Chapter 65 Deploying Troops

Chapter 65: Sending Troops

Jiang Wang's footsteps halted, feeling as if the world had fallen silent.

Just moments ago, there were so many ministers bustling around him, but in the blink of an eye, they were all gone...

Jiang Wang managed a wry smile. "Your Majesty jests. My conversation with Brother Zhong was perfectly ordinary; how could it be described as 'particularly enjoyable'?"

He then looked at Zhong He pleadingly. "Isn't that right, Brother Zhong?"

However, Zhong He looked troubled and hesitated before speaking. "My conversation with Brother Jiang was indeed quite pleasant. But I was merely concerned about Brother Jiang's health and did not discuss anything else."

Huh? This was outright slander!

Jiang Wang widened his eyes in disbelief. He did no such thing!

Had he really been that happy just now? He hadn't noticed.

Yet, upon hearing Zhong He's words, Xiao Yan's attention shifted away from the "particularly enjoyable conversation."

He turned to look at Jiang Wang. "Are you unwell?"

"No, I just have some aches and pains. It's nothing serious," Jiang Wang quickly explained, waving his hand. "Your Majesty, all the ministers have assembled. Please proceed."

"Mm." Xiao Yan glanced at both of them once more. "Minister Jiang, come with me."

Jiang Wang nodded. "Yes."

Zhong He watched the two walking side by side, his eyes darkening for a fleeting moment.

*

As Xiao Yan was seated, the ministers in the court stood properly in their positions, quietly waiting for him to address the matter of Beixiang's military deployment.

However, although Xiao Yan began speaking, he only discussed trivial matters, not mentioning a single word about the border situation.

Not only were the court officials becoming restless, but even Jiang Wang, who didn't know the full details, began to feel uneasy.

What was Xiao Yan doing? Did he intend to maintain his "dissolute and tyrannical" persona even at such a critical juncture?

Seriously! If you keep this up, the Great Jing Dynasty will be finished!

He needs to get his priorities straight!

Jiang Wang, standing behind the coiling dragon pillar, grimaced and winked exaggeratedly, trying to get his point across to Xiao Yan.

Usually, Xiao Yan was quick to catch him napping, slacking off, or secretly leaning against pillars—never missing a beat.

But now, even though Jiang Wang's gestures were so obvious the ministers below nearly saw, Xiao Yan seemed completely oblivious.

It was unclear whether he genuinely didn't see or was pretending not to.

Infuriating!

Although, after learning Xiao Yan's "real character," Jiang Wang had been writing positive remarks in the court diary, knowing that few were aware of Xiao Yan's true intentions. As one of the few insiders, he hoped Xiao Yan would be judged less harshly by history.

But now, in such an important and solemn setting, Xiao Yan was still not focusing on what's important.

Thus, Jiang Wang decided to fulfill his duty as a Court Diarist and record the facts as they were.

Just as he composed his face and adopted a solemn air, and was about to start writing, Xiao Yan coughed twice and finally addressed the issue.

"I received news last night that Beixiang intends to deploy troops. What are your views, esteemed ministers?"

Yet... no one in the hall spoke. A heavy silence fell.

They had been arguing heatedly outside earlier, so why were they now silent in the court?

Xiao Yan swept his gaze over the assembly and pointed to someone.

"Commander Chen, do you have anything to say?"

The named Chen Dong reluctantly stepped forward to speak, but his words had nothing to do with Beixiang.

"Your Majesty, my mother is unwell, and the reason is still unknown. I must attend to her personally."

Xiao Yan responded with an "Mm," then shifted his gaze left and pointed to another person.

"And Commander Sun?"

Sun Liang's words differed from Chen Dong's, but his reaction was similar—both appeared timid and afraid to look up.

"I was injured during training a few days ago and have not fully recovered."

Jiang Wang finally understood. Although their words didn't mention Beixiang at all, their meanings were entirely related to the military deployment.

In short, they all had excuses—unable to travel far, such as representing Dajing at the border to confront the enemy.

After enjoying peace for several years, they had all grown fat and complacent. Yet when they were needed, they all shrank back with excuses.

Jiang Wang knew he wasn't in Xiao Yan's position and had no business worrying so much. But seeing the entire court, civil and military officials alike, bowing their heads in fear and hesitation, with no one stepping up, made his blood boil!

No wonder Xiao Yan had been reluctant to speak or ask earlier. He understood the intricacies of the Great Jing Dynasty better than Jiang Wang and had likely anticipated this very scene.

At that moment, Jiang Wang even had the urge to step up himself.

However, common sense quickly reasserted itself.

He could go to the border, but he lacked understanding of the situation and military strategy. There, he would likely be nothing more than a mascot, utterly useless.

Jiang Wang secretly observed the ministers from behind the pillar, trying to see which military officer might be suitable.

Chen Dong and Sun Liang were clearly unreliable. Fang Fengshi wasn't an option either.

Although he possessed martial skills and the will, his position as Imperial Guard Commander was crucial for safeguarding the imperial city. If he left, the entire capital would be at risk. Things might seem calm now, but they couldn't afford to be careless.

The remaining few were also military officers, but they were younger, less experienced, and insufficiently qualified. Even if sent to Beixiang, they wouldn't be of much use.

They were truly stuck between a rock and a hard place, trapped in an awkward situation with no one capable to deploy.

A profound sense of helplessness welled up in Jiang Wang's heart.

Previously, he had thought that since the Great Jing Dynasty's national power hadn't declined, Xiao Yan was managing adequately as emperor. But given the current situation, it seemed that to maintain the nation's strength without decline, Xiao Yan must have exerted tremendous effort behind the scenes.

