Chapter 86: The Oriole
Having likely caught a chill by the lakeside that night and further exhausted from handling political affairs, Wen Yu fell ill upon returning. Her high fever persisted intermittently, requiring nearly half a month of recuperation before she showed signs of improvement.
During this period, Li Xun and Chen Wei managed the daily administrative tasks, while Li Yao made decisions on matters they couldn’t resolve. Fortunately, no major disruptions occurred.
Once Wen Yu felt slightly better, she summoned Zhao Bai to bring over a stack of reviewed memorials for her inspection, allowing her to catch up on affairs in Pingzhou and Tao County.
After delivering the memorials and summarizing their contents, Zhao Bai placed several unprocessed ones on top and reported, “Both Southern Chen and Wei Qishan have replied. Wei Qishan is willing to cede Xin and Yi provinces and has proposed an additional one million taels of gold as a betrothal gift. Southern Chen no longer disputes the ownership of Xin and Yi provinces, but they cannot provide the three million dan of grain you requested. They claim their military provisions will only last until autumn and ask if they can send eight hundred thousand dan first, promising to supply the remainder after the autumn harvest. Officials Li and others did not dare make a decision without your approval.”
Wen Yu, still recovering from her cold, sat by the window in a plain brocade robe with her hair loose, reviewing the processed memorials. Upon hearing this, she remarked lightly, “Southern Chen remains as calculating as ever.”
Uncertain of her meaning, Zhao Bai asked, “Shall we reply and reject Southern Chen’s proposal?”
A breeze swept through the open window, rustling Wen Yu’s hair, robes, and the papers on her desk, dispersing some of the incense smoke rising from the Boshan censer.
Pressing down the fluttering pages with her slender fingers, she said, “Southern Chen is shrewd. They know they could capture Xin and Yi provinces by autumn at the earliest, and the grain I demand is merely to restrain them before we seize these territories. By offering only eight hundred thousand dan, they’re holding back—they certainly have more than that. Instruct Li Xun to reply: if three million dan is unattainable, they must send at least one and a half million dan upfront.”
Zhao Bai noted this down but couldn’t help commenting, “In comparison, Wei Qishan is far more generous.”
A million taels of gold amounted to ten million taels of silver.
In peacetime, one dan of grain cost only seven to eight hundred coins, but with war raging everywhere, market prices had multiplied severalfold. Now, purchasing one dan required at least three strings of cash.
Wei Qishan had likely heard of Wen Yu’s demand for three million dan from Southern Chen and, to show sincerity, directly offered a million taels of gold—equivalent in value to the grain.
Wen Yu, chilled by the wind, felt a tickle in her throat and coughed softly twice. “A million taels of gold sounds tempting, but with widespread conflict, farmlands lie abandoned. What’s tightly controlled by various factions isn’t just salt and iron anymore—it’s also grain.”
With this explanation, Zhao Bai understood completely.
Three million dan of grain was no small amount. No grain merchant, no matter how large, could hoard that much during wartime. Even if such merchants existed, they would need to align with local authorities to operate in these chaotic times.
It was impossible for them to purchase large quantities of grain in territories beyond their jurisdiction, bypassing local officials. After all, in this era, grain meant the ability to sustain an army.The local authorities in those prefectures were not foolish enough to trade life-saving supplies for mere gold and silver—useless for eating or drinking in the current crisis. If they were to exchange anything, it would be for weapons, salt, or iron.
Xu Jia had previously agreed to the deal with Wen Yu because she had seized the right moment. At that time, Fengyang and Yongcheng had not yet fallen, and prices had not skyrocketed to such terrifying levels. Wen Yu offered high profits, and Xu Jia hoped to leverage the connection to establish ties with the Zhou Family, so they naturally had no reason to refuse.
Later, even as Pei Song grew increasingly powerful, Xu Jia, bound by that earlier deal, found themselves on the same boat as Wen Yu. They dared not gamble on what kind of extermination might befall them if Pei Song discovered their past collaboration, so they had no choice but to conceal it from him and continue working secretly for Wen Yu.
It was precisely because of this leverage that Xu Jia remained a pawn Wen Yu had planted in Yongzhou.
Zhao Bai remarked, "Indeed, the Princess thinks further ahead."
Wen Yu did not respond, merely lowering her gaze to continue reading the memorial in her hand.
Her sister-in-law, A Yin, Yu Taifu, and a group of old ministers were still in Pei Song’s hands. Meanwhile, Pingzhou and Tao County were struggling to survive in the cracks, bearing the weight of all their subjects’ lives and deaths. She had no choice but to think deeply about every matter.
