The Red Chamber begins with a bastard

Chapter 649 Excluding Dissidents
Xu Wenhou glanced at Jia Huan and stammered, "When I have nothing to do, I just wander around to observe the people's conditions and understand their lives!"

Sun Chengzong, observing the man's expression, vaguely guessed what was going on. He had long heard that this man loved good food, and he was probably out in search of delicacies in Tongzhou. His fat was undoubtedly the result of his gluttony. However, Sun Chengzong did not expose him in public. He simply stroked his beard and said, "It is a good thing to understand the people's conditions. Your Highness, the Prince of Min, is doing a great service. However, I have a word of advice to offer."

Xu Wenhou said somewhat guiltily, "Please speak, Lord Sun. I am all ears."

Sun Chengzong said, “The Prince of Min is of noble birth. Even when he goes out to observe the people’s conditions, he should not wander around aimlessly. He should pay attention to safety. In addition, Confucius said: ‘Food and sex are human nature.’ It is human nature to like beautiful things. However, everything should be done in moderation. Otherwise, going too far will be as bad as not going far enough, and in the end, it may even be a case of losing more than you gain.”

Xu Wenhou's chubby face turned red, and he nodded awkwardly, saying, "Lord Sun is absolutely right, I have learned a lot!"

Sun Chengzong nodded secretly. Prince Min was kind and benevolent, but his only flaw was that he was too gluttonous and couldn't control his mouth. He was also a bit too soft-hearted. Otherwise, he would definitely be the first choice for a wise ruler. It's a pity... If the peace talks succeed, Prince Qing will soon be returning to the court.

Sun Chengzong clearly preferred the kind-hearted Xu Wenhou, and given Jia Huan's close relationship with Xu Wenhou, he was even more eager for Xu Wenhou to become the crown prince. So, he took the opportunity to subtly advise Xu Wenhou to give up his appetite.

"Thanks to His Highness Prince Min for rescuing us this time, we were spared a lot of trouble!" Sun Chengzong stroked his beard and smiled.

Xu Wenhou waved his hand and laughed, "It was just a small favor, nothing to mention. The Eastern Depot is really making a mess of things now, and I've long been fed up with them."

Upon hearing this, the students of Diecui Academy exchanged glances, all of them developing a favorable impression of Xu Wenhou. They secretly thought that it would be great if this prince could become the crown prince.

The welcoming banquet was ruined by the Eastern Depot's lackey, and everyone lost their appetite. As the Minister of Personnel and the leader of the Diecui Academy faction, Sun Chengzong could not get too close to Prince Min, Xu Wenhou, lest he attract criticism and the emperor's suspicion. So, after a few simple pleasantries, the banquet ended hastily, and everyone left the restaurant and continued their journey to the capital.

About an hour later, the group returned to the capital from Tongzhou. Sun Chengzong immediately went to the palace to meet the emperor, and the students of Diecui Academy dispersed.

Just as Jia Huan was about to mount his horse and leave Donghua Gate, he saw Li Jinzhong waving furtively at the corner. He couldn't help but have an idea, so he threw the reins to Mu Ye and walked over. When he turned the corner, he saw Xu Wenhou sitting on the steps waiting, rubbing his thighs, probably tired from riding on the way.

"What are your orders, Your Highness?" Jia Huan stepped forward and bowed.

Xu Wenhou pointed to the steps beside him and said, "I know you won't go to the Minwang Mansion, so sit here with me for a while. I have some things to talk to you about."

Jia Huan had no choice but to sit down on the steps next to him. However, in the dead of winter, the stone steps were icy cold, and a chill ran straight to his buttocks. Xu Wenhou, on the other hand, seemed to be completely oblivious. It seems that having a thick layer of fat is an advantage.

Xu Wenhou paused for a moment before asking, "Shall we depart on the sixteenth day of the first lunar month after the New Year?"

Jia Huan nodded silently.

Xu Wenhou sighed and said apologetically, "Actually, on the very day the imperial edict for the marriage alliance was issued, I went to beg my father, but it was no use. My father simply wouldn't listen to me. There was really nothing I could do."

Jia Huan felt a warmth in his heart and said, "Seventh Master, you are so kind. I am very grateful."

