Chapter 646: Selecting the Envoy for the Yubi Relief

When those words were spoken, everyone turned to Yuwen Hu, waiting silently for him to name the candidate.

The ice crystals in the ice basin melted as the July night breeze slipped through the window, stirring the candle flame to flicker, casting the room's shadows in alternating light and dark.

Yuwen Hu's gaze swept past the crowd and landed precisely on his son Yuwen Ze, who was idly daydreaming in the corner; his voice, steady and resonant, rang out, "Prince of Ancheng!"

Yuwen Ze, who had been lost in his own calculations while roaming Yubi with A Xiong, suddenly heard the summons, jolted, and snapped to attention, standing upright, bowing with clasped fists, and loudly declared, "The son is here!"

The candlelight illuminated his resolute face; the yearning that had lingered in his eyes now transformed entirely into solemnity.

Yuwen Hu stared at him with a heavy gaze, his eyes reflecting both a father's expectation and a ruler's calculation, and asked in a deep voice, "With the Qi army pressing the borders and the Northern Border in crisis, are you willing to don armor, serve the state, and hold back the Qi forces beneath Yubi?"

Chen Yan, who had long suspected, remained seated, unmoving, his expression still calm, while silently murmuring, "Grand Preceptor father indeed plans to send Yuwen Ze to shoulder the main responsibility…"

This both meets Yubi's need and gives him a chance to act independently—a well‑rounded plan.

Moreover, over the years Yuwen Ze has studied tactics by my side and observed campaigns with the army; he is far from a pampered noble kept in a secluded chamber…

This relief mission to Yubi, with Yang Langhui defending the city as a foundation, is an excellent training opportunity.

The key is that the risk is low, perfect for honing one's sword!

Pei Xun stroked his chin beard, listening to Yuwen Hu's plan, a slight smile curling his lips, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes, and thought, "Prince of Ancheng has spent these years beside A Yan, undergoing countless campaigns north and south; he is no longer an ignorant youth, but a man who understands soldiers and formations…"

"Sending him to Yubi now, with veteran city defenders as backup and elite troops accompanying, is just right!"

Hearing his father's question, Yuwen Ze felt his blood surge; the earlier anticipation found its outlet, and without a moment's hesitation he lifted his head and replied, "The son is willing to go!"

When his words finished, he clenched his fists, speaking with conviction, each word ringing, "I will not disappoint the Court nor my father; I will guard the Yubi passes and keep Yubi City as solid as a golden cauldron!"

Yuwen Hu saw his steadfast expression, no hint of fear, and nodded approvingly, saying in a deep voice, "Very good! Such ambition!"

Then, raising his hand over the table, he pointed directly at Yuwen Ze, announcing the orders aloud for all to hear, "You will be the commander, Yan will be deputy commander; the two of you will lead the Right Martial Guard's five thousand troops and set out immediately to reinforce Yubi!"

This deployment reflects Yuwen Hu's emphasis on the relief effort and also serves to familiarize Yuwen Ze with the Right Martial Guard…

Facilitating future takeover!

Yuwen Ze's eyes brightened, his heart roiling, and he solemnly nodded, "The son obeys!"

His tone brimmed with the honor of the entrusted responsibility.

Yu Tinggui, seated nearby, was startled at first, then blinked, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes before deepening, and he quickly calculated in his mind, "This is a once‑in‑a‑millennium chance to make a name!"

"Yan may be talented, but he has never had the chance to command an army alone; joining Prince of Ancheng in the Yubi relief, if he can stabilize the situation and probe the Qi army's strength, it will be a great achievement!"

"When you return, be sure to advise A Yan carefully, be cautious in all matters, heed the prince's orders, and tonight ask your old father to give him a few pointers on city defense and coordinated warfare; we must not miss this opportunity…"

His face remained composed, a slight nod, his mind already having laid out a thorough plan.

Shang Ting ran his half‑white beard, faced Yuwen Hu and cupped his hands, saying, "Grand Preceptor's arrangement is apt; the Right Martial Guard is formidable, the deputy commander is steady and capable, complementing Prince of Ancheng—Yubi will be safe!"

Du Yaoguang added, "Five thousand elite troops rushing in, plus Yubi's existing garrison, will be enough to face the Qi army!"

