Chapter 644: Deliberation

Yuwen Ze frowned slightly, and continued to ask, "Did father say what the matter is?"

The Personal Guard slowly shook his head and replied truthfully, "Returning Prince, the Grand Preceptor did not elaborate."

He paused, as if suddenly recalling something, and hurriedly added, "When I arrived, I heard that the residence had already sent someone to summon the Second Lord, as well as Pei Zhuguo, Du Zhuguo, Shang Zhuguo and several other gentlemen..."

When these words were spoken, everyone in the pavilion felt a chill in their hearts; such a display surely concerned an urgent matter of the court.

Yuwen Ze immediately nodded, asked no further, and turned to Chen Yan, "A Xiong, since father has summoned the State Pillars, it must be a major matter to discuss; shall we go now?"

Chen Yan replied, "Mm."

He then leaned forward, gently pinched Lu Ning's cool fingertips, and once more carefully instructed, his tone full of concern, "From now on, don't handle every trivial matter in the residence yourself; be sure not to overexert yourself, and remember to rest often."

He paused, then continued, "Some of the chores can be left to A Ming's daughter‑in‑law to share with you; first, it saves you effort, and second, it trains our younger sibling!"

Having said that, he straightened up, adjusted the hem of his dark Brothel, and his expression returned to its usual composure.

Lu Ning looked at him, eyes full of tenderness, and smiled softly, nodding, "Very well, I understand everything; husband, go without worry..."

She raised her hand, smoothing the slightly rumpled folds on Chen Yan's collar, and gently urged, "Return early!"

Night.

Jin Wang Fu.

Shufang.

In the corridor, palace lanterns hung high, reflecting the copper bells under the eaves brightly, while Bodyguards stood solemnly outside the Shufang.

Inside the Shufang, sandalwood incense wafted.

Seated at the main seat was Yuwen Hu, clad in a dark four‑claw python robe, its serpentine patterns coiled, gold‑thread embroidery subtly gleaming in the lantern light.

To the left, the foremost seat was Yuwen Heng, wearing a stone‑blue Brothel, a gold‑inlaid jade belt at his waist, his brows and eyes bearing the vigor of a commander.

On either side of the desk sat several current State Pillars, all stalwart ministers of Great Zhou.

Pei Xun wore a crimson Brothel, a smile at the corner of his mouth.

Du Yaoguang was in a deep‑gray Brothel, his brows sharp, fingertips unconsciously rubbing the tea cup, exuding calm restraint.

Shang Ting wore an apricot‑yellow Brothel, his hair half‑white, complexion rosy, eyes and brows tinged with mirth, making him appear especially affable.

Yu Tinggui wore a dark‑green Brothel, slightly plump, perpetually looking down with a faint smile, speaking little.

At the end was Gao Bing, in a light‑blue Brothel, upright, his demeanor respectful, his gaze never wavering while seated, displaying strict propriety.

Everyone sat around a large pear‑flower wood table, each with a steaming cup of tea, vapor rising, the scent of tea mingling with sandalwood filling the Shufang.

At first the atmosphere was still relaxed; as longtime court elders, there was a hint of idle chatter before the discussion.

Shang Ting lifted his tea cup, took a sip, and smiled brightly at Yuwen Hu at the main seat, his tone a bit self‑satisfied, "Grand Preceptor, my two granddaughters—one seventeen, the other ten—are as beautiful as blossoms, their features and figures outstanding, truly rare beauties!"

Having said that, he set down the cup, leaned slightly forward, his gaze carrying expectation, and asked meaningfully, "What do you think…?"

As soon as the words fell, Yuwen Heng was the first to laugh out loud, teasing, "State Pillar Shang, the way you speak sounds exactly like a peddler of girls!"

Those words made everyone laugh.

Pei Xun let out a light laugh and said loudly, "I think it's not just similar, it actually is!"

