Chapter 46: The War Begins

Chapter 46: The War Begins

In the twenty-fourth year of the reign of tranquility, Prince Jingbei mobilized his army of a hundred thousand to launch an unprovoked attack on Bei Xi. By the time the news reached the capital, Jingbei's forces had already swiftly conquered Changze, Tucheng, and Gange, capturing three Bei Xi deputy generals in the process. They then rapidly captured the major cities of Ge'le, Buleng, and Luomu, winning ten battles in just a few days and advancing directly to the Bei Xi royal court. The enemy was unable to resist, retreating at the mere sight of the advancing troops. That same night, the Bei Xi king dispatched envoys to the imperial capital to sue for peace.

The court was in an uproar. An inspector immediately accused Prince Jingbei of raising an army without the emperor's command, suggesting sinister intentions and possible treason. Yuan Zixu remained silent, but the ministers knew well that Prince Jingbei had always answered to the emperor's orders, not his summons, and that the Jingbei army had the authority to manage military affairs in thirteen provinces and defend the borders. Thus, with a plausible excuse of raiding the borderlands of the Yong Dynasty, the imperial court would have little power to intervene.

The Bei Xi envoy prostrated himself, pleading for peace negotiations. The Bei Xi king offered to cede ten cities, pay an annual tribute of a hundred thousand taels of silver, and send a princess to the palace to marry into the Yong Dynasty, fostering eternal friendship between the two nations.

Yuan Zixu remained silent. After the envoy's departure, he summoned the nine ministers and high-ranking officials for a council.

Venerable Tutor Ge Chengxuan stepped forward sternly and declared, "Your Majesty! This is a ploy by Bei Xi to sow discord. Your Majesty must not take the bait. Bei Xi has long been conquered by the Northern Pacification Army; they cannot reclaim it even if they wanted to. Their pretense of surrendering these ten cities is aimed at creating strife between our court and the Northern Pacification, so they can benefit from the chaos."

Yet, Minister of War Shi Quan rose and said, "Your Majesty, the Northern Pacification Army launched an unannounced northern campaign. We are unsure of their motives. If they annex Bei Xi and, after strengthening their position, grow ambitious and turn against our dynasty, what then? It would be wise to temporarily agree, incorporating those ten cities under our rule. The court should promptly appoint provincial officials and commanders to govern them. If the King of Northern Pacification accepts our officials, it will prove his loyalty and lack of ulterior motives."

Tutor Ge rebuked angrily, "Absolutely not! Ignoring the vast thirteen provinces that lie between us and those ten cities, dispatching officials would be no easy task. The war has just begun, and the Northern Pacification Army will soon face fierce battles. Sending officials now to take control could provoke the King of Northern Pacification, who might turn against us. When the time comes, they'll claim to be fighting for the country while being betrayed by the court. Under the guise of righteousness, the land would be divided, and civil war would erupt. Can you bear the responsibility for such consequences? This is precisely Bei Xi's cunning scheme!"

Minister of Finance Gao Yong spoke up, "The state's expenses are enormous, and last year's floods have strained our coffers. The Northern Pacification King is renowned for his bravery. If the conquest of Bei Xi proceeds smoothly, the court must be prepared." Minister Gao was known for his prudence, though he didn't specify what preparations were needed. All the high-ranking officials understood that a battle between the Northern Pacification and the court was inevitable. Previously, Bei Xi had restrained the Northern Pacification; now, with the sudden aggression by the Guo family, once they consolidates their power, free of any hindrance, they might turn their fangs towards the court.

Tutor Ge countered, "Precisely because of this, the court should adopt a conciliatory approach and act gradually. Starting a war lightly could only bring calamity upon our people."

Yuan Zixu fell silent for a moment before asking, "So, what is your opinion, Grand Tutor?"

Grand Tutor Ge replied, "Princess Yi Yang has just become pregnant after marrying Prince Jingbei. The Emperor should send the Crown Prince to oversee the military and inquire about the reason for Prince Jingbei's mobilization. The Crown Prince has always been intelligent and adaptable; he can surely handle the situation with tact and diplomacy. Furthermore, another army should be dispatched to protect him, ready to act according to circumstances."

