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On the way back to Beijing, Su Ning received a secret report from Zhao Pu.

The thick stack of messages was all sent from Bianliang by Minglitang, as Suning needed to understand Guo Rong's true feelings.

Sitting at the bow of the boat, turning the pages one by one, his brow furrowed more and more deeply.

"In the tenth month of the fourth year of Xiande, His Majesty summoned Fu Yanqing and other meritorious officials and talked in secret until late at night."

"In November of the fourth year of Xiande, the Ministry of Revenue allocated 300,000 taels of silver, the purpose of which is unknown."

"In December of the fourth year of Xiande, a new camp was set up outside Bianliang City, with 10,000 troops stationed there, commanded by the former members of the Palace Guard."

"In the first month of the fifth year of Xiande, His Majesty secretly ordered the Ministry of War to select five hundred strong and capable young men and send them to the new camp."

"In February of the fifth year of Xiande, the new army expanded to 30,000 men and was called the 'Dragon Victory Army'."

"In March of the fifth year of Xiande, the Longjie Army began its drills, and the methods of drills were exactly the same as those of the National Defense Army."

"In April of the fifth year of Xiande, His Majesty visited the Longjie Army camp several times to inspect the training and bestowed generous rewards upon them."

"..."

As she turned the pages, Su Ning's expression grew increasingly calm.

But what lies beneath that calm, only he knows.

Wang Pu stood to the side, watching him cautiously, "Your Highness, this intelligence..."

“I saw it.” Su Ning closed the secret report and looked out at the banks of the canal rushing past the ship.

Long Jiejun.

Fifty thousand people.

The training methods are exactly the same as those of the National Defense Force.

Brother, what are you trying to do?
Guo Wei handed over the Great Zhou dynasty to the adult Guo Rong, simply because he was worried that Su Ning would not be able to handle the complex military and political affairs.

But it seems that the older brother himself doesn't quite trust himself.

Or perhaps this is the most common power struggle within the imperial family, and no one involved can truly escape its influence.

Even though Zhao Kuangyin in history successfully castrated his military generals, he could not prevent his younger brother Zhao Kuangyi from usurping the throne, which led to the idiom "the shadow of the candle and the sound of the axe".

At this time, the fleet continued northward, getting closer and closer to Bianliang.

Zhao Pu then delivered another secret report.

This time the content is more direct.

In May of the fifth year of the Xiande era, His Majesty summoned important ministers such as Wei Renpu and Li Gu to discuss the Northern Expedition. Wei Renpu advised that the expedition be postponed, but His Majesty did not heed his advice. Li Gu echoed His Majesty, saying, "If we don't take action now, when will we?"

"In the same month, His Majesty summoned Fu Yanqing and other meritorious officials again to discuss the procurement of grain and troop deployment. The meritorious officials all expressed their willingness to contribute grain and manpower to support the Northern Expedition."

"In June of the fifth year of Xiande, His Majesty issued an edict to conscript 100,000 laborers from various prefectures in Hebei to transport grain and fodder. At the same time, he ordered the Longjie Army to be expanded to 60,000, with 10,000 elite troops serving as the vanguard of the Northern Expedition."

After reading it, Su Ning remained silent for a long time.

Northern Expedition.

Ten thousand Longjie troops were deployed as the vanguard.

Guo Rong is going to fight, and he's going to use the troops he trained himself.

Su Ning recalled the battle two years ago when Guo Rong personally led the expedition against the Khitan.

Eighty thousand national defense troops, with twenty thousand dead or wounded, held off fifty thousand Khitan cavalry.

After that battle, Guo Rong's confidence improved, and he became less reliant on Suning.

Now, Guo Rong has his own son, his own new army, and the support of those established families who back him.

Guo Rong endured the loss of military power for five years.

Five years have passed; Guo Rong probably couldn't hold back any longer.

"Your Highness," Wang Pu said softly, "What about His Majesty..."

“I know,” Su Ning said. “He wants to fight a major battle himself, with the troops he trained. If he wins, he’ll fantasize that military power will come back to him.”