"State Pillar Shang, your calculations are so loud, they can be heard across several rooms!"

The others also nodded in agreement; Du Yaoguang, rarely smiling, lifted the corner of his mouth; Yu Tinggui laughed and waved his hand; even Gao Bing showed a faint smile, and the atmosphere in the Shufang grew increasingly light.

Shang Ting, hearing this, waved his hand and pretended to glare angrily at everyone, "Go, go, go!"

"I am discussing serious matters with the Grand Preceptor!"

Though his words said so, the smile at the corner of his eye could not be hidden; evidently he was also raising the serious matter via the joke.

Amid the laughter, the Shufang door was gently pushed open, and Chen Yan and Yuwen Ze entered side by side.

Seeing the two enter, Yuwen Hu's authority in his eyes softened a bit; he raised his hand, pointed to an empty seat beside the desk, and smiled, "Take a look!"

"We just mentioned them, and they arrived—what a coincidence!"

Chen Yan immediately bowed toward the main seat, his voice steady, "I have seen the Grand Preceptor!"

Yuwen Ze then bowed to Yuwen Hu, his tone bearing a hint of reverence, "I have seen father!"

The two then turned to the other State Pillars, bowing together respectfully, "I have seen all the esteemed elders!"

Yuwen Hu lifted his hand, his tone casual, "No need for excessive courtesy!"

Then, pointing to the prepared empty seats on either side of the desk, he said, "Sit."

"Thank you, Grand Preceptor!"

"Thank you, father!"

Chen Yan and Yuwen Ze responded in unison and each took their seat.

The servant at their side had already prepared hot tea; just as they lifted their cups, Yuwen Ze could not contain his curiosity, looked at the others, and asked with a smile, "Earlier you were chatting so lively and even mentioned the two of us—what amusing matter were you discussing?"

Yuwen Heng glanced at the smiling Shang Ting, then at his own nephew, and laughed aloud, "What else could it be! State Pillar Shang has two blossom‑like granddaughters, and just now was discussing with your father to marry the two girls to you both, forging an alliance between Qin and Jin!"

When these words were spoken, Chen Yan's hand holding the tea cup paused briefly, then returned to normal, his expression indifferent; Yuwen Ze's eyes lit up, then showed a hint of embarrassment, and just as he was about to speak, Yuwen Hu raised his hand and pressed it, his demeanor gradually darkening, and he said gravely, "We will discuss these matters later; for now let us address the main business and not delay the urgent issue!"

The others, seeing this, quickly put away their joking expressions; the earlier light atmosphere vanished, and they sat upright solemnly, their faces grave, responding in unison, "Yes!"

The Shufang instantly regained its dignified atmosphere for discussion; amid the lingering sandalwood incense, only the steady breaths of the assembled remained.

Yuwen Hu leaned slightly forward, his knuckles lightly tapping the desk, the crisp sound echoing distinctly in the Shufang; in a deep voice with authority he said, "Qin Zhao and Lu Bo have completed the handover of their duties, and are now returning to Chang'an with their retinues..."

Everyone's expression tightened at his words, focusing intently.

Yuwen Hu's gaze slowly swept over each person present, from Yuwen Heng to the several State Pillars, then to Chen Yan and Yuwen Ze, and finally he asked in a deep tone, "What do you think, who should go out of the city to meet them when the time comes, to be most appropriate?"

While the others were pondering, Gao Bing was the first to break the silence, lifting his eyes toward Chen Yan beside him, his posture slightly upright, and said gravely, "I believe State Pillar Chen should go, most suitable!"

When these words were spoken, the Shufang fell silent for a few moments, everyone turned to look at him, their eyes showing slight surprise.

No one expected the usually cautious Gao Bing to be the first to speak, and to directly recommend the youngest, Chen Yan.

Seated at the main seat, Yuwen Hu remained as immovable as a mountain, his fingertips slowly turning the Jade Ring on his right hand, his gaze landing on Gao Bing, inquisitively asking, "Oh? Why?"

