Chapter 1 Because I am there

He said this with great confidence.

Once, the Earl of Pingye of Great Yan, the Little Prince of the Barbarians, the Great General Nian Yao of Chu, and Zhong Tianlang of Qian were known as the Four Young Military Talents of the next generation.

But now, no one is holding onto that title anymore; even the people of Qian and Chu won't mention it again.

Literary men can rise through praise; after all, they've always dealt with things that are too refined for the masses. They pat each other on the back within their own circles, and outsiders find it hard to interfere. If you dare to interfere, it means you're blind and can't appreciate fine works.

But military generals can't stand on mere praise. Furthermore, a military general's achievements that truly deserve praise lie not internally, but on the external battlefield.

It's said that the Little Prince of the Barbarians led his troops in battles against many rebellious tribes in the desert, but firstly, the desert is too far from the eastern kingdoms. Secondly, his act of lowering himself in rank to the Emperor of Great Yan greatly diminishes his image.

Zhong Tianlang once seized several Yan fortresses on the border, but after the First Prince arrived in Nanwang City, Zhong Tianlang became much more subdued, showing a tendency to bully the weak and fear the strong.

Apart from arresting a few princes within the country, the greatest external military achievement of General Nian Yao was relying on Zhennan Pass to play a game of chess against the Jingnan Marquis.

Everyone knows how difficult it is to play chess against the Jingnan Marquis, Tian Wujing, but this external achievement does sound a bit stifled.

Only Zheng Boye:

Three hundred riders descended on Mianzhou City, beheading the governor and leaving;

A thousand riders penetrated deep into the heart of Qian, beheading the Prince of Fu and leaving;

Three thousand riders followed Li Fusheng's army into Qian, enjoying the snow outside the capital;

Ten thousand riders made a thousand-mile raid to seize Xuehai Pass, burying the main force of the wild men in one fell swoop.

Because the Jingnan Marquis is unpopular among the people, there is a lot of popular praise for the Earl of Pingye. Some even spread the saying that the Earl of Pingye is the type for whom the more soldiers, the better.

For the Great Yan court officials present, they had long passed the age of youthful enthusiasm. If being an official could be divided into realms, they had already entered the Immovable Mountain realm.

This isn't boasting; it's because the Qian scholar, Cang Fuzi, once led his disciples to practice meditation, taking them to the capital and entering the Hanlin Academy.

The Hanlin scholars of Qian are incredibly esteemed, but to have a smooth career and aspire to the position of prime minister in the future, one must be tempered in the Hanlin Academy.

The Hanlin scholars were cultivating diligently in the Hanlin, striving for future eminence and protection;

While the Qi Refiners watched them cultivate diligently in the next room;

Furthermore, Cang Fuzi himself had said that the mental cultivation of the current prime ministers was only higher than his own.

The adults in the imperial study were equivalent to the prime minister level of Qian. They didn't like recklessness, preferring to govern a great country like cooking a small dish, seeking stability, and disliking such radical colors.

But facing the Earl of Pingye's words,

They felt nothing in their hearts.

After all, he was a high-ranking official personally selected by the Yan Emperor after the horse trampled the aristocratic families. Because he held great power and the imperial authority was stable, the Yan Emperor didn't have to consider political balance and the entanglements of noble and scholar-official factions as much as his counterparts in other countries when selecting these high-ranking officials.

Therefore, these high-ranking officials may have different personalities and inevitable personal preferences in private, but they stand with the Yan Emperor on matters of principle.

Previously, many people had stated their reasons.

But the Earl of Pingye's reason, seemingly simple and crude, made everyone feel that it was the most valid.

Since joining the army, this young Great Yan Earl had never fought a losing battle. Moreover, every battle he participated in was a great victory, and he was most skilled at winning big with small forces.

Of course, besides him, there was also the Jingnan Marquis standing behind him.

Given the current situation in Great Yan, forcibly launching a national war was truly a gamble. If they won, even if there were still problems, at least they could maintain the stability of the country in the general direction. But if they lost, the country would be in danger of collapsing.

Therefore,

The thoughts in the大佬's (big shots) hearts, after Zheng Boye said those words,

Actually turned into:

Since we have to gamble, why not choose someone with good luck who has never lost?

Military matters are not child's play;

The most important matters of state are sacrifice and war;

But everyone couldn't help but think that way, for no other reason than to seek good fortune.

At this time,

Xu Qiutai spoke:

"Your Majesty, the Zhenbei (North Suppressing) Prince needs to guard Beifeng Prefecture. The court will not transfer him away unless absolutely necessary. If a national war breaks out, the commander must be Marquis Jingnan.

