My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 143 If you're not convinced, kill me!

Luoyang.

Jiangyang King Yuan Yi has not been having a good time lately.

He was the commander-in-chief of the Imperial Guards, and the Central Army was still under his control. He remained the most powerful person in the court on the surface.

However, his control over the political situation has declined significantly.

The young emperor had previously appointed Yuan Yong's son, Yuan Tai, as the Tiger General of the Imperial Guards. Yuan Yong's intervention in the Imperial Guards had a significant impact on Yuan Yi.

But that's secondary.

The biggest reason is the devastating situation in northwestern Shanxi.

Although the imperial court had already dispatched two armies to quell the rebellion, one led by Li Chong, the Duke of Chenliu, was sent north to conquer the Six Garrisons, and the other led by Xiao Baoyin, the Prince of Qi, was sent to Longxi to quell the rebellion.

Two large armies set off to quell the rebellion, but the news they brought back was disheartening, with one defeat after another.

So much so that at a recent court meeting, the young emperor hastily issued an edict to 'change the town to a prefecture,' precisely to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.

If the situation continues to deteriorate, Yuan Yi's political prestige will continue to suffer, forcing him to relinquish more of his rights.

Think of this.

Yuan Yi couldn't help but sigh, "The situation has deteriorated to this point, what can be done? Does Tianbao have any good solutions?"

Erzhu Rong quickly replied, "Now, the affairs of the world are in Your Majesty's hands, why should Your Majesty worry?"

"Things in the court are never as simple as you think."

Yuan Yi shook his head. "If the situation doesn't improve, people like Lord Chenliu won't support me anymore."

"Whoever disobeys will be killed!"

"If all the officials in the court are not convinced by me, do you think I would order the Imperial Guards and the Central Army to kill them all?"

Erzhu Rong replied seriously, "Why not?"

"With just one order from the general, I will lead my men to kill anyone who disobeys him!"

"If the court officials are not obedient to the general, then kill them all and replace them with a new batch! Let those who obey the general take the positions of officials!"

Yuan Yi looked on in astonishment at Erzhu Rong, whose face was filled with a murderous aura, and who did not seem to be joking.

He was startled and broke out in a cold sweat, but his heart felt warm.

For his own sake, Erzhu Rong was willing to sacrifice his reputation and kill all the high-ranking officials.

“I know about Tianbao’s intentions, but I should say less of such things. Even Dong Zhuo in the Han Dynasty never did anything so shocking.”

"However, that scoundrel Prince Gaoyang has recently gone too far in collusion with His Majesty to bully me, so I really need to make preparations as soon as possible."

Yuan Yi squinted and suddenly spoke, "Tianbao, I've heard that the Erzhu clan has tens of thousands of brave and elite cavalry in Xiurongchuan?"

Erzhu Rong's expression changed slightly, and he quickly bowed and explained, "Where did this villain come from to slander the general? Xiu Rongchuan is not a fertile land, and the Qihu tribe is not wealthy. How could they afford to support so many armored cavalry?"

Yuan Yi waved his hand and said, “Why is Tianbao so worried… It’s just that news came from the front that Huai Shuo and Wu Chuan can no longer hold out. The Duke of Chen Liu has submitted a memorial stating that he is ill and unable to continue serving as the governor. Yesterday, I ordered at the court meeting that Prince Yuan Shen of Guangyang succeed the Duke of Chen Liu as the Grand Governor of the Northern Expedition.”

"But I also find it hard to feel at ease."

"I want you to return to Xiurongchuan. If the rebels march south, you will lead the Erzhu clan's troops to quell the rebellion for the court. Are you willing?"

Erzhu Rong was overjoyed.

His biggest wish right now is to break free from the control of the imperial court, leave Luoyang, and quickly return to Xiurongchuan to make proper arrangements.

But he wasn't sure if Yuan Yi was testing him.
After a moment's thought, Erzhu Rong spoke in a loud voice.

"The Erzhu family has received the emperor's favor for generations. If the rebel army marches south, they will naturally relieve the court's worries. If the general has any concerns, he can ask Wanren to return to Xiurongchuan for me, gather the troops, and prepare to fight the rebel army."

"I am deