Zhao Tingduo was initially bewildered, somewhat surprised that the Crown Prince would interfere in the relationship between a subject and his wife, especially since this subject was his own cousin.
My father is getting old and needs to return to the capital to see his wife. He can't bear to see his son doing well, can he?
On the other side, when Zhao Tinglei heard him say that the Crown Prince had separated him and his wife, his face immediately darkened: "What nonsense are you talking about? What does this have to do with marriage!"
At this moment, Zhao Tingduo was completely like a reckless young man. He slammed his hand on the table and shouted, "I understand! This means my sister-in-law and the child are being held hostage!"
Seeing that his third brother spoke so frankly, Zhao Tinglei nodded helplessly: "Only in this way can military officers who hold heavy troops gain the trust of the capital."
My father is currently stationed in Weicheng, using a large force to put pressure on the capital as a precaution.
"When the crown prince ascends the throne and begins to rule, the father will retire from the military and return to his hometown."
When the new emperor ascended the throne, Zhao Tinglei took control of the Zhenbei Army in Yunzhou. In order to prevent the maternal relatives from interfering in politics and losing power, his wife and children had to return to the capital as hostages, and Zhao Yanjiao also had to relinquish his military power.
"Alas! Father should also retire to enjoy his old age!"
Zhao Tingduo's expression was somewhat gloomy. With her father gone and her mother on the grassland, it would be difficult for the two of them to reunite.
Although this outcome was inevitable from the moment she moved her tents away from Xiashi Pass last year, Zhao Tingduo still felt a deep sense of sorrow.
He recalled his childhood, when his father and mother rode horses and laughed on the grassland, and at night they ate hand-pulled mutton and drank milk wine in their tent.
If it weren't for their differing stances, my mother and father would have been a perfect couple.
These are all idle words. Zhao Tinglei summoned Zhao Tingduo from a hundred miles away, certainly not to discuss matters concerning his wives, concubines, and children.
He handed over the few sheets of paper he had just been looking at: "Third brother, this is intelligence sent back by our informant on the grasslands. It will be of benefit to you!"
The contents of the letter indeed made Zhao Tingduo's expression turn serious, and his breathing became rapid: "Finally, I can take my revenge!"
After saying that, he looked troubled: "Brother, the Crown Prince and Father said that we must not cause any more trouble! What do you think we should do?"
Zhao Tinglei stared intently at his third brother: "Now that Father is not in Hecheng, you can do whatever you want. The opportunity is right in front of you. Next year, the Donglun tribe will definitely be swallowed up by others."
Zhao Tingduo's heart was pounding like a drum.
The letter stated that the Donglun tribe, which was originally the second strongest in the Dilu royal court, was ambushed by the Wuda tribe last winter and lost a hundred riders. The chieftain, Abuli, returned wounded, and internal strife broke out in the tribe.
Several elders expressed their dissatisfaction with Abli and considered choosing another leader, but Abli's authority was not diminished, and they managed to suppress the dissent.
In May, they participated in the Wu Dynasty's westward raids and suffered further losses under the encirclement and suppression of the Zhenbei Army.
The tribe has now split into three branches, with Abuli preparing to lead nearly a thousand of his relatives and slave retinue from the former winter pastures to the Mida River Valley.
The Mida River Valley stretches for hundreds of miles, with forests on both sides of the mountainside sheltering livestock such as cattle and sheep from the cold wind. The riverbanks are rich in water and grass, and many tribes gather here every winter.
Now Abuli wants to come too...
Zhao Tingduo's gaze turned cold.
Last winter, I intentionally let Abuli return to the tribe, just to cause the Donglun tribe to split.
On the grasslands, the most united group is the wolf pack. If the wolf king is killed directly, a new wolf king will be born without any fighting, and there will be hatred between them.
The infighting within the wolf pack only begins when the wolf king is still alive and has lost his authority.
Abuli was defeated and fled back, thus losing his value as a leader, which naturally led to internal strife. Killing him at that time would only invite retaliation from the Donglun tribe.
Now, it's been delivered right to my doorstep.
Zhao Tingduo smiled and said, "Thank you for the news, brother."
Zhao Tinglei smiled, but before he could express his brother's concern, Zhao Tingduo said, "Brother, could you lend me another thousand soldiers to help my younger brother?"
The smile froze on Zhao Tinglei's face.
In the past, when my third brother came to visit, he would either ask for my sword or my 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, and not to use the Zhenbei Army. You have to find a way yourself."
Zhao Tingduo deftly folded the letter and stuffed it into her bosom: "Now that my elder brother has given me the information, it is only natural to borrow troops again."
“No!” Zhao Tinglei refused decisively. He had only just taken control of the military and could not disobey the Crown Prince on his very first military order.
Zhao Tingduo wasn't annoyed. He picked up the slightly cooled tea and took a sip, then frowned slightly and said, "I'm not borrowing for nothing. As long as you lend me soldiers, I'll send you as many warhorses as you need."
Zhao Tinglei had long coveted the Dilu grasslands, which were no smaller than the Wu Dynasty's territory.
Although the Di Lu royal court was not a kingdom, it was influential on the grasslands and could easily mobilize all tribal members.
On the vast grasslands, the Di tribes roamed freely, chasing and fleeing. The Wu Dynasty army, which already had no advantage, was now besieged by all the tribes, and even its logistical supplies could not be provided. They were dragged down and killed without even fighting.
Unless they are all replaced with horses.
With just ten thousand cavalrymen, Zhao Tinglei could roam freely across the Dilu grasslands.
The two brothers stared at each other, neither willing to utter the words.
After a moment, Zhao Tinglei finally spoke first: "Third brother, your sister-in-law is about to be released. Over the years, she has prepared tea and meals for you quite a bit. Why don't you stay at the garrison's residence for a few days?"
The market in Tianhe City will be opening soon, so you can check the prices of leather goods this year.
He still needs to discuss the arrangements for borrowing troops with his advisors!
Zhao Tingduo nodded: "That's fine, I'll stay for a few days."
He moved into the side courtyard prepared for him by the garrison commander.
Abu, who had been by Zhao Tingduo's side the whole time, was as silent as an iron tower. He first chased away a group of maids who were carrying water and handkerchiefs and wanted to rush up to undress and serve her. Then he closed the courtyard gate and stood guard outside.
With no one else in the room, 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 serve him in bed, and his father and elder brother tacitly approved of this.
The mother and nanny said: Only with a mate can the wolf king lead the pack to strength.
Only rams that only know how to graze with their heads down are promiscuous!
Zhao Tingduo took off her shoes and climbed onto the kang (a heated brick bed), then took out a topographical map of the Mida River Valley from her bosom.
This was given to me by my older brother.
My elder brother wants to raise an army against the wishes of the Crown Prince and my father, and he wants to use me. I can use his strength in the same way!
Blood debts can only be repaid in blood!
Zhao Tingduo clenched her fists and exhaled.
When conflict erupts on the grasslands, it is bound to be bloody and brutal.
On September 12th, construction will begin on the houses of Song Liyun and several other households.
The groundbreaking ceremony in Suijin Town was lively and grand.
Yun Niangzi brought Yu Quan, who had changed her clothes, Chun Tao and her mother-in-law, along with Yang Hua, who had come specifically to help.
Song Liyun spent money to buy half a pig, and the potatoes and cucumbers from various families were all contributed by the women, who prepared to cook several large pots of food.
The craftsmen who came to work enjoyed a hearty start-up meal and immediately began digging and laying bricks.
Han Ming, the head housekeeper of Baolin Residence, has been given another task: supervising the construction work.
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