From the cryptic words of Yan Huisheng, the old Duke discerned that the situation in Nanchu was extremely critical.
In such a critical situation, wouldn’t the Crown Prince of Dawei, Yuan Zhao, be aware of it? Could he resist not sending troops? Wouldn’t he grasp this opportunity before Su Rong has stabilized his position, to prey upon the succulent meat of Nanchu?
In Daliang, the current political situation is stable, the Emperor has completely abdicated the power, and the Crown Prince’s position is firm.
The old Duke said: "Your Highness, in my view, this may be a diversion tactic by the Crown Prince of Dawei. As you suggested, he aims to utilize the Nangong Family in order to conquer Nanchu."
Yan Huisheng nodded, "It seems the old duke and I share the same thoughts."
The old Duke said: "Even so, we can’t exclude that Dawei has intentions on attacking Daliang. I am a seasoned veteran who has experienced numerous battles. It would be best if I could seek permission to oversee the frontier city."
Yan Huisheng immediately said: " Su Xingze is handling the frontier city, there’s no need for the old Duke to go personally."
The old Duke shook his head, "Although Su Xingze is proficient in both literary and martial arts, under the mentorship of Xie Yuan, he fundamentally lacks experience. If I were to go there, I could quickly analyze the movements and warfare tactics of Dawei to determine whether they truly aim to move against Daliang."
Upon hearing these words, Yan Huisheng thought it to be reasonable and looked towards Princess Sheng An.
Princess Sheng An immediately said, "My prince, let him go."
"We are only a few days away from the New Year." Yan Huisheng felt somewhat troubled, "Let’s discuss this after the New Year!"
Princess Sheng An dismissed the topic, "What New Year? This year, with Zhou Shen and Zhou Che leading troops outside, and only Zhou Wei in the city with almost no holiday, there are only a few of us in the residence, we are not complete, without celebratory links or taste. Just let him go, it’s significant if Dawei decides to initiate war, it’s better to confirm and respond to it sooner."
The old Duke also nodded, "I’ll set off first thing tomorrow morning."
Yan Huisheng agreed, "Very well, I’ll send Yun An to accompany and safeguard the old Duke."
The old Duke nodded, "Alright."
Thus, it was settled. After exchanging some more words with Yan Huisheng and Princess Sheng An, the old Duke took his leave.
After he left, Princess Sheng An sighed, "I told you that Zhou Gu and Su Rong are in big trouble and they are at their wits’ end, didn’t I? Yet you blame me for worrying in vain."
The old Duke said, "But what can we do?"
"What do you mean we can’t do anything? Zhou Gu’s guard is too slim." said Princess Sheng An. "You insist on being fair by treating everyone equally. Because of this, my daughter-in-law personally approached the Cui Family to borrow some men for Zhou Gu. But the Nangong Family holds tremendous influence. With so few men, entering Nanchu is like a little fish entering the vast ocean. Haven’t you heard? Even the secret agents that the crown prince planted in Nanchu have all been uprooted by the Nangong Family. Even more so, how would those few guards around him be enough?"
While looking at his wife, the old Duke asked, "So what’s your point? Send more men to him now? Will there be enough time?"
"Why wouldn’t there be time?" said Princess Sheng An, "Think about this, once Zhou Gu goes to Nanchu, he will assume the position of king’s husband and relinquish the share of the family assets in the Duke’s Residence in Daliang. What balance are you insisting on achieving then? By giving him only a few men, you are being unfair to him. In my opinion, we should convert his share of family assets into manpower and money and send it over to him. He would need it the most."
The old Duke reflected upon this, "You do make some sense."
"You old fool," Princess Sheng An scolded. "Go and get it done quickly! He’s my only grandson. Since his childhood, he was cast away to the Eastern Palace, where everyone reputed him to be spoiled, but he never really had the opportunity to act as such. Although he is of legitimate lineage, he never truly enjoyed the treatment of being a legitimate descendant, instead he has endured unfair punishment and stern reprimands. Ah, it hurts just talking about this. You are gonna literally worry me to death!"
Feeling reproved by these words, the old Duke felt he has been unjust. "He needs to demonstrate his abilities himself in order to secure the position of the king’s husband."
"Get out of here! My grandson is capable, but he needs some assistance from his family." Princess Sheng An flew into a rage.
"Alright, alright. I’ll go get it done. Now! I’m going to send my men right away. Please don’t be angry. He is my grandson too. I feel for him too. The idea of handing over the thirty thousand soldiers to Su Rong was mine." The old Duke begged for mercy. "I didn’t expect the situation in Nanchu to deteriorate so swiftly."
Princess Sheng An sighed, letting some of her anger dissipate, snort, seeing his consent, she ignored him and went back to her own courtyard.
After Princess Sheng An left, the old Duke mulled it over himself and called his servants to make necessary arrangements.
Once Princess Sheng An returned to her own courtyard, she ordered the housekeeper to quickly pack the old Duke’s travel luggage.
The Duchess came to Princess Sheng An in a hurry upon hearing this, asking why the Duke had to leave all of a sudden and if any complications had occurred.
Princess Sheng An briefed her about the current situation in Nanchu and at the Daliang frontiers. The Duchess seemed worried. "Why isn’t the Prince going instead? Why has the Duke to take these risks?" 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎
"Ah, he has been in the military for his whole life and is experienced. Although Zhou Wei is capable, after all, he lacks experience. There’s still a lot for him to learn. When Zhou Gu was here, some burdens the old chap selfishly shouldered for Zhou Gu and relieved some burdens from Zhou Wei. But now that Zhou Gu has left Daliang and gone to Nanchu, he needs to take on all the responsibilities, right? There’s still a lot he needs to learn. Although there doesn’t seem to be any imminent danger for now, he should be capable of evaluating the situation at the frontier. Don’t worry, it’s not a big deal," said the Princess.
The Duchess was still worried, "The Duke is getting old after all. It’s bleak cold outside, especially at the frontier which is severely cold."
"It’s fine. Let him bring his personal doctor along. Furthermore, the top bodyguard Yun An appointed by the Crown Prince will be accompanying him." Princess Sheng An patted her hand, "Don’t worry. His old bones are quite tough. On the contrary, I’m more worried about Zhou Gu and Su Rong. Those two kids haven’t sent us any news till now. Heard that Nanchu is in complete chaos."
The Duchess had already received the information sent by the secret agents of the Cui Family. She had asked the head of the Cui Family to assign two hundred secret agents for Zhou Gu. However, upon entering Nanchu, it was a continuous battle where only a dozen or so were left. The information shocked and frightened her. She lost her appetite and didn’t tell Princess Sheng An and the Duke, fearing that they would worry about Zhou Gu. Upon hearing the Princess’s words now, she cautiously said, "Mother, you don’t have to worry so much. Good people will always be blessed by God. No news should be the best news."
"Ah, you say the same thing, but I always feel unease. I’ve told that old coot to send more people over to Zhou Gu." Princess Sheng An said, "I shouldn’t have listened to him then. What’s the point of being fair and balanced? He should have given more people to Zhou Gu."
"The Duke was right. They all belong to the same Duke’s residence. We should not favor one over another, which might hurt their brotherly bonds." said the Duchess, "After returning, I’ll write a letter asking my father to send some people to Nanchu for Zhou Gu."
Princess Sheng An patted her hand, "There is no need to say more. I have discussed with the old man and it is settled. You don’t have to bring more trouble to your maiden home. There are many people in the Cui Family."
The Duchess didn’t reveal that she had already sent the letter and nodded, "As you wish, mother."
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