Chapter 545: Zhao Duan's plan, a belated letter (5k)
"Who said they were spreading false information? What if... the news that Zhao Shixiong secretly communicated with the court is... true?"
In the imperial study, after Zhao Duan said this calmly, he clearly saw the eyes of the empress sitting opposite him suddenly become sharp.
What if it is... true?
Did Zhao Shixiong really have connections with the imperial court? This absurd thought subconsciously popped up in the empress's mind, but she quickly dismissed it.
joke!
This was sheer nonsense. But although Zhao Duan occasionally flirted with her, he never acted frivolously when it came to major matters.
If He says it exists, then it must exist.
The empress's heart moved, and an idea flashed through her mind like a meteor. She vaguely caught a hint of inspiration, but because it was fleeting, she seemed hesitant.
Fortunately, Zhao Duan knew that his stay in the capital was limited, so he didn't intend to keep it a secret and said directly:
"Feng Xiaolian. I want Feng Xiaolian to deliver a letter to Zhao Shixiong."
He briefly recounted his interactions with the blue-shirted shopkeeper.
It's him!
The Empress's expression suddenly changed, and her thoughts suddenly became clear. She suddenly woke up, stared at him with burning eyes, and blurted out:
"Are you setting a trap? Yes, if it were just what you did before, it wouldn't be enough to make Xu Jingtang suspect Zhao Shixiong, and the false report pointed out by the embroidered clothes would only have the opposite effect.
But…if such a letter existed at this sensitive juncture, then Xiu Yizhi would simply report truthfully, without any need for falsehood. If you don't lie, you won't be exposed!"
Zhao Duan smiled and said:
"Your Majesty is incredibly intelligent and understands everything immediately. That's exactly what's going on.
My actions in Yongjia City, such as assassinating the military supervisor, rescuing prisoners, and even fighting with Zhao Shixiong, were just necessary parts of this plan.
The one who actually set this up was Feng Xiaolian, or rather, the unexpected Prince of Huai'an.
After a pause, he sighed:
“It’s a coincidence that I didn’t have a clear idea of how to set up the scheme at first. It was only after Feng Xiaolian took the initiative to look for me that day that I came up with the idea.
In this case, it doesn't matter what the letter says; the existence of the letter itself is the most important thing. Nie Yurong will report this matter later, and Xu Jingtang will certainly verify it afterwards."
The Empress said in tacit understanding:
"As long as Xu Jingtang is sure of the truth of this matter, then combined with what you have done openly, Xu Jingtang will definitely become suspicious!
Even if this suspicion is not enough to cause the two sides to turn against each other, it will certainly greatly weaken the threat of the Yunfu rebels!
And this is your true strategy of sowing discord!"
The other point that the king and his minister did not say, but both knew in their hearts, was:
This simple plan drove a wedge between more than just these two people.
And King Huai'an!
What will happen when Xu Jingtang finds out that Prince Huai'an is involved in this matter?
Isn't the Prince of Huai'an a fence-sitter? Then Zhao Duan simply forced him to take sides.
Want to bet on both the rebels and the imperial court? Where can such a good thing happen?
Once the Prince of Huai'an was dragged into the water, it would undoubtedly be a great thing for the court.
It will also be a great help to the plan of conquering the Huai River.
"But will Feng Xiaolian follow your instructions? What if he doesn't deliver the letter?"
While Xu Zhenguan was excited, he noticed a blind spot.
Zhao Duan, as if he had been prepared, said calmly:
"He will go. If he doesn't, we will do it for him.
Anyway, he met with me many times, including later contact with Song Jinxi. These things cannot be faked. I have arranged for the relevant witnesses to be prepared.
The most disgusting thing about the divide-and-conquer tactic is that it requires no real evidence.
It just needs to be "suspicious" enough!
Of course, the premise for implementing this strategy is that both parties lack trust. If the same strategy is used to deal with Prince Jing, its effectiveness will be greatly reduced.
From a certain perspective, the empress first publicly gave Zhao Du'an a betrothal gift and arranged the marriage, and then sent him out to be the Grand Commander.
It is to eliminate the last possibility of the enemy using the strategy of sowing discord.
"It's so... It's so..." The empress stood up subconsciously and paced back and forth in the room, thinking about this seemingly simple but ingenious plan, her eyes becoming brighter and brighter.
When he turned around and looked at the little imperial guard, his eyes became complicated:
"Those court officials said that you were no match for Xue Shence on the battlefield, and that you only relied on the firearms of the Shenji Camp.
If they knew this, they would understand how foolish their judgment was.”
