binnovel Chapter 1222 The Alliance Between Yuan and Lü Is Aimed at the Emperor
Chapter 1222 The Alliance Between Yuan and Lü Is Aimed at the Emperor
Outside the Prince Ji's residence in Ye City, a sandstorm began to rise. Yan Liang and Wen Chou walked side by side, and Yan Xiang quickly followed, whispering, "Congratulations to the two generals for finally being able to lead troops outside and escape this den of intrigue in Ye City."
Yan Liang stopped and turned to look at Yan Xiang, a hint of surprise in his eyes: "What do you mean by that, sir? I recommended you out of gratitude for your guidance the other day, but I don't know what you mean by that?"
Yan Xiang glanced in the direction of the Prince's Mansion, where the upturned eaves and corners were faintly visible in the wind and sand, like a lurking beast. "The two generals have been fighting for many years and may not have thought it through. Our lord now favors the Third Prince, but the Eldest Prince has been operating in Hebei for many years. How can he be willing to accept this? The power struggle between the brothers has long been brewing beneath the surface."
Wen Chou frowned: "But our lord has his own decision. We soldiers only need to obey orders."
"Obey orders?" Yan Xiang shook his head slightly. "If it were a regular military order, of course we should obey. But if we drag the two of you into the conflict between the young masters, neither side would benefit. Isn't it the best arrangement for you two to accept the order to go to war today and stay out of it?"
Yan Liang's heart skipped a beat. He recalled the way Feng Ji looked at Shen Pei, and then he remembered Yuan Shao's favoritism towards Yuan Shang. He suddenly realized and said, "Sir, you mean...?"
“Brother Ni Qiang, it is ultimately a turmoil,” Yan Xiang said. “Both of you hold military power, and your positions are too sensitive. If you stay in Ye City, you will be pulled into choosing sides sooner or later. Now that you are leading troops outside, you are only focused on fighting for Hebei, and you are able to live a peaceful life. No matter what the wind blows in Ye City, the greatest achievement is that you two defend the territory, and no one can find fault with that.”
Wen Chou scratched the back of his head, then suddenly realized, "So that's how it is!"
Yan Liang nodded and cupped his hands to Yan Xiang, saying, "Thank you for reminding us, sir. If it weren't for your reminder, we would probably still be in the dark."
Yan Xiang returned the greeting and said, "The two generals are pillars of Hebei and should not have fallen in internal strife. I was merely stating the truth."
The three men exchanged a smile, the wind and sand rustling through their armor. In the distance, the bugle call for assembly echoed from the military camp. Yan Liang and Wen Chou turned, spears in hand, their steps more resolute than before. No matter how the situation in Ye City changed, defending their territory was the fundamental duty of soldiers.
Just as the three were about to turn and head towards the military camp, they saw a commotion at the side gate of the Prince's mansion. A group of people were hurriedly ushered in by the guards. The person in the lead was wearing a brocade robe embroidered with phoenix patterns and a jade belt around his waist. Although he looked travel-worn, he still exuded the composure of a court official. The attendants behind him were carrying heavy bags, clearly indicating that they were envoys who had come from afar.
Yan Liang glanced at it and then looked away: "It's probably a messenger from some prefecture or county. No need to pay attention to it." Wen Chou and Yan Xiang nodded. Right now, preparing the army for the expedition was the priority, so neither of them thought about it any further.
Unbeknownst to them, this group of people came from Xuchang, posing as "envoys of the emperor," but in reality, they were secret envoys of Wang Yun and Lü Bu.
Life in Xuchang was no longer the glorious place it once was. Lü Bu sat in the empty general's mansion, looking at the cold food and wine on the table, a few more strands of white hair appearing at his temples. In the Battle of Hulao Pass, he suffered heavy losses, losing all his elite troops. Now, trapped in Xuchang, surrounded by powerful enemies on all sides, he had long lost the spirit of the "Flying General".
"Lord Wen, if we don't come up with a solution soon, we might become Cao Cao's prisoners." Wang Yun sat opposite him, his withered fingers tapping the table, his eyes filled with anxiety. Now that Lü Bu had lost power, life was becoming increasingly difficult for those of them who depended on him.
Lu Bu gulped down a cup of cold wine and said in a deep voice, "What good plan do you have, sir?"
"Alliance with Yuan Shao," Wang Yun uttered two words. "Among the warlords of the land today, Ma Chao is hostile to the aristocratic families, Liu Bei questions the legitimacy of the dynasty, and Cao Cao has turned against you. Only Yuan Shao, as the leader of the aristocratic families, if he can unite with Hebei, who would dare to easily attack us?"
