Gao Shilian angrily left, his mind filled with Du Qi's words and Du Qi's threat that he couldn't bear the responsibility of starting a war. As an official who had personally participated in the debate in the hall, Gao Shilian was well aware of the wariness the officials felt toward Du Qi. He also knew that the Emperor was somewhat dissatisfied with Du Qi.
Even though Du Qi had once made great contributions to the Emperor, Du Qi had already crossed the Emperor's bottom line. Thus, for Du Qi to be so arrogant, Gao Shilian felt that he didn't know how to adapt to the situation.
Gao Shilian angrily returned to the army camp in the snow. The moment he entered the command tent, Hou Junji impatiently asked, "High Regional Commander, what's the situation?"
Gao Shilian replied, "Du Qi has accepted the decree."
Hou Junji sighed, but he was somewhat disappointed. Hou Junji had come this time with the intention of making great contributions to the Western Regions. Du Qi had directly accepted the decree, which was tantamount to admitting defeat.
Coward!
Hou Junji's heart was filled with disdain.
While Hou Junji was wallowing in self-pity, Gao Shilian sat down and continued, "Although Du Qi has accepted the decree, Du Qi said that the Anxi Protectorate's Regional Commander office should be set up in Guazhou, not in Yi Province."
Hou Junji immediately stood up in agitation. He slightly bent over and placed his palm on the table in front of him. "High Regional Commander, how can this be? The Anxi Protectorate's Regional Commander office must be in Yi Province. Even if it's not in Yi Province, it has to be in Qiuci or Yanqi. Could it be that you've agreed to Du Qi's request? "
Gao Shilian harrumphed and sternly said, "General Hou, do I look like I've agreed?"
Only now did Hou Junji carefully observe Gao Shilian's expression.
He looked furious.
It even gave off the feeling that a storm was brewing.
Hou Junji softly chuckled, his heart relaxing. "High Regional Commander, don't keep me in suspense. Go and pass down the edict. What exactly is Du Qi's attitude? You're keeping me in suspense. You're making me nervous and uncomfortable. "
Su Dingfang sat in the main seat and sighed inwardly.
As expected, Du Qi refused.
Although Du Qi had accepted the decree, allowing Gao Shilian to work in Guazhou was tantamount to a tactful rejection. Such a result indicated the instability of the Western Regions.
Su Dingfang did not speak. He continued to listen quietly. Whether it was Gao Shilian or Hou Junji, both of them had higher ranks than him and had even served Li Shimin before him.
Su Dingfang's only advantage was that he was the provincial governor of Guazhou. He did not have any other advantages.
With a heavy voice Gao Shilian said, "Du Qi, this child, really has a rebellious bone at the back of his head; he is a traitor. I clearly told him that the office of the Anxi Protectorate Regional Commander had to be set up in Yi Province. "
"But guess what he said? He said that he wanted me to ask if his one hundred thousand soldiers would agree. Listen, what kind of words are these? Du Qi is clearly threatening me, refusing to allow the Imperial Court to control the Western Regions. "
"When I left, Du Qi even threatened me, telling me to be careful, saying that I couldn't bear the responsibility. Du Qi's words clearly show his ambitions. His Majesty thinks so highly of Du Qi, granting him the title of Pacifying West King and giving him all sorts of benefits. In the end, Du Qi's actions are simply too disappointing. "
Gao Shilian was filled with rage.
In his life, he had lived a relatively comfortable life, and he had never been humiliated like this.
Hou Junji, on the other hand, was all smiles.
If Du Qi wanted to resist, that would be for the best.
Only then would he have a chance to perform meritorious deeds.
Hou Junji sat down and waved his hand. "High Regional Commander, sit down. Don't be angry, don't be anxious. Even if you're angry, even if you're worried, there's nothing we can do. Since Du Qi has already steeled his heart to refuse, what we need to consider is attacking Du Qi and letting him see the consequences of disobeying orders. "
After hearing Hou Junji and Gao Shilian's words, Su Dingfang thought for a moment and said, "Du Qi is an enemy of the Imperial Court, so we naturally have to suppress him. I am the Governor of Guazhou, and the forces of my Guazhou will be under General Hou's command. "
Hou Junji praised, "Governor Su truly understands the situation. For this battle, we will definitely need your forces. Without your subordinates, our strength is still a little lacking. "
Su Dingfang said, "But before the battle begins, shouldn't we send someone to negotiate with Du Qi? If Du Qi agrees to His Majesty's arrangements, there might not be a battle. "
"There's no need!"
Gao Shilian and Hou Junji replied in unison.
Both of them refused.
Gao Shilian was filled with resentment toward Du Qi, because Du Qi had humiliated him. Du Qi had threatened Gao Shilian, so Gao Shilian had to make Du Qi pay the price no matter what. He had to make Du Qi regret it.
As for Hou Junji, he wanted to prove his contributions and use this battle to defeat Du Qi to establish his prestige. Moreover, if he crippled Du Qi in this battle, he would be able to report to Li Chengqian when he returned to the court. No matter how he looked at it, it was worth it.
Su Dingfang said no more.
After all, his words carried little weight. Although he had Li Jing as his teacher in the court, Li Jing rarely meditated. The problem was that Li Jing rarely interfered in government affairs. Most of the time, Li Jing would close the door and reject guests.
Su Dingfang naturally wouldn't stir up trouble.
He would just follow the arrangements.
Gao Shilian turned to Hou Junji and asked, "General Hou, Du Qi refuses to obey orders and insists on defying the orders of the Imperial Court. Now that we are going to attack them, when should we attack? "
Hou Junji replied, "Although Du Qi is arrogant and we aren't weak, it's the twelfth month, and the weather is too cold. It won't be easy for our soldiers to attack. My plan is. For now, we will be in a standoff with Du Qi. When spring comes in the second month, although it will be cold, the weather will warm up a little and there won't be any more heavy snow blocking the roads. At that time, it will be much easier to attack. Thus, my plan is to wait until spring comes in the second month before attacking. "
"Okay!"
Gao Shilian immediately agreed.
Hou Junji was a professional when it came to war, so he didn't make many suggestions.
Hou Junji didn't even ask for Su Dingfang's opinion. After obtaining Gao Shilian's agreement, he proceeded according to the plan. The current army temporarily set up camp and did not directly attack Du Qi.
Hou Junji's army not moving had no effect on Du Qi.
He was leading his army to camp.
A standoff was a standoff.
After all, Du Qi now had the land of four prefectures. He had enough resources. If Du Qi only had Yi Province, he would have found it rather difficult to contend against Hou Junji.
On one hand, he lacked strategic depth, and on the other, his foundation was far too weak. Now that Du Qi had four provinces, he had enough reserves to fight a protracted war.
In the blink of an eye, it was the end of the first month.
Although the weather at the end of the first month was still cold, it was much better than the winter of the twelfth month.
At the very least, there was no heavy snow.
At the very least, there was no heavy snow blocking the roads.
On this day, while Du Qi was dealing with some urgent matters, Xue Rengui came in. His face was wreathed in smiles as he reported, "Your Highness, we have good news."
Du Qi asked, "What good news?"
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