Zhao Duan hurriedly said:
"Your Majesty, this matter must not be leaked. At least not before it is accomplished. Furthermore, if we want to completely sever the relationship between the two, today's move alone will not be enough. This is only the first step. I have further arrangements."
The empress rolled her eyes and said in a feigned anger:
"I'm not a three-year-old child, do I need you to teach me this?"
Then he sighed again and said with emotion:
"It's a pity that before that, outsiders will misunderstand you for a long time."
Zhao Duan just smiled and said, "I don't care about the empty reputation of helping His Majesty to relieve his worries."
The empress felt his fiery gaze, her fair cheeks flushed slightly, she flicked her sleeves and said sideways:
"You said this is just the first step?"
“Well, but what to do next is still uncertain. It depends on whether tonight’s plan goes smoothly.
If I fail to escape from Yongjia, or if the prisoners I rescue are recaptured, the effectiveness of my plan will be greatly reduced, or even fail."
Zhao Duan said in a deep voice.
Yes... I almost forgot, things are not over yet... The empress suppressed her excitement and said anxiously:
"You've wasted quite a bit of time. You should go back quickly and come back when it's safe."
Zhao Duan nodded and stood up: "I will return to report to Your Majesty once I am safe."
The empress nodded and said, "I will wait for your triumphant return."
Zhao Duan smiled, said goodbye and left, heading straight for the stone wall.
…
…
In the darkness, Zhao Duan opened his eyes and first felt as if he was lying on someone's back, shaking constantly.
Then, with the help of the light from the stars and the moon, he gradually saw the situation clearly.
It seemed that he had left Yongjia City and was now on a small path in the mountains.
Under the cover of night, the branches of the trees on both sides quickly swept backwards, like ghosts with bared fangs and claws.
The one who carried him on his back was the gold medal shadow guard scholar. I didn't expect that although he looked sick, he actually had so much strength.
Under the moonlight, in front of the path, Hongye, with a bronze mask on his face, was leading the way with a sword.
"Put me down."
Zhao Duan spoke calmly.
The two shadow guards froze for a moment, and when they confirmed that it was Zhao Duan who spoke, they couldn't help but feel surprised and happy:
"Sir? Are you awake?"
Zhao Duan jumped off the scholar's back, stood on the ground, and felt it carefully. He found that except for the empty qi sea, listlessness and fatigue, he had no injuries.
He breathed a sigh of relief, met the gazes of his two subordinates, and nodded:
"The previous battle shook my soul and I was unconscious for a while, but I'm fine now. Where are we? What's the situation?"
The scholar breathed a sigh of relief and said:
"My Lord, after you fell unconscious, I reunited with Hongye and took you out of the city through a secret passage, heading towards the predetermined rendezvous point. We are now outside the city."
Hongye added, "The cannon fire from the north of the city must have been from the Beijing garrison crossing the river."
Zhao Duan stood in the darkness and turned his head to look back.
The three of them stood on a mountain outside the city, looking down from a high vantage point. Through the branches, they could see the bright lights of Yongjia City in the distance. In the Yongjia River section to the north, there were also some flames like stars.
These should be torches lit by the two armies fighting at night.
Retracting his gaze, Zhao Duan said, "Keep going and meet up with the others as soon as possible."
Zhao Shixiong should have been led away by the Fifth Army Camp, but it is still unknown whether Song Jinxi and others were successful.
"yes."
…
The three of them hurried on their way at lightning speed.
About half an hour later, Zhao Duan arrived at a valley and made the sound of a partridge from a distance. There were three short and one long responses from the other side.
He approached quickly and was relieved to see that Song Jinxi and a group of people were already waiting there.
"Sir! I have fulfilled my mission and brought the prisoner here."
Song Jinxi bowed and saluted, and the other shadow guards in the team did the same.
"Thank you all for your hard work. You have done a great job today. When I return to Beijing, I will definitely recommend you for the credit." The stone in Zhao Duan's heart finally fell to the ground.
A smile appeared on his face.
It seems that except for a slight accident caused by Zhao Shixiong's cultivation level exceeding expectations, the rest of the actions are still under control.
But it was not surprising. He used himself as bait to lure away the high-ranking officials in the city. With the abilities of Song Jinxi and others, they only had to rescue a few prisoners who were not of much value. It was reasonable that they succeeded.
After he finished speaking, he glanced at the people in the darkness.
A middle-aged man in prison uniform, bloodstained, came forward and bowed with a sincere look in his eyes.
"Yongjia Prefect Cui Haoran thanks Commander Zhao for the great kindness of rescuing me!"
