Love Lock

Chapter 64 Secret Meeting in the Study
Inside the imperial study, the flickering candlelight illuminated Emperor Jing's furrowed brows.

On the desk, the memorial from Cao Xiong of Beiguan lay quietly, its contents seemingly bearing an immense weight.

The memorial stated: "For days, the Turks have been launching small-scale raids, which, while not causing any major casualties, have kept the soldiers at the northern pass constantly on the move and unable to find peace. They dare not relax their vigilance in the slightest, because no one knows when the Turks will suddenly turn their small-scale raids into a large-scale attack."

"Alas! Prime Minister, why have the Turks repeatedly invaded our borders this year? They are becoming increasingly rampant." Emperor Jing's eyes revealed a hint of worry.

The North Pass is the northern gateway to the Great Xia Dynasty; if it falls, the consequences will be unimaginable.

Previously, with Zhao Zun and his son guarding the North Pass, Emperor Jing hardly had to worry about the war there.

Now that Zhao Zun has relinquished his military power and returned to the capital, living in retirement, such worries naturally fall on the shoulders of the emperor.

Prime Minister Wei paused slightly, his eyes revealing undisguised worry.

"Your Majesty, this old minister is not skilled in military affairs, but I can vaguely guess that the Turks may have already received news that Zhao Zun has relinquished power and returned to the capital. The change of commander at Beiguan is undoubtedly a great opportunity for the enemy. However, they do not know Cao Xiong's strength, and it is currently the dead of winter. Therefore, they can only continue to probe and provoke. When the Turks are strong and well-equipped next autumn, if Cao Xiong is not up to the task, they will launch a full-scale attack once they find a suitable opportunity."

Prime Minister Wei was dressed in magnificent robes, and his face exuded the majesty of a high-ranking official. However, the occasional glint of sinister intent in his eyes sent chills down one's spine.

"Yes! That's what I think too." Emperor Jing raised his head and looked sharply at Prime Minister Wei.

"The northern pass is currently safe, but with spring approaching, if the Turkic raids intensify, we will need a solution."

"For such an important matter, why doesn't Your Majesty wait until after court to discuss it with the civil and military officials?"

"It's a holiday now. If we wait until the court resumes after the New Year, it might be too late."

"This..." Prime Minister Wei was in a dilemma. What ideas could a civil official like him have about the border war?
However, the image of Wei Dabao's bruised and swollen face from yesterday suddenly flashed into his mind.

According to the servants who escorted Wei Dabao back, he was beaten by Zhao Zun, the Prince of Xiaoyao, at Tengyun Tower.

The carefree prince dared to cause trouble the moment he returned to the capital, showing no respect even to the prime minister, who was second only to the emperor. He was simply a brute who only knew how to use his fists.

If they continue to let Prince Xiaoyao stay in the capital, they won't have a good life in the future.

Since His Majesty has offered us an opportunity, we might as well take this chance to get rid of him. Out of sight, out of mind.

Thinking this, Prime Minister Wei bit his lip, glanced at Emperor Jing's expression, and then said, "Your Majesty, since we can't wait until after the New Year to hold court, then... this old minister has a plan that might be able to share Your Majesty's burdens."

"Oh? Tell me about it." Emperor Jing's eyes lit up.

"Your Majesty, for many years, Zhao Zun's reputation has shaken the north and made the enemy army tremble with fear. Perhaps it would be better to transfer Zhao Zun back to the northern pass, which might make the Turks, Ala, and Meng Kingdom more obedient."

"No way!" Emperor Jing's face darkened, and he rejected the idea without hesitation. "Nonsense! I finally managed to take back military power from Zhao Zun, how could I hand it over again? If he continues to operate in Beiguan, he will inevitably become too powerful to control in the future."

"Your Majesty, please do not be anxious. How could this old minister not know of Your Majesty's concerns? Heh heh." With that, Prime Minister Wei chuckled sinisterly. "The method this old minister suggests is to not give Zhao Zun military power."

