Chapter 235: Chapter 234: MysteryOutside the tent


    "Where is Second Brother Rong Bing?"


    It was clearly Commander Lu Zijin from Emperor’s Guard Team!


    Why was he riding Second Brother’s warhorse to deliver the message?


    Where was his second brother?


    Rong Ye’s palms trembled, a sense of panic rising: could it be that his second brother was severely injured or even worse?


    "Marshal Rong—"


    Lu Zijin stumbled a few steps forward and offered a salute.


    Rong Ye waved his hand to dismiss the formality and asked directly, "Why is it you who comes? Where is Rong Bing?"


    Lu Zijin explained, "Second General Rong, injured... The Emperor, empathizing with his hard work, has allowed him to rest and recuperate and sent me to deliver this secret letter."


    Upon hearing his second brother was alright, Rong Ye’s concern eased, and he took a moment to observe Lu Zijin.


    Upon closer inspection, he noticed Lu Zijin’s face was pale and haggard, his body bearing several hastily bandaged sword wounds, overall in a very disheveled state, still trembling slightly.


    Clearly, the journey had also been filled with much suffering.


    "Commander Lu has had a hard time. Please, come in."


    He invited the man into the main tent and ordered that food and drink be served.


    The tent was warm.


    Only after entering did Lu Zijin feel revived.


    His journey had been perilous, first encountering an ambush from Beiqi, barely escaping. Near the frontier, afflicted by harsh cold and wind chills, he was delayed for days but fortunately arrived safely.


    He drew a mechanical box from his bosom and handed it over.


    Rong Ye received it, not rushing to look, instead first pouring him a bowl of strong liquor.


    Lu Zijin did not refuse, took it, and drank heartily, a bit of color finally returning to his face after a while.


    Rong Ye began reading the secret letter, his expression growing more solemn with each line, "Is this truly written by the Emperor?"


    Lu Zijin nodded, "Yes, it’s personally written by the Emperor."


    "No one else was present at the time?"


    "The Empress and I were both there."


    "The Empress..."


    Rong Ye slapped his forehead, a trace of anger surfacing on his dark face, "Could it be the Empress persuaded the Emperor not to move against Beiqi?"


    If it were up to the Emperor’s usual tactics, he would definitely have commanded him to lead troops directly into Beiqi, strike deep into their territory, and eliminate those Beiqi bastards.


    Now it had come to this, actually sending people to infiltrate Beiqi, spread rumors, and even protect the other princes of Beiqi?


    In his opinion, all those Beiqi princes should be killed!


    "The Empress did indeed express her opinions, but the ultimate decision was still made by the Emperor. Marshal Rong, please read carefully, and you will understand the reasoning. The Emperor cannot make a mistake."


    Lu Zijin, extremely tired, had no desire to relay the conversation between the Empress and the Emperor.


    He did not think it was necessary to explain; whatever the Emperor intended to do needed no justification to his subjects.


    They only needed to obey.


    Rong Ye read the secret letter two more times but still did not grasp its secrets.


    He recalled that the Empress had once been abducted by the Ninth Prince of Bei Qi, and the Emperor had personally gone to rescue her, even losing three fortresses...


    An absolute femme fatale!


    He had no fondness for her; now, looking at the content of the secret letter, he felt even more irritated: the Emperor’s measures were too conservative. Uncharacteristically unlike the Emperor he knew. Could the femme fatale be harboring feelings for the Ninth Prince, becoming a secret agent for Bei Qi, and thus intentionally delaying things?


    The more he thought about it, the more plausible it seemed.


    He stroked his beard, then with a wave of his hand commanded, "Summon the military advisor."


    Not long after, a young man dressed in a blue robe entered.


    He was Rong Ye’s military strategist—Li Xiangyi.


    "Brother Li—"


    Rong Ye approached him, handing over a confidential letter, and urgently said, "Quickly look at the Emperor’s letter. How can the Emperor not allow me to deploy troops at such a time!"


