Chapter 345: Deployment
Though the fake eunuch had been captured, the First Prince remained untouched.
Even if demoted or exiled, he was still of imperial bloodline. Not only would Wu Yong avoid crossing this line, but even the Seven Constellation Bureau in Gu Yanxi's absence wouldn't take action against him. They merely kept him under close surveillance. Surprisingly, it was the First Prince who couldn't endure first and went to the garrison commander's residence.
Wu Yong, having received the news early, had already made himself scarce – naturally taking refuge at the Hua family. Now he had ample justification: he needed antidote for his poison, and since Shaoyao wouldn't leave Hua Zhi's side, he had no choice but to come to them.
With him right under her nose, Hua Zhi couldn't be bothered to expose him. Currently consumed by a sense of crisis, she spent most of her days before the sand table, simulating various terrains using the topographic map. Yet she did nothing but stare, often standing motionless for half an hour or even a full hour at a stretch. No one knew what was going through her mind.
When Hua Pingyu tried to inquire, Hua Yizheng stopped him. The old man had vaguely guessed some of it. Though unaware of the severity, he had already taken action – most notably by sending the younger generation of the Hua family to military camp for riding and archery practice. Disregarding whether his old bones could withstand the jostling, he himself devoted half an hour daily to practice. As Zhi Er had said, if trouble really came, even if you can't fight, you must at least be able to run.
Gu Yanxi returned three nights later. Hua Zhi was already asleep, but these days her rest had been fitful. She inexplicably woke up just then. Though Shaoyao hadn't wanted to disturb her, seeing her awake, she had to inform her that Yan Ge had returned.
Hua Zhi hurriedly rose, threw on clothes, and stepped outside, immediately spotting Yanxi waiting by the door, listening for movement within.
Placing a finger to her lips, Hua Zhi led him toward the kitchen. The temperature of her palm felt slightly cool, yet to Gu Yanxi, whose nerves had been stretched taut for days, it warmed him to his core. Gradually, his entire body relaxed.
Lighting a lamp, Hua Zhi tied her sleeves tight and said, "I'll make you some noodles. Sit and catch your breath first."
Watching her somewhat clumsily light the stove, Gu Yanxi felt utterly content. For him, a bowl of hot noodles and a cup of hot tea upon returning from his travels were the finest welcome.
Even with weighty matters tangled in his heart, he couldn't bring himself to mention them now. He couldn't bear to shatter the warmth filling the room.
A bowl of noodles and several dishes of pickles – Gu Yanxi, who hadn't eaten properly in days, finished every last bite. Gazing at A Zhi quietly keeping him company, he calmly revealed the outcome of his trip: "As you suspected, the Chao Li Tribe has colluded with the grassland tribes."
So it was true. Hua Zhi felt the other shoe had finally dropped.
"The Seven Constellation Bureau's scouts beyond the frontier didn't detect this not due to negligence. The other side operated extremely covertly. Moreover, they don't fully trust each other – negotiations aren't completely settled yet. But with this foundation, they occasionally grant each other small favors."
"Like last time when the grassland tribes cooperated with the Second Prince's scheme, they were actually assisting the Chao Li Tribe?"
"Essentially, yes."
Hua Zhi gently massaged her temples and sighed softly. "I've been comforting myself that the Chao Li Tribe couldn't have embedded too many people into Daqing. But look – you've already uncovered several. We've confirmed Wu Yong's concubine is one, and the fake eunuch by the First Prince is another. Daqing is so vast – who knows how many more of their people are hidden here."Hua Zhi smiled bitterly, "Better a dog in times of peace than a man in times of turmoil. Yan Xi, I'm truly worried that war might break out."
Not only because the Hua family was at the forefront, but also because she came from an era of peace and prosperity. Without even consulting history books, the war-torn neighboring countries had already shown her how much suffering common people endure when a nation falls into chaos. There would be no savior - with her limited abilities, she couldn't even protect herself, let alone her family. The mere thought of such disasters befalling Berlin kept her awake at night.
"We still have time." Gu Yanxi grasped her cold hand. "It won't come to that."
Hua Zhi forced a smile. "Yes, it won't. Go rest now. They can't break through for the time being anyway - there's no urgency at this moment."
"Alright."
Early the next morning, Wu Yong was invited to the residence. Gu Yanxi also summoned Hua Yizheng, with Shaoyao guarding the door as the four of them closed themselves in for discussion.
"The Chao Li Tribe has colluded with the grassland tribes."
The first sentence struck Wu Yong and Hua Yizheng like a thunderbolt. Before they could respond, Gu Yanxi continued, "I've already dispatched people to investigate the situation at the strategic passes. But General Wu, you should understand that troops from the east cannot be transferred north. The founding emperor decreed that garrison forces at the passes can only be reinforced, never reduced, under any circumstances."
"This humble official understands." Wu Yong's mouth tasted bitter. "But the Heir should also know that the forces under my command cannot withstand the combined might of the Chao Li Tribe and the grassland tribes."
Gu Yanxi glanced at Hua Zhi with some apology in his eyes. Suddenly, Hua Zhi understood what he intended to do. "This official will assist you."
"Does the Heir mean the Seven Constellation Bureau will remain to help this humble official repel the enemy?"
Gu Yanxi shook his head. "Earlier, A Zhi was inspired by the Celestial Master's alchemical techniques and developed a formula. Originally intended for mountain excavation and river dredging, after research and testing by Wu Xing of the Seven Constellation Bureau, it can now be applied more broadly. I've already summoned Wu Xing to come as quickly as possible."
Wu Yong glanced at Hua Zhi. "This humble official has witnessed the Celestial Master's alchemical furnace explosions. If it's that substance, with all due respect, I don't believe it can threaten the Chao Li Tribe."
"Wu Xing has made improvements to it. You'll understand its power when you see it." Gu Yanxi kept watching A Zhi, relieved to see she showed no displeasure. He knew she disliked using black powder for warfare, but even though she disliked it, she understood why he had to do it.
Neither of them liked war, but they had to resist invasion.
"This substance must never fall into the wrong hands. You'll need to select a group of absolutely trustworthy men for Wu Xing to command. Not a whisper of this should leak out before it's deployed."
Wu Yong, who had some knowledge of alchemy himself, remained skeptical about the substance's potency. Yet he trusted that the Heir wasn't one to make empty claims, so he felt a glimmer of hope and readily agreed.
"Old Master Hua, there's one matter I must trouble you with."
Hua Yizheng bowed with clasped hands. "Please speak, Heir."
"Conduct a thorough investigation of all exiled persons at Yinshan Pass." Gu Yanxi turned back to Wu Yong. "If we had more time, I would evacuate all of them from Yinshan Pass to make it a purely military fortress. But given the current urgency, I dare not make drastic changes. We'll divide Yinshan Pass into inner and outer cities - relocate the exiles to the inner city while the outer city serves as the military camp. Additionally, I will petition the Emperor to find a way to transfer fifty thousand troops to Yinshan Pass.""This humble official wishes to inquire of The Heir – will these fifty thousand troops be under my command or will they be led by another officer cooperating with me?"
"They shall be incorporated into your army and placed under your command."
Wu Yong bowed with cupped hands. "This humble official thanks The Heir for your consideration."
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