Chapter 1557

Hu Xiaotian said: "What?" He felt a little strange in his heart; now Da Yong is deeply mired in the war quagmire with Bei Jiang and the black Hu people—where would they find the time to provoke us? Could they possibly want to fight on two fronts at once? After a moment's thought, he said: "The battle for Yunyang is imminent; perhaps they are mobilizing troops not targeting us?"

Huo Shengnan said: "Because winter has arrived, Bei Jiang has entered a ceasefire period; since our truce, Da Yong has made no large-scale troop movements in the south or along the Yongjiang River. They should understand this is highly sensitive—making such deployments now would not be simple."

Hu Xiaotian nodded and asked: "What about Yu Tianxing?"

Huo Shengnan replied: "He went to Baiquan City."

Hu Xiaotian said: "I need to go out for a while."

Huo Shengnan guessed he was likely going to Zhuge Guanqi's place, nodded and said: "Go ahead; I'll have someone keep watching the situation at Nanyang Shuizhai."

Hu Xiaotian brought some fruit and arrived at Zhuge Guanqi's home, only to find Long Xi Yue and Weisa there; Hong Lingxue was also present—talented and beautiful, especially skilled in needlework. Long Xi Yue and she got along well; today they came to discuss matters.

Seeing Hu Xiaotian arrive, Long Xi Yue and the others smiled and came out to greet him.

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "I didn't intentionally follow you here; you chat among yourselves—I'll go find Brother Guanqi to say a few words." He set down the fruit.

Hong Lingxue said: "My lord is truly too courteous—every time you come, you bring gifts."

Hu Xiaotian said: "I heard sister-in-law has been unwell these past days; I've wanted to come see her, but I just couldn't find the time."

Hong Lingxue laughed: "My lord has countless affairs of state—how could he spare time for such trifles? I'm fine; Qin Yutong has already examined me, and I'm completely recovered now. The Princess and Weisa come to keep me company when they're free, and they've brought me many gifts."

Long Xi Yue said: "Go find Mr. Zhu quickly—don't delay our sisterly chat."

Actually, Zhuge Guanqi was standing nearby; he laughed: "I and my lord will go out for a walk." Hong Lingxue heard he was going out and rose to her feet—her pregnancy made movement difficult—but she still fetched a greatcoat for Zhuge Guanqi, personally draped it over him, and softly said: "It's cold outside; wear more layers."

The couple exchanged glances; this feeling of mutual support and happiness made others envious.

Hu Xiaotian and Zhuge Guanqi stepped out one after the other; Zhuge Guanqi pointed ahead and said: "Let's go for a stroll on Qingyun Mountain."

Hu Xiaotian nodded; Qingyun Mountain is not far—it lies just west of the city, with a Temple of the Military Sage atop it, enshrining Zhuge Guanqi's ancestor, Zhuge Yun Chun. Usually the temple's incense is not strong; after they offered incense there, they continued to the summit. Though Qingyun Mountain is not high, from its peak one can see the surging Yongjiang River. Hu Xiaotian gazed far into the distance, his eyes following the river westward. Though his vision is exceptionally keen, he could not possibly see Nanyang Shuizhai.

The mountain wind was strong, carrying the damp, cold air of the distant Yongjiang, seeping through every gap into his clothes. Zhuge Guanqi instinctively tightened his greatcoat; only after adapting to the biting cold wind did he ask: "What has happened?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Recently, Da Yong has been steadily increasing troops at Nanyang Shuizhai—seems they intend to act."

Zhuge Guanqi said: "The Bei Jiang war has entered a winter stalemate; is Da Yong really planning to stir up another conflict?" He frowned: "Is the Da Yong emperor truly so warlike? To launch two wars simultaneously—even if Da Yong's national strength is formidable, it would hardly be wise."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Li Tianheng of Xichuan and Guo Liangbi of Xingzhou are jointly preparing to attack Yunyang; perhaps Da Yong's current troop mobilization is not aimed at us."

Zhuge Guanqi asked: "My lord, do you think they also want to get their hands on Yunyang?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Hard to say; in any case, they don't want Yunyang to fall into my hands."

Zhuge Guanqi said: "Perhaps it's just a show of force—their real aim may be to make my lord hesitate, afraid to act rashly against Yunyang."

Hu Xiaotian said: "That's quite possible."

Zhuge Guanqi turned to Hu Xiaotian and said: "Assuming the worst—Da Yong also wants to reap the benefits like a fisherman; what would my lord do?"

Hu Xiaotian replied without hesitation: "Yunyang must not be lost!" Yunyang is a crucial link in his strategic layout; only by securing Yunyang can he blockade Xichuan and smoothly proceed with the next phase of development.

Zhuge Guanqi said: "My lord perhaps should quickly clarify Da Yong's intentions."

Hu Xiaotian said: "I will immediately send people to investigate this thoroughly."

Zhuge Guanqi said: "Actually, we need not take the initiative—the fire at Yunyang will inevitably ignite; since Da Yong wants to join the fray, my lord might as well add another fire—station troops at Dongluo Cang—to divert Da Yong's attention and keep them guessing about my lord's true intentions."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Brother Guanqi, your advice is appreciated!"