Suddenly, Xiao Li’s question from that night echoed in her ears:
"If this calamity had not befallen our land, and I had become a general, coming to your manor to propose—would you have married me?"
If this national disaster had not occurred?
Then her father and mother would surely still be alive, and her elder brother as well. That hypothetical was too beautiful, so beautiful that even hearing it felt like an extravagant dream, one too luxurious to appear even in sleep.
She could not give Xiao Li an answer and could only counter by asking, since it was merely a hypothetical, what need was there to answer?
That night, even Zhao Bai had not noticed anything amiss about her, but the next day, she developed a high fever and fell ill.
For the past half-month, she had been confined to her bed to recuperate, receiving no ministers and unaware of how Xiao Li was faring. She could only hope he had come to a complete understanding.
As these thoughts crossed her mind, she did not notice her grip on the memorial tightening until her knuckles turned white. When the wind picked up again, she covered her mouth and coughed softly. Zhao Bai, seeing this, moved to close the window but was stopped by Wen Yu: "I’ve been stifled for too long these days. It’s good to have the window open and feel the breeze."
Though concerned for Wen Yu’s health, Zhao Bai always followed her orders without question and stepped back.
Wen Yu gathered her focus and finished reading the memorial in her hand. As she reached for the next one, she found it was a sealed letter with no sender’s name, only the manor’s secret emblem stamped on the seal. She asked Zhao Bai, "What is this?"
Zhao Bai glanced at it and hurriedly explained, "It’s a letter from the Princess Consort. I intended to inform you after reporting on the replies from Southern Chen and Northern Wei, but I forgot for a moment."
It had been a long time since Wen Yu received a letter from Jiang Yichu. After discovering Yan Que was a traitor, she had been worried that Pei Song might have found out about the correspondence between her sister-in-law and herself.
Though she had sent another Shadow Guard to her sister-in-law’s side, she had yet to receive a reply and remained unaware of Jiang Yichu’s situation.
Fearing that Yan Que had disclosed the manor’s secret emblem to Pei Song, she had changed it after executing Yan Que and instructed the Shadow Guard sent to Jiang Yichu to inform her of this.
Yet, the letter from Jiang Yichu before her still bore the manor’s old emblem.Wen Yu slightly furrowed her brow as she opened the letter. Only after taking out the letter inside did her expression soften slightly—it was indeed her sister-in-law’s handwriting, though written in charcoal on rough straw paper. The message contained only seven words: Pei Song is Qin Yi’s son.
Though unsure how her sister-in-law had uncovered this, the result aligned closely with Wen Yu’s own investigations. It seemed Pei Song had not yet discovered the secret correspondence between her sister-in-law and herself.
Thus, this letter must have been sent before she dispatched the Shadow Guard.
With no date on the letter, Wen Yu could not determine how long it had taken to reach her. Yet the use of straw paper and charcoal suggested her sister-in-law’s circumstances were dire. A weight settled in Wen Yu’s chest.
She asked Zhao Bai, “How goes the war in the north?”
Zhao Bai, glancing at the letter, understood Jiang Yichu must be suffering under Pei Song’s control and sensed Wen Yu’s unease. “Freed from the threat of tribes beyond the pass, Wei Qishan has focused his main forces on crushing Pei Song. Their momentum is fierce—in just two months, they’ve reclaimed several cities and severely dampened Pei Song’s earlier arrogance.”
Under current circumstances, an alliance with Wei Qishan seemed advantageous.
Yet the key difference between Northern Wei and Southern Chen was this: once Northern Wei fully defeated Pei Song, they would no longer need Wen Yu’s support.
Northern Wei’s cavalry could sweep south, seize the four prefectures under Wen Yu’s control, and rely on the strategic advantage of Hundred Blades Pass to engage Southern Chen in a prolonged conflict.
Conversely, if Southern Chen advanced into the Central Plains, their royal court would remain beyond the pass. Should they turn hostile, Wen Yu could use the four prefectures, led by Pingzhou, as a barrier to sever Southern Chen’s field armies from their court. By inciting neighboring states to pressure Southern Chen’s borders, their court would be too preoccupied to pose a threat.
In the Central Plains, where Liang officials and citizens predominated, any rift between Wen Yu and Southern Chen would inevitably see the people rally behind Wen Yu. This very apprehension would ensure Southern Chen dared not mistreat Liang’s subjects for decades to come.
This was why Wen Yu insisted on allying with Southern Chen.
