Chapter 1 "Did Eldest Brother receive Father's decree?"

The Sixth Prince asked as he poured wine for the Eldest Prince with a friendly air.

"I just received it and was planning to enter the palace later to seek instructions from Father."

"Among all of us brothers, Eldest Brother is already capable of standing on his own. Allow me, your younger brother, to offer a toast in your honor!"

The Sixth Prince raised his glass.

The Eldest Prince shook his head, poured out the wine in his hand, and refilled his cup with tea, saying,

"The military law of the Zhenbei Army (Northern Garrison Army) forbids drinking while on expedition."

"But aren't you still not on expedition?"

"The moment I received Father's decree, in my heart, I considered the expedition to have already begun."

The Sixth Prince nodded, saying, "Eldest Brother is right."

"Don't take it to heart."

"Eldest Brother knows what kind of person I am, haha, your brother, I'm used to being thick-skinned. Besides, speaking of brotherly affection, Eldest Brother used to be the one who liked to take me out to play the most when we were young."

"At that time, it wasn't just me, even..."

The Eldest Prince stopped there.

The older princes all remembered the Yan Emperor's love for his sixth son back then, a love so great that many saw a future where he might disregard the principle of succession by birth order and instead choose the worthy.

However, as if overnight, that initial affection turned into loathing.

"I know a little about the barbarians, so I came specifically to talk to Eldest Brother, hoping to contribute in my own small way."

As he spoke, the Sixth Prince took out a memorial from his sleeve and handed it to the Eldest Prince.

The Eldest Prince's gaze narrowed slightly, and then he stood up and solemnly accepted it with both hands, saying,

"Thank you, Sixth Brother."

"As a member of the Ji family, this is what I should do. Some years ago, my business extended to the Snowy Plains. This contains some of my observations about the Snowy Plains and the barbarians. Some are accurate, and some are speculation, but most importantly, the barbarians are growing; their current state may be very different from what they were in the past. Eldest Brother can take a look."

"I know."

"There's another document inside, content about the barbarians from a letter written by a friend of mine. This should be the most up-to-date information."

"Zheng Fan?"

"Oh, Eldest Brother knows him too?"

"How could I not know a master who can write *The Art of War by Zheng*."

"Heh, Eldest Brother, you wouldn't believe it, but when I first met this kid, I really didn't see that he had this kind of ability."

"You can be considered a talent scout."

"Don't, don't, don't, your brother doesn't have the face to call himself a talent scout. His current position is earned through his own blood and sweat. Between us brothers, let's say something taboo: if that Zheng Fan came from Second Brother's faction, his current situation would definitely be much better.

Sheng Le City is a terrible place.”

"Eldest Brother remembers that this Zheng Fan once went on an expedition to the Snowy Plains with Marquis Jingnan."

"Yes, for about half a year."

"This time..."

At this point, the Eldest Prince glanced around before continuing,

"This time, Father didn't let Marquis Jingnan, who has fought the barbarians before, be the commander, nor did he let the Jingnan Army go on the expedition, but instead let me and Li Bao be the commander and vice-commander. I..."

"Eldest Brother, this is Father cultivating you. Among us brothers, you are the only one who can get involved in military power. Even Second Brother, although he was in charge of the Imperial Guards in the capital, after this rotation, the Imperial Guards were transferred north, and Second Brother's little military power is gone."

"That's because he didn't manage the Imperial Guards well and was punished," the Eldest Prince said.

"Eldest Brother, you and I both know that the water in the capital is too deep. Not to mention Second Brother, even Father in the past had to weigh his options before trying to touch the chessboard of the Imperial Guards in the capital.

Second Brother entering the Eastern Palace and handing over military power is a matter of course."

"What difference does it make whether he hands it over or not?" the Eldest Prince asked.

Outside the capital city, there are 100,000 Zhenbei Army troops stationed, which is the dowry of the Zhenbei Marquis's daughter.

The Sixth Prince nodded, saying, "That's true."

"You came to find your brother just to deliver this memorial and freeload a meal?"

"What else could I do?" the Sixth Prince asked in return.

"I thought you were here to be a lobbyist for that Zheng Fan."

"We're strangers, we're strangers now." The Sixth Prince shook his head and said with emotion, "Marquis Jingnan isn't the commander, and you can't mobilize the Jingnan Army."

