Chapter 237: Leading the army to war, eloquent
Seven days later, Shang Yuwan went to court in his official uniform and happened to encounter the Liman Kingdom invading the border.
This time, the Liman Kingdom was clever, secretly sending a female enemy spy into the Zhennan General's backyard to poison the general, who has yet to wake up. This angered Duke Lu, who asked Xiao Qinggu for permission to lead the army, determined to crush the Liman Kingdom.
Looking at Duke Lu's frail arms and legs, Xiao Qinggu twitched his eyebrows and tried to dissuade him: "Duke Lu feels sorry for General Zhennan, I understand, but going on an expedition is no joke, we need to think long and hard."
You can't really let an old man wear heavy armor and weapons to fight the enemy, right?
All civil and military officials were silent.
Who would go? The person who could take the position of General Zhennan was a rare talent, not just anyone.
Even if they have enough ability, their status and position cannot be that of a grassroots, otherwise the Liman Kingdom will think that they have no one left in Dayu.
Qiu Boke glanced at the pale-faced Shang Yuwan, stepped out of the line, and said, "I have a suitable candidate. Your Majesty, please make your decision."
Xiao Qinggu could tell at a glance that this old fox had bad intentions, but he couldn't refute him: "Qiu Aiqing, please feel free to speak."
Qiu Boke lowered his head and said, "I think it would be most appropriate for the Regent to lead the expedition."
As soon as these words were spoken, some people couldn't wait to whisper in agreement.
"Yes, the regent is from the Shang family. Who else can be qualified besides her?"
"The Regent's martial arts skills come from the Shang family, and the Shang family has inherited the position of General Zhenxi for generations. Although now... the Regent is indeed the most suitable candidate."
"The Regent..."
Shang Yuwan lowered his eyes and said nothing, while Xiao Qinggu also looked at those people talking indifferently.
After a moment, they suddenly felt a cold breeze blowing behind them. Looking up, they saw Xiao Qinggu looking normal, but the aura around him became increasingly gloomy.
Everyone immediately became as quiet as a chicken.
Xiao Qinggu was about to speak when he saw Shang Yuwan stand up.
"Your Majesty, I am willing to lead the army to seek justice for Dayu and General Zhennan."
Xiao Qinggu's eyebrows revealed a trace of embarrassment, "But your body..."
Shang Yuwan raised his head and smiled faintly at her.
"Your Majesty, I am fine."
Seeing that Shang Yuwan had made up his mind and the people on the southern border were still waiting for the general to defend the city and protect the people, Xiao Qing did not hesitate any longer and immediately ordered Shang Yuwan to lead the army to attack Liman.
"The Prince Regent is originally from the Shang family. Now that he has received the approval of His Majesty, he will surely enjoy a glorious future. I would like to congratulate the Prince Regent in advance."
After the court session, Qiu Bo Ke came up to Shang Yuwan and congratulated her with ambiguous intentions.
Shang Yuwan glanced at the ambitious old fox and said bluntly: "This king is also very glorious now."
First, the position of regent, then a special year of marriage leave—the Shang family was exterminated last June, and Dayu had to observe a three-year mourning period. Shang Yuwan and Xiao Qingxu's marriage was also specially approved by Xiao Qinggu. Xiao Qinggu repeatedly used imperial power to make exceptions for Shang Yuwan, and the power of Baijialou was completely under her control.
Shang Yuwan is second only to the emperor in the court, and her status is even higher than Qiu Boke's. Even if we count the history of Dayu three generations ago, there has never been any powerful official who has been favored by the emperor like her.
"As the saying goes, it's lonely at the top. When we go out to fight, I hope the Regent will be careful."
Shang Yuwan said calmly, "Thank you for your concern, Prime Minister. I will act with caution and will not allow these scoundrels to stir up trouble in front of His Majesty and me."
Qiu Bo Ke was obviously ridiculed, but he still said goodbye to Shang Yuwan with a smile.
After Qiu Boke left, the other officials saw Shang Yuwan's attitude and didn't dare to approach. They had thought no one would come over, but unexpectedly, Duke Lu came over just as Shang Yuwan was about to get on the carriage.
"The Regent will be leaving the capital soon. Please take care of your health."
Shang Yuwan reached out and helped the man up. Looking at his graying hair, he said, "Duke Lu, you are too kind. I receive the emperor's salary and should share his worries. This is the duty of a minister."
They both knew that there were talented generals in the court, but the court of Dayu had always valued the officials' backgrounds. Apart from the top military scholar, most of the others were selected from famous noble families.
