Ask the mountains and rivers

Chapter 419 Schemes (Part 1)

News of the Pei family army's great victory quickly spread throughout the north. Then, it reached Luoyang and the entire south as fast as the wind.

Such a remarkable record overshadowed King Qiao, who had captured the capital several years earlier, and also startled the arrogant General Situ.

General Situ had commanded the Imperial Guard for many years, protecting the capital and repeatedly fighting against the rebel armies in Jiangnan, with both sides experiencing victories and defeats. In terms of combat strength, the Imperial Guard still held a slight advantage.

The Imperial Guard had never been to the northern lands, nor had they ever fought against the Xiongnu barbarians. However, even the most confident General Situ wouldn't dare claim he could defeat the Xiongnu cavalry. Now, Pei Qinghe, with tens of thousands of infantry and several thousand cavalry, had utterly defeated the Xiongnu barbarians, and the Xiongnu had fallen to Pei Qinghe's blade. How could this not be astonishing?
In chaotic times, the struggle for supremacy is all about military might. Pei Qinghe has countless elite soldiers and generals under his command, the ability to win the hearts of the people, and the renowned Prime Minister Pang's tireless praise that has made his reputation grow ever stronger. Why can't he seize the throne and sit on the dragon throne?
General Situ finally lowered his proud head, personally wrote a letter, and prepared a generous gift, which he sent to Yan County.

General Situ was a thoughtful man; the messenger he sent was surnamed Hong, a young man of twenty-six. This Captain Hong was young and handsome.

General Situ summoned Lieutenant Hong: "I've heard that Lieutenant Hong is related to the Pei family by marriage?"

Captain Hong dared not conceal the truth and bowed, replying, "Yes, my aunt is Lady Pei."

"Pei Yun, the number two figure in the Pei family army, is your cousin," General Situ said calmly. "You and Pei Yun were engaged years ago. Later, the Pei Zhongde brothers hid armor and bows and arrows to rebel, and all the men of the Pei family were beheaded, while the women were exiled. The Hong family then broke off the engagement. Am I right?"

The long-lost, familiar name entered his ears. Captain Hong's heart was in turmoil, his feelings complex, yet he dared not and could not deny it, and he responded in a low voice.

General Situ glanced at Lieutenant Hong: "On your way to Yan County, you will pass through Bohai County in Ji Province. You can go and see your former fiancée, now General Pei Yun."

Captain Hong was startled and subconsciously looked up, but was forced to lower his head again by the bright light in General Situ's eyes.

General Situ didn't mince words and gave a direct order: "Go and persuade Pei Yun to defect. If Pei Yun is willing to join the Imperial Guard, I will promise her the title of Prince of Bohai in the future."

Captain Hong mustered his courage and replied, "This matter may not be easy. Pei Yun is a member of the Pei family; how could she possibly betray Pei Qinghe?"

“Everyone has ambition, and it’s precisely because her surname is Pei that she has an opportunity to take advantage of her.” General Situ, judging others by his own standards, spoke eloquently: “She is a few years older than Pei Qinghe, and possesses a wealth of abilities, yet she is subordinate to Pei Qinghe. How could she be content with that?”

"In short, go and give it a try. If it works out, great; if it doesn't, it will still plant a thorn in Pei Yun's heart. It will also make Pei Qinghe feel wary and resentful towards Pei Yun."

This matter, frankly speaking, is not surprising at all. Just like General Zhang back then, he secretly sent out countless envoys to persuade Pei Qinghe's generals. It would be best if one or two could be turned against him, but if that wasn't possible, he wanted to make Pei Qinghe suspicious. General Situ was very skilled at using this kind of psychological warfare tactic.

Captain Hong had no choice but to obey and set off with more than a dozen carts of gifts.

……

A grand celebration was held in Liaoxi City. First, Yang Hu married Pei Zhi. Ten days later, Lü Erlang married into the Pei family.

