Chapter 260: Using Force to Counterattack
Zhao Tingduo was confused at first, and was a little surprised that the prince interfered in the relationship between a minister and his wife, and this minister was his close cousin.
My father is old and wants to return to Beijing to see his wife. He can't just stand by and watch his son prosper, right?
On the other side, Zhao Tinglei's face darkened when he heard him say that the prince had separated him and his wife. "What are you talking about? What does this have to do with marriage?"
Zhao Tingduo was completely a reckless boy at this time. He slammed the table and shouted, "I understand. You want my sister-in-law and the child to be held hostage!"
Seeing his third brother speak so frankly, Zhao Tinglei nodded helplessly: "Only in this way can military officers with heavy troops gain the trust of the people in the capital.
My father is now stationed in Weicheng, using heavy troops to put pressure on the capital just in case.
When the Crown Prince ascends the throne, my father will retire from the army."
When the new emperor ascends the throne, Zhao Tinglei will take control of the Yunzhou Zhenbei Army. In order to prevent external relatives from interfering in politics and preventing power from falling into other people's hands, his wife and children must return to Beijing as hostages, and Zhao Yanjiao must also hand over military power.
"Alas! It's time for father to enjoy his retirement!"
Zhao Tingduo looked a little gloomy. With his father gone and his mother on the grassland, it would be difficult for the two of them to be together again.
Although this outcome was destined since the camp moved out of Xishi Pass last year, Zhao Tingduo still felt sad.
He recalled his childhood, when his father and mother rode horses and laughed happily on the grassland, and ate mutton with their hands and drank milk wine in the tent at night.
If it weren't for their different standpoints, A Niang and Father would be a perfect couple.
These are all gossips. Zhao Tinglei called Zhao Tingduo from a hundred miles away, definitely not to talk about his wives, concubines and children.
He handed over the papers he had just been reading. "Third brother, this is the information our informant from the grasslands sent back. It's helpful to you!"
The contents of the letter really made Zhao Tingduo look horrified, and his breathing became rapid: "Finally, I can take revenge!"
After saying this, he looked troubled again: "Brother, the Crown Prince told father that no more trouble can happen! What do you think...what should we do?"
Zhao Tinglei stared at his third brother with a sharp gaze. "Father is not in Hecheng now, so you can do whatever you want. The opportunity is right in front of you. By next year, the Donglun tribe will definitely be swallowed up by someone else."
Zhao Tingduo's heart was beating like a drum.
The letter said that the Donglun tribe, which was originally the second most powerful tribe in the Dilu royal court, was ambushed by the Wuda tribe last winter and lost a hundred cavalrymen. The leader Abli returned injured, and civil strife broke out in the tribe.
Several elders expressed their dissatisfaction with Abli and wanted to choose another leader, but Abli had no prestige and they suppressed their dissatisfaction.
In May, he participated in Wu Dynasty's westward looting and suffered losses again under the encirclement and suppression of Zhenbei Army.
Now the tribe has split into three branches, among which Abli is preparing to move his nearly 1,000 relatives and slave tribes from their previous winter pastures to the Mida River Valley.
The Mida River Valley is hundreds of miles long, with hillsides and forests on both sides blocking the cold wind, so that cattle, sheep and other livestock will not be frozen to death. There is abundant water and grass on the riverside, and many tribes gather here every winter.
Now Abli wants to come too...
Zhao Tingduo's eyes turned cold.
Last winter, I intentionally let Abli return to the tribe in order to split the Donglun faction.
On the grassland, the most united group is the wolf pack. If the wolf king is killed directly, a new wolf king will be born without fighting, and there will also be hatred.
Only when the wolf king is still alive and loses his prestige, will the wolf pack's internal strife begin.
If Abili was defeated and fled back, he would lose his value as a leader, and civil strife would naturally arise. If he had killed him at that time, it would have brought revenge from the Donglun tribe.
Now, it has been delivered to me.
