“The court’s intention is truly vicious!” Duan Qin’s face was as cold as water, and he couldn’t help but feel resentment.
To save Ye City, their soldiers were sent out, supplies were depleted, and even officials for the aftermath were dispatched. The expected rewards should have been recommendations for capable individuals, securing the position of Ye City, and perhaps having the lord dispatch troops to guard it. However, the “rewards” issued turned out to be like this!
Promoting Yiyan as the General of the North, bestowing the title of Marquis Within the Pass, and entrusting him with military affairs in Ye City?
How could this be considered a reward? It was clearly an attempt to sow discord and create a rift between the two, making them turn against each other!
Zhang Bin’s expression was also not pleasant. “Prince Donghai is still underestimating our lord’s strength. If it were Wang Jun instead, would he dare to do such a thing?”
The purpose of this decree was too clear—it was to tempt Yiyan, enticing him to betray their lord and defect to the court. However, on the surface, it was challenging to find fault because it was a reward for merit and quite a generous one at that. It demonstrated that the court did not mistreat those who had made significant contributions. Such rewards were something their lord could never provide. Moreover, strictly speaking, Yiyan’s merits were often downplayed by their lord, with credit often attributed to others. In comparison, no matter how indifferent one was to fame and fortune, some dissatisfaction would inevitably arise.
This move is even more insidious as it removes the position of Ye City as a bridgehead. If Yiyan accepts the reward, he becomes the General of the North sent by the court, with no need to concern himself with the affairs of Ji County, let alone participate in the struggles between Bing County and You County. However, if he refuses the imperial decree, Yiyan must withdraw from Ye City, leaving it to his successor. The well-planned layout is disrupted, and the efforts in this battle would be in vain!
What’s even more critical is, if he rejects the reward, wouldn’t Yiyan hold resentment against their lord? Placing such a thorn between a lord and his chief minister is truly unsettling. One wrong move, and it could lead to discord and disloyalty. Yiyan, as the leader of Bing County’s forces and the beloved general of their lord, already held a sensitive position. How could he withstand suspicion?
“Prince Donghai is guarding against our lord, and this is not something new. Our lord should write a letter to General Yi, clarify the situation, and he will surely refuse such a reward!” Duan Qin, who knew Yiyan better, quickly made a decision. They could do without Ye City, but losing a commander like Yiyan was out of the question!
Zhang Bin, on the other hand, considered the bigger picture. “Even if he refuses the reward, he cannot immediately withdraw from Ye City. Our lord should recommend capable individuals to the court again, especially emphasizing the importance of Ye City. If we end up with an incapable successor and lose such a crucial stronghold again, wouldn’t it be troublesome?”
His strategy was even more ruthless. While grappling with the court, he even aimed to sow discord between the emperor and Prince Donghai. This was what it meant to consolidate one’s strength. With Bing County firmly under their control and the support of the Tuoba clan, their lord was no longer a character easily manipulated by others. A high-ranking official should act like a high-ranking official!
In their back-and-forth discussion trying to find a way out of this perilous situation, Liang Feng, sitting behind the desk, remained silent for a long time. Although the stratagem devised by Sima Yue was indeed cunning, there was a miscalculation. Yiyan’s feelings for him were not just mere loyalty. This unforeseen variable was something Duan Qin and Zhang Bin couldn’t have anticipated.
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If they abandoned Ye City at this moment, recalling Yiyan, how would he interpret it? How would the two of them interact? The resolution he declared that day was intended to make Yiyan give up hope. Using time, distance, and anything that could alleviate the situation. Keeping him in Ye City was an excellent solution. If it weren’t for the court’s appointment with ulterior motives, it could have been a smooth process.
However, giving him an imperial title and shutting him out, leaving him alone to guard Ye City—would that emotional attachment shift to the opposite side? The opposite of love is not retreat or forgetfulness but hatred. The deeper the love, the stronger the hatred.
Could he still trust Yiyan? Perhaps in that fleeting moment of emotional wavering, trust might develop cracks.
Liang Feng broke out in a cold sweat. With his experience, how could he not be aware of his current predicament? He was being drawn in by someone he shouldn’t be attracted to, becoming ambivalent and anxious. Such emotions might not matter much in other matters, but in Bing County, and even concerning his own foundation, it immediately became a significant issue. The decision at hand implicated more than just the two of them.
