Thank you to Yuki for the ko-fi~ ٩(^ᗜ^ )و ´-
The northern conflicts also stir the minds of others. Glancing at the latest delivered battle report, Sima Rui furrowed his brows, “The Duan tribe has retreated to Liaoxi? What about You County?”
Initially, when Bing County waged war against the Xiongnu, he had the mindset of watching the tigers fight from the mountain, remaining aloof. However, in the blink of an eye, the dust of the war settled. The Xiongnu’s formidable army of a hundred thousand fled in defeat, failing to reclaim Hedong and losing Hongnong and Shangluo. The situation in You County was also precarious. The Duan tribe’s attempted surprise attack backfired as they were defeated by a joint force of the Tuoba tribe and the military of Ji County, breaking through Fanyang and Yange. Duan Wu, the You County governor, was practically in name only.
Liang Zixi, concurrently serving as the General Commander of the Northern region, rightfully should defend Ji County. But what about You County? Should it also be granted to him?
“Duan Wu is not dead; he still holds the position of You County governor. The court shouldn’t intervene in the grudges between Bing County and You County,” Wang Dao commented from the side.
The feuds between these warlords and significant military forces attacking each other were common. How could the court possibly get involved in each one? Moreover, this time, it was the Duan tribe who initiated the attack on Ji County. If Liang Feng used this as a reason, would he not demand justice from the emperor? Were they going to blame the Duan tribe?
This matter can only be handled by turning a blind eye and a deaf ear.
Upon hearing this, Sima Rui sighed softly, “Unexpectedly, the Xiongnu and Xianbei are so vulnerable. In this case, wouldn’t the northern region be stabilized?”
Wang Dao’s expression became even more solemn, “Your Majesty must not take it lightly. There are rumors in the court, suggesting that the emperor should return to Luoyang. If this rumor persists, it could become a significant problem!”
Although Wang Dao didn’t explicitly state it, Sima Rui understood the underlying meaning. Returning the capital to Luoyang was a favorable outcome for most of the northern nobility, and even for the emperor. Unfortunately, it was extremely detrimental to him! Now, Bing County, Si County, and Ji County were all under the control of Liang Feng. Once the capital was moved, who would have the final say in the court? Could he, as the Grand Tutor, still maintain his position? What about Jianye, which he painstakingly built? Where would it stand?
Feeling anxious, Sima Rui hurriedly asked, “How should I handle this situation?”
After pondering for a moment, Wang Dao finally spoke in a low voice, “Only with a wise ruler can the nation be secure.”
Sima Rui shuddered. Was this an encouragement for him to usurp the throne? But the young emperor had just ascended; how could he make such a move…
Seeing Sima Rui’s conflicted expression, Wang Dao lowered his body, kneeling in front of him, “Your servant dares to suggest that Your Majesty make a decision early. Once the situation changes, it may be a rare opportunity lost! The Xiongnu threat is not resolved; Luoyang must not be returned!”
The northern region was not truly stabilized; countless threats still existed. To stand firm, he must rely on others. He couldn’t be the one to pave the way for another King of Wei!
Only by establishing the capital in Yang County…
Swallowing hard, Sima Rui nodded slowly, “Your words make sense…”
It was time to take the next step.
※
Although victories were achieved on both fronts, wrapping up the situation still required careful consideration. In Si County, taking advantage of the Xiongnu’s internal chaos, they needed to recapture Hongnong and Shangluo. In the direction of You County, they had to completely absorb Fanyang and Qinguo, further squeezing the living space of the Duan tribe.
The autumn harvest has already concluded, and preparations for this year’s autumn exam must be made. No aspect can be neglected.
However, for Liang Feng, the most crucial matter is not these routine affairs but the news coming from Yang County.
“There have been rumors in Jianye recently, suggesting that the northern region will be stabilized, and the emperor should return to Luoyang…” Liang Feng’s voice was not loud, but his gaze was sharp, firmly fixed on the person in front of him, “Is this the doing of Xian Ling?”