Therefore, I believe that attacking Chu should be the priority."

This time, Xu Qiutai, as the Shangshu Ling (Head of the Department of State Affairs), directly insisted on the Jingnan Marquis.

Because the last Eastern Expeditionary Army was initially led by the First Prince, which resulted in a blunder, leading to a great defeat for the left-wing army and heavy casualties.

Although there was nothing wrong with the First Prince's command and actions, and victory and defeat are common in military affairs, everyone knew that if they had asked Marquis Jingnan to command from the beginning, the first defeat at Wangjiang would not have happened.

We agree that Your Majesty wants to launch a national war, but there are some things that Your Majesty must also be aware of.

The Yan Emperor's gaze darkened slightly.

He could hear Xu Qiutai's implication: he was worried that if they attacked Qian, he would let the First Prince lead the army again, or at least lead the army in the early stages.

But,

The Yan Emperor was not angry, because it was his own son who had been disappointing in the past.

This time, the commander of the national war must be Tian Wujing, because Li Liangting's health was not good, and he was not suitable to travel back and forth again.

Therefore,

With Tian Wujing as the commander, letting him launch an immediate attack on Chu from the Three Jin lands was the most appropriate choice. After all, the military power of the Three Jin lands had long fallen into the hands of Marquis Jingnan.

The best evidence of this was that, on the way to the capital,

The Earl of Pingye could directly dispatch the various battalions outside Yingdu City with the military orders of Marquis Jingnan.

Finally,

The Yan Emperor nodded,

And said:

"At the court meeting tomorrow, first raise the war momentum, and then directly point to attacking Chu."

Below, the court大佬s (big shots) all kowtowed together:

"Your subjects obey the decree."

"Your subjects obey the decree."

The meaning was simple: today, the theme has been determined. After you go back, communicate with your respective forces. Tomorrow, everyone will work together to confirm these two policies and go through the motions.

In fact, the Yan Emperor's words, like the Crown Prince's words earlier, damaged the image of a "holy ruler."

It was obviously inappropriate to speak so clearly and directly about such behind-the-scenes manipulation of the court.

But everyone dared to criticize and question the Crown Prince,

But no one dared to question the Yan Emperor.

"That's all for today. Zheng Fan, stay behind."

"Your subjects take their leave."

"Your son takes his leave."

The adults and the two princes all left.

Wei Zhonghe led a group of eunuchs to move the chairs away, but he left one behind and moved it forward, indicating that Earl Zheng should sit closer to His Majesty.

The Emperor has many things to do every day, so there's no time to waste saliva on things like "bestowing a seat," "bestowing tea," or "sitting closer." He still has to rely on his personal eunuch to convey these things.

Zheng Boye sat down.

The Yan Emperor stood up and left the imperial desk.

The Emperor stood up, so Zheng Boye had to stand up again.

"It's been a long time since We last saw each other."

"Replying to Your Majesty, it has been more than two years."

"Yes, time really flies."

"Although I haven't seen Your Majesty's face in these past two years, Your Majesty's grace is boundless and has always been with me."

The Yan Emperor smiled upon hearing this, and said;

"It's hard on you. You're clearly a general, but you're smoother at speaking flattering words than those sycophants."

"………" Zheng Fan.

"Zheng Fan, tell Me, is it the times that make heroes, or heroes that make the times?"

"I believe that both are possible."

"I dislike hearing ambiguous answers from My subjects the most."

"Your Majesty, please forgive me. That's not what I meant. In my opinion, it's the times that make heroes. If it weren't for the wise and divine Your Majesty being in power and expanding outwards, I naturally wouldn't be able to be ennobled through military merit. Perhaps I would still be just a commoner, or still be a captain and garrison officer in Hutou City or Cuiliu Fort;

But in Your Majesty's case, it is the hero that makes the times.

The national war is decided by Your Majesty's will, and thousands of brave soldiers are expanding the territory for Your Majesty. The ebb and flow are all controlled by Your Majesty's will."

The Yan Emperor pointed to Wei Zhonghe, who was serving by his side,

And said:

"Learn from him."

Wei Zhonghe immediately smiled and said, "This servant has always been learning."

"Zheng Fan, now it's just Me and you. Tell Me, how difficult is this Zhennan Pass to attack?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, the walls of Zhennan Pass are high and towering, and there are many stationed troops. The people of Chu are also diligently managing it, so it is indeed difficult to break through Zhennan Pass."

"It's difficult, but you patted your chest and guaranteed it to Me."