Then the rest of the prisoners came forward and saluted.
Most of them had never seen Zhao Duan, they only knew that there was this celebrity.
Before this, there may have been criticisms of Zhao Duan.
But after this incident, I only feel gratitude towards this great commander-in-chief.
I thought I was going to die in prison, but I was able to survive and return to the court. What a great favor this was!
Zhao Duan smiled and hurried forward to support him:
"Lord Cui, if you want to thank someone, please thank His Majesty. You have faced the rebels, risking your lives to fight them, and have endured immense hardship. Upon your return to the court, you will surely be highly valued. The court is in dire need of loyal ministers like you."
It was just some ordinary polite talk, but it made these officials cry.
I really survived a disaster and I am very emotional.
Zhao Duan tried to appease them again before turning his head to look at the uneasy family in the corner with a smile on his face:
"Mr. Du, we meet again."
Du Ruhui was flattered and stepped forward to salute with a bit of embarrassment:
"I... didn't know the governor's identity before, so I apologize for being rude. I really..."
Du's wife even lowered her head, hugged Du Xiaobao, and tried hard to hide herself, not daring to look at "King Zhao".
There is no tough attitude at all.
Zhao Yanwang...what kind of person is he?
She is a favorite of the emperor and the future emperor’s husband who has not yet married.
He is the most famous figure in the entire Dayu Dynasty in the past year.
But she changed her appearance and rented his house... When the couple heard the news from their daughter, they were skeptical.
If Du Shishi had not directly used the "bell" to hypnotize his family to escape with him, they might not have left the city.
It was not until just now, when he saw with his own eyes the respectful attitude of the prefect Cui Haoran, that Du Ruhui completely believed it, and only shock remained in his heart.
"Mr. Du, there's no need to be restrained. The Du family's hasty escape was also caused by me. I also feel guilty."
Zhao Duan said seriously:
"If you don't mind, please come back to Linfeng with me. I had a conversation with Mr. Du before, and I felt that he was no ordinary yamen clerk. He had a magnificent vision in his mind.
The court is currently in need of talent. If you are willing to serve, there may be a place for you in the court in the future."
Du Ruhui was stunned and looked at him blankly, unable to believe his ears.
Du's wife also raised her head like a quail, her ears stood up, and she turned to look at her husband.
However, Du Ruhui, who was in dire straits in his middle age and had never had the opportunity to realize his ambitions in his life, had red eyes at some point, but his back was extremely straight, like a long sword piercing the sky.
Du Ruhui bowed and said sincerely:
"If the governor doesn't mind, I'm willing to serve you like a dog and a horse!"
With the way you act... I thought you were going to smoke, drink, and perm your hair for generations to come for my Zhao family... Zhao Duan's mouth twitched.
He did think Du Ruhui was a talented person, but his humble attitude just now was also intended as a political show in front of officials like Cui Haoran...
But it looks like the effect is a bit explosive.
However, although he had done this today in order to plot against Zhao Shixiong, it seemed that by some strange coincidence he had accepted a group of officials who were loyal to him.
Zhao Duan, the future emperor, after obtaining a group of military generals from the Shenji Camp, also began to accumulate direct power in the civil service camp.
He took one last look at Du Shishi.
The girl hid in the darkness, saying nothing, her eyes alert, and her hands subconsciously covering the old bell around her waist.
Zhao Duan smiled. He had no interest in finding out a girl's little secret.
Given his status, he would not rob his subordinates.
Anyway... when Du Ruhui enters the officialdom, the secrets of the young girl, who is a member of his family, can no longer be hidden.
"This place is not completely out of danger yet. Let's set off immediately and fight while the rebels are leaving the city. We will take a small road back to Taicang." Zhao Duan ordered.
Everyone had no objection and was eager to head north as soon as possible.
Immediately, they followed the retreat route that had been planned earlier, but several shadow guards left the team and returned to Yongjia.
They will continue to lurk in the city and monitor Feng Xiaolian's subsequent actions.
…
In the darkness, the passage of time is extremely blurry.
After an unknown amount of time, everyone heard the sound of flowing water and a river appeared in front of them.
At this moment, there was already a boat waiting by the river. It was arranged by the court to pick up the soldiers.
"You guys get on the boat and escort Lord Cui and the others back." Zhao Duan did not get on the boat.
Song Jinxi asked curiously, "Sir, aren't you coming with us?"
Zhao Duan said: "I still have some things to do."
Song Jinxi didn't ask any more questions and immediately took his men across the river by boat.
Watching a group of people heading towards the other side, Zhao Duan faced the river breeze and waited for a while before turning around and leaving, returning to Yongjia City.
