The road of Shu was more difficult than ascending to heaven. The city of Chengdu could be seen from afar. The imperial envoy and the guard of honor finally turned onto a wide road.
The welcoming officials escorted them for ten li and rode in front on horseback. Because the officials of the three departments had already set up a tent at the foot of the city and gathered a group of gentry and nobility to welcome the Emperor, Yang Ling also got out of the palanquin and rode on horseback. Surrounded by his bodyguards, he slowly moved forward.
Song Ai was still wearing the blue clothing of a strong woman with a silver necklace around her neck. She looked left and right on horseback, appearing to be in high spirits. She saw Yang Ling yawn and quickly whispered to Wu Hanchao, "Little Wu, look, Sir Yang doesn't seem to have slept well last night. There are insects and birds chirping in the bamboo forest, he must be not used to it."
Wu Hanchao yawned and said, "That can't be, Sir has many things to worry about, maybe it's too much work."
Song Ai asked curiously, "Eh? Why do you also look like you didn't sleep well? Isn't there a big stick patrolling the city after midnight? "
Wu Hanchao laughed dryly and said, "Oh … I also have many things to worry about, so … it's too much work."
"Pfft!" Song Ai rolled her eyes at him and charmingly turned her head away.
Wu Hanchao's face carried a bit of worry, "We're almost home. I don't know if father and mother will like this rashly bringing a daughter-in-law back. This silly girl is sleeping soundly, but I have a stomach full of worries. I have to think about what to say, and I also have to think about the turtle that fell from the sky. How can I sleep?"
The large entourage arrived in front of the city gate. The officials of Chengdu saw the imperial envoy, the Marquis of Wei Wu coming out of the capital, followed by a group of wolf soldiers wearing blue scarves and straw sandals. They couldn't help but click their tongues in wonder. Today, their horizons had been broadened.
There were many people rushing to the city gate to welcome them. Other than the various military, political and criminal officials, there were also scholars' representatives, rich gentry and landlords. They crowded the entire city gate. According to the rules, Yang Ling's guards should form the shape of a goose's wing and split to the left and right to let the chief officer go forward to meet the people welcoming the Emperor. However, Yang Ling's troops had just come out from the Ten Thousand Great Mountains. They were good at fighting and killing, but they did not know how to line up, organize, and evolve the formation.
The official in charge of maintaining order in the Administrative Commissioner's Yamen gave a few simple commands, as would be expected of a normal army. The Wolf Soldiers were at a loss of what to do and their formation was thrown into chaos. Yang Ling's central army was in a daze for a long time in the midst of the commotion. The officials on both sides stood on their tiptoes and looked around. Some impatient generals even shouted and ordered people to clear the crowd. Yang Ling did not know whether to laugh or cry.
At this time, the population of Chengdu was at its most prosperous period in history, with a total of 590,000 soldiers and civilians. At that time, it was already considered extremely prosperous in the capital city. The population was densely populated, the market was bustling, the brothels, the wine shops, the banners fluttering in the wind. It was difficult to imagine how the Qing army could kill so many people on the streets after entering Sichuan. There were less than 80,000 people left alive in the whole city.
Among the crowd of onlookers, there were many fair-skinned locals with white cloth wrapped around their heads. They wandered among the crowd as if they were watching a good show. However, their shrewd eyes rarely stopped on Yang Ling, who was protected by layers upon layers of armored guards. Instead, they paid great attention to the common people and the officials welcoming the Emperor.
These people were secretly recruited in Chengdu by the Sichuan Imperial Guards and the Imperial Guards. Wu Hanchao did not dare to hide the fact that a master with unknown identity, background, and purpose had appeared in the imperial envoy's camp. He had already ordered people to send a message to Liu Biao on winged cavalry. Liu Biao was extremely nervous when he heard the news, so he sent all his elite subordinates to secretly provide support and protection.
With great difficulty, the chaotic order was restored to normal by the bailiffs of the Administrative Commissioner's yamen. The Guardians spread out to the left and right, forming five human walls. Yang Ling dismounted from his horse and walked forward, accompanied by Wu Hanchao, Song Ai, and the others.
