Chapter 0036: The Letter

Chapter 0036: The Letter

Xiao Rong listened for a while before he understood what they wanted from him.

It was still about Huang Keji.

Feeling both amused and touched, Xiao Rong realized that the world was indeed complex. Although the development of the scholar class had caused other classes to decline, it was precisely because of these scholars who persisted in upholding noble qualities and fighting for them that the rulers were indirectly restrained, forcing them to put on a facade of benevolence.

Regarding Huang Keji, Xiao Rong hadn't thought much at first. His original plan was to reprimand Huang Yanjiong and make contact with Huang Keji, planting a seed in his mind to encourage him to fight against Huang Yanjiong internally. If Huang Keji could break away from Huang Yanjiong, the Northern Pacification Army would support him. In the future, if he succeeded, Xiao Rong would have Qu Yunmie shower him with benefits—firstly as a reward, and secondly to show others what they could gain by aligning with the Northern Pacification King.

Qu Yunmie had few people in his family, and the land of Central China was vast. Although feudal states could no longer exist, the title of king was still necessary. Xiao Rong believed that with Huang Keji's status, he could be a powerless, leisurely king of a different surname, enjoying wealth and honor all his life.

If he were made a king, no one could say Qu Yunmie was ungrateful.

Xiao Rong felt this plan was sound, but after hearing Yu Shaoxie and Gao Xunzhi's concerns, he remembered that Huang Keji was only sixteen years old. The premise of his plan was that Huang Keji could carve out a path of blood from Jianning, requiring sufficient character and means to match Huang Yanjiong, then receive rewards from Xiao Rong. It seemed a bit too demanding.

For a moment, Xiao Rong felt guilty, attributing the reason to being too tired last night, which led to an immature idea. Rubbing his face, which was a bit numb from sleep, he nodded casually under the expectant gazes of the two men and prepared to get up.

Once he was ready, he went to find Qu Yunmie. Upon hearing that he had finally woken up, Qu Yunmie instructed the guards to notify Huang Yanjiong.

It turned out that Huang Yanjiong had come early in the morning, but since Xiao Rong was still sleeping, Qu Yunmie had been the one to talk with him. Qu Yunmie hadn't even understood why Xiao Rong had called him, so he couldn't receive them alone.

After hearing Qu Yunmie explain why he had kept Huang Yanjiong waiting for an hour and a half, Xiao Rong felt numb.

This was the price of staying with Qu Yunmie—not only watching him offend people but also watching him offend them on his behalf.

But now that it had happened, Xiao Rong couldn't salvage it. He sat down beside Qu Yunmie, waiting for Huang Yanjiong to enter.

Yesterday, three people had entered together; today, there were only two. Huang Keji didn't come.

Today, Huang Yanjiong had changed his attitude, appearing humble and kind, completely different from his provocative demeanor yesterday.

He was polite, and Xiao Rong was even more so. He stood up and greeted Huang Yanjiong with clasped hands, "Did you sleep well, Governor Huang?"

Huang Yanjiong smiled, "Very well, very well. I slept through the night without dreams."

Xiao Rong also smiled, looking even more charming, "I envy you, Governor Huang. I wanted to sleep well too, but I had nightmares halfway through the night. I dreamt of a broken sword stuck in the gate of Chenliu. That's a terrible omen."

Huang Yanjiong: "…………"

Xiao Rong's expression became slightly serious as he spoke, but then he smiled again, "But I think this is just a reflection of my thoughts, not a real omen. What do you think, Governor Huang?"

His quick change of expression left Huang Yanjiong struggling to keep up, managing only a stiff smile.

Sitting down, Xiao Rong said slowly, "There are several interpretations of the broken sword omen: bloodshed, encountering villains, or failure in endeavors. But I don't consider this an omen because The King is valiant and invincible. No one can harm The King, let alone villains or demons. As for the third omen, it's impossible. The King's current goal is to attack the Xianbei. Now that Governor Huang has arrived in Chenliu, you will surely join The King in defeating the Xianbei. How could there be any failure?"

Huang Yanjiong's smile grew increasingly strained. It all boiled down to wanting him to send troops. Fine, he had already accepted it; he'd just pretend to be ill when he returned.

Huang Yanjiong gritted his teeth and bowed to Qu Yunmie, "Your subordinate is unworthy, but I am willing to lead five thousand troops from Jianning to fight alongside The King against the Xianbei."

