Chapter 678: The Situation Shifts in Unforeseen Ways

"The Jinghu strategy should now be the top priority of the Great Han. The entire court must tighten up, unite as one, and take a solid step toward pacifying the realm and clearing the world!" Liu Chengyou encouraged the assembled ministers.

"As you command!"

"What's the story with that Xu Prefecture tribesman Fu Yantong?" After a pause, Liu Chengyou asked.

Most of the Great Han's civil and military officials only had a rough understanding of the southern states, let alone these barbarian tribes. Most people probably still thought they dwelt among the streams and caves.

Guo Rong had investigated and had the right to speak, but it was Wei Renpu who resolved Liu Chengyou's confusion: "Fu Yantong is the chieftain of the Yao tribe of Xu Prefecture. He is said to be a descendant of Fu Jian of the Former Qin, though this cannot be verified. He has dominated central Qianzhong for decades with considerable renown. In his early years, he joined with the various tribes in mutual defense against the Chu king Ma Yin. Hunan could not pacify him and suffered greatly from his raids, so much so that his power has entrenched itself in Chen and Xu Prefectures to this day.

When Ma Xi'e raised troops to attack Tanzhou and seize the throne, he lured Fu Yantong with Changsha's wealth to send troops in support. After Changsha fell, Fu Yantong reaped great riches and returned fully laden. With that wealth, he became the richest and strongest force among the tribes, his prestige spreading throughout the streams and caves, and he proclaimed himself King of Xu.

If Zhou Xingfeng can lure Fu Yantong to his aid, he could obtain tens of thousands of Miao and Yao troops. If that happens, it would be a tremendous problem for our dynasty!"

Hearing Wei Renpu's words, some doubt surfaced among the civil and military officials present. Liu Chengyou also furrowed his brow slightly and asked: "Since we've detected it in advance, we should find a way to resolve this problem!"

Wei Renpu said: "Over the years, these Miao and Yao barbarians have gradually submitted to imperial civilization. Though their people are fierce, their livelihoods are poor. They can gather tens of thousands, but they find it hard to leave Qianzhong. If Zhou Xingfeng can lure them, it is merely through profit! What Zhou Xingfeng can do with envoys, the court can do as well. Though Fu Yantong is of the tribes, he is surely not a stupid man and can tell which side is stronger!"

"If we can use the Chu tribesmen's troops, taking Hunan will be even easier!" Guo Rong remarked.

"Tribal troops are hard to control; I fear they would bring disaster upon Hunan's people!" Fan Zhi remarked.

Guo Rong said: "When the court takes up arms, war is inevitable. So long as we pacify Hunan quickly, there will be no great harm!"

"Even if we cannot draw them to our use, stabilizing the Hunan tribes would be enough!" Liu Chengyou made his decision and said: "Prepare a gift list and send an envoy to Xu Prefecture to contact this Fu Yantong.

Does he not call himself King of Xu? So long as he submits to the court, I will enfeoff him as a king. After Hunan is pacified, land can be divided among the prefectures for his tribe to farm, and officials can be appointed. Let him think carefully about the pros and cons — whether to aid the soon-to-perish corner of Hunan in opposing the court, or to become a vassal of the Great Han and enjoy wealth, honor, and peace!"

From Liu Chengyou's instructions, one could see that he was already considering the governance of the tribes after pacifying Hunan...

"The envoy must be a capable man of courage and quick wit, familiar with the geography and tribal conditions. It may be hard to find a suitable choice from within the court. Do you have anyone in mind?" Liu Chengyou directly asked Wei Renpu and Guo Rong.

Guo Rong thought briefly, then cupped his hands and said: "I recommend one man — Wang Qianlang, an administrative aide of Li Prefecture. He was formerly an officer under Wang Kui. After Wang Kui's defeat, he fled to Li Prefecture and serves under Defense Commissioner Cao Yin. From what I've observed, this man has considerable spirit and is familiar with tribal affairs!"

"Then let this man be the envoy. Send an urgent summons to Li Prefecture — he is in Hunan, so it will be convenient and won't delay matters!" Liu Chengyou decided immediately.

"Yes!"

While Liu Chengyou was deliberating with his civil and military officials, an urgent report arrived unexpectedly, briefly interrupting. Of course, anything that could disturb the meeting at such a time must be related to the Jinghu campaign.

After reading the memorial, Liu Chengyou's expression immediately turned grave. Placing it on the table, he explained in a deep voice: "Li Prefecture reports that Defense Commissioner Cao Yin died of illness two days ago!"

At these words, the perceptive officials' expressions also immediately turned solemn. Li Prefecture had been forcibly seized during the internal strife of the Ma brothers, like a nail driven deep into Hunan. Though it was an enclave, it had become a base for the court to monitor the situation in Hunan.

It was like a knife suspended over Hunan, pointing directly at Wuling in Lang Prefecture. After Zhou Xingfeng eliminated his rivals and nominally controlled most of Hunan's territory, he had always been wary of the Han army at Li Prefecture, and so had maintained heavy troops at Lang Prefecture.

Defense Commissioner Cao Yin had presided over military and civil affairs at Li Prefecture for four or five years, with a standing garrison of three thousand troops. Li Prefecture had been built as the court's bridgehead for attacking Hunan, and it held considerable weight in the Bureau of Military Affairs' plans — whether for pressuring Jingnan to the north or spearheading the advance south to Wuling.

Yet Defense Commissioner Cao Yin had died of illness at this critical juncture. Cao Yin had managed Li Prefecture's military and civil affairs for years. The court could replace him with someone else, but replicating Cao Yin's effectiveness and role would be extremely difficult.

