"It’s not impossible," Zhao Yao said, not holding out much hope for the treasure left by the Pei Family.
"By the way, Han Zhong is ill and doesn’t have much time left."
"He’s about to die. In Shu, his sons are fighting over his position."
Zhao Yao’s eyes lit up with joy as he said, "Now is the perfect time to attack Shu." Follow current novᴇls on novel-fire.net
"With how foolish Han Zhong’s sons are, there’s no need to send troops to attack Shu. They’ll ruin it themselves," He Lianfang said mockingly, "They are already in the midst of an internal conflict."
"Internal conflict?" Zhao Yao squinted slightly, a strange look on his face, "Second Uncle, you and Father aren’t secretly stirring things up, are you?"
He Lianfang didn’t answer Zhao Yao’s question, which Zhao Yao took as an admission.
"Shu is quite a place, with lots of great food."
He Lianfang glared at Zhao Yao, saying in exasperation, "All you think about is food."
Zhao Yao replied matter-of-factly, "What’s more important than good food?"
"I know there are many treasures in Shu, but they’re not meant for me, so why bother thinking about them? It’s better to focus on the food."
"You have a good perspective."
"Even if Shu falls into internal conflict, it won’t collapse in a year or so," Zhao Yao speculated, "At least three to five years."
"Pretty much," He Lianfang suddenly asked with a half-smile, "Who do you think among Han Zhong’s sons will cooperate with Great Zhou?"
Zhao Yao thought for a moment and said, "The eldest son."
He Lianfang asked, "Why the eldest son?"
"Because he’s Han Zhong’s son from his first wife and he’s not favored. He’s been living a hard life these years." Han Zhong has five sons, and the eldest is from his first wife. Normally, Han Zhong should favor his eldest son, but the reality is quite the opposite.
Han Zhong married into his wife’s family, and his eldest son doesn’t share his surname. Han Zhong’s original wife died a few years after giving birth to the eldest son, and then Han Zhong remarried. From then on, his sons took his surname.
It’s said that Han Zhong’s first wife was a highly capable woman, more competent than Han Zhong. While she was alive, Han Zhong both feared and loathed her.
How could Han Zhong possibly like his eldest son, given his feelings about his first wife?
While his first wife was alive, Han Zhong at least pretended to favor his eldest son. Once she passed, he no longer concealed his dislike.
Over the years, Han Zhong’s eldest son lived very miserably in Shu. However, he always harbored a desire to reclaim his inheritance. Shu belonged to his maternal grandparents, and he couldn’t let Han Zhong take it.
"However, for the eldest son to defeat his other brothers, it will be challenging. To reclaim Shu, he’ll need to cooperate with Great Zhou," Zhao Yao said, "Father and the others are waiting for the eldest son to seek help, but before he does, Father’s people will definitely add fuel to the fire."
"What would you do in that situation?"
"Of course, I’d do the same as Father," capturing Shu without a single soldier, why not?
"Have you ever thought about going to the army camp?"
The sudden question from He Lianfang surprised Zhao Yao: "To the army camp?"
"Yes, have you ever thought about joining the military?"
"Second Uncle, you want me to join the military?" Zhao Yao had never considered it because he was too young.
"You’ve learned military strategy from me, but you’ve never put it into practice. You should go to the battlefield for practical experience," He Lianfang said, "Sooner or later, Great Zhou and the Xiongnu will have a war, and Lingnan won’t stay peaceful forever. You need to go to the military academy to learn real skills." In fact, He Lianfang’s real intention in sending Zhao Yao to the army was to allow him to win over the soldiers.
"Aren’t your friends already in the military?"
"Yes." Zhao Yao’s four companions were a few years older and joined the military last year.
"Second Uncle, even if I wanted to go, I can’t go now," Zhao Yao shrugged, "I’m too young. Father would never agree."
"I’m not telling you to go right now, but to go in a few years," He Lianfang explained, "In four years, you’ll be able to go to the army camp." Back then, Prince Dai entered the military camp at the age of twelve and achieved great military success.
"Alright, I’d be willing to join the military in four years, if Father agrees then," Zhao Yao said. He’d prefer to train in the army rather than study in the palace.
He Lianfang said with a meaningful look, "He will agree."
"Hope so," Zhao Yao wasn’t too hopeful.
The two continued chatting for a while and then started a game of chess.