“The rumors have been circulating for a long time, and I merely added fuel to the fire,” Zhang Bin calmly responded.
Adding fuel to the fire? Does that mean it is indeed related to Xian Ling? Liang Feng’s brows tightened involuntarily. Zhang Bin controlled an intelligence agency that transcended eras, and even though the strings were in his hands, there was no guarantee that the person in charge wouldn’t develop personal motives.
The rumor of the emperor relocating the capital was an extremely formidable weapon.
Currently, all the authority in the court rested in the hands of Sima Rui, whose foundation was in Jiangdong, and he was unwilling to return to Luoyang. However, with many Northerners in the court, if the northern region stabilized, there would undoubtedly be many longing to return. In that case, Sima Rui would have to find ways to prevent the capital’s relocation. Wouldn’t this force him to harm the young emperor, seizing the throne sooner?
And if Sima Rui couldn’t take action and truly considered relocating the capital. After the emperor returned to Luoyang, the authority would slip into the hands of Liang Feng, the Grand Commander of the Three Provinces, not Sima Rui. At that time, the one holding the emperor would be himself, not Sima Rui.
This move, no matter how it’s played, will push him into another position. Subtle and effective, but to act without reporting, isn’t he afraid of harboring jealousy within himself? This touches upon an area that should not be touched!
Facing the scrutinizing gaze that pressured the heart, Zhang Bin remained unchanged in expression, “The northern region is now stable, the Han troubles are not worth worrying about. The court will surely consider reclaiming control over each province. They will inevitably suppress the feudal lords and consolidate power if delayed for too long. At that time, my lord will be forced into a passive position. Today, with the great victory over the Xiongnu and the immediate acquisition of You County, the hearts of the people are leaning towards my lord at the peak of his reputation. Everything is prepared, only lacking the legitimacy provided by the phrase ‘rightful and proper’!”
What does “rightful and proper” mean? Sima Yan’s descendants are all dead, and Sima Rui, a distant member of the royal family, seized the imperial throne. Although they share the surname Sima, their bloodline is different, and it’s not legitimate! Moreover, he insists on staying in Jiangdong. Can a dynasty like this be considered legitimate?
Once Sima Rui tears off his mask, he provides him with the best excuse. The state of Jin has already perished, and it is time for the new dynasty to comply with the will of heaven and take over the world.
Although different from the abdication system of Wei and Jin, didn’t the Han Dynasty under Qin also follow the will of heaven? Such actions, instead of coercing the young emperor and seizing power opportunistically, were more open and aboveboard.
It was a splendid opportunity to elevate him to the position of the Nine Five.
Should he take the next step?
Liang Feng couldn’t answer.
But Zhang Bin did not back down, “I know my lord’s intention is not to vie for power, but the overall trend is pushing in that direction. If you go against the trend, you might suffer from it! Even for the sake of countless common people, my lord should not hesitate any longer!”
Liang Feng fell silent momentarily, “What if Sima Rui doesn’t resist?”
What if Sima Rui endures silently, or if there are changes in the court?
“I am willing to accept punishment!” Zhang Bin knelt in front of Liang Feng, bowing deeply.
At this moment, Liang Feng was also rendered speechless. Advising progress was not an easy task, especially using such a risky method. Zhang Bin undoubtedly knew the dangers of his actions, yet he still proceeded. His loyalty was unquestionable. Holding crucial positions in both the military and intelligence departments, Zhang Bin never sought personal gain, not even amassing wealth, and had very few followers. He was a loyal and solitary minister. Perhaps he had only one belief in his heart—to assist a wise ruler in pacifying the world.
And Liang Feng was the person he wholeheartedly supported.
Can I become a wise ruler?
Gripping his knees tightly, Liang Feng gently exhaled the pent-up frustration within him.
Two months later, news arrived from Yang County: the emperor was indisposed.
