilize the Imperial Guards on a large scale. They have now completely absorbed this batch of arrows.

"Sister, are you going back to Beijing now, or staying a few more days?"

Xie Yingchen was talking to Qin Chen. Even when the Imperial Guards were "besieging the camp," Qin Chen would silently make two round trips a day.

Upon hearing this, Xie Yingchen turned around and said, "There is new military news from the Western Frontier. The remaining three cities have also rebelled. The Emperor summoned Prince Jin and decided to grant the people's demands. He asked Prince Jin to persuade his son, Xie Qiyun, to commit suicide as a sacrifice to the city, but Prince Jin gritted his teeth and refused."

“Prince Jin can’t wait any longer. He has no other way out but to order Gong Hai to immediately vacate the position of ‘Left Admiral’.”

He looked at her, and even his words seemed to carry a tender tone: "Shall we go back to the capital and see what's going on?"

"good!"

Gu Zhizhuo's face lit up with joy.

A note from the author: