Yang Jie has always had a guess, that is, there is a high-level undercover agent in the Later Jin Dynasty, or he is directly under the command of the Pacification Office, or even the emperor himself is involved.
The information revealed by Wansui that Liu Aita might be rebelling was also passed back by this senior undercover agent, or it might be work he did in secret.
Therefore, when Jin Shengkui said that he had a secret matter and wanted to meet with Denglai Governor Yuan Keli, Yang Jie naturally thought of the task assigned by the emperor that he had been thinking about and planning.
Of course, he couldn't be sure yet, so he didn't hesitate to torture him. What if he was really a high-level undercover agent? Wouldn't that offend people?
After examining Jin Shengkui for a long time, Yang Jie said in a deep voice, "Mr. Yuan is undoubtedly the Imperial Preceptor, and his position is high and his words are respected. However, I am a captain of the Imperial Guards stationed here by the Pacification Department, and I am also a person who can directly reach the ears of the emperor. If you really have a secret, please tell me. If I am lying to save my life..."
Hearing Yang Jie's cold snort, Jin Shengkui lowered his head, thought for a long time, and decided to tell it all.
Firstly, Yang Jie's identity is that he is a captain of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and is stationed here, which means he is like the emperor's eyes and ears. It is no exaggeration to say that he can report to the emperor.
Secondly, if you are in this situation, even if you don't want to tell the truth, you will still be forced to search and torture the person, and you will not be able to keep the secret.
Jin Shengkui raised his head and bowed, saying, "Since Lord Yang has said so, how dare I not tell you the truth? I was evasive before because I had something to hide. I hope Lord Yang will forgive me."
Yang Jie's face returned to a harmless smile, and he said calmly, "I understand. You want to get some kind of guarantee or promise from Master Yuan. But it's the same with me. Perhaps I can be more convincing than Master Yuan."
Jin Shengkui nodded, borrowed a knife from Yang Jie, cut open the sole of his shoe, and hid the letter wrapped in oil paper there.
Yang Jie pursed his lips. For him, such a simple secret was impossible to hide. Not to mention hiding it in the sole of a shoe, even if it was hidden in the flesh or under the skin, he could dig it out.
But what followed was Jin Shengkui's surprise.
The captain of the Embroidered Uniform Guard in front of him showed a look of shock when he first read the letter, but he quickly recovered his composure, as if he had expected it.
Actually, Jin Shengkui hadn't guessed everything right. Yang Jie was initially shocked because the things the emperor had said actually happened, even though he had been a little skeptical.
As for what was expected later, that was a real reaction.
Yang Jie had indeed received the task a long time ago. He also knew that the emperor had arranged reserve forces in Deng, Jin, Liao Town, and even Dongjiang Town to be on standby for deployment at any time, precisely to support Liu Aita's rebellion of the Three Southern Guards.
On the surface, such advance planning and meticulous arrangements might seem shocking, but Yang Jie had already formed a preconceived notion that this was all the work of a high-level undercover agent, so he wasn't that surprised.
After reading the letter, Yang Jie pondered for a while, then asked Jin Shengkui about the situation in Fu, Gai and other states, and compared it with the intelligence he had obtained.
Finally, after the questioning was over, Yang Jie also came to a preliminary conclusion. Jin Shengkui's words were not false, but he was hesitant to draw conclusions about whether Liu Aita's words were true or reliable.
But this was no longer important. What was important was reporting to the Emperor, who would make the final decision. Since there was a high-ranking undercover agent, whether it was true or false would be decided by the Zhenfu Division or the Emperor himself.
Thinking of this, Yang Jie was suddenly shocked. Could it be that this high-level undercover agent was personally controlled by the emperor? Otherwise, why would he report it directly instead of going through the Pacification Bureau?
Suppressing his doubts, Yang Jie glanced at Jin Shengkui thoughtfully again, his smiling face returning to normal as he politely said, "Mr. Jin, are you staying for a few days, or are you going back first? Let's arrange a time and place to contact each other again."
Jin Shengkui bowed and said, "I have already made all the arrangements before I left. It doesn't matter if I don't come back for ten days or half a month."
Yang Jie nodded and said, "That's good. It saves us from going back and forth. Well, half a month is almost enough. Mr. Jin, you can stay here with peace of mind!"
Having said that, he arranged his entourage and turned to leave.
...........……
Pi Island.
After Li Zong had basically stabilized the situation, he immediately sent Li Qingquan, an envoy, to the Ming court to request a title.
Li Qingquan first went to Pi Island and met with Mao Wenlong, explaining the Joseon coup d'état. Naturally, he glorified Li Jong and belittled Li Hun. Li Jong was also very clever. He knew that the Ming court was most concerned about the Jiannu, so he accused Li Hun of "collaborating with the slaves."
To say that Li Hun was in cahoots with the Jiannu is not entirely unjust. He adopted a strategy of neither provoking nor associating with the Jiannu, and he did exchange a small amount of letters with Nurhaci.
Considering the strength of Korea, this strategy was wise, as it prevented the Jiannu from attacking Korea. However, from the perspective of the Ming court, as a vassal state of the Ming Dynasty, it would certainly not accept it.
Li Zong not only accused Li Hun of "collaborating with slaves", but also expressed his enthusiasm for changing his ways, and even "personally led the army to suppress the Eastern Tartars."
Everyone knew this positive gesture was just empty talk, impossible to achieve. But the fact that he could say it, that he could express such a sentiment, was quite impressive, far superior to Li Hun's.
Moreover, how could Li Qingquan, the envoy, come with nothing? He not only brought a batch of food and fodder to the Dongjiang Army, but also brought a lot of gold and silver treasures, ready to bribe Ming Dynasty officials and complete the request for the title, so that Li Jong could become the King of Korea legitimately.
This move was much smarter than Li Hun's. Li Hun was reluctant and always complained that the Dongjiang Army's harassment of the Jiannu had caused a lot of trouble to Korea.
Mao Wenlong had already shown his inclination, as did Gou Zhenhuai and others. As long as it was beneficial to the Dongjiang Army and to the conquest of the Jiannu, they were all surnamed Li, and no one cared whether he was rebelling or usurping the throne.
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