Chapter 591: Who's Responsible for Fighting the Mongols?

Xiong Tingbi looked at Wang Zaijin, and his old face flushed red in an instant.

It seemed his gambit had failed—this old fellow had come prepared as well.

No help for it. Trying to fool them was too difficult; he'd only been testing the waters, and it hadn't worked.

As the two of them walked further inside, Xiong Tingbi and his companion spotted another person. Both their expressions instantly turned grave—even somewhat sour.

Not because seeing this man displeased them. Xiong Tingbi and Wang Zaijin knew him well, and ordinarily their relations were quite good. He was Liaoyang Governor Bi Ziyan, another wily old fox.

This man had come to Liaodong relatively recently—just over three years. Compared to Wang Zaijin and Xiong Tingbi, he was certainly much later, but he was still an old hand at officialdom—all smiles in his dealings, yet when he struck, he was steady, accurate, and ruthless.

In order to put down roots in Liaodong, Bi Ziyan had done no small amount of work these past two years. Especially right under the noses of Xiong Tingbi and the others, he could be said to have grown and expanded quite formidably.

After Jianning Guard was taken back, Bi Ziyan was like a fish in water—with someone shielding Liaoyang's front, he could develop in peace; and being closer to Dandong made it even better. All along, Bi Ziyan had been developing quietly in Liaoyang, neither contending nor snatching.

In this campaign against Hong Taiji, Bi Ziyan, like Wang Zaijin, had only watched from the sidelines. No, that wasn't quite right—his men were also responsible for collecting the dead, following behind Lu Xiangsheng to clean up the battlefield. In this way, Bi Ziyan had earned some merit, and his troops were strong and well-fed.

Clearly, His Majesty had summoned Bi Ziyan here as well, to discuss the matter of this campaign against the Mongols.

Seeing someone else come to contend, Xiong Tingbi and his companion found their mood souring.

Bi Ziyan, however, spotted the two of them and walked over smiling, cupping his hands in greeting as he said: "Gentlemen, what a pleasure, what a pleasure. I truly didn't expect to see you today. It seems we three of Liaodong finally have a chance to come together."

The smile on Bi Ziyan's face was radiant, as if seeing Xiong Tingbi and the others truly was a delightful thing.

Xiong Tingbi and Wang Zaijin both returned the gesture with clasped hands, forcing smiles, wearing expressions of "I'm delighted too."

But in reality, that wasn't the case at all—Xiong Tingbi and the others truly weren't that happy. Their competition had already been fierce enough between the two of them; now there was one more person.

"Didn't expect you to come as well." Wang Zaijin looked at Bi Ziyan and said.

"When His Majesty summons, of course one comes." Bi Ziyan said with a smile, sidling up close to Xiong Tingbi and the others with a mysterious air, lowering his voice: "You might not know yet, but Liaodong may be going to war again."

Xiong Tingbi and the other exchanged a glance, then shot Bi Ziyan a contemptuous look.

Xiong Tingbi let out an exasperated snort and said: "Before a true man, one doesn't speak falsehoods—no need for us to put on airs. Who doesn't have some intelligence channels in Shenyang? You should know full well why His Majesty has summoned us. It is what it is—no need for the three of us to beat around the bush."

Hearing this, Bi Ziyan seemed to start, and the smile on his face slowly faded.

Glancing at Xiong Tingbi and the other, Bi Ziyan said: "You two have been in Liaodong for years—deep foundations, thick seniority, nothing to argue there. Everyone knows now that when His Majesty leaves this time, the two of you will likely be going along."

"There's nothing major left in Liaodong. With your credentials, you're bound for several promotions. Entering the Grand Secretariat and becoming chief ministers in the future isn't too difficult a feat. So I think this time, the two of you shouldn't contend with me. I came late and my seniority is shallow—if I don't earn some merit, there's no way I can catch up to you two."

"Cut that out." Wang Zaijin snorted, annoyed: "Is this about our personal affairs? The men under us have red eyes from wanting this. If we come away with nothing, I'd be too embarrassed to face them. One word: each relies on his own ability!"

Having said this, Wang Zaijin glanced at Xiong Tingbi.

The meaning was obvious—let's the two of us join forces and squeeze this fellow out. Look at that sneaky demeanor of his; who knows, the both of us might get played by him. You see what this is?

All old hands at officialdom, none slow on the uptake—Xiong Tingbi was no exception.

Once he understood Wang Zaijin's intent, Xiong Tingbi knew what he should do.

He nodded and said: "Fine, no problem. You're right—let's handle it this way."

"But there's one thing I must remind you of." As he said this, Xiong Tingbi looked at Bi Ziyan, his expression extremely serious and earnest: "If it really does come to fighting this time, it will certainly be a critically important battle. You see, the troops of our Guangning and Shenyang have fought many battles over the years and have experience dealing with the Mongols; your Liaoyang troops are somewhat lacking. To guarantee success this time, and for the Great Ming to thoroughly settle matters in Liaodong, I think it's more fitting to leave this to our two commands. In my view, Liaoyang isn't quite suitable—better to withdraw on your own initiative."

