Chapter 44 Ambush

Chapter 44: The Assault

In the capital, spring was in its glory. The grass was lush, and orioles darted through the air, with occasional misty drizzles. Distant mountains were veiled in hazy, dark-green hues, while willows by the ponds were a fresh, new green—a splendid spring scene.

Emperor Yonghe had assumed Xiao Yunlang's trip to the frontier would be like previous ones: simply keeping the bandit threat outside the gates. If he wanted to pursue and fight beyond the border, the court could simply refuse to approve it. In short, it wouldn't cost much money or grain.

Emperor Yonghe had even hinted to the Marshal of the Army, the Marquis of Zhenxi, that he could throw a wrench in Xiao Yunlang's plans. That way, he could claim some credit for quelling the bandits, and next year's military provisions for the frontier could also be negotiated more favorably.

With his mind at ease, Emperor Yonghe freed up his hands to secretly sow the seeds of trouble for the seemingly flourishing Wei family. These days, he hadn't given much thought to the Crown Prince.

Then, urgent military reports suddenly arrived from the front.

The Yarong had crossed the border and launched an invasion.

Emperor Yonghe, who had just felt everything was going smoothly and was even contemplating amusing himself with some stones: "..."

Not smooth at all!

Over the years, there had been constant minor friction with various Western Regions states, but most of the time, the other side operated under the guise of mounted bandits or involved only one or two small squad skirmishes.

This time, however, was clearly different.

The report stated that the Yarong had launched a surprise attack on a patrol camp at the junction of Shuozhou and Yizhou. The patrol camp's main duties were observation and circulating patrols; they had few personnel, were injured, and had to retreat twenty *li*. Ganguan Pass had already dispatched troops for support.

Also attached was a letter from the Marquis of Zhenxi.

The Marquis of Zhenxi's opinion was that since the Yarong had invaded, our dynasty should retaliate, directly increasing troops to capture two of their cities.

Emperor Yonghe sat upright on the dragon throne, the lines between his brows deepening into furrows in the silence. The air in the hall grew stagnant.

Even before the court session began, Emperor Yonghe had already gone through stages of anger, calm, and contemplation. Thus, his fury wasn't as visible now, though his voice still carried a tinge of displeasure: "What are your views on this matter?"

Xiao Yunlang was still at the frontier. The Wei family were keen to keep him from gaining any military merit. The Prince of Jin shot a meaningful glance at Wei Chengsi.

Wei Chengsi then adopted a conciliatory tone: "If the Yarong truly dare to invade, then they are indeed audacious. However, the courier report mentions an attack on a patrol camp."

"Your subject believes that patrol camps have few personnel. Could it be, as in the past, a minor friction that could be negotiated? The situation is still unclear. For the Marquis of Zhenxi to rashly advocate for war now—isn't that somewhat hasty?"

This almost explicitly suggested that the Marquis of Zhenxi might be glory-seeking, deceiving about the true situation, and single-mindedly wanting to attack the enemy's homeland.

Setting aside how the Minister of War might internally mingle with these factions, externally, he was a staunch advocate for war. How could he tolerate such aggression on our own territory? He could not!

"Your Majesty, the Marquis of Zhenxi has guarded the frontier for many years and understands the situation there best. In recent years, the various states of the Western Regions have grown increasingly arrogant. Those so-called 'mounted bandits' are their own soldiers!"

The Minister of War was emotionally charged, his voice louder than Wei Chengsi's: "Your subject has long advocated striking back to teach them a lesson. While war should not be entered into lightly, we cannot allow them to run rampant either!"

Though the Minister's voice was loud, when agitated, his speech was all emotion, lacking the reasoned arguments that could truly sway Emperor Yonghe. Therefore, the Emperor let him vent but did not respond much.

The Vice Minister of War then deliberately sought to ease the tension, speaking up: "The Marquis is steady, not one for vainglory. For many years, he has reported all matters to the court dutifully and properly. This decision must surely be the result of careful deliberation."

This pulled the Minister of War's emotions back a bit, and he realized his earlier points hadn't hit the mark. He raised his voice: "Exactly!"

Emperor Yonghe swept his gaze around, taking in the expressions of those below. His eyes paused when they landed on Ji Songbai.

While others showed varying degrees of agitation, this elderly minister in his sixties remained exceptionally calm, as if any storm could settle around him.

Ji Songbai came from a humble background and had been inconspicuous since entering officialdom. He was no genius and seemed not to have accomplished any major feats, yet he had smoothly reached his current position and was remembered by the Emperor when establishing the Grand Secretariat.

