Chapter 659: Drive the Tiger to Devour the Wolf!

"Impossible!"

Before the words had even faded, Yuwen Heng immediately furrowed his brows, his tone full of worry, and interrupted: "A Yan, isn't there a risk of inviting a wolf into the house?"

As Grand Preceptor and Grand Marshal, he had long held military authority and knew well the wolfish ambitions of the grassland tribes.

The Turkic People and the Rouran were both nomadic peoples, always coveting the prosperity of the Central Plains. Now that the Dazhou North Region was in dire straits, it was the perfect opportunity for them to exploit the weakness.

He paused, then continued: "What if the Turkic People enter our Great Zhou territory, see our forces scattered and the Northern Border empty, and instead of helping us fight the Rouran, they take advantage of the chaos to plunder the border counties, or even turn their coats and join forces with the Qi and Rouran coalition..."

"Then the situation for our Great Zhou would be even worse!"

Yuwen Heng's worries were not unfounded. Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall's expressions tightened.

Qin Zhao immediately nodded in agreement, stroking his beard and saying in a deep voice: "The Grand Preceptor speaks truly. Those not of our kind are bound to have different hearts!"

"The Turkic People have always been driven by profit; they won't get up early without gain. Our Great Zhou is now deeply mired in crisis—why would they extend a helping hand for nothing?"

"They've probably been eyeing the grasslands and cities of the Northern Border, just waiting for the right moment to strike!"

Lu Miao also pondered for a moment, then took up the conversation, adding gravely: "Lord Qin is right. At a time like this, the Turkic People are far more likely to kick us when we're down than to lend a hand!"

They were not questioning Chen Yan's strategy, but reasoning based on human nature and the inherent character of the grassland tribes.

The survival of the fittest was the law of the grasslands.

If Great Zhou showed a weakness, the Turkic People would show no mercy.

Everyone's doubts were within Chen Yan's expectations.

He did not panic. Instead, he shook his head, his tone steady, his gaze burning as he swept his eyes across the crowd, and suddenly shifted his argument, speaking with force: "You all misunderstand. It's not about using Turkic troops to drive out the Rouran, but about telling the Turkic People that right now, this vast grassland is empty of troops!"

"The grassland is empty of troops?"

Everyone was stunned, their faces full of confusion, then quickly began to think. Amid the flickering candlelight, a glimmer of understanding appeared in some eyes. Qin Zhao's eyes lit up, and he slammed the table, exclaiming in praise: "What a brilliant plan!"

"Lord Chen Zhuguo's plan is simply exquisite!"

Lu Miao also caught on instantly, clapping and laughing: "So that's it!"

"Lord Chen Zhuguo intends to use a Death Tactic, borrowing the Turkic hand to cut off the Rouran's retreat!"

Yu Jie stroked his graying beard, a gratified smile spreading across his face, nodding repeatedly: "A fine 'besiege Wei to rescue Zhao'!"

"A fine 'drive the tiger to devour the wolf'!"

Yuwen Heng was taken aback at first, then also understood the key point. His brows slowly relaxed, a faint, knowing smile appearing on his face as he nodded: "This king understands!"

"The Rouran have come out in full force to invade our Great Zhou's Northern Border. Their Royal Court and rear grasslands must be empty of troops."

"The Turkic People and the Rouran have never been on good terms, constantly fighting over pastures and water sources. Now that the Rouran Main Force is out and the heart of the grassland is weakly defended, this is like a piece of fat falling from the sky for the Turkic People!"

"Grasslanders are all greedy by nature. How could the Turkic Khan give up this perfect opportunity to seize the Rouran pastures and expand his sphere of influence?"

"Exactly!" Chen Yan nodded heavily, his tone growing more resolute. "The Rouran Khan thought that by sending the entire nation's army south, he could break through our Great Zhou's Northern Border in one fell swoop and plunder wealth and people, but he doesn't know that the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind."

"We only need to send an eloquent envoy with heavy gifts to the Turkic Royal Court, informing the Turkic Khan that the Rouran Main Force is bogged down on our Great Zhou border and their Royal Court is empty..."

"If the Turkic People lead their cavalry east at this time, striking straight at the Rouran Royal Court, they can not only avenge past grievances but also seize the Rouran's vast pastures and livestock, becoming the new overlords of the Grassland!"

Yuwen Hu slowly stopped turning his Jade Ring, a glint of approval flashing in his eyes, and took up the conversation with a smile: "And as soon as the Turkic cavalry launches a major eastern campaign, the Rouran Khan will surely panic. To protect his Royal Court and rear base, he will have no choice but to order a retreat and turn back to save himself!"