During the reign of Emperor Chengming, he promoted Yuan Ji despite opposition. On the one hand, he saw Yuan Ji's ability, and on the other hand, he wanted to use Baili Pu's reputation in the court to break the disadvantage of the high-ranking officials monopolizing the court.
However, this year's top martial arts champion is still training in the military camp and is not yet qualified to lead the Zhennan soldiers, nor can he convince them. Furthermore, it's difficult to break these old rules and regulations in a short period of time. Apart from Shang Yuwan, there really is no other candidate more suitable than her.
"Duke Lu has two sons. The eldest is quite remarkable. At such a young age, he shouldered the heavy responsibility of General Zhennan. But for some reason, he fell victim to the tactics of the harem."
Shang Yuwan's intentions were not to drink: "The methods of the women in the harem are different from those of leading troops in battle. Duke Lu should investigate thoroughly."
Duke Lu could not fail to hear the hidden meaning in her words, and immediately bowed: "The Regent is very thoughtful, and I will cooperate with the Dali Temple to investigate."
Shang Yuwan nodded. Although Li Man was involved in this matter, it was still a matter of the harem. She was not the Dali Temple, and no matter how powerful she was, she had no reason to extend her hands to other people's wives and concubines. However, Duke Lu's son was the General of Zhennan, so she couldn't be careless.
If we can find out something else...that would be a happy thing.
After Shang Yuwan said goodbye to Duke Lu, he was about to get on the carriage when he suddenly remembered something and turned around to call out to Duke Lu.
"Duke Lu, please stay."
Duke Lu turned around and asked, "What else does the Regent want?"
"I heard that the second young master recently asked a matchmaker to propose to Miss Yue Shuang?"
Duke Lu was slightly stunned, "Yes."
Yue You holds a position in the camp, and now everything in the Yue family is managed by Old Madam Yue.
Although Yue Zhu had severed ties with the Yue family before entering the palace to rescue the emperor, Xiao Qinggu still gave the Yue family a moderate honor and many rewards because of his death, but the Yue family's status was not as good as before.
Duke Lu's daughter-in-law, unable to control her troublesome husband, wanted to drag Yue Shuang over to serve him. She knew Yue Shuang was sensible and had a strong temper, so at least she would have someone to share her burdens. However, after Yue Zhu's death, she asked the Second Young Master to propose to Yue Shuang, and the position she had in her marriage was no longer as a co-wife, but as a concubine.
They felt that the Yue family was no longer as prosperous as it used to be, and that allowing Yue Shuang to enter Duke Lu's mansion as a concubine was already good enough.
If it weren't for Madam Yue and Yue You gritting their teeth and refusing to give in under the pressure from Duke Lu's Mansion, Yue Shuang's life would have been ruined in Duke Lu's Mansion.
Shang Yuwan's eyes turned cold for a moment. "As the saying goes, swords have no eyes. Only when a martial artist is strong enough can the sword in his hand avoid hurting him. What do you think, Duke Lu?"
It is useless for a man who can't even take care of his lower body and harem to marry a woman with eighty chambers. It will only waste the woman's best years.
Duke Lu was startled by the cold light in her eyes and immediately said, "What the Regent said makes sense."
She was protecting the Yue family's children.
Duke Lu originally thought Shang Yuwan was on bad terms with the Yue family and didn't care about marrying Yue Shuang as a concubine; he was even somewhat in favor of it. But now it seems...it's probably not going to work.
Shang Yu got on the carriage at night and sat in the middle, with Twelve and Ji Suxian on his left and right.
Before she could speak, Twelve said, "I'll go with you."
The news spread quickly in the court, and they all knew about it. Twelve was unwilling to leave Shang Yuwan.
Ji Suxian said, "I'll go too."
She had already lost Brother Xiao, and she couldn't lose her sister-in-law again.
Seeing that they had made up their minds, Shang Yuwan nodded and said, "Okay."
After returning to Prince Qi's Mansion, Shang Yuwan asked Lu Heying to send a message to the Censorate and the Dali Temple, asking them to keep an eye on Qiu Bake and his followers, fearing that those people would take advantage of her absence to find an opportunity to harm Xiao Qinggu.
Five days later, heavy snow fell, and the sky and earth were covered in white. Shang Yuwan put on his armor and prepared to set off for the south.
Xiao Qinggu, wearing a dragon robe, came to the city gate in person to see him off.
Shang Yuwan knelt on one knee, raised his head and clasped his fists, his eyes burning with fervor: "I will definitely fulfill my mission."
Xiao Qinggu leaned over to help her, a wisp of cold air came out of his mouth, but his brows were warm like a pool of warm water, "I believe you."