He knew how to protect himself, being neither overly obsequious nor overly offensive to anyone. To have navigated steadily under the pressure of the two major families, Jiang and Wei—who could say that wasn't a skill in itself?

Observing his demeanor, Emperor Yonghe found his own mood inexplicably calming somewhat. His voice softened slightly: "Elder Ji, you speak. Should this war be fought?"

Instantly, all eyes turned toward him.

After Jiang Linque's death, the position of Chief Grand Secretary remained vacant. Wei Chengsi, the Assistant Grand Secretary, had not been promoted, and some other Grand Secretaries harbored their own ambitions. Only Ji Songbai remained as he was, seemingly truly indifferent to fame and fortune.

Ji Songbai lowered his hands. Though his voice was aged, it was not weak. He spoke unhurriedly: "Your subject believes that what Official Wei said is not without reason."

Wei Chengsi immediately raised his ceremonial tablet slightly. The Minister of War was so angry he blew at his beard, about to speak, but the Vice Minister of War rolled his eyes and quietly advised his superior.

Distracted, the Minister of War fell silent, and Ji Songbai continued: "Going to war is no trivial matter. The frontier situation indeed cannot be judged based on one person's account alone. For the sake of prudence, an official could be dispatched to investigate."

These words truly struck a chord with Emperor Yonghe. Precisely. Frankly, he was distrustful. After the initial anger upon receiving the military report, upon reflection, he found the timing of the Yarong invasion too coincidental.

He was inherently suspicious; wouldn't his paranoia run wild now?

But could he, the supreme ruler, openly say in court that he, without cause, suspected the long-serving, meritorious Marshal of the Army?

He could not.

Emperor Yonghe needed a step down. Look at them, only knowing to argue for their petty selfish interests, utterly lacking perception!

Visibly more at ease, Emperor Yonghe wanted to hear what else Ji Songbai had to say.

Ji Songbai: "But if it is true, and we do not fight, it would make Daqi appear afraid of a small barbarian state."

Emperor Yonghe frowned.

Ji Songbai's tone remained unruffled throughout: "Within the past six months, frequent dispatches from the frontier have reported mounted bandits harassing the people. Their audacity stems from our failure to inflict real pain on them. Thus, the various states of the Western Regions see this method as effective and emulate one another, plundering Daqi's wealth and grain, and harming Daqi's people."

Emperor Yonghe straightened slightly. The Minister of War's anger had left him unmoved, but in this emotionless recitation, he began to feel uneasy.

"If the Yarong have indeed invaded this time, and we again do nothing, the various states of the Western Regions will once again perceive Daqi's stance. What do the esteemed officials present think they will conclude?"

After saying this, he held his ceremonial tablet and lowered his eyes, falling silent.

But whispers had already broken out in the court hall. The Minister of War seized the opportunity: "What will they think? Nothing more than that we are turtles hiding in their shells—mmph—!"

Ji Songbai seemed to only analyze pros and cons, not making any decision for the Emperor. When the Emperor asked whether to fight, he gave no direct answer.

Yet, after that speech, once the civil officials recorded the court proceedings, if Emperor Yonghe still said not to fight, what would that make him? An incompetent ruler who disregarded the people's suffering and feared battle?

Sending an official to verify the situation would take time. During the round trip, what if a reputation for cowardice spread first in the west?

Emperor Yonghe's face darkened like ink. Yet, Ji Songbai's words had all resonated with him. Emperor Yonghe aspired to be a capable, accomplished, and wise ruler, valuing face and reputation.

What he could least bear was the idea that, a hundred years later, someone might pin the blame for the people's suffering on his incompetence.

Currently, the benefits of removing the Jiang family had not yet manifested in the nation's strength, and the common people might not feel the change. With the state treasury full, this war was not unwinnable.

Victory could elevate Emperor Yonghe's prestige further.

Emperor Yonghe pressed his hand against the arm of the dragon throne, shifting his weight slightly: "If we are to fight, how should we fight?"

The Minister of War finally managed to speak coherently and said quickly, "Order the Marquis of Zhenxi to mobilize thirty thousand troops from the Northwestern Army to join forces with the garrisons of Shuozhou and Yizhou. Subduing the minor Yarong tribe and the mounted bandits should certainly not be a problem."

Wouldn't mobilizing these two garrisons give the Crown Prince something to do? Seeing that Emperor Yonghe had already made up his mind to go to war, Prince of Jin spoke up: "The northern front is quiet. Why not have the Marquis of Zhenxi directly lead sixty thousand troops, while the garrisons of Shuozhou and Yizhou remain behind the passes in reserve?"