The Sichuan Imperial Commissioner, Prefectural Inspector, and Commander-In-Chief stood at the front. Behind them, they led the Councilors, Prefectural Magistrates, Prefectural Magistrates, and other officials of all sizes to welcome them. The gentry and celebrities stood under the canopy, waiting with smiling faces.
Song Ai took advantage of the time when Yang Ling was exchanging pleasantries with the other officials to tiptoe and look around. She whispered to Wu Hanchao, "Hey, Xiao Wu, who is your father?"
Wu Hanchao had already seen his father at a glance. Right now, their eyes met, and they both looked very excited.
Old Wu had big shoulders and a round waist, a long beard that reached his abdomen, thick eyebrows and heavy eyes, and he looked like a tiger. Standing among the group of thin and weak civil officials, he looked like a bear standing among a flock of sheep, very impressive. How could Xiao Wu not see him?
Wu Hanchao suppressed the excitement of seeing a family member and whispered to Song Ai, "Look, it's that one. The one with the Silver Pheasant embroidered on his uniform, the one looking at me."
"Which one? Oh, you mean the one with a big bird with long claws and a thin neck on his chest, and a pair of mustaches? Hmm, hmm, so young, but he really looks like you. "
Wu Hanchao rolled his eyes and said helplessly, "Look carefully, Big Sister Song. The one you're talking about is more like my big brother. It's the one with a long beard. What a long beard. It's hanging down to his belt. Do you see it?"
Song Ai's almond-shaped eyes widened, and she suddenly said, "Ah! I see him, I see him, it's him, so powerful, but … this figure … doesn't look like your father at all. "
Wu Hanchao unhappily said, "Not like my father, but like your father?"
"Hmm, he really does look like my father, just that his beard is a bit too long." Song Ai very seriously replied.
After exchanging pleasantries with the three officials, Yang Ling cupped his fists and thanked the welcoming officials. This has always been the case in officialdom, these formalities are unavoidable.
Sichuan's Chief Minister An Wentao said with a smile, "Daren is patrolling on behalf of the Emperor and is fortunate to come to Chengdu. When the local officials and gentry heard the news, they were overjoyed and have been looking forward to it for a long time. This lowly official has already prepared a banquet in the city to welcome Daren. This place is very crowded, let us enter the city, and this lowly official will introduce Daren to the officials one by one. "
Yang Ling nodded his head and said with a smile, "Thank you, thank you, I have troubled Daren An and the other colleagues. Everything will be arranged by the Chief Minister."
The group entered the city and held a banquet at Chengdu's largest 'Jinjiang Restaurant'. After the banquet started, Wu Hanchao finally had the opportunity to see his father alone. He walked to his father's side and excitedly said, "Your son pays his respects to Daren Father." As he said this, he lifted his gown and was about to kneel down.
Wu Wending held him up and said with a smile, "Get up, this is not your home, there is no need to be so courteous. Right now you and I are only colleagues, there is a clear distinction between public and private affairs."
Wu Wending was very proud of his beloved son's return to his hometown. The other officials also looked over with a smile, but the father and son had just met, so they did not tactfully go forward to chat.
Wu Wending looked at his beloved son's appearance, stroked his beard and said with a smile, "Good, good, I have heard a bit about you suppressing the pirates in Jiangnan. You are worthy of being a son of the Wu family, you have not embarrassed me."
"Haha, I originally wanted you to take the military examination first and then develop your career. Who would have thought that you would have such good luck and actually become a disciple of Mr Yang. Now with your illustrious military achievements, you have become a Valiant Cavalry Commandant, your rank is not lower than mine. Hahahaha, when your mother heard about this, she would be very happy …"
Wu Wending saw that his son had become successful and spoke very proudly. Wu Hanchao also smiled and said, "Mother will naturally be happy to know that your son has become successful. Right now I am responsible for the imperial envoy's safety, I am afraid I cannot return to see mother today. Once daren has settled, I will immediately return to the fu."
