Chapter 88: Talking

Chapter 88: Talking
After leaving the palace, Wang Yan and Wang Dun, surrounded by their followers, returned to their mansion and had a secret discussion with several guests who had been waiting for a long time.

The main three people were Chen Jing, Zhou Fu and Man Fen, plus some scattered officials who stayed behind.

No one is stupid.

As the general of the Left Guard, Chen Jing was actually suppressed by a villain like Shangguan Si. How could he not feel resentful? Moreover, he was also afraid that his army was small and weak. If he was annexed by others, would he still have a way to survive?
Zhou Fu was the former governor of Xuzhou.

Before Sima Yue's northern expedition, he was summoned to the capital and appointed as the Minister of Justice.

This man was born in the Zhou family of Runan, and it was hard to say who he belonged to. Sima Yue transferred him to the capital, and no one knew why.

As a court judge, Zhou Fu had some people under his command, but they were far inferior to the regular soldiers. But it was still a force, and Wang Yan was a famous scholar, so it was normal for Zhou Fu to get close to him, whether he liked him or not.

Man Fen, the Inspector General of the Imperial Capital, was the one in charge of the most troops among those who defected to Wang Yan.

It was impossible for him to have so many troops. To put it bluntly, it was Sima Yue who gave him the power to cooperate with the governor Mi Huang to garrison Luoyang.

If Sima Yue was still alive, Man Fen would never have done this, but who made Sima Yue disappear? A widow could remarry, so why shouldn't a general be allowed to change his family?

In short, after the failure of the royal army's northern expedition, Wang Yan took action and began a series of operations. Whether it was out of personal gain or to stabilize the situation in Luoyang, his reputation naturally attracted people to come and join him, and he had to take action - poor Mi Huang, a genuine governor, in the end his identity was not as useful as that of a "celebrity".

The meeting lasted until nightfall, when the guests left in batches.

Wang Yan put his hands behind his back, humming a tune, and sat back at the table. He filled his own glass with wine, picked it up, and drank it all in one gulp.

"Brother, you look very comfortable." Wang Dun stood at the door and said with a smile.

"I have worked hard to come up with a brilliant plan to save the people from great disaster. All those cowards are under my control." Wang Yan swept away his previous humility and warmth and became a little proud and arrogant.

"Brother, I'm afraid your plan will come to nothing." Wang Dun walked over and filled his brother's glass with wine.

"Oh? Chu Zhong, what do you think I am planning?" Wang Yan shook his head and laughed, saying, "It's just pretending to be nice to others. In Luoyang, whoever is in power will die. I have no other request, I just want to plan for you."

Even though he had a high opinion of himself and was somewhat dissatisfied with his brother, Wang Dun was still a little moved at this time.

"I was recommended by Sima Ying for the position of Shangshu Zuo Pushe, and Sima Yue needs me to decorate the court for him, so there is no need for the Wang family to fight for Luoyang." Wang Yan continued, "To die in Luoyang, to live in another state, I am relying on this old face to do everything possible to preserve Luoyang. No matter who takes over in the future, it will be a great achievement if I hand it over intact. When you are sent out, I can talk to you."

Wang Dun was somewhat moved and thanked him respectfully.

To be fair, the elder brother may have done wrong to others, often plotting some intrigues, occasionally parroting others' words in idle conversations to gain fame, but he really did not do wrong to his brothers. He never concealed anything in front of them, laughing when he should, crying when he should, feeling proud when he should, feeling sad when he should, all of this was completely true to his nature.

Others ridiculed the brother for "only thinking about how to save himself" and even secretly called him a "shameless villain", but for his family, having such a brother was a great fortune.

Seeing that the white jade cup in front of Wang Yan was empty, Wang Dun picked up the wine jug and tried to fill it again.

Wang Yan held out his hand to stop him, and said, "We have to go to Jinyong City later."

Wang Dun stopped and sat down.

"Tell me what's so special about Mi Huang, Shao Xun, He Lun and Wang Bing," said Wang Yan.

"Mi Huang is a kind-hearted man, and he is quite honest. He can be deceived," said Wang Dun.

"People like He Lun and Wang Bing are military strategists. Their abilities are average, but they are diligent and loyal, so they are valued by the King of the East Sea."

