Chapter 391 Everyone has their own plans!

The eunuch’s sharp voice, reading every word, was like a knife scraping Zhao Xie’s eardrums. After hearing the rest, Zhao Xie was already sweating profusely and was about to collapse!

At this time, Empress Dowager Gao said coldly: “What exactly is going on in Yan’an Prefecture?”

Zhao Xie was panicking, but he still pretended to be calm and said carefully: “Your Majesty, I have heard about what happened in Yan’an Prefecture.

Although Su Yun has made some unusual moves, I have already made plans, and Xixia has already planned to take action against Yan’an Prefecture.

I think that the Song Dynasty can just sit back and watch the fight between the two tigers, wait for them to both be defeated, and then we can step in to clean up the mess, wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

Upon hearing this, Empress Dowager Gao laughed out of anger: “What a good way to sit on the mountain and watch tigers fight!

Zhao Xie, you are so brave!
Now Yan’an Prefecture has become too powerful to be eliminated, but you are still hoping for a lucky break here!
As an important official of the imperial court, you allowed the rebels to gain power and disregarded the foundation of your ancestors. Do you know your crime?”

Seeing that the Queen Mother Gao was really angry, Zhao Xie was frightened and kowtowed quickly, his forehead hitting the ground with a dull sound: “Your Majesty, please forgive me. I did not intend to condone it. I just wanted to use strategy to seek the greatest benefit for our dynasty.”

Empress Dowager Gao snorted coldly: “Strategy? You are raising a tiger to cause trouble!
From today on, you will go home and reflect on your actions. You don’t have to interfere in the affairs of the court anymore!”

Zhao Xie collapsed to the ground, his face pale, and walked out of the palace like a walking corpse.

After sending Zhao Xie away, Empress Dowager Gao urgently summoned Prime Ministers Lu Dafang and Fan Chunren to the palace.

When the two heard the news, they hurried over. After entering the palace, they saw that Empress Dowager Gao had a worried look on her face. They both knew that something big must have happened.

Empress Dowager Gao handed Lü Huiqing’s memorial to the two of them and said in a deep voice, “My two beloved ministers, take a look. Yan’an Prefecture has now become a major threat to our dynasty.”

Lu Dafang and Fan Chunren took the memorial, put their heads together, and read it carefully under the lamp.

As they read, their expressions gradually became solemn.

After reading it, the two looked at each other and saw shock and worry in each other’s eyes.

Lu Dafang cupped his hands and said, “My lady, this matter must not be underestimated.

If Yan’an Prefecture is really as Lu Jifu said, then our dynasty must take action immediately, otherwise the consequences will be disastrous. “

Fan Chunren also nodded in agreement: “Empress Dowager, the most urgent matter is that we need to send someone to verify the situation in Yan’an Prefecture again and discuss countermeasures.”

Empress Dowager Gao sighed and said, “I have sent someone to verify it.

But I didn’t expect that Zhao Xie would be so foolish as to allow Yan’an Prefecture to develop.

Now, we must come up with a foolproof plan as soon as possible, raise troops to eliminate these rebels, and never let them endanger our Song Dynasty!”

Gao Taihou sat in the main seat with a stern look on her face. She glanced at Lü Dafang and Fan Chunren below and spoke slowly: “You have all read the memorial submitted by Lü Jifu. The rebellion in Yan’an Prefecture is so great that it has endangered the foundation of our Song Dynasty.

I am thinking that since Lu Jifu is familiar with the situation in Yan’an Prefecture and has volunteered, why not send him to lead the troops to wipe out the rebellion? What do you think?”

Upon hearing this, Lu Dafang’s brows knitted together instantly, he took a step forward, clasped his hands and said, “My queen, this is absolutely not allowed!

Although Lu Jifu has some talents, his character is worrying.

During the political reforms in the past, he repeatedly framed others for personal gain with cruel means, causing turmoil in the court.

If he is allowed to command a large number of troops now, there may be a problem of being unable to get rid of the tail. Once he has made military achievements and returns to the court, given his temper, he will definitely start a fight again. The court has finally stabilized and can’t afford such a turmoil. “

Fan Chunren immediately followed up with a fist and said, “Empress Dowager, what Prime Minister Lu said is absolutely right.

