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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 131: Suspicion
Li Jian Cheng's straightforward response surprised a few, but it also brought them a sense of reassurance. Normally, things were manageable, but as the situation intensified, they could increasingly feel Li Jian Cheng's weight.
This was also a test; if Li Jian Cheng agreed, the Crown Prince would find a way to refuse and then order his confinement until the Emperor returned to make a decision.
It was truly unthinkable what would happen if Li Jian Cheng rallied support in Chang'an for Yang Xuangan or led the elite forces of Chang'an to merge with Yang Xuangan's army. That would spell disaster.
Li Jian Cheng continued, "Not only me, but among the suitable generals in Chang'an, many are currently serving under Yang Su. Such individuals should find a way to avoid this situation."
He cupped his hands toward Dai Wang Yang You and said, "At this moment, the most suitable candidate is none other than Minister Wei. Please consider this, Your Highness."
Minister Wei Wensheng also readily addressed the Crown Prince, "Since Yang Xuangan has made up his mind to attack Luoyang, given his military strength, he certainly lacks the capability to split his forces and attack Chang'an as well.
As Li Langjun mentioned, Yang Su has commanded large armies multiple times in the past; thus, military authority cannot be easily entrusted at this time. It is best for an experienced minister to lead the troops personally."
As the one holding significant power, Wei Wensheng had made his decision. Unless he openly rebelled, Dai Wang Yang You could not stop him.
Moreover, before leaving, the Emperor had instructed Yang You to treat Wei Wensheng with respect and not to go against his wishes lightly.
Yang You nodded and said, "Then we shall proceed as Minister of Rites suggests."
Wei Wensheng did not express gratitude for Li Jian Cheng's recommendation; instead, he worried whether this was a deliberate attempt to send him away.
Looking at Li Yan and his son, he said, "I know you both are in filial mourning, but given the current turmoil in the state and with His Majesty absent while you are still young, I must take certain actions as the one left in charge of Chang'an."
Li Yan's face showed no expression as he said, "Without His Majesty's decree or the command of the Prince of Dai, upon returning home, I will not act without permission nor meet with guests. Minister Wei can also send someone to keep watch."
Wei Wensheng shook his head. "I wish to invite the Duke of Tang to accompany me in aiding the Eastern Capital."
The others fell silent and lowered their heads, avoiding looking at Li Yan and his son. Only Dai Wang Yang You stared intently at Li Jian Cheng's expression, seemingly trying to discern something.
Li Yan's face darkened as he replied, "Minister Wei, I lost my father at a young age. My mother raised me with great difficulty, and she has only passed away a few months ago. Are you asking me to abandon my mourning duties and go to war?"
Wei Wensheng sighed and bowed slightly, saying, "In one's position, one must fulfill their responsibilities and duties. Before departing, His Majesty entrusted Chang'an and the Prince of Dai to me. Today, I must play the villain."
The father and son must be separated; it was only proper for them to serve as hostages against each other. After all, Li Jian Cheng had deep ties with Yang Xuangan, so it was more appropriate for him to accompany Li Yan.
Wei Yijie quickly tried to ease the tension. "Though filial piety is paramount, throughout history, matters of war have never shied away from such duties. Sacrificing filial devotion for loyalty is how it has always been."
Dai Wang Yang You also spoke at his uncle's prompting. "When Grandfather returns, I will certainly ask him to issue a decree that allows the Duke to fulfill both loyalty and filial piety."
Li Yan glanced at his son and realized that this matter could not simply be dismissed based on filial duty alone. If he stubbornly refused to leave, Wei Wensheng would likely imprison them both in the palace.
"Thank you for your consideration, Minister Wei. I will accompany the troops to aid the Eastern Capital. My son Jian Cheng, upon returning home, you must behave yourself and stay by your father's spirit tablet in mourning."
"Son obeys."
