There had been no news from Shang County for a long time, and Han Ruzi was getting worried. “Was I too reckless to place such a great responsibility on Meng E?”

    Yang Feng, who had barely left the house in the past few days, looked up from beside the bookshelf and asked, “What did the Weary Marquis tell her?”

    “If the Grand General is merely doubtful, then do something to solidify his confidence, like leaving a mysterious note. If the Grand General has already sided with the Champion Marquis, there must be a trusted confidant of the Champion Marquis by his side. I had Meng E kill this person to create a rift between the Grand General and the Champion Marquis.”

    Yang Feng smiled.

    “Do you think my plan is childish?” Han Ruzi asked, his voice slightly stern because he didn’t think so himself.

    Yang Feng shook his head with a smile. “Some people own vast wealth but appear no different from ordinary people. Others barely have enough to eat but seem to spend money lavishly. An emperor must bet the latter type and extend his power. The Weary Marquis has mastered the essence of this.”

    If Han Ruzi were not so familiar with Yang Feng’s ideology, he might have thought these words were sarcastic. He chuckled and murmured, “What choice do I have besides bluffing?”

    “Bluffing is an imperial art. The Weary Marquis is not the only one who has mastered it.”

    Han Ruzi was about to delve deeper when they heard footsteps outside. The door was soon pushed open, and two men rushed in, knelt before the Weary Marquis, and tearfully called out, “Master.”

    Zhang Youcai and Ni Qiu had returned. They had stayed in Mancang City to help the Northern Protection General calm the troops and only set off back to the Capital after most of the noble scions had left.

    After comforting them and sending them off to rest, Han Ruzi said to Yang Feng, “Over four hundred and seventy soldiers of the private army should be back in the Capital, and only Ni Qiu can contact them.” He paused before continuing, “This is not just bluffing.”

    “Are you sure these men won’t leak information and will follow you through thick and thin?”

    Han Ruzi thought for a moment. “I can’t guarantee they will keep their mouths shut, but they will follow me through thick and thin.”

    Yang Feng wasn’t familiar with the private soldiers, so Han Ruzi explained, “I not only support these soldiers but also their families left behind at Guaizi Lake. Xiaojun has been handling this for me. Since she entered the palace, He Yi from the accounting office has been responsible for monthly silver and grain distributions. Is that enough?”

    Yang Feng, though not familiar with the private soldiers, knew the pugilist world and officialdom. After thinking for a moment, he said, “As long as the Weary Marquis continues to rise, loyalty won’t be a big problem. The key is how to use these four or five hundred men to project the image of a vast army.”

    Han Ruzi was more interested in Yang Feng’s first statement. “Continue to rise? If I become emperor, there’s no further to rise, is there?”

    Yang Feng stared at the Weary Marquis for a moment. “You have learned many tactics from the Founding Emperor. From now on, you should study the Martial Emperor’s records more.”

    Han Ruzi, vying for the throne, was naturally more drawn to the Founding Emperor’s experiences, which were somewhat similar to his own. The Martial Emperor, his grandfather, had left a deep yet vague impression from their one meeting, making him harder to grasp than a stranger. “The records of the Martial Emperor haven’t been compiled yet, have they?”

    “Yes, but once you become emperor, you’ll be able to read them.” Yang Feng rarely predicted the future, but his casual words revealed strong confidence.

    Han Ruzi was encouraged. “Lord Yang, you said I’m not the only one who knows how to bluff. Were you referring to the Champion Marquis?”

    Prince Donghai tried to defend Han Ruzi but quickly gave up, overwhelmed by the sheer number of opponents. Han Ruzi and Yang Feng refused to help him.

    The reprimand lasted for nearly half an hour. When the officials left, the manor clerk and the guard collapsed at the door, thinking disaster was imminent. Their panic spread to the household servants, who were all at a loss. Zhang Youcai, Du Chuanyun, and others rushed to the study, only to find the Weary Marquis, Prince Donghai, and Yang Feng celebrating together.

    Han Ruzi smiled and said to Zhang Youcai, “Go, have the kitchen prepare food and wine.”

    Zhang Youcai agreed, scratching his head as he left with the others. “I’ve been away from the residence for a while. What did I miss? The servants are crying, and the masters are laughing. What’s going on?”

    Du Chuanyun licked his lips. “Who cares? We have good wine to drink.”

    In the study, Prince Donghai was astonished. “I didn’t expect the Champion Marquis to make such a foolish move. What was he thinking, sending these officials to cause trouble? Did he want to see them profess their loyalty? But some came, and some didn’t. Yin Wuhai didn’t show up, making him look even weaker. Does he really think the officials’ clamor can change everything?”

    Han Ruzi was also puzzled. The Champion Marquis’s reaction was entirely unexpected, not more violent but weaker. Despite their bluster, the officials seemed more guilty than confident, and some even clasped fists to the Weary Marquis as they left.

    He began to understand Yang Feng’s earlier words. “The Champion Marquis is starting to doubt the officials’ support. Prince Donghai, have the Guanghua Tigers gather information. If any office tries to reject any document, even from a small county, inform me immediately.”

    “Rest assured. It seems opening the granaries to distribute grain was indeed a significant blow to the Champion Marquis, throwing him off balance. Scholars are truly devious.” Prince Donghai took his leave with more confidence.

    “When will Prince Donghai reveal his true nature?” Han Ruzi asked.

    Yang Feng replied without hesitation, “Either when the Champion Marquis’s downfall is imminent or when your victory is near. Prince Donghai is likely to choose the former, as he’s a bit impatient. If he has wise advisors, they’ll suggest waiting longer.”

    Han Ruzi immediately thought of the Tan family and Prince Donghai’s mother, who had chosen a capable wife for him before entering the palace.

    The first document received by the Ministry of Revenue had disrupted the court. Not long after the officials and Prince Donghai left, Guo Cong visited. Unlike his first visit, this time he came to offer help.

    “Great Chu has dozens of prefectures and over a thousand counties, with six or seven of them harboring refugees. Whether they open the granaries depends on the prefects and county magistrates. Especially the prefects’ choices, which have a significant impact. The Weary Marquis has fulfilled his promise. We scholars can’t just watch. Over forty people have already left the Capital, carrying numerous letters to persuade the prefects and magistrates that they are acquainted with. Perhaps we can lend the Weary Marquis a hand.”

    Han Ruzi rose and bowed deeply to Guo Cong in gratitude.

    After Guo Cong left, Han Ruzi said, “The scholars are starting to show their strength.”

    Yang Feng added, “Not just that. At this moment, everyone thinks the grain distribution is the Grand General’s merit. Once these scholars spread the word, your actions will be known throughout the land. The first officials to support you might well be among these prefects and magistrates.”

    Yang Feng had finally helped the Weary Marquis achieve his first victory. But the real brutal struggle was just beginning. “The Champion Marquis won’t concede easily, nor will he just send officials to clamor. Prepare for his next move, Weary Marquis. If you win this battle, you might face one less opponent.”

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