After a long while, he appeared outside a deserted pavilion. This was one of the orders he had given to Song Jinxi before.
"Come out." Zhao Duan said calmly.
Above the pavilion, the originally empty air twisted, and a figure slowly emerged.
Nie Yurong, wearing a nightgown, jumped down lightly, staring at him with bright eyes:
"It seems you have accomplished something great."
Zhao Duan glanced at her: "Pay attention to your identity."
Nie Yurong bowed reluctantly and said, "I pay my respects to you, Your Excellency."
Zhao Duan smiled with satisfaction and said, "How's the task assigned to you going?"
Nie Yurong said:
"As for Feng Xiaolian, I have arranged for someone in embroidered robes to keep an eye on her. Previously, when Eunuch Song contacted Feng Xiaolian, and when you last met her at the brothel, there were also people watching.
We, the Embroidered Uniform Guards, were assigned by order of Prince Mu's Mansion and will not rashly arrest anyone. Our main task is to keep an eye on Zhao Shixiong. With such a major incident happening in the city this time, we should report to Prince Mu's Mansion later."
Zhao Duan stood with his hands behind his back in the mountain breeze, gazing at the battle between the two armies on the river in the distance, and calmly ordered:
"Keep a close eye on Feng Xiaolian and Gongsun. Once you get the key evidence, tell Xu Jingtang everything that happened tonight.
Including the news that I fought Zhao Shixiong and escaped safely."
Nie Yurong stared at this notorious traitor with some fear.
As a bystander and an important executor in this mission, she saw all of Zhao Duan's actions.
It is precisely because of this that I feel so frightened and terrified by this seemingly simple yet ingenious plan.
"Sir, are all the high-ranking officials in the court as thoughtful and meticulous as you are?" Nie Yurong suddenly asked.
Zhao Duan turned his head and looked at her with a smile:
"There are countless talented people in the court, and I am just an ordinary one among them."
Seeing Nie Yurong's stunned expression, he chuckled:
"Just kidding. Do you really think anyone can be the emperor's husband?"
Nie Yurong suddenly breathed a sigh of relief.
Yes, this is normal. If all the civil and military officials in the court were as mysterious and terrifying as Zhao Duan, the vassal kings would not be able to make any waves at all.
Zhao Duan continued:
"This information is very important. You can take this opportunity to return to Xu Jingtang."
Nie Yurong asked, "What do you need me to do?"
Zhao Duan said:
"When you're needed, someone will notify you. Until then, continue to carefully investigate how Zhao Shixiong was persuaded by Prince Mu to participate in the rebellion."
After a brief fight with Zhao Shixiong tonight, Zhao Duan vaguely felt that this border general's rebellion might be hiding something.
Nie Yurong's heart moved. Someone informed her?
So... is this man in front of me, beside King Mu, also supporting other forces?
"Yes." The female assassin responded, her figure twisted and disappeared.
Only Zhao Duan was left standing under the old pavilion, gazing at the war on the river bank in the night, a little distracted.
He already had some ideas about the second step of sowing discord and inciting rebellion, but he was not prepared to do it himself.
…
A night battle lasted for several hours and finally ended with the imperial court withdrawing its troops.
When Zhao Shixiong and his group, who had defended their territory, returned to Yongjia City, it was already dawn.
Walking into the government office, Gongsun first took off his armor and rested, while Zhao Shixiong discussed the follow-up of the battle with his generals.
The escape of Cui Haoran and others was not a big loss. The real difficulty was the death of military supervisors such as Wang Qi.
After a meeting, Zhao Shixiong was alone in the room thinking. Suddenly, the door was pushed open and Gongsun, who was tall, plump and full of heroic spirit, hurried in with a very unhappy look on his face.
"What happened?" Zhao Shixiong asked with a frown.
Gongsun bit his lip, holding a letter in his hand, and said:
"While we were out of the city to fight, someone sent this to my yard through someone in the mansion. Take a look."
"A letter?" Zhao Shixiong instinctively felt uneasy. He reached out to take it and asked, "What's in the letter?"
The envelope has been opened.
Gongsun said with a grim expression, "You'll know once you see it."
Zhao Shixiong pulled out the letter and found that there was only a thin piece of paper in the envelope, with a white paper on it.
"It's not that they used some method to hide the handwriting. I tried it, and it's just a blank piece of paper, without any words." Gongsun said.
Zhao Shixiong was stunned for a moment, and then his face suddenly changed.
After a while.
In the room, his suppressed voice came out:
"Zhao! Du! An!"
(End of this chapter)
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