Yuan Zixu's eyelids twitched slightly as he gazed at Grand Tutor Ge, his eyes filled with scrutiny. Nevertheless, he said, "The Crown Prince's health is frail, and he's currently recuperating in the palace. I cannot bear to see him suffer. But you have a valid point. Let us send the Second Prince as the overseer then. What do you all think?"

Yuan Zhen, who had been listening quietly, turned pale with shock. He hurriedly knelt down and said, "Father... Mother has not been well these past few days, and I am deeply worried. Can't my younger brother go instead? He has always been close to our eldest sister, and I believe he would be able to convince her and the prince to support the court."

His words were jumbled, and all the ministers present were taken aback. They couldn't help but think that the Second Prince was rather irresponsible. Yuan Zixu glanced at Third Prince Yuan Ya, who stood nearby, clearly dazed and unprepared. Thus, he declared, "Very well, then the Third Prince shall be appointed as the overseer. Duke Ding, lead an army of three thousand to supervise the troops in Jingbei."

Realizing that any further refusal would make a mockery of the court, Yuan Ya stepped forward to accept the order. Duke Ding, Song Shixuan, also came forth to receive his assignment.

With a cold and sinister gaze, Yuan Zixu looked at Yuan Zhen, who was still kneeling with sweat dripping down his back. "Regarding Bei Xi, we will stall for now without refusing outright. Their envoy has brought their princess to the capital to enter the palace. Therefore, let us bestow her upon the Second Prince as his princess consort."

Yuan Zhen bowed deeply, acknowledging the order. After the imperial audience, Luo Shiming found Yuan Zhen in a fit of anger. He dismissed the attendants and urgently asked, "Second Highness, you've been given a golden opportunity! How could you defy the Emperor's command? All the ministers will be disappointed in you!"

Yuan Zhen, already frustrated, lashed out at his uncle. "Others may not know, but don't you? Guo Shuji has fallen victim to a scheme that threatens his lineage. He must hate the court with a passion. If I go, how could I possibly survive? With war breaking out, no news from Yi Yang would reach the court. She might already be imprisoned or even sacrificed as a banner. In my view, this campaign against Bei Xi is merely a ploy; they might have already formed an alliance and are waiting for us princes to walk into a trap! It should be the Crown Prince going, but alas, Father remains suspicious and won't let him go. Otherwise, we could kill two birds with one stone..."

Luo Shiming was utterly disappointed. "Your Highness! You've never met Guo Shuji. He's an arrogant man who sees himself as a formidable leader, and he has a deep-seated vendetta against Bei Xi. How could he ally with his enemy? After attacking Bei Xi, he'll surely consolidate his power to march southward and contend for the throne. Your Highness, you shouldn't defy the imperial order. Guo Shuji must be preoccupied with the war and won't have time to deal with the south. To the court, he can only maintain stability for now, or else he'll face attacks from both sides, making the Jingbei Army's impact too great. Just go there. If Princess Yi Yang is around, convey the message to her. Let her mediate; she's intelligent enough to temporarily alleviate the situation. When you return, immediately advise His Majesty that the Jingbei King's rebellious intentions are clear, and Princess Yi Yang, along with her unborn child, has been killed. Request that the court sends troops to punish the traitor. With your words, the court will have a justification. This is the true purpose behind the Emperor's command!"

Yuan Zhen was taken aback. Luo Shiming continued, "That's why when you refused, the Emperor ordered the Third Prince to go instead. It doesn't matter which prince goes, the key lies with Duke Ding. The princess was originally married into his household. If he reports to the court that the Jingbei King savagely murdered Princess Yi Yang, the officials will believe him. Duke Ding must have received secret orders, and with his entire family in the capital, he'll have no choice but to comply. Once this is confirmed, the Emperor will have a reason to mobilize the army!"

Luo Shiming took Yuan Zhen's hand. "This is a golden opportunity for Second Prince to establish your achievements and gain the Emperor's favor. Please immediately enter the palace to meet His Majesty and say that you've met with Empress Dowager, who scolded you for not prioritizing the nation and commanded you to follow the imperial order. This might still salvage the situation..."

Yuan Zhen brushed off his sleeve. "Uncle, can you guarantee that Guo Shuji won't kill me?"

