White Horse, Silver Spear, Grand Commandant Gao

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger."

"Father, please don't get angry. The imperial physician said that anger and internal heat can easily aggravate old ailments."

Li Congke sat down heavily and snorted: "Everyone knows that if Hedong has any ulterior motives, it will definitely collude with the Khitan as an external ally. How could I not be on guard?"

When Gao Xingzhou heard Li Chongmei mention that the emperor was ill, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes, but he couldn't see what was wrong with Li Congke.

The emperor's poor health could be a matter of great importance to the stability of the court, but Li Congke didn't bring it up, and he didn't feel comfortable asking about it either.

"Tomorrow is the Lantern Festival, and I plan to visit Zhao Yanshou's residence."

Where to eat tomorrow is a perfectly ordinary matter for an ordinary person, but Li Congke spoke of it with great seriousness. Gao Xingzhou understood that the emperor's words must contain a deeper meaning.

Every move the emperor makes is closely watched by the court and the public.

Zhao Yanshou's status was similar to that of Shi Jingtang. Shi Jingtang married Princess Yongning, the eldest daughter of the late emperor, while Zhao Yanshou married Princess Xingping, the thirteenth daughter.

Last year, Princess Yongning was granted the title of Princess Chang of Jin, while Princess Xingping was granted the title of Princess Chang of Yan, maintaining their equal status.

Shi Jingtang went to Hedong to take up his post, while Zhao Yanshou returned to the court and served as Privy Councilor.

His father, Zhao Dejun, whose original name was Zhao Xingshi, was a native of Youzhou. In his youth, he served Liu Shouwen, the eldest son of Liu Rengong and the military governor of Cangzhou, with skills in riding and archery.

His younger brother, Liu Shouguang, had an affair with his stepmother, imprisoned their father, and showed no mercy to his elder brother. He captured him alive on the battlefield and then killed him. He then attacked and captured Cangzhou, and even his nephew, Liu Yanzuo, was not spared.

Zhao Dejun then switched allegiance to Liu Shouguang and was appointed as a military officer in Youzhou. Later, like Gao Xingzhou, he surrendered when Li Cunxu attacked Youzhou. He was now granted the title of Prince of Beiping and Military Governor of Lulong, in charge of the northeastern war zone, an area of ​​importance no less than that of Hedong.

"The Prince of Beiping governed Youzhou for more than ten years and was very good at governing."

Li Congke chuckled: "The three thousand silver-saddled Khitan warriors under my command are all valiant men who have an irreconcilable hatred for that woman, Shulü Ping. Once the Khitans launch an attack south, Zhao Dejun will cut off their retreat, and Yelü Deguang will surely suffer a crushing defeat."

Gao Huaide had seen the Iron Falcons before and knew the role an elite cavalry force could play on the battlefield. Upon hearing the words "Silver Saddle Khitan Straight Cavalry," he was immediately struck by the thought that since the emperor had specifically mentioned it, it was likely a powerful army similar to the Silver Spear Elite Cavalry.

"You must already know that Zhang Jingda was appointed as the deputy commander of the troops in Datong, Zhenwu, Weise, and Zhangguo."

Li Congke continued, "Zhang Sheng, the Iron Man, lived up to his name; he was a tough nut to crack. The Khitans encountered obstacles with him many times."

"I had originally considered appointing you to this position."

The emperor frankly stated the reason why he did not appoint Gao Xingzhou: "You once served under Shi Jingtang, and you are a person who follows the rules and values ​​hierarchy. It would be too much to ask you to go against your former superior. After much consideration, I decided not to let you be the villain."

Gao Huaide thought to himself that the emperor seemed to understand his father's temperament quite well. Seeing Gao Xingzhou remain silent, he secretly chuckled.

Gao Xingzhou remained silent, not because he was speechless at the truth of the matter.

Pig iron is brittle and hard, and easily broken, which is not a good omen. However, he could not comment much on the personnel matters of the court.

