Chapter 332: The Power Struggle Continues

Chapter 332: The Power Struggle in Progress

"Secondly, the former commander of the Northern Frontier Army, Commander Xie, took command in a time of crisis, rallied the remaining troops and local men of Zhenzhi Pass, took out the bandit leaders, secured Zhenzhi Pass, and led the people to fight against the Northern Hu forces, protecting the elderly, weak, women, and children of Zhenzhi Pass."

"At this stage, the former commander of the Northern Frontier Army, Commander Xie, along with the remaining soldiers of Zhenzhi Pass and all fighting-age men, fought bravely against the enemy. His Majesty and the imperial court should recognize their service accordingly."

"All fallen troops and townsfolk must be remembered."

"Thirdly, I, Commander Qiao, led my troops to provide support and witnessed Gao Fuyan personally killing the *Left Wise King* of the Northern Hu, causing chaos in the Northern Hu army."

"At this stage, Gao Fuyan’s heroics are undeniable."

"Gao Fuyan has both heroism and mistakes."

"To objectively and comprehensively evaluate Gao Fuyan’s heroism and mistakes, I believe it is necessary to inform the General of Gao Fuyan’s past."

Hearing this, Liu Jingyuan frowned.

Gao Fuyan was a rising star with a brilliant future during Emperor Jingxiang’s reign. As for what happened after the change in reign, it was no secret.

Because he was close to the two young masters of the Xie family and once questioned His Majesty in court, the Emperor regarded him as a member of the Xie faction and coldly ordered the exile of Gao Fuyan’s entire family.

Xie Yan’s gaze swept steadily across the crowd as he spoke firmly, "The elderly mother of former Vice Minister of War Gao Fuyan, after being whipped by officers, unfortunately fell seriously ill with a high fever that would not subside. She eventually passed away on the journey into exile."

"Gao Fuyan’s flower-like twin daughters chose death over dishonor and refused to submit to the officers, also dying on the road to exile."

"Gao Fuyan’s full brother, when the Northern Hu cavalry attacked Zhenzhi Pass, returned cruelty with courage by risking his life to light the beacon fire."

"The beacon fire did not bring reinforcements from Shengyan Pass. Gao Fuyan’s brother was shot dead by the Northern Hu cavalry and then trampled beyond recognition by horses, leaving no remains."

"His wife, who had stood by him through hardship for over a decade, was forcibly taken by the bandits recruited and pardoned by General Qin. Unable to bear the humiliation, she bit her tongue to preserve her chastity."

"Gao Fuyan’s only son was abducted by those bandits flaunting their armor, kept as a plaything for their amusement and humiliation."

"The Gao family—three generations—were wiped out piece by piece, directly or indirectly, at the hands of the Daqian court."

"This is Gao Fuyan’s past."

The army first buzzed with shock, then fell into tomb-like silence.

The soldiers in the army all had parents, siblings, wives, and children, making it easy for them to empathize. Joining the army was not only to serve the country but also to earn glory and provide for their families.

If their entire families died in such a tragic and unjust manner...

It was too painful to imagine, for the thought alone filled them with rage.

Xie Yan gave the soldiers time to ponder and weigh the matter. After a moment, he continued, "Fourthly."

"I, Commander Qiao, request recognition for myself and my troops."

"They are loyal to Daqian, fought bravely, and disregarded their own lives."

"Fifthly." Xie Yan said with a thin smile. "After the bloody battle and rest, General Liu sought to turn his blade against the brave warriors and those who had contributed. I, being of low rank and little influence, dare not easily pass judgment on General Liu’s actions. I ask that General Liu truthfully record this and submit it to His Majesty for a decision."

"I have finished speaking."

"Has General Liu remembered it all?"

Liu Jingyuan’s face turned to stone.

Now I see, Qiao Song is provoking him!

Is he actually angling for my position?

His position as commander of the Northern Frontier Army was granted by His Majesty and Grand Tutor Qin—no one can just take it away.

"I remember perfectly well."

"The reason I initially recorded General Qiao as a traitor conspiring with the enemy was due to a secret report I received. If it was just a misunderstanding, clearing it up should suffice."

