Chapter 266 Taking Over Military Power
After receiving the letter, Dian Fengyang and Fu Yuanzhong rushed to Li Muli's residence.
Li Muli and the other two looked at the letters in their hands with grave expressions.
Dian Fengyang looked at Li Muli and said, "Brother, what do you think?"
Li Muli was silent for a moment, "The princess's life or death is currently unknown. These aristocratic families are trying to sow discord among my Zhenbei Army in the chaos. I think we should still give this letter to my godfather."
Dian Fengyang frowned after hearing this. "But if the princess dies, and the royal family takes back the military power after my godfather's death, how will we all live then?"
The last family dinner had made him realize the seriousness of Qin Jinzhi's situation.
Fu Yuanzhong also spoke up, saying, "Brother, the princess's fate is currently unknown. If we accept the invitation, we can still have some leverage in negotiations. However, if news of the princess's death spreads out of the palace, we will be at a great disadvantage when we try to negotiate with these powerful families again."
Li Muli frowned and asked, "Have you considered that if there's something hidden about the princess's injury, and your godfather and the princess find out about your contact with aristocratic families, this is treason! The princess won't let you off the hook!"
Since the family banquet, he has increasingly felt that his young master is unfathomable.
How could someone like that really put themselves in danger?
If his adoptive father hadn't rushed to the palace that very night, he would have even doubted whether the injury was real.
Dian Fengyang stood up and asked, "Brother, you're actually afraid of a young girl? But she said it herself: if the Qin family has no heir, His Majesty will take back military power. What will become of us old members of the Qin family? Without our adoptive father and Qin Jinzhi, will the Emperor still value us soldiers? We've fought our whole lives on the battlefield, are we just going to live a mediocre life in the capital?"
Fu Yuanzhong quickly said, "Second brother, don't get agitated. Eldest brother is only thinking of us. The princess is not as simple as we see her. Since she returned to the capital, the situation in the capital has changed drastically. We don't know how much is involved. I think we should listen to eldest brother. Besides, there is only news of the princess being injured in the palace, not news of her death."
Li Muli looked at Dian Fengyang and said, "Second brother, you're too impatient."
Dian Fengyang's expression was somewhat gloomy. "I was too hasty, please don't blame me, elder brother."
Li Muli patted him on the shoulder, "The three of us brothers have fought side by side for many years, how could your elder brother blame you? However, this matter still needs to be considered carefully."
After a moment, Fu Yuanzhong spoke up: "Why don't we go find our fourth brother? He always has more ideas than us, and he has a clear understanding of the situation in the capital."
Li Muli thought for a moment and said, "That makes sense. If it weren't for my fourth brother's constant reminders, we would have already caused a huge disaster."
A hint of disdain flashed in Dian Fengyang's eyes. "Twenty years ago, my fourth brother may have been brave and invincible, but now he has long since become that little princess's loyal lackey. If you go to him, he will only advise you not to have anything to do with the aristocratic families. I will listen to my eldest brother in everything. As for my fourth brother, I will not go."
Seeing this, Li Muli said, "That's fine. It wouldn't be good if you got into a fight with your fourth brother at the Prince's residence with this temper."
After discussing the matter further with the two, Dian Fengyang left the Li residence.
He mounted his horse, a dark glint in his eyes.
If news of Qin Jinzhi's death were to spread, the three brothers would be like fish on a chopping board, with no way out for themselves. The eldest brother and the third brother were intimidated by Qin Jinzhi, but they couldn't help but consider the three of them, not to mention their families.
Thinking of this, he rode away, not returning to the official residence, but going to a teahouse.
Dian Fengyang went up to the private room, where someone was already waiting.
Pushing open the door, Du Zhong's face appeared in the private room.
Du Zhong was not surprised at all to see Dian Fengyang.
"General Dian has arrived. Please have a seat."
Dian Fengyang entered the private room and sat down opposite Du Zhong.
Du Zhong waved his hand, dismissing all the servants beside him.
Dian Fengyang looked at Du Zhong and said, "Minister Du, please speak frankly about why you have summoned me here."
Minister Du laughed heartily, “General Dian is indeed a great general, speaking his mind directly. Since that’s the case, I’ll get straight to the point. General Dian, have you ever considered seeking a promotion?”
Dian Fengyang squinted, "What does Minister Du mean by this?"
Minister Du looked at Dian Fengyang and said, “General Dian is the second adopted son of the Prince of Zhenbei. He is extremely brave on the battlefield, and I have always admired him. However, the Jin Kingdom already has a Prince of Zhenbei with outstanding military achievements, and the court naturally does not want another high-ranking and powerful general to appear under his command. But I can help you.”
Dian Fengyang took a sip of tea. "Why did Minister Du choose me?"
Minister Du smiled and said, "Naturally, it's because General Dian is a capable person. I also admire the other adopted sons of the Prince of Zhenbei, but compared to the general, they lack a bit of vision and courage. Let me guess, are the two of them still waiting for news of Qin Jinzhi's death?"
Dian Fengyang looked at Du Zhong with a solemn expression, "Can you really help me achieve something in officialdom?"
Du Zhong laughed heartily, “My Du family has been influential in the court for decades. It would be easy for us to help you, General. It just depends on whether you want to guard the decline of the Zhenbei Army or seize this great future.”
Seeing Dian Fengyang remain silent, Du Zhong spoke up again: "I have heard that General Dian, General Li, and General Fu are like brothers. It is a sign of your benevolence that you two are willing to serve your former masters. If the Zhenbei Army is to be scattered in the future and General Dian's two elder brothers meet a tragic end, I would be willing to lend a hand for the sake of General Dian."
After hearing this, Dian Fengyang stared at Du Zhong and asked, "Why are you helping me?"
Du Zhong's eyes were piercing. "With the situation in the court unclear, my Du family naturally needs allies to watch over and help each other. General Dian's military strategy is divine, how can others in the court compare?"
Dian Fengyang chuckled, "Minister Du, you might as well just say you want military support."
Du Zhong said with a smile, "General Dian is indeed exceptionally intelligent, that's right."
Dian Fengyang leaned back in his chair and looked at Du Zhong. "Your Du family has always been at odds with our Zhenbei Army. Why should I believe you?"
Du Zhong stroked his beard. “It is normal for General Dian to have some concerns. However, I am sincerely inviting you. General Dian, have you ever thought about joining the Privy Council? Although the military power of Jin is currently in the hands of the Prince of Zhenbei, the Privy Council is the legitimate authority. If General Dian can join the Privy Council, it will be legitimate for him to take over the military power of Jin in the future. I can then petition His Majesty to transfer you to the Privy Council!”
A flicker of emotion crossed Dian Fengyang's eyes.
To accept the entire military power of the Jin state would be the same as being a godfather.
Now he's just a minor general.
There was even someone who spoke humbly to a young girl with blond hair.
He got to where he is today by risking his life in the process.
Why can't he take over military power?
Moreover, if he takes over military power, he will still be a strong backer of the Zhenbei Army.
Dian Fengyang's gaze was deep. "I need to go back and think about it."
Du Zhong nodded, "Of course. General Dian, if you have made up your mind, please come and see me anytime."
Once Dian Fengyang left, the smile on Du Zhong's face disappeared.
Du Zhong's servant came in. "Master, will Dian Fengyang agree? He's just a minor military officer; it's too much trouble for you to come in person."
Du Zhong said with a sneer, "That idiot will definitely agree."
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