Xiao Rong: "……"

Five thousand? Is that supposed to be a joke?

Even Yu Shaocheng had brought six thousand troops when he defected.

Knowing his poor eloquence, Qu Yunmie looked at Xiao Rong instead of responding.

Honestly, he thought it was good enough that Huang Yanjiong was sending troops. Whether it was five thousand or fifty thousand didn't matter to him; he was going to lead thirty thousand troops anyway.

Sitting calmly, Xiao Rong responded with a cool smile, "It seems Governor Huang's sincerity is limited."

Huang Yanjiong: "Jianning is impoverished, and I have few troops at my disposal…"

Xiao Rong interrupted him, "No matter how impoverished a place is, it can't have only five thousand troops. In the campaign against the Xianbei, The King is the leader and initiator. To strike the Xianbei decisively, he will lead all the Northern Pacification Army north! With such courage, Governor Huang should emulate him. After all, the people have suffered long under the Xianbei. Many civilians have died under their hooves, and the young emperor's untimely death was also caused by the Xianbei. As the governor appointed by the court, you should serve the emperor faithfully. If you bring only five thousand troops, how can you prove your loyalty to the court and gain the emperor's favor? The King contacted no one else but Governor Huang first, precisely because of the kindness shown to the Huang family. Why don't you understand The King's intentions in this beneficial endeavor for the country and its people?"

Qu Yunmie: "…………"

What intentions?

Huang Yanjiong stared blankly at Xiao Rong. Intentions? Could Qu Yunmie have such sophisticated thoughts?

Zhou Liang silently watched the ground, seemingly unaffected, but he had moved Xiao Rong from his list of grudges to his list of formidable opponents.

Clever people would understand Xiao Rong's intentions from the start, but Huang Yanjiong and Qu Yunmie needed more time.

Xiao Rong took a sip of tea, moistening his throat, and prepared to have a heart-to-heart conversation with Huang Yanjiong.

"Governor Huang, let me be frank. North of the Huai River, everything is in ruins. The King's troops may seem numerous, but they are mixed in quality. Many things are beyond his control. The campaign against the Xianbei is crucial, but a single thread cannot form a rope, and a lone tree cannot make a forest. This battle's outcome is uncertain, so we need Governor Huang's full support. No, not we, but the people and the emperor need it!"

Huang Yanjiong: "……"

Do you really think I'll believe that my presence guarantees victory? Who would believe that!

Xiao Rong knew he wouldn't believe it, so he began painting a rosy picture. Even though the letters hadn't been sent yet, Xiao Rong talked as if those people were already on their way, each bringing thousands of troops. Together, they would easily defeat the Xianbei. They had chosen to contact Huang Yanjiong separately because some benefits could only be given to the Huang family.

Xiao Rong didn't mention Huang Yanjiong by name, referring only to the Huang family. This was where Qu Yunmie felt guilty. Huang Yanjiong always looked down on Qu Yunmie because he bore the Huang name, placing him above Qu Yunmie in terms of righteousness.

Offering benefits to Huang Yanjiong wouldn't work, but mentioning gratitude to the Huang family made it more believable.

Observing his expression, Xiao Rong dropped a bombshell, "The Huang family's main branch is in Jiangzhou, and Governor Huang's brother has spent his life operating in Lujiang. You grew up in Lujiang. Do you wish to return there?"

Huang Yanjiong's face changed.

Of course, he did, in his dreams. One reason was that it was the place he had been expelled from, and another was that Lujiang was far richer than Jianning and close to Jinling, making it convenient for him to rise up!

But he only smiled cautiously, "Where I serve is the emperor's decision. I have no complaints."

Huang Yanjiong chuckled. "Governor Ling, don't joke."

Xiao Rong: "I am not joking. Because of the King, your brother was stripped of his position as the governor of Lujiang. This has always been a thorn in the King's heart. By joining forces with Governor Huang to attack the Xianbei, we aim to add strength to the Northern Pacification Army and also remove this thorn, restoring everything to its rightful place. The Xianbei are not only a major concern for the King but also for the court. If Governor Huang contributes significantly to the attack on the Xianbei, the King can petition His Majesty and the Grand Chancellor to have you reassigned."

Huang Yanjiong glanced at Xiao Rong, this time without even a chuckle.

