CHAPTER 254: CHAPTER 251: SINGLE-MINDED

Outside Chunhe Hall.

Li You stood on the jade steps, listening to the sounds inside the hall. Although he couldn’t discern the content, he could confirm it was Song Xian speaking.

He knew that Song Xian could seize the opportunity. Although it was his first time meeting the Emperor, he knew exactly what to do and didn’t hesitate a bit. Even though Du Zhuo was experienced and shrewd, he was still inferior compared to Song Xian.

He had always been corresponding with his mentor, and he was somewhat aware of the matters in Zhenzhou. He had once inquired if his mentor needed assistance for Song Xian.

The mentor said it wasn’t necessary.

He was a bit surprised. How could such a young Song Xian not need guidance from others? Had he reached such a stage?

Li You gripped his sword hilt at his waist, surveying the surroundings with a stern gaze that softened slightly as he thought of Song Xian, which naturally brought Chen Family Village to mind.

Although he knew about the changes in Chen Family Village, he still had some concerns and wanted to see for himself.

This matter seemed to have been discovered by Song Xian and Du Zhuo. Upon closer thought, Chen Family Village was also involved.

If not for Chen Family Village’s dealings with Du Yi, stabilizing Princess Jiahui, subsequent events wouldn’t have occurred.

That little girl from Chen Family Village, Xie Liangchen, was extremely clever. He wondered how tall his junior brother had grown and what he had learned?

While Li You pondered outside, Song Xian’s voice continued to echo in the hall.

Song Xian said, "If Prince Guangyang were alive, he certainly wouldn’t allow anyone to misuse his name, or else Song Min and Third Master Du would both be innocent."

Never before had anyone mentioned Prince Guangyang before the Emperor in such a manner. Prince Guangyang had rendered great service back when the previous emperor and the current emperor waged wars, thanks to Prince Guangyang’s efforts in organizing supplies. Several venerable old generals of Daqi still frequently mention those events.

The previous emperor also praised Prince Guangyang as a "hero of the time," but unexpectedly, such a person ended up dying in battle, leaving no one alive in his family, a truly tragic outcome.

When the Emperor found people from Prince Guangyang’s lineage to reward, it was a slight consolation.

Prince Guangyang’s memorial tablet was enshrined outside the ancestral temple, silently accompanying the former emperor. The Emperor would go to burn incense there annually to pay respects.

The Emperor felt this way about Prince Guangyang. As this case involved Prince Guangyang’s only descendant, even Du Zhuo beside him hadn’t anticipated Song Xian to speak so frankly.

Song Xian continued, "Princess Jiahui and her father are merely collateral relatives of the Prince Guangyang lineage. If they could match Prince Guangyang’s virtues, so be it. But considering her ruthless nature, how could one allow someone unrelated to disgrace Prince Guangyang?

Therefore, I find this inappropriate."

When it was Du Zhuo’s turn to respond, he was momentarily stunned. No matter how many plans he had, Song Xian had raised the topic too high, and even standing on tiptoe, he couldn’t quite reach.

Originally intending to cross the river slowly by boat, he didn’t expect Song Xian to thrust him into the river, leaving him struggling for survival.

He thought he should never fight alongside this person; it would undoubtedly be extremely dangerous. Cursing in his heart, Du Zhuo braced himself and said, "Your Majesty, what Commander Song said aligns with my thoughts as well."

Song Xian continued, "If Princess Jiahui genuinely wants to free the people of the Eight States from the control of the former dynasty, she could openly report to the Emperor. Previously in Daqi, the Northern Border was in chaos, and there weren’t enough troops or armaments to spare. The court temporarily refrained from military action, not because it abandoned the people of the Eight States.

Is Princess Jiahui secretly training Death Warriors, sowing discord among border generals, aiming for some goal? Is she distrusting the Daqi Court, or trying to influence the court and the Emperor’s decisions?

Could it be that Princess Jiahui considers the Eight States her own possession? Training spies and assassins, constantly scheming against others are acts of treachery, quietly stirring up unforeseeable storms."

Du Zhuo also said, "On the battlefield, real swords and guns give people clarity, but hidden arrows are truly hard to guard against. Thinking back on it now, I’m still fearful. If Princess Jiahui remains unscathed this time, no matter where I go, I must bring more household generals to avoid being schemed against."