    He was a very good commander, brave and fond of warfare, but not greedy for battle, and he was quite willing to listen to his subordinates.


    Especially the words of military strategist Li Xiangyi.


    That was the fundamental reason why they had cooperated for many years without a single defeat. sea??h thё ηovelFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He believed that Li Xiangyi was also willing to send troops.


    Now, the situation was just right, and taking advantage of the internal chaos in Bei Qi to stage an attack and seize Bei Qi, but a secret letter from the Emperor had confounded him.


    He dared not disobey He Ying’s commands.


    He needed Li Xiangyi’s opinion.


    If the Emperor really had been bewitched by that disaster, as a pillar of Da He, it was natural for him to offer a reminder!


    Li Xiangyi, unaware of Rong Ye’s turbulent thoughts, took the confidential letter, read it carefully, then looked up at Rong Ye with eyes filled with excitement, "Marshal Rong, the Emperor’s strategy is extremely ingenious."


    Hearing this, Rong Ye frowned but asked humbly for advice, "Please elaborate."


    Indeed, he was a rash man, immensely strong, but extraordinarily humble and polite toward capable individuals.


    Exactly because of his flexibility and prestige, he commanded great respect in the military camp.


    No one dared to fear him, and no one failed to respect him!


    Li Xiangyi nodded and analyzed point by point, "Marshal Rong, look at this first command: to quickly investigate the details of Bei Qi’s battles with Mongka, especially the timing. This shows that the Emperor has noticed the deeper reasons behind Bei Qi’s successive defeats.


    The second command, to secretly protect other princes of Bei Qi. Surely you understand, Marshal Rong, that the enemy of our enemy is our friend. Qi Wuya has already clashed with the Emperor and the Emperor hasn’t had the upper hand, which shows he is capable. Now that he is governing Bei Qi, we must not allow him to emerge prominent and secure his position.


    The third command, to spread rumors among the people about Qi Wuya killing his father and brothers. You, Marshal, would also understand the principle of verbal and written condemnation. Once Qi Wuya’s accusations of patricide and fratricide spread, everyone in the Beiqi Royal Family will feel endangered. By then, without our interference, his path to becoming emperor will become difficult.


    As for the last command, to actively recruit medical officers and promote the development of medicine—"


    He thought about the news he had received and said in a solemn voice, "I heard that Quanzhou suffered from an epidemic triggered by evil deeds. It seems, the Emperor fears an epidemic in the army, so he’s taking precautions well in advance."


    Li Xiangyi had known Rong Ye for over a decade and was influenced by his impulsive temper, both desirous of seizing Bei Qi as soon as possible.


    Now, thinking it over, they were indeed somewhat too anxious.


    Why not let them fight amongst themselves and reap the benefits as an outsider?


    Seeing that Rong Ye still looked puzzled, he smiled and said, "Rest assured, Marshal Rong, just follow the Emperor’s instructions."


    Rong Ye pondered for a long while before nodding his head.


    Since Li Xiangyi also said so, he would listen.


    Thinking this, he placed the confidential letter atop the candle flame.


    Flames swept up, instantly turning it to ash.


    "Summon the guard."


    He ordered someone outside the tent.


    Soon after, the outside resonated with urgent yet orderly footsteps.


    Twenty people came in one after another.


    They formed four rows and kneeled before Rong Ye.


    These men varied in height, weight, and features which were not particularly impressive.


    But their eyes, like those of wolves, displayed a soldier’s vigor.


    Particularly the slightly hunched man in the front, thin and seemingly feeble, but the knuckles of the hands hanging by his sides were thick calluses accumulated from years of boxing.


    The people of the guard were among the most powerful generals under Rong Ye’s command.


    Rong Ye surveyed everyone, his eyes concealed satisfaction and his expression was very authoritative, "Those of you who have parents, spouses, and children, step forward!"


    The men were stunned, not understanding what was happening.


    They exchanged glances, still puzzled, and finally, their gaze returned to Rong Ye.