The newly appointed Minister of Revenue stepped forward and shot back coldly at Prince of Jin’s words: "If sixty thousand troops march from the Northwestern Camp, the consumption of provisions would double, and the transport manpower would also double. Where's the money coming from? Where will the grain be drawn from? Moreover, while there are no urgent conflicts in the north for now, there are still barbarian raiders. If too many troops are withdrawn, who will ensure they don't get any ideas? Will it be you, Your Highness Prince of Jin?"

This Minister of Revenue, who took office after Jiang Linque’s death, was a tough nut—resilient to the core.

He had been framed by influential families, experienced several ups and downs in his official career, been imprisoned, demoted, exiled, and even wounded, nearly dying at their hands. Unexpectedly, the tables turned, and he still had the chance to serve as Minister of Revenue.

In short, this man was afraid of no one and held nothing back. If he were to serve as a Censor in the Censorate, certain people in the court would be cursed out three times a day.

Including the emperor.

Emperor Yonghe truly disliked his foul temper, but with no one else suitable, he had to grit his teeth and appoint him.

Later in the court, everyone argued back and forth, already discussing how to fight rather than whether to fight at all.

Ji Songbai fell silent. He lowered his head, staring at his court shoes, listening to those around him, and sighed inwardly.

Your Highness the Crown Prince, there is still a long way to go before the Daqi court can return to the state it was during Emperor Gaozong’s reign.

"This is the final deliberation result."

Once court was dismissed, with the help of household guards, Liu Hexuan secretly entered the Eastern Palace and brought the news to Jiang Yanzhou.

Emperor Yonghe agreed to send troops. Thirty thousand would be mobilized from the Northwestern Camp to fight alongside Xiao Yunlang’s garrison forces. However, he intended to send trusted civilian officials with the grain transport convoy to the west to investigate and report back.

Liu Hexuan was one of the investigating officials.

At the same time, the emperor also planned to send an army supervisor.

"Many candidates were proposed for the supervisor, but His Majesty did not approve any of them."

Liu Hexuan smiled meaningfully at Jiang Yanzhou: "It seems His Majesty has completely bought your little act at the Ministry of War recently."

Jiang Yanzhou sipped the Yunwu Baiya Tea, his voice soft amid the fragrant steam: "He needs someone to make trouble, and trouble aimed solely at His Highness. With officials accompanying to supervise, that person certainly won’t be able to cause any catastrophe big enough to affect the whole army on the way."

"The Wei family’s reaction ensured the emperor wouldn’t let them have any hand in border affairs. So, all things considered, you are the most suitable candidate."

Moreover, the Ministry of War had submitted a memorial to the Grand Secretariat.

The memorial wasn’t about recommending candidates but reporting on war preparations. However, since Jiang Yanzhou had been ordered to frequent the Ministry of War, when compiling documents, it was inevitable to make a passing mention of the Crown Prince's Consort.

Emperor Yonghe might not think of Jiang Yanzhou for other matters, but when it came to making things difficult for Xiao Yunlang, Jiang Yanzhou was now the only choice.

Wasn’t that why Emperor Yonghe kept Jiang Yanzhou around?

Liu Hexuan made a move on the board, sighing as he looked at the game: "Young Master Jiang’s chess skills have also improved greatly."

From Jiang Linque’s execution to his plea for mercy being blocked, almost everyone except their own confidants believed that Jiang Yanzhou must be consumed by hatred for Xiao Yunlang.

Jiang Yanzhou was excellent in every way, except he couldn’t handle praise well. Others might become arrogant when praised, but he would instantly slip from master strategist back into being a bashful youth.

Young Master Jiang lowered his eyelashes shyly: "I still have a long way to go."

Liu Hexuan smiled: "I’m just stating the truth. Young Master should have more confidence in yourself."

As for confidence, Jiang Yanzhou could now stay steady on a horse by himself. Although he was still wobbly at a gallop, he could handle a short ride just fine.

Moreover, he could feel his health had improved. Although he slept later and rose earlier than before, he was full of energy. Going on long journeys again would certainly not be a problem.

The two talked for a while longer, and Liu Hexuan left as secretly as he had come, under the guards' escort.

Jiang Yanzhou then stood up and went to the study.

By the window, two or three branches of crabapple leaned gracefully in a celadon vase, droplets of water hanging from their petal tips, about to fall but not quite. The pearl in Jiang Yanzhou’s hair faintly reflected the light of the droplets, yet the person outshone the flowers.