Wu Wending waved his hand and said, "No rush, no rush, official business is more important. Since you are in Chengdu, are you afraid that you will not have a chance to see him? Mr Yang has promoted you so much, you must not let him down. "
As the father and son were talking, Song Ai flashed out with a smile, her face concealing a trace of shyness. She generously said, "Xiao Wu, this is …"
Wu Wending had only just found out that the imperial envoy's escort to Shu was the Wolf Army of Guangxi, but he did not know Song Ai's identity. How could the imperial envoy's whereabouts be casually inquired about? Just now when he saw a young lady standing in the army, he felt it was very strange. He had thought that the imperial envoy had openly brought a woman out on a trip. Now that he saw it was this young lady, he also asked curiously, "Hanchao, this young lady is …?"
Wu Hanchao hurriedly said to Song Ai, "This is my father, Chengdu's Tongzhi Wu Wending, Wu daren. Father, this is the commander of the Wolf Army, His Majesty personally conferred the title of General Commander Song Ai, Miss Song. "
Hearing this, Wu Hanchao jumped in fright. He hurriedly bowed deeply and respectfully said, "This lowly official has been impolite. Turns out it is Song daren, I have been disrespectful."
Seeing this, Song Ai was also startled. She never had the awareness of being a commander-in-chief. The person in front of her was Wu Hanchao's father. How could she dare to let him bow to her so respectfully? Song Ai hurriedly bowed back, bowing even deeper than him. She repeatedly said, "Lord Wu, you don't have to be so courteous. Please rise, quickly rise."
Wu Wending had just straightened his back, but seeing this posture, he hurriedly bowed back down again. Although his character was heroic and did not bother about trifles, he was, after all, a second-rank imperial scholar, so he knew when to advance and when to retreat. Especially now that he was in charge of a prefecture's penal code, the people in charge of law and order attached great importance to this.
He was a fifth-grade official, Song Ai was a General Commander, a second-grade official. According to the regulations, when he saw them, he must salute them respectfully, he must stand to the side if he wanted to stand, and he must follow behind if he wanted to leave; otherwise, he would be considered to be overstepping his bounds and disrespectful. There were a lot of ethnic minorities in Sichuan, because the imperial court had always adopted a conciliatory policy, they treated the local officials with great grace and respect. Therefore, the Han officials attached even more importance to these etiquettes, so as to avoid unnecessary trouble. There were so many officials on the scene, if someone complained about them for being too courteous, why bother?
Wu Wending and Song Ai each had their own misgivings, they kept bowing to each other with cupped fists. Only by bowing more than the other party would they feel at ease. Seeing this, Wu Wending did not know how to resolve this awkward situation; he had no choice but to give Song Ai a signal with his eyes.
Song Ai raised her head and saw it; she quickly said to Wu Wending, "Wu Daren, you are busy, if Daren has something to ask me, goodbye, goodbye!" She hastily bowed again, and without waiting for him to return the salute, she slipped away like a wisp of smoke.
Wu Wending hugged his big beard and gasped for breath. Facing his son, he still had lingering fear, he quietly said, "The barbarian local officials are uncultured; as a General Commander, they do not know the imperial court's etiquettes, they almost caused father to be impeached. Son, her official rank is high, you and this chieftain female official are working together by the imperial envoy's side, it must be hard on you. "
Wu Hanchao laughed dryly twice and said, "Uh … it's not hard, not hard, it's alright, it's alright, Father is worrying too much!"
* * *
The administrative envoy An Wentao and the investigating envoy Lu Zheng, one on the left and the other on the right, sat next to Yang Ling, they toasted each other, obviously very intimate.
Yang Ling did not bat an eyelid, he secretly observed, and found that most of the officials present regarded these two as their leaders, every time they made a proposal, the crowd would follow. Although it was a banquet and a banquet, but it could also be seen that these two people usually had connections and prestige in the official circles.