"Replying to Your Majesty, I have always despised the enemy strategically and valued the enemy tactically."

The Yan Emperor carefully savored these words, nodding slowly, "There's some meaning to it."

"So that Your Majesty may know, Zhennan Pass is like a thorn in the throat for Jin, and Jin cannot be at peace without pulling out this thorn."

"I know the importance of Zhennan Pass, but I also know that there is no such thing as an impregnable city wall in this world. I believe you can do it, and I believe Wujing can do it.

You are fighting on the front lines,

What I can do,

Is to sit in the capital and ensure that you have no worries."

"I will definitely do my best and not hesitate to die!"

"Come, tell Me in detail, what kind of people are that Regent of Chu and that Official of Qian?"

Zheng Boye then understood that the Yan Emperor had asked him to stay behind, and that mentioning Zhennan Pass earlier was just a casual remark. The real reason was that the Yan Emperor wanted to learn about his two counterparts through him.

"Your Majesty, which one should I talk about first?"

"That Official of Qian, I've heard he's good at cultivating his health?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, that Official of Qian is indeed very good at cultivating his health. He should have practiced some breathing and meditation techniques. When I saw him, he was wearing a Taoist robe, with his body half-exposed."

"What is his character like? How does he compare to Me?"

"I am terrified."

"Speak frankly. I will not punish you. Don't be so long-winded, just tell the truth."

"Yes, I believe that the Official of Qian deserves to be called a wise ruler. He is extremely intelligent in both his mind and his methods. Compared to Your Majesty, I feel that he lacks Your Majesty's breadth of mind and spirit.

Your Majesty is a great ruler who will establish a lasting foundation, while he is a wise ruler who will maintain the status quo."

"Then, what about that Regent of Chu?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, he is young."

As an emperor, the Regent of Chu is undoubtedly young.

Moreover, the Regent of Chu also has a spirit beast by his side, which means that the Regent of Chu himself is a cultivator.

The Yan Emperor savored these two words,

And let out a sigh.

Young,

If he could be ten years younger,

If Li Liangting was also in his prime,

What difficulty would there be in completely pacifying this world?

"I understand. You may leave now. You can leave the capital and go back the day after tomorrow."

"I obey Your Majesty."

"Do your job well. I will not let meritorious ministers down."

"I understand."

When Zheng Fan came out of the palace, he found Zhang Gonggong's carriage waiting at the palace gate.

After leaving the imperial study, Ji Laoliu had gone to the Ministry of Revenue, so the carriage was temporarily unavailable.

This carriage actually meant that the experts protecting the carriage nearby were also ready. After all, Zheng Fan knew that Ji Laoliu was no less afraid of death than he was.

After Zheng Boye got into the carriage, Zhang Gonggong asked solicitously:

"Boye, are you going back to your mansion?"

"Jin Wang Mansion."

Zhang Gonggong was slightly taken aback, then nodded and said, "This servant understands."

Actually,

The last time he went to see the Third Prince, Zheng Boye had planned to go to the Jin Wang Mansion to take a look, but who told him that the Sword Saint was sitting next to him at that time?

Now, with Ji Laoliu's experts protecting him by his side, he could safely go and take a look.

They were all old acquaintances, and he had to pay a visit after coming to the capital.

The Jin Wang Mansion is located on East Third Street, with the Xun Jian Si (Patrol and Inspection Office) to the west and the Yanjing Prefectural Office to the east, making it heavily guarded.

Of course, besides this, the Yan Emperor did not treat the Jin Wang's family harshly. The Yan Emperor has always been generous in this regard.

There are hundreds of maids and servants in the Jin Wang Mansion, and the Great Yan Internal Treasury spends money every year to support them, maintaining a luxurious life without any problems.

Except for festivals, when the Jin Wang needs to put on formal attire and show his face, the Yan Emperor has not specifically issued an edict to summon him into the palace.

The gate of the Jin Wang Mansion is very grand, and there are many guards in front of the gate.

When Zhang Gonggong drove the carriage to the gate of the Wang Mansion, a row of soldiers immediately came down and surrounded the carriage.

The Jin Wang was essentially under house arrest in the mansion. He was given wealth and honor, but not freedom, and no one in Yanjing would visit him.

Even His Majesty would not treat him like a monkey, giving him the most basic respect. Where would other princes and ministers have the courage to show off their power?

When Zheng Boye came out of the carriage,

The surrounding soldiers all knelt down together:

"Greetings, Earl of Pingye!"

"Greetings, Earl of Pingye!"

This golden armor is indeed very recognizable.

Today, because he had to enter the palace to meet the Emperor, Zheng Boye was still wearing golden armor.

