Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 307 In our hearts, there are only two words: loyalty and righteousness.

"Show grace and delegate authority!"

Inside the room, Erzhu Rong carefully considered these words, then looked at Murong Shaozong and asked:

"How to show favor and how to delegate authority?"

Murong Shaozong cupped his hands and said:
"Qin Prefecture has been lost, and Lingxia and Xia are now outside Guanzhong. We can petition the court to bestow official titles and generous rewards upon Heba, Yuwen, and their subordinates. This would be a way of showing favor!"

Erzhu Rong was secretly pleased to hear this, thinking to himself that Murong Shaozong's trick was truly cunning.

By bestowing official titles and generous honors, Erzhu Rong didn't actually have to pay anything, because Heba Yue, Yuwen Luosheng, and their subordinates, even if they were promoted and granted titles, would certainly remain in Ling and Xia and wouldn't leave.

Therefore, Erzhu Rong didn't need to incur any additional costs. On the contrary, this increased Li Shuang's costs.

Li Shuang wanted to win them over, and he was genuinely going to offer them money.

Would the cost of recruiting a county governor be the same as recruiting a county marquis?
If Li Shuang did not choose to surrender but instead annex the territory, it would be even more in line with Erzhu Rong's wishes.

Ling and Xia are even farther away than Qinzhou, and the war will cost Li Shuang more.

Erzhu Rong nodded, then asked:

How to delegate authority?

Murong Shaozong paused, seemingly preparing himself, but his words were not complicated; they were only one sentence. Under Erzhu Rong's gaze, he finally spoke them.

"Heba Yue may be appointed as Grand Commander, overseeing the military affairs of Ling, Xia, Shuo, Bei'an, Dongxia and other prefectures, and allowing him to govern Hebei."

Erzhu Rong frowned upon hearing this.

Murong Shaozong's intention was tantamount to allowing Heba Yue and other Wuchuan people to break free from Jinyang's control and establish their own independent power.

Erzhu Rong was unable to make a decision immediately.

Murong Shaozong continued:
"With the loss of Qin Prefecture, the biggest bargaining chip for controlling Guanzhong is gone. Ling and Xia Prefectures are remote. If Heba Yue is not granted greater power, he will probably be unable to contend with the King of Qin and will be annexed by the King of Qin sooner or later."

Erzhu Rong waved his hand. What he was hesitating about just now was not whether Murong Shaozong's plan was feasible, but rather what aspects of the plan needed to be improved.

“I am not worried about this matter, but the troops in Shuozhou have always been under the control of Da Yeshuang. I am afraid that even if Heba Yue is granted the title of Grand Commander, he will not be able to truly control Hebei.”

The families of Heba Yue and other Wuchuan people were still in Jinyang, so Erzhu Rong wasn't too worried that they would turn against the Erzhu clan after they gained power and instead side with Li Shuang. Erzhu Rong's concern was that Shuozhou was a tough nut to crack, and Murong Shaozong's plan wouldn't go so smoothly.

Murong Shaozong said:
"That depends on Heba Yue's abilities; it's not something we need to worry about."

Erzhu Rong thought for a moment, nodded, and said:
"However, before the imperial edict is issued, there is one person who needs to be recalled first."

Murong Shaozong thought for a moment and asked:

"You mean General Tianzhu, or Yuwen Tai?"

"That's right! This man's skills are no less than Gao Huan's!"

Murong Shaozong was somewhat surprised to receive such praise from Erzhu Rong, and he asked:

"May I ask, General Tianzhu, where do you intend to place this man?"

Previously, Yuwen Tai was still young and followed Yuwen Luosheng, remaining unassuming and showing no signs of talent. It was only after Erzhu Rong placed him in Dongxia Prefecture and appointed him as the prefect that he truly tested Yuwen Tai's abilities.

In Erzhu Rong's mind, Yuwen Tai had been upgraded to the same level as Gao Huan. He was usable, but not to be used entirely. He had to be used with restraint and kept under close watch, exploiting his sustainable resources to the fullest extent possible in the most troublesome situations.

Erzhu Rong already had the answer in his heart, and said:

"Pingcheng!"

……

Xiazhou.

The imperial edict from Jinyang was first delivered to Tongwan City, into the hands of Yuwen Luosheng.

However, compared to Erzhu Rong elevating him to the rank of county duke, Yuwen Luosheng was more concerned about Erzhu Rong's plan to appoint Heba Yue as governor.

Suddenly, Heba Yue went from being a governor of a prefecture who was on par with Yuwen Luosheng to becoming his direct superior.

Although Erzhu Rong also stated in the edict that Yuwen Luosheng was the deputy commander-in-chief, second only to Heba Yue, Yuwen Luosheng was still not entirely pleased.

"What did your fourth uncle say?"

Upon learning of this, Yuwen Tai specially dispatched Yuwen Hu to the scene.

"Fourth Uncle is being summoned back to Jinyang by General Tianzhu."

"what?"

Yuwen Luosheng was very surprised and blurted it out without thinking.

