Huangming

Chapter 454 Chaos Out of Control, Factional Suppression

News of the peasant uprising in Zuoyun County quickly reached Datong.

The once bustling west gate of Datong was now completely blocked by fleeing gentry.

These local gentry, almost every family, hurriedly fled to the prefectural city with several cartloads of gold and silver jewelry and their families.

These local gentry were mostly local bullies in Zuoyun County, but now they don't even care about their dignity.

They surged into Datong Prefecture, shouting along the streets, "Zhang Tianlin killed Magistrate Guo and is coming to ransack our homes!"

These words were like a thunderclap, instantly causing an uproar in Datong Prefecture.

The vendors at the market panicked and hurriedly packed up their stalls.

The people gathered at the street corner and discussed it.

Some of them were swearing.

"Oh no, there's been a bandit outbreak outside the city. Life in Datong is going to be tough."

"Damn it, life is already hard enough, and now someone's causing trouble! We can't do business tomorrow!"

Some people, who were being oppressed beyond recognition, secretly cheered.

"I think Zhang Tianlin is a living Bodhisattva, who specializes in killing corrupt officials."

"Yes! We've been bullied terribly, so maybe we can join the rebel army!"

But many more people were afraid that "rioters would come in and rob the grain," so every household began to pile firewood behind their doors. Even the usually bustling theaters closed their doors early, leaving only empty stages that looked desolate under the scorching sun.

Amidst this chaos, the most anxious person was none other than Dong Zhongxing, the magistrate of Datong County.

He sat in the signing room of the county government office, his face extremely grim.

Zuoyun County is in chaos, and Datong County is right next to Zuoyun County.

Once the rebel army attacks, he'll probably lose his head, a mere seventh-rank official.

But panicking didn't solve the problem, and Dong Zhongxing quickly calmed down.

"We can't panic!"

Dong Zhongxing slammed his hand on the table, strode to the door, and shouted to the waiting bailiffs:

"Zhao, you take twenty constables and go to the treasury to keep watch. Every bag of grain must be registered, and no one is allowed to take a single grain. If any local gentry wants to withdraw grain in advance, just say, 'The government has its own allocation. Anyone who touches grain without authorization will be punished as a bandit!'"

The more chaotic the situation, the more calm you need to be.

The county's grain and fodder are of paramount importance.

"Officer Li! You take thirty men and divide them into four main streets. Tell the people, 'The government has increased the number of sentries on the city walls. The rioters can't get through. Everyone can live in peace. If anyone spreads rumors or causes trouble, arrest them first!'"

The two constables agreed in unison and turned to run outside.

Dong Zhongxing then remembered something and chased after him to add:
"Tell the constables not to bully the people. The people are already panicked; don't provoke them into further trouble!"

"As ordered!"

"besides."

After meticulously arranging everything possible to deal with the civil unrest, Dong Zhong finally breathed a sigh of relief and straightened his wrinkled official robe.

"Go to the town's governor's office!"

He spoke to the county magistrate beside him.

"I'll leave things here to you for now."

The town's supervisory office must be holding a meeting, and he needs to get there quickly. Even if he can't be of much help, he needs to know what the current situation is.

"Don't worry, sir. With me here, there will be absolutely no problem."

Dong Zhongxing nodded and then got into his sedan chair and headed towards the town's administrative office.

soon.

He then went to the town's administrative office.

now.

The vermilion gates of the town's government office were already filled with official sedan chairs.

As soon as Dong Zhongxing got out of the sedan chair, he saw Zhou Xian, the prefect of Datong, emerge from it. His hair, which was usually neatly combed, was now loose with a strand hanging down beside his ear, and his face was full of anxiety.

Beside him followed Liu Jing, the Supervising Censor of Jibei Circuit, who was clutching a cloth bag that was bulging with contents, presumably containing documents from Zuoyun County that he had been working on overnight.