The Emperor finally raised his eyes and said, "The thoughts of both loyal ministers make sense. I too have personal feelings and do not wish for Prince Guangyang’s lineage to suffer such sorrow."

"Your Majesty," Song Xian said, "We understand Your Majesty’s bond with Prince Guangyang. If there is genuine bloodline of Prince Guangyang who can uphold his reputation, I am willing to fall under their command and wholeheartedly assist in reclaiming the lost Eight States, even at the cost of my life."

Du Zhuo bowed, "So say I."

After Du Zhuo spoke, he couldn’t help but ponder: Song Xian’s words seemed to be planning for future military actions against the remnants of the former dynasty, but still, Du Zhuo found it strange why Song Xian would say "wholeheartedly"?

It felt like an expression of loyalty.

Fortunately, the true bloodline of Prince Guangyang had long been lost, so it’s no matter to speak of it. Otherwise, he would have to keep his promise.

As it stands, the final result seems to be that the Emperor will appoint him and Song Xian to send troops, one west, one east.

The Emperor looked at Song Xian and Du Zhuo, finally heaving a long sigh: "The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Justice should thoroughly investigate this matter. If it is confirmed to be entirely Jiahui’s doing, I will strip her of her commandery princess title without any leniency."

Song Xian and Du Zhuo knelt to give thanks.

The Emperor looked at the Minister of War, the Minister of Justice, and others, instructing them to withdraw first, leaving only Song Xian and Du Zhuo to speak.

With no others in the hall, the Emperor rose and slowly paced, his tall silhouette reflected on the golden bricks of the floor. Finally, he stopped, looking at the curling blue smoke above the incense burner.

The Emperor slowly spoke: "When do you think is the right time to send troops to attack the remnants of the former dynasty?"

Du Zhuo said nothing, Song Xian said: "The sooner, the better."

The Emperor’s gaze deepened: "The remnants of the former dynasty are trapped in the Eight States, growing weaker by the day. Shouldn’t we wait for a more advantageous situation?"

Song Xian said: "Initially, I thought similarly, but after this incident, I feel it’s unwise to delay. Currently, the Eight States are chaotic, not only controlled by remnants of the former dynasty but also targeted by the Liao and others scheming in secret to stir trouble.

If any change occurs, Daqi’s Northwest will fall into war.

Moreover, the people of the Eight States might be manipulated and exploited by others. The Death Warriors sent for assassination came from the Eight States."

Du Zhuo said: "The court spends a lot on manpower and resources for border defense each year. If we reclaim the Eight States, we could withdraw most of the troops from the East and West Gates. With the Northwest stabilized, the Liao wouldn’t dare easily provoke Daqi."

The Emperor slowly rotated a string of purple sandalwood beads in his hand, pondering something. After a moment, he said: "You two should not disclose these discussions to anyone else."

Du Zhuo and Song Xian agreed in response.

The Emperor said: "You’ve toiled on your journey, go back and rest. I will summon you again tomorrow."

Song Xian and Du Zhuo bowed and withdrew.

Once outside the hall, Du Zhuo realized he had unknowingly broken into a cold sweat when the wind hit him.

The two of them saluted Li You outside the hall. Li You nodded slightly, then glanced at Song Xian. It wasn’t convenient to speak now, but once they left the palace, he would have someone inform Song Xian to come for a discussion.

Song Xian and Du Zhuo left the palace together.

Upon reaching the palace gates, Du Zhuo lowered his voice: "You didn’t tell me you would be so frank before the Emperor." Bold and straightforward.

Song Xian said: "Didn’t we agree that we must not let Princess Jiahui escape?"

Du Zhuo paused, realizing it didn’t seem plausible.

Song Xian glanced at Du Zhuo as if remembering something: "Would you care to accompany me, Governor Du?"

Du Zhuo said: "Are you planning to go with me?"

Nearby, Chang An immediately thought of the Northwest wool. Was the elder master planning to take Governor Du to see the thread tassels, to let him see the potential of the Northwest’s wool products?

Having ulterior motives and trying to involve others? Are you planning to take General Du to see the thread tassels, so he can assess the situation, and decide on his own then?