What does Erzhu Rong mean?

Yuwen Hu was quite cautious about Yuwen Luosheng's loss of composure, and said:

"Third Uncle, be careful of your spies."

Yuwen Luosheng said:
"Don't worry, these people around me are all my trusted men. Your third uncle hasn't been the governor of Xia Prefecture for nothing. I have some skills."

Yuwen Hu shook his head, somewhat uneasy about his third uncle's naiveté, which made Yuwen Luosheng frown.

"Hey kid, just say what you want to say. You've been around Black Otter for so long, don't just copy his cold and aloof attitude."

Yuwen Hu leaned closer and whispered:

"Third Uncle, even if you can guard against Erzhu Rong, you should still be careful of Daye Shuang. Don't forget how Houmo Chenyue was ruined!"

Upon hearing this, Yuwen Luosheng's confidence vanished instantly, and his expression turned solemn.

After a long silence, he sighed:

"Ohno is as fierce as a tiger!"

With that, Yuwen Luosheng led Yuwen Hu to a secluded spot and asked:
"What is your fourth uncle thinking?"

"They said that the reason for transferring Fourth Uncle back to Jinyang was to give him an important position, but Fourth Uncle didn't think so. Instead, he thought it was a way for Erzhu Rong to keep us Wuchuan people from becoming too powerful. Fourth Uncle said that after he left, Third Uncle should be careful and not stand out. He should take Heba Yue as the leader. In addition, the troops he left in Dongxia Prefecture will be handed over to Third Uncle."

Yuwen Luosheng nodded, but felt a little uncomfortable.

Both the Yuwen and Heba clans were meritorious families in Wuchuan. How could Yuwen Luosheng be inferior to Heba Yue? Now he should be inferior to him.

However, Yuwen Luosheng wouldn't say this in front of a junior like Yuwen Hu, but only instructed:

“The Erzhu clan’s sons are tyrannical. Working for Black Otter under their command is not the same as working in Dongxia Prefecture. Tell him to be careful.”

Protector Yuwen:

"Don't worry, Uncle, I will pass on the message."

……

Jinzhou.

"Why is it that people from Wuchuan can become Grand Commanders, but people from Huaishuo can't?"

In front of Gao Huan, a group of generals from Huai Shuo were indignant, especially Wei Jing.

These people were all Gao Huan's confidants.

In front of them, Gao Huan was not as guarded as he was in front of outsiders, but he didn't tell the truth either.

"What are you all complaining about? This is the intention of General Tianzhu. General Tianzhu has his own profound intentions, which you cannot possibly understand. Instead of doing this, you should be more vigilant."

Everyone was taken aback and asked:

"What are we on guard against?"

"Naturally, it's to guard against that Da Yeshuang. Don't forget how Hou Mochenyue was defeated. Go home and investigate, so you don't follow in Hou Mochenyue's footsteps."

Upon hearing Gao Huan's words, everyone's faces turned green, as if they had thought of something unpleasant.

After everyone took their leave, Wei Jing stood behind Gao Huan and asked:
"He Liuhun, do you really not care that the people of Wuchuan are superior to us? He Bayue, as the Grand Commander, is practically a regional warlord. You, Sima Ziru, and Sun Teng are no match for him!"

Gao Huan smiled.

It's impossible for him not to mind, but he also knows that it's useless to mind.

Because all of this was in Erzhu Rong's hands; in fact, if Erzhu Rong wanted to, Gao Huan wouldn't even be able to remain the governor of this prefecture. He might very well become a prisoner.

"What's the use of me caring?"

“He Liuhun, you’ve been in Jinzhou for so long, how much have you done for the Erzhu clan? Are your contributions any less than Heba Yue’s? He’s already made a move, can’t you make one too? Why don’t you send someone to Jinyang to inquire? Erzhu Zhao might have some information.”

Gao Huan shook his head and said:

"Don't bother, this is not something Erzhu Zhao can decide."

Wei Jing looked puzzled. He knew that Erzhu Zhao was currently highly valued, and many people had been promoted through his connections.

Gao Huan already knew the answer in his heart, and said:
“I didn’t understand before, but Yuwen Tai’s transfer back to Jinyang this time has made me understand. Even if Da Yeshuang attacks Jinyang one day, Erzhu Rong will not let us go.”

There was a hint of disappointment in his voice, but more than that, there was resentment, and behind that resentment lay suppressed ambition and anger.

Should I wait?

Seeing Gao Huan's complicated expression, and not fully understanding Gao Huan's words, Wei Jing simply asked:

"Isn't there any other way?"

"Of course!"

Upon hearing this, Wei Jing was overjoyed and quickly asked:
"Just tell me what to do, and I'll do it right away!"

Gao Huan patted his brother-in-law on the shoulder and said:

"You don't need to do anything, just do nothing and wait!"
-
Lingzhou.

Heba Yue received the imperial edict from Jinyang, but showed no joy.

"What do you think? Should I accept the call?"

The people of Wuchuan were all puzzled when they heard this.