"In this way, the Rouran threat to our Great Zhou will be resolved without a fight!"

"The Grand Preceptor speaks truly!" Chen Yan's eyes were deep and resolute as he said decisively, "With the Turkic People joining in, the trouble from the Rouran will be completely eliminated!"

"Our Great Zhou can then concentrate all its forces on dealing with the invading Qi army detachment, with no further worries behind us!"

"At that time, Lord Wei Zhuguo will hold off the Qi army, while I rush to reinforce Xiazhou. Once the siege of Xiazhou is lifted, we can attack from east and west in a pincer movement, annihilate these fifty thousand Qi troops in one fell swoop, and completely resolve the crisis in the Northern Border!"

The atmosphere in the hall instantly shifted from heavy worry to a sense of clarity.

The clouds of sorrow on everyone's faces dissipated, replaced by excitement and agreement.

Yu Jie said loudly: "Lord Chen Zhuguo's plan is intricately linked and exquisitely brilliant!"

"It avoids a direct, costly confrontation between our Great Zhou and the Rouran, and uses the Turkic hand to solve a major threat—truly the best of strategies!"

Qin Zhao also chimed in: "This plan not only resolves the Rouran crisis but also lets the Turkic People and the Rouran wear each other down, allowing our Great Zhou to reap the benefits!"

Yuwen Hu listened as Chen Yan laid out every layer of the 'drive the tiger to devour the wolf' plan with perfect clarity. Everyone in the hall was also enlightened, their tense brows completely relaxed. The movement of his fingers rubbing the Jade Ring grew lighter, and the approval in his eyes almost overflowed as he praised loudly: "Good, very good!"

"A Yan's plan resolves the Rouran's pressing threat without costing Great Zhou a single soldier, and lets the Turkic and Rouran tigers fight each other while our Great Zhou reaps the benefits—truly the best of strategies!"

As his words fell, the atmosphere in the hall grew even more spirited. The candlelight reflected the smiles on everyone's faces, and even the air felt lighter with the relief of breaking the deadlock.

Yuwen Hu then restrained his smile, his gaze returning to Chen Yan, and said firmly: "Then the matter of contacting the Turkic People and persuading the Khan to send troops will be handled by the Mingjing Department!"

At these words, everyone was slightly stunned, then understood.

Chen Yan immediately bowed with clasped hands, his tone resolute: "Your subject obeys the order!"

"Your subject will instruct the Mingjing Department to select elite envoys, carry heavy gifts, and set out under the stars, ensuring they reach the Turkic Royal Court within three days and persuade the Khan to send troops!"

"Be quick!" Yuwen Hu urged in a deep voice, his tone carrying an undeniable urgency. "The Rouran Iron Cavalry has been ravaging the Northern Border for days. The garrison at Lingxiazhou is in dire straits, and the main Qi army is pressing in step by step. Every day of delay adds more danger to the Northern Border."

"The sooner the Turkic army sets out, the sooner the Rouran will be caught between two fires, and the sooner our Great Zhou can shed its rear worries!"

"Your subject understands!" Chen Yan nodded heavily. "Upon returning to the mansion, I will personally oversee the matter, ensuring that the Mingjing Embroidered Attire Envoys have their gear ready tonight and set out before dawn tomorrow, riding at full speed without a moment's delay!"

Yuwen Hu nodded in satisfaction, then turned his gaze to Qin Zhao and ordered clearly: "Lord Qin, the affairs of Chang'an are now complex. The people's hearts need calming, and defenses need strengthening. The post of Jingzhao Yin is of utmost importance..."

"You have always been steady, capable, and fair in handling matters. You will temporarily serve as Jingzhao Yin, responsible for the governance and livelihood of the capital region, pacifying the people, rectifying official conduct, and ensuring that Chang'an city remains stable and orderly, with no signs of chaos!"

Upon hearing this, Qin Zhao's heart tightened.

The Jingzhao Yin was the highest administrative official of the capital region, governing the capital itself, a position of immense power that could only be held by a trusted confidant of the Grand Preceptor.

Especially since the current Jingzhao Yin was still A Yan.

The Grand Preceptor entrusting him with this heavy responsibility at this moment was both a sign of trust and a great burden.

He immediately stepped forward, bowed with clasped hands, and said firmly: "Your subject obeys the order!"

"Your subject will surely fulfill his duties diligently, working day and night, pacifying the people of the capital region, rectifying the governance of Chang'an, strengthening city patrols, and ensuring that while the Grand Preceptor and Grand Preceptor sit at the helm, Chang'an is safe and the rear is stable!"