"Shao Xun is a bit hard to figure out." Wang Dun paused when he mentioned the last person, and said after a while: "He is seventeen years old, with outstanding martial arts skills. He is quite famous in the capital. He is brave and diligent in the battlefield. He killed Meng Chao outside Kaiyang Gate and defeated Ye soldiers at Daxia Gate. He was the first to fight. Logically speaking, he is a reckless man, but I always feel that he is thoughtful and does not seem like a young man."

"Oh?" Wang Yan became interested and said with a smile, "There are not many young men from noble families in Beijing who can be evaluated like this by Chu Zhong."

Wang Dun shook his head and said with a wry smile, "I can't see through this man. I always feel that he is thick-skinned and black-hearted, and he is a traitor pretending to be loyal. I don't know what he wants."

"A military strategist who does vulgar things probably doesn't even know what he is looking for. If you don't like him, just trip him up and delay him for a few years, isn't that easy?" Wang Yan laughed.

"Brother, this is Luoyang..." Wang Dun said helplessly: "If it were in another state, of course there would be ways to keep him from turning over for the rest of his life, but it's a little difficult here."

He had just been forced by the military strategist Shangguan Si in the afternoon, but now he was acting crazy again, looking down on this and that.

Sometimes, Wang Dun felt helpless.

Fortunately, my brother is very good at pretending outside, which is a blessing in disguise.

"Okay, I understand." Wang Yan smiled and asked, "Is Shao Xun a man who can be used?"

"He is very close to Pei Dun. There are rumors in the capital that he wants to get an official position in Xuzhou, so he works hard for Pei Dun, fearing that his plans will conflict with his brother's." Wang Dun said.

"Hmm?" Wang Yan took it seriously after hearing it.

The strategy of "a cunning rabbit having three burrows" is the fundamental plan of Wang Clan of Langya. In competing with the Wang Clan on this matter, he cannot afford to ignore it.

Besides, Qingzhou and Xuzhou are one. Since Shao Xun wanted to be an official in Xuzhou, if things didn't go smoothly, he might end up in Qingzhou and fall into the hands of the Wang family.

"Why didn't Maohong mention this to me?" Wang Yan asked seriously.

"Maohong also wants to solve it on his own and doesn't want to trouble your brother with everything." Wang Dun replied without any exaggeration.

Wang Yan's expression eased slightly, and after a moment he nodded and said, "It would be good to teach him a lesson."

He had a feeling that if he didn't take action, Xuzhou would probably fly away. Even if he took action now, Xuzhou might not be able to return intact. It would be good enough to capture one of the governors and the governors.

"Forget it, let's talk about Xuzhou later. It's getting late, let's go to Jinyong City first." Wang Yan looked at the night scene outside the window, stood up and said.

Wang Dun responded softly.

After a while, the two of them quietly went out and headed towards Jinyong City under the protection of their entourage.

******
Jinyong City was soon reached.

After some negotiations, two hanging baskets were lowered from the top of the city wall and the two were taken in.

Wang Yan and Wang Dun came to a building.

At first glance, it seemed that the room was once used to hold prisoners from the royal family, but now it had been turned into a barracks. Two large braziers were placed in front of the room.

The firelight flickered, illuminating the face of the soldier guarding the gate, making him look so hideous and ferocious.

Wang Dun had sharp eyes and even saw a human head hanging under the roof beam not far away.

If what he guessed was correct, the soldiers who violated military discipline should be publicly executed and their heads hung in various places as a warning to others.

From time to time, footsteps and the sound of armor plates colliding could be heard from the surroundings. These were the soldiers on night patrol.

When the two teams of soldiers crossed each other, commands were heard, and they were carried out meticulously.

In the darkness further away, there was a figure, scanning the surroundings with burning eyes.

Wang Dun knew that it was a secret sentry.

The night guards in the army include visible sentries, hidden sentries, mobile sentries, and patrol soldiers in rows. Jinyong City is well-defended, basically everything is complete.

This military camp is managed quite well.

Wang Dun quietly touched his arm inside his robe sleeve and actually got goose bumps.

It turns out that a solemn and murderous environment can really make people nervous. Swords, spears, and halberds are everywhere, and it's night time, with human heads hanging nearby. It's really hard to be carefree even if you want to.

After a while, dozens of people came out of the hall. Although it was night, they were all wearing armor and holding the hilts of their swords.

The leader had a full beard and looked extremely ferocious. After glancing around, his eyes fixed on the two of them.

There was another sound of footsteps in the hall.

