Thinking back to the message the emperor had sent him earlier, and combining it with his own conjecture today, Cheng Yu seemed to understand the emperor's intention.
The emperor intends to use Beigong Boyu and others to drag those powerful families into the mess, and take the opportunity to install his own confidants. Once the power in the court is completely balanced, Beigong Boyu and others will be useless and can be eliminated at any time.
It's likely that the Emperor summoned Duan Jiong to Jincheng to pressure Beigong Boyu into making a hasty move. Only when the enemy takes action can the Emperor find an opportunity to strike decisively.
Cheng Yu murmured, "No wonder His Majesty repeatedly reminded us that we should only monitor and not act rashly! So that's why!"
Having figured all this out, Cheng Yu couldn't help but admire the emperor's flawless plan and long-term vision. Such a great ruler was the one he should be loyal to.
"Shangguan?"
Seeing Cheng Yu's dazed appearance and muttering to himself, the trusted confidant beside him looked at Cheng Yu with concern.
"Yes! I'm fine!"
Cheng Yu snapped out of his daze, then took out a list and handed it to his trusted aide, saying in a deep voice, "Go to Chang'an and make arrangements. The method must be the same as theirs!"
"promise!"
At the Liangzhou camp, Duan Jiong also received a message from Cheng Yu.
"Heh~ This Cheng Zhongde really knows how to deliver a pillow to my head!"
After reading the message, Duan Jiong looked at one of his lieutenants and couldn't help but smile happily.
Duan Jiong's deputy nodded and laughed, "That Ma Yi of the Shaodang Qiang has recently defeated Shao He and his strength has increased. He's indeed gotten a bit cocky!"
Duan Jiong couldn't help but snort coldly, "Hmph~ It's all because that powerful man from Shaohe was too greedy. He not only embezzled his men's rations and pay, but also pocketed the compensation for those who died in battle. He deserved to be defeated!"
When they fought the Battle of Yishan, Duan Jiong had already predicted that they would not give the families of the fallen soldiers a single penny in compensation. That's why he sent people to spread the news in secret in an attempt to cause instability within their ranks.
What Duan Jiong didn't expect was that they would be defeated so quickly!
Duan Jiong then chuckled, "But this is fine! We can use this as an opportunity to send troops and intimidate them!"
Duan Jiong had long wanted to deal with the Dongqiang, but he hadn't had a suitable excuse. Now that Cheng Yu had done this, he had a good reason.
"But General, should we consult His Majesty before sending troops? And should we also discuss this with Prefect Fu?"
Upon hearing that Duan Jiong wanted to send troops, the deputy general looked at Duan Jiong with some hesitation, after all, mobilizing troops was not something that could be done casually.
"It's alright!"
Duan Jiong shook his head and then said, "His Majesty is far away in Luoyang. A round trip would take a long time. If we wait for His Majesty's edict, we will lose the initiative! It's not too late to report later!"
The lieutenant nodded. "The general is right. I will make the arrangements immediately!"
"Yes, give the order: send the five thousand new recruits as the vanguard, ten thousand cavalry as the rearguard, and the remaining five thousand soldiers to guard the main camp!"
"promise!"
After receiving his orders, the deputy general hurriedly left the central command tent to make urgent arrangements and deployments.
Then Duan Jiong sent someone to summon a messenger.
Duan Jiong looked at the messenger and said in a deep voice, "Go and deliver a message to Guo Si and Tian Yan! Tell them to immediately lead their troops to the Juyan border! Tell them to keep it a secret!"
"promise!"
After the messenger left, the guards at the camp gate suddenly rushed in.
"Reporting to the General, Prefect Fu Xie of Jincheng requests an audience!"
"Heh~ Invite him in!"
"promise!"
Duan Jiong suddenly smiled. In an instant, he understood the purpose of Fu Xie's visit. Then, Duan Jiong sat down at the table, picked up an official document, and waited for Fu Xie's arrival.
Soon Fu Xie was led into the central command tent, where he saw Duan Jiong sitting behind a desk handling military affairs. He stepped forward and bowed in greeting.
"I have met General Duan!"
Although Fu Xie disapproved of Duan Jiong's past practices, Duan Jiong was still a level above him in terms of official rank. Therefore, Fu Xie still had to show Duan Jiong the proper etiquette.
"kindness!"
Duan Jiong simply gave a soft "hmm," without raising his head, still looking at the official document in his hand.
Fu Xie, who was inside the tent, frowned when he saw Duan Jiong treating him so disrespectfully.
But thinking that Duan Jiong had made great contributions because of his impeachment but had not been rewarded, and now that he needed Duan Jiong's help, Fu Xie had no choice but to stop talking and stand quietly in the tent.
About fifteen minutes later, Duan Jiong pretended to put down the official document after reading it.
Duan Jiong picked up another official document, still without looking up, and asked indifferently:
"Prefect Fu is busy with official duties. May I ask what brings you to my Liangzhou camp today?"
Fu Xie said calmly, "I have come here today because I need General Duan's help with something!"
"Heh~ You want my help?"
Upon hearing this, Duan Jiong chuckled and put down the official document in his hand.
Then Duan Jiong raised his head to look at Fu Xie, his words full of sarcasm, "Alright! Then Prefect Fu, tell me! Is there anything else that requires you to come all this way?"
"That's right, the night before last, three powerful figures in the city were murdered, and the killer fled to Dongqiang..."
Fu Xie didn't care about Duan Jiong's attitude. He directly explained his purpose and then truthfully told Duan Jiong what had happened in the city that day.
Duan Jiong frowned and said slowly, "Shouldn't this matter fall under the jurisdiction of your Jincheng Commandant? Why come to me?"
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