Lu Jifu was ambitious and his mind was unpredictable.

If he is sent to fight and wins, he will be proud of his achievements and cause a great impact on the checks and balances in the court.

If he fails, there is no guarantee that he will not turn against his own side and surrender to the Yan’an government, which would have disastrous consequences.

For the sake of the stability of the court and the Song Dynasty, the person leading the army must not be Lu Jifu. “

Empress Dowager Gao frowned slightly, revealing a hint of displeasure in her eyes, and asked: “Then according to your two opinions, who can take on this important task? The situation in Yan’an Prefecture is urgent now, and we cannot afford to make any mistakes!”

Lü Dafang and Fan Chunren looked at each other, and Lü Dafang said in a deep voice: “Queen Dowager, I recommend Zhang Yu. Zhang Yu has been in the frontier for a long time, is familiar with war, and is loyal, upright, and has extraordinary strategies.

With him leading the troops, we will be able to put down the rebellion in Yan’an Prefecture in one fell swoop and prevent the court from falling into chaos.”

Fan Chunren nodded in agreement: “Zhang Yu is indeed a suitable candidate. He has served in border defense for many years, has made many military achievements, and is loyal to the court. He will definitely live up to the Queen Mother’s trust.”

Empress Dowager Gao was silent for a moment, then said, “Zhang Yu is Zhang Zihou’s cousin, and Zhang Zihou is Su Yun’s father-in-law. Letting Zhang Yu go to attack Yan’an Prefecture… do you two want to reconsider this?”

When Lu Dafang and Fan Chunren heard Empress Dowager Gao mention the relationship between Zhang Qie and Su Yun, their faces changed.

The two men quickly exchanged glances, and understood each other, knowing that they must not give Lu Huiqing the opportunity to lead the troops at this time.

Lu Dafang bowed slightly and said anxiously: “Your Majesty, although Zhang Yu is related to Zhang Zihou, as far as I know, Zhang Yu is an upright person who clearly distinguishes between public and private affairs.

He has been at the frontier for a long time, and his whole heart is to protect the territory of the Song Dynasty. His loyalty to the court is evident.

The rebellion in Yan’an Prefecture this time concerns the safety of the Song Dynasty. Zhang Qie will certainly not slack off because of personal relationships.

Moreover, his talent in military strategy makes him the best choice for the current expedition to Yan’an Prefecture.” Fan Chunren immediately added: “Empress Dowager, what Prime Minister Lu said is absolutely right.

Zhang Yu had been dealing with foreign enemies such as the Western Xia on the border for many years, and had accumulated rich combat experience. He also had a good understanding of the terrain and situation around Yan’an Prefecture.

On the other hand, although Lu Huiqing knew something about Yan’an Prefecture, as mentioned before, his character and ambition were really worrying.

If he is sent to fight, there may be many changes in the court.”

However, Empress Dowager Gao still showed hesitation, and slowly said: “That being said, after all, there is this relationship, and I can’t help but have some concerns.

Leading troops to war is a matter of great importance and must be handled with caution.”

Lu Dafang gritted his teeth and said, “Queen Dowager, if you really have doubts about Zhang Yu, I dare to recommend Zhao Xie.

Although Zhao Xie had handled the affairs of Yan’an Prefecture improperly before, he was familiar with military and political affairs after all, and he was not completely ignorant of the situation in Yan’an Prefecture.

Now that he is asked to make amends for his crime, he will definitely do his best to wash away his mistakes.

In this way, we can solve the problem of Yan’an Prefecture and avoid the many hidden dangers caused by Lu Huiqing’s return to the court.”

Fan Chunren also quickly agreed: “Empress Dowager, although Zhao Xie made a mistake, he must want to atone for it.

Letting him lead the troops can motivate him to fight to the death.

Moreover, the imperial court can send capable military supervisors to accompany them and supervise their actions to ensure the smooth progress of the war. “

When Empress Dowager Gao heard this, she frowned and fell into deep thought.

The hall fell into dead silence for a moment. Lu Dafang and Fan Chunren held their breath, nervously waiting for Empress Dowager Gao’s decision.