His mind was in turmoil, but with no one to confide in, after a long while, Liang Feng finally sighed softly, “Let Boyuan receive the imperial decree.”
Both Duan Qin and Zhang Bin were surprised simultaneously, “My lord…”
Liang Feng didn’t let them continue, “I trust him.”
Yiyan was the one he had picked up, transforming from a naive young man into an undefeated general. He was someone Liang Feng should never doubt. Since he didn’t want these emotions to ruin the relationship between them, he should return to their initial state. He trusted him, taught him, and used him without hesitation.
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This trust was the best means to break through this treacherous situation.
Zhang Bin, reacting faster, was momentarily stunned, and then his eyes lit up, “If General Yi is truly not blinded by power, letting him stay in Ye City is indeed a wise move!”
Indeed, there was no more ideal way to handle it! It appeared as if they were parting ways, but in reality, it was planting a wedge within, waiting for the moment it erupted, affecting the whole situation! This kind of cover was probably unexpected by others; they would only think their cunning plan had succeeded, letting down their guard. Such a ploy not only deceived Sima Yue but even in the battle against Wang Jun, it might increase their chances of success. Imagine two armies fighting, and suddenly someone intervenes, especially a commander of Yiyan’s caliber. The outcome was self-evident!
However, the most crucial part of using such a divisive strategy was the trust between the two. Once there was doubt, everything would fall apart!
Duan Qin also came to his senses, thought for a moment, and had to nod in agreement, “General Yi and our lord share an extraordinary bond, which Prince Donghai probably doesn’t know about. If he accepts the decree, the situation will be vastly different!”
“But in that case, we should recall some troops from Ye City.” Seeing Duan Qin also nodding, Zhang Bin immediately continued.
If Yiyan stayed in Ye City, his troops would stay there too. But this time, he brought all the cavalry from Bing County. If they all stayed there, it would impact the defense of the province. At least half of them would have to be withdrawn.
However, withdrawing these troops would also make outsiders think that the relationship between the two had reached an irreparable point. This would benefit Yiyan in controlling Ye City, and even Hebei!
“Most of the Tiger and Wolf Camp comes from the Liang family and can be left to General Yi,” Duan Qin smiled, “This way, the court can maintain the troops for our lord.”
The Tiger and Wolf Camp evolved from the Liang family’s troops, and each soldier had military fields to cultivate, making them exceptionally loyal. For those soldiers from other Xiongnu tribes who pledged allegiance, it would be troublesome to leave them for Yiyan. If they developed any dissent, it would be more harm than good.
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“That works as well.” Liang Feng nodded in agreement.
If they were going to do it, they should go all the way. However, writing this letter was still a bit tricky. They weren’t sure if Yiyan could tolerate such an arrangement.
※
“General! This imperial appointment is quite strange!”
The envoy carrying the decree also arrived at Ye City. After hearing the imperial decree, the generals under Yiyan became restless. What’s going on? They want the general to leave Bing County?! How can they endure such manipulation regarding the origins of the Tiger and Wolf Camp!
Wang Long immediately spoke out, “Back when we were sold to Yan County by that Sima Teng, why didn’t the court intervene?! If our lord hadn’t saved us, we might be toiling in someone else’s fields. And now, after capturing Ye City, they don’t hand it over to our lord but want to give it to the general. This is not a good sign!”
Wang Long, a Jie person who entered the mansion together with Yiyan, was simple but extremely loyal. Many other generals in the team were born in local households. Even those Xiongnu defectors who revered the Buddhists with great fear, who among them would betray their lord?
The court had shown them no favor, but their lord had remade them into benefactors. He gave them homes and fields, treated them with respect and honor, and even allowed their offspring to study. It was clear to anyone which was more significant!
Facing the fervent emotions of his subordinates, Yiyan showed little expression, “Our lord will surely be aware of this matter. Let’s patiently await the military order.”