"This is my oversight — I failed to consider Cao Yin's health. His sudden death may trigger changes in the Hunan situation!" Guo Rong reacted, a note of self-reproach in his voice.

Wei Renpu said: "Though Li Prefecture's troops are not numerous, in the current Jinghu situation, it is the court's most important piece, checking both north and south. With Governor Cao dead, Li Prefecture is without a leader. Under the current circumstances, unforeseen changes may arise! We should immediately send someone to Li Prefecture to take charge!"

"Who can be sent?" Liu Chengyou asked.

"Han Tong can go!"

"Pan Mei is suitable!"

Fan Zhi and Guo Rong spoke almost simultaneously.

Fan Zhi recommended Han Tong for his deep seniority — he had once been a commander of the imperial army and could quickly take control of the situation. Guo Rong, on the other hand, admired Pan Mei's abilities more and also wanted to give him a chance to display his talents and take charge independently — which, of course, also matched the Emperor's high regard for Pan Mei.

At present, both Han Tong and Pan Mei were at Xiangyang. Liu Chengyou considered for a while and ultimately chose Pan Mei, the rising star, between the two generals. Comparatively, Pan Mei's potential was far higher than Han Tong's. Moreover, when the Shu campaign had not yet concluded, sending Pan Mei south had been precisely to use him for Jinghu affairs.

"Transmit an edict to Xiangyang — have Pan Mei head south to Li Prefecture immediately, temporarily assuming the post of Defense Commissioner and managing military and civil affairs!" Having made his decision without further ado, Liu Chengyou directly ordered.

"Yes!" Though his recommendation had been overruled, Fan Zhi showed neither joy nor displeasure.

"What do you all think Zhou Xingfeng will do?" Liu Chengyou asked.

Guo Rong said: "With Li Prefecture unable to function in the short term, I fear he will accelerate his march south, first settling Zhang Wenbiao, then turning his army north!"

Most nodded in agreement.

At this moment, Murong Yanzhao, who had been quiet, spoke up: "Defeating Zhang Wenbiao is easy — in three to five days at the fastest. But if Zhou Xingfeng is bold enough to march north and take Li Prefecture first..."

Murong Yanzhao's words immediately drew everyone's attention. Wei Renpu analyzed coolly: "The court's troops are far north of the Yangtze, with Jingnan in between — they cannot provide support in time. Moreover, if the main army cannot quickly take Jiangling on its way south and is blocked by it, then Li Prefecture would be completely isolated. It's hard to guarantee Zhou Xingfeng won't get ideas!"

"If he actively attacks Li Prefecture, he would be completely breaking with the court. Does Zhou Xingfeng have that kind of courage?" Fan Zhi raised an objection.

"The court has already sharpened its blades, merely holding back from striking. War is inevitable sooner or later. This man rose from the grassroots and was able to restore order amid great chaos — he should have that much foresight!" Guo Rong spoke.

After pondering for a moment, Guo Rong slowly widened his eyes, as if releasing a sharp gleam: "If Zhou Xingfeng can be induced to actively attack Li Prefecture, it might not be a bad thing for the court!"

Under everyone's gaze, Guo Rong earnestly laid out his plan: "If Zhou Xingfeng attacks Li Prefecture, that is rebellion. The court sending troops to suppress the rebellion would be fully justified. Moving troops south would be a matter of course and could somewhat dispel the suspicions of Gao Baorong of Jingnan.

Previously, our greatest concern was that Jingnan might cause trouble and delay our army's southward advance. If Hunan rebels, we can request passage through Lady Gao territory to send troops, and take it in the process — then the great matter can be accomplished!"

After Guo Rong finished, Liu Chengyou considered his idea for a moment and said softly: "So you're saying the court should do its best to provoke Zhou Xingfeng into attacking Li Prefecture?"

"We can have the Military Intelligence Bureau spread word in Hunan that the court intends to take Hunan. In any case, first force Zhou Xingfeng to make a move!" Guo Rong said.

"So be it!" Liu Chengyou decided.

"The court has been preparing for war all this time. What if Zhou Xingfeng contacts Gao Baorong and the two form an alliance against the court?" Li Tao, who had been quiet, raised a possibility not previously considered.

"Though this possibility is unlikely, it must be considered!" Liu Chengyou raised one index finger and said with a grave expression: "The court should send an envoy to Jiangling!"

"Yes!"

After the discussion ended, the officials dispersed, but Liu Chengyou kept his father-in-law Fu Yanqing behind and asked with some curiosity: "During the military discussion just now, why did you not speak a single word, Father-in-law?"

Fu Yanqing had been commander of the Imperial Guard Command for nearly three years. In those three years, he had shown not the slightest sign of coveting power or position. Instead, he lived very comfortably, always with a relaxed expression. Others grew older with exhaustion, but he seemed to grow younger with each passing day.

At this moment, facing the questioning of his imperial son-in-law, Fu Yanqing revealed a modest smile: "Your Majesty and the assembled officials have planned carefully and deliberated thoroughly. There is no need for this old minister to add superfluous words!"

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou laughed heartily: "Father-in-law is too modest. The court still needs pillar ministers like you!"

"If Your Majesty has any use for this old minister, I will naturally serve with utmost dedication!" Fu Yanqing replied calmly.

"Haha..." The father-in-law and son-in-law both laughed heartily, seeming quite in sync.

That said, Fu Yanqing was not actually that old — not even sixty. But as the father of the Empress, with the Fu clan's formidable family power, and placed by Liu Chengyou in the position of Imperial Guard commander, this shrewd old man naturally knew how he should conduct himself on ordinary days.