The Eldest Prince remained silent.

The Sixth Prince continued,

"Rather than saying that I'm here to be a lobbyist for that Zheng, to get you to promote him and get some military merit, it's better to say that when Eldest Brother really arrives in Jin, at the border of Cheng, you have to take the initiative to ask him, ask him to help you."

"I need to ask him?"

"If you don't ask him, you can't order them around. Without Marquis Jingnan's military order, Eldest Brother, try and see if you can mobilize even a single soldier from the Jingnan Army.

Although we are members of the Ji family, it may be a bit discouraging to say this, but the fact is the fact.

In addition, Zheng Fan is actually a bit like me, except for one difference: he can kneel, he can say very nice things in front of you;

But he can't stand being wronged."

"Can't stand being wronged?"

"Yes, that's right, he can't stand being wronged, so, Eldest Brother, if you want to ask for his help in the future, don't put on airs."

"Heh, I have always respected those who are good at fighting in the military."

"I know, I know."

"Furthermore, he, Zheng Fan, is not only your man, but also Marquis Jingnan's man. I can choose not to give face to a Sheng Le City defender, but how can I not give face to Marquis Jingnan?"

"Haha, by the way, what preparations does Eldest Brother plan to make for this expedition?"

"For this expedition, I will take the Li Fusheng division from the capital with me, and Li Bao's division will also cooperate. Counting like this, there are already 100,000 iron cavalry, which is enough."

"How much water is in these 100,000 iron cavalry? These two divisions fought all the way to the capital during the previous war, and the losses were already huge. It hasn't even been a year since then. Even if the number of soldiers is replenished, is that still the same Zhenbei Army iron cavalry from before?"

"It's enough to fight the barbarians."

"Si Tu Lei thought so too at the beginning. Eldest Brother, don't put on airs with me. You have been leading troops for many years, and although you haven't fought in any wars, you should understand some of the principles of war."

"You came here to lecture your brother."

"Oh, I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. This time, your brother has a suggestion. You should try to bring more troops. Li Bao's division has to be stationed at Quhe City, so you can only mobilize at most 20,000 iron cavalry. It's possible to mobilize all of Li Fusheng's division, but there's really no need for that. Bringing 100,000 here and then immediately withdrawing 50,000 would be too blatant. Withdrawing 30,000 would be about right.

Put together 50,000 Zhenbei Army iron cavalry, and then set off all the way from the capital. Aren't there still some Imperial Guards in our capital who weren't moved out last time? That's great. Clean them all out this time and take them all to Jin. You should still be able to gather another 20,000 to 30,000, clear out this rice jar.

On the way, take away the Tiancheng Commandery's commandery soldiers, as well as those from other commanderies that you like. You can pull out a formation of 70,000 to 80,000. Our Great Yan's Eldest Prince's personal expedition should have an army of 150,000 to boost the morale."

The Eldest Prince looked at his sixth brother.

This calculation seemed to turn his original plan of 100,000 into 150,000, but the combat power was discounted by more than just a little.

The local commandery soldiers and the remaining Imperial Guards in the capital were not comparable to the Zhenbei Army and Jingnan Army at all.

However, the Eldest Prince certainly understood that his sixth brother would not deliberately tease him without a purpose. After pondering for a moment, he opened his mouth and said,

"What do you mean?"

"Father didn't use Marquis Jingnan this time. Let's put aside the suspicion between the ruler and his subjects. Frankly speaking, there's really nothing to talk about. We have to think about this matter from another aspect.

Trampling on the noble families is to clean up the world, the land, the court, and the population. To put it bluntly, what is being cleaned up are the local areas and the court. After a great war, Father has already grasped the situation. Next, it's naturally time to touch...military power."

"You really dare to say anything."

"Hehe, if Father really wanted to torture me, why would he need to punish me for my words?"

"This is an expedition, this is war. If some things in the court interfere too much with the war, it will..."

"Zheng Fan once said a sentence. He said that war is the continuation of the court.

Eldest Brother, half of the original 300,000 Zhenbei Army troops in Beifeng Commandery have been withdrawn. Although there are Imperial Guards that you are taking to replenish them, has the Zhenbei Army already begun to conscript local elites to replenish itself in the local areas?"

"Yes."