"The four prefectures of Xin, Gui, Ru, and Wu behind the mountain belong to the Weisai Army. The military governor, Zhai Zhang, is brave and strong, comparable to Xu Chu of the Three Kingdoms period, and is known as the Tiger Fool."

"Sha Yanxun, the military governor of Datong in Yunzhou, commands the eight armies of Daibei. He is more than twenty years older than you and me. The late emperor once praised him as a hero among men. When it comes to the experience of using troops, few in the army can match him."

In Yingzhou, south of Yunzhou, the military governor was Yin Hui, who was the leader of the Fengxiang uprising but lost the opportunity to become a renowned regional governor because he did not respectfully pay his respects to Shi Jingtang.

These were all plans that had been made public long ago. The northern defenses against the Khitan were being built layer by layer, and the military governors were loyal to the court and would not side with Shi Jingtang.

Next, Li Congke announced another transfer that was about to be implemented.

The land east of the Yellow River, the majestic Taihang Mountains, the backbone of the world.

Among the important locations, Taiyuan is the foremost. To the east lies the perilous Hengshan and Taihang Mountains, and to the west, the Fen River and the Yellow River provide natural defenses. It is the northern gateway to the Central Plains and the birthplace of our dynasty.

The other locations were also strategically important and contested by military strategists.

Pingyang in Jinzhou, bordering the Fen River and sheltering the Guanzhong and Luoyang regions; Datong in Yunzhou, guarding the Yin Mountains to the north and connecting to Shanggu to the east, have always been important towns in the north, and now both have been taken care of.

There was another place, controlling the four passes, connecting Hebei, and allied with Heaven. Qin and Zhao spared no effort to fight for this place, resulting in a famous battle...

Shangdang and Changping are present-day Luzhou. Before the current emperor ascended the throne, he was enfeoffed as the Prince of Lu!

"How could I neglect my former fiefdom? I will now safeguard it with the utmost sincerity."

This is another veteran general. An Yuanxin is older than Sha Yanxun, and is seventy-four years old this year. He has served in various towns including Datong, Henghai, Shannan East Circuit, and Guide.

These veteran generals are advanced in years, enjoy wealth and status, and have many children and grandchildren. They are unlikely to easily betray their cause for fame and fortune. From this perspective, the court's arrangements are almost impeccable.

"Unfortunately, An Yuanxin is seriously ill and probably won't last much longer. The court is discussing sending Huangfu Li to guard this place." (Note 1)

Huangfu Li, the military governor of Fufang, was a veteran minister of the late emperor, known for his integrity and loyalty. Li Conghou initially appointed him to guard against Gao Xingzhou's assistance to Li Congke, and his territory was located behind Yanzhou. Now, Li Congke plans to transfer him to guard Luzhou to defend against Shi Jingtang.

This imperial banquet, which has now gradually extended to the areas surrounding Yanzhou, has finally turned to its main topic.

"Last September, An Congjin was transferred to Xiangzhou, leaving the position of Commander of the Imperial Guard Cavalry vacant."

Li Congke turned his gaze over: "Gao Qing, would you be willing to help me?"

……

The moment these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the hall instantly became subtle.

Gao Xingzhou's feelings were somewhat complicated.

Out of consideration for their past friendship, Li Congke did not issue a direct decree. Instead, he visited incognito, explained the court's arrangements, strengthened his resolve, and invited him to take command of the Imperial Guards.

Both morally and logically, this appointment should be accepted.

The position of Commander of the Imperial Guard Cavalry, which grants him control over the Imperial Guards, is a perfect match for his background as a cavalry general from Youzhou, making him a suitable candidate for the post.

However, weighing the pros and cons, continuing to hold down the fort in the Northwest, staying away from the turmoil and conflict, is the safest choice. Getting involved in the chaos in Hedong at this point is no different from jumping into a raging inferno with a lit torch in hand—it will only lead to self-destruction.

And having finally pacified Xia Prefecture, are they really going to abandon their fledgling foundation so soon?