Jiang Yanzhou reached out and opened a box, already filled with letters from Xiao Yunlang.

Due to distance and delivery time, there were actually only a few. However, each of Xiao Yunlang’s letters was several pages long, so piled together, they made for a decent stack.

There were indeed many reasons to move against Yarong. As it turned out, Xiao Yunlang didn’t use the one he had casually mentioned to Pei Jingchen. Instead, after discussing with the Marquis of Zhenxi, he settled on a more reliable strategy.

Of course, no one from the patrol camp was injured. The camp’s retreat was merely a feint. After all, no one stipulated that once the tents were withdrawn, people couldn’t secretly advance and set up positions ahead, right?

Jiang Yanzhou gently touched the letter paper. It had been a month since he'd seen Xiao Yunlang.

In the past, a month didn’t feel long. When immersed in thought and official matters, he didn’t notice it either. Only when he received Xiao Yunlang’s letters would he suddenly feel as if time had dragged on.

Because it truly seemed like they hadn’t seen each other for a very, very long time.

Jiang Yanzhou stroked the letter, his heart fluttering like a tit flapping its wings: I’m coming to see you.

The thought of witnessing the young Emperor Wu’s heroic bearing on the battlefield made Jiang Yanzhou’s heartbeat quicken uncontrollably. However... if the world were peaceful and there were no need for war, that would be best.

Jiang Yanzhou withdrew his hand and closed the letter box.

The next day, Emperor Yonghe proposed an unexpected candidate for army supervisor in court: Jiang Yanzhou.

Prince of Jin and the Wei family were stunned for a long moment before gritting their teeth: A male consort could be used like this!?

To be fair, no law or ancestral rule stipulated that this couldn’t be done.

Because predecessors never imagined the dynasty would have a male principal consort.

A few days later, with provisions and manpower ready, the supply convoy set out in a grand procession toward the borderlands.

This time, Jiang Yanzhou could alternate between riding a horse and riding in a carriage, no longer having to endure the carriage's jolting constantly, which made the journey more comfortable.

However, this only lasted for a while.

Because the further west they went, the lighter and thinner the air became, as the terrain rose.

Yet the northwest they were heading to wasn’t particularly high in altitude. Everyone else was fine; one civilian official experienced slight tinnitus but adapted quickly.

Only Jiang Yanzhou showed obvious fatigue.

He gradually lost energy, often feeling drowsy, and had little appetite. However, knowing the importance, he forced himself to eat a few more bites for his health.

Fortunately, there were no worse symptoms like headaches or nausea, indicating the situation wasn’t too bad.

The accompanying physician prescribed medicine, saying that after taking it and adapting for a few more days, he would be fine.

But each person’s condition varied—it could take three days, seven days, or more.

Jiang Yanzhou also rode less, spending most of his time resting dizzily in the carriage, half-asleep.

The scenario Emperor Yonghe had hoped for—Jiang Yanzhou deliberately delaying the grain transport—did not occur. Time was the lives of the border troops. This wasn’t a leisurely outing; no one could slow the journey.

Jiang Yanzhou himself was even less up to it.

Otherwise, what would be the point of him having secured this opportunity?

Actually, his condition wasn't too bad. Although he tired easily, perhaps in a perverse way, the dizziness from the carriage ride made the jolts feel less severe.

After entering Yizhou, perhaps because his body had finally adapted somewhat, Jiang Yanzhou felt his bones weren't as weak anymore, and he could eat a bit more.

Feng Lan finally relaxed.

He kept feeling that Jiang Yanzhou looked like he'd lost more weight during the supply transport journey.

During a rest stop, Feng Lan unfolded a map and showed Jiang Yanzhou and Liu Hexuan: "According to recent news, His Highness had driven the mounted bandits to the foot of Mount Tenglian. If all goes smoothly, in two days, he will begin returning to Wangyue Pass along this route."

Feng Lan traced the route with his finger.

Adding in the travel time, Xiao Yunlang should arrive around the fourth day.

When entering Yizhou, Jiang Yanzhou and the others took the supply route lined with sentries along the way. However, once inside Yizhou, the transport team had to divide.

Part of the grain would go to Ganquan Pass, and part to Wangyue Pass.

Ganquan Pass needed more grain, so more people were assigned there. The civil officials all had to go to Wangyue Pass.

But among the personnel heading to Ganquan, there were no people he trusted, which also made him uneasy.

Jiang Yanzhou glanced at the other civil officials not far away, who dared not approach due to his status. After much thought, the most suitable person was only Feng Lan.