"That's it. Our Great Yan's military system is so chaotic that Eldest Brother, as the person leading the troops, is actually clearer than your brother. The military leaders under the control of Tiancheng Commandery and other commanderies are living too comfortably. It's time to tidy them up.

This time, you, Eldest Brother, will take this wave with you. If they fight well, that will be a rebirth of elites. Even if we take a step back, it would be better to get rid of some people by finding an excuse."

The Eldest Prince picked up his teacup and took a sip.

"Is this a hint for me to leave?" the Sixth Prince asked.

"I'm thirsty."

"Oh, haha."

"You came to remind me of this?"

"Yes, some things are not convenient for Father to tell you. He has to rely on us sons to understand them ourselves. Perhaps, it is also Father's test for you."

"I only know how to lead troops, nothing else."

"Eldest Brother, you are being humble."

"If Father finds out that I can figure out his intentions, what do you think Father will think?"

Since ancient times, princes who led troops and became great generals either ended up becoming emperors or died very miserably.

"Does Eldest Brother think that I'm digging a pit for you?"

The Eldest Prince shook his head, "Not to that extent."

"That's right, if we were to dig a pit, it would have to be for our Second Brother."

"Hehe, if Second Brother heard you say that, he would definitely be furious."

"If he's not angry, will everything be fine in the future?"

"These are words that strike at the heart."

"I understand my Second Brother relatively well. Forget it, let's not mention him. Eldest Brother, don't worry, Father won't be suspicious of you because of this."

"Why?"

"Didn't you bring back the little daughter of the old barbarian king to the capital?"

The Eldest Prince's eyes narrowed, staring at the Sixth Prince.

"A cook in your mansion, I'll take him with me when I leave later, okay?"

"The one who makes naan?"

"That's him."

"Keep him. She likes to eat the naan he makes."

"Eldest Brother, you don't mind?"

The Eldest Prince shook his head and said, "You and I both know that I can't sit in that position."

"Eldest Brother has a great capacity."

"It's just that if Father punishes you in the future, I won't have to sympathize with you in my heart."

"That's fine, there's a deputy steward in Eldest Brother's gatehouse, Eldest Brother can also pay attention to him."

"Heh, are all of you adding spies to my mansion?"

"Who told Eldest Brother to open a mansion the earliest? We younger brothers have all been living next to each other in the princes' residences. We can't add spies anywhere else.

Eldest Brother, I estimate that when you return from this expedition, Father will hold a grand wedding for you and my sister-in-law from the desert."

The Eldest Prince was silent.

Yes,

Father won't be suspicious of him,

Because as long as he marries the barbarian princess, all possibilities will be cut off.

The people of Great Yan and the barbarians have hundreds of years of bloody feud.

The entire Great Yan would not allow a prince with a barbarian wife to sit in that position.

"If you come over today, and I enter the palace tonight, Father will be angry. Father will definitely spank you again."

"Let him spank me. Your brother has submitted a memorial saying that he wants to go down to be a magistrate in a county to get some fresh air. This is a good opportunity to let Father demote me and throw me out."

"Are you doing this on purpose?"

"After being spanked too many times, you know how to stick your butt out to take it."

"Why bother."

The Sixth Prince pointed to his face and asked,

"Brother, are you asking me why bother?"

The Eldest Prince shook his head.

"According to Father's temper, I've already prepared to buy a good knife."

"What for?"

"To be a constable."

As he spoke, the Sixth Prince leaned back slightly,

Pointed forward,

Slowed down his tone,

And said,

"Heh, him, still thinking of sitting in the yamen, in my opinion, he's only fit to be a constable."

.........

The Eldest Prince entered the palace, and Wei Zhonghe personally led him into the Imperial Study.

Inside the Imperial Study, the Yan Emperor was having a meal.

"Wu Jiang, come, eat with me."

"Father, before coming here, your son ate in the mansion."

"Ate?"

"Yes, your son has a big appetite. If we eat together with Father, your son won't be full, and Father won't be full either."

"Heh."

The Yan Emperor shook his head helplessly and put down his chopsticks.

Wei Zhonghe offered tea for rinsing the mouth and also sent a hot towel.

The Yan Emperor pointed to the dishes on the small table and said, "Keep them, I'll eat them after we finish talking."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Wu Jiang, come with me."

The Yan Emperor walked behind the imperial desk and sat down, pointing to the Eldest Prince,

"Grant him a seat."