The Imperial Censor Wang, who was in charge of the provincial administration, was even more disheveled. He had obviously rushed over from the post station outside the city and hadn't even had time to change his clothes.

The group exchanged a few polite greetings and quickly walked inside.

As soon as he entered the main hall, Dong Zhongxing was stunned.

The hall was already full of people.

The garrison eunuch Zhang Wei, seated in the main seat, was dressed in a dark brown robe with a python pattern. He spun the sandalwood prayer beads in his hand rapidly. His usually languid gaze was unusually serious at this moment.

Sitting on the left are Deputy Commander-in-Chief Zu Dashou and Assistant Surveillance Commissioner of Shanxi Sun Chuanting.

There was also Lu Jianxing, a commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, dressed in dark-colored close-fitting clothes. He leaned against a pillar, his hand on the embroidered spring knife at his waist, his gaze sweeping over the crowd with a scrutinizing look.

"Everyone's here? Please have a seat."

Zhang Wei raised his eyes, his usual politeness gone.

Dong Zhongxing quickly found an empty seat and sat down. Just as he settled in, he heard Zhang Wei slam his Buddhist prayer beads onto the table with a "smack".

"The people of Zuoyun County have rebelled. They killed the county magistrate, Guo Guang, and even divided up the grain from the official granary. Prefect of Datong, tell me, what exactly happened?"

Zhang Wei's gaze fell on Zhou Xian, the prefect of Datong, and his words were full of pressure.

Zhou Xian suddenly stood up, lifted his robe and bowed, sweat already beading on his forehead:

"Reporting to the town supervisor, this...this matter has come too quickly. I have already sent people to investigate, but no news has come back yet. All I know is that the leader of the rioters is named Zhang Tianlin, a refugee from Shaanxi. It is said...it is said that he has more than 20,000 men under his command."

"Humph!"

Zhang Wei sneered.

"More than 20,000 people? You only sent people to investigate after you captured the county town and killed officials appointed by the imperial court."

Prefect of Datong, such a big thing has happened in Datong Prefecture, and everyone here, including myself, is involved!

If His Majesty holds us accountable, none of us will escape punishment!

The room fell silent the moment those words were spoken.

Upon seeing this, Zu Dashou stood up and clasped his hands in greeting:

"Town Supervisor, according to the scouts I sent, Zhang Tianlin has not only occupied Zuoyun County, but is also recruiting soldiers."

Migrants have already started fleeing to the surrounding counties of Youyu, Huairen, and Shanyin.

If this isn't stopped soon, the number of rioters will likely double in less than half a month, making it much harder to quell the rebellion then.

"Twenty thousand...doubled..."

Zhang Wei muttered to himself, his face suddenly turning deathly pale.

He originally thought it was just a small group of refugees causing trouble, and that sending some soldiers to suppress it would be enough, but he never expected it to be such a large-scale incident.

"The rebellion must be quelled immediately!"
Where is Wang Wei?
He commands the border troops of Datong; this matter is entrusted to him. He is to immediately mobilize troops to suppress the rioters in Zuoyun County!

Zhou Xian quickly stepped forward and cautiously added:
“Governor, although Deputy Commander Wang has military power, Zhang Tianlin is too powerful to handle. Perhaps…”

"It would be better to send another urgent report to Xiong Tingbi, the military commissioner of the Nine Garrisons, and order him to quickly lead his troops to Datong. Only by combining the forces of both armies can we ensure a safe outcome."

"how?

Do we need you to teach us?

Zhang Wei glared at him suddenly, her shrill voice filled with anger.

"We've already sent out Xiong Jinglue's urgent report!"
Do I need you to remind me?
"Prefect, mind your own business. If any more trouble breaks out in Datong Prefecture, you'll be the first one held accountable!"

Zhou Xian trembled with fright, cold sweat streaming down his face. He quickly bowed and retreated, not daring to utter another word.

The atmosphere in the hall grew even heavier, and no one dared to even breathe loudly.

