The Three Armies are Easy to Obtain
Mu Huaying remained expressionless as she said, "Please speak, Left Prime Minister."
Although Gongyi Xiu's actions were unexpected, she would not take a junior seriously.
Gongyi Xiu revealed his usual elegant smile and said, "In my opinion, it would be better for Lady Pei to marry in person."
Before anyone could react, he interrupted, “Madam Pei already enjoys the honor of being the eldest sister of the emperor in this dynasty, and at this moment she is also… widowed. If Madam wishes, all she lacks is the title of eldest princess. Madam can make her own decisions, which is better than having the Left Prime Minister pressure his elders.”
Mu Huaying's expression changed drastically, her delicate eyebrows furrowed, and anyone could see that a thunderous rage was brewing within her.
These words would normally be considered extremely rude, but she couldn't very well refute them. This was because she had just strongly advocated for Shangguan You to persuade his elders, but now that the task had fallen to her, she was furious and her expression changed; how could she possibly convince the others?
A Qiu couldn't help but look at Gongyi Xiu with admiration.
His quick wit in coming up with this plan to relieve the Shangguan family's siege in this situation is worthy of the title "Jade-faced Marquis of Liu" from Lanling Hall, but this is only his normal level.
After all, the Marquis of Lanling was known as "whose words were more valuable than nine tripods, and whose three-inch tongue was more powerful than a million soldiers."
But what A Qiu admired most was this senior brother who always cherished his reputation, yet risked offending Mu Huaying by speaking up at this time and place.
If there's one person in the entire Great Yan realm you absolutely cannot offend, it's probably "The Slender-Handed Yama" Mu Huaying. She may not be the strongest, but she's the most ruthless, the most calculating, and the most vengeful. A Qiu almost lost his life at her hands.
The situation had reached a stalemate. Mu Huaying remained silent with a sullen face, while Gongyi Xiu simply smiled calmly, ready to face a storm.
In fact, Mu Huaying's actions of forcing Shangguan You to hand over Princess Langya were, from a purely pragmatic perspective, beneficial to the entire Southern Dynasty. Sacrificing a few orphaned girls from the previous dynasty who were not related to the interests of others was the cheapest option.
However, in terms of human relationships, nearly half of the officials in the court were former officials of the previous dynasty, who had enjoyed the benefits of the previous dynasty for generations. They were not without affection for the Sima imperial family. Moreover, a widowed girl from a fallen kingdom had been guarding someone else's grave for many years without disturbing anyone. Now that something had happened, she was dragged out to take the blame. Anyone with a conscience would feel that Mu Huaying was being far too unreasonable.
Therefore, although the entire room was silent and no one dared to laugh, most of them were actually on Gongyi Xiu's side.
Seeing that no one responded, Consort Chen coughed lightly, trying to steer the conversation away from the topic.
Just then, a clear voice, slightly childish, rang out: "No need to keep refusing, I'll go."
Everyone, including Consort Chen, looked towards the direction from which the sound came. They saw Fan Liancheng, still wearing his bronze mask, step forward from behind Sikong Zhao, bowing respectfully towards the golden hall, his voice firm and resonant:
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince, Fan Liancheng, the adopted daughter of the Marquis of Yongding, is willing to marry into the Northern Qiang on behalf of the Dayan Kingdom."
The usually composed Consort Chen frowned instantly, and almost without thinking, said, "How can that be?"
Fan Liancheng's Northwest Army was the Great Wall of the Southern Dynasty's border. Fan Liancheng was chosen by Fan Ying from among countless battlefield orphans as the next Marquis of Yongding. He was the future successor of the Northwest Army, and his status was equivalent to Pei Yu's in the Jianzhang Army.
If Fan Liancheng were to marry, the Northwest Army would face two possibilities: either losing its future commander-in-chief or forming an alliance with the Northern Qiang. Either way, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Furthermore, the Northwest Army is far from Jianzhang, unlike the Jianzhang Army, which can always find alternatives, such as sending Sikong Zhao to the garrison. If the imperial court attempts to control it, it will only be a case of too much trouble than too much help.
Therefore, Consort Chen's first thought was that it was absolutely impossible.