"Feng Lan, I want you to follow the other team to Ganquan Pass."

Feng Lan also knew that, aside from him, Jiang Yanzhou currently had no one else at hand who could handle this responsibility.

This trip was different from Congzhou. With Emperor Yonghe watching, Jiang Yanzhou couldn't directly take a large number of household guards from his residence. Feng Lan and two other guards had sneaked in under the guise of personal attendants.

But Feng Lan was worried about Jiang Yanzhou's health.

*Why do I have so little confidence in the young master's assurances on this?*

However, Jiang Yanzhou's spirits had recovered quite a bit; otherwise, Feng Lan wouldn't have relaxed earlier.

Seeing Feng Lan still not nodding, Jiang Yanzhou used his authority for the first time. But though it was a command, his tone suggested otherwise—it sounded more like a discussion, in a tone that was unpracticed. "His Highness said that in official matters, you should listen to me, right?"

Even as he said it, he worried it sounded too harsh.

Making the master resort to saying this was also a bodyguard's failing. How could he make the young master so cautious even when giving an order? Feng Lan was instantly flooded with shame. He hurriedly saluted with a fist-and-palm bow: "Yes, this subordinate obeys."

He called over the remaining two bodyguards, instructing them to take good care of Jiang Yanzhou's daily needs, going over every detail they needed to watch for.

After the team finished resting and set off again, Feng Lan followed the other group of men and horses, escorting the grain to Ganquan Pass.

A day later, Jiang Yanzhou's team reached a relay station, only one day's journey from Wangyue Pass.

That day, however, Jiang Yanzhou was genuinely worn out, listless and pale-faced. Forget riding a horse, even sitting in the carriage made him nauseous.

Clearly, his condition had really improved earlier, but he didn't know why he'd taken a turn for the worse.

Being outside, Liu Hexuan was mindful of his wording: "Then, Your Highness, please rest up here first. After we deliver the provisions to Wangyue Pass, we'll come back with men to get you."

Jiang Yanzhou truly had no strength to force himself. Besides, he had promised Feng Lan. He gave a drowsy nod, but even in this state, putting the mission first was still his instinct.

He insisted on keeping only the two bodyguards and the physician, instructing Liu Hexuan to take everyone else away.

The relay station near the border also had some personnel to protect the station and the logistics soldiers inside who relayed messages, making it very safe.

However, Liu Hexuan expended some effort in persuasion and finally managed to increase the number of people staying behind to ten.

Official Liu was probably facing Young Master Jiang's stubbornness directly for the first time, finding it both amusing and exasperating. But there was no more time to delay. After settling the people, he left with the rest of the group.

Jiang Yanzhou forced down a few bites of food to fill his stomach, took his medicine, lay down in the relay station, and immediately fell asleep.

Occasionally, he slept deeply, but most of the time, he mostly lay still because he felt so poorly.

He slept during the day and at night. He felt listless right through until the next day, when it finally improved slightly.

In the afternoon of the second day, lying on the bed, he had a pleasant dream. Upon waking, he couldn't quite remember the content, but only a warm afterglow lingered in his chest.

He got up, rubbed his eyes, put on his clothes, and took a deep breath when opening the window. Having slept almost a full day and night, his body finally regained some energy.

If he lay down any longer, his bones would turn to mush.

A bodyguard brought hot water and combed his hair. Jiang Yanzhou wanted to go downstairs for a walk, stretch his legs, and eat something—he was a bit hungry.

But as soon as he sat down on the first floor, a racket broke out at the station door.

The two bodyguards instantly became alert, shielding Jiang Yanzhou. Soon, a man covered in blood from the waist up was carried in. In his hand, he held a... bag? A cloth pouch?

The edges of the coarse cloth pouch were stained with blood.

The moment Jiang Yanzhou clearly saw the man's clothing, he abruptly stood up, his heart pounding violently with a foreboding sense of disaster.

This man's waist token was unmistakably the standard issue for the transport team!

As soon as the soldier saw Jiang Yanzhou, he fell to his knees with a thud, his mournful cry echoing throughout the relay station.

"Your Highness! The transport team was ambushed last night on Tasha Road. We were no match, we... we..." He choked several times before finally continuing through sobs, his voice breaking, "The entire team has been wiped out!"

His grief-stricken, hoarse voice was no less than a thunderclap, exploding in everyone's ears.

The blood on the soldier's body was still fresh. The cloth pouch fell to the ground, rolled forward twice, hit a table leg, and opened, revealing its contents.

Jiang Yanzhou stiffly, sluggishly, looked down—

It was a bloody human head.