Qin Wan felt uneasy and quickly asked, “How is the situation in the north now?”
Seeing Qin Wan’s expression, Yan Chi knew she was worried about Qin Chaoyu and held her hand, saying, “Marquis An Yang and Prince Cheng led troops north. Now, they’ve encountered resistance in Chong Prefecture and Feng Prefecture. The Empress and Crown Prince went to Feng Prefecture, while Zhao You went to Chong Prefecture, planning to attack on two fronts. Learning this, Marquis An Yang only sent twenty thousand troops to defend Chong Prefecture, then took the remaining eighty thousand to Feng Prefecture, planning to capture the Empress and Crown Prince there to break the stalemate. By now, Marquis An Yang has likely reached Feng Prefecture.”
Qin Wan listened with trepidation. Siege warfare had always been extremely difficult. Marquis An Yang sending only twenty thousand troops to defend Chong Prefecture was meant to buy time while taking eighty thousand troops to Feng Prefecture was intended to overwhelm the Empress with superior numbers. The Empress and Crown Prince were already at a disadvantage attacking cities, let alone facing an enemy that outnumbered them.
“The Empress was too hasty,” Qin Wan sighed.
Yan Chi nodded, “Upon learning Marquis An Yang was leading troops north, the Empress wanted to attack on two fronts but hadn’t expected An Yang’s military expertise and swift leadership. This battle situation looks unfavorable.” After a pause, he continued, “The Empress appointed Ge Yang as Western Campaign Commander, but unable to fully fund supplies and provisions, they likely cannot proceed for now, giving us a chance to recover and build strength…”
Qin Wan felt relieved, “Now we can only look after ourselves.”
Yan Chi agreed, then said, “After lunch, I need to visit the government offices. With changes in Shuoxi, many matters have accumulated.”
Previously, Shuoxi belonged to Great Zhou, but now it had practically become Yan Chi’s domain, and he needed to manage its civil administration.
After talking a while longer, Yan Chi left the prince’s manor. Arriving at the government offices, he saw many people waiting. Yan Chi entered the rear hall through a side corridor. Upon entering, Dong Shuwen came forward, smiling, “Your Highness! Did you see the people outside when you came in?”
Yan Chi nodded, and Dong Shuwen smiled, saying, “Since issuing the talent recruitment notice days ago, people have been coming to recommend themselves daily. Many are from Ding Prefecture and Liang Prefecture, and several were even imperial examination graduates in earlier years. We won’t lack for civil officials.”
Talent recruitment was Yan Chi’s idea. Now that Shuoxi was independent, it needed a completely new bureaucratic structure and naturally required more personnel. Previously, Yan Chi only managed military affairs and didn’t have many available civil administrators, hence the recruitment notice concept.
Seeing the good results, Yan Chi said, “Leave this matter to you and Master Qi to oversee. Once candidates are selected, I’ll meet them.”
Dong Shuwen agreed, and Yan Chi discussed the establishment of new government offices with him and others. After strategies were determined, he left the offices and went outside the city.
The camp outside the city now stationed five thousand troops responsible for Xilin City’s defense. Yan Chi came this time to expand the camp.
The commander here had served for two years, only a sixth-rank Zhenwu General. With Shuoxi’s independence requiring military reorganization, when Yan Chi returned a month ago, he had handed this camp to Gu Ling. Gu Ling was several years older than Yan Chi, a commoner’s son discovered and promoted by Yan Lin, and considered one of Yan Lin’s trusted commanders. He had nearly been harmed by Lin Xugui but was fortunately rescued. Now that Yan Chi was declaring himself king in Xilin City, the city’s defense was extremely important. He kept Gu Ling here and would increase the troops to ensure Xilin City’s safety—
Upon entering the camp, Gu Ling led troops out to welcome him. Entering the central command tent, Gu Ling said, “Your Highness’s previous instructions have been fully prepared. Please look – a li north of here is a basin, sheltered from the wind and near the river, an excellent camp location. Moreover, it’s on the main road to Meng Prefecture. This subordinate thought, now that we have camps in the east and west, only the north lacks defense. Previously Meng Prefecture was under Xilin City’s jurisdiction, but now it’s territory we must guard against. We cannot be careless.”
Hearing this, Yan Chi laughed heartily, “I came today precisely to discuss this with you, but you thought of it first. I had the same idea. Not only must we guard against Meng Prefecture, but troops here are also to guard against the barbarians. From next month, we’ll establish sentinel camps in the north, patrolling like at Bailang Pass.”
Gu Ling agreed to everything and ordered his military advisor to record it. After discussing defense matters with Yan Chi at length, and after Yan Chi inspected the camp, he returned to the city to prepare documents. The original plan to increase by five thousand troops became fifteen thousand, giving the north of Xilin City twenty thousand troops for defense.