"Tell me your reasoning!"

Gao Bing slightly nodded, chose his words briefly and replied in a deep voice, clear and unflustered: "Grand Preceptor, as the saying goes, everything has a beginning and an end…"

"When the two lords Qin and Lu first left the Capital for appointments in the Northern Border, Chen Zhuguo personally escorted them. Now that the two return in glory, it should naturally be Chen Zhuguo who goes to receive them again, to make it complete!"

Then his tone rose slightly, and he said loudly: "Moreover, Chen Zhuguo is the Duke of Wei, a senior duke; his status is noble and trusted by both court and officials. Having him go out of the city to receive them will further demonstrate the Court's and Grand Preceptor's regard for the two lords!"

As soon as the words finished, Yu Tinggui, dressed in a dark green Brothel, was the first to nod, patting his round belly and praising: "Gao Zhuguo, this statement is very reasonable!"

He exhaled a breath of foul air, his brows and eyes full of envy, "Back when Chen Zhuguo sent the two lords Qin and Lu away from the Capital, he composed a farewell poem on the spot, and it spread throughout Chang'an!"

He paused briefly, cleared his throat, and slowly recited: "Do not worry that the road ahead has no confidant; who in the world does not know you?"

When the verse finished, everyone in Shufang nodded in agreement; Pei Xun stroked his short mustache and laughed: "That poem back then made the entire court of civil and military officials envious; it displayed both spirit and deep loyalty!"

Du Yaoguang also nodded, his expression showing some approval.

Shang Ting, running his half‑white beard, looked at Chen Yan with a gaze full of praise, clearly thinking Gao Bing's recommendation was appropriate.

Yuwen Hu's Jade Ring on his fingertip paused for a moment, then he slowly nodded, his expression full of agreement: "Gao Zhuguo's considerations are very thorough, both sentimental and within regulations…"

His gaze then turned to Chen Yan, who was seated at the side, and in a steady tone he asked: "Chen Zhuguo, what is your opinion?"

Chen Yan immediately stood, his posture as upright as a pine, bowed and clasped his fists before Yuwen Hu, his voice resonant and strong: "I, your servant, am willing to go!"

"Very well, then this matter will be entrusted to you." Yuwen Hu decided at once, without any hesitation, his tone crisp and decisive.

"Yes, I obey the order!" Chen Yan replied in a deep voice, then sat back in his original seat.

The sandalwood incense in Shufang still wafted gently; Yuwen Hu turned his Jade Ring again, his eyes slowly sweeping over everyone present, his expression growing more solemn, and he raised the next important matter: "Now the Prefect positions of Xiazhou and Lingzhou are both vacant; these two locations are key strongholds of the Northern Border, concerning border defense stability and civilian governance…"

"Everyone, who do you think are the two worthy talents to replace them, most appropriate?"

Xiazhou and Lingzhou are both gateways of the Dazhou North Region, directly confronting the Qi State, the Rouran, and the Turks.

The Prefect role must both command troops against enemies and soothe the populace; it is by no means an idle post.

Upon hearing this, everyone's expression hardened; as they looked at each other, each silently weighed suitable candidates, and Shufang fell silent once more.

After a moment, Pei Xun was the first to break the stalemate, setting down his tea cup, and loudly said: "Grand Preceptor, I have a person to recommend!"

"Wang Qingqu has served as magistrate of three counties, now serves as Chief Clerk; in each place his achievements are outstanding, he governs the people well, and understands frontier customs. I, the elder, think he is fit for great appointment; he is more than qualified to serve as Prefect!"

Wang Qingqu is one of Pei Xun's most valued disciples.

Du Yaoguang followed immediately, speaking with a steady, powerful voice, without superfluous words: "I recommend Wu Jinyu; this man is proficient in agriculture, especially mulberry and hemp, and has a good hand at managing civilian affairs…"

"The frontier people most need stable livelihoods; after he goes to train, he will surely pacify the region!"

