Chapter 104 The Grand Plan
Since Fu Deming entered the capital to become prime minister, the Fu family has acquired another residence in the capital besides the Dan Gui Garden.
The world is in turmoil these days. Since Xu Chaozong ascended the throne, the capital has been rife with undercurrents, with civil and military officials each harboring their own ambitions. When Fu Deming entered the capital, he was assassinated and subsequently dispatched dozens of guards to the city. These men were privately trained by the Fu family, serving as advisors, bodyguards, servants, or stewards. Although they were highly skilled, they were not military officers. Even though Xu Chaozong found this action outrageous, he could not find a way to criticize it.
Fu Yu's spies and secret guards were subsequently transferred in and hidden in various corners of the capital.
The uncle and nephew, alone in the capital, were able to navigate the perilous situation with ease and gradually win over the hearts of the court officials, relying on the intimidation of their overt guards and the shrewdness of their covert spies.
This matter concerns life and death, so it cannot be dealt with lightly.
After making the arrangements, Fu Yu left his deputy Cai Xuandao in the capital to take care of things before setting off under the cover of night with Du He and several bodyguards.
It is a thousand miles from the capital to Qizhou.
Fu Yu was accustomed to leading his troops on swift marches. His iron hooves galloped along the official roads, traveling day and night, and arrived in Qizhou the next day.
Winter had just begun, and the weather wasn't yet bitterly cold. Outside Qizhou City, the peaks rose like ridges, their verdant slopes gleaming. Sunlight shone on the majestic and sturdy city walls, stretching into the distance. Merchants thronged the city gates, and vendors bustled about. Tall willows drooped along the official road. Someone's carriage had broken down on the road, and the driver slowly repaired it. The lady, accompanied by her young children and servants, strolled leisurely among the fields and woods by the roadside.
Having witnessed the turbulent power struggles of the capital, the undercurrents of war elsewhere, and the displacement of people along the way, Fu Yu slightly reined in his horse when he saw this peaceful scene.
It felt like returning to the military camp from a blood-soaked battlefield, where the bright moon shone and the soldiers sang.
With a clear and efficient government and a strong army, the people can live in peace and stability. This is the meaning of fathers and brothers working together and soldiers risking their lives.
Fu Yu's heart was pounding as he gazed at the towering pagoda silhouetted against the distance within the city.
What is You Tong doing in that inconspicuous little courtyard within this city?
Perhaps she's leaning against the window flipping through account books, perhaps roasting chestnuts by the stove, perhaps admiring the flowers in the courtyard, or perhaps strolling through the streets and alleys. In her letter, she mentioned that the hot pot business in Kyoto was doing well, the male and female staff in the shop were becoming more and more skilled, and even Manager Xu's apprentices were able to work independently. She wanted to find a place with high customer traffic and open another one.
When those delicate features came to mind, Fu Yu's eyes narrowed slightly, but a touch of tenderness appeared on his resolute face.
Three whole seasons have passed in the blink of an eye, from the end of last December to now, spring, summer and autumn have gone by, and the two have only communicated through letters.
He knew how she was doing, but separated by mountains and rivers, he couldn't touch her skin, smell her scent, and when the night was deep and the dew heavy, he couldn't hold her in his arms. Only longing remained, piercing to the bone. But now, they were only separated by half a city. A strong emotion suddenly surged in Fu Yu's heart. He couldn't wait any longer and wanted to rush to her side immediately and hold her delicate, soft body in his arms.
The reins trembled, the black shadow let out a long neigh, raised its iron hooves, and charged straight towards the city gate like a whirlwind.
Du He had no idea why the general was suddenly stopping and starting, so he hurriedly urged his horse to catch up.
But Fu Yu turned around and loudly ordered, "You go back to the manor first!"
A rare smile appeared between his stern brows. This usually calm and composed general, who remained unmoved even when Mount Tai collapsed before him, suddenly showed a youthful and spirited demeanor, as if he had been rejuvenated.
Du He knew the reason without even guessing, so he slowed his horse and led his men back to his residence after entering the city.
...
Fu Yu arrived on Pear Blossom Street full of enthusiasm, only to find nothing.