As for the Commander Li Sen who was transferred from Shandong, every time he spoke, there were not many people who were willing to support him, including some of his subordinates in the army, looking at their expression, they were not very close to him. But this man was boorish, bold and unrestrained, talking and laughing, without any self-awareness, Yang Ling could not help but secretly worry.
This former Shandong Commander Li Sen had a face like a red date, tall and big, he was indeed an awe-inspiring military general. Among the military generals, this person was one of the few who did not come from a civil official background, and only gradually rose to such a high position through his military exploits and martial arts, he could be considered as a fierce general born from the grassroots. It was precisely because of this point that Yang Ling selected him from among the military generals provided by the Ministry of War to be the Sichuan Commander.
Among the various officials in the Chengdu government, the only one who knew the true purpose of Yang Ling's visit was this person. Yang Ling knew that the bureaucratic system was intertwined and complicated. Not only did the military generals have their own factions, but because those who held high positions were all civil officials, the majority of the military generals had civil officials backing them in the capital, or had close relationships with a certain faction of civil officials. At the same time, because the Imperial Guards had been stationed in the same place for more than a hundred years without changing location, they also had very close relationships with the local government.
As a result, the layers of relationships were tangled up, and without factions, without the support of nobles, it was extremely difficult for a military officer to make a name for himself. When Yang Ling first served in the Shenji Battalion, it was only a barracks of a few thousand people. He also had the Emperor as his backer, and he also suffered from the inherent power of the military, so it could be imagined what Li Sen could accomplish in a short period of time in Sichuan with a few bodyguards.
Under normal circumstances, if he wanted to truly establish his absolute authority in the military, it would take at least two years, unless the heads of the military, political, and judicial departments in Sichuan were all replaced, and there was a great purge like a storm.
Now it seemed that although Li Sen had used his authority to properly and justifiably transfer the generals of the various Imperial Guards in Sichuan, he had still not established his own sphere of influence and prestige. If something really happened to him, the military would most likely not be able to be counted on.
Yang Ling had originally wanted to meet Li Sen alone after the banquet, but seeing this situation, he couldn't help but lose interest and dispel this idea.
After drinking for a while more, Yang Ling raised his voice and said to An Wentao, "His Imperial Highness, the Prince of Shu, is my Ming Destiny's virtuous king. When the late Emperor was alive, he praised him many times and ordered all the vassal kings and the royal family to follow His Imperial Highness, the Prince of Shu, as an example, to cultivate oneself and bring prosperity to the people. Now His Majesty is also very concerned about His Imperial Highness, the Prince of Shu.
When I left the capital, I heard that His Imperial Highness, the Prince of Shu, was ill and moved to Qingyang Monastery to recuperate. When His Majesty heard the news, he was very worried and ordered me to visit His Imperial Highness on behalf of His Majesty when I am patrolling Sichuan. I wonder if His Imperial Highness is better now? "
Vassal kings were not allowed to make friends with officials in the capital unless there was an imperial edict. This was the system of the imperial court. When Yang Ling toured the provinces, he had never paid a visit to the local royal family or nobles. Without a reasonable reason, if he wanted to see the Prince of Shu, not only would it seem abrupt, but the Prince of Shu could also completely avoid meeting him.
Today, in front of all the officials in Chengdu, he told them the reason why His Imperial Highness wanted him to visit His Imperial Highness, and when he returned to the Prince's mansion, it would not attract criticism. Moreover, with so many officials, there must be many who have a close relationship with the Prince of Shu. If the news reached the Prince of Shu's ears, he would have no reason to refuse.
Hearing him ask about His Imperial Highness, An Wentao's smile disappeared and he said solemnly, "His Imperial Highness has guarded the western frontier with etiquette. The people of Shu are happy and increasingly prosperous, all thanks to His Imperial Highness. After His Imperial Highness fell seriously ill, the people of Shu were worried. This lowly official was also very anxious and tried to invite famous doctors from all over the country.