Du Yaoguang has always been pragmatic; the people he recommends also focus on civilian governance, matching the frontier's needs.

Of course, this Wu Jinyu is also his disciple…

Shang Ting squeezed the beard under his jaw, pondered briefly, then spoke, his tone bearing some certainty: "Liu Luying is proficient in both civil and military affairs; he can mount a horse to fight the enemy and dismount to govern the people. The Northern Border Prefect needs someone skilled in both, and he will surely achieve great results there!"

Liu Luying is not Shang Ting's disciple, but his son‑in‑law.

Everyone recommended their own candidates, each someone they knew and trusted; Yuwen Hu listened quietly all along, his Jade Ring never ceasing its motion.

At this moment, Yuwen Heng, seated at the leftmost seat, slightly relaxed his brows, and, thoughtfully, spoke in a deep voice: "Brother, I have a suggestion: let A Mo be stationed at Xiazhou, which can keep the Northern Border free of trouble!"

Chen Yan did not rush to speak, but was pondering how to recommend himself…

After everyone finished their recommendations, all eyes fell on Yuwen Hu at the head, awaiting his decision.

Yuwen Hu did not speak immediately; instead he turned his gaze to Chen Yan, who had remained silent all along, and asked in a deep voice: "A Yan, just now everyone made recommendations; do you have anyone to recommend?"

Chen Yan was about to stand and reply when the Shufang door was suddenly pushed open hastily, breaking the discussion atmosphere inside.

Yuwen Hu's strategist Gongyang Hui hurried in, in his thirties, dressed in a blue Brothel, usually composed and measured, but now his expression was flustered, a thin sheen of sweat on his forehead; upon entering he quickly clasped his fists and saluted the crowd: "Grand Preceptor! Honorable lords!"

Yuwen Hu's gaze instantly fell on Gongyang Hui, knowing that his strategist never panics in crises; such a lapse must mean an urgent matter. He did not blame him for intruding on the meeting; instead, in a steady tone he asked: "Gongyang, why such haste?"

"What has happened?"

Gongyang Hui took a deep breath, suppressed his anxiety, and replied in a low voice: "Report to the Grand Preceptor, an urgent dispatch has been delivered by the Mirror Office!"

"It requires your immediate review!"

Before the words finished, he took a Secret Letter from his bosom; the edge of the stationery was still tinged with dust, indicating it had been delivered by a swift horse.

He held it with both hands, hurried to the desk and presented it to Yuwen Hu.

Since Chen Yan took charge of the Mirror Office, he established the rule:

For any vital intelligence, one copy goes to his hands, another is presented to the Grand Preceptor for review.

At this time, Chen was in the Jin Wang Fu holding a meeting, so his copy could not be delivered.

Yuwen Hu reached out and took it; as his fingertip touched the rough envelope, he recognized it as the Mirror Office's urgent secret dispatch. His thumb deftly lifted the seal, and he unfolded the paper, scanning it quickly.

As his eyes scanned the lines, his previously calm expression instantly darkened, his two thick brows knitting tightly.

The knuckles of his fingers whitened slightly from gripping the letter, and the aura of decisive authority around him gained a few degrees of chilling severity.

Beside him, Shang Ting, sharp‑eyed, was the first to notice Yuwen Hu's extremely solemn expression; he exchanged a startled, questioning glance with Pei Xun, Du Yaoguang and others, realizing something serious must have occurred, and tentatively clasped his hands to ask: "Grand Preceptor, what has happened?"

He slowly tightened his grip on the Secret Letter, the paper creasing with deep folds; he lifted his head, his gaze sharp as a blade, sweeping over everyone present, and spoke each word with weight and finality, his voice bearing undeniable gravity: "The Qi State has raised thirty thousand troops intending to launch a surprise attack on Yubi!"