After a moment’s reflection, Wen Yu said, “Just as our mentor predicted. Have Li Xun draft a letter to Wei Qishan. While marriage alliances are off the table, with Pei Song as a common enemy, an alliance may still be negotiable.”
Then, reconsidering, she rose. “Never mind. Help me change. I’ll visit our mentor to discuss this in person.”
As Zhao Bai assisted her into presentable attire and reached for accessories, Wen Yu noticed her selecting an engraved, hollowed-out crabapple blossom ring from the vanity. “Fetch the sachet I usually wear,” Wen Yu instructed.
Zhao Bai searched the vanity and canopy bed but found nothing. “It’s missing. Perhaps you could wear this ring for now, my lady? I’ll search more thoroughly later.”
Wen Yu’s expression shifted subtly, her concern for the sachet evident. “I wore it to the banquet as well. If it’s not in the room, send someone to search along the lake—it might have fallen there.”Zhao Bai did not consider the sachet particularly valuable, but thinking it was, after all, a personal item close to the princess, it would be improper for it to fall into someone else's hands. Moreover, since the princess often wore it, the sachet likely held unusual significance for her. He immediately agreed to retrieve it.
Mozhou.
The weather grew increasingly hot, and an ice basin had been placed inside the central military tent.
Pei Song loosened his collar, baring one shoulder wrapped in gauze. Holding the latest battle report, he lowered his gaze to read it, uttering not a word. Nothing could be discerned from his expression.
He did not resemble a martial general at all—his refined and scholarly face made him look more like a young master from an aristocratic family who practiced both literature and swordsmanship. Yet those who had seen him knew that beneath that cultured appearance lurked a true fiend.
Having suffered several consecutive defeats, the martial generals in the tent had been summoned for some time without hearing him speak. Sweat—whether from heat or fear—soaked through their garments beneath their armor.
One officer, unable to bear the suffocating pressure any longer, knelt with a thud. "It is our incompetence! We beg the Minister Over the Masses to punish us!"
His kneeling prompted the other generals to follow suit, dropping to their knees one after another.
Only then did Pei Song lift his eyes to glance at his subordinates kneeling across the floor. Uncharacteristically, he showed no anger, his tone even relaxed. "What is the meaning of this?"
The generals below dared not rise, merely repeating their plea: "We beg the Minister to punish us!"
Pei Song finally smiled—a sight that, to the generals, was no different from the King of Hell marking his ledger of life and death. Instantly, sweat poured from them like broth.
Pei Song watched them from beneath lowered lids for a moment. This feeling of being feared by all had once pleased him, but now it was beginning to breed a trace of disgust. His smile held a hint of mockery as he withdrew his gaze and said, "Rise. How many years has Wei Qishan been renowned? Losing a few battles to learn from him is hardly a loss."
Hearing this, the kneeling generals collectively sighed in relief.
Gongsun Chou, seated to the side, praised, "With such temperament, my lord, the day our army crushes Northern Wei cannot be far off."
Pei Song clearly paid no heed to Gongsun Chou's flattery. Setting down the battle report, he said, "The main iron cavalry under Wei Qishan's command was honed through years of battling the Outer Pass Barbarians. For us to confront them head-on would be like striking a stone with an egg. We must devise a strategy to break through the iron shield their cavalry forms on the battlefield."
Gongsun Chou wore a worried expression. "The impending marriage alliance between the Remnants of the Previous Liang Dynasty and Southern Chen is also quite troublesome. The two garrisons Wei Qishan left in the south may not hold out long against Southern Chen and the old Liang forces. If they attack you from both north and south, it would be dire indeed."
Pei Song, however, seemed unperturbed. "Before Hundred Blades Pass existed, both Yizhou and Xinzhou served as southern gateways of Great Liang, with solid city defenses. For Southern Chen and the old Liang forces to capture these two provinces, the earliest would be after autumn. By the time they march north, winter will approach. Southern Chen's troops may not endure the cold as well as ours. When the Outer Pass Barbarians invade to plunder grain, Wei Qishan will have to recall his cavalry to Youzhou. This Minister has plenty of ways to wear them down slowly."He leaned forward slightly, gazing at the tent full of strategists and martial generals, and smiled. "But speaking of the Remnants of the Previous Liang Dynasty, it reminds this Minister of another matter. The spy I planted among them has discovered that there are also their agents among us. What do my esteemed ministers think of this?"
The strategists and martial generals in the tent exchanged glances before quickly kneeling again in unison, trembling with fear. "Our loyalty to the Minister is as clear as the sun and moon! We beg the Minister to investigate thoroughly!"
