Finally, he waved his hand and said, "Alright, stop arguing. I will always remember Wuzhu's contributions. The matter of moving south is of great importance and requires further consideration."
"The Koreans in the east are becoming increasingly restless, repeatedly raiding our tribe. Let's first concentrate our forces and swat this annoying fly to death!"
"Wuzhu, you just came back, take a good rest. The expedition to Korea will rely on your bravery."
Wuzhu was furious, but he didn't dare to confront the Chanyu in person. He could only grit his teeth and obey the order: "Your son obeys!"
He knew that his father was using the Eastern Expedition to temporarily put his plan of going south on hold.
......
Late at night, when everyone was asleep, the lights were on in the golden-roofed tent of Zuo Xian Wang Wuzhu, but they only illuminated him and a few of his most trusted confidants, including the Han-looking chief strategist Fan Wenjing.
Wuzhu paced back and forth in frustration, then gulped down a glass of kumis. "How despicable! A bunch of fools who only care about immediate gain! Watching helplessly as a powerful enemy appears in the Central Plains!"
Fan Wenjing stroked his goatee and said calmly, "Your Majesty, there's no need to be angry. The Chanyu and the other princes are not entirely unfounded in their concerns. A head-on confrontation with Dafeng at this time is certainly not the best strategy."
"Are we just going to let Li Jingang become more powerful?" Wuzhu glared at him.
"Not really." A sly glint flashed in Fan Wenjing's eyes. "Open warfare isn't an option for now, so we can resort to covert attacks. As I said in the tent during the day, many heroes are rising up in the Central Plains. This is a perfect time for us to make secret moves."
He took a few steps closer and whispered, "Your Majesty, we can make three preparations."
"First, send multiple shrewd and capable envoys, carrying large sums of money and promises, to secretly infiltrate Hebei, Hedong, and even... Jinyang."
"Contact those warlords and powerful individuals who are dissatisfied with Li Jingang or who have their own armies. Promise them wealth, weapons, and even the promise of future land and titles of king. Induce them to join the king, or at least facilitate our army's future march south."
Wushu's eyes lit up slightly: "Specific target?"
Fan Wenjing said, "For example, Zhao Muyun of Hedong Road commands elite troops and controls the northern border. He will inevitably clash with Li Jingang."
"Also, in Jinyang, there's Xiao Lie, who just welcomed the Crown Prince back, and Emperor Yin Zhao, who fled to Jinyang. They're sworn enemies of Li Jingang and are perfect pawns we can use."
"Even if we can't win them over directly, we can create conflicts between them so that they have no time to look north."
"Secondly," Fan Wenjing continued, "we must strengthen our control over Youzhou. There are a large number of artisans and people we captured, housed there. We must have them resume production as quickly as possible, especially crafting weapons and armor. Youzhou will become our outpost and base for our future advance southward."
"Third, keep a close eye on the war in Goryeo. The Eastern Expedition must be fought, and it must be fought beautifully and resolved swiftly! This will demonstrate the king's ability to the Chanyu and the other tribes, and will garner greater prestige and influence."
"Once the eastern front is pacified, internal integration is complete, and all parties in the Central Plains are almost exhausted, then when the king proposes to march south again, who would dare to object?"
After hearing this, Wuzhu's anger gradually subsided, and was replaced by a cold calculation.
He patted Fan Wenjing on the shoulder:
"Alright! Let's follow your plan, sir! You will be fully responsible for this matter. Select the most reliable personnel, carry this token of my king's will, and head south secretly immediately!"
"Remember, be like the wind on the prairie, penetrating every pore!"
"Your Majesty, obey your command!"
Fan Wenjing bowed and accepted the order, his eyes flashing with a deep light that was completely different from that of the nomadic people.
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