What should we choose?

Gao Xingzhou did not reply immediately, but looked up at Li Congke. An invisible pressure hung between the emperor and his subject.

Gao Huaide was filled with worry. He had read many plays and wondered if, in this situation, the emperor might suddenly turn on him, smash a cup as a signal, and a group of guards would rush in from all sides.

He began to secretly devise a countermeasure.

The emperor was a fierce general who had fought countless battles. It was unlikely that he would be able to seize the emperor by himself with his bare hands.

The best course of action would be to pounce on him and subdue the handsome young Li Chongmei in one strike. Then, using the emperor's son as a hostage, the father and son could launch a swift attack on Li Congke.

Regardless of success or failure, they must rush out to join the imperial guards and escape Luoyang. If they cannot seize the emperor as a shield, they will inevitably have to fight their way back.

Gao Xingzhou had no idea that his son was having such treasonous thoughts, daring to offend the emperor. This kid was simply lawless to the extreme.

The reason he did not respond immediately was because he was filled with emotion: around the same time two years ago, he received both an imperial edict and a letter from Li Congke.

Back then, we were torn because we were too far away to help, so why should we hesitate now?

Li Congke stared intently in Gao Xingzhou's direction, awaiting his reply.

Gao Xingzhou met the emperor's gaze, his sharp eyes softening considerably compared to usual.

"Your Majesty, why do you say such things? During the rebellion in Fengxiang, I was unable to help those in distress, a fact I have always regretted. Now that I have received Your Majesty's decree, how could I dare not do my utmost?"

"Ha ha ha ha."

Li Congke laughed heartily: "Gao Qing, with your words, I have nothing to worry about."

Gao Xingzhou added, "However, in principle, the Commander of the Imperial Guard Cavalry should be promoted from the Commander of the Imperial Guard Infantry."

"Song Shenqian, although he is my trusted follower, is not a skilled cavalry commander. Minister Gao, there is no need for you to be modest."

"I must return to Yanzhou to handle various matters before coming to the capital to assume my post. In the meantime, important positions in the Imperial Guard should not remain vacant."

"Well……"

Li Congke was in high spirits: "Gao Qing, it's good that you've agreed to help me. I'll consider the rest. Guards!"

The emperor suddenly called out a summons, and Gao Huaide thought to himself that it was good he hadn't acted rashly. Who knew his father would agree so readily?

Before long, a palace attendant presented a food box.

Li Congke took the food box and personally presented it to Gao Xingzhou: "I didn't intend to trouble you; at worst, I would personally lead the expedition."

He said in a whisper that only the two of them could hear, "But the imperial physician diagnosed that my eyes will go completely blind within a year at most, and half a year at least." (Note 2)

Gao Xingzhou's body trembled as he recalled what Li Chongmei had just said.

The two stood facing each other. He looked closely and noticed that the emperor's eyes were cloudy, as if covered by a layer of white film.

Li Congke casually opened the food box. Gao Huaide assumed it contained some rare delicacies, but upon closer inspection, it turned out to be just a few ordinary flatbreads.

He couldn't help but secretly complain that while the dishes in the royal cuisine were quite exquisite, the main courses and snacks were rather ordinary.

Where have all the legendary Crystal Dragon and Phoenix Cake, Single-Basket Golden Milk Pastry, Imperial Yellow Queen Mother Rice, Scarlet Fragrant Rice Dumpling, and Gold and Silver Flower Flat Cut?

Unexpectedly, Gao Xingzhou's expression changed slightly when he saw the pancakes.

Li Congke snorted: "Xiao Gao, if you insist on waiting until I say these words before you agree to help, then I won't be bringing out the pancakes made by the Empress Dowager herself."

The cakes made by the Empress Dowager are so rare!

Seeing that his father couldn't bring himself to eat for a long time, Gao Huaide took a piece without hesitation, dipped it in some scallion sauce, and took a big bite.

Really fragrant.