Behind the half-open vermilion gate, the courtyard was neat and tidy, with the shadows of locust trees dappled through the air. The aroma of freshly fried food wafted through the alley, but You Tong was nowhere to be seen.
Grandma Xu said that Fu Lanyin and Fu Zhao had come earlier that morning, inviting You Tong to go out of the city to offer incense and sightsee.
It's warm in the afternoon now, so he must be enjoying himself outside the city.
Fu Yu was inevitably frustrated, but he couldn't chase after them out of the city. He was disappointed, but he still maintained the dignified and stern demeanor of the newly appointed military commander. After nodding, he turned his horse around and headed towards the Fu residence.
The gatekeeper had already heard from Du He about Fu Yu's return to the city, and when he saw a dark figure rushing towards him, he hurriedly went to greet him.
The horse galloped in like an arrow, stopping abruptly at the gate. Fu Yu dismounted, inquired of the gatekeeper, and learned that Fu Deqing had returned from the yamen. He then headed straight for Xieyangzhai. Sure enough, Fu Deqing was already in the study, brewing tea and rinsing cups, sitting upright behind the long table, seemingly waiting for his report.
Upon seeing him, she asked with a smile, "Why did you return to the manor after Du He?"
"Something came up and I was held up." Fu Yu felt a little uneasy when he didn't see You Tong.
Fu Deqing chuckled, gestured for him to sit down, then turned around and unfolded a map hanging on the bookshelf.
Although separated by distance, the Fu brothers never lost touch. Fu Deming regularly wrote back to the capital about the Fu family's situation, the various upheavals, who had been placed in the Six Ministries, and Xu Chaozong's plans. He kept them informed of all matters of state. However, Fu Yu didn't always rely on letters for matters of military affairs, fearing that they might inadvertently leak secrets.
Previously, most messages were delivered verbally by trusted confidants, while less urgent messages were reserved for in-person communication.
The aroma of tea filled the air, and wisps of steam rose from the cups. After drinking two cups to soothe his throat, Fu Yu used the map to recount the recent developments in various places.
After discussing several important matters, he turned to the topic and said, "Previously, we remained inactive, and others were also observing the situation. Now that Uncle has entered the capital to become the prime minister, some people are getting restless. Xu Chaozong almost lost his life at the hands of Wei Jian before, but in the past few months, he has put a lot of effort into things over there—father, have you heard about what happened in the Jingzhou area?"
"Has Wei Jian set his sights on taking over Jingzhou?"
"It was Xu Chaozong's idea."
Zhao Yanzhi, the military governor of Jingzhou, was a loyal and benevolent man, but he had very few troops under his command. His force of just over ten thousand guarded the Jingzhou area. To the south lay the capital, to the west Wei Jian, and to the east and north were the troops under Yongning's command. Zhao Yanzhi had the advantage of the complex terrain; the surrounding mountains were continuous and treacherous, shrouded in mist and clouds, extremely difficult to traverse, with only four roads traversable. By guarding several key passes, he created an impregnable fortress, easy to defend and difficult to attack.
Originally, all places were at peace. Zhao Yanzhi had limited abilities and dared not provoke Yongning or Wei Jian. He kept his territory under his control and protected the people. The Fu family did not need to expend too much military force to guard against him.
Now, Xu Chaozong has intervened, lending the imperial court's banner to Wei Jian, intending to hand Jingzhou over to the Wei family.
Once Wei Jian succeeds, it will be like adding a vicious wolf with green eyes next to the Fu family's bed. How can they sleep peacefully?
Those dangerous passes in Jingzhou must not fall into Wei Jian's hands.
Fu Deqing stared at the map in thought for a long while before saying, "Zhao Yanzhi is also a talented general. What are your plans?"
"Let's play along." Fu Yu had already considered a plan when he first heard the news. "Zhao Yanzhi must know Wei Jian's character and how his people are. If he were a coward who only cared about his own life and wealth, he might submit to Wei Jian's tyranny and the imperial court's authority. But Zhao Yanzhi loves his people like his own children, so why would he hand them over to the greedy Wei Jian?"
"At that time, even if he knows he is no match, will he still fight back?"