Luo Shiming stumbled over his words. "At this point, Guo Shuji will focus all his efforts on the Bei Xi royal court... He definitely won't cause trouble with the envoy from the court..."

Yuan Zhen countered, "But you're not entirely sure, right? He's been poisoned with the Sterility Venom; perhaps his days are numbered, so he might go into a frenzied revenge. Otherwise, why would the war start so abruptly? Didn't you also say that the Jingbei King agreed to marry the princess because he lacked the strength to rebel? Now, launching a hasty attack means he's finally lost patience! Wouldn't I be walking straight into his wrath? He might even use me as a sacrificial banner! I'll have plenty of chances to earn the Emperor's trust if I survive, but I only have one life..."

Luo Shiming stomped his foot. "Second Prince, seize the moment! I'll send capable retainers to secretly protect you... Your unusual refusal will trigger the Emperor's suspicion, making him wonder why you're so afraid. This might implicate Empress Dowager and the Luo family! Last time, it was only thanks to the Qinghou Guards that we managed to cover things up; we can't afford another investigation!"

Yuan Zhen's expression darkened. "Uncle, everyone knows how ruthless and bloodthirsty Guo Shuji is. Are you urging me to take such a risk because you think, with the Bei Xi princess here, I've lost Father's favor, and you want to support Fifth Brother instead? Mother still has Fifth Brother, and you have other nephews, but I have only one life. I can't endanger the Luo family's prosperity like this!"

Luo Shiming was stunned. Their eyes locked, and a chill rose from the soles of his feet as he broke out in a cold sweat under Yuan Zhen's icy glare.

Yuan Zhen flicked his sleeve and strode away.

Luo Shiming's face was as pale as gold paper. He stood there in a daze for a moment before leaving with a desolate air.

In the Treasure Palace.

Rong Bi was unexpectedly visited by the Third Prince, Yuan Ya.

Yuan Ya's complexion was ghastly white, but he still managed a forced smile when he saw Rong Bi. "Big brother, I've been commanded to embark on an embassy to Jingbei. If you have any words for our elder sister, you can tell me, and I'll make sure to convey them."

Rong Bi asked, "Why did His Majesty suddenly decide to send you to Jingbei?"

Knowing that the Crown Prince would inquire about this, Yuan Ya recounted the day's events in court before saying, "Father has ordered me to visit Elder Sister and the Duke of Jingbei to understand the reason behind his sudden mobilization. I thought you must be missing Elder Sister, so I specially requested Father to allow me to come and visit you. He agreed."

Rong Bi's expression shifted slightly. "Why the sudden attack on Bei Xi?" Back in Jingbei, there had been no signs of preparation for war. Even the Princess and the Crown Prince, in their previous analysis, believed that the Duke of Jingbei still needed time to recuperate and build up his strength... This sudden turn of events—could it have something to do with the Princess's pregnancy? And was the recent unexpected search of the palace connected to it? The Grand Tutor had requested to lead the battle on the Crown Prince's behalf, but the Emperor denied this and instead sent the inexperienced Third Prince as the supervisor. Furthermore, the Duke Ding, who had close ties with Princess Yi Yang, was also dispatched.

It seemed as if something significant had occurred or was about to occur, but she didn't know what. A faint sense of unease crept into her heart.

Noticing the Crown Prince's change in color, Yuan Ya clearly understood what he was thinking. Reaching out, he grasped Rong Bi's wrist. His hand was clammy and cold as he lowered his voice. "Brother, Second Brother was willing to defy the imperial command publicly rather than go. Our mother said there must be something suspicious about this. Mother said... said for me to seek your advice, Big Brother. What guidance can you offer me?"

Rong Bi: "..."

She fell silent for a moment before whispering softly, "Please tell Eldest Sister that I am well. Ask her not to worry about me. Unfortunately, due to my weakened state, I must remain in the palace to recuperate and cannot visit her. I have already instructed my people to pray for Eldest Sister and Young Prince at the Mercy Temple."

As Yuan Ya listened, his eyelashes drooped. He observed the Crown Prince dip his finger into the tea and gently write the character "Zheng" on the table. Then, he casually withdrew his hand, and with the sweep of his wide sleeves, the trace of the character vanished.