"Thank you for visiting, Mr. Wang. I am sorry for not coming to greet you in person." Mi Huang walked quickly. As soon as he finished speaking, he walked out of the hall and bowed.

When he saw Wang Dun, he bowed again and said with a smile: "I didn't expect the Grand Herald to be here. I am so polite."

Behind Mi Huang were three military generals, namely Shao Xun, He Lun and Wang Bing, who saluted in unison.

Brothers Wang Yan and Wang Dun returned the gift.

"I had no choice but to visit you late at night." Wang Yan smiled and said.

"Please come in quickly. The military camp is very solemn and we are afraid of disturbing you." Mi Huang stepped aside and invited.

"Okay." Wang Yan nodded and entered the hall with Wang Dun.

After several people sat down, Wang Yan glanced around the hall.

Jinyong City is also known as Yongchang Palace because it often held royal family prisoners. It has many palaces and the living environment is quite good.

"To be honest, I was surprised when Wang Pushe arrived at Jinyong City. After asking again and again, I was overjoyed when I confirmed that it was the virtuous brothers who came to visit." As the host of this place, Mi Huang spoke first: "Unfortunately, the army is simple and we were unable to prepare a banquet in a hurry. I hope Pushe will forgive me."

"No, no." Wang Yan waved his hand, smiling and looking affectionate, and said: "I heard that your son just got married? Qing and Xu are originally one family. If you had let me know earlier, I would have given him a generous gift."

"We have been married for several months." Seeing Wang Yan being so polite, Mi Huang was a little flattered. He only heard him say, "I am afraid that the name of my son may be a disgrace to the ears of the Minister of State."

"Yes, yes." Wang Yan said with a smile, "If there is a chance, I will meet him and give him some comments to help raise the reputation of my young man Qingxu."

Mi Huang was really excited now. He stood up, bowed solemnly, and said, "I am very grateful for your kindness. If you have any errands in the future, I will definitely not refuse."

Wang Yan stroked his beard lightly, smiled and said nothing.

Wang Dun watched from the side and was very impressed.

This is where fame comes in. Without realizing it, Governor Mi owed a big favor, but his brother did nothing but made a promise that he didn't know when it would be fulfilled.

After Mi Huang finished his greeting, he returned to his seat. The excitement on his face had not completely disappeared. He took a deep breath and asked, "I wonder why you came to visit me so late at night?"

Wang Yan frowned when he heard this and sighed, "It's all because of the Crown Prince."

"But has the prince given any orders?" Mi Huang asked.

Wang Yan's eyes swept over He Lun and Wang Bing in turn. When he came to Shao Xun, he paused for a moment, then retracted his gaze and fell on Mi Huang, saying, "The prince is being held hostage by Shangguan Si, and all he has done is to make trouble."

"I heard that this afternoon, the Crown Prince promoted Zhou Fu to General of the Guards and Recorder of the Secretariat. Is this true?" Mi Huang asked.

"Zhou Zuxuan was loyal to his country, how could he accept such an unreasonable order?" Wang Yan smiled and said, "I think the prince had no choice. Shangguan Si is arrogant, greedy and lawless. It is not a blessing for the prince to be controlled by him."

"What Pushe means is..." Mi Huang looked at the three generals under his command and said hesitantly.

"At this point, there is nothing to hide." Wang Yan sighed, "The glorious Luoyang cannot be destroyed by Shangguan Si. We, the scholars of Qingxu, should work together to tide over the difficulties and wait for the return of Sikong to Luoyang."

"What the Minister said is absolutely right." Upon hearing this, Mi Huang also sighed.

Sima Yue’s whereabouts was his biggest concern.

Now he couldn't find the person alive or the body dead, which made him feel uneasy. But as long as he didn't get the confirmed news of Sikong's death, he would be loyal to Sikong and guard the Luoyang base camp.

Shao Xun listened silently at the side, and for no reason he felt a sense of crisis in his heart.

This Wang Yan seems to be much better than Wang Dao. Apart from other things, his mouth cannon is very good, his skills are at the maximum level, and in just a few words, he made Mi Huang lose his mind and obey his orders.

Could it be that all his skills have been developed into his eloquence?
"I have a plan that may bring peace back to Luoyang." Wang Yan suddenly said.

"You can talk as you please."

"This strategy is called 'driving the tiger to devour the wolf'..." Wang Yan said after pondering for a moment.

(End of this chapter)