Lu Bu frowned: "Yuan Shao has always looked down on me..."
"Times have changed," Wang Yun interrupted him. "Ma Chao is powerful, and Yuan Shao is determined to eliminate him, so he needs allies. Although Wen Hou's forces have been weakened, he is still a renowned general. If Yuan Shao wants to attack Ma, the warlords of the Central Plains will definitely be eager to take action against him. With you here, General, you can restrain the warlords of the Central Plains. Why wouldn't he be happy to do so?"
These words seemed to be a plan for Lü Bu, but Wang Yun actually had other intentions. He had long seen through Lü Bu's inability to achieve great things, and rather than waiting to die with him, he would use the pretext of allying with Yuan Shao to use this "Flying General" as a pledge of loyalty. If Yuan Shao accepted Lü Bu, these aristocratic families could then attach themselves to him; if Yuan Shao could not tolerate Lü Bu, at least they could protect themselves.
Thus, this group of "emperor's envoys" came into being—ostensibly to invite Yuan Shao to "serve the emperor and punish the rebels," but in reality, Wang Yun, carrying Lü Bu's sincerity, came to test Yuan Shao's attitude.
When the envoy entered Yuan Shao's study, Yuan Shao had just finished outlining the plans for the campaign against Bingzhou and was somewhat exhausted. Hearing that the envoy was from Xuchang, he raised an eyebrow: "Oh? What does the young emperor have to say this time?"
The envoy knelt and kowtowed, presenting Wang Yun's secret letter: "By order of the Minister of Works and Marquis Wen, I have come to Your Majesty to request aid. Now, Ma Chao is overbearing and arrogant, and the warlords of the Central Plains are in chaos. Only Your Majesty can restore the Han Dynasty and save the people from this suffering..."
Yuan Shao took the secret letter, glanced at it, and a cold smile curled at the corner of his lips. How could he not know Wang Yun's intentions? He was simply desperate and looking for a patron. As for Lü Bu… that fickle scoundrel, what use was he?
Yuan Shao sent the envoy from Xudu back to the post station to rest, and immediately summoned his staff for a meeting. The candlelight flickered in the study, illuminating a few familiar faces. Tian Feng and Ju Shou were still in prison, Xin Ping and Xin Pi were guarding Liyang with Yuan Tan, Shen Pei had already been ordered to lead an expedition to Bingzhou, and Guo Tu had been ousted from the central government by Feng Ji and others after his defeat in Chang'an. Now, the only ones who could gather around the desk to discuss matters were Xu You, Feng Ji, and Xun Chen.
Feng Ji and Xu You exchanged a glance, each with their own plans. The former was still thinking about how to further suppress Yuan Tan, while the latter was thinking about how to take advantage of the campaign against Ma Chao to seek some personal gain. Neither of them spoke for the time being.
Xun Chen spoke first, his voice steady: "My lord, the world is in chaos now. Although the Han dynasty has declined, the lingering influence of its four-hundred-year foundation remains. Cao Cao and Lü Bu were able to establish themselves because they held the emperor's name in their hands; even a hero like Ma Chao invited the emperor to his wedding. This shows that the word 'legitimacy' still has its uses."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the map on the table: "In my opinion, it would be better to agree to the alliance first, keep Lü Bu in check, and then, when things change in Xuchang, we can bring the Emperor to Hebei. If my lord can support the Emperor to command the disobedient, he will have the upper hand in terms of righteousness. At that time, it will be much more legitimate to attack Ma Chao and subdue the other warlords."
Xun Chen was born into the Xun family of Yingchuan, and was related to Xun Yu and Xun You. His family was known for their uprightness and loyalty to the emperor. His words were both a plan for Yuan Shao and a way to preserve the Han dynasty.
Yuan Shao stroked his beard, savoring the meaning, and slowly nodded: "What you say makes sense, sir. However, Lü Bu is fickle, and powerful families like Wang Yun are adept at playing power games. I only wish to borrow the emperor's name, but I do not want to be burdened by these entanglements."
"What's so difficult about that?" Xun Chen laughed. "Lü Bu is nothing but a brave man. My lord can use him or discard him as he pleases. He's not worth worrying about. As for Wang Yun and his ilk, they are just vines clinging to power. Just give them some empty titles and rewards, and they'll wag their tails and fawn over you. When you get tired of them, it's just a matter of a moment to get rid of them. Why should you be tied down?"
