Half a Spoiler Chapter 80

After Tao Jing reported his thoughts, he soon received the Emperor’s approval. Rubbing his hands in anticipation, he began tackling the local officials with the same intensity he had used to command his troops.

Upon learning of this, Wang You couldn’t help but sigh.

When it came to the battlefield, the Western Tribes already stood no chance against Jianping. As for their skills outside the battlefield, they were even less of a match.

The attitude displayed by the young emperor currently stationed in Wu’an was clear: not only did she intend to win the war, but after the victory, she also planned to rebuild the governance of Dan and Tai provinces and win back the hearts of the people.

Wang You’s aide asked in confusion, “The hearts of the Western Tribes have never leaned toward the Great Zhou. To suppress Tai Province, the court relies on the Central Plains people stationed here. This young emperor is striking so harshly – she has already dealt with a large number of officials before even attacking Lai’an. Doesn’t she fear that the powerful clans here might turn disloyal?”

Wang You sneered, “What does she have to fear?”

Just as Wang You had relied on military achievements to elevate her family from an ordinary powerful clan in Tai Province to the de facto ruler of the region, the Emperor’s prestige had soared since the Battle of Menqu Slope. When she had met the two children of the Lao clan earlier, she had noticed that despite their bitter resentment toward the court, they were also filled with fear toward the Emperor herself.

Wen Yanran had ascended the throne at a tender age, with no reliable court ministers to assist her and no support from her maternal family. Yet, in less than a year, she had struck such terror into the Western Tribes. It was truly terrifying.

Whenever Wang You thought of the Emperor, her own boldness seemed to falter. She remained silent for a while before summoning a few trusted confidants, whispering to them in secret. Then, she disguised herself and went out to liaise with the Lao and Li clans.

Meanwhile, in a certain corner of the city, the envoy from Fuhe Fang was secretly scheming with subordinates from the inspector’s office.

Just as the Emperor’s authority had grown after the court’s victory, Wang You’s prestige had gradually waned after the Western Tribes’ defeat. Moreover, having risen to power through questionable means, it was inevitable that not all subordinates would maintain loyalty to their ruler in the face of adversity. After some coercion and persuasion by the Fuhe clan, some began planning for their own futures.

Within the main camp located five miles away from Lai’an, to ensure ample time for infighting among the Western clans, the Jianping army deliberately chose a location at a distance from the enemy. From time to time, they sent letters urging surrender. Additionally, following the Emperor’s latest directive, they dispatched several teams of cavalry to parade and intimidate below the enemy’s city walls, feigning attacks before withdrawing, all to stir unease in the opposing side.

In the initial days, Lai’an’s forces were indeed worn down by the harassment. However, Wang You, being an experienced veteran, quickly deduced Jianping’s intentions. No matter how clamorous the cavalry below became, she paid them no heed.

Beyond Lai’an, further into Tai Province, the next city was Lexiang City. Larger in scale and more populous, Lexiang served as the rear base for the Western forces, with their vanguard stationed in Lai’an.

Due to affairs within the province, Wang You temporarily left Lai’an and headed to Lexiang with her personal guards.

Though her departure was discreet, Zhong Zhiwei noticed it almost immediately.

In the forest, an army supervisor praised, “General, your foresight is remarkable.”

Zhong Zhiwei smiled and replied, “It’s not my foresight, but the brilliance of Her Majesty’s insight. Let’s first send word to General Tao and ask him to report this matter to the Emperor.”

They were not positioned before Lai’an but in the dense forests between Lai’an and Lexiang. Zhong Zhiwei had once learned some of the Western Tribes’ native language from Tao Jia and had further studied local customs while stationed in Wu’an, observing the Emperor’s own research into the area’s traditions. Now, disguised and hidden here, they had managed to avoid detection by the Western forces.

Several days earlier, Song Nanlou had already arrived at the front lines. Zhong Zhiwei stationed him with Tao Jia for defense while personally leading a small elite force from the Imperial Guards. Seizing the moment when Lai’an no longer paid attention to the decoy tactics below the city walls, they quietly bypassed the sentry posts and maneuvered to the rear to serve as backup.

The army supervisor lowered his voice and asked, “Wang You doesn’t have many armored guards with her. Should we take the chance to ambush and eliminate her?”

Zhong Zhiwei shook her head with a smile. “If Wang You were to die now, Fuhe Fang and the others might become too afraid to come forward. Let’s spare Inspector Wang’s life for now. Once they start fighting among themselves, it won’t be too late for us to step in and take advantage of the situation.”

At the main residence of the Fuhe clan, Fuhe Fang received a letter from Wang You. Earlier, Wang You had already arranged marriage alliances with other Western clans. Now, under the pretext of completing the weddings for the children, she invited them to Lexiang. The stated reason was to reunite and jointly resist Jianping.

An advisor cautioned, “My lord, this matter seems somewhat inappropriate…”

Fuhe Fang raised a hand, cutting off the other’s words.

Stubborn by nature, once he made up his mind, even Ren Feihong found it difficult to sway him, let alone anyone else.

Knowing it would be difficult to change his decision, the advisor made one final effort. “Advisor Ren once said that when the situation among the Western Tribes was still unclear, the inspector’s office appeared dangerous but was actually safe. If you went there yourself, the inspector likely wouldn’t take any action. However, things are different now. It would be best for you, my lord, not to personally take such a risk.”

Fuhe Fang shook his head. “Advisor Ren is a scholar. She doesn’t understand this, and neither do the rest of you.” He clasped his hands behind his back and paced around the room. “When two powerful forces confront each other, the overall situation often depends on personal authority. Otherwise, why do you think the young emperor of Jianping insisted on personally coming to Wu’an? It’s for this very reason. With Wang You’s capabilities, if I don’t show up, no matter how many defectors we arrange, she could easily turn the tables.” He walked over to the desk and began writing a reply to Wang You.

Meanwhile, Wang You, who had already arrived in Lexiang, was awaiting Fuhe Fang’s reply.

A confidant remarked, “Fuhe Fang is cunning. At a time like this, he may not have the courage to come.”

Wang You replied calmly, “No need to worry. That man has endured for so long and has reached his breaking point. Even if he knows it’s dangerous, he will definitely come.”

The territory of the Fuhe clan was not far from Lexiang. By midnight, Fuhe Fang’s reply had safely reached Wang You’s hands.

The confidant was greatly encouraged and said with a smile, “Congratulations, General. Everything is unfolding just as you anticipated.”

Wang You gave a slight nod, yet there was little joy on her face – matters had reached this point, and even though she had accurately predicted the other’s intentions, she still did not have much confidence.

Dan and Tai are rainy regions. Whether in Lexiang or Wu’an, looking up at the night sky, it is as dark as splattered ink.

In the back office, due to cramped quarters, Zhang Luo could only drink squeezed together with his colleagues. He smiled and asked, “Sister Yi, do you think it will be today?”

Chi Yi took a sip of liquor and replied, “If not today, then tomorrow or the day after. Or perhaps it was yesterday.”

In truth, influenced by the Emperor, the palace eunuchs typically did not consume alcohol. However, the climate here was excessively damp, so Chi Yi and Zhang Luo had slightly adjusted their usual habits.