"Mm." Yuwen Hu nodded slightly, then looked at Lu Miao, his tone steady. "Lord Lu, when the army marches, Provisions and military equipment are of utmost importance. Lord Chen Zhuguo is reinforcing Xiazhou, and Lord Wei Zhuguo is blocking the Qi army. The two armies number tens of thousands, consuming vast amounts of Provisions daily. Weapons, medicine, Yingzhang, and other supplies also need a continuous stream of replenishment..."

"You will assist the Grand Preceptor, specializing in the transport of Provisions and coordinating all logistical matters, ensuring that the front-line armies face no danger of running out of food or lacking equipment, so the soldiers can focus on defeating the enemy without any worries behind them!"

Lu Miao knew in his heart that logistics and transport determined the war's outcome; any slight error would cause the front line to collapse.

The Grand Preceptor entrusted him with this heavy responsibility, trusting his meticulousness and steadiness.

He immediately bowed and accepted the order: "I obey! I will shortly discuss the provisions transport routes and storage scheduling with the Grand Tutor…"

"At the same time, order all departments to inventory supplies overnight; before the rooster hour tomorrow, load all provisions, arms, and medicines required by Chen Zhuguo's and Wei Zhuguo's units onto carts and send them to the camps, never delaying the army's departure!"

"Very well." Yuwen Hu replied, his gaze returning to Chen Yan, his fingertip slowly turning the Jade Ring, a hint of solemnity flashing in his eyes as he called in a deep voice, "Chen Zhuguo!"

Chen Yan felt a sudden tension, realizing the Grand Preceptor still had important orders; he stepped forward, bowed, and answered, "I am here!"

Yuwen Hu cleared his throat, and the hall fell silent at once; everyone's eyes focused on the two of them, even their breathing softened a bit.

He looked at Chen Yan, his tone both imposing and solemn, saying word for word, "In addition to the twenty thousand elite troops and three thousand cavalry of the Left Martial Guard you previously requested, I, the King, grant you authority over the military and civil affairs of the six prefectures—Summer, Ling, Yin, Sui, Yan, and Hui!"

"And I also grant you the right of Convenient Action!"

Boom—

The words thundered like a flash of lightning in the hall, instantly leaving everyone stunned.

Chen Yan, who had been bowing, suddenly stiffened, his pupils contracting sharply, a surge of turmoil roiling in his heart, and he almost blurted, "What the heck!"

The six prefectures—Summer, Ling, Yin, Sui, Yan, and Hui—form the core territory of Great Zhou's Northern Border, bordering the Rouran and Turkic peoples to the north and the Qi State to the east.

They are both the frontline shield against foreign foes and a vital source of provisions and troops for the Northern Border.

The concentration of military‑civil authority of the six prefectures in one person means that everything—from appointing local officials and dispatching troops to levying provisions and arranging defenses—is decided by him…

This is almost handing the entire Northern Border's military‑civil power into his hands!

And the right of Convenient Action means that on the battlefield, regardless of any sudden situation, he can make on‑the‑spot decisions without consulting Chang'an, even executing disobedient commanders, altering strategies, or temporarily allying with neighboring tribes at his own discretion!

This level of authority, even beyond ordinary generals—imperial princes and the three highest ministers—rarely receive such delegation!

Even Chen Yan, who has always been steady, felt his heart race and exclaimed, "They're placing the very livelihood and fate of the Northern Border on my shoulders!"

"Grand Preceptor father really does trust me!"

Qin Zhao stood nearby, nearly unable to restrain his beard, eyes full of astonishment, thinking, "The six prefectures—Summer, Ling, Yin, Sui, Yan, Hui?!"

"And the right of Convenient Action?!"

Immediately, he reflected, "The Grand Preceptor's trust in A Yan is truly extraordinary!"

Yu Jie, his hand stroking his graying beard, paused, eyes wide with surprise, pursed his lips, and thought inwardly, "Such delegation— even a parent‑child relationship would rarely reach this level!"

Chen Zhuguo, so young yet deeply trusted by the Grand Preceptor, receives a favor that makes everyone in the court take notice.

However, on second thought, A Yan's cunning, steady command, and unwavering loyalty make him suitable.

Now, with the Northern Border in crisis, only he can bear this heavy duty; the Grand Preceptor's move, though risky, is the best choice under the circumstances and an absolute endorsement of Chen Yan's ability!