However, His Imperial Highness's illness has been recurring and has not improved. Now His Imperial Highness is in the Qingyang Palace cultivating his mind and recuperating from his illness. The day before yesterday, this lowly official went to visit and saw that His Imperial Highness's complexion was still fine. "
Yang Ling saw that when everyone talked about His Imperial Highness, they all stopped and drank to show their respect. His position in the hearts of all the officials in Shu can be imagined. No wonder the imperial court had to treat such a person with caution.
He smiled faintly and said, "There is hope for His Imperial Highness's recovery. This official is also very relieved to hear that. The roads in Shu are hard to travel. This official's body is almost falling apart from the jolting. I would like to rest early today and pay my respects to His Highness Prince Zhao tomorrow. Official An, what do you think … "
"Yes, yes. This lowly official has already set up the imperial envoy's field office at Wenshu Courtyard for you. I will respectfully escort you to the field office office to rest." An Wentao replied cheerfully.
He did not want to place the imperial envoy in a monk's temple. It was because there was an ancient Wenshu Temple on this street, hence the name. Every time Yang Ling, this jinx, arrived at a place, the officials who happily received him would most likely meet with bad luck. Most people in the officialdom were superstitious and An Wentao was quite wary of this and did not dare to bring him to his side.
An Wentao racked his brains to arrange for him to be far away and even specially arranged for him to be near Wenshu Courtyard. He hoped to borrow the power of the immortals and Buddhas to suppress this imperial envoy's murderous aura and hope that he would not stir up another bloody storm in Chengdu.
Yang Ling did not know what Official An was thinking. When he arrived at the place, he saw that although the houses and pavilions were not extravagant, they were very grand. There were not too many residences in the surroundings and it was suitable to arrange for bodyguards to be stationed and guarded. Not far away, the bell in the Buddhist temple rang out melodiously and the sound of Sanskrit rose in spirals. Listening to it, one felt that Official An had spent a lot of effort to arrange his residence and he was very satisfied.
The imperial envoy's ceremonial guards were stationed. Wu Hanchao first made arrangements for the stationing of his bodyguards and Wolf Soldiers. They surrounded Yang Ling's residence, setting up guard posts and passing sentries layer by layer, making the place impenetrable.
Yang Ling went to bathe and change his clothes, then walked into the study refreshed. He had just lit a stick of Tibetan incense and was listening to the faint sounds of Sanskrit chanting as he closed his eyes to rest. Liu Da Bang Chui came with a notice to report that the commander of Sichuan, Li Sen, was requesting an audience.
Today, Yang Ling had seen Li Sen receive the cold shoulder from the local officials during the banquet and did not have much hope for him to be of any use. If he immediately received the high-ranking military officer as soon as he arrived, he was afraid that it would arouse the suspicions of those with ulterior motives. So he waved his hand and said, "Just say that I am tired and have already rested. Official Li, please return first."
Liu Da Bang Chui acknowledged. Just as he reached the door, Yang Ling called out again, "Wait!"
Yang Ling sat down lazily on a chair and tapped his knee with his fingers. After a moment of silence, he said softly, "Please, let him in."
Not long after, Li Sen strode into the study valiantly and energetically. Seeing Yang Ling, he immediately performed a standard military salute. "Li Sen greets the imperial envoy!"
Yang Ling casually said, "Sit, no need to stand on ceremony. You are the clearest about my purpose in coming to Sichuan. How can you still be so rash? I have just settled down and you come to visit. If it falls into the eyes of those with ulterior motives, how can they not be suspicious? "
Li Sen did not stand on ceremony and casually sat down on the chair. He chuckled and said, "Sir, if I did not come, then it would arouse suspicion. As soon as I arrived in Sichuan, I spread the news that I used the connections of Grand Secretary Jiao of the Cabinet and was transferred to a rich and populous area in Sichuan to become an official. Everyone knows about Minister Jiao's relationship with you, sir. If I did not come to visit, wouldn't I be trying to cover up? "
"Hmm?" Yang Ling suddenly raised his head and seriously sized up this pure-blooded warrior whom he had always regarded as a bellicose, capable of fighting but not scheming. He still had that boorish appearance and did not seem to be scheming at all.