Xie Yan replied calmly, "General Liu is the commander of the Northern Frontier Army. If you say so, then so be it. I wouldn't dare object."

"Might I ask when General Liu plans to submit the battle report?"

Liu Jingyuan narrowed his eyes, the killing intent in his gaze almost palpable.

Was Xie Yan dictating a battle report?

No, it was a straight-up plea for rewards!

And for the very people His Majesty wants dead.

In today's court, what official would be fool enough to mention Old Master Xie old man before His Majesty?

If he dared to request merit for Old Master Xie, His Majesty would surely make Old Master Xie bury his whole damn family.

An icy dread shot up his spine. Instinctively, he tightened his grip on the horse's flank—too forcefully—causing the steed to let out a sharp whinny.

Liu Jingyuan came to his senses and quickly soothed the horse.

Only then did he reply, "I will write it upon returning to Shengyan Pass."

Xie Yan raised an eyebrow. "Good that you're willing to write it."

"As a lowly general serving under you, it is my duty to shoulder your burdens and celebrate your victories, to think what you think, and to act with urgency where you deem necessary."

He then took the prepared battle report from an aide beside him and flung it down to Liu Jingyuan below the city wall. "Commander, please affix your seal."

"Every word in this report is true—not a word exaggerated, not a lie told."

Liu Jingyuan almost passed out from rage.

Is he out of his damn mind?

Gritting his teeth, Liu Jingyuan said, "That secret report business has yet to be fully investigated."

"Once I return to Shengyan Pass and get to the bottom of this, I will include it all in my report to His Majesty."

"Have it your way, Commander." Xie Yan did not press further.

After all, the battle report would be posted all over the streets of Shengyan Pass by tomorrow.

In a few days, it would spread throughout Daqian.

Could Liu Jingyuan and that palace-dwelling emperor still try to weasel out of it then?

"Qiao Song, Zhenzhiguan's been relieved. You will accompany me back to Shengyan Pass to help get to the bottom of this."

Xie Yan asked in a low voice, "Then which camp does the General plan to station at Zhenzhi Pass? Don’t tell me you’re washing your hands of this—with the defending general having fled and the garrison troops decimated to half strength, Zhenzhi Pass is defenseless."

"If the Northern Hu tribes rally, Zhenzhi Pass will surely fall."

"If the General has no proper arrangements, I’ll stake my life and defend Zhenzhi Pass until the court appoints a new commander."

Liu Jingyuan gritted his teeth.

To think Qiao Song was also a supporter of the Xie family, bending over backwards to protect Old Master Xie.

He’d been fooled by Qiao Song’s facade and personally promoted him.

Liu Jingyuan glanced around, at a loss for whom to choose.

"You can paint a man’s skin but never his bones; know his face but never his heart."

After Qiao Song’s betrayal, everyone now looked like traitors.

After much deliberation, Liu Jingyuan’s gaze settled on Tian Binjun [to Tian Binjun].

His brother-in-law.

Their fates intertwined.

If Tian Binjun could eliminate the threat at Zhenzhi Pass for the Emperor, then killing General Qin wouldn’t even be an issue.

Liu Jingyuan beckoned to Tian Binjun, "Come here."

"Elder Brother," Tian Binjun dismounted, confused.

"You will lead your troops to replace Qiao Song and defend Zhenzhi Pass against any Northern Hu cavalry attack."

Tian Binjun shook his head without hesitation, muttering, "Elder Brother, I don’t want to."

"If General Qin himself fell there, how could I?"

"It’s too dangerous."

Liu Jingyuan frowned deeply. "Then pick someone to accompany you—someone you trust most, preferably with mutual stakes."

"Binjun," Liu Jingyuan lowered his voice, "Your lavish lifestyle depends on whether you can keep Zhenzhi Pass quiet."

"I’ll make sure Qiao Song stays silent."

Dragging his feet, Tian Binjun waved at someone.

"Qiao Song, are you happy now?"

"Take your troops and leave Zhenzhi Pass."

Xie Yan replied, "Of course."

"General, give my men another half-hour to rest."

"Was it you who kidnapped the Lu family’s young lady?"