Zhang Wei took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, his tone carrying a hint of ruthlessness:

"Pass on our order:"

First, send a fast horse to the capital to report to His Majesty in detail about the Zuo Yun people's uprising, saying, "The rebels are powerful, and we request His Majesty to issue an edict as soon as possible to authorize the suppression of the rebellion."

Secondly, add a sentence to Xiong Jinglue's urgent report: "If reinforcements do not arrive within a month, Datong may fall, and we will have no choice but to die for our country."

Third, Wang Wei must send troops within three days. If he dares to shirk his duty, I will impeach him for "colluding with bandits and harming the country!"

"Remember this, everyone: if this mess isn't resolved, our heads will likely be displayed on the gates of Datong! No one can escape unscathed!"

Zhang Wei's words caused the expressions of everyone in the hall to change simultaneously.

The hall was extremely quiet.

After a long time.

Seeing that everyone was still silent, the garrison eunuch Zhang Wei also stopped talking.

"Let's disperse! Everyone stay within your duties and don't cause any trouble!"

Zhang Wei waved his hand, his tone full of exhaustion.

Everyone felt as if they had been granted a pardon, and they all got up to take their leave, but their steps were no longer as hurried as when they came, but rather carried a bit of heaviness.

Lu Jianxing was the last to leave the mansion.

Zhang Wei had just privately assigned him a task, instructing him to lead the Imperial Guards to scout the outskirts of Zuoyun County and ascertain Zhang Tianlin's troop deployment and supply routes.

This mission is still somewhat dangerous.

The rebels are powerful, and you could easily get caught up in them if you're not careful.

With a heavy heart, Lu Jianxing walked out of the town's government office.

I had only taken a few steps when I heard hurried footsteps beside me, accompanied by a slightly hoarse shout:

"Hold your position, Commander!"

Lu Jianxing turned around and saw Dong Zhongxing quickly catching up.

The magistrate of Datong County was running so fast that the tassel on his official hat was askew to one side, and the corner of his blue robe was covered with a lot of sand and dust.

He was panting, his hands clasped in front of him, a smile on his face that looked more like a grimace.
"Please wait a moment, Commander Qian, I have a few questions I would like to ask you."

"What instructions does the county magistrate have?"

Lu Jianxing nodded slightly, his tone calm.

He knew Dong Zhongxing's concerns.

If a county magistrate who was attached to the prefecture lost the city, he would be guilty of the serious crime of "losing territory," and his entire family would be implicated.

Dong Zhongxing, with a pained expression, waved his hand, his voice tinged with pleading:
How could I dare to offer 'guidance'?
The county was truly at its wit's end.

Could you please tell me when Commander Xiong, the military commissioner of the Nine Border Regions, will arrive in Datong?
The people of the prefectural city are panicking. The county needs accurate information to reassure them and to strengthen the city's defenses in advance.

As he spoke, he reached up and wiped the sweat from his forehead. The sweat wasn't hot; it was sweat from haste.

"If Datong Prefecture is lost, Datong County will be finished. As a seventh-rank county magistrate, if I lose my land, how will I survive?"

"I implore the commander to have pity on this county and give me a definite answer."

Lu Jianxing remained silent for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the few constables gathered not far away.

They were peeking over here, clearly worried about the situation.

He took two steps to the side and lowered his voice:
"I don't know the exact date either."

However, as Zhang Zhenjian had previously stated, Xiong Jinglue's reorganization in Xuanfu was nearing completion, and an urgent report had been sent, which would arrive within a month.

"Rest assured, Magistrate, as long as you do your best to maintain order in the prefectural city and prevent a mutiny, I will put in a good word for you when I report back to Magistrate Zhang."

He paused, his tone becoming more composed.

"Besides, even if things really come to the worst and the city is temporarily lost, as long as Commander Xiong's reinforcements arrive, we can always take it back. When the time comes, you will be rewarded for your merits in protecting the city, and the court will not be harsh on you."