"Yes."

Wei Zhonghe moved a chair and placed it behind the Eldest Prince.

"Thank you, Father."

The Eldest Prince sat down.

"The Si Tu family has submitted a memorial requesting to be incorporated into our territory, and I have already approved it."

"Your son congratulates Father, and congratulates Great Yan!"

The Three Jin lands, in terms of legal principle, already belong to Yan.

"This time, you lead the army on an expedition, I won't say too much. You grew up in the military camp since you were young, and your ability to fight is stronger than mine."

"Your son doesn't deserve such praise..."

"I said you deserve it, and you deserve it. I named you Wu Jiang, just wanting you to expand the territory for my Great Yan when you grow up. Now, you have grown up, and I am giving you the opportunity.

Go ahead and do it, but don't disappoint me."

"Your son will not hesitate to die ten thousand times!"

"Don't die, you have to live. You are not those scholar-officials, don't keep talking about dying all the time."

"Your son is taught."

"Li Bao's side, I have already issued an order. You can take another division of the Zhenbei Army from the capital. You can choose between Li Liang Shen and Li Fu Sheng.

Tell me again, how do you plan to fight this battle."

"Father, your son believes that the barbarian rebellion seems to be powerful, but after all, they are not barbarians. The Si Tu family seems to have been completely defeated, but it is not entirely their fault for being unable to fight.

The primary task is to stabilize the situation. The Si Tu family has already joined us, so in terms of reason and emotion, Great Yan must not kill them all. We must first help the Si Tu family gain a foothold, and then gradually plan for it."

"Gradually plan for it?"

"Yes, gradually plan for it, suppressing them with the general trend, not seeking short-term success."

"Interesting, other generals would boast and say how long it would take to defeat the enemy, but you're good, telling me to gradually plan for it."

"Father, this battle is being fought on the Si Tu family's territory. When our army goes on an expedition and enters the territory of Cheng, all our needs can be supplied locally. Great Yan can afford it and can support it."

This is a two-pronged approach, striking the barbarians while also exhausting the last bit of resources of the Si Tu family.

"Moreover, the barbarians are cunning, and that barbarian king is by no means an ordinary person. Your son dares not boast how long it will take to defeat the enemy, so as not to increase anxiety. Suppressing them with the general trend, forcing them, and then driving them away, as long as we don't make mistakes, the barbarians have no chance of winning.

Therefore, your son dares to think that for this expedition, the Zhenbei Army's Li Bao and Li Fu Sheng's divisions only need to send 50,000 iron cavalry. Your son is willing to take the remaining tens of thousands of Imperial Guards in the capital and the commandery soldiers from several commanderies, gathering a total of 100,000, and add 50,000 Zhenbei Army troops to hold down the fort, driving out the barbarians should not be difficult.

Most importantly, your son thinks that Great Yan cannot only rely on the Zhenbei Army and the Jingnan Army to fight wars."

"Continue."

"Yes, Father, your son also believes that if too many Zhenbei Army troops are transferred to Cheng, in case there are changes in the surrounding areas, it would be inevitable that the elite troops would be far away in the east and unable to react in time, so..."

"Pa!"

The Yan Emperor threw down a memorial.

The Eldest Prince bent down to pick it up,

And found that it was a list of the names of various commandery and state commanders and their troops.

"You and I, father and son, have thought of the same thing. Alright, it saves me from having to waste any more words. Remember, when you get to the front line, how to fight and how to fight, you decide for yourself. I don't know anything else, but the only thing I know is that I won't interfere with front-line military affairs, and you don't have to care about the various criticisms in the court."

"Your son thanks you for your grace!"

The Yan Emperor nodded,

Then leaned back in his chair,

And said,

"Cheng Jue came to find you today?"

"Yes, Father, Sixth Brother learned that your son is going to lead troops on an expedition, so he came to say goodbye."

"That's really brotherly love."

The Eldest Prince knelt on the ground, and his breathing began to speed up involuntarily.

"A while ago, Cheng Jue wrote to me, saying that he wanted to be a magistrate in Nan'an County, wanting to do something for the people of Yan."

"Your son has also heard about it. Sixth Brother has always been very capable in worldly affairs."

"Heh, the way he is, still thinking of going to court, in my opinion, being a constable would be the best he could do."