"You're thinking rather nicely." Bi Ziyan gave a cold snort, knowing this negotiation was over.

These two fellows had nothing good in mind, wanting him to pull out—nice dream.

If he didn't grab some merit this time, it wouldn't be him. What about Liaoyang?

Liaoyang was also territory of the Great Ming—were Liaoyang's soldiers not troops of the Great Ming?

He couldn't let them have their way this time!

If His Majesty didn't include Liaoyang in this campaign, then he wouldn't do it—he couldn't face his subordinates going back, and he'd rather give up the post.

With that thought, Bi Ziyan flicked his sleeves and strode inside.

"Look at you, getting angry now." Xiong Tingbi quickly chased after him with a smile: "We're only doing this for your own good—don't be like this. Biting the hand that feeds you, not knowing a good heart when you see one."

Bi Ziyan shot Xiong Tingbi a glance, couldn't be bothered to acknowledge him, and walked straight in.

Wang Zaijin leisurely followed along behind.

He had no interest in the squabbling between Xiong Tingbi and Bi Ziyan. But Xiong Tingbi's words just now had reminded him—if it really came to fighting this time, Guangning's forces were extremely suitable. These past few years, when it came to contact with the Mongols, he'd certainly had the most.

Xiong Tingbi wanted to use this trick to strike at Bi Ziyan—he could use the same trick to strike at both of them.

Plan's a go. That's what he'd do.

As for cooperating with Xiong Tingbi, Wang Zaijin wouldn't dare trust him—who knew if that old devil would say one thing to your face and do another behind your back, stabbing you in the rear?

He couldn't fall for their trap!

The three each harbored their own schemes, bickering as they hurried inside.

Zhu Youxiao was adjusting his attire. He glanced at Wei Chao standing beside him and asked: "There's a commotion outside—what's going on?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, it's the three lords, Xiong Tingbi and the others." Wei Chao said with a smile on his face: "They seem to be arguing over something, pulling and tugging at each other all the way here—looks quite lively."

"Is that so?" Curiosity piqued, Zhu Youxiao looked at Wei Chao and asked directly: "What are they arguing about?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, they're arguing over who should dispatch troops." Wei Chao quickly replied: "These days word outside is that the Great Ming may well campaign against the Mongols, and many are speculating who will be used. Some say the Imperial Guard Corps, others say the local Liaodong troops."

"Who has more support?" Zhu Youxiao was curious too and asked promptly.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, more favor the local Liaodong troops." Wei Chao answered quickly.

Before Zhu Youxiao could ask, he continued: "Because many feel the court needs to appease the soldiers here in Liaodong. They've been fighting here for years and have fought no few battles. This time, when fighting Hong Taiji, the court used the Son of Heaven's personal troops—that was Your Majesty proving the combat power of the Imperial Guard Corps. Now that no one doubts the Imperial Guard Corps, it should be Liaodong's troops' turn."

Hearing this, Zhu Youxiao nodded noncommittally.

He had considered this matter and knew that the people in Liaodong were all waiting to earn merit—one could say from top to bottom they were all crying out hungrily.

Under such circumstances, not giving the Liaodong troops some opportunity would indeed be rather heartless of him. But in the affairs of this world, how much room was there for sentiment?

He was the Emperor—if he ran everything on personal sentiment, then nothing would ever get done.

His options were actually quite limited. If it truly came to war with the Mongols this time, he would need to think carefully about whom to use. This battle could not afford the slightest error—victory had to be guaranteed; not just victory, but a resounding, beautiful victory, so as to awe many ambitious schemers.

Just like this campaign against Hong Taiji—sweeping all before it, leaving no room. Only thus could the fruits of this war be truly preserved.

"Alright, let's go out." Zhu Youxiao looked at his robes, nodded in satisfaction, and turned to walk outside.

By the time Zhu Youxiao arrived at the front hall, Xiong Tingbi and the other two were already waiting there, all traces of their earlier squabbling gone.

When they saw Zhu Youxiao this time, everyone wore grave, solemn expressions.

Only after the three had performed their bows did Zhu Youxiao wave his hand and say, "Enough, all of you may rise."

Once the three had straightened up, Zhu Youxiao continued, "By now you must have all heard about what happened this time. We don't yet know whether there will be a fight or not, but whether there is or isn't, we must be prepared."

"Originally, after arriving in Liaodong, I should have summoned you, but I thought it would be fine to wait until I brought you back to the capital to talk. However, with this matter coming up, I have no choice but to speak with you now."

"You have long served in Liaodong, so you should have a good understanding of the situation among the Mongols. Hong Taiji's campaign being over doesn't mean we can sleep soundly and peacefully."