spend time

After Her Majesty made the decision, the different voices in the court quickly disappeared.

This is the true power of the emperor. His words are as firm as gold and cannot be questioned by anyone.

Before sending the letter, Jiang Shaohua specially summoned General Zuo to the palace: "Duke Weiyuan, this is the letter I wrote, please take a look."

No matter how arrogant General Zuo was, he felt a little uneasy. He hurriedly bowed and said, "Your Majesty is more thoughtful and far better than me. I am convinced."

Jiang Shaohua smiled and said, "There are no outsiders here, Duke Weiyuan, don't be nervous. Prime Minister Chen and Minister Feng have both read this letter. I will show it to the world in the future. It is aboveboard, there is nothing to hide. I let you read it, just read it with peace of mind."

General Zuo then breathed a sigh of relief, took the letter from Lu Zhen, Lu Sheren, and read it carefully.

General Zuo hated the Rouran barbarians the most and wanted to chop Fu Mingdun into pieces. Therefore, in the previous court meeting, he firmly suggested killing the Rouran Khan.

However, looking at the items listed in the letter, General Zuo couldn't help but say "The Emperor wants to exchange Fu Mingdun's life for all the captured people of Daliang. This is great!"

Jiang Shaohua restrained his smile, his eyes were cold: "When Pengcheng was massacred, tens of thousands of young and strong people were looted. I have never forgotten this blood feud. Not only them, but the Rouran have repeatedly invaded the border in recent years, and innocent people have suffered every time."

"I want to kill Fu Mingdun with a single blow more than you do."

"However, if this happens, the people of Daliang who are slaves of the Rouran will have no chance of survival. I must rescue the people first."

"With Fu Mingdun as a hostage, Rouran must release him."

"I also want to take this opportunity to send a letter to the country to completely intimidate the Rouran tribe, as well as the nomadic tribes of all sizes outside the Great Wall."

General Zuo's blood boiled when he heard this, and he said, "Sending a letter to Rouran is no small matter, I will volunteer to lead the troops."

Jiang Shaohua looked at General Zuo: "You are Duke Weiyuan of Daliang, a general who has guarded the border for twenty years. In my heart, only you can represent the Daliang army and go to the Rouran tribe to show the power of the country."

"However, this trip is also dangerous. If the Rouran abandon Fu Mingdun and establish another Khan, this letter will be of no use and will completely infuriate the Rouran barbarians."

"By then, you will be trapped alone in the enemy camp, and I'm afraid you won't even have the luck to come back alive."

General Zuo raised his eyebrows and smiled: "I am not afraid at all. Please, Your Majesty, give the order and let me go."

Jiang Shaohua also had to praise General Zuo in his heart. Although General Zuo had many flaws, he was also very brave and powerful.

"We still need to plan this matter." Jiang Shaohua said, "We also need to discuss carefully how many elite soldiers to bring. Don't rush for now. You should have an idea in your mind first. It won't be too late to set off after the discussion is complete. Take advantage of this period of time to have a good rest."

When sending a letter to Rouran, it would be inappropriate to bring too many soldiers, but it would also be inappropriate to bring too few soldiers. How many elite soldiers to bring is a major issue that deserves discussion.

They also had to prepare food and supplies, which was a major headache for both the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue.

Of course, General Zuo didn't have to worry about these logistical and internal affairs. What he had to do was to lead the elite soldiers of Daliang to the grassland to show the country's prestige. By the way, his name, Zuo Feng, would be recorded in history forever.

General Zuo suppressed his excitement and bowed to accept the order.

After leaving the palace, General Zuo did not go to the military camp or return home, but went to Wang's house to meet his former benefactor, Prime Minister Wang.

Wang Jin got married three years ago and had a daughter the following year.

Prime Minister Wang was quite regretful at first. Even if Wang Jin had a son, the age difference between him and Princess Baoer was too great. The Wang family's extravagant hope of having a prince consort was completely dashed.

However, the granddaughter grew up day by day, and she was plump and beautiful, and she was very smart and eloquent. Prime Minister Wang had nothing to do, so he took care of his granddaughter himself. When General Zuo came, Prime Minister Wang was smiling and teaching his granddaughter to recite poems!

"Sister Hui, his name is Lord Weiyuan."

The little girl, who was about two years old, shook her head and called out "Mr. Weiyuan" in a crisp voice. The pearl flowers on her head also trembled.

General Zuo laughed: "Prime Minister, are you trying to embarrass me?"

He was happy to be called Duke Weiyuan. Prime Minister Wang was not so fond of the title of Duke Ningguo and preferred to be called Lord Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Wang laughed heartily, asked the nurse to carry Hui Jie'er away, and asked someone to bring a pot of good tea.

General Zuo drank a cup of tea and recounted his trip to the palace: "…The emperor has great ambitions and lofty aspirations. He takes one step but thinks about ten or a hundred steps ahead."

"If this trip to the grassland is successful, it will completely shock the tribes on the grassland. In return, it will bring long-term peace to the border."

Prime Minister Wang looked at General Zuo deeply and said, "This is truly a rare achievement."

"However, this trip is also very dangerous. If you fail to do it right, or if someone is brave enough to do it, even if it means both of you will perish, you will not be able to come back alive."

"Zuo Feng, you have to think about it carefully."

General Zuo raised his eyebrows and said with a heroic look: "I have made up my mind. No need to think about it anymore."

Prime Minister Wang sneered: "Then why did you come to see me?"

General Zuo said solemnly: "I am here to say goodbye to the Prime Minister. If this trip goes well, it will be fine. If I can't come back, please take care of the Zuo family."

Prime Minister Wang laughed at himself: "I am a retired prime minister, a retired minister, a duke with a nominal title, how can I have the ability to take care of the Zuo family's sons."

General Zuo said sincerely: "Prime Minister, why should you be so modest? The Emperor has great respect for the Prime Minister. The Fourth Young Master is now the Minister of Personnel. With a few more years of experience, he will be the Minister of Personnel. As long as the Fourth Young Master raises his hand, the Zuo family will have a strong backer."

General Zuo was quite frank. He directly stated that the backer the Zuo family wanted was Minister Wang.

Prime Minister Wang was upset and couldn't help but sneer: "Your abacus is really jingling."

General Zuo smiled and said, "Before I leave, I have to make arrangements for my family."

"That sounds unlucky," Prime Minister Wang frowned, "Don't say that. What if it comes true?"

General Zuo said calmly: "Since I have made up my mind to go to the grassland, I will put life and death aside."

Prime Minister Wang and General Zuo stared at each other for a moment, and Prime Minister Wang sighed: "Forget it, I promise you."

"Zuo Feng, go safely and come back safe and sound."

"It's nice to leave your name in history, but you have to live to enjoy this honor."

General Zuo laughed out loud: "Don't worry! I cherish my life more than anyone else. I won't risk my life unless it's a critical moment. Prime Minister, just wait and see how I achieve success!" (End of this chapter)