Upon hearing this, Dong Zhongxing's worried expression did not lessen much; instead, he revealed a look of bewilderment, as if he were both laughing and crying.

He knew Lu Jianxing was trying to reassure him, but the phrase "temporary loss" could be a capital offense for a county magistrate like himself.

But he also understood that there was no point in pressing further; Lu Jianxing was already giving him face by saying all this.

After a moment, he sighed heavily and bowed deeply to Lu Jianxing: "Then I will have to trouble you, Commander. I can't guarantee anything else, but at least I will ensure that the prefectural city is not thrown into chaos before reinforcements arrive."

As soon as he finished speaking, his eyes lit up as if he had suddenly remembered something:
"correct!
The commander was to go out of the city to investigate the situation of the rebels. There were several yamen runners in the prefectural city who were from Zuoyun County and were familiar with the streets and alleys and the background of the local gentry. There were also two who knew some Tatar language and could deal with the herdsmen in the border areas.

"I'll borrow them from you right away; they might be of some help."

Lu Jianxing narrowed his eyes slightly; this was an unexpected delight.

Although the Embroidered Uniform Guards are skilled at reconnaissance, they are not as familiar with the terrain as the local yamen runners. With their help, they can avoid many detours.

He immediately cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you, Your Excellency! I will remember this favor."

"Easy to say, easy to say!"

Dong Zhongxing quickly waved his hand, turned around and called over a yamen runner, instructing him to go to the government office to summon people.

"Have Li Laoshuan and Wang Erzhu come here quickly, bring their weapons, and follow Commander Lu on his mission!"

Before long, two strong yamen runners came running over with knives on their backs. Their faces were solemn but they looked capable.

Lu Jianxing nodded and waved to Shen Lian and Jin Yichuan, who were waiting in the distance.

at this time.

Shen Lian was leaning against an old locust tree, playing with a branch in his hand, while Jin Yichuan stood beside him, carefully examining the short crossbow at his waist.

"Let's go." Upon hearing the call, Shen Lian and Jin Yichuan immediately followed.

Lu Jianxing took the lead and walked towards the outside of the city.

Of the three, only Shen Lian's expression showed some ease. He quickened his pace to catch up with Lu Jianxing, a self-deprecating smile playing on his lips.
"Big brother, do you think the three of us are jinxes?"

Upon arriving in Xuanfu, they discovered a rebellion had broken out there.

Upon arriving in Datong, I found it was also experiencing a popular uprising; misfortune was lurking everywhere.

He paused, then pointed to himself.

"On this expedition, you and your third brother can stay outside the city to provide support. I will go to the outskirts of Zuoyun County to gather information."

Anyway, I'm all alone, with no ties or obligations. If something really happens to me, no one will care.

He spoke as lightly as the wind, but a barely perceptible hint of melancholy flickered in his eyes.

He thought of Zhou Miaotong in the Warm Fragrance Pavilion in the capital, and the gentle look in her eyes when she looked at that merchant's son. Then he thought of himself, just a Jinyiwei with a knife, who didn't even have the courage to redeem her.

Dying at the hands of rioters might be a better ending for her than watching her marry someone else.

Lu Jianxing paused, turned around and glared at him, his tone laced with a hint of fierceness, yet concealing an elder brother's concern:
"What nonsense are you spouting!"
The rioters in Zuoyun County are armed with knives and guns. Are you going alone?
Do you think you're made of iron?

He raised his hand and patted Shen Lian's shoulder with considerable force.

"We're brothers, we'll go together and come back together."

This isn't your place to play the hero, get out of here!

Shen Lian paused, watching Lu Jianxing's retreating figure. The self-mockery on his lips faded, and he touched the embroidered spring knife at his waist, replying softly:

"Understood, brother."

After saying that, he quickly followed.