Pei Qinghe underestimated the severity of her injuries and was still unable to get out of bed, so she was naturally unable to preside over the wedding. Fortunately, the shrewd and capable Steward Shi managed all the trivial matters in an orderly manner, so she didn't have to worry about anything.

Pei Yan's injuries were much lighter, and she limped to the wedding ceremony. When she returned, she vividly described the lively scene.

Pei Qinghe smiled and said, "You can walk now, so don't linger in my tent. Go back today."

Yang Huai visits Pei Yan every day, acting like a wronged husband abandoned by his wife. Shi Yan has nowhere to go at night, so he makes do with sleeping in the same military tent as Yang Huai. This has been going on for over half a month.

Pei Yan had already planned ahead: "I'll stay with you during the day and go back at night."

Pei Qinghe was at a loss with her: "Whatever." Pei Yan grinned.

The next morning, the newlyweds came to see Pei Qinghe. Pei Qinghe sat on the bed, smiling as she looked at Pei Xuan, whose long hair was tied up.

Pei Xuan had a sweet, baby-faced appearance. Even after her wedding, she dressed very conservatively, but her round face still looked very youthful.

Pei Yan couldn't resist reaching out and pinching Pei Xuan's round face.

Pei Yan, that bully, always enjoys picking on the weak; she even snatches candy from her nieces and nephews. It's common for her to bully her cousins.

Pei Xuan glanced at Pei Yan with forbearance, but did not utter a sound of resistance. It was Lu Erlang who felt sorry for his newlywed wife and said, "Cousin Pei Yan, you're too gentle. Xuan's face is delicate, and you've pinched it until it's red."

Pei Yan was quite adept at bullying her brother-in-law, giving Lü Erlang a disdainful look: "If you're not convinced, come with me to the training ground. If you can beat me, I'll stop pinching your Xuanmei."

This is outrageous! Lu Erlang can't even beat Pei Xuan and Pei Feng, how could he possibly beat Pei Yan, this female bully?
Lu Erlang looked at Yang Huai with displeasure. "Don't you care about your own wife?"
Yang Huai looked up at the sky.

Whoever can manage it can manage it. Anyway, he can't manage it.

Sure enough, someone who could control Pei Yan spoke up: "Pei Yan, you're the older cousin, don't bully your younger cousin and her husband."

As soon as Pei Qinghe spoke, Pei Yan immediately withdrew her hand.

Pei Feng chuckled, and Pei Yan glared at him, casually clenching her fist and shaking it.

Pei Qinghe was both amused and exasperated, but ignored him and said gently to Lü Erlang, "In a few days, you two will lead the Fanyang army back first. The Fanyang army has suffered many casualties, so after you return, recruit new soldiers to replenish your forces."

Lu Erlang solemnly agreed.

Pei Xuan looked at Pei Qinghe: "The Fanyang army originally had 8,000 soldiers, but nearly 30% of them have been killed or wounded. I want to recruit more new soldiers to expand the force to 10,000."

Pei Qinghe thought for a moment and then agreed: "Alright. From now on, I will allocate military expenses for 10,000 soldiers to you every year."

Lü Erlang's spirits immediately lifted.

Pei Qinghe never blindly expanded her military strength. Military expenditures were too high, inevitably leading to increased taxes. She didn't want to excessively exploit the people, nor did she want to increase taxes; military expenditures and taxes had to be balanced. Allocating an extra two thousand troops was support for Pei Xuan and also compensation for her brother Lü Feng, who died in battle.

Standing to the side, Yang Hu felt a surge of warmth in his heart and coughed, saying, "In a few days, I also plan to lead the Guangning Army back. In this battle, our Guangning Army suffered many casualties and we need to replenish our forces."

His eyes were full of anticipation.

Pei Qinghe smiled and said unhurriedly, "I plan to expand the entire army, and the Guangning Army also has the military expenses for 10,000 soldiers."

Yang Hu was overjoyed.

(End of this chapter)