These words were exactly what Yuan Shao wanted to hear. He slammed his hand on the table and laughed loudly: "Good! Your words have struck a chord with me! I will reply to the envoy from Xudu accordingly. I agree to the alliance. However, I still need to contend for Bingzhou. But please rest assured, Your Majesty and Marquis Wen, if there is any war in Xudu, Hebei will definitely not stand idly by."
Feng Ji and Xu You listened from the sidelines, their faces smiling obsequiously, but their eyes burning with jealousy. They had gone to great lengths to defeat Tian Feng and Ju Shou, thinking they could have the final say in front of their lord. But Xun Chen had won such praise from their lord with just a few casual words. How could they possibly be satisfied with that?
Xu You's eyes darted around, and he cupped his hands and said, "My lord, it is a great matter to watch Lü Bu fall and then welcome the emperor. We need to select a capable person to go to Xuchang to make arrangements. Mr. Xun is exceptionally intelligent, so why don't you go in person?" He wanted to get Xun Chen away from Ye City so that he wouldn't get in his way.
Feng Ji immediately chimed in, "Xu You is absolutely right. It would be most appropriate for Mr. Xun to go."
Xun Chen was as astute as he was; how could he not see through their thoughts? He smiled faintly and said, "This matter is of great importance and requires my personal attention. However, military affairs in Hebei are very busy, so I would appreciate it if you two gentlemen could stay by my side and do your best."
Yuan Shao waved his hand: "It's settled then. Xun Chen, you prepare immediately and set off for Xuchang in three days. Feng Ji and Xu You, you assist Shen Pei in preparing provisions and supplies, so as not to delay the war in Bingzhou."
"Yes, sir!" the three replied in unison, though their own calculations were already churning in the shadows of the candlelight.
After the meeting, Xu You and Feng Ji walked out of the study side by side. Xu You whispered, "That old fox Xun Chen knows how to pick up bargains."
Feng Ji sneered, "It's good that he's going to Xuchang. It'll be a good opportunity for him to see the true colors of Wang Yun and his gang. As long as we defend Ye City, we'll have plenty of chances to succeed."
The two exchanged a smile, their eyes filled with calculation.
Xun Chen watched their retreating figures and sighed softly. He knew that the waters of Hebei were deeper than he had imagined. The path of welcoming the emperor would likely not be easy. But for the sake of the Xun family's reputation, and for the remaining legitimacy of the Han dynasty, he had to continue.
Three days later, at dawn, the sound of rapid hoofbeats echoed from the east gate of Ye City. The Xu Du envoy, beaming, boarded his carriage, followed by Xun Chen and his entourage. The banners of the escorting troops were particularly eye-catching, with the three black characters "Xian Deng Camp" exuding a chilling aura in the morning light.
"Thanks to Mr. Xun's escort, and with such elite warriors as the Vanguard Battalion accompanying me, I am certain that my return to Xuchang will put the Emperor and Marquis Wen at ease." The envoy lifted the carriage curtain, looking at the capable faces in the procession, his tone full of gratitude. He had long heard of the Vanguard Battalion's reputation in Xuchang. During the Battle of Ji and You, it was this formidable force that defeated Gongsun Zan's White Horse Cavalry, achieving instant fame. Yuan Shao's willingness to send such elite troops to assist him demonstrated his sincerity.
Xun Chen, still on horseback, cupped his hands and smiled, saying, "Envoy, rest assured, our lord has already ordered the vanguard to proceed on this mission and ensure the safety of Xudu."
At the head of the procession, Ju Yi reined in his horse, his iron armor gleaming coldly in the sunlight. He glanced at the jubilant envoy's carriage, a barely perceptible, cold smile playing on his lips. The secret order from his lord before his departure still echoed in his ears: "Upon reaching Xuchang, do not rush into action. Watch Lü Bu fight the other warlords until he is exhausted, then 'invite' the Emperor back to Hebei. As for Lü Bu and Wang Yun…" Yuan Shao's eyes at that time were as cold as ice, "useless men, do not bring them back."
The envoy, seated in his swaying carriage, was still contemplating how to report back to Lü Bu. He believed the arrival of the Vanguard Camp was proof of Yuan Shao's full support, unaware that this formidable force's true mission was to act as a detached observer, a "scavenger" amidst the chaos in Xuchang. On Yuan Shao's chessboard, everything was merely a prelude—the ultimate target was only the emperor, caught in the crossfire of various factions.