Jin Yichuan watched the two from behind and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

He was most afraid that Shen Lian would get stuck on a rut, but with his older brother there, he could always pull him out of it.

the other side.

Inside the main hall of the Datong General Garrison.

Wang Wei sat in the main seat, his expression not very good.

"You mean to say that the peasant uprising in Zuoyun County has slipped out of our control?"

Wang Wei's voice was extremely low, yet filled with anger, his gaze like a knife piercing Liu Zhenbang.

His original plan was to let the refugees cause trouble, forcing Xiong Tingbi to rush to Datong, and then use the refugees to deplete Xiong Tingbi's troops, so that he could reap the credit for "suppressing the rebellion" and naturally take over the seal of the Datong General.

But now, the refugees have become a force to be reckoned with, and a leader named Zhang Tianlin has emerged. They've even killed the county magistrate. This isn't just "making a fuss," it's a rebellion!

Liu Zhenbang stood below the hall, nervously swallowing hard, his Adam's apple bobbing noticeably, not even daring to wipe the sweat from his forehead.
"Father-in-law, that is indeed the case."

Zhang Tianlin didn't seem to be an ordinary refugee. His subordinates had sent people to investigate. In his early years, he had rioted with starving people in Shaanxi. He knew some martial arts and could also arrange troops.

This time, he not only killed Guo Guang, but also released the prisoners. Now, the rioters in Zuoyun County all call him "Hero Zhang," and even deserters from the surrounding areas are flocking to him; their numbers are probably close to 30,000.

"Humph!"

Thirty thousand?!

I asked you to give me a 'push,' not to raise a traitor!
Now things are really messed up. The trouble in Zuoyun County is probably going to reach His Majesty's attention. Xiong Tingbi hasn't even arrived yet, and I have to take the troops in my hands to quell the rebellion first.

"Are we just going to waste all the troops I've painstakingly built up at the hands of refugees?"

Seeing his anger, Liu Zhenbang quickly took two steps forward, lowering his voice even further, but a sinister glint flashed in his eyes:
"Father-in-law, don't be anxious. It's better if things get out of hand."

Isn't 'suppressing the rebellion' exactly what we need?

"If we don't send troops to quell the rebellion, how can we prevent the deaths?"

He emphasized the word "dead person" very heavily.

“Those positions held by no one need to be filled with empty quotas to be eliminated.”

"And those loyal followers left behind by Yang Zhaoji, if we don't eliminate them through the hands of the refugees, they will also be a hidden danger when you take control of the military in Datong in the future."

Wang Wei's brow twitched, and his grip on the paperweight loosened slightly.

He certainly understood what Liu Zhenbang meant.

By using the pretext of suppressing the rebellion, Yang Zhaoji's men were sent as cannon fodder, which served two purposes: eliminating dissidents and attributing the "deficit" to "death in battle."

But he still hesitated.

“Sun Zhen of Jingping Road, Ma Rong of Pinglu City, and Zhu Chongwei of Youwei City are all Yang Zhaoji’s confidants, each with several thousand soldiers. If they really quell the refugees, wouldn’t that make them the ones who gain merit?”

Although there are many refugees, they are mostly a motley crew. If they were to face the elite troops of the border army, they would probably collapse at the first touch. In that case, the credit would go to others, and we would end up with nothing.

Liu Zhenbang had anticipated his concerns, and a smug smile appeared on his face as he moved even closer:
"Don't worry, father-in-law, we won't send them out together."

First, send Zhu Chongwei of the Right Guard City with three thousand men to Zuoyun.

Zhu Chongwei is impatient and eager to curry favor with the Emperor, so he will definitely be eager to launch an attack.

Zhang Tianlin, having just captured Zuo Yun, is at the height of her power and will certainly fight to the death.

"If we both suffer heavy losses, we can then send troops to 'clean up the mess,' and the credit will still go to you."

He paused, then added.

"Even if Zhu Chongwei is lucky enough to win, he will lose most of his troops, and he won't have the confidence to oppose you in the future."

