"Brilliant!" The Crown Prince understood and praised him.
Pei Zi Yun did not dwell on this topic and laughed. Count Zhong Qin was jealous when he heard this, "Although the plan is good, if it isn't executed well, it's all just empty talk."
Pei Zi Yun replied, "That's right. Now, the people in charge of the county are all officials. It's fine to defend the city, but how can they fight a war? The moment they do battle, there will be many loopholes."
"Count Ping Yuan might not be a useless person, but he didn't know this. His subordinate, the prefectural magistrate Zou Yan, led his troops into battle and was annihilated. Because of this, his troops were forced to retreat, and he himself died in battle."
"Hence, we have to play to our strengths and avoid our weaknesses." Pei Zi Yun used a small wooden stick and pointed around, "The counties in Ying Prefecture that haven't been conquered yet, as well as the three surrounding prefectures that have borders with the bandits. I can command the armies of these three prefectures to reach the frontlines."
"Split into two lines of defense, and command the prefectural magistrates to defend. There's no need to attack, and no need to fight. We have to turn every county into a tough nut to crack."
"If we don't leave the city and fight in the open, the defenders of the city will be rewarded. Regardless of whether we win or lose, we will be punished. If the officials can't attack the enemy, can't they defend the city? Even if the city is destroyed, there's still the counties behind it, which can be salvaged. This plan is like an iron curtain that cannot be broken. "
"Furthermore, this method can save on the expenditure of rations. It's only half the cost of leading an army to attack."
"As for the Ying Prefecture Navy, although they have responded to Ji Bei Hou's call, they are not part of Ji Bei Hou's army. They are not of one mind. If the Imperial Court pushes them too hard, Chen Ping will have no choice but to fight me to the death."
"But my navy is armed with ships and soldiers. We can only seal off the sea and not advance. Even if Chen Ping knew about this, he wouldn't be able to make up his mind to fight for Ji Bei Hou."
"If that's the case, the net on land and sea will be tightened."
Even Prefecture Prince Cheng Shun understood. He looked at Pei Zi Yun with a look of awe and disbelief. In this world, there really were people who could decide the outcome of a battle with just a few words.
"These are just preliminary deployments. You can send a letter to the surrounding counties to deploy now. As for the future, I will only make a decision when I arrive at the frontlines."
When the Crown Prince heard this, his jaw dropped. Although he wasn't well-versed in military affairs, he felt that he hadn't made a mistake. He heaved a sigh of relief and was filled with joy. He then turned to look at Count Zhong Qin and asked, "What do you think, Count Zhong Qin?"
"Good, good plan!" Count Zhong Qin was speechless.
The Crown Prince felt a wave of relief wash over him as he replied, "Since that's the case, I shall depend on you all."
Princess Royal Residence
The night gradually fell, and lanterns were lit everywhere. In the most important places, there was a palace lantern hanging from the eaves of the corridor every ten meters, causing the corridor to be dyed with a faint silver color.
The courtyard of the Young Canton Princess was brightly lit. In front of the room, there were two maidservants waiting for the Young Canton Princess at any time. In the room, the Young Canton Princess sat in front of the zither. She was calm and motionless.
This was taught by the zither master in the palace. Before playing the zither, one must adjust their mind before playing. At this time, the Xiao Junzhu's soft breasts were rising and falling as she breathed. She was about to stretch out her hand to play when she heard a knock on the door and someone came in.
"Little Violet, stop fooling around. When is brother Pei leaving? Have you found out?" The Canton Princess asked. Although this was against the rules, she and Little Violet were very close. Furthermore, she had been sent out to find out more about important matters. Hence, she was slightly annoyed.
"Pei Zi Yun will be leaving in three days. It's already been decided." The Grand Princess's voice rang out in her ears, "It's just calling him brother Pei. Since when did you become so mushy?"
"Mother!" The Canton Princess trembled as she looked at the Grand Princess bashfully. She then stretched out a hand and gently punched the Grand Princess.
"Ai!" The Grand Princess looked at her and sighed, "This brother Pei of yours is not simple at all."
She had already received the Crown Prince's records and was extremely shocked. This Pei Zi Yun was really unfathomable.
Actually, it was a good thing that Daoists were unable to hold official positions. This way, they would not be able to form their own power and influence the Imperial Court. If he were to be conferred the title of True Sovereign, he would be equivalent to an Earl. This was more than enough for the Canton Princess.
It was just that when she heard that Pei Zi Yun had a childhood sweetheart in his hometown, and that they were even married, her heart was clouded by a shadow.
Day Three, Pier
Hundreds of ships had gathered. It was a rare day where the skies were clear. The sun shone down, bringing with it warmth. Looking out, the entire river was filled with flags, with the word 'Cheng' hanging on them.
On the flagships, there were many armored soldiers standing guard. They held long spears in their hands as they guarded the area. Killing intent emanated from them, and they looked solemn and dignified.
Dozens of military officers and generals had arrived long ago. Prince Cheng De had yet to arrive. These generals were all whispering amongst themselves, their faces were filled with worry.
"I didn't expect the Emperor to send Prince Cheng De. He's only twelve years old, isn't he?" A general whispered.
"Prince Cheng De is just a servant, waiting for the Emperor's orders. Count Zhong Qin is the one in charge. Although Count Zhong Qin isn't a general, he has followed the Emperor on many expeditions. He's not an outsider." Someone else spoke out.
The general who had just spoken looked up and smiled, "I was wondering who it was. So it's General Li."
Just as he was about to continue speaking, a eunuch shouted, "Prince Cheng De has arrived."
All the generals stopped walking and looked up. They saw a young man with a golden hairpin on his head and a red tassel. There were seven Eastern pearls on it. His sleeves were narrow, and there were dragons embroidered on his shoulders. He had delicate features, and was escorted by several eunuchs.
