At the morning court session, Zhong Wenrang slowly entered the court hall and felt the subtle atmosphere around him.
The young Emperor Xiahou Ming died young, so he chose Xiahou Yan, the great-grandson of Xiahou Jing, as his successor, with Qin Boren and Zhong Jinzu as regents.
"If father and brother had been given more time... maybe we wouldn't be so passive." Zhong Wenrang couldn't help but complain about reality in his heart.
During the campaign against Murong Yi, his elder brother Zhong Yuanrang died of illness due to acclimatization problems, and Zhong Wenrang suddenly became the future successor of the Zhong family.
In the past, the Zhong family always regarded Zhong Yuanrang as the successor, but did not invest any resources in Zhong Wenrang.
Fortunately, Zhong Jinzu lived for a while after defeating Murong Yi and survived until Xiahou Ming passed away.
Otherwise, the advantage that the Zhong family had worked so hard to build up would be overturned in an instant.
All the ministers gathered together to discuss state affairs.
"My dear ministers, the Lin and Lie states in the south have surrendered to the Xiang state." Xiahou Yan spoke first, his voice as loud as a bell.
"Now, there are only two countries left in China: Xiang and Ye. Sooner or later, our country will have a war with Xiang. What suggestions do you have?"
When Xiahou Yan said this, many ministers lowered their heads and dared not speak.
Qin Boren, the leader of the clan faction, was also silent, and the atmosphere on the scene could not be colder.
Zhong Yuanrang knew this was a good opportunity to establish his authority, so he spoke decisively: "Your Majesty, our country has a great river as a natural barrier, and we can defend it."
"Although Xiangguo annexed the other two states, the former ministers of the two states did not completely submit."
"If Xiangguo fails in the war, these old ministers who are disloyal to Xiangguo can be used by us!"
Xiahou Yan nodded and praised Zhong Wenrang, "You are indeed worthy of being a great general! If Daye had a few more ministers like you, there would be no need to worry about the unrest in the country."
"Your Majesty, thank you for your praise. I am only doing my duty as a subject." Zhong Wenrang responded humbly.
"Your loyalty is commendable! Xiangguo is about to be invaded, so I'll have to trouble you to prepare. All the ministers must assist the general!" Xiahou Yan gave the order.
Zhong Wenrang was very proud, as the new king's appreciation would consolidate his position.
His father died too early, failing to pave the way for Zhong Wenrang to take over.
Having said that, the current critical situation of Ye Dynasty actually helped him.
Although Qin Boren was a clan member and held some military power, the bulk of the government affairs were still in the hands of the gentry, and they all supported the Zhong family as the leader.
After leaving court, Zhong Wenrang walked happily in the yard and chatted with his confidant Lu Jiachong.
"Hehe, it turns out that His Majesty still cannot leave our Zhong family." Zhong Wenrang was very proud.
"Wen Rang, don't be careless," Lü Jiachong advised. "Although the previous emperor, Xiahou Ming, lost a lot of territory, he managed domestic affairs very well. He was a wise ruler. He wouldn't just pick an ordinary successor."
"Oh, so what even if they are wise? They still have to rely on us nobles?" Zhong Wenrang looked at Lu Jiachong and said confidently: "Although they are unlucky, the decline of the Ye Dynasty is also due to human factors." Zhong Wenrang sneered.
"If Xiahou Shi and Xiahou Ming had not appointed the wrong generals, how could we have suffered repeated defeats?"
"If we had used my father earlier, the Ye Dynasty would not have become so weak!"
Lu Jiachong sighed and said nothing more.
Just as the two were admiring the flowers in the courtyard, a messenger ran over.
"What's going on? Why are you so impatient?" Lu Jiachong asked.
"Hu... report to the two masters... Shan Gaoping has rebelled in Haizhou!" shouted the messenger.
Zhong Wenrang was also surprised to hear the news.
He and Shan Gaoping were at odds, and Zhong Wenrang was still thinking about how to deprive him of his military power.
However, before he could come up with a plan, Shan Gaoping rebelled!
"Wen Rang, there is no time to hesitate. Hurry up and meet His Majesty to request troops to suppress the rebellion!" Lu Jiachong suggested.
"I know! Haizhou and Huaizhou are adjacent. If Shan Gaoping becomes powerful, the river defense line will be missing a key link!" Zhong Wenrang didn't think much about it and immediately went to the palace to meet Xiahou Yan.
Xiahou Yan immediately approved the other party's request and asked Zhong Wenrang to lead troops to suppress Haizhou.
Zhong Wenrang quickly organized an army to attack Haizhou.
On the wall of Yuanhai City, Shan Gaoping was pacing back and forth anxiously.
Seeing Yang Ruoqing approaching, Shan Gaoping asked, "How is it? Is there any news from Xiangguo?"
Yang Ruoqing shook his head and instead told another piece of news: "Zhong Wenrang has already sent troops, and they will attack this city in a few days."
"...I acted too hastily. It was my fault. I should think about it again and again." Shan Gaoping immediately began to reflect on himself.
"General, now that you have raised the army, there is no need to regret it. Instead, you should throw yourself into this battle." Yang Ruoqing tried to motivate the other party.
"General Yang, what you said makes sense, but our army is too few in number. How should we deal with Zhong Wenrang's army?" Shan Gaoping began to ask.
"This... As the saying goes, 'The best strategy is to attack the enemy's plans, the worst is to attack the city'. The best strategy now is to defend the city." Yang Ruoqing suggested.
At this moment, a young general spoke up, "General Shan, Father, I have a different opinion."
Shan Gaoping noticed the young general and thought that he was very handsome, but his eyes were extremely determined.
"This must be Yang Wenqian, right? This governor has heard of you a long time ago. Don't worry, just tell me what you think." Shan Gaoping looked at Yang Wenqian carefully.
"Thank you, General. I believe that since we have just arrived in Haizhou and haven't yet established ourselves, we are at our weakest point." Yang Wenqian explained his strategy: "We should send a surprise attack at this moment. The enemy will be unaware of our strength and will surely be frightened and defeated."
"It's a good idea, but it's tantamount to suicide... I'm afraid no soldier would be willing to take on this task." Shan Gaoping expressed his concern.
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