Wang Wei squinted, stroking his short beard with his fingers, his mind racing with calculations.

This plan is indeed ruthless, but it's not safe enough.

He suddenly remembered something, and a colder glint flashed in his eyes.

"You just said that Zhang Tianlin sent people to demand weapons?"

"Yes!"

Liu Zhenbang nodded.

“He wanted a thousand knives and five hundred bows, and said he wouldn’t ‘follow our orders’ if we didn’t give them to him.”

"Give!"

Wang Wei suddenly slammed his hand on the table, his tone resolute.

“Not only should we give them, we should give them more. Give them 1,500 knives, 600 bows, and 500 bushels of grain.”

Liu Zhenbang was stunned, his eyes wide open:
"Father-in-law, isn't this... aiding and abetting evil?"
"Wouldn't Zhang Tianlin be even more difficult to deal with now that he has a weapon?"

"The more difficult it is to deal with, the better."

Wang Wei sneered.

"When you deliver the weapons to Zhang Tianlin, also 'spoil' him by saying that Zhu Chongwei will lead three thousand men to annihilate him in three days."

Once Zhang Tianlin learns of this, he will surely take precautions. If Zhu Chongwei underestimates the enemy and advances recklessly, he will be severely injured, if not killed.

He didn't want the refugees to win, nor did he want Zhu Chongwei to win; he wanted them to wear each other down so he could reap the benefits.

The stronger the refugees are, the more people Zhu Chongwei dies, and the more room he has for maneuver afterward.

Liu Zhenbang then realized what was happening, his face instantly plastered with a fawning smile, and he bowed, saying:

"Father-in-law is wise!"
You've thought of everything perfectly!
In this way, even if Zhu Chongwei doesn't die, he will suffer a major setback, and those vacant positions can be eliminated logically.

"I'll arrange it right away and make sure the weapons and information reach Zhang Tianlin!"

"Wait a minute."

Wang Wei called out to him, his eyes now carrying a hint of warning.

"The person delivering the weapons should be reliable, so as not to give anyone a handle to use against them."

Also, make it clear to Zhang Tianlin's people that if he dares to run away beforehand, or if he doesn't dare to fight Zhu Chongwei, we will cut off his supplies.

If he wants to live, he'll have to obediently become our weapon.

"My subordinate understands!"

Liu Zhenbang quickly agreed, secretly admiring Wang Wei's ruthlessness.

He wanted to use Zhang Tianlin as a tool to kill people, while also keeping Zhang Tianlin firmly in his grasp. With such cunning, it's no wonder he was able to gain a foothold in Datong.

"Then I'll take my leave."

Liu Zhenbang lifted his robe, bowed, turned around, and strode quickly out of the hall, his steps as light as if he had just gotten a great deal.

He thought he had offered a brilliant plan to "use someone else's knife to kill someone," which would help his father-in-law get rid of Yang Zhaoji's old subordinates and allow him to rise in status in Datong in the future.

But they didn't see Wang Wei leaning back in the rosewood chair, a sinister glint flashing in his eyes.

"Go ahead and do it efficiently."

Wang Wei's voice was so flat that no emotion could be discerned. Only when Liu Zhenbang's footsteps disappeared at the end of the corridor did he slowly straighten up.

This son-in-law is obedient, but his ambition grows wildly like weeds.

Last time, he dared to embezzle 30% of the military rations by taking advantage of the refugees.

This time, by instigating a popular uprising, they wanted to use the "suppression of the rebellion" to further consolidate their control over the military power of Polubao.

Two months ago, when things got messy in Xuanfu, wasn't Wang Guoliang dragged down by his incompetent brother-in-law, Hei Yunlong?
Hei Yunlong's assassination of the imperial envoy forced Wang Guoliang to rebel, ultimately resulting in his execution.