After Shang Yuwan stood up, he saw everyone who came to see him off.
Lu Heying, Bai Xiaoye, Cheng Yishui, Ju Gongcheng, Ju Gongche, Yao Lao, Yuan Ji, Baili Pu... In a trance, she seemed to see a snow-white figure.
"The Regent."
Xiao Qinggu's voice brought Shang Yuwan back to his senses.
Xiao Qinggu reached out and brushed the falling snow off her shoulders. "I and everyone else will be waiting for your triumphant return in Kyoto to celebrate the New Year together."
After the beginning of spring next year, it will be the Spring Festival.
Shang Yuwan grinned, "Okay."
She jumped on her horse and led the team towards the south.
After Shang Yuwan left, Xiao Qinggu received letters from her sent by carrier pigeon every day. Every time he received news that Shang Yuwan and Twelve were safe and sound, Xiao Qinggu had more energy to fight against Qiu Boke and his gang.
During this period, Qiu Bo Ke repeatedly made things difficult for Shang Yuwan and Xiao Qinggu, first with gossip and rumors, then with food and fodder. Xiao Qinggu argued with him overtly and covertly for food and fodder for the southern soldiers no fewer than ten times. Bai Li Pu and Yuan Ji also argued forcefully, and managed to snatch the food and fodder from the old fox's mouth and send it south as quickly as possible.
Shang Yuwan had just burned the Liman people's granary when his own food and grass were delivered, which was like timely rain.
Time flies, and soon it is the beginning of spring.
Late at night, Shang Yuwan was looking at the letter in the tent, a little dazed, and recalled the scene of her and Xiao Qingxu playing chess in the rural medical clinic.
"Then why are you so unwilling to confess completely? Your name, where you come from, why are you willing to risk your life to redress the Shang family's injustice?"
You little bastard, you knew who she was all along.
Shang Yuwan's thoughts drifted away when she suddenly heard a chaotic noise. She had just grabbed the long knife when she heard a scream.
“Sister-in-law has a wolf!!!”
It’s Ji Suxian’s voice!
Shang Yuwan immediately rushed out of the tent...
Two weeks later, on the Spring Festival, victory news arrived from the southern border—General Zhennan had received timely medical treatment from Doctor Ji and was now out of danger. While General Zhennan was recuperating in bed, the Regent led the Zhennan Army all the way to the capital of Liman. King Liman, having his right ear chopped off by Shang Yuwan, signed a letter of surrender on the spot, expressing his willingness to become a vassal state of Dayu.
Shang Yuwan's expedition had greatly enhanced Dayu's prestige and secured the conquest of a new vassal state. The officials at the imperial banquet were overjoyed, but Baili Pu wore a solemn expression.
Xiao Qinggu looked at the good news in his hand, and his originally happy expression gradually faded.
The territory of Dayu was conquered through generations of battles fought for by their ancestors, and it wasn't until the reign of Emperor Chengming that they began to control their territory, unlike their ancestors who were prone to fighting and killing at will. Dayu's strength had always been strong, so it was extremely difficult for neighboring countries to cut off a piece of Dayu's flesh.
Even more than Emperor Chengming, Xiao Qinggu disliked fighting. Originally, this war was simply intended to severely punish the Liman Kingdom, restore Dayu's reputation, and seek justice for General Zhennan. But why did Shang Yuwan suddenly attack the Liman Kingdom's capital? And why did he force the Liman King to submit to Dayu?
Shang Yuwan isn't such a tactless person, could it be...
"Your Majesty, the Regent requests an audience."
The palace servant reminded him, and Xiao Qinggu came back to his senses and said, "Summon the Regent to the palace."
After repeated summons, Shang Yuwan entered the hall, dressed in a modified ceremonial robe. Her face bore a faint trace of weathering, and her stand-up collar revealed a hint of the veil wrapped around her neck. Her chin was also wrapped in veil, secured to her head by a silver band, giving her a rather comical look. Entering the hall with her was Twelve, who had also changed her attire.
When Xiao Qinggu saw Shang Yuwan entering the hall with injuries, he immediately got up from his seat to greet him.
After helping the two people who were about to salute to their feet and taking a closer look, Xiao Qinggu's pupils shrank slightly. "You...what's wrong with you?!"
Neither the news sent by carrier pigeon nor the words in the victory report mentioned that Shang Yuwan even had a neck injury!
Shang Yuwan was speechless and could only smile at her comfortingly.
Xiao Qinggu pursed her lips, her eyes full of heartache.