"This Earl just came out of the palace."

Zheng Boye had already developed experience in pulling the tiger's skin. He had just come out of the palace, but he had not been ordered to visit the Jin Wang's family, but the meaning was actually the same.

In Jin, Zheng Boye was used to it, and he didn't restrain himself much in Yanjing either. The reason was that he was a rare talent, able to fight and handle affairs, so he relied on his favor and pride.

Even if the Yan Emperor knew about this, he wouldn't take it seriously. It was precisely when he needed you that nothing mattered;

But when he really wanted to deal with you,

Even if you bathed, burned incense, and prayed for the Yan Emperor's longevity and good health every day, he could still punish you for the crime of cursing the emperor.

The surrounding soldiers heard this and immediately retreated. The captain leading them immediately ordered his men,

"Open the gate!"

The mansion gate was opened.

But the captain stepped forward, kicked one of his men, and cursed.

The mansion gate was closed again. Then, the main gate was opened.

The one that was opened earlier was the side gate.

"Boye, please."

Zheng Fan smiled and shook his head. He got out of the carriage and didn't let the carriage enter directly from the main gate.

Inside the Jin Wang Mansion, flowers and plants flourished, and the garden was well-maintained.

A group of servants were alarmed by the sound of the gate opening and rushed over.

"Please inform His Highness, the Jin Wang, that an old friend has come to visit."

……

Zheng Boye was arranged in the living room by the servants of the Jin Wang Mansion and served tea.

After waiting for a while,

He heard footsteps coming from outside the hall,

But the one who came in,

Was not Jin Wang Yu Ciming, but Jin Empress Dowager, dressed in a red dress.

Zheng Boye immediately stood up and saluted:

"Greetings, Empress Dowager."

"When the servants said that a general in golden armor had come to the mansion, I guessed who it was. When I looked, it was indeed Earl of Pingye."

"Empress Dowager, where is His Highness, the Jin Wang?"

There was no reason to have a woman entertain guests.

"It's unfortunate that yesterday was the day of worshipping the ancestral temple. The Wangye (Prince) needs to close himself off and serve the ancestors for three days."

"How coincidental."

"………" Empress Dowager.

Zheng Boye sat down again and asked, "Empress Dowager, how are you doing in the capital?"

"Life is good. His Majesty has given us enough respect."

"Yes."

Zheng Fan nodded and looked around. He knew that there must be many secret agents of the Secret Espionage Division in this mansion, so it was not convenient to say some things.

The atmosphere,

Became cold.

The Empress Dowager broke the silence and said, "I must also thank Earl of Pingye for helping my Jin land drive out the wild men and save my Jin people from fire and water."

"This is what I should do."

Then,

There was an awkward silence again.

The Empress Dowager said:

"Earl of Pingye, what are you here for………"

"Oh, I don't have many acquaintances in the capital. It's rare for me to come back, so I thought I'd come and visit."

"I see. Actually, the Wang Mansion doesn't usually have guests."

Then,

The silence continued.

Zheng Boye was sitting a little uncomfortably and could only stand up and prepare to take his leave.

The Empress Dowager saw this and also stood up, preparing to see him off.

She should not have come out to meet guests, but on the one hand, Yu Ciming was still in the Wang Mansion's ancestral shrine in seclusion, and on the other hand, all the guests who could enter this Wang Mansion were extraordinarily esteemed.

"Then, I will take my leave. I will send some Jin specialties over later."

"Thank you, Boye."

"Is there anything else the Empress Dowager is lacking? I can send everything you need."

The Empress Dowager's face suddenly turned red and she hurriedly shook her head, "No need, no need. There is nothing lacking here."

"Alright."

Zheng Boye walked out of the Jin Wang Mansion and got back into the carriage.

"Tsk tsk………"

This is not interesting.

Zheng Boye felt a bit unsatisfied in his heart.

"Boye, where to next?"

"Return to the mansion."

"Yes, Boye."

The carriage left East Third Street. At the street corner, it encountered another carriage, driven by Little Zhang Gonggong.

Opening the curtain, the Blind Man got out of that carriage and got into Zheng Fan's carriage.

"Did Master go to the Jin Wang Mansion?"

"Yes, just went to take a look. What about you?"

"This subordinate is preparing to see my father-in-law."

"Oh, right, you have a father-in-law in the capital."

"Does Master want to go with me?"

"Let's go take a look. He can also be considered an old friend."

"By the way, Master, I haven't asked you about the results of today's imperial study visit?"

Zheng Boye smiled,

And said;

"We're preparing for war."