Zhuge Guanqi said: "They are creating tension by increasing troops at Nanyang Shuizhai; my lord can repay them in kind—increase troops at Dongluo Cang."

Hu Xiaotian's heart skipped a beat; Dongluo Cang was taken from Da Yong, nominally borrowed for five years—half that time has passed. Since the agreement, both sides have lived peacefully; he has not stationed heavy troops there, for doing so would provoke Da Yong's excessive sensitivity—besides, Shaoyuan Cheng lies nearby, a northern fortress of Da Yong.

The current commander of Shaoyuan Cheng is still Qin Yangming, who shares a name with the Bei Jiang branch leader of the Beggars' Sect, Qin Yangming. Previously, Hu Xiaotian had used Chang Fanqi to capture him; later, through the mediation of Da Yong's Eldest Princess Xue Lingjun, he was returned to Da Yong—but Qin Yangming received no punishment for that defeat; Xue Daohong continued to entrust him with important duties, still assigning him the responsibility of defending Shaoyuan.

Zhuge Guanqi's suggestion suddenly enlightened Hu Xiaotian: "Not bad—you do the first, I'll do the fifteenth. If Da Yong dares to pressure me, I can use the same method against them. I just finished off one Qin Yangming—I don't mind adding another."

Zhuge Guanqi said: "If it's only Da Yong's intention, it's not a major matter; what I truly fear is Dakang and Da Yong joining forces."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Joining forces against me? If I weren't guarding the Yongjiang frontier for Dakang, Da Yong's great army would have already crossed the Yongjiang."

Zhuge Guanqi shook his head: "Times change. Initially, my lord lacked the ability to contend for the world; though he held three cities, he could only preserve himself. These past two years, my lord has gained Yunze, controls Wangchunjiang, and now newly acquired Hongmu Chuan—any observant person can see my lord's next target is Xichuan. If my lord obtains Xichuan, he will possess the strength to rival Dakang and Da Yong, replace Li Tianheng, and form a tripartite balance—making Yunyang more important than ever."

Hu Xiaotian nodded.

Zhuge Guanqi said: "Actually, for Da Yong, my lord is not currently their main enemy—because you lack the ambition to expand northward; even if you took Yunyang, you would first threaten Xichuan, then Dakang. Da Yong's current troop movements are likely just a show of force."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Whether it's a bluff will be known with one test."

Zhuge Guanqi said: "Although my lord's strength has increased, he still lacks the confidence to offend two powerful neighbors. Against Da Yong, he need only show strength—must not truly provoke friction; merely display an attitude so Da Yong knows to retreat when facing difficulty, remain neutral, and best to stand aside as a spectator. If my lord obtains Yunyang, whether Li Tianheng or Dakang, neither will tolerate this—they will surely spare no effort to retake Yunyang."

Hu Xiaotian said: "After hearing Brother Guanqi say that, I now fully understand—it seems even the fisherman's gain won't come easily."

Zhuge Guanqi said: "How to obtain Yunyang at minimal cost is indeed a difficult problem; even I have not yet thought of a good solution. Battlefield conditions change instantly; I do not know the true combat strength of both sides—perhaps only when the Yunyang battle truly begins will clues emerge, and only then can we devise the best plan."

Hu Xiaotian sighed: "I thought I could persuade Su Yuchi to submit to me; moreover, during the last Heisha talks, his attitude seemed to soften—but I never expected his attitude to completely change upon his return this time."

Zhuge Guanqi said: "The Yongyang Princess truly has a way with people—she knows how to win hearts; since she took charge, the situation within Dakang has improved greatly." He paused, then lowered his voice: "My lord, have you truly resolved to destroy Dakang?"

Hu Xiaotian lifted his head to gaze at the overcast sky; after a long while, he said: "It's not as simple as destroying Dakang—do you still remember when I told you about the imperial mausoleum?"

Zhuge Guanqi nodded.

Hu Xiaotian said: "I don't know why, but I always feel uneasy—I fear Hong Beimo and the others still have a trump card."

Zhuge Guanqi said: "My lord, are you worried they still possess a weapon as powerful as a light sword?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Their aim is not all under heaven; our primary goal is to ensure peace in one region, to live safely and peacefully on our own land."

Qin Yutong came to Zhuge Guanqi's home to re-examine Hong Lingxue; hearing Hu Xiaotian had just left, she showed no special reaction. After examining Hong Lingxue, she had no intention to stay, rose, and bade farewell before leaving.

Long Xi Yue followed her footsteps out, softly calling: "Qin Yutong!"

Qin Yutong stopped, calmly gazing at her and said: "Your Highness, what are your orders?"

Long Xi Yue sighed: "Qin Yutong, I feel that since my return, we have grown distant—could it be you no longer remember our former friendship?"

Qin Yutong quietly gazed at Long Xi Yue and said: "I have always thought you were already dead!"

Long Xi Yue stepped forward, took her hand, and said: "Do you still not believe what happened to me? Do you doubt my identity?"

Qin Yutong shook her head and said: "Actually, everyone in the world knows Princess Anping is dead; the current one is merely the Princess of the Moon from Xiangguo. Your Highness, why not completely forget the past and cherish the happiness before you?"

Because the network had a problem, just repaired—sending the second update! (To be continued~^~)