"Then let's..."

“…” Su Ning did not answer; he simply gazed northward, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

In the Imperial Study in Bianliang City.

Guo Rong stood in front of the map, pointing to the location of Youzhou.

"The Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun have been lost for almost thirty years. When my father was alive, he wanted to fight for them, but unfortunately, he didn't have the chance. Now that the south is pacified and our army is strong, it is the best time to recover the lost territory."

Wei Renpu stood at the lower end, his brows furrowed.

"Your Majesty, I believe that the time is not yet ripe for a northern expedition."

"The time isn't right yet?" Guo Rong turned around. "When will the time be right? When the Khitans return Yan and Yun on their own?"

"Your Majesty, although the Khitan have suffered a defeat, their strength is not yet diminished. They have been developing the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun for thirty years, and their defenses are strong, but the people's hearts are not yet with them. If we rashly launch a northern expedition, the outcome is uncertain."

"The outcome is uncertain?" Guo Rong laughed. "Minister Wei, you haven't seen the Longjie Army. I personally watched them train, once a day, exactly like the National Defense Army. Now they have 60,000 men, each one a skilled warrior. Add the main force of the National Defense Army, and you have 200,000 troops. How can they not take down a small Youzhou?"

Wei Renpu remained silent.

He knew that His Majesty's mind was made up, and there was no point in trying to persuade him further.

However, Wei Renpu couldn't help but say, "Your Majesty, Prince Qin has not yet returned to the capital. Should we wait until His Highness returns to discuss the Northern Expedition?"

Guo Rong's expression changed slightly.

"Waiting for the King of Qin?" Guo Rong's voice instantly turned cold. "Am I the emperor, or is he the emperor?"

Wei Renpu immediately knelt down, "Your subject has misspoke."

Guo Rong looked at Wei Renpu, remained silent for a moment, then waved his hand, "Step down."

Wei Renpu withdrew from the Imperial Study.

Guo Rong stood alone in front of the map, gazing in the direction of Youzhou, his expression complex.

Waiting for the King of Qin.

Everyone was waiting for the King of Qin.

The court will discuss matters further upon the return of the King of Qin.

We'll mobilize our troops and wait for the King of Qin to return before making any decisions.

Even when he wanted to launch a northern expedition, some people advised him to wait for the King of Qin to return before making a decision.

Although he was the emperor, it seemed that the world could not function without the King of Qin.

Guo Rong didn't like this feeling, especially after having a son.

My son is still young, only three years old.

When the son grows up and the country is handed over to him, will he really be able to hold onto it firmly?
If military power remains in the hands of the King of Qin, and if the national defense forces only obey the King of Qin's orders, what will his own son rely on to rule the country in the future?

Therefore, he felt he had to do something.

While I am still able to move, and while the King of Qin is still in the south.

Take back military power.

Even if we only get back a portion.

And Long Jiejun was his first step.

Sixty thousand elite soldiers, trained by themselves, who only obey their own orders.

Once this Northern Expedition is successful and the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun are recovered, the world will know...

The emperor of the Great Zhou Dynasty did not conquer the country solely through his younger brother's conquest.

He can fight too.

Outside Bianliang City, at the Longjie Army's main camp.

Sixty thousand people are training, their slogans echoing through the sky.

Guo Rong stood on the reviewing stand, looking at the energetic young soldiers, a satisfied smile on his face.

"Well done," Guo Rong said with satisfaction to the general beside him. "How does it compare to the National Defense Force?"

The general's surname was Gao, and his given name was Huaide. He was a former member of the Palace Guard and had followed Guo Rong for many years.

"Your Majesty, the Dragon Swift Army is indeed well-trained. However, the National Defense Army, after all, has been training for many years..."

"I know," Guo Rong said. "The National Defense Army was trained by the Prince of Qin, and I am no worse than him. With a few more years of training, the Longjie Army will not lose to the National Defense Army."

Gao Huaide dared not respond.

Guo Rong gazed at the soldiers training with eager eyes.

Once we win this Northern Expedition, everything will be different.

He'll let everyone see...