Twelve spoke up, "Your Majesty, the Liman people released their wolfhounds to attack us, and Doctor Ji unfortunately had half his ear bitten off. Seeing the Liman people's shamelessness, His Royal Highness the Regent led us into the Liman capital and forced the Liman King to submit to Dayu."
Twelve's lips trembled as he continued, "His Royal Highness the Regent's neck was strangled and his jaw was pierced, so he was delayed on the way for some time, which is why he's so late."
She knelt down on one knee and said, "We are wrong for delaying His Majesty's Spring Festival banquet. Please punish me, Your Majesty. I am willing to bear all the blame for the Regent!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Qiu Bo Ke spoke: "Your Majesty, the Regent has made great contributions to the reputation of Dayu. However..."
"But what?"
Xiao Qinggu's voice suddenly turned cold. After helping Twelve up, he turned sideways and looked at Qiu Boke.
"The Regent conquered the country for Dayu, and yet he made a mistake?"
Qiu Bo Ke's eyes changed slightly, and he said, "Your Majesty has always been kind to the Prince Regent, but the Prince Regent's expedition this time was personally approved by Your Majesty. In my humble opinion, if you really want to avenge General Zhennan, occupying a few cities in Liman will be enough."
"When the late emperor was alive, he wouldn't resort to violence unless it was a matter of urgency. Just because a doctor lost half his ear, they went straight to the Liman capital to kill him. Such extreme and bloodthirsty methods... How will the people of the world view His Majesty? How will they view the Regent of Dayu?"
Xiao Qinggu sneered, first gave seats to Shang Yuwan and Twelve, then sat on the dragon throne, looking down at Qiu Boke.
Qiu Bo Ke looked calm and was not afraid of Xiao Qinggu's gaze at all.
Baili Pu stood up and saluted Xiao Qinggu: "Your Majesty, I have something to say."
"My dear Baili, please feel free to speak."
Bailipu turned his gaze to Qiu Boke. "The Liman people have been harassing our borders and provoking Dayu for years. Your Majesty is kind and generous, issuing repeated warnings rather than provoking war. Has Prime Minister Qiu forgotten this?"
"My heart is with Dayu, I have never forgotten."
Bailipu snorted, "This time, the Liman people plotted to poison General Zhennan and then launched a surprise attack in the middle of the night by sending wolfhounds into the camp. Their tactics were insidious. How could the Regent not attack the Liman capital?"
Without waiting for Qiu Bo Ke to open his mouth, Bai Li Pu said bluntly:
"Fighting the enemy requires more than just force; it also involves military strategy and tactics. As the saying goes, all is fair in war, and whether it's a night raid or a provocation, it's all just a ploy to achieve victory. Yet, Prime Minister Qiu doesn't express congratulations for His Majesty or Dayu. He doesn't see the pain the Regent and the soldiers feel for Dayu, and instead speaks for the defeated nation. Could there be some hidden agenda between him and Liman?"
Bailipu did not wait for Qiu Boke to defend himself and showed him no mercy:
"Prime Minister Qiu is a civil official, but there are military commanders in the court. How should they feel about his words? Why is he so disregarding the glorious military exploits earned at the cost of his flesh and blood? Li Man is so shameless. If Dayu doesn't fight back, I'm afraid the other three kingdoms will think we are easy prey and will come knocking!"
"The morale of the soldiers is low. What can Prime Minister Qiu use to protect the safety of the people of Dayu? An eloquent mouth?"
Qiu Boke: “…”
Xiao Qinggu twitched the corners of his mouth, and he was trying so hard to hold back his laughter that he was about to get internal injuries.
As long as Bailipu opened his mouth, even Qiu Boke would have to shut up. If it weren't for Yuan Ji's status and position, she wouldn't be able to attend this imperial banquet. I'm afraid she would have to sing a double act with Bailipu.
Qiu Bo Ke was so shocked that he shook his beard and said, "A mere doctor...how can you be considered a soldier!"
"How can a doctor who saves lives and heals the wounded on the battlefield not be considered a soldier of Dayu?" Bailipu snorted coldly. "If Prime Minister Qiu is blind, he might as well go find a doctor—don't go find Doctor Ji, or Doctor Ji's master, or you'll be met with disappointment."
Everyone knows that Yao Lao and Ji Suxian are top-notch doctors. If you want to see this master and disciple, you have to wait until next month.
Qiu Bo Ke was so angry that he shut up and didn't say a word.
Shang Yuwan and Twelve looked at Bailipu with gratitude. Bailipu looked at Shang Yuwan's neck and jaw, a trace of heartache flashed in his eyes, and he shook his head gently.
This child really doesn't care about anything for his own people.
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