Chapter 629: Chapter 629

Fengyu and Han Ziqi hold a personal grudge. Han Ziqi led troops to launch a surprise attack on West State, resulting in countless deaths there. Fengyu understands their differing identities and positions—Han Ziqi was not in the wrong. Yet, many of those who perished that day were acquaintances and friends of hers. Naturally, her emotions are tinged with resentment. Of course, Fengyu wishes to go to war. Moreover, she has discussed it with Xie Xun, who also hopes to go to war with Sannan, directly reclaiming it to achieve unification of the Southern territories.

When Xie Jue asked her about it, Fengyu replied, "Zhixu has just ascended the throne and is, in fact, not suited to launch a campaign against Sannan, particularly when they’re seeking peace talks. To recklessly engage in military ventures would invite criticism, especially when the new dynasty’s foundation is still unstable. If we were to wage war against Sannan, the Jiangnan garrison would be the main force, and we would need to rely on Marshal Fang. At present, we don’t even know where he stands. To proactively go to war with Sannan right after the new dynasty’s establishment is far from the wisest strategy."

This was also the conclusion Fengyu reached during her prior discussion with Xie Xun. She knows that Xie Xun is eager to achieve unification, but Zhongzhou has only just stabilized, the Yuwen Royal Family has just been overthrown, and holdouts of the old regime still harbor fantasies. If they were to wage war against Sannan now and trigger unrest in Beining as a result, the cost would outweigh the gain. Furthermore, for many years, Beining has been either fighting with Beiman or embroiled in internal conflict. The people are desperate for peace.

The truth is, both Xie Jue and Xie Xun want war!

Fengyu’s stance aligns with that of the cabinet. Seeing the solemn silence between Xie Jue and Xie Xun, she chuckled lightly and said, "Actually, it’s not necessary to resort to outright war. The internal divisions within Sannan run deep—the conflict between the Priest Court and the royal family has escalated to the point of no return. This is why they’ve united to focus on external threats, even agreeing to join forces with Beiman. Their actions are merely an attempt to shift the focus of their internal strife outward. Second Brother was able to sow discord within Beiman years ago; now we can replicate that strategy. The most brilliant tactic is to reclaim it without spilling a single drop of blood."

This was also what Xie Xun had been contemplating recently: to solidify his position, he cannot resort to warfare prematurely or act too hastily.

"We’ve discussed it with the cabinet. If Sannan agrees to all the conditions we propose, then we can make peace. But if they refuse, then we’ll fight. In three years, when Sannan’s military strength is utterly depleted and they can no longer sustain external conflicts, we’ll strike. In the meantime, we’ll recuperate and gradually transfer Sannan’s resources back to our control," Xie Xun said. "Doesn’t the Su Family have substantial business interests in Sannan?"

"Yes," Fengyu answered after a brief hesitation. "Back then, we followed the orders of the old marquis and distributed part of the family’s assets to Sannan. Do we need to bring them back now?"

"Bring them back," Xie Jue said plainly. "Just in case."

"Alright, then I’ll send someone to handle it. We’ll withdraw slowly—if we make an abrupt move, they’ll notice," Fengyu replied.

As for the situation in Sannan, Xie Xun and Xie Jue were largely in agreement. Their main point of contention lay in how to deal with Beiman and, specifically, Dugu Jing.

"Ayu, why don’t you try to persuade Second Brother? If Beiman doesn’t surrender, he plans to garrison himself in Ningzhou. I don’t want Second Brother taking Ruyi to Ningzhou—it’s so remote they’d only be able to visit on holidays," Xie Xun said with a darkened face whenever the topic arose. No matter how the discussion went, he refused to let Xie Jue go to Ningzhou. Moreover, he intended to grant Xie Jue the title of Prince and keep him in the Capital City.

Thus, Xie Xun is determined to find a way to make Beiman capitulate. Once Beiman surrenders, there would no longer be a need for anyone to garrison Ningzhou, and the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry could gradually be withdrawn.

The prefectures of Beining require the assistance of the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry for development far more urgently.

Fengyu thought to herself that she couldn’t possibly decide for Second Brother. She tentatively asked, "Second Brother, if you go to garrison Ningzhou, will Brother Fang be stationed in Jiangnan?" Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on NoveIＦire.net

One in the south and one in the north—both supreme commanders of their respective armies—they wouldn’t see each other for an entire year.

Xie Jue remained silent, "..."

"Has Brother Fang agreed to this?" Fengyu probed again.

Xie Xun’s expression darkened. "Why would Fang Chuning need to agree if Second Brother is going to garrison Ningzhou?"

Fengyu took a deep breath, frustrated by his lack of tact, and glared at Xie Xun. Can’t you just keep quiet? Must you speak up? Do you even want Second Brother to stay in the Capital City?

"We’ll discuss this matter later," Xie Jue said, visibly losing interest in the topic of garrisoning Ningzhou.

Fengyu, with a crystal-clear mind, could tell that Second Brother had made up his own mind without consulting Fang Chuning. This was a good sign—it meant there was still room for negotiation. She, too, didn’t want Second Brother to go to Ningzhou. If he went, Ruyi would undoubtedly follow him. Oh, her precious Ruyi! She couldn’t bear to be separated from him for even a day.

Xie Xun seemed to realize his misstep and adopted a more subtle expression. He cleared his throat lightly and suggested, "Second Brother, Dugu Jing is right here in the Capital City. Why don’t you persuade him to surrender?"

"Understood," Xie Jue replied. Yet deep down, he knew Dugu Jing would never willingly submit. As the indomitable Beiman King, Dugu Jing would rather die on the battlefield than surrender.

All they could do was try—leave the rest to fate!