Zhao Tingduo smiled and said, "Thank you for the news, brother."
The corners of Zhao Tinglei's lips curled up, but before he could express his brother's concern, Zhao Tingduo asked, "Big brother, can you lend me another thousand soldiers to help me?"
The smile suddenly froze on Zhao Tinglei's face.
In the past, whenever my third brother came, he would either ask for my sword or bow, but now he actually wants a thousand soldiers!
Zhao Tinglei gritted his teeth and said, "You were just saying that the Crown Prince and father told you not to cause trouble, let alone use the Zhenbei Army. You have to find a way yourself."
Zhao Tingduo deftly folded the letter and stuffed it into his arms: "Since Big Brother has already given me the news, it is only natural for me to borrow troops."
"No!" Zhao Tinglei flatly refused. He had just taken control of the military power and could not disobey the prince's first military order.
Zhao Tingduo was not annoyed. He took a sip of the slightly cold tea and frowned slightly, saying, "I'm not lending it for free. I'll give you as many war horses as you lend me soldiers."
Zhao Tinglei had long coveted the Dilu grassland, which was no smaller than the Wu Dynasty's.
Although the Di Lu Royal Court is not a country, it can command the support of hundreds of people on the grassland and can easily mobilize all tribal members.
On the vast grassland, the Di tribes were roaming around, chasing and fleeing. The Wu Dynasty army had no advantage to begin with, and was besieged by all the tribes. Even logistical supplies were cut off, and they would be dragged to death without fighting.
Unless they are all replaced with horses.
As long as he has 10,000 cavalry, Zhao Tinglei can move freely in the Dilu grassland.
The two brothers looked at each other, staring at each other, and no one was willing to say that.
After a moment, Zhao Tinglei finally spoke first: "Third brother, your sister-in-law is about to leave for Beijing. She has prepared tea and meals for you many times over the years. Why don't you stay in the garrison for a few days?
The Tianhecheng Market is about to open soon, so you can check out the prices of furs this year."
He still needs to discuss with his staff how to arrange the borrowing of troops!
Zhao Tingduo nodded: "That's fine, just stay for a few days."
Wait until he moves into the side courtyard prepared for him by the garrison.
Abu, who had been accompanying Zhao Tingduo the whole time and was as silent as an iron tower, first drove away with a dark face a group of maids who were carrying water and handkerchiefs and wanted to rush up to undress and serve her, then he closed the gate of the courtyard and waited outside.
There was no one else in the room, and Zhao Tingduo finally relaxed.
From the age of fifteen, every time he came to Hecheng, his virtuous sister-in-law would arrange for a maid to sleep with him, and his father and elder brother also acquiesced.
Zhao Tingduo shook his head. The Wu Dynasty wanted many wives and concubines, but there was a saying on the grassland: The wolf king only needs one partner to lead the tribe to be strong.
Only the rams who only know how to lower their heads and eat grass are promiscuous!
Zhao Tingduo took off his shoes and got on the kang, taking out a topographic map of the Mida River Valley from his arms.
This is given to me by my elder brother.
My eldest brother wants to raise an army against the wishes of the crown prince and our father, and wants to use me, so I can also use his strength!
Blood debt can only be repaid with blood!
Zhao Tingduo clenched his fists and let out a breath!
If there is a conflict on the grassland, it will definitely be bloody and brutal.
On September 12, construction of the houses for Song Liyun and several other families was about to begin.
The groundbreaking ceremony in Suijin Town was lively and grand.
Madam Yun brought Yuquan, who had changed her clothes, Chuntao, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, and Yanghua, who came specially to help.
Song Liyun paid for half a pig, and each family contributed potatoes and cucumbers. Several women prepared to cook several large pots full of dishes.
The craftsmen who came to work had a sincere opening meal and then immediately started digging the soil and laying bricks.
Han Ming, the chief steward of Baolinju, had a new job, taking on the role of supervisor.
(End of this chapter)
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