Pei Song continued to watch them with a smile. "Why kneel? This Minister naturally believes all of you are utterly loyal. Rise and speak."
Only then did the officials in the tent cautiously stand up again.
After discussing other military matters and dismissing them, Gongsun Chou frowned and said, "My lord, why did you expose this in front of everyone? If it is true as Yan Que's letter stated, that there is a spy among them, this move would only alert the enemy."
Pei Song, however, replied, "Since Han Yang has already discovered that Yan Que has defected to our side, do you think the information Yan Que sent back could be false?"
Gongsun Chou was momentarily speechless. He was more skilled in politics than in cunning schemes, and in this regard, he was no match for Pei Song.
Now, with Pei Song's reminder, he realized it made sense. That former Liang princess, though a woman, had repeatedly outmaneuvered his lord on the Southern Border.
While he was inwardly startled, Pei Song picked up a report on the movements at the Southern Border and studied it carefully, a faint, cold smile playing on his lips. "This woman is indeed adept at scheming. I sent a genuine spy to her side, and in return, she presents me with such a grand 'gift'—making me unable to fully trust it, yet unable to ignore it. Given the current turbulent times, the only way is to bring this matter to light. Even if there is a spy, it will make them anxious and hesitant to cause trouble in the short term, ensuring it does not disrupt my grand plans."
Only then did Gongsun Chou understand the reasoning behind Pei Song's earlier actions. He cupped his hands respectfully and said, "My lord has considered everything thoroughly. However, if the Remnants of the Previous Liang Dynasty possess such cunning and she truly marries into Southern Chen, I fear it would be a disaster for you, my lord."
A sharp, blade-like coldness gleamed in Pei Song's smiling eyes. "Do you truly believe I abandoned Yi Province to benefit the Previous Liang? Rest assured, she will not reach Southern Chen alive. Ping Province may be an impenetrable fortress, but beyond the Hundred Blades Pass, it is a different story. Moreover, I have someone by my side whom she would never suspect. Before her death, I will use her to sever one of Ping Province's key supporters. That should suffice as repayment for the times she outwitted me."
Gongsun Chou could not immediately think of anyone besides Chen Wei, Fan Yuan, and Li Yao who could be considered a "key supporter" of Ping Province. Puzzled, he asked, "But the officials Han Yang trusts and relies on in Ping Province—surely she would not easily suspect them?"
Pei Song replied indifferently, "Those she values, I have never regarded highly."
Having served by Pei Song's side for many years, Gongsun Chou could somewhat decipher his lord's thoughts. Recalling how Pei Song had previously dispatched Hawk Hounds to assassinate Wen Yu and her personal guard, he suddenly arrived at an answer. "My lord, is the one you wish to eliminate that young Xiao general who escorted Han Yang to Ping Province and led the attack on Meng County, earning the first merit?"Thanks to the little angels who donated support from 2024-03-26 07:59:17 to 2024-04-01 01:33:50~
Thanks to the little angels who threw hand grenades: 55916763, Yang Feng Bu Luo (1 each);
Thanks to the little angels who threw landmines: Lu Tang (3); 45814802 (2); Nan Ye's Cat, jenniferCA, kfpy_L, Qian Shan Du Xing, Little Dolphin (1 each);
Thanks to the little angels who donated nutrient solution: Xia Xi Yun (194 bottles); Little Zhao (66 bottles); Qing Feng (50 bottles); Zi Ning Bu Si Yin (48 bottles); Atoning Panda (45 bottles); Lu Tang, Pineapple (40 bottles); Mu Xia Shen Qiu, Tan Huan, Miss Friday (20 bottles); I'll Treat You to Lettuce (19 bottles); Qing Qi Gu Jiu (17 bottles); 59903316 (15 bottles); Qing Feng Chan Ming (14 bottles); She De (12 bottles); Cong Wu Cao (11 bottles); Su Su, ...., 2251670, Lazy Worm, Mo Zhi Han, Yun Zhou Zi, Geng Yan Mian Mian, Gong Qiu Shi Liu Ye, Lam, Du Ruo (10 bottles); Totoro (6 bottles); 65140677, Huan Mu Ji, 34945142 (5 bottles); The Mother of the Great Sage is a Stone, Stella, 55916763, Pear Rain (3 bottles); kfpy_L, A Little Kindness with a Bit of Edge, Late Coming Snow, 27428371, Bat, Olive Leaf, Change the Name, Lin Zhao, Jin Shu Yan Hui, yzlc, - (1 bottle);
Thank you all very much for your support. I will continue to work hard!
OpenNovel