On the other side, Xiao Yunchen and Xiao Yunyu were discussing the bandit suppression in the prefect's study.
Xiao Yunchen took out the letter and said, "This is the emperor's personal letter. It states that the Yicheng prefect, Yu Zhengyi, will fully cooperate with us and we must completely eliminate the Yicheng bandits, who are a major threat to us."
He stretched out his hand and handed the letter to Prefect Yu.
Prefect Yu bowed respectfully and took the letter. He opened it and read the contents with a smile on his face. "It is truly a great honor for me to have you two gentlemen come to Yicheng in person. As for the emperor's wishes, I will fully cooperate."
Xiao Yunchen nodded slightly and asked, "Master Yu is familiar with the terrain of Yicheng. Do you have any good strategies for suppressing the bandits?"
"Well..." Prefect Yu pondered for a moment, lowered his head and took a sip of hot tea, then slowly spoke: "Black Cloud Village has been entrenched on Eagle's Beak Cliff for more than ten years. The terrain is dangerous and easy to defend but difficult to attack. I think we should take it by strategy, not by force."
Xiao Yunchen observed his words and actions and asked, "Oh? What specific strategy did Lord Yu refer to as "taking it by wits?"
Prefect Yu stood up and went to the bookshelf, reached out to take down a picture album, and slowly spread it out on the table.
"This is a topographic map of the area near Black Cloud Village." He pointed to a spot and said, "Please look, sir. This is the location of Black Cloud Village."
He slid his finger across the map. "This is a canyon. We can attack at night from here and avoid the bandits' watchtowers."
He clasped his hands together, bowed slightly, and said, "I've already ordered someone to investigate. The guards are most relaxed during the hours of Xu."
Xiao Yunyu's eyes fell on the map, thoughtful.
"This ink stain seems to be newly added?"
Prefect Yu's face froze for a moment, then he smiled and explained, "General Xiao has a good eye. Last month, a flood destroyed the old road, so I ordered someone to update the map."
Xiao Yunyu didn't say anything else, his eyes looking around the room leisurely and at will.
When Prefect Yu saw that he did not continue to ask questions, he breathed a sigh of relief.
He continued, "You two have come a long way, so why not take a rest first? I have already ordered someone to prepare food."
Xiao Yunyu suddenly added, "Last month, a merchant caravan was attacked by bandits here and was completely wiped out?"
Prefect Yu’s fingers trembled.
It's strange, he concealed this matter very well. Yicheng is far away from the capital, and the emperor is far away. Logically, they shouldn't know about it while being far away in the capital.
"That's true. That's why I suggest we use our wits to take them. Those bandits are thriving in the mountains. It's going to be difficult to capture them, let alone completely wipe them out. Not to mention the Black Cloud Village's location is extremely tricky..."
Xiao Yunyu listened to Yu Zhifu's comments and chuckled, "Master Yu is right. We are new here and are not familiar with the terrain. There is no rush. We can rest for a few days after the long journey and then discuss it."
Prefect Yu was very uneasy because of his sometimes aggressive questioning and sometimes casual attitude.
This General Xiao was indeed good at leading troops in battle, but that was the northwest plain, not like their Yicheng with its high mountains and steep terrain.
Prefect Yu was frantic for himself, but he was still anxious to report the news.
He bowed respectfully and said, "Please step into the dining hall, my lords. I will prepare some wine to welcome you."
Xiao Yunchen glanced at Xiao Yunyu, and the two exchanged glances. They followed Prefect Yu calmly.
After having a full meal and a few drinks, even Xiao Yunyu, who had a good alcohol tolerance, was a little tipsy after being urged to drink by Yu Zhifu and several officials who were helping him with his inkstone.
Xiao Yunchen supported Xiao Yunyu and walked towards their residence.
Xiao Yunchen supported Xiao Yunyu and raised his hand to knock on the door.
Li Sisi opened the door, a look of surprise on her face: "Xiao Yunyu is actually drunk?"
This is truly unprecedented! Xiao Yunyu has such a high alcohol tolerance, and this is the first time I've seen him drunk.
When Li Nian heard what Li Sisi said, she immediately stood up and walked over: "Why are you drunk again?"
Li Sisi asked in surprise: "Has he been drunk before?"
Li Nian nodded. "He got drunk once in Dong'an City, but he didn't make any noise or fuss after getting drunk. He just drank some hangover soup and went to sleep."
Li Sisi nodded.
Li Nian also stepped forward and helped Xiao Yunyu into the house.
Xiao Yunchen closed the door.
Xiao Yunyu, who was originally drunk, suddenly stood up straight, his eyes were clear, and there was no sign of drunkenness at all.
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