After Li Jian Cheng bowed to his father, he turned calmly towards Wei Wensheng and asked, "May I inquire if the Minister of Rites has any further instructions for Jian Cheng?"
Wei Wensheng knew that he had thoroughly offended Duke Tang's Residence, but serving the ruler and being loyal to the state meant he had no fear.
"Please, my lord, follow your father's wishes."
Li Jian Cheng nodded respectfully to Dai Wang Yang You and said, "Your Highness, although I suspect that Yang Xuangan the rebel has no possibility of splitting his forces, this concerns the State. We must prepare thoroughly. The one hundred thousand commoners currently repairing the city defenses should temporarily be mobilized for training, just in case."
Seeing that both his uncle and the Minister of Justice nodded in agreement, Yang You accepted the matter.
Immediately, Wei Wensheng took Li Yan to gather troops and prepare for departure. Li Jian Cheng returned to his residence to reassure his mother, wife, and younger brothers before once again closing the gates tightly against outside visitors.
…………
Outside Luoyang City, Yang Xuangan personally conducted a sacrificial ceremony to summon souls. The soul banner prominently displayed Pei Gonghongce’s name, referring to the hard-fought battles that had cost Yang Xuangan seven thousand young men and their armor under Henan Governor Pei Hongce.
It turned out that after Pei Hongce retreated back to the city following his defeat, he clashed with Fan Zigai, who was left in charge of Luoyang. The root cause lay in their struggle for command over Luoyang's defenses.
Fan Zigai was exceptionally capable, having served in impoverished border regions as a Prefect. He was both scholarly and martial, a trusted confidant personally promoted by the Emperor. However, he had a fatal flaw: his family background was not distinguished, and he had not previously held an official position in court.
As a newly appointed official in Eastern Capital with no connections or supporters from his past, he naturally lacked the authority that came with such ties. Thus, even though Pei Hongce was a defeated general, he still had relatives and old friends who helped him evade punishment and supported him in maintaining control over the situation; the He Dong Pei Clan was quite influential in this regard.
Unexpectedly, however, Fan Zigai made a ruthless decision and ordered his men to kill Pei Hongce on the spot.
The Emperor has gathered many Loyal Ministers over the years. In this time of crisis, his trusted officials are willing to offend the powerful aristocrats for the sake of his State and Dynasty.
Pei Hongce has died, and of course, there are those who speak on his behalf, condemning Fan Zigai for seeking personal revenge. However, upon seeing that Fan Zigai is intent on a massacre, National University Chancellor Yang Wang and others can only bow and plead for mercy.
After all, Fan Zigai, appointed as the acting minister, can be undermined in secret, but openly opposing him is only possible if King of Yue Yang Tong speaks out. Like Dai Wang Yang You, the Emperor had also instructed him before leaving to treat Fan Zigai with respect and to heed his authority.
Thus, Fan Zigai firmly seized control of Luoyang's power, initiated defensive measures at Shian, immediately summoned Surrounding Counties to gather troops for assistance, and reorganized the city’s Soldiers. He strictly ordered them not to open the city gates without permission; any suspicious activity would be met with immediate execution.
The responses from Yang Xuangan and Fan Zigai were observed by everyone concerned about the situation. Fan Zigai's actions reminded them of the Emperor, who similarly valued the lives of nobles lightly and would call for bloodshed at the slightest disagreement.
Yang Xuangan's approach was much better. After completing the sacrificial rites to summon souls, he addressed his Soldiers: "As your Grand Minister, I am wealthy beyond measure; as for riches and honor, I seek nothing."
The soldiers below nodded in agreement. Coming from the Hongnong Yang Clan, he was the Legitimate Eldest Son of the Prince of Chu and Grand Minister of Rites; wealth and status were indeed his birthright.
Yang Xuangan looked at everyone with a rising ambition to serve the people and restore the country: "Today, I do not care about those who would destroy their families or clans; I only wish to resolve the urgent crisis facing our world and save the lives of the common people!"
………
(End of Chapter)
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