Xu Wenhou glanced at Jia Huan, who had a calm expression, and couldn't help but feel strange. Back when Sister Wanruo was sent to Hami for a marriage alliance, Liu Yi was so depressed that he was like a lost soul, drowning his sorrows in alcohol all day long. But this guy was fine, as if nothing had happened. You could say he was heartless, but he risked losing his head to defy the imperial decree for the sake of his beloved.

"Then what else can I do to help you?" Xu Wenhou sighed.

Jia Huan pondered for a few seconds and said, "The journey to Hami is long and the road is not safe. I would like to ask someone to help me."

Xu Wenhou hurriedly asked, "Who?"

"Guerrilla General Man Gui!"

Xu Wenhou asked in astonishment, "Is that the same Man Gui who was greedy for merit and recklessly crossed the river to attack Yaozhou, resulting in his defeat?"

Jia Huan nodded, and Xu Wenhou asked in confusion, "Why him? Is there no one else in the army?"

Jia Huan retorted, "If I want Tie Hu and Xing Wei, can Seventh Master transfer them?"

Xu Wenhou's chubby face stiffened slightly, and he shook his head awkwardly. Tiehu and Xingwei were now two fierce generals on the front lines, each responsible for guarding a certain area. More importantly, they were Jia Huan's trusted confidants. How could the Emperor possibly agree to Jia Huan transferring them? He might even suspect Jia Huan of plotting something. Man Gui, on the other hand, was a disgraced general who had already been dismissed. It would be much easier to transfer him to his service. "Man Gui is young and impulsive, and it's normal for him to make mistakes occasionally. But this boy is skilled in riding and archery, and he is brave and courageous in battle. With some training and development, he will definitely become a capable general who can stand alone in the future. If he can help me on this trip to Hami, I will be much safer!" Jia Huan explained.

Xu Wenhou nodded upon hearing this and said, "Alright then, I will give it a try, but I can't guarantee that I can transfer the man here. After all, this man is a criminal general."

"Thank you, Seventh Master!" Jia Huan stood up and clasped his hands in thanks.

Xu Wenhou also stood up, patted his big buttocks, and said with a glint in his eyes, "Why are you being so polite with me? If you really want to thank me, accompany me to Huairou County tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Jia Huan understood the implied meaning. This kid wanted him to accompany him to Granny Liu's house to flirt with girls. You know, this kid is about to get married, and he still has his eye on Qing'er. It's true that everyone has their own taste, and fate is really a strange thing!
"No problem!" Jia Huan readily agreed.

Xu Wenhou was overjoyed and said, "That's more like it. I haven't made a mistake in befriending you."

Seeing the man's beaming face, Jia Huan couldn't help but feel sorry for the future Princess Min.

…………

After the newly appointed Liaodong military commissioner Gao Di took office, he immediately took Zhang Pu, the Liaodong military supervisor, to Guangning City on the front line to prepare for negotiations. Wu Sangui, the garrison commander of Guangning City, warmly welcomed them out of the city.

It is said that Wu Sangui was once responsible for escorting Zhang Pu on his mission to Chahar, persuading Ligdan Khan to form an alliance with the Great Jin. Therefore, Wu Sangui and Zhang Pu had quite a good relationship. Now that Zhang Pu is serving as the military supervisor of Liaodong, and the newly appointed Liaodong military commissioner Gao Di is also a member of the Donglin Party, this relationship will make things easier.

Therefore, Sun Chengzong's transfer and Jia Huan's dismissal were actually good things for Wu Sangui. Moreover, Wu Sangui had always been unwilling to be subordinate to others and was ambitious. He had been suppressed by Jia Huan before, but now that Jia Huan was dismissed, Wu Sangui was naturally the most excited and could finally show his power.

Wu Sangui was brave and resourceful, and he believed he was no less capable than Jia Huan. Now, with three thousand Guan Ning cavalry at his disposal, a whole line of new flintlock rifles, and newly invented hand grenades, he was confident that he would not be any worse than Jia Huan in a real fight against the Jurchens. Hehe, making great achievements and being ennobled was just around the corner!
Wu Sangui welcomed Gao Di and Zhang Pu into Guangning City. This Gao general was also eager to make a name for himself as a new official. After entering the city, he did not rest. First, he inspected the city walls of Guangning City to understand the progress of the city's defense reinforcement. Then, he convened a meeting with the generals at the front.