A Qiu finally got a chance to speak and asked, "Did General Xiao Fan consult Marquis Yongding before making this decision?"
For the first time ever, Fan Liancheng revealed a bright smile, her white teeth visible beneath her mask. She said, "When a general is in the field, he may disobey the emperor's orders. Let alone a mere command from his mother."
This answer caused an uproar throughout the room.
The way everyone looked at her was a mixture of helplessness and admiration. But her words greatly eased the tense atmosphere that had just been building.
First, Sikong Zhao, who was also a military commander, said: "The Xuanying Guard cannot act recklessly. Military orders are like mountains, and this is not child's play. You are the future successor of the Northwest Army. Even if you are willing, we dare not agree without your mother Fan Ying's permission."
Pei Yu, who had been silent until now and was also the commander of the Jianzhang Division, said, "Let's discuss this matter again. If there really is no suitable candidate, then we will just refuse as Consort Chen said, and we are not afraid of him."
Fan Liancheng remained unmoved, striding confidently to the steps before the imperial court. He laughed and said, "All your arguments and refusals are just a matter of your belief that the Northern Qiang are like tigers and dragons, a place of no return. So what? I am a soldier, and I see this marriage alliance as just another battlefield. And what the battlefield needs most are soldiers who are not afraid to die. If one person can venture into the tiger's den and sacrifice tens of thousands of soldiers, isn't that far more worthwhile than me fighting on the battlefield?"
Although her voice was young and her eloquence was far inferior to that of the veteran officials in the court, her rough and straightforward words were powerful and resounding, leaving everyone speechless for a moment.
Even the eloquent Gongyi Xiu looked at her with admiration.
A Qiu also realized that it was no wonder Fan Ying chose Fan Liancheng as the successor of the Northwest Army from among a group of orphans. A commander who can see through the whole situation in the midst of chaos and make wise decisions, even if it means sacrificing himself, is truly the kind of commander who wins the hearts and minds of the people.
Fan Liancheng's next words showed that she was not acting on impulse.
She said calmly, "As for my godmother, I only need to write her a letter to inform her of my decision. If she knows that it is my own choice and for the sake of the country, she will definitely support me. Moreover, you don't need to worry about the lack of successors for my Northwest Army."
She smiled, revealing her white teeth, and said, "As you all know, we Fan family members are all orphans, not of the same bloodline. There are more than ten orphans like me under my foster mother's command. If I go to the Northern Qiang, my foster sisters will surely be able to inherit and carry on the Northwest Army for me."
She said calmly, "This is the determination of the Northwest Fanmen, who do not care about blood ties but only about their comrades, and take the world as their responsibility."
After these words were spoken, the previously heated discussion among the audience turned into silent respect.
Pei Yu, who was hot-tempered to begin with, could no longer restrain himself. Ignoring Mu Huaying's attempts to stop him, he immediately stepped forward and shouted, "You are younger than me and must be married off. It's not up to you to go! My Jianzhang Army is not without capable men!"
She knelt directly below the steps, beside Fan Liancheng, and loudly proclaimed, "Your Majesty and His Highness, please issue an edict to transfer the military power of the Jianzhang Army to the Grand Commander and General Fan. Pei Yu is willing to represent Dayan in a marriage alliance with the Northern Qiang!"
Mu Huaying's face darkened, and her eyes turned extremely cold.
A Qiu could understand Mu Huaying's feelings: Fan Liancheng had more than a dozen sworn sisters who could inherit the Northwest Army and fight in place of their mother. But the Pei family had lost Pei Yu, leaving no successor, and the Jianzhang Army would lose its power. Whether for the sake of the Pei family's five generations of military succession, for the sake of the Jianzhang Army, or even just considering the bond between mother and daughter, Mu Huaying could not agree to this.
However, Mu Huaying should feel comforted that the Pei family has such a daughter. At least Pei Yu's statement at this moment will not disappoint anyone in the court or the public.