The intelligence Yang Ling had received was: Li Sen was transferred to Sichuan. He had a bad temper and looked down on everyone. He had whipped his guards and trampled on the fields while hunting. When he saw the beauty Tuoba Yanran at a poetry party for Chengdu's upper class, he was dumbfounded for a long time. His gaze followed the beautiful figure for a long time and even turned a deaf ear to the conversation between him and the King of Shu's heir. He lost his composure and became the laughing stock of Chengdu's officialdom.
Yang Ling's judgment was: Deceiving the eyes and ears!
For a high-ranking general who had climbed up step by step from the lower ranks, once he grasped power, one could not rule out the possibility that he would pursue pleasure, indulge in arrogance, take bribes, and completely corrupt. But Li Sen had come to Sichuan with a secret mission. To be able to hold such a high position, he was definitely not an idiot. He would not joke around with his own head.
But even so, Yang Ling still did not think that Li Sen had much ability. But now, looking at this seemingly honest and straightforward man from Shandong, seeing the faint shrewdness and an indescribable feeling in the depths of his eyes, Yang Ling suddenly seemed to see another person, a shadow hidden deep within this body.
He stared at Li Lin for a long time. Li Sen also met his gaze without fear and did not avoid it in the slightest. After a long time, Yang Ling suddenly smiled and said, "Li Sen, has anyone in the past been able to see your true face clearly?"
Scoundrel Li Sen withdrew his arrogance and said solemnly, "Sir, this lowly officer will only be open to you now."
Yang Ling raised his eyebrows and slowly retracted them. He said slowly, "Oh … I am all ears."
Li Sen said sincerely, "Daren, I know that you chose me because I do not have any faction in the army. I was promoted through solid military achievements. Maybe I can be of some use at a critical moment, so you chose me to take on such an important task in Sichuan. I have tasted all kinds of feelings of being ostracized by others. It is rare that Daren has chosen me. This is my luck, this is my opportunity.
As the saying goes, people go to higher places and water flows to the bottom. Your humble servant is ashamed to say something that will make you laugh. From the day I received the transfer order, your humble servant has been thinking that no matter what, I have to complete this task well, gain your appreciation, and become a disciple of the Marquis. At that time, the order was urgent and I could not enter the capital to see you. So after I came to Sichuan, I first spread the rumor. This is all I can do. To Daren, I will be frank and speak from the bottom of my heart. I hope Daren will not be offended. "
Yang Ling smiled faintly, "When I received the investigation of the King of Shu's rebellion, I did not have much time to prepare. I hastily selected you from the local officials provided by the Ministry of War to be the Commander of Sichuan. Hehe, to be honest, I only took a fancy to your bravery and fighting skills. Moreover, you do not have any faction in the army and will not beat around the bush to get close to the officials in Sichuan. So I can confidently reveal such an important matter to you. "
He sighed and sat up straight, saying, "Some things may seem accidental, but in fact, it is just that no one has thought about the reason behind it. Even I have seen through your fortune. You do not have any faction in the army. If you do not have any schemes and only rely on your bravery and fighting skills, even if you are promoted, how can you become the Commander? It is hard to judge a person. It's hard to judge people. Brother Li, if you have any opinion, just say it. "
This word 'Brother Li' is equivalent to accepting him. Hearing this, Li Sen's eyes flashed with joy and he regained the image of a valiant warrior. His face was filled with killing intent and valiance.
He laughed mischievously and said, "Your Excellency, I'm not scheming at all. My little bit of scheming is only enough to protect myself. I haven't studied much since I was young. I can't even compare to a single finger of yours when it comes to those scholars in the imperial court.
This is the position of Commander. Hehe, I was picked up. The major factions in the Lu army are fighting with each other and no one is willing to let someone from the other side take this position. In the end, they pushed someone like me, who is not reliable, up to this position. Ai, it is a grievance. But I'm lucky. Otherwise, how could I have been chosen by a noble like you with a pair of discerning eyes? "
This Li Sen has a glib tongue and a ruffian's aura. Indeed, he is a veteran who does not know how to read. But it is such a person who actually climbed his way up to the position of Commander. Although it is said that the factions in the army want to maintain balance, if he did not have any schemes, would he be able to seize this opportunity to attack others and achieve his own success?