After a long while, Queen Mother Gao raised her head, glanced at the two of them, and slowly said, “Zhao Xie… can he really take on this important task?”

Seeing that Empress Dowager Gao still had doubts, Lu Dafang immediately stepped forward and said earnestly, “Empress Dowager, although Zhao Xie has made mistakes, his military and political talents should not be underestimated.

In his early years, when he was serving in Fuyan Road, he commanded battles many times, made many military achievements, and was very proficient in military deployment and troop formations.

He knew that he was to blame for the incident in Yan’an Prefecture. If the Empress Dowager could give him the opportunity to redeem himself, he would definitely devote all his energy and efforts.

To show his loyalty, he will take the initiative to discuss strategies with the ministers in the court, actively listen to opinions from all sides, and strive to wipe out the rebellious forces in Yan’an Prefecture in one fell swoop.”

Fan Chunren also bowed and advised: “Empress Dowager, I think we can ask Zhao Xie to submit a detailed battle plan before the expedition, and let the important military officials in the court review it together to ensure that it is foolproof.

At the same time, he selected several upright and experienced generals as deputy generals to assist Zhao Xie and supervise him to avoid mistakes.

In this way, we can fully utilize Zhao Xie’s military talents, ensure that the war develops in a favorable direction, and eliminate this major threat to the Song Dynasty.”

Empress Dowager Gao nodded slightly, her expression slightly relieved, but still with a trace of worry: “Then let Zhao Xie come to the palace quickly and explain in detail his ideas and plans for the conquest of Yan’an Prefecture.

If what he says can satisfy me, I will make a decision later. “

The news soon reached Zhao Xie’s ears. He was feeling uneasy at home and was shocked and happy when he heard the news.

He knew very well that this was his last chance. If he could seize it, he would not only be able to clear his name but might also regain the grace of God.

But he immediately became anxious, as he knew very well that this task was arduous. Su Yun was a famous general in the entire Song Dynasty. How could he deal with him alone?
However, I can’t think so far ahead now. In a war, whether you win or lose, there is a lot of room for maneuver. But if I am demoted from the center, it will be difficult to come back in the future!
So, this matter must be dealt with first!
However, it is not easy to come up with a strategy that will satisfy the Empress Dowager Gao. The Empress Dowager Gao comes from a family of generals and is not completely ignorant of military affairs. Ordinary strategies will not fool her!

But at the moment he doesn’t have any talented military advisers at his disposal. Most of his advisers are good at politics and their military skills are only average. How can this be a disaster?

But he immediately thought of his classmate You Zuo, who was resourceful and had a keen insight into the situation. Maybe he had a good idea.

So, Zhao Xie sent someone to secretly invite You Zuo to his mansion overnight.

When You Zuo stepped into Zhao Xie’s study, the candlelight was flickering in the room and Zhao Xie was pacing back and forth anxiously.

Seeing You Zuo coming in, Zhao Xie hurried forward, grabbed his hand, and said earnestly: “Brother Zitong, this time the Queen Mother has given me a chance to redeem myself and make meritorious contributions. If my strategy is feasible, I can lead the army to conquer Yan’an Prefecture.

But this task is arduous, and I am really unsure, so I specially asked Brother Zitong to come and give me some advice. “

When You Zuo heard that the imperial court was going to attack Yan’an Prefecture, his heart sank suddenly and a barely perceptible worry flashed across his face.

But he quickly calmed down, his eyes swept across Zhao Xie’s face, and he was secretly calculating in his heart. When he heard that it was Zhao Xie who was in charge of this matter, he was moved and a plan came to his mind.

You Zuo frowned slightly, pretending to be in deep thought, and said after a moment: “Sir, this is a great opportunity, but it is also full of dangers.

Yan’an Prefecture is now very powerful and cannot be easily attacked.

But you have military talent and have made many achievements in frontier battles in your early years. If you can make a proper plan this time, you will surely win the battle.”

Zhao Xie felt relieved after hearing You Zuo’s words, and asked anxiously, “What do you think, Zi Tong? Please tell me clearly.”

A sly look flashed across You Zuo’s eyes, and he said slowly, “Don’t worry, you can do this…”

(End of this chapter)