Shi Tou Xingwei, who was guarding Yizhou, Tie Hu, who was guarding Xipingbao, and Zhao Shuaijiao, who was guarding Youtun, also received orders and immediately rushed to Guangning City.

Meanwhile, Xing Wei and Tie Hu arrived in Guangning City and immediately paid their respects to the newly appointed military commander Gao Di. The latter was obviously aware that Xing and Tie were Jia Huan's protégés, so his attitude was lukewarm. He found an excuse to transfer the two to the rear to sit on the sidelines, and promoted Wu Sangui to the position of Liaodong General.

Xing Wei was furious. He was already seething with anger because Jia Huan had been dismissed and Sun Chengzong had been transferred. Now, this scoundrel Gao Di had come and was immediately making things difficult for him and Tie Hu. It was clearly an attempt to exclude dissidents. So he was about to explode on the spot. Fortunately, Tie Hu remained calm and subtly restrained Xing Wei. Otherwise, things would have escalated into a major incident.

After leaving Gao Di's residence, Xing Wei said angrily, "Brother Hu, they've bullied us two brothers. Damn it, I'm not putting up with this anymore. If they don't want us here, there are plenty of other places that will. Let's go back to the capital to find Third Master. It's better to accompany Third Master to Hami than to stay here and suffer!"

Tie Hu said in a deep voice, "Bullshit, you better behave yourself. At this time, you must not cause trouble for Third Master. The one on the throne is already suspicious. Believe me, if you make a scene like this, not only will you lose your head, but you will also implicate Third Master's life."

Although Xing Wei had a fiery temper, he wasn't brainless. After calming down and thinking it over, he realized the seriousness of the situation. He and Tie Hu were no small fry; they were both highly respected generals in the army. If they were to lead a disturbance, Emperor Qiansheng would definitely slap them to death.

Xing Wei felt increasingly frustrated. He kicked a pebble off the roadside and muttered sullenly, "This is fucking annoying!"

Tie Hu said calmly, "Trust Third Master. Things will turn around eventually. Since Gao Di wants to cause trouble, let him do it. We'll just watch the show from the sidelines."

Xing Wei was delighted to hear this and said, "Gao Di and Zhang Pu are obviously clueless about warfare. They think that everything will be fine once the two countries reach a peace agreement. Little do they know that the Jurchens are not sincere in their peace negotiations. It's just a delaying tactic. Once they recover, they will definitely attack again. At that time, we brothers will have to step in again."

"Bah! What merit or ability does Wu Sangui have to become the General Commander of Liaodong? I'll see how he performs!"

Inside the governor's mansion, Zhang Pu said with some concern, "Governor, I have something to say, but I don't know if I should!"

Gao Di and Zhang Pu were both members of the Donglin Party, so their relationship was naturally close. Gao Di stroked his beard and said, "Supervisor Zhang, please speak freely!"

“Tiehu and Xingwei are both invaluable generals with considerable prestige in the army. Your Excellency’s decision to transfer them to the rear so soon after your arrival may shake the morale of the troops!” Zhang Pu said.

Gao Di disagreed, saying, "These two are Jia Huan's cronies and are not of one mind with us. It would be bad for them to stay on the front line. Moreover, we are about to negotiate peace. If these two harbor resentment towards the court and secretly sabotage things, stirring up conflict between the two countries, then things will become troublesome. The most urgent task is to safely welcome Prince Qing back to the court."

It turns out that Prince Qing was originally on good terms with the Donglin Party led by Zhao Mingcheng. Now, as the eldest son of the current emperor, he is the best candidate for the crown prince. The Donglin Party naturally placed all their bets on Prince Qing. As for Gao Di himself, successfully negotiating peace and bringing Prince Qing back would be the first major achievement he could easily obtain after taking office. Therefore, any risk that might lead to the failure of the negotiations had to be eliminated first. Tie Hu and Xing Wei were obviously uncertain risk factors and had to be dealt with first!
(End of this chapter)