Chaos of the Three Kingdoms Summons

Chapter 2783 Meeting with Xuan Ye and Reminiscing About the Past, the Fifth Expedition Beyond the Great Wall

February of the fourth year of Jian'an.

Upon returning to the capital, Luoyang, Li Xiang first visited Empress Wei.

Afterwards, he interacted with each of the concubines to varying degrees.

In his spare time, he also went to Tongquetai to see his pets.

After that, the emperor quickly switched back to taking control of the empire.

He leaned against the soft couch in the warm pavilion, listening to the black-clad eunuch report in a low voice on the affairs of Luoyang City during his two-year southern tour.

When he heard about the recent situation of that special "guest," Li Xiang's lips curled into a playful smile.

"Oh? He spends his days reading and practicing calligraphy, and has even started learning how to brew tea and appreciate paintings? Is our Luoyang dance king really planning to cultivate his character in my capital?"

Li Xiang spoke in a relaxed tone, as if he were talking about something amusing.

The eunuch bowed and smiled obsequiously: "Your Majesty, Mr. Xuan Ye is indeed well-behaved. He spends his days either walking around the bestowed residence or discussing scriptures with the scholars sent there. He has not made any unusual moves."

"gentlemen?"

Li Xiang raised an eyebrow and chuckled, "That's quite a polite way of addressing me."

"Go, summon him here. Tell him that I obtained some fine tea during my southern tour and invited him to come and taste it, and also... have a chat."

Before long, Xuan Ye was led in. He was still wearing a brocade robe, but the style was closer to that of Han scholars, and his aura seemed to have become much more composed.

He bowed meticulously, his posture impeccable.

"Your subject Xuan Ye pays his respects to Your Majesty and welcomes Your Majesty's triumphant return from your southern tour."

"Get up. There are no outsiders here, so there's no need for formalities."

Li Xiang waved his hand casually and pointed to the seat next to him, "Sit."

"Try this newly arrived Jiangnan Spring tea. It's said to be made from tender buds before the rain, but to me it's just so-so. You scholars have discerning palates, so please have a taste."

The eunuch served fragrant tea. After expressing his gratitude, Xuan Ye carefully sat down, picked up the teacup, first observed its color, then smelled its aroma, and then took a small sip. His movements were smooth and natural, clearly showing that he had put in a lot of effort.

Despite being a grassland native, his tea-drinking demeanor was even more refined than that of Li Xiang, a native of the Central Plains.

"The soup is clear and refreshing, with a rich aroma and a sweet aftertaste. It is truly a fine product. Your Majesty is busy with many affairs of state. It is a blessing that you can enjoy such a leisurely pleasure." Xuan Ye praised him, but his words did not sound obsequious.

Li Xiang laughed heartily, put down his teacup, and unconsciously turned slightly to the side, his gaze falling on Xuan Ye, as if he had suddenly remembered something.

"Speaking of which, during my southern tour, I saw that the south was developing rapidly and its resources were becoming increasingly abundant."

"I'm thinking about the north again..."

"Sigh, speaking of which, those remnants of the Yuan Dynasty are like a mangy dog, barking wildly at the border every now and then, stealing things, disturbing the peace of my people in the northern frontier. It's really annoying."

Xuan Ye's heart tightened, knowing that the show was about to begin, but he remained calm on the surface and casually echoed, "The Yuan Mongols are fierce and stubborn, unaware of Your Majesty's vast divine might, and they truly deserve to die."

“Yes!” Li Xiang slapped his thigh, clearly agreeing.

"Therefore, I intend to resolve this issue once and for all. Our army will once again march beyond the Great Wall, sweeping away all obstacles and achieving victory in one decisive battle!"

As he spoke, his eyes remained fixed on Xuan Ye, a slight smile playing on his lips. "I remember," he said, "at the beginning of the Jian'an era, when you first arrived in Luoyang, you said something that left a particularly deep impression on me. 'You said you were willing to use the resources of the Manchu Qing to win the favor of our country.' Those were truly well said, so sincere and heartfelt. I was deeply moved when I heard them!"

Xuan Ye's fingertips trembled almost imperceptibly, and the tea in his cup rippled slightly.

He thought he might have guessed why the emperor had summoned him today.

Li Xiang, seemingly oblivious to Xuan Ye's subtle reaction, continued jokingly, "Look, now is the time for 'Yu Guo' to win your favor."

"This expedition beyond the Great Wall is a large-scale operation. I need light cavalry who are familiar with the grassland terrain and can endure hardship to serve as the vanguard and provide flank cover."

"After much deliberation, I believe that your Manchu Eight Banners are brave and skilled in battle, and your archery and horsemanship are unparalleled on the grasslands. You are the most suitable candidates."

Li Xiang paused, his expression becoming slightly serious.

He continued, "So, I hope you will write a letter back to your youngest son, and to all the princes and nobles of your Manchu dynasty."

"Just say it's my will, and it's also your promise from back then. Tell them, well, to send as many troops as possible. Make sure they have enough horses, provisions, and arrows."

"Cooperate well with my general and win this battle. Let me see just how abundant your Manchu resources are and how genuine this 'favor' is."

Li Xiang's words were light and casual, seemingly just a casual chat between two people, without any particular meaning.

However, in that short time, with just the time it takes to drink a cup of tea and a few words exchanged, Xuan Ye's heart felt as if it were being gripped tightly by an invisible hand.

Send as many troops as possible? This meant that the Qing Dynasty would have to exhaust its resources, send out all its able-bodied men, and consume precious strategic resources and manpower to fight another fierce battle for the Great Jin.

They won, consolidating their Great Jin dynasty's rule, while the Manchu Qing dynasty suffered a significant blow.

If they were to lose, the Qing dynasty would lose all its elite troops, and there would be no hope of recovery.

Regardless of victory or defeat, the Manchus would be bound to the war chariot of the Great Jin Empire and would bleed themselves dry in this war, just like the previous four wars of venturing beyond the Great Wall.

He raised his head to meet Li Xiang's smiling yet unfathomable gaze, took a deep breath to clear his mind of those inexplicable distracting thoughts, and immediately knelt down.

"Your Majesty's trust and faith are deeply appreciated by Xuan Ye and the entire Manchu people! This is a golden opportunity for us to repay Your Majesty's grace!"

"Your Majesty, rest assured, Xuan Ye will immediately write a letter, ordering the entire country to do everything in its power to select the most elite warriors and prepare sufficient provisions and weapons, and will follow Your Majesty's lead without question!"

"We will not fail Your Majesty's trust today, nor will we fail Xuan Ye's words of the past! The resources of the Manchu Qing will serve as Your Majesty's spear and arrows. We are willing to help Your Majesty pacify the northern deserts and eliminate future troubles forever!"

Just like the previous four times, Xuan Ye had no choice at this point.

Given the vast difference in strength, not to mention that he is currently living in Luoyang.

If he dares to refuse, not only will he himself be killed by swords and axes in an instant.

Moreover, it's likely that the first battle fought by the Jin cavalry beyond the Great Wall will not be against the Yuan Mongols, but rather against the Manchus.

The emperor smiled with satisfaction and personally got up to help him up.

"Good! Excellent! I knew you wouldn't disappoint me! Please rise, let's continue enjoying our tea. I await your good news!"

Xuan Ye stood up, his face still bearing that excited and loyal smile, but beneath his wide sleeves, his fingernails had already dug deeply into his palms, the stinging sensation reminding him to stay alert.

Ultimately, he was still not strong enough. As a weakling, he could only continue to endure in order to survive.