Emperor Jing's expression softened somewhat upon hearing that he would not be given military power.

"Then tell me in detail."

"Your Majesty," Emperor Jing said, "Beiguan is under the jurisdiction of Cangzhou. Prince Xiaoyao is highly skilled in martial arts and his fame is widespread. If Cangzhou could be designated as his fiefdom, allowing him to serve there, the three northern kingdoms would certainly not dare to act rashly. Furthermore, we can use Zhao Zun's reputation to deter enemy kingdoms on ordinary days. If an enemy kingdom launches a major attack, Your Majesty can issue an imperial edict to dispatch Prince Xiaoyao as Cao Xiong's vanguard to fight the enemy. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?" Upon hearing this, Emperor Jing hissed and began to ponder the matter in his heart.

Chancellor Wei seemed to have seen through Emperor Jing's thoughts, and he continued to persuade him.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, although the Prince of Xiaoyao is brave, he has no military power. The soldiers of Beiguan are still under the command of Cao Xiong. When there is no war, Zhao Zun is just a carefree Prince of Cangzhou. When there is war, he is a fierce vanguard under Cao Xiong. In this way, he can serve the country and at the same time prevent him from having any ulterior motives."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jing's heart stirred slightly.

Prime Minister Wei's words indeed struck at the heart of his problem.

If the Prince of Xiaoyao could continue to contribute his talents in Beiguan without threatening the imperial power, it would indeed be a win-win solution.

"Hmm, the Prime Minister's words make sense." Emperor Jing nodded slowly, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.

"In the past two days, based on my observations, Zhao Zun is indeed skilled in leading troops into battle. But in his daily life, he is nothing more than a playboy. A person who likes to raise birds and indulge in pleasure. Oh, right. He also likes to be obsessed with beautiful women, as can be seen from the beauty of that Miss Han."

"Hehe, Your Majesty is right," Prime Minister Wei chuckled in agreement.

Emperor Jing looked at Prime Minister Wei with a meaningful glint in his eyes. "I also heard that he got into a fight with someone at Tengyun Tower yesterday because of that Miss Han. Is that true?"

"Uh……"

Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Wei choked.

With his eyes lowered, he quickly and respectfully replied, "My son is unruly; it is my fault for not disciplining him properly. I will certainly discipline him strictly when we return."

He knew that Emperor Jing was suspicious, not only having informants throughout the entire capital region, but also distrusting even his closest confidants.

Unexpectedly, even he, the former imperial tutor, has a dirty past!
"Hehe, Prime Minister, don't overthink it. I was just talking about Zhao Zun." Emperor Jing chuckled. "I was thinking that a brute like Zhao Zun, who would fight over a woman, should be able to keep up with the poor and barren land of Cangzhou as long as he isn't given military power. He shouldn't be able to cause any trouble."

Prime Minister Wei did not answer this sensitive question, but simply stood there respectfully with his hands at his sides.

He was terrified that a bad answer would lead His Majesty to believe that he had sent Zhao Zun to Cangzhou because his son had been beaten. In that case, His Majesty would surely accuse him of settling a personal score.

At this moment, Emperor Jing changed the subject, looking troubled: "But I have already promised Princess Chang Le that I would marry Zhao Zun to her. Prime Minister, what do you think I should do?"

Since Emperor Jing had already named him, Prime Minister Wei had no choice but to answer. He replied ambiguously, "The matter of Princess Chang Le is nothing more than a matter of personal feelings. But Your Majesty, as the emperor, should prioritize the affairs of the state."

"Yes! I am the emperor of the Great Jing Dynasty, and everything should be done with the Great Jing Dynasty in mind."

Emperor Jing looked out into the darkness outside the palace gates and murmured something before slowly standing up.

"Draft the decree! Then we'll go. Don't keep them waiting, or they'll think something really serious has happened at the North Gate!"

After saying this, Emperor Jing and Prime Minister Wei went to the Food Official Hall together.

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(End of this chapter)