Every drink and every peck must have a cause and effect. If Li Sen did not have any real ability and intelligence, he could at most become a mid-level officer based on his military achievements. But he unexpectedly rose to the position of Commander in the midst of all the factions. How can this be done with the impression that he gives others?
But with his scheming and intelligence, before he sat in such a high position, he could still do it with ease. When one reached the position of a commander, every word and action would be accompanied by corresponding authority, and they would be able to bring tangible benefits to some people. This was something that could not be faked, and it was not something that could be deceived with mere scheming.
Other people are not to be trifled with. Once or twice, who can be deceived by others? Therefore, Li Sen can only be at ease in the position of Commander and be a puppet. He does not dare to act rashly.
At this moment, he also realized how important it was to have a strong backing. But if he wants to rely on a backer that he can rely on, he must have the connections. Are there many people who carry gifts but cannot send it out? Coincidentally, at this time, because of the King of Shu, he gave him a chance to submit. Unless he is satisfied with the status quo and does not want to be promoted, otherwise, how can he not grasp this opportunity?
After thinking this through, Yang Ling also believed in his sincerity. Therefore, he said in a low voice, "I do not use those I suspect, and I do not suspect those I use. Since I am willing to accept you, I hope that you are as capable as possible. I will not be jealous of others and be afraid that you will surpass me.
Therefore, don't play dumb with me anymore. What I want to see is your ability. Only then will I fully support you and let you stand tall. You don't need to care about everyone's eyes. Do you understand? Put away your roguishness and slanderous words. This official's luck is good enough. If you are just lucky, what use do I have for you?! "
Li Sen's expression changed. He immediately sat upright and said respectfully, "Yes! I understand now. "
Smart people only need to nod once. Yang Ling smiled with satisfaction and said, "Good. Now tell me, what are your views and what have you done after arriving in Sichuan?"
Li Sen was seen through by Yang Ling's eyes and did not dare to play any tricks in front of him. He hurriedly said respectfully, "Daren, I climbed up step by step from a small school and know that it is difficult to make a living in the officialdom. In the military, there are even more rules. His Majesty and Daren have entrusted such an important task to me. But if I bring a few bodyguards and casually mobilize the generals of the various guards, it will be of no use.
The King of Shu has been operating here for more than a hundred years. A big tree has deep roots and a strong foundation. Therefore, I pondered that if there is a need for me, the mobilization of the army will be made up of local soldiers. The hearts of the people will not be united and the fighting spirit will be lost. I am afraid that I will only be a burden to Daren. Moreover, I am afraid that in a critical moment, I will not be able to mobilize the troops.
Therefore, I did not hide it. The moment I arrived, I publicly announced that I am on Mr Yang's and Elder Jiao's side. That is why I was able to get this fat job. I know that no matter where the army is, there will definitely be a portion of officers who have been ostracized and suppressed. These dissatisfied people, upon hearing that I have such a strong backing, will have no choice but to rely on me when they have no way out. The people that I really want to rely on are these dissatisfied officers and their subordinates.
The mobilization of the generals is all a cover for me. If the King of Shu really wants to rebel, this will be a reassurance pill for him: Cheng Yaojin has three axes. This is all I can do to make him feel at ease.
In my opinion, if the King of Shu rebels, one scenario is that Daren has already left Sichuan. At that time, the imperial army can be mobilized to suppress the rebellion. The other scenario is that Daren has found evidence and the King of Shu can't wait to rise in rebellion. Daren hasn't had time to leave and has no troops to mobilize. At this time, you will have to play a risky move and use the troops you have in your hands to take the palace and capture the king. As long as you catch the King of Shu by surprise, the followers will definitely scatter and you will succeed. "
"Therefore, these days, other than mobilizing the generals, I have been indulging in sensual pleasures and hunting for pleasure. It is best if they can't see through me. I can confuse them. It is even better if they can see through me. They will definitely think that I have exhausted my limited abilities and have no other tricks up my sleeves.