Though Yan Chi had left the military camp, his study always kept a topographical map of Shuoxi. Now he wasn’t only guarding against the barbarians, his considerations had to be more comprehensive. His position of authority, though based on the prince’s manor, allowed him to plan a strategy for all of Shuoxi, naturally commanding respect.
Master Qi and Zhang Dongxuan, now in Xilin City, saw how Yan Chi had made Shuoxi’s defenses watertight in just over a month and felt great admiration. The eastern camp at Chifeng Plain was also being built under Fan Xin and others’ supervision, with frequent reports sent back to Xilin City. Everything was proceeding smoothly.
Half a month later, the northern camp outside Xilin City was also successfully established. Gu Ling sent two thousand troops northward to select locations for sentinel camps.
Meanwhile, Xilin City added numerous government offices and over twenty civil officials, establishing a complete administrative system. Though Yan Chi excelled in military matters, he was also proficient in civil administration. Having spent many years in Shuoxi, he understood much about people’s lives and customs. Half a month later, Shuoxi’s laws and regulations, drafted by Yan Chi and refined by his officials, were promulgated. Thus, Yan Chi truly transformed Shuoxi into his domain. At this time, the capital also received definite news of Yan Chi declaring himself king in Shuoxi.
In Chongzheng Hall, Yan Han exploded in thunderous rage. He threw the memorial from Shuoxi onto the floor and coldly addressed the assembled civil and military officials, “Did you see?! This is Yan Chi! This is the consequence of letting a tiger return to the mountain! Shuoxi is easy to defend but hard to attack, and the Shuoxi army is an elite force trained for years with ample provisions! Now Shuoxi has become Yan Chi’s domain – do you have any way to take it back? Well?!”
Yan Han took a deep breath, rage flickering in his eyes!
“Lin Xugui and Lin Xie disappeared without trace, Yu Wen Xian has no strategies in Ding Prefecture, and when I want to send troops west, you all have thousands of reasons to stop me. Now, look at this Prince Rui’s Manor, this Western Zhou’s Prince Rui! They’ve even established their small court! My face has been trampled underfoot!”
Yan Han rarely showed such fierce anger. But the northern campaign wasn’t proceeding as smoothly as he had imagined, while in the west, Yan Chi had declared himself king. Now that a small court had been established and common people all called Yan Chi the Western Zhou King, Yan Han could no longer contain his rage! Yet when he wanted to campaign west, he was blocked by his people.
Seeing Yan Han’s rage, Ge Yang couldn’t help but step forward, “Your Majesty, it’s not that your subjects are blocking you, but rather that military funds aren’t fully prepared. We dare not rashly deploy troops. Though we have about a hundred thousand troops in various locations, they’re currently scattered. The provisions we have now, both delivered and in transit, only amount to three months’ worth. The journey alone takes one month, leaving only two months of supplies when we reach Ding Prefecture. Once fighting starts, if subsequent supplies aren’t ready, morale will be unstable. We already lack numerical advantage and our fighting strength doesn’t match the Shuoxi army. Setting out rashly like this would make victory very difficult.”
Yan Han’s chest heaved violently twice, “Yan Ze! What do you think?!”
At Yan Han’s question, all eyes turned. Though the court was filled with officials in formal robes, only one person wore white, pristine as snow—Prince Yi’s heir, Yan Ze. Though Yan Ze previously had an eye ailment, after treatment by the former Princess Yongci, the traitor’s wife, his fifteen-year affliction was miraculously cured at New Year. After recovery, Yan Ze could finally show clear eyes to others. Moreover, he actively requested an official position from Emperor Yan Han.
Marquis An Yang and Prince Cheng Yan Qi had led troops north ten days after Yan Chi left the capital. Though Yan Chi’s use of the Northern Army’s southward movement was a ruse to deceive the emperor, the Northern Army’s rebellion was real. The emperor dared not take it lightly. After Marquis An Yang and Prince Cheng left, the court was temporarily thrown into anxiety. Furthermore, with this northern campaign, various military department officials and several young court commanders went north, leaving the court somewhat empty. The emperor had just allowed Prince Gong’s heir Yan Li to enter court, and given the current need for officials, he had to quickly approve Yan Ze’s request. However, unsure of what position to give Yan Ze, he granted him court gentleman status. Initially, Yan Han hadn’t realized Yan Ze wasn’t as weak and talentless as he appeared on the surface.
At that time, the Western Expedition army had just gathered enough men, but military funds were severely lacking. It was then that Yan Ze proposed exchanging taxes for military funds. He suggested letting the Ministry of Revenue grant special privileges to Lu Prefecture, Yu Prefecture, Chu Prefecture, and other counties, collecting military funds from their banks, grain merchants, and other businesses, and issuing tax credit documents. At year’s end tax accounting, they could offset these amounts against current contributions, effectively advancing seven-tenths of these areas’ tax revenue.