His palm had quietly clenched. If it were in the past, he would have eagerly returned to his lord’s side immediately. But now… perhaps staying in Ye City would be better. What his lord did that night had truly bred resentment in him. It was too harsh, too decisive, even he found it hard to endure. If he stayed by his lord’s side, he might spend his entire life as a trusted subordinate, enduring torment without a solution. But what if he left? Without breaking, there would be no rebuilding. The methods of the past might no longer be effective.
But did he truly have the determination to break away? Would his lord believe him? If believed, he could stay in Ye City, controlling the whole of Hebei. If not, he would be summoned back to Bing County, awkward but not too far away.
What would his lord choose?
Suppressing the myriad protests from his subordinates, Yiyan neither accepted nor resisted the decree. He simply kept the envoy waiting, anticipating a letter from Bing County. And the order came sooner than expected.
The lord commanded him to stay!
The moment he saw the letter, it seemed like all the pain had receded a bit. Yiyan let out a long sigh, releasing the pent-up frustration in his chest. His lord still trusted him, even in such a moment.
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“General, why did the lord ask you to accept the decree?” Not only Wang Long but many others showed a surprised and puzzled expression.
“The lord wants me to guard Ye City for him,” Yiyan answered indifferently.
The intricate twists and turns in this matter, once analyzed, are not difficult to decipher. Wang Long’s eyes immediately brightened, but Yiyan waved his hand, “Those defected troops from other units still need to be brought back to Bing County. You go back with them…”
“General!” Before Yiyan could finish, Wang Long howled. He had followed Yiyan in numerous battles, never leaving his side. How could he be sent back now?
“More cavalry is needed in Bing County. You bear the responsibility of defending the territory and should train more cavalry,” Yiyan didn’t leave room for him to argue.
This time, Wang Long kept his mouth shut. The general trusted him with such a heavy responsibility because he believed in him. But could he handle independent operations?
After gritting his teeth, Wang Long shouted loudly, “This subordinate obeys!”
How many battles had he fought where life and death hung in the balance? Defending the territory and training troops, he could still accomplish that!
“Very well, then accept the decree.” Yiyan stood up, without looking back, and headed towards the room where the envoys were held.
Translator’s corner:
Yiyan and Liang Feng are stressing me out T-T
“The court’s intention is truly vicious!” Duan Qin’s face was as cold as water, and he couldn’t help but feel resentment.
To save Ye City, their soldiers were sent out, supplies were depleted, and even officials for the aftermath were dispatched. The expected rewards should have been recommendations for capable individuals, securing the position of Ye City, and perhaps having the lord dispatch troops to guard it. However, the “rewards” issued turned out to be like this!
Promoting Yiyan as the General of the North, bestowing the title of Marquis Within the Pass, and entrusting him with military affairs in Ye City?
How could this be considered a reward? It was clearly an attempt to sow discord and create a rift between the two, making them turn against each other!
Zhang Bin’s expression was also not pleasant. “Prince Donghai is still underestimating our lord’s strength. If it were Wang Jun instead, would he dare to do such a thing?”
The purpose of this decree was too clear—it was to tempt Yiyan, enticing him to betray their lord and defect to the court. However, on the surface, it was challenging to find fault because it was a reward for merit and quite a generous one at that. It demonstrated that the court did not mistreat those who had made significant contributions. Such rewards were something their lord could never provide. Moreover, strictly speaking, Yiyan’s merits were often downplayed by their lord, with credit often attributed to others. In comparison, no matter how indifferent one was to fame and fortune, some dissatisfaction would inevitably arise.
This move is even more insidious as it removes the position of Ye City as a bridgehead. If Yiyan accepts the reward, he becomes the General of the North sent by the court, with no need to concern himself with the affairs of Ji County, let alone participate in the struggles between Bing County and You County. However, if he refuses the imperial decree, Yiyan must withdraw from Ye City, leaving it to his successor. The well-planned layout is disrupted, and the efforts in this battle would be in vain!
What’s even more critical is, if he rejects the reward, wouldn’t Yiyan hold resentment against their lord? Placing such a thorn between a lord and his chief minister is truly unsettling. One wrong move, and it could lead to discord and disloyalty. Yiyan, as the leader of Bing County’s forces and the beloved general of their lord, already held a sensitive position. How could he withstand suspicion?