The few people that I have brought with me are all comrades who have fought together on the battlefield and have gone through life and death together. They are absolutely trustworthy. My goals are too obvious. The things that I really need to do are all left to them.
I have arranged for people to be in charge of monitoring the movements of the various garrisons around Chengdu. I have led the frustrated officials who have defected to me to hunt and indulge in wine and pleasure. After observing those who are reliable, I have handed them over to my trusted aides to train in secret and strive to create an elite army.
I have frequently mobilized the generals in the army, but the King of Shu has never made any response. Either the King of Shu is magnanimous and there is no evidence that can be used against him. Or, the main force that he wants to use to rebel is not the soldiers of the Wei Institute but the indigenous tribes of Sichuan.
The 15 Chieftains of Sichuan have strong troops and horses. If he wants to rebel, it is impossible for him not to use them. Therefore, I have also sent my trusted aides to investigate the tribes that are close to the King of Shu and the tribes that often rebel against the imperial court. This is to know oneself and the enemy. "
Yang Ling almost wanted to slap the table in praise. This brother did not study much, but he was definitely a natural talent. From a small school, he had worked his way up to where he was today and had developed a set of strategic planning skills from the bloody and fiery battlefield.
Yang Ling interrupted his torrent of words and said cheerfully, "Excellent! Have you found any trace of it yet? "
Li Sen simply said, "No!"
Yang Ling was startled and said with a wry smile, "No … it is best if there is no clue. If there really is, we might really have to do as you said and capture the king first to capture the bandits. However, it is hard to predict whether it will be the bandits that capture the king or the moths that fly into the fire!"
Even though Yang Ling had no clue as to why the King of Shu was plotting a rebellion, he at least knew that the Commander was not completely useless. Furthermore, the Commander was able to come up with a feasible solution to deal with the difficult situation he was in. He was able to recruit some usable manpower and soldiers. This was considered an outstanding achievement in the short span of a few months. Hence, Yang Ling was very happy.
With this meeting, the two of them quickly became closer. After a series of secret discussions, they finalized some cooperation plans for the next step. Only then did Li Sen excitedly bid farewell and leave.
After sending Li Sen off, Yang Ling returned to the study and lazily lay back on the chair.
Tomorrow was the day he would meet the King of Shu, the final goal of his trip out of the capital. Zhu Binhan. Was this First Virtuous King of Ming Destiny fishing for fame, harboring evil intentions, or was he being slandered by others? Yang Ling couldn't help but feel a little nervous. He was also somewhat looking forward to this meeting.
"It seems that the ambiguous words that I purposely said before I left Wangzhu Creek seemed to have worked. When I left Wangzhu Creek early in the morning, the person in charge of surveillance reported that Zhu Rangjin and the others had taken a shortcut and rushed to Chengdu ahead of me. The King of Shu should have heard this by now. Whether this King has the intention of rebelling or not, he should have made some response. The people I sent to closely monitor inside and outside the Qingyang Palace must have … "
Yang Ling suddenly sat up, his eyes fixed as he thought, "When I came to Chengdu, I first sent Liu Biao to investigate carefully. Li Sen came to Chengdu with himself as the goal to attract attention, but he sent his trusted subordinates to do what he really wanted to do. Must the King of Shu do it himself? Could it be that he was deliberately mystifying things to attract our attention by staying in the Qingyang Palace while he was sick? "
"Everyone knows how to play tricks, and everyone has their own ingenuity. I was too careless. From the very beginning, I had set my sights on the King of Shu. More than eighty percent of the people I sent to Chengdu spent their time on him, tracking his every move, every word, and every word. He was like a torch in the dark night, attracting all the attention. Under the light, in the dark, what were the others doing? His trusted subordinates, his son … "
Thinking of this, Yang Ling immediately shouted, "Big Cudgel, quickly summon Liu Biao to see me, immediately!"
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