In just two months, the collected funds could provide the Northern Expedition army with half a year’s additional provisions, and the Western Expedition army with over three months’ worth.
Seeing Yan Ze’s method so effective, the emperor greatly valued him. Seeing his active role in fundraising, he wanted to ask his opinion about the western expedition, hoping he might have other ways to raise funds to make it possible.
Yan Ze stood in his white robes, as elegant as an orchid branch and jade tree. Standing in court, he alone seemed to embody all the cultured grace of the assembled officials. At the emperor’s question, he stepped forward half a step and said, “This humble official believes Minister Ge speaks reason—a western expedition is impossible at this time.”
Hearing this, Yan Han’s brows immediately furrowed, “You think the western expedition impossible?”
Yan Ze nodded, “Though the tax exchange method can address urgent needs, it cannot be used excessively. Otherwise, when year-end comes with empty tax coffers, what of next year? The northern situation remains unclear, while the west would certainly mean bloody battles. This humble official believes we should wait until northern victory before campaigning west. Otherwise, if both fronts become prolonged entanglements, only the traitors would benefit. Thus, I beg Your Majesty to reconsider. If there are other funding methods, this humble official will immediately report them to Your Majesty.”
Yan Han pressed his lips together and waved his hand, “Fine! Though Yan Chi has established his small court, he hasn’t marched north. I’ll tolerate him once more.”
Hearing this, Ge Yang sighed in relief, and Yan Ze stepped back. Currently, the most important matter was the northern campaign. After discussing this for another half hour, the court dismissed. Seeing the emperor summon Ge Yang to the imperial study for discussion, Yan Ze turned toward Shoukang Palace.
After a few steps, he encountered Yan Li, also heading to Shoukang Palace.
Seeing him coming, Yan Li smiled, “Third Brother, you remained calm despite His Majesty’s anger.”
Though Yan Ze’s eye condition had been cured for some time, Yan Li somehow still felt uncomfortable. Looking at Yan Ze’s bright eyes, though he was smiling, Yan Li strangely felt Yan Ze’s smile was somewhat distant, never giving him the sense of security that Yan Chi did.
Yan Ze’s lips curved slightly, “The western expedition is inappropriate. No matter how angry His Majesty becomes, my opinion remains the same.”
Yan Li’s smile faded. The former Shuoxi army’s young general, Prince Rui’s heir, had now become the traitor in everyone’s mouth.
And every day, court discussions raised the matter of sending troops west against Yan Chi.
Seeing Yan Li’s expression, Yan Ze said, “What’s wrong? Thinking of Yan Chi still makes you uncomfortable?”
Yan Li exhaled and smiled, “Not really. It’s been so long. Knowing Seventh Brother has settled in the West, I feel relieved.”
Yan Ze looked around, “Don’t let His Majesty hear such words.”
With Yan Chi provoking the emperor’s thunderous rage, the consequences of such words being overheard were obvious.
Yan Li shrugged, momentarily silent. His gaze fell on Yan Ze, feeling somewhat dazed. Yan Ze’s fifteen-year eye affliction had made all royal family members deeply sympathetic toward him, including Yan Li himself. Yet unexpectedly, after his recovery, Yan Ze shone brilliantly. His mind held wisdom, showing no estrangement from either current affairs or court matters, as if he had always been like normal people, studying writing and literature, accumulating capabilities, and now finally had the chance to display his talents.
Yan Li knew even blind people could become highly learned, but the previous Yan Ze had seemed detached. Back then, Yan Ze had given him the impression that he could never enter official service or discuss serious, worrying court matters like military supplies and provisions.
Yan Li withdrew his gaze, feeling somewhat lost. His judgment of people was generally inaccurate, always making assumptions. Even regarding his fate, he always imagined a peaceful, harmonious fantasy, yet he knew deeply that he was already caught in the storm’s vortex. One step more, and he would sink deeply in.
The two arrived at Shoukang Palace, where silence was so complete you could hear a pin drop. At the hall entrance, Chen Mama finally emerged with a solemn face. Seeing the two princes arrive, she managed a smile. Yan Li quickly asked, “What is Grand Imperial Mother doing?”
Chen Mama sighed, “The same as always.”
After Prince Rui Yan Chi fled the capital, the Empress Dowager had another serious illness. Several imperial physicians worked together to save her, but afterward, she could no longer speak. Only when Ninth Prince Yan Sui was by her side would her face show signs of life. Many said the Empress Dowager had become senile from illness.
Yan Li’s expression darkened as he entered with Yan Ze.