Chapter 315: Wei Xi Yuan's disguise

Because there was no profit to be gained from this matter, sending an envoy to Beijiang, regardless of success or failure, held no benefit for Yan Chonggu.

Si Gui couldn't figure out Yan Chonggu's purpose for the time being, so he thought about stopping this matter first.

"Now that the Western Liang matter hasn't been resolved, and there is no movement in Beijiang, in my opinion, it's better to prioritize Western Liang!"

Si Gui said this bluntly, clearly not wanting to discuss Beijiang in the court, because he had never paid much attention to Beijiang, nor had he asked Si Wushuang about it.

Yan Chonggu, however, seemed to have expected this, and he responded with his hands cupped: "The Prime Minister is right! Western Liang is indeed a heart-and-gut trouble. However, this old minister believes that the Western Liang rebellion lies in their strong troops and sturdy horses! While the trouble in Beijiang lies in the instability of the people's hearts."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the people in the hall: "Beijiang is suffering from a great drought and is also facing the chaos of the Xiongnu war, and because of the Western Liang King, the Imperial Court did not govern in time, which led to the current disaster in Beijiang!"

Yan Chonggu didn't dare to say directly that the Western Liang King was just an excuse, and that this matter was because they wanted to block Wei Xikang's path to survival, which led to the subsequent series of strategies, but there weren't many fools sitting there, and everyone could understand the meaning behind these words.

He looked at Si Gui and said word by word: "We can let the people of the world see that although the Imperial Court is busy suppressing rebellions, it has never forgotten the people on the border. This is a good strategy to win the hearts of the people and stabilize the border. Moreover, the cost of an envoy is not much, but it can achieve twice the result with half the effort; why not do it?"

Si Gui narrowed his eyes, even more unable to understand the old thing's intention.

Before, the matter of Beijiang had never been mentioned in the court, although secret reports had long been placed on everyone's tables.

But at that time, everyone's attitude was unified, so they didn't mention Beijiang at all, and now that Yan Chonggu suddenly brought up this matter without discussing it with any of them, I'm afraid it's not that simple behind it.

However, Yan Chonggu's words were spoken sanctimoniously and were watertight.

He pointed out the potential hidden dangers in Beijiang, emphasized the political correctness of "people's hearts," and finally threw out the bait of "twice the result with half the effort."

Although Si Gui was not as old and cunning as Yan Chonggu, he soon thought of the key to the matter: Yan Chonggu wanted to fight for the errand of "Pacification Commissioner" for the Yan Family in the court?

But what was in Beijiang?

He didn't believe that an old thing like Yan Chonggu was truly worried about the country and the people; the saying "a thief never leaves empty-handed" was the most appropriate way to describe the other party.

So Yan Chonggu brought up this matter because he wanted to intervene in Beijiang in advance, and the scholar-gentry had almost no deployment in Beijiang!

An old fox is an old fox; he even had to speak so righteously when plotting good things for his own family.

But Yan Chonggu's words did hit the key point; although there was no movement in Beijiang at the moment, it was a fact that there were hidden dangers. If an envoy were really sent, even if it were just for show, it would be good for the Imperial Court's reputation.

More importantly, if he opposed it blindly, it would make him look like he only cared about the Western Liang war and didn't care about the lives of the border people, leaving the Yan Family with an excuse to attack him.

Si Gui calculated rapidly in his heart: send an envoy, send whom? Someone from the Yan Family? Impossible! Someone of his own?

The Lu Family had a few suitable candidates, but Lu Wenchang had just obtained the good errand of coordinating grain and fodder; if he wanted this Pacification Commissioner position too, it would look too ugly.

After thinking for a while, Si Gui finally spoke: "Yan Elder's considerations are comprehensive! The livelihood of the people in Beijiang is indeed suffering and needs care, but the choice of envoy needs to be cautious."

He deliberately emphasized the word "cautious," his gaze sweeping over Yan Chonggu with profound meaning.

