Chapter 85: with translation of chapter title

Rebels, all a bunch of rebels!

And you lot, a bunch of good-for-nothings!

In the imperial palace's study, the lights were bright, yet a stifling atmosphere permeated the air.

At this moment, Da Qian dynasty Emperor Si Xiao Fei sat on the grand dragon throne, his face grim, brows furrowed, listening as the officials beside him reported the frontline situation.

And the northern Xiongnu tribes invaded Cangzhou in force, seizing Tai Ping Pass.

Cangzhou Inspector Chang Ke led troops north to reinforce, but was ambushed by the elite forces of the foreign tribe and died on the spot.

Although Yun Wang's heir Su Jin Yu, facing danger, took command, assumed control of Cangzhou's authority, and led troops to repel the Xiongnu tribe.

To safeguard Da Qian's northern borders from loss.

Originally, the reports indicated that everything was normal, and there seemed to be no problem.

But the later reports revealed a serious problem.

After this Yun Wang heir repelled the Xiongnu and took control of Cangzhou's authority,

Not only did he fail to send word to the Da Qian court, but he instead led troops to garrison the eastern Ning Pass at the border between Cangzhou and the Central Region, directly seizing control of this strategic pass that Da Qian had held for hundreds of years.

Furthermore, he self-appointed as Cangzhou Inspector, and within Cangzhou's territory, without going through the court, he arbitrarily selected officials to govern Cangzhou.

His wolfish ambition is blatantly obvious!

Seeing this, Emperor Si Xiao Fei could no longer be unaware; the so-called temporary stewardship of Cangzhou by this Yun Wang heir is nothing but using a steamed bun to hit a dog.

Your Majesty, the frontline situation is unfavorable; our army's offensive against the Yellow Turban rebels is blocked, and currently both sides are at a stalemate on the front.

An armored general lowered his head to report, his voice tinged with a slight tremor.

Si Xiao Fei slammed the table hard; the teacup on the surface jumped up, and the spilled tea traced an arc in the air.

The other officials in the study all lowered their heads, daring not to meet the emperor's angry gaze.

They well knew the emperor's temper; at this moment his inner fury was extreme, and anyone who touched his reverse scale in such a time could possibly bring upon themselves a deadly disaster.

A bunch of useless good-for-nothings! What use is raising you for Da Qian?!

Si Xiao Fei's roar echoed in the study, accompanied by repeated table-slams like thunder.

The atmosphere in the study instantly grew tense, the air filled with a hint of gunpowder.

Your Majesty, please calm your anger.

An elderly official stepped forward, attempting to ease the tension: 'Your Majesty, please hear this old subject's words. At present the war is unfavorable, not only because our troops are inept, but also because the Yellow Turban rebels are cunning and multifarious. The current plan should be to swiftly gather elite troops and strong generals from all regions, to hold the capital, while actively raising grain and military provisions to prepare for long-term needs.'

Upon hearing these words, Si Xiao Fei's complexion eased slightly.

He took a deep breath, striving to calm his emotions; he knew he needed to respond calmly now, not let anger cloud his mind. Thus he worked to steady himself: 'Very well, issue the order immediately to mobilize troops from all regions to defend the capital. Simultaneously, strictly inspect rear grain and supply reserves, ensuring military provisions are sufficient.'

Your Majesty, the most urgent matter now is to pacify the Yun Prince of Yun Prefecture and that Yun Wang heir of Cangzhou.

Seeing Si Xiao Fei's anger subside a little, this elderly official bowed and said.

Upon hearing those words, Si Xiao Fei's face changed abruptly.

He shot up to his feet, and the air in the study seemed to freeze instantly.

Si Xiao Fei clenched his fists, his teeth grinding: 'Just what makes that so-called Yun Wang heir so bold? To dare cause trouble in our rear while Da Qian faces crisis!'

The officials in the study exchanged glances, none daring to answer rashly.

Si Xiao Fei's gaze swept over them one by one, finally resting on that elderly official just now: 'Senior minister, what lofty opinion do you have?'

The elderly official blinked slightly, then composed himself: 'Your Majesty, I implore you to immediately issue an order to pacify the Yun Prince, and grant that Yun Wang heir the post of Cangzhou Inspector.'

Now Da Qian faces internal and external troubles; if we pursue this Yun Wang heir now, it will surely provoke rebellion.

And once the Yun Wang heir incites rebellion in Cangzhou, the Yun Prince of Yun Prefecture will certainly come to his aid.

And should this Yun Prince, a different-surname king, rise up, the other two different-surname kings will surely follow suit.

Watching the emperor's expression worsen atop his seat, that elderly official spoke cautiously.

Si Xiao Fei wearily sat back on the dragon throne, hands supporting his forehead: 'Where have I offended Heaven? Why treat my Da Qian thus, causing rebellion to spread across the land!'

The officials in the study stood silently in place, their hearts filled with mixed feelings.

They well knew the emperor now bore immense pressure and pain.

Very well, draft the edict, issue the decree agreeing that Su Jin Yu shall assume the post of Cangzhou Inspector.

As Si Xiao Fei's order was issued, the atmosphere in the study grew even heavier.

With the passage of time, the lights in the study gradually dimmed.

At this moment, a young civil official stepped forward, hesitantly speaking: 'Your Majesty, I have a remark I am unsure whether to utter.'

Si Xiao Fei turned his head toward this young civil official, his eyes holding a hint of doubt: 'Speak.'

The young civil official drew a deep breath: 'Your Majesty, I believe we should consider pacifying the Yun Prince and that Yun Wang heir of Cangzhou through marriage alliance.'

We only need to placate that Yun Wang heir, so he refrains from rash action; then the Yun Prince naturally need not worry further.

Si Xiao Fei blinked, evidently not expecting this young civil official to propose such a suggestion.

He furrowed his brows: 'Marriage alliance? But that Su Ye, taking advantage of Da Qian's internal turmoil, with such conduct has already raised his banner in blatant betrayal of me; would he still care about these things?'

The young civil official gave a slight smile: 'Your Majesty, discerning. Although that Yun Wang heir has seized Cangzhou and Eastern Ning Pass, holding troops in self-defense, after all his nominal allegiance remains on Da Qian dynasty's soil.'

If he truly wishes to carve out his own domain, he still needs more support.

And marriage alliance is precisely an important means to bring him support, giving him a legitimate and proper method!

Furthermore, this is merely a temporary pacification measure; once Da Qian's heavenly master suppresses the Yellow Turban rebels,

we can then turn our guns and directly eliminate this rebel!

Si Xiao Fei pondered for a moment, seemingly considering the feasibility of this suggestion.

His gaze sharp, he fixed on the young civil official: 'Continue.'

Encouraged, the young civil official continued: 'Your Majesty, you could marry off your own princess or a clan lady to that Yun Wang heir through marriage alliance.'

Thus, that Yun Wang heir would gain imperial support and recognition, and his separatist inclinations might perhaps be restrained.

Si Xiao Fei heard these words, a glint of light flashed in his eyes.

He began to feel that this suggestion was not completely without feasibility.

After all, in the game of power, marriage alliances are a commonly used political means.

He could completely use this opportunity to temporarily stabilize Su Ye, buying the Da Qian dynasty more time to cope with the current crisis.

After the Da Qian dynasty suppresses the Yellow Turban rebels, with the full strength of the dynasty, how could it still fail to settle a mere Cangzhou?

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(End of chapter)