“Prince Donghai is guarding against our lord, and this is not something new. Our lord should write a letter to General Yi, clarify the situation, and he will surely refuse such a reward!” Duan Qin, who knew Yiyan better, quickly made a decision. They could do without Ye City, but losing a commander like Yiyan was out of the question!
Zhang Bin, on the other hand, considered the bigger picture. “Even if he refuses the reward, he cannot immediately withdraw from Ye City. Our lord should recommend capable individuals to the court again, especially emphasizing the importance of Ye City. If we end up with an incapable successor and lose such a crucial stronghold again, wouldn’t it be troublesome?”
His strategy was even more ruthless. While grappling with the court, he even aimed to sow discord between the emperor and Prince Donghai. This was what it meant to consolidate one’s strength. With Bing County firmly under their control and the support of the Tuoba clan, their lord was no longer a character easily manipulated by others. A high-ranking official should act like a high-ranking official!
In their back-and-forth discussion trying to find a way out of this perilous situation, Liang Feng, sitting behind the desk, remained silent for a long time. Although the stratagem devised by Sima Yue was indeed cunning, there was a miscalculation. Yiyan’s feelings for him were not just mere loyalty. This unforeseen variable was something Duan Qin and Zhang Bin couldn’t have anticipated.
Advertisement
If they abandoned Ye City at this moment, recalling Yiyan, how would he interpret it? How would the two of them interact? The resolution he declared that day was intended to make Yiyan give up hope. Using time, distance, and anything that could alleviate the situation. Keeping him in Ye City was an excellent solution. If it weren’t for the court’s appointment with ulterior motives, it could have been a smooth process.
However, giving him an imperial title and shutting him out, leaving him alone to guard Ye City—would that emotional attachment shift to the opposite side? The opposite of love is not retreat or forgetfulness but hatred. The deeper the love, the stronger the hatred.
Could he still trust Yiyan? Perhaps in that fleeting moment of emotional wavering, trust might develop cracks.
Liang Feng broke out in a cold sweat. With his experience, how could he not be aware of his current predicament? He was being drawn in by someone he shouldn’t be attracted to, becoming ambivalent and anxious. Such emotions might not matter much in other matters, but in Bing County, and even concerning his own foundation, it immediately became a significant issue. The decision at hand implicated more than just the two of them.
His mind was in turmoil, but with no one to confide in, after a long while, Liang Feng finally sighed softly, “Let Boyuan receive the imperial decree.”
Both Duan Qin and Zhang Bin were surprised simultaneously, “My lord…”
Liang Feng didn’t let them continue, “I trust him.”
Yiyan was the one he had picked up, transforming from a naive young man into an undefeated general. He was someone Liang Feng should never doubt. Since he didn’t want these emotions to ruin the relationship between them, he should return to their initial state. He trusted him, taught him, and used him without hesitation.
Advertisement
This trust was the best means to break through this treacherous situation.
Zhang Bin, reacting faster, was momentarily stunned, and then his eyes lit up, “If General Yi is truly not blinded by power, letting him stay in Ye City is indeed a wise move!”
Indeed, there was no more ideal way to handle it! It appeared as if they were parting ways, but in reality, it was planting a wedge within, waiting for the moment it erupted, affecting the whole situation! This kind of cover was probably unexpected by others; they would only think their cunning plan had succeeded, letting down their guard. Such a ploy not only deceived Sima Yue but even in the battle against Wang Jun, it might increase their chances of success. Imagine two armies fighting, and suddenly someone intervenes, especially a commander of Yiyan’s caliber. The outcome was self-evident!
However, the most crucial part of using such a divisive strategy was the trust between the two. Once there was doubt, everything would fall apart!
Duan Qin also came to his senses, thought for a moment, and had to nod in agreement, “General Yi and our lord share an extraordinary bond, which Prince Donghai probably doesn’t know about. If he accepts the decree, the situation will be vastly different!”
“But in that case, we should recall some troops from Ye City.” Seeing Duan Qin also nodding, Zhang Bin immediately continued.
If Yiyan stayed in Ye City, his troops would stay there too. But this time, he brought all the cavalry from Bing County. If they all stayed there, it would impact the defense of the province. At least half of them would have to be withdrawn.
