Chapter 774 Secret Report from Tongguan!
Yuwen Qian looked up at him.
Although everyone was overjoyed at this moment, and he had a smile on his face, his exceptionally clear eyes still revealed a sense of coldness.
He slowly stood up.
Upon seeing his action, Yuwen Ye and Shang Ruyi exchanged a glance. They had just drunk that cup with Yuwen Yuan to celebrate the victory in this great battle, and Yuwen Yuan's question to the Crown Prince was clearly to hear his congratulatory words.
But Yuwen Qian stood up, only standing there, without raising his wine cup.
Seeing his actions, Yuwen Yuan's eyes darkened slightly. Yuwen Qian stood up, bowed to him, and said loudly, "What I wanted to say has already been said by my second brother and sister-in-law. I can only say that since we have successfully captured Song and Xu prefectures in this battle, Father should strike while the iron is hot and arrange for the deployment of troops to Luoyang as soon as possible."
"oh?"
Unexpectedly, he had already turned his thoughts to the post-war period so quickly, which made Yuwen Yuan's expression turn serious.
Yuwen Ye's brow furrowed unconsciously.
Yuwen Qian continued, "Even if we don't attack Luoyang immediately, we need to reinforce Songzhou and Xuzhou to prevent Liang Shide from reacting. If he sends troops to retake these two places, not only will this battle be fruitless, but it will also be detrimental to our future plans to advance eastward."
Upon hearing this, Yuwen Yuan nodded slightly: "What you said makes sense."
Upon hearing his words, Yuwen Ye and Shang Ruyi on the other side gradually darkened their expressions.
Shang Ruyi was no ordinary woman completely ignorant of military affairs. Having followed Yuwen Ye for years, especially after experiencing battle herself, she had gradually developed an interest in military matters, and possessed an innate keenness inherited from her father. She easily discerned the problem in Yuwen Qian's words—Song and Xu prefectures were captured by Shen Tu Tai, who was Yuwen Ye's man. Therefore, the credit for this battle should have had nothing to do with the Crown Prince; all the credit should have gone to the Prince of Qin. Yet, Yuwen Qian's congratulatory remarks made no mention of military achievements, immediately moving on to post-war arrangements.
Of course, Yuwen Yuan also liked to hear such words; it was best to have someone share his burdens.
The post-war arrangements were essentially twofold: first, to strike while the iron was hot and immediately launch an attack on Luoyang; and second, to reinforce the Song and Xu prefectures to maintain the current situation and prepare for a future attack on Luoyang.
If Yuwen Qian was involved in these two events, he would have manipulated the final battle to attack Luoyang.
The achievements in attacking Song and Xu prefectures are incomparable to the great battle of Luoyang.
He wants to interfere in the attack on Luoyang!
It seems he clearly sensed it too. Although he had been helping the emperor with a lot of government affairs in Chang'an these days, and had barely slept for several days and nights just by compiling statistics on the land holdings of wealthy households in the Guanzhong region, such a heavy task was far less significant than Yuwen Ye's recommendation of Shen Tu Tai to go out and conquer two cities.
At this moment, Yuwen Ye spoke up: "Brother, attacking Luoyang is no small matter, and it cannot be explained in just a few words."
Yuwen Qian turned to look at him as well. In the brightly lit hall, the two brothers, though not entirely alike, shared a gaze so intense and bright it outshone all the surrounding flames. Their eyes met, seemingly sparking with fervor, as if a thousand armies were roaring past in that instant. Yuwen Qian smiled slightly and said, "Second brother is right. But preparation is key to success, especially for such a momentous event. After all—"
At this point, he smiled faintly: "Luoyang is different from Song and Xu prefectures."
"..."
"Liang Shide is not Fan Chengen either."
No, it's not as simple as just interfering.
Shang Ruyi could see it clearly from the side: Yuwen Qian was vying with Yuwen Ye for the opportunity to attack Luoyang!
However, he doesn't have many capable generals under his command. Although the Battle of Taiyuan established his status as crown prince, he personally led the battle. Now that he has been appointed crown prince, he is the foundation of the country. How could he possibly lead the army again?
Yuwen Yuan clearly understood the deeper meaning in his words. He looked at the Crown Prince, then at the Prince of Qin, pondered for a while, and said with a smile, "You don't need to say anything more."
Everyone immediately turned to look at him.
Yuwen Yuan said, "I will make my own decisions regarding the people and matters of attacking Luoyang."
The crowd replied, "Yes."
The tension that seemed like a dispute subsided with Yuwen Yuan's calm words, but an unusual ripple stirred in Shang Ruyi's heart. Yuwen Qian's words had come somewhat suddenly, but upon reflection, they didn't seem right. Even if he wanted to seize the opportunity to attack Luoyang, he should have known that Yuwen Yuan wouldn't easily allow him, as the crown prince, to go on an expedition. His efforts would only encourage Yuwen Ye to do the same.
Between him and Yuwen Ye, isn't it obvious who is more suitable to lead the troops?
Could it be that he wants Yuwen Ye to go to war?
Upon thinking about it, Shang Ruyi immediately realized that she must be a bit slow-witted, otherwise how could she have such a strange idea?
Just as her mind was filled with a thousand thoughts, and she couldn't even make sense of them, Yuwen Yuan said again, "So, my lord, you really have nothing to say to me?"
It seems the emperor still wants to hear the crown prince's congratulations.
Upon hearing this, Yuwen Qian glanced up at Yuwen Ye opposite him, then finally bent down to pick up his wine cup and said to Yuwen Yuan, "Then I will—"
Before he could finish speaking, another series of hurried footsteps interrupted him.
This time, a hint of displeasure appeared on Yuwen Yuan's face. He looked up and saw the same little eunuch rushing in again, carrying a sealed box. Upon seeing this, Eunuch Yu immediately stepped forward and said in a low voice, "Are you looking for death? The Emperor is drinking with His Highness the Crown Prince. What are you doing barging in at this time?"
The young eunuch spoke a few words in a low voice.
Shang Ruyi sat closest to them, straining her ears to barely hear the words "secret report." Yu Gonggong's sturdy back also trembled slightly. He immediately took the box from the little eunuch's hand, turned around, walked to Yuwen Yuan's side, and whispered something as well.
This time, everyone heard the words "Tongguan".
A secret report from Tongguan?
Shang Ruyi held her breath, while Yuwen Ye beside her and Yuwen Qian opposite her also put down their wine glasses at the same time. Their eyes were fixed on Yuwen Yuan as he took the box and opened the sealed copper clasp with a "snap".
Two urgent reports arrived in one night, and this one seemed to be even more important than the previous one.
What could it be?!
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