Before Consort Chen could speak, Fan Liancheng stood up and pulled Pei Yu to her feet, saying, "You don't need to argue with me. There are other reasons why I am willing to take this position: If I am sent for a marriage alliance, my mother will definitely send troops to escort my dowry. If the alliance is successful, the troops will remain stationed in Northern Qiang; if the other side is not sincere, I can return to my garrison in the Northwest at any time under the pretext of returning to my parents' home. I am free to leave or stay as I please."
Upon hearing this, A Qiu immediately recognized that this was indeed Fan Liancheng's advantage: everyone knew that her primary identity was that of the daughter of the Northwest Fan clan, and the Northwest Army, nominally subordinate to the Southern Dynasty, was in reality an independent force active on the border between Dayan and the Northern Qiang, whose soldiers were not only Han Chinese but also included various Yi and Di tribes. Marquis Yongding, Fan Ying, also wielded considerable influence and prestige within the Northern Qiang territory.
If the Northern Qiang were to actually marry Fan Liancheng, they would have to consider the Northwest Army's position and Fan Ying's feelings in everything they did. This would not only indirectly suppress the Northern Qiang's wolfish ambitions, but it would also be different from Pei Yu's situation, where the slightest mistake would force the Jianzhang Army to launch an attack, inevitably leading to a full-scale war.
Since Fan Liancheng brought this up, it meant that she had calmly considered the entire strategy, and it was not a rash act of defiance. Although she was the youngest among the current generation of Flying Phoenix, she already possessed the strategic aura of a great general.
She spoke lightly, claiming she was free to come and go as she pleased. But who didn't know that if the Northern Qiang were determined to start a full-scale war, the first blow would surely be to sacrifice her and the Northwest Army remaining in the Northern Qiang capital as a sacrifice to their flag?
Of course, she could choose to surrender, but that would not be the choice made by generations of loyal and virtuous members of the Fan family, a family full of heroes.
Pei Yu was pulled up by her, knowing that her mind was made up, so he stopped saying those polite words and simply grabbed her hand in return, saying decisively, "If you really need to marry into the north, I will lead the Jianzhang Navy northward, escorting you along the Yangtze River, and we will continuously station troops and establish outposts along the way. If you see that the situation is not right in the Northern Qiang territory, immediately light the beacon fire, and our people will cross the Yangtze River immediately."
Before Fan Liancheng could thank her, she said decisively, "No need to be polite. This is not for you alone, but for the country. In any case, it's time to start preparing for war."
Seeing her like this, Fan Liancheng no longer declined politely, saying, "My mother will surely also station troops on the northwest border to respond, making a show of control from afar."
Aqiu immediately replied, "I will send a letter to the Marquis of Guannei on behalf of my master, asking him to lead the Shuofang Army south and assemble at the northern border of the Northern Qiang. It would be best if he could come in person to have a drink at the wedding."
Fan Liancheng laughed and said, "The Fan and Li families have been friends for generations, so Brother Chongyu will definitely have to come and drink this celebratory wine."
The three clasped hands, looked at each other, and smiled.
Everyone present was thrilled by the final decision on the choice of a marriage partner, and the previous situation of pushing and shoving and everyone having their own agendas was no longer present.
Shangguan You said in a hoarse voice, "Very well! Originally, the Shangguan family had long intended to retire. Before His Majesty fell ill, I had also submitted a memorial requesting to retire and return to my hometown. But now, you young people are all so willing to take on responsibilities, how can my Shangguan family remain indifferent and protect ourselves? You generals, just focus on fighting on the front lines. You can rest assured that the supplies and provisions in the rear can be entrusted to me. I will have my family members personally oversee the transportation at the river mouth, and I will ensure that there are no problems with the arrows and provisions. Otherwise, I will offer my head as an apology."
It's well known that the biggest fear in frontline warfare is insufficient supplies or even various forms of obstruction from the rear. Since Shangguan You has confidently promised to take full responsibility, there is truly no one more suitable than him within the Southern Dynasty. The sheer scale and intricacy of the administrative power required to mobilize and transport provisions and military equipment from various regions, passing through numerous land and water checkpoints, is such that, apart from the Shangguan family with their countless protégés, no one else dares to guarantee such a feat.
With a clang, Consort Chen drew out the "Xiuyi," a ceremonial robe that had not appeared in court for many years.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