Yuwen Hu's eyes were full of indulgence as he smiled and replied, "Our Prince of Ancheng has learned much from Chen Zhuguo; this is a perfect chance to showcase his skill, perhaps even capture a Qi detachment and give Gao Ying a warning!"

Gao Bing nodded in agreement, saying, "The young, valiant prince will surely not disgrace his mission."

Yuwen Hu raised his hand to quiet the discussion, then gently turned the Jade Ring again; its translucent surface glowed warmly in the candlelight as he fixed his gaze on Yuwen Ze, his tone shedding some courtly formality for a father's admonition, "This is your first time commanding troops alone as commander; remember not to rely on bravery to underestimate the enemy, nor to be reckless in seeking glory!"

"Yubi's situation is treacherous; the Qi army may not be launching a genuine attack. In any case, consult Yan frequently, heed the counsel of senior generals, and think thrice before acting!"

As for his own son, Yuwen Hu felt at ease…

After all, Yuwen Ze may have no other strengths, but he knows how to obey—and to listen to advice!

Yuwen Ze had already quelled his earlier excitement, his expression growing more solemn, he nodded repeatedly, committing every word to memory: "The son will carefully follow father's teachings!"

Then, bowing again, he pledged earnestly, "On this march, the son will proceed steadily, neither arrogant nor impatient, and will not disappoint your expectations nor the trust of the elders!"

Yuwen Hu, seeing his demeanor, finally showed a hint of smile, waved his hand and said, "I won't belabor the rest; you already know the military regulations and marching duties, no need for further words."

Immediately, he gestured, "Go make preparations first!"

"Yes!" Yuwen Ze answered loudly, then respectfully bowed to Yuwen Hu and declared, "The son takes his leave!"

As he turned, he instinctively glanced at Chen Yan, his eyes carrying a hint of request and expectation.

Chen Yan gave a slight nod, signaling with his eyes that he should act calmly; Yuwen Ze felt reassured, and with steady steps turned and hurried out of the Shufang.

The Shufang door closed gently; the evening breeze slipped through the crack, bringing a whiff of heat, the candle flickered, casting wavering shadows across the room.

Yu Tinggui immediately rose, cupped his hands to Yuwen Hu and said, "Grand Preceptor, I will now take my leave, return to advise my son on military matters, and be sure to support Prince of Ancheng without disgracing the mission!"

Yuwen Hu nodded in agreement, "It should be so, go."

Yu Tinggui hurried out, his steps a few strides more urgent than usual, evidently eager to return and make arrangements.

Chen Yan's mouth curved slightly as he looked at Yuwen Hu, speaking meaningfully, "Grand Preceptor, although we admit we do not know what Qi is plotting or what tricks they intend, we cannot simply sit and wait for death…"

The brief lull in the Shufang after Yuwen Ze took his orders was instantly tightened again by his words.

As the candle danced, it reflected in Chen Yan's eyes a sharp confidence, shedding the earlier melancholy, gaining a composed strategic poise.

Yuwen Hu took in Chen Yan's demeanor, slowed the rotation of the Jade Ring on his fingertip, the translucent jade glimmering in the lamplight, he smiled knowingly, his eyes full of expectation, and asked, "It seems our Chen Zhuguo has a clever plan hidden in his heart?"

Chen Yan lightly shook his head, his tone tinged with amusement, a broader smile at his lips, "Not a brilliant scheme, just some modest thoughts I had on the battlefield earlier!"

Everyone in the room felt a stir, realizing that Chen Zhuguo must have thought of the key to breaking the deadlock, and they all focused intently.

Yuwen Hu, also curious about what his child was brewing to stir the chessboard, raised his hand, his tone a mix of indulgence and urgency, "Tell me, let's hear it!"

Chen Yan blinked, his gaze first returning to Yuwen Hu, then slowly sweeping the senior officials present, finally his smile softened, a half‑smile, and he asked meaningfully, "Grand Preceptor, gentlemen, have we perhaps forgotten that Qi holds Luoyang, dominates the Henan region, commands massive forces, yet has long been at odds with Jinyang?"

When those words were spoken, the Shufang fell silent for a moment as everyone raced through thoughts.

Immediately, Du Yaoguang narrowed his eyes, a flash of insight striking his mind, and blurted out, "Chen Zhuguo, are you referring to Hou Wanjing?!"

Hou Wanjing commands his own troops and harbors deep resentment toward the Jinyang court; he is an unspoken internal threat within the Qi court.