Yuwen Heng stood to one side, listening to his elder brother's arrangement; though a hint of surprise lingered, he felt more agreement.

Now the Northern Border's battle situation changes in an instant; if every matter required a report to Chang'an, opportunities would be lost. Granting A Yan the six prefectures' authority and the right of Convenient Action lets him act freely on the front, striking the enemy flexibly!

The hall's occupants each harbored thoughts, yet all were stunned by Yuwen Hu's appointment; for a moment no one spoke, only the candle's crackle illuminated their varied expressions.

Yuwen Hu looked at Chen Yan, his tone growing even more solemn, and continued, "A Yan, I know this authority is immense and the responsibility great."

"But now, with the Northern Border in peril, only you can shoulder this heavy duty."

"All battlefield matters—intelligence assessment, troop dispatch, commander rewards and punishments, on‑the‑spot decisions—may be decided by yourself without reporting to Chang'an!"

"You only need to remember, you have a single goal—"

"Lift the siege on the Summer and Ling prefectures, repel the invading Qi forces, and secure the Northern Border's defensive line!"

Chen Yan recovered from his shock, and the astonishment in his heart gradually turned into strong exhilaration and emotion.

The Grand Preceptor's trust, entrusting all six prefectures' authority, is a favor heavier than Mount Tai!

He immediately bowed deeply, his clenched fist trembling slightly with excitement, his voice resonant and powerful, bearing unparalleled resolve: "I will not disgrace the mission!"

"I will spare no effort to lift the siege of Summer Prefecture, defeat the Qi invaders, secure the six Northern Border prefectures, and repay the Grand Preceptor with my life!"

"Go." Yuwen Hu waved his hand, his tone tinged with fatigue yet mostly expectation, "Hurry back to the residence to report, inventory troops, inspect armaments, and with trusted commanders devise tactics; at first light tomorrow, set out to aid Summer Prefecture!"

"Time is tight; not a moment may be wasted!"

"Yes!" Chen Yan gave a firm nod, bowed again, and said, "I take my leave!"

Having spoken, he turned and strode out of the hall, his steps steady yet urgent, already calculating the many matters awaiting him back at the residence.

Send a messenger to the Mingjing Embroidered Attire Envoy, dispatch troops, inspect weapons, and with commanders simulate Summer Prefecture's battle plan; each task cannot be delayed.

After Chen Yan's figure vanished beyond the hall doors, Yuwen Hu's gaze slowly swept over Yu Jie, Yuwen Heng, Qin Zhao, and Lu Miao, his tone authoritative and firm: "Gentlemen, the Northern Border's crisis depends on the plan set tonight, on the bravery of the front‑line soldiers, and on the stability of our central command."

"Chen Zhuguo has taken his orders to set out, Wei Zhuguo will also rush to aid day and night, the Mingjing Embroidered Attire Envoy departs at once; you four must each fulfill your duties without any slack!"

Yu Jie was the first to bow, his tone steady: "Old minister obeys! I will immediately draft the edict, send the decree to the Duke of Jun, Wei Shaokuan, ordering him to lead his troops day and night to the Summer‑Ling border to block the over fifty‑thousand Qi army!"

Yuwen Heng also stepped forward, his voice low: "I will immediately go to the Summer Office, discuss provisions transport with Lu Miao, coordinate logistics, and ensure the front‑line army's supplies are ample and arms secure!"

Qin Zhao bowed and accepted: "I obey! I will immediately go to the Capital Governor's Office, take over capital affairs, soothe the people, strengthen city defenses, and ensure Chang'an's stability!"

"Very well." Yuwen Hu nodded approvingly, his gaze sweeping the group, his tone solemn, "You all are the backbone of Great Zhou; this battle concerns the nation's lands and the safety of countless people. I entrust this to you!"

"We shall spare no effort, together resist the foreign foe, and defend Great Zhou!" The four bowed in unison, their voices clear and resonant, echoing long in the Tian Guan Fu council hall.

Yuwen Hu slowly raised his hand, signaling everyone to rise: "Stand up, go handle it at once, do not delay!"

"We take our leave!"

Yu Jie, Yuwen Heng, Qin Zhao, and Lu Miao each bowed in turn, turned, and exited the hall.

As the hall doors opened and closed, night wind slipped in, bringing a chill; the candle flickered, casting Yuwen Hu's silhouette ever more solitary.

After everyone had left, only Yuwen Hu remained in the hall.

He slowly walked to the center of the hall, gazing at the empty seat, his fingertip still gently tracing the Jade Ring, his mind a whirl of thoughts.