Fu Yu nodded, "We just need to lend a hand."
"He may not be willing to join my Yongning camp."
"Who said he should submit to Yongning?" Fu Yu frowned. "Since Xu Chaozong has this intention, the affairs of the capital should not be delayed for too long, lest things get complicated and other changes occur. Spring is prone to famine, and Xu Chaozong's reputation for seizing the throne through palace coups and being incompetent has already spread throughout Chu. There are many who want to rebel against him. Can the two military governors over there stop him?"
"When the enemy is at the capital and Xu Chaozong is about to die, shall we come to the emperor's aid?"
"Previously, the time was not right, the Tatars were eyeing us covetously, and it was not appropriate for us to intervene in the capital. But now things are very different."
At the beginning of Xu Chaozong's reign, the court was in chaos. He attempted to use the Fu family's power to subdue the officials and then discard them afterward, providing them with many conveniences after Fu Deming became prime minister. Fu Deming seized the opportunity to cultivate his power and now barely manages to control the officials. The reputation of Yongning for its clean government and peaceful people has gradually spread far and wide. If it had been six months earlier, even if the Fu family had captured the capital, the people's hearts would have been unstable, and it would have been difficult to maintain peace. If it had been two years later, after Xu Chaozong had secured his position and truly colluded with Wei Jian, the rope would have been tightened, adding many obstacles for the Fu family.
It's just right now, not quite cooked yet.
Fu Yu looked at Fu Deqing with a solemn expression, but his tone and demeanor were extremely firm due to deep thought.
Fu Deqing had naturally considered this matter as well. After pondering for a while, he said, "Alright, this matter must be started. Let Wei Jian and Zhao Yanzhi wear each other down for a while. Once the news gets out, it will be clear that Xu Chaozong doesn't care about the lives of the people of Jingzhou and started a war out of nowhere. He doesn't deserve to be emperor! Wei Jian is eyeing the fat meat of Jingzhou. Even if he isn't dragged down by Zhao Yanzhi, he shouldn't expect to escape unscathed—the mountains and valleys of Jingzhou are not easy to swallow."
"What we need to seize is the initiative."
It's easier said than done; there are many things that need to be considered and arranged.
Fu Yu was well aware of the abilities of the military governor of Chu. When the rebellion first swept through the region, the governor suffered repeated defeats. Had Fu Yu not been ordered to quell the rebellion, he would likely have already perished. In the past six months, the situation had worsened, with public resentment growing daily and military strength declining steadily. At that point, if the Fu family could simply hold off Wei Jian, and no one would help Xu Chaozong quell the rebellion, history would repeat itself, and the siege of the city and the fall of the old dynasty would be imminent.
The key is to find a way to keep Wei Jian occupied, preventing him from taking action. And to deploy troops strategically, ensuring both the stability of Yongning and the ability to march on the capital.
There's so much to discuss, there's no rush.
Fu Deqing slowly poured tea, then said, "There is another person we need to consider as soon as possible."
"Jiang Shao".
Fu Deqing looked slightly surprised. "You know what I'm trying to say?"
“I heard that Jiang Boyan and his sister came to celebrate their great-aunt’s birthday.”
"So well-informed?" Fu Deqing raised his cup of tea, took a sip, and glanced at his son.
The matter of Jiang Daijun and her brother coming to Qizhou is not related to military affairs for the time being. He hasn't made up his mind yet and hasn't mentioned it to Fu Yu. Although Old Madam Fu feels that this marriage has many benefits, she no longer interferes in Fu Yu's marriage without permission. In the past few days, she has frequently invited Jiang Daijun to the mansion for banquets to urge him to make a decision as soon as possible, but she would not mention this matter in her letters home.
It was quite unexpected that Fu Yuyuan, who was in the capital, would pay attention to this matter.
He put down his teacup, raised an eyebrow, and asked, "What are your plans?"
Where is Father?
“Jiang Shao doesn’t have many soldiers, but they’re still a force to be reckoned with. If he’s willing to join us, it would be best to win him over. However—” Looking at his son’s indifferent expression, and remembering his earnest defense of You Tong during their divorce, he didn’t completely rule out marriage, only saying, “Marriage is a lifelong matter, so it’s best to find a suitable woman. Last time you didn’t care, so I made the decision. This time, it’s your choice.”
