Yinji quickly glanced at the letter: "Before leaving the capital, Master instructed that if Yang Yan sent someone, they should be treated with courtesy, but the bottom line cannot be compromised—Jiannan must submit, Yang Yan can be spared his life, but military power must be handed over."
“The problem is,” Pei Lun said in a low voice, “that the envoy may have another purpose for this trip: to make contact with forces in the court who are dissatisfied with the Grand Commander.”
"Yang Yan operated in Xijing for a year. Although he was defeated and retreated, he must have secretly left behind many people."
Yin Ji's eyes narrowed: "You mean, someone in the court is secretly colluding with Yang Yan?"
“We must be on guard.” Pei Lun nodded. “The Grand Commander’s new policies have affected the interests of too many people. Those powerful families are outwardly compliant but inwardly resentful. If Yang Yan offers them great benefits, it’s hard to guarantee that no one will be tempted.”
Just then, a guard came to report: "Your Highness, Commander Wang requests an audience."
"Quickly, invite him in."
Wang Tiezhu entered in a wheelchair with the help of a guard.
He first bowed to Yinji, Pei Lun, and Fan Nan, and then said, "The night watchman has the latest secret report. Recently, three explosions have occurred around the Jiannan Jiedushi's mansion, damaging the granary and stables, and causing the armory wall to collapse."
"Was it done by your people?" Yin Ji asked.
“Yes.” Wang Tiezhu nodded. “Our men are following the instructions given by the Grand Commander before he left the capital. If Yang Yan shows any signs of wanting to negotiate, we will put pressure on him and shatter his hopes.”
I see!
Pei Lun stroked his beard: "This bombing should have made Yang Yan understand—peace talks are fine, but don't play tricks. But...won't we push him too hard and make him take risks?"
Wang Tiezhu smiled and said, "Minister Pei, rest assured, we know what we're doing. Although the explosion was fierce, it did not injure Yang Yan himself, nor did it cause a large number of civilian casualties. This is a warning, not a fight to the death."
Yinji pondered, "The envoy will arrive in three days. If we treat the envoy with courtesy while simultaneously putting pressure on Jiannan, what will they think?"
“He will understand that the Grand Commander’s attitude is: the gate is open, but the sword must be laid down.” Wang Tiezhu paused. “In addition, I have something else to report.”
"Commander Wang, please speak."
"According to intelligence from the palace, His Majesty has been making frequent moves lately." Wang Tiezhu's voice was even lower. "For three consecutive days, he has summoned Liu Yong, the Assistant Minister of Works, Wang Yun, the Censor, Chen Xin, the Compiler of the Hanlin Academy, Zhou Wu, the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guards, and others. Each time, he dismissed his attendants and held a long private conversation."
Yinji's face darkened.
Ultimately, this imperial uncle was unwilling to be a puppet.
Pei Lun asked, "Can you find out what the conversation was about?"
“Zhou Wu has some leads,” Fan Bingbing said. “His Majesty granted him the position of Commander of the Imperial Guards, on the condition that… at the appropriate time, he would take control of the palace and block the news.”
"He wants to seize power?" A cold glint flashed in Yinji's eyes. "Everyone is resisting external enemies, and he's making these underhanded moves behind the scenes!"
"Your Highness, please calm down," Pei Lun advised. "It's not surprising that His Majesty has such intentions. The key is how to deal with it. If we suppress it forcefully, it may give others grounds for criticism; if we let it go unchecked, it may lead to a great disaster."
Fan Nan interjected: "I believe that His Majesty dared to take action because he saw that the Grand Commander's main force was on a westward expedition, leaving the Western Capital vulnerable. It just so happens that the Grand Commander went to Longmen Pass for inspection these past few days."
"If we can convince him that even without the Grand Commander, Xijing is impregnable, he will naturally not dare to act rashly."
How can I make him believe me?
“Show strength.” Fan Nan’s eyes flashed with a sharp light. “Isn’t Yang Yan’s envoy coming? Then let’s show him our newly trained troops and newly manufactured weapons. Let him see, and let His Majesty see—our strength is not just for the Grand Commander alone.”
Yinji pondered for a moment and nodded: "That makes sense. Minister Pei, make arrangements so that when Envoy Yang Yan arrives in three days, a military parade will be held at the drill ground, with all the troops remaining in the capital making their appearance. Also, display the new armor and weapons from the workshops."
"yes."
“Also,” Yinji looked at Wang Tiezhu, “you continue to monitor His Majesty. Let him see whomever he wants and say whatever he wants.”
“But everyone who comes into contact with him must be recorded. When Master returns, all will be settled.”
"clear."
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