Wang Wei wouldn't make such a mistake. He used Liu Zhenbang as a pawn to get rid of Zhu Chongwei, Sun Zhen, and others. Once he had complete control of the military, he would close the net.

but
He felt no joy at all at that moment.

Using scattered pieces as chess pieces is inherently a risky tactic to achieve victory.

The refugees in Zuoyun County were originally just a "trigger" in his hands, intended to force Xiong Tingbi to come to Datong, and then use the power of the Prince of Dai to pressure Xiong Tingbi to make concessions. However, Zhang Tianlin's rise was beyond his control.

Among those 20,000-plus rioters were not only deserters, but also old bandits from Shaanxi. If they were given weapons and Zhu Chongwei's 3,000 men were sent to "deliver the food," the rioters' forces would only grow stronger.

At that point, let alone eliminating dissidents, he himself might even be burned by the fire.

But he had no choice.

Yang Zhaoji's former subordinates were eyeing the position of general. Xiong Tingbi would investigate his embezzlement sooner or later, and the Prince of Dai was waiting for him to send more benefits. If he didn't take this gamble, he would be doomed sooner or later.

"General! The eunuch's men who guard the eunuch's residence have arrived!"

The guard's voice suddenly came from outside the hall, sounding somewhat urgent.

Wang Wei quickly composed himself, leaned back in his chair, and adopted a calm demeanor.
"Let him in."

The man who entered was a young eunuch dressed in a gray cloth robe, holding a gold-embossed invitation card in his hands, and speaking in a very arrogant tone:

"General Wang, the garrison has issued an order: the rebellion in Zuoyun is escalating, and you are given three days to send troops to quell it. If you refuse, I will submit a memorial to His Majesty accusing you of 'colluding with bandits and harming the country'!"

A cold smile flashed across Wang Wei's eyes; he had expected this eunuch to become restless.

He took the invitation, his tone indifferent:

"Please inform Prefect Zhang that everything has already been arranged."

Zhu Chongwei, the Right Guard Commander, has already led three thousand troops and will arrive in Zuoyun soon.

The young eunuch was taken aback, clearly not expecting Wang Wei to act so quickly, and could only cup his hands in a respectful gesture:

"In that case, I'll go back and report."

Having said that, he hurriedly left.

Wang Wei watched his retreating figure and raised his hand to summon his attendant:
"Bring me a cup of hot tea, the freshly brewed pre-rain Longjing."

He needed to drink something hot to calm the restlessness in his heart.

This game of chess was played too riskily; one wrong move and it would be utterly disastrous.

But just as he picked up the teacup, the guard stumbled in again, looking even more flustered than before.

"General! People from the Prince of Dai's residence have arrived. They say...the Prince of Dai requests your immediate presence!"

"The Prince of Dai?"

Wang Wei paused, his hand holding the teacup still.

When the king summons someone at this time, it is most likely because of a popular uprising.

Among the gentry who fled to Datong Prefecture, many were from the Prince of Dai's residence. It was likely that someone had complained to the Prince of Dai and wanted to hold him accountable.

But the seriousness on his face had vanished, replaced by a faint smile.

He had originally planned to go see the Prince of Dai as well.

With this popular uprising, he was determined to bring the Prince of Dai to his side.

not to mention.
He already had a way to persuade the Prince of Dai in his heart.

Thinking of this, Wang Wei immediately said:

"understood."

He put down his teacup, stood up, and straightened the lapel of his general's uniform.

"Tell the people at the Prince's residence that I will arrive immediately after changing my clothes in town."

"Yes!"

The guards withdrew in response, leaving only Wang Wei in the hall.

He walked to the window, gazing in the direction of the Prince Dai's mansion in the distance, his eyes revealing a deeper calculation.

As long as we hold onto the powerful Prince of Dai, not only Zhang Tianlin, but even if Xiong Tingbi came, he wouldn't be able to touch him in the slightest.

Let the fire in Datong burn even more fiercely!

(End of this chapter)