Yan Chonggu's expression remained unchanged: "The Prime Minister is right. This old minister believes that this candidate needs to be mature and steady, familiar with border affairs, and it would be best if... they have no connection with Beijiang, so as to appear fair."

No connection with Beijiang?

Si Gui's heart stirred; it was a fact that the Yan Family had no power in Beijiang.

Could it be that this old fox just wanted to brush up on his presence in the court and fight for a clean name for the Yan Family, and didn't really want to get his hands on Beijiang?

It was also possible that he wanted to push a candidate who appeared neutral but was actually an old acquaintance of his...

"Does Yan Elder have a recommended candidate?" Si Gui probed.

Yan Chonggu shook his head: "This matter concerns the stability of the border; how would this old minister dare to recommend recklessly! It all depends on the Prime Minister and His Majesty's judgment!"

He kicked the ball back, his posture very low.

Si Gui's doubts grew even stronger; he didn't want a candidate, he only wanted this proposal? What exactly did this old fox want to do?

Just as he was pondering, the Emperor Wei Xi Yuan, who had been on the Dragon Throne and almost forgotten by everyone, suddenly let out a big yawn.

"Beijiang... it's very cold, isn't it the same whoever is sent? You guys handle it, I... I am a bit tired."

As he spoke, his eyes drifted toward the beaded curtain again, where a slender figure could be vaguely seen swaying gently.

Si Gui couldn't figure out the key to it for the time being, so he bowed along with the flow: "Your Majesty is wise! In that case, let us deliberate on this matter and then draft a candidate to request Your Majesty's decision."

He turned to Yan Chonggu, "Yan Elder's proposal is very good. After the Western Liang war eases slightly, the matter of Beijiang pacification will definitely be put on the agenda."

Since he didn't understand, he would just drag it out!

Si Gui's plan was that since the Western Liang matter was urgent, Beijiang could be put aside for now.

As for sending an envoy...

He would talk about it after he found a suitable candidate on his side!

Yan Chonggu didn't seem surprised by this result, just bowed slightly: "The Prime Minister is wise."

"Dismiss the court!"

Wei Xi Yuan stood up impatiently and hurried into the back hall, not even caring about basic etiquette.

Soft laughter from a woman came from behind the beaded curtain, gradually moving away.

Wei Xi Yuan hugged the Imperial Consort, a flash of gloom crossing his eyes that only knew how to enjoy pleasure.

Since the scholar-gentry needed him as a puppet, he would be a good puppet; as long as he showed what he was showing now, he could keep the scholar-gentry's attention elsewhere, and only then would he have a chance to turn things around!

The officials shouted "Long live," and exited the Jinluan Hall in an organized manner.

Si Gui walked at the front, with Lu Wenchang and other confidants following closely behind.

"Clan Head Si!" Lu Wenchang leaned in and whispered, "What play is that old thing Yan Chonggu performing today? Is it really just to win a reputation for 'caring about the border people'?"

Si Gui didn't stop his pace, "The Yan Family has been silent for many years; it's not strange that they want to come out and stretch their muscles. It's just..."

A cold light flashed in his eyes, "That he didn't mention a specific candidate today and only wanted this 'proposal' is quite intriguing."

"You mean..."

"Perhaps he doesn't care who goes, nor does he care if he can really appease Beijiang. What he cares about is that the matter of 'Beijiang Pacification' itself is brought up, leaving a mark in the court."

Si Gui said slowly, "If something really happens in Beijiang in the future, he can say, 'This old man predicted it long ago and proposed pacification.' If nothing happens, he just said it for nothing, and he loses nothing."

Lu Wenchang suddenly realized: "This is retreating to advance, taking precautions?"

"Perhaps!" Si Gui was noncommittal, "But it's also possible he has other schemes. In short, there must be something unusual in Beijiang; keep a close eye on it with your people."

"Understood." ===== CHAPTER 316 =====