This investiture ceremony resulted in many Wuchuan people under Heba Yue and Yuwen Luosheng receiving promotions.

The brothers are celebrating their progress, and you, as the leader, are saying whether you should accept it or not. If you don't accept it, how can the brothers make progress?

Zhao Gui asked:

"What do you mean by this, A Dou? It was an imperial edict from the court, issued by the General of the Heavenly Pillar. As a subject, how can I refuse it?"

Heba Yue sighed:
"I'm afraid that if I were to take the position of Grand Commander, not only would Yuwen Luosheng be dissatisfied, but Da Ye Shuang would also not let it go."

Heba Yue was afraid of two things: internal discord within Wuchuan and fierce external enemies.

Even if the younger brothers were to be granted titles and official positions, and were to be defeated and exiled elsewhere, they would still have a place to stay.

But Heba Yue is different. Once he takes the position of Grand Commander, he probably won't be able to step down.

Zhao Gui smiled and said:
"Adou has made outstanding military achievements. I will be the first to object if he doesn't become the Grand Commander!"

After Zhao Gui made his statement, the other Wuchuan generals also expressed their opinions.

"We swear to support the Grand Commander to the death!"

Seeing that everyone had expressed their opinions, Heba Yue felt reassured.

Just then, a report came from outside.

"Grand Commander, Ohno Sō has sent an envoy."

Heba Yue was startled and quickly asked:
Do you know why you've come?

"The messenger from Ohno Sou only said that he was acting on the orders of the King of Qin to congratulate the lord on his succession to the position of Grand Commander, and brought gifts."

"what gift?"

A box was brought into the house, and everyone gathered around. As the box was opened, someone couldn't help but exclaim:

"What an exquisite glass cup!"

Heba Yue frowned, thinking to himself:
What exactly does Ohno Sawa mean?

……

Qin Prefecture, Shanggui.

"Have all those glass pieces been given away?"

As Li Shuang inquired, Hou Jing, standing beside her, smiled and said:
"Does Your Majesty not trust me to handle things? All those tattered items have been sent out to the surrounding Hu, Qiang, and Di tribes, and even to Kualü of Tuyuhun."

"That's good!"

“Your Majesty, I have heard that Erzhu Rong has gone to great lengths to deal with you. If Yuwen Luosheng also appoints Heba Yue as Grand Commander, things will be difficult for Hulü Jin and Yu Jin.”

"The money that needs to be spent still needs to be spent!"

Li Shuang led Hou Jing into a goldsmith's workshop. The temperature inside was high, and a group of craftsmen were busy at work. Hou Jing called out:
"The King of Qin has arrived! Aren't you going to pay your respects?"

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, somewhat flustered, Li Shuang said:

"No need for that, you all go about your business!"

As he spoke, an old goldsmith hurried over, bowed, and said:

"King Qin!"

"Is the item I asked you to make ready?"

"It's already finished!"

The old goldsmith led Li Shuang and Hou Jing to the deepest room in the workshop, saying as they walked:

"To be honest, Your Majesty, after this thing was finished, I was very worried that it would be lost. Fortunately, Your Majesty came today."

"Thank you so much!"

"I dare not accept such a statement from Your Majesty!"

As he spoke, the old goldsmith picked up a box from the wooden cabinet and handed it to Li Shuang.

"Your Majesty, this item was crafted by me and eleven skilled craftsmen from the surrounding area. In addition, the gemstones from the Western Regions are rare. It can be said that there is only one of its kind in the world, and there is no other like it."

Just as he was about to open it, Hou Jing stopped him.

"Your Majesty, please be careful, just in case! Your Majesty, I'm here to open the gate!"

Hou Jing shielded Li Shuang behind him, appearing utterly loyal and righteous.

With the addition of Li Bi and others, the Cosmic General has recently felt a sense of crisis and is now giving his all when it's time to perform.

Hou Jing's righteous yet cautious demeanor left the old goldsmith speechless.

It's just opening a box, why is there so much drama?
Hou Jing finally opened the box, and his eyes widened when he saw what was inside.

Inside the box was a gold crown inlaid with jewels.

Just as Hou Jing picked up the golden crown in surprise, he noticed that the patterns on it did not belong to the Central Plains, nor did they seem to be from the North. He asked:

"Old man, who did you crown?"

Hearing Hou Jing say this, the old goldsmith became furious.

"This was made on the orders of the King of Qin, and the patterns on it symbolize the customs of the Tuyuhun people..."

Before the old goldsmith could finish speaking, Hou Jing interrupted him, glancing casually at Li Shuang, and said:
"Your Majesty, for whom is this crown prepared?"

Just then, the old goldsmith wisely withdrew.

Li Shuang accepted the golden crown, examined it carefully, and then said:
"Naturally, it's prepared for the Khan of Tuyuhun!"

"But where is there a Khan in Tuyuhun?"

Li Shuang smiled and said:
"With this golden crown arrived, Tuyuhun will have a Khan!"

……

(End of this chapter)