The emperor of the Great Zhou Dynasty was not just a figurehead.

On the canal, Suning's fleet continues its journey day and night.

He sat at the bow of the boat, gazing at the approaching northern horizon, without uttering a word.

Wang Pu stood behind him, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping himself.

“What do you want to ask? Go ahead,” Su Ning said.

Wang Pu hesitated for a moment, "Your Highness, what do you plan to do about His Majesty?"

Suning paused for a moment, then said, "We'll do what needs to be done."

"But His Majesty..."

“He is my elder brother! He is the emperor of the Great Zhou Dynasty,” Su Ning said.

"But what if Your Majesty..."

Su Ning turned her head and looked at Wang Pu.

His gaze was terrifyingly calm. "Wang Pu, remember one thing."

"What?"

"This world belongs to the Great Zhou Dynasty. It is not anyone's private property."

Su Ning looked north again. "The Dragon Victory Army, if His Majesty wants to train them, then train them. The Northern Expedition, if His Majesty wants to launch it, then launch it."

"But the National Defense Army is still the National Defense Army, and it will also cooperate with His Majesty's Northern Expedition."

"Anyone who wants to turn it into a private army has to ask me first."

The fleet continued north.

Ahead, Bianliang City is getting closer and closer.

An undercurrent of tension between brothers is brewing, and it awaits them.

……

The day Su Ning's fleet arrived in Bianliang, the docks outside the city were bustling with activity.

Civil and military officials lined up to welcome them, while the common people crowded the shore, standing on tiptoe to watch.

The news coming back from the south had already made the people of Bianliang regard this Prince Qin as a legend...

They destroyed the Southern Tang, pacified Jingchu, and conquered Minyue, taking over Later Shu in thirty-six days.

Any one of these stories could be enough for a storyteller to talk about for a month.

The ship docked, and Suning stepped off the gangplank.

He was dressed in a plain dark robe, without armor or a sword, and his face was expressionless.

Wang Pu and several personal guards followed behind him, all dressed in ordinary clothes.

Wei Renpu was the first to step forward, bowing respectfully and saying, "Your Highness, you've had a long journey."

"Prime Minister Wei, you're too kind." Su Ning returned the greeting, his gaze sweeping across the crowd. "Where is His Majesty?"

"His Majesty is waiting for Your Highness in the palace," Wei Renpu said. "Please come with me into the palace, Your Highness."

Suning nodded.

He did not return to the Prince's residence, but went directly into the palace with Wei Renpu.

In the imperial study, Guo Rong was waiting for him.

The two brothers stood facing each other. They hadn't seen each other for three years, and they had both changed somewhat.

Guo Rong had several more wrinkles between his brows and fine lines at the corners of his eyes.

He was dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, sitting behind his desk, and smiled as he watched Su Ning enter.

"Third brother, you're back."

Su Ning didn't notice the change in Guo Rong's address, and knelt down to kowtow, saying, "Your subject greets Your Majesty."

"Get up, get up." Guo Rong stood up and personally helped him up. "We're brothers, why bother with these formalities?"

Su Ning stood up and looked at Guo Rong, "Your Majesty, regarding the Northern Expedition..."

"Let's not talk about that now," Guo Rong interrupted Su Ning directly. "You've had a long journey, so rest for a couple of days. I've already had a banquet prepared for you tonight to welcome you back."

Suning paused for a moment, then nodded.

The welcome banquet that evening was a grand affair.

All the civil and military officials arrived, and the atmosphere was lively and bustling with toasts and laughter.

Guo Rong sat in the main seat, frequently raising his glass and saying things like, "Third brother, you've worked hard," and "The Great Zhou owes its current prosperity to your great contributions."

Su Ning sat at the lower end of the table, responding to each question with a lukewarm attitude.

After the banquet, Guo Rong kept Su Ning behind alone.

The imperial study was brightly lit by candlelight.

Guo Rong stood in front of the map and pointed to the location of Youzhou.

"Third brother, look. The Khitan have just suffered a defeat, and their morale is low. They have occupied the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun for thirty years, and it's time for them to return them."