They had just been focusing on the Qi army at the Northern Border, truly leaving this figure out of mind.

Chen Yan immediately nodded, his tone firm, "Exactly that person!"

When his words ended, his eyes again sparkled with amusement, a mischievous grin at his lips, and in a deep voice he said, "Now the Qi army is mobilizing at the Northern Border, Jinyang's forces will surely be redeployed, leaving Henan's defenses thin—perfect timing to lever Hou Wanjing!"

"Perhaps we should go with the flow, increase the secret supplies and equipment we've been sending him, further stoke his ambition, and let him realize this is the optimal moment to act!"

Chen Yan, though unaware why, found Hou Wanjing's composure so unlike what the histories record…

But I don't believe that after raising the stakes, this Great General of the Universe can still endure!

Everyone present were seasoned courtiers, shrewd and well‑versed in political intrigue; upon hearing this, they instantly understood, their faces breaking into delighted smiles, silently admiring how masterfully Chen Yan had played this move.

Yuwen Hu clapped his hands in admiration, smiling as he said, "This move is truly brilliant!"

The Jade Ring on his fingertip spun ever more briskly, a sharp gleam flashing in his eyes, his brows lifting slightly, his tone full of certainty: "Hou Wanjing is wildly ambitious, long unwilling to remain subservient, yet he has lacked a pretext and opportunity to act....."

"If we stir the waters like this, the moment he moves, Luoyang and Jinyang will turn against each other, and any plot or scheme of the Qi State will collapse on its own!"

Gao Bing also nodded repeatedly, a bright smile on his face, echoing, "Indeed! Chen Zhuguo's move strikes right at the core!"

He stroked the jade sash at his waist, his smile deepening: "If Hou Wanjing truly raises an army, compared with scheming against Great Zhou, pacifying the internal chaos in Henan and eliminating Hou Wanjing is the top priority of the Jinyang court......"

"When that time comes, the thirty‑thousand Qi troops on the Northern Border will likely withdraw on their own, and the Yubi encirclement will naturally dissolve!"

Shang Ting ran his half‑gray beard, praising repeatedly, "Brilliant! Without a single soldier, we'll make the Qi State so preoccupied that Chen Zhuguo's move is truly extraordinary!"

"Hou Wanjing commands heavy forces and holds a key position in Luoyang; if he defects, the Qi State will be split north and south, and no matter how grand his designs, he can only attend to internal strife first!"

Yuwen Hu smiled broadly, "Chen Zhuguo thinks ahead!"

"We'll hold our position in Guanzhong, watching the Qi people tear each other apart; that's far more profitable than a direct clash!"

Pei Xun's hand paused while stroking his beard, a flash of Dark Hawk and deep calculation passing through his eyes; then a half‑smile curved his lips as he added in a low voice, "Moreover, even if Hou Wanjing remains idle, we only need to strike from Jinyang, sowing seeds of suspicion in his heart....."

Those words highlighted the key point, and everyone repeatedly affirmed.

Yuwen Hu also nodded in agreement, his gaze returning to Chen Yan, his tone entrusting, ordering, "Chen Zhuguo, let the Mingjing Office handle this matter!"

Chen Yan immediately rose, his posture as upright as a pine, bowing and clasping his fists before Yuwen Hu, his expression solemn, his voice resonant and forceful: "I accept the command!"

A sharp glint flashed in Yuwen Hu's eyes, the Jade Ring on his fingertip suddenly halted, its translucent white surface gleaming coldly in the candlelight, and in a deep voice he said, "If the Qi State fights itself north and south, sinking into civil war, not only will the Yubi encirclement dissolve without a battle, the Northern Border pressure will vanish entirely, we can continue to hold Guanzhong, let them clash like the snipe and the clam, and when they are both exhausted and their national strength depleted, we will seize the opportunity and reap the fisherman's profit!"

Those words laid bare Great Zhou's ultimate scheme, every phrase exuding the aura of one who commands heaven and earth, stirring the hearts of all the senior ministers in the room.

The earlier gloom and worry caused by the Qi army's incursion were all transformed into confident, bamboo‑like smiles.

The group exchanged a glance, each seeing resolve and expectation in the others' eyes, and then they burst into hearty, resonant laughter together, the sound clear and bright, piercing the Shufang windows and drowning out the July night breeze outside: "Hahaha!"