However, withdrawing these troops would also make outsiders think that the relationship between the two had reached an irreparable point. This would benefit Yiyan in controlling Ye City, and even Hebei!
“Most of the Tiger and Wolf Camp comes from the Liang family and can be left to General Yi,” Duan Qin smiled, “This way, the court can maintain the troops for our lord.”
The Tiger and Wolf Camp evolved from the Liang family’s troops, and each soldier had military fields to cultivate, making them exceptionally loyal. For those soldiers from other Xiongnu tribes who pledged allegiance, it would be troublesome to leave them for Yiyan. If they developed any dissent, it would be more harm than good.
Advertisement
“That works as well.” Liang Feng nodded in agreement.
If they were going to do it, they should go all the way. However, writing this letter was still a bit tricky. They weren’t sure if Yiyan could tolerate such an arrangement.
※
“General! This imperial appointment is quite strange!”
The envoy carrying the decree also arrived at Ye City. After hearing the imperial decree, the generals under Yiyan became restless. What’s going on? They want the general to leave Bing County?! How can they endure such manipulation regarding the origins of the Tiger and Wolf Camp!
Wang Long immediately spoke out, “Back when we were sold to Yan County by that Sima Teng, why didn’t the court intervene?! If our lord hadn’t saved us, we might be toiling in someone else’s fields. And now, after capturing Ye City, they don’t hand it over to our lord but want to give it to the general. This is not a good sign!”
Wang Long, a Jie person who entered the mansion together with Yiyan, was simple but extremely loyal. Many other generals in the team were born in local households. Even those Xiongnu defectors who revered the Buddhists with great fear, who among them would betray their lord?
The court had shown them no favor, but their lord had remade them into benefactors. He gave them homes and fields, treated them with respect and honor, and even allowed their offspring to study. It was clear to anyone which was more significant!
Facing the fervent emotions of his subordinates, Yiyan showed little expression, “Our lord will surely be aware of this matter. Let’s patiently await the military order.”
His palm had quietly clenched. If it were in the past, he would have eagerly returned to his lord’s side immediately. But now… perhaps staying in Ye City would be better. What his lord did that night had truly bred resentment in him. It was too harsh, too decisive, even he found it hard to endure. If he stayed by his lord’s side, he might spend his entire life as a trusted subordinate, enduring torment without a solution. But what if he left? Without breaking, there would be no rebuilding. The methods of the past might no longer be effective.
But did he truly have the determination to break away? Would his lord believe him? If believed, he could stay in Ye City, controlling the whole of Hebei. If not, he would be summoned back to Bing County, awkward but not too far away.
What would his lord choose?
Suppressing the myriad protests from his subordinates, Yiyan neither accepted nor resisted the decree. He simply kept the envoy waiting, anticipating a letter from Bing County. And the order came sooner than expected.
The lord commanded him to stay!
The moment he saw the letter, it seemed like all the pain had receded a bit. Yiyan let out a long sigh, releasing the pent-up frustration in his chest. His lord still trusted him, even in such a moment.
Advertisement
“General, why did the lord ask you to accept the decree?” Not only Wang Long but many others showed a surprised and puzzled expression.
“The lord wants me to guard Ye City for him,” Yiyan answered indifferently.
The intricate twists and turns in this matter, once analyzed, are not difficult to decipher. Wang Long’s eyes immediately brightened, but Yiyan waved his hand, “Those defected troops from other units still need to be brought back to Bing County. You go back with them…”
“General!” Before Yiyan could finish, Wang Long howled. He had followed Yiyan in numerous battles, never leaving his side. How could he be sent back now?
“More cavalry is needed in Bing County. You bear the responsibility of defending the territory and should train more cavalry,” Yiyan didn’t leave room for him to argue.
This time, Wang Long kept his mouth shut. The general trusted him with such a heavy responsibility because he believed in him. But could he handle independent operations?
After gritting his teeth, Wang Long shouted loudly, “This subordinate obeys!”
How many battles had he fought where life and death hung in the balance? Defending the territory and training troops, he could still accomplish that!
“Very well, then accept the decree.” Yiyan stood up, without looking back, and headed towards the room where the envoys were held.
Translator’s corner:
Yiyan and Liang Feng are stressing me out T-T