He looked at Xiao Yan, and a mix of worry and heartache slowly surfaced in his eyes.

Just then, an aged yet resonant voice rang out.

"Your Majesty, this old subject is willing to lead troops to Beixiang."

Jiang Wang's eyes lit up. Finally, someone with a sense of responsibility had stepped forward!

But when he looked over, he found it was Fang Fengshi's father, the old general Fang Zhenbo.

Actually, Jiang Wang had noticed Old General Fang earlier, but considering his advanced age, he hadn't considered him for the job. He hadn't expected the old general to step forward himself.

"Your Majesty, although this old minister is advanced in years, I keep myself fit every day and am still in fine health. Even if Chen Dong and Sun Liang were to fight me now, it's not certain I'd lose. Moreover, I am most familiar with the situation in Beixiang."

Fang Zhenbo wouldn't have said this if he wasn't confident; it was no mere boast.

After all, the "North" in Fang Zhenbo's title "Northern General" referred precisely to Beixiang.

Fang Zhenbo was posted to Beixiang as a young man, and he spent the bulk of his forty-year military career there. Moreover, just three years ago, he had beaten Beixiang into submission, securing a period of peace.

It was no exaggeration to say he knew Beixiang best.

However, Jiang Wang was still somewhat concerned about Old General Fang's physical condition.

After all, the old man was over sixty—did he really still have the stamina to lead an army?

Yet when he looked over, he was dumbstruck.

Old General Fang, seemingly to convince everyone, removed his outer robe and displayed his physique for all to see.

His healthy bronze skin was weathered from years in the elements, the scars on his back spoke of his long battle experience, and the well-defined muscles on his arms showcased his excellent fitness.

Jiang Wang looked down at himself.

Pale skin that never sees the sun, so delicate it might tear at a touch, spindly arms with no muscle to speak of, not to mention his pathetic stamina—winded after a short run and couldn't handle extreme temperatures.

He estimated Old General Fang could knock out ten of him with a single punch.

At this point, Jiang Wang's thoughts had completely changed—Old General Fang was the best candidate to go to Beixiang.

Clearly, given the current situation, Xiao Yan thought the same.

"Very well, then I must trouble Old General Fang to make another journey. Lead a hundred thousand troops and set off in three days."

"This old subject accepts the decree."

With the most critical matter settled, the morning court adjourned.

After the morning court, in the study of Chonghe Hall, Xiao Yan still looked troubled.

Jiang Wang was not here, and Fang Fengshi seized the chance for a clandestine meeting with Xiao Yan.

"What's wrong? The candidate for Beixiang has been decided, so why do you still look so glum?"

Fang Fengshi's tone was light, though his mood was somewhat heavy.

His father was over sixty and about to head off on a long campaign—this was not something he, as a son, wanted to see.

He wished his father could enjoy his remaining years in peace and comfort, not have to guard the border and fight enemies again.

Yet, from the perspective of a subject, his father was undoubtedly the best choice.

He had vast experience and seniority, extensive knowledge of Beixiang, and, importantly, his body was still strong.

He had also considered going in his father's place, but Zhaojing was itself a treacherous battlefield.

Chang Wenji harbored sinister intentions, the mastermind behind the court infiltration was still at large, and beneath the surface calm, undercurrents were swirling.

So, despite appearing "unreliable," the burden on his shoulders was no light one.

Seeing his son's gloomy, suppressed expression, Old General Fang instead offered words of comfort.

"Don't worry about me; worry about yourself and Xiao Yan. The border is where spears are easy to block, but Zhaojing is where hidden arrows are truly hard to guard against."

He patted Fang Fengshi's shoulder. "We all serve the Great Jing Dynasty. There's no 'should' or 'shouldn't' about it."

"Yes, Father." Fang Fengshi nodded. "One day, all those malignant tumors will be eradicated!"

Knowing Fang Fengshi was no outsider, Xiao Yan took out the secret letter to share with him.

This secret letter arrived right after the eight-hundred-li urgent dispatch.

It was intelligence from Xiao Yan's spy planted in Beixiang, reporting that Beixiang was in the throes of internal turmoil, with no signs of large-scale military mobilization.

This information happened to contradict what the urgent dispatch had claimed.

Was the news that "Beixiang is about to go to war with Dajing" true, or was it deliberately released as a smokescreen?

If it was false, then Old General Fang and the hundred thousand soldiers would have made the journey for nothing.

What was Beixiang playing at?

If it was true, the border would inevitably be plunged into another period of war-torn hardship.

However, with such news, it was better safe than sorry. Whether true or false, he had to send someone—he couldn't risk the lives of the border people.

Fang Fengshi glanced at the secret letter and handed it back to Xiao Yan, pretending to be relaxed as he said, "Alright, stop overthinking it. Once my father arrives, everything will become clear."

"Mm."

Xiao Yan smiled and nodded. Fang Fengshi's words were blunt, but he had a point—there was no use worrying about it now. Once Old General Fang arrived, whatever tricks Beixiang was playing would become clear.

"By the way," Fang Fengshi glanced around, casually picking up an apple from the table and taking a bite, "where's Jiang Wang? Why isn't he here? It's not yet time to leave duty, is it?"

"He's at the Chang residence."

"Ah?" Fang Fengshi was so shocked the apple nearly fell from his gaping mouth. "Which Chang residence?!"

Xiao Yan replied unhurriedly, "In all of Zhaojing, which Chang residence could it be?"

Author's Note:

Jiang Wang: That's right, I went to meet Chang Wenji. What about it? Are you going to beat me up?