Su Ning stood beside him, looking at the map.

Youzhou, Yunzhou, Jizhou, Zhuozhou... each place name is marked on it, and each one represents the Central Plains land that was occupied by the Khitan.

"If Your Majesty wishes to fight, your subject will not stop you."

Guo Rong turned his head and looked at Su Ning.

"There is one thing I would like to ask Your Majesty."

"explain."

"The Dragon Swift Army, is it the new army trained by His Majesty?"

Guo Rong's expression changed slightly, but then returned to normal.

"Yes. I trained 60,000 men, and the training method is the same as that of the National Defense Army."

Su Ning nodded. "Your Majesty intends to use the Dragon Swift Army as the vanguard and as the main force?"

"Correct."

"What about the National Defense Force?"

Guo Rong was silent for a moment, then said, “Of course the National Defense Army will go too. With 200,000 troops, advancing in a coordinated attack, I refuse to believe we can’t take Youzhou.”

Su Ning looked at Guo Rong calmly, "Has Your Majesty made up your mind?"

"Think about it."

Su Ning didn't ask any more questions. He simply nodded and said, "Then I wish Your Majesty a resounding victory."

Guo Rong was stunned for a moment, not expecting him to agree so easily.

"Third brother, aren't you going to stop me?"

"Can my brother stop him?"

Guo Rong remained silent.

Yes! Can we stop them?
Guo Rong's mind was made up; who could stop him?
Su Ning said, "If Your Majesty wants to fight, I will not stop you. But there is one thing I would like to ask of Your Majesty."

"explain."

"Let my brother stay."

Guo Rong was stunned. "Stay?"

“Leave the capital to oversee the country,” Su Ning said. “His Majesty is personally leading the expedition, and Bianliang cannot be left unattended. Your Majesty, I will stay and guard this rear for you.”

Guo Rong looked at Su Ning with a complicated expression.

He had assumed that his younger brother would be eager to go on the Northern Expedition, to lead troops, and to make meritorious contributions.

Unexpectedly, Su Ning volunteered to stay, asking, "Third brother, you don't want to fight?"

"I do," Su Ning said, "but I would prefer to see Your Majesty win."

"What do you mean?"

"Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven. When the Son of Heaven personally leads an expedition, the rear must be secure. Your Majesty, I will stay behind to keep an eye on those unruly people. This will allow Your Majesty to fight on the front lines without any worries about the rear."

Guo Rong remained silent for a long time.

He looked at his younger brother, at that calm face, and suddenly felt a little confused.

He thought that Suning would fight for it, would be reluctant to give up military power, and would not want him to get involved in the national defense force.

But Suning doesn't have that.

"Third brother..." Guo Rong began, his voice somewhat hoarse.

“Your Majesty,” Su Ning interrupted Guo Rong, “before my father passed away, he told us brothers to protect the country together.”

“Your subject will remember these words.”

The Imperial Study remained quiet for a long time.

Guo Rong finally nodded.

"Very well. You shall stay and oversee the country in my stead."

……

Three days later, Guo Rong led his army on a northern expedition.

Two hundred thousand troops, their banners obscuring the sun, marched out of Bianliang in a mighty procession.

Su Ning stood on the city wall, watching the procession gradually disappear into the distance.

Long Jiejun led the way, a force of ten thousand men, their helmets and armor gleaming, their morale high.

Guo Rong rode his horse in the middle of the procession, waving to the people on the roadside.

Zhao Pu stood behind Su Ning and said softly, "Your Highness, His Majesty's departure..."

“I know,” Su Ning said. “He wants to win and take back military power.”

"Then let's..."

“Let’s focus on our own affairs,” Su Ning said. “A regent is just a regent. We shouldn’t think about anything else.”

He turned and walked down the city wall.

Behind them, the Northern Expeditionary Army gradually disappeared into the distance.

Ahead lies an unknown battlefield.

Behind them lies the waiting capital, Bianliang.

As for him, the Crown Prince, he could only wait, and there was definitely a good outcome.

...(End of this chapter)