"What do you mean by more serious than expected?"
Cheng Chili had his attention pulled back by this sentence. As he spoke, he picked up the military report, his eyes landing on the content of the letter, and his expression changed subtly.
Pei Zhan said, "Based on the news they brought back, a trusted general under King Dongzi fell from a horse a month ago and is still recuperating. Now, the troops he commanded are temporarily led by a subordinate general.
"It’s really hard to believe that this accident was just an accident. With King Dongzi’s trusted general injured and unable to command, it means Dongzi has lost a strong arm. It seems that the previous intelligence was absolutely correct; things are going poorly on Dongzi’s side."
As he spoke these words, the earlier levity was completely swept away.
"What do we do now?" Cheng Chili was obviously bewildered by the situation.
"This is beyond our decision, it must be reported to the Emperor." Pei Zhan folded up the military report, "I’ll enter the palace later after court is dismissed."
Du Mingqian and Cheng Chili both nodded.
At this moment, someone approached quickly from outside the door, escorted by the camp’s soldiers, Yang Tong walked over in large strides.
"General! Under orders from the Young Madam and Mr. Yang, I bring you a message. The guard named Chen Song by Mr. Yang’s side has returned, he brings new information, stating that the person who fled from Camp Town was indeed Lian Yang, and Lian Yang headed straight for the northwest. Inside the territory, he met with two generals suspected to be from Dongzi!"
Their steps immediately halted at the threshold, Pei Zhan’s gaze sharp as a knife: "Met within our Great Zhou borders? When was this news delivered?"
"Just now! Two hours ago!"
Yang Tong ran all the way here, still unable to catch his breath.
Cheng Chili cursed in anger: "That dog Lian doesn’t even have us grandfathers in his eyes! I’ll go to the palace right away to petition the Emperor, take troops to the northwest and capture this scoundrel for a thousand cuts!"
Having said that, he dashed towards the door.
Pei Zhan swiftly grabbed him: "What are you doing?!"
Before Cheng Chili could open his mouth, Pei Zhan had already turned and walked out with a whip in hand: "You keep an eye on the camp, I’ll go back and check first!"
On the Pei family side, Yang Yi had already asked Chen Song to explain everything, including how he initially got close to Zhou Yi, followed him to Tanzhou, and what he witnessed when following Lian Rong to the northwest.
At this point, everyone believed it was already necessary to issue commands to the northwest immediately. However, because Pei Zhan was overseeing the affairs of the Capital Camp, they still had to wait for him to come back to make a decision.
Just then, a report came from outside the courtyard that Pei Zhan had returned, and everyone set their teacups down, indeed Pei Zhan had already strode into the courtyard.
"What’s the situation with Lian Yang?"
Pei Zhan questioned hurriedly after entering before even sitting down, bowing to Yang Yi.
Chen Song succinctly explained the situation to him.
Pei Zhan said, "Earlier, I also received new military reports from the Ministry of War, things aren’t good on Dongzi’s side either, Jin Xu has already lost a general by his side. Considering Lian Yang’s contact with Dongzi generals in the northwest, it looks like they are gradually executing their conspiracy."
Yang Yi was moved upon hearing the unfavorable situation for Jin Xu: "Lian Yang has acted so swiftly, it’s almost certain he anticipated Lian Rong’s failure, and I’ve already made contact with you.
"He’s burning bridges, and Great Zhou can’t delay any longer! We absolutely cannot have another war!"
"I think the same way," Pei Zhan nodded, "That’s why I came back immediately, ready to enter the palace to see the Emperor."
Fu Zhen cut off all chatter, urging, "Then say no more, just go into the palace! There’s no time to lose, we must secure the checkpoints as quickly as possible!"
...
Before the deposed Crown Prince was executed, the Emperor had already been holding court every three days. After the execution, the Emperor triggered an old illness and fell gravely ill, the Imperial Hospital did their utmost to stabilize him, focusing on recuperation these days. The court’s affairs were fortunately met with the collaborative efforts of a group of capable ministers and military generals, along with the Empress presiding over the palace, things were relatively stable.
Managing a vast country like this is certainly not easy, either this side has issues or that side has contradictions.
Yet this kingdom was built by their collective efforts. Having survived successive blows, everyone deeply understood the axiom that if the nest is overturned, no egg can remain intact, leaving no room for internal conflict.