"Father won't get involved?"
“I won’t interfere.” Fu Deqing paused. “Since you’re plotting to take over the capital, you should be the one to make the decisions on military and political matters.”
These words were quite profound, and Fu Yu's heart stirred slightly. He suddenly looked up at his father.
—In the East and West courtyards, who was in charge and who was secondary? With You Tong's divorce being exposed, Fu Deming had already stepped aside. But in the West courtyard, Fu Deqing was in his prime, extremely knowledgeable in both court and military affairs, a veteran of half a lifetime of military service, and a benevolent ruler. If he were to truly rule the world, he would certainly be worthy of the supreme position. But judging from his tone, it sounded like he was being asked to…
Fu Yu was shaken, but Fu Deqing remained calm and composed.
After discussing the important matters, he revealed his usual kind and benevolent fatherly demeanor, put away the map, placed it back in the cabinet by the door and locked it, then turned and waved to his son.
"The Jiang siblings are in the back garden. Shall we go over there?"
Fu Yu understood and followed closely behind.
Since everyone is still here, we should clarify things as soon as possible to avoid confusion and a repeat of what happened with Shen Yueyi, which would only lead to unnecessary embarrassment.
Chapter 105 Shock
In the Linfeng Pavilion in the back garden of the Fu family, cups and plates are laid out, and pastries are fragrant and soft.
It was already past 3:45 PM, and the sun was gradually setting in the west, its rays streaming through the window, bringing a touch of warmth. Surrounded by flowering trees and crisscrossing corridors, sitting by the window in the pavilion, one could see beyond the two low walls the ginkgo trees on the distant north slope, tall and lush, their clear yellow leaves stretching up the slope, revealing a corner of the Wangyun Tower.
Madam Fu sat in a warm brocade chair, her clothes too thick, making her look slightly bulky.
Opposite her was the old lady of the Ming family, who was in her early sixties. Because she rarely worried about trivial matters, she lived a comfortable and carefree life. She was easygoing and plump, with a strong liver. Her face had very few wrinkles, and although her hair was gradually turning gray, it was still very shiny.
Compared to Madam Fu, she looks like a fifty-year-old.
The Ming family had many children and grandchildren, some of whom served under Yongning, while others held official positions in the capital. Although their children and grandchildren had different paths in life, none of them became high-ranking officials or nobles. Compared to the Fu family, which commanded a powerful army, the Ming family was not particularly prominent in Qizhou. Even if they occasionally received an invitation to a banquet, they were never given the honor of being received alone.
Even Jiang Shao, in the eyes of the old lady of the Ming family, was a relative from a very different social class, and they rarely visited each other.
—Although she and the old lady of the Jiang family were sisters, they were of different statuses, being legitimate and illegitimate. They were not close in the past. After being separated by the north and south and having their own families and children, they only exchanged letters every year to inquire about each other's well-being.
When Madam Ming heard that Jiang Daijun and her brother were coming to congratulate her on her birthday, she found it strange. After reading the instructions in her sister's letter, she realized that they were coming for the Fu family.
If the two military governors could form a marriage alliance, it would certainly benefit the Ming family.
Not wanting to stand idly by, Madam Ming sent several precious medicinal herbs, bestowed by the Jiang family, to the Fu family, hoping to gauge their intentions. Upon learning that the herbs were from the Jiang family, Madam Fu was very accommodating and specially invited them to Shou'an Hall for a chat, and they met several times.
After Jiang Daijun and her brother arrived, Madam Ming took them to the Fu family to pay their respects.
Madam Fu was quite hospitable. Seeing that Jiang Daijun was beautiful and gentle, she immediately ordered Madam Han to host a banquet for the guests. Afterwards, she asked Fu Lanyin to take some time to accompany Jiang Daijun for a stroll around Qizhou City. Jiang Daijun had already learned Madam Fu's preferences from her great-aunt. Having traveled a long way to see the world, and with her father and brothers' instructions on her mind, how could she be willful?