Seeing his reaction, Xiao Rong couldn't help but smile. "Governor Huang does not believe the King can make this happen. You should know that the King and the Grand Chancellor frequently correspond. Last year, they met in Huaiyin, feasting and drinking together. This year, the King visited Pingyang and had a pleasant conversation with the governor there."

Huang Yanjiong was taken aback. He looked up at Qu Yunmie, who blinked and then coldly turned away.

He did indeed visit those places, but not quite as Xiao Rong described... Well, it was none of his business.

Seeing this, Xiao Rong added, "This reassignment is not easy to arrange. The King can only facilitate it; ultimately, it depends on what Governor Huang does. Additionally, the King has three requests. If Governor Huang agrees to them, the King will feel more at ease."

There were conditions. Hearing this, Huang Yanjiong found it normal. He still didn't decide whether to believe or not, but he wanted to know what Qu Yunmie's conditions were.

Xiao Rong told him: first, send high-quality gold and silver treasures to Chenliu, which they would deliver to His Majesty on Huang Yanjiong's behalf; second, write a personal letter thanking Qu Yunmie for helping the Huang family and declaring that all past grievances between their families are settled; third, announce to everyone that all his possessions will be inherited by Huang Keji.

Xiao Rong calmly stated these three conditions, and even Zhou Liang looked up at him. Xiao Rong made no attempt to hide his knowledge of Huang Keji's existence. Huang Yanjiong and Zhou Liang exchanged glances, each harboring their own thoughts.

Huang Yanjiong had completely relaxed. Initially, Xiao Rong seemed so generous, offering Lujiang back without any strings attached, which made Huang Yanjiong wary. Now, he understood that the offer to reassign him was actually a way to buy out Qu Yunmie's relationship with the Huang family, ensuring he could never use it against Qu Yunmie again.

The treasures would naturally end up in Qu Yunmie's pocket; the pretense of delivering them to the emperor was just an excuse. They were simply coveting the wealth of the Huang family, hoping to take advantage of the situation. The only thing that surprised Huang Yanjiong was the third condition.

They seemed to care about Huang Keji's fate, which was laughable.

Huang Yanjiong hadn't realized he was starting to underestimate Qu Yunmie again. Upon realizing that all this was merely to eliminate the Huang family's leverage over Qu Yunmie, Huang Yanjiong felt triumphant. He stopped questioning the truthfulness of Xiao Rong's words, knowing that this issue was a thorn in Qu Yunmie's side, and Qu Yunmie would do anything to resolve it.

However, not only was Qu Yunmie being manipulated, but Huang Yanjiong himself was too. Jianning was perfect except for its remoteness. He desperately wanted to return to Lujiang.

Initially, he was reluctant to join the military campaign, but if doing so could earn him credit and bring him back to Lujiang, it would be worth it. Huang Yanjiong began negotiating with Xiao Rong, becoming increasingly aggressive. Under his pressure, Xiao Rong had to agree to get a letter from the emperor or the Grand Chancellor authorizing the military campaign.

Once he saw the letter, he would, as Xiao Rong promised, contribute significantly to the attack on the Xianbei.

Xiao Rong gritted his teeth but did not back down, insisting that the treasures must be delivered promptly so he could speak to the emperor.

Money was not as crucial as troops or supplies, and the Huang family had plenty of it. Huang Yanjiong agreed on the spot and left with a smug smile.

Qu Yunmie watched him go, longing for his Snow-Drinking Spear.

With no outsiders present, Qu Yunmie frowned at Xiao Rong. "Just to get him to join the campaign, you really plan to ask the emperor for a letter?"

Xiao Rong slowly sipped his tea, then smiled slightly. "Does the King remember why I initially proposed uniting with these people to attack the Xianbei?"

Qu Yunmie recalled. "Because building Chenliu requires money." Xiao Rong nodded.

Qu Yunmie: "So you just want his treasures?"

Wouldn't it still be a drop in the bucket?

Xiao Rong gave him a look of pity.

Qu Yunmie: "..."

At this moment, Xiao Rong stood up, feeling pleased. He tilted his head and said to Qu Yunmie, "The world's wealth is divided into ten measures; five measures belong to the noble families, and five measures belong to the emperor. Huang Yanjiong... he is merely an unexpected bonus on the road to hunting tigers, at most a rabbit. But it is precisely the scent of the rabbit that lures the tiger out."

"Rest assured, Your Majesty. Money, supplies, and men—all will be ready before the King sets out. We will win this battle without doubt."