Count Zhong Qin and a Daoist followed behind Prince Cheng De. Behind them were dozens of guards. Everyone quietened down as they watched Prince Cheng De take his seat.
All the generals looked over. The Prince was seated on the main seat, which was expected. However, the person on his left wasn't Count Zhong Qin, but a Daoist. Count Zhong Qin was seated on his right. Everyone started discussing amongst themselves as they looked at each other.
Count Zhong Qin sat on the right and looked at the generals whispering amongst themselves. He frowned and was enraged, "Silence! Where is this? How dare you make such a ruckus in front of the Prince and the Emperor's sword? Are you tired of living? Why aren't you paying your respects? "
Count Zhong Qin shouted out in anger, causing everyone to quieten down. They then split into two rows and knelt down, "Your humble subject pays his respects to the Prince!"
Prince Cheng De stood up and looked down, "I have received orders from my Emperor Father to annihilate the rebels. However, I am still young, and would require the assistance of all the generals. Please use your lives to capture the rebels. If there is merit, I shall report it to the Emperor. If there is a delay, I may be young, but can't I enforce the laws of the land?"
This was what they had discussed yesterday. Although he was flustered, and his legs were trembling, Prince Cheng De still recited it.
All the generals looked at each other before replying, "Yes, your highness. We dare not to die for the Imperial Court."
Pei Zi Yun and Count Zhong Qin looked at each other. Prince Cheng De heaved a sigh of relief, "However, for this expedition, my Emperor Father has assigned me two assistants. One is Count Zhong Qin, and the other is Dao Master Pei. I'm sure you're not familiar with each other. Let Count Zhong Qin speak to you."
Count Zhong Qin looked around and spoke, "I am acting on behalf of the Heavens!"
"For this expedition, I am in charge of overseeing the rations, logistics, and documents. His Majesty has appointed Prince Cheng De to lead this expedition. Everything will be carried out according to his orders. When I entered the palace, I was summoned by his Majesty. The Heavens warned me for an hour, and there was only one point. If anyone dares to disobey, the country will punish them immediately."
Count Zhong Qin laughed coldly, as all the generals knelt down, "We dare not, we shall obey your orders."
Count Zhong Qin's eyes gleamed coldly, but his tone was still calm, "Before the troops move, the rations must move first. In order to ensure that the war goes smoothly, his Majesty has given me 1.5 million taels of silver. In the future, if there are any problems with the rations, it will be my responsibility. If the rations are not in place, and we lose the war, then I shall be beheaded. If the rations are in place, and you refuse to sacrifice your lives, then I shall be the one beheaded."
As soon as he finished speaking, the entire hall fell silent. It was so quiet that even a pin drop could be heard. Count Zhong Qin looked at Pei Zi Yun and introduced him, "This is Dao Master Pei, the Imperial Envoy of his Majesty."
As Count Zhong Qin spoke, he stood up and bowed to Pei Zi Yun, "Dao Master, from the day I received the Imperial Edict, I am your subordinate. If I do not do my job well, I shall be punished accordingly. If you have any instructions, please instruct me."
All the generals looked at each other in dismay. Why did the Emperor send a Daoist? Pei Zi Yun looked at him suspiciously and shouted, "Summon the Emperor's Token and the Emperor's Sword."
Pei Zi Yun waved his hands, and the official who had accompanied him brought out the Token and the Emperor's Sword. Looking at the 'Emperor's Token' and the 'Emperor's Sword', everyone fell to their knees, including Prince Cheng De and Count Zhong Qin. They shouted, "Long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor!"
Only Pei Zi Yun remained standing, his eyes were ice cold. All the generals who had questioned him fell to their knees. Pei Zi Yun's voice was calm, yet it carried a slight tremor, "The Count of Ping Yuan failed in his ambush, and died fighting for his country. Let's not talk about that for now. He caused the Emperor's health to deteriorate, and that's a crime."
"The Crown Prince has taken charge of the country, and the first thing he did was to appoint me as the Emperor's Token and the Emperor's Sword. He also gave me the authority to act first and report later. Whoever disagrees with this, is disagreeing with the Imperial Court and the Emperor."
A gust of wind blew past, causing the generals to break out in cold sweat.
Pei Zi Yun laughed coldly, "If you think that I'm just a mere Daoist, and that you can fool me as you please, then you're wrong. I don't represent myself. I represent the Imperial Court, the Crown Prince, and the Emperor's expectations."
"You still dare to point your fingers and point your fingers at me? You seem to agree on the surface, but oppose me on the inside. You've missed the opportunity. Not only will I execute you, I'll send your entire family a coffin! When that happens, don't blame me for not warning you. "
Hearing these sharp words, even Count Zhongqin shuddered.
"Yes, Your Highness!" All the generals acknowledged.
Pei Zi Yun looked around before speaking softly, "Of course, if all of you put your lives on the line, and I'm unable to command properly, then I shall be the one to die. The blame does not lie with you. Cheng De Prefecture Prince and Count Zhong Qin are watching, and so are the Imperial Court. Rise!"
As soon as he said this, the Emperor's Edict was completed. All the generals stood up. At this point, the sound of a zither could be heard. The sound of the zither had a metallic tone to it, as well as the sound of horses galloping.
It was strange. Although the sound of the zither was weak, it was like quicksilver flowing through the air. It penetrated through the air for miles, and could be heard clearly. Tens of thousands of people listened to it, and were stunned. This was too strange.
Pei Zi Yun listened quietly until the tune ended. He thought to himself, 'This isn't a normal tune. It's only a matter of time before the Canton Princess becomes a Grandmaster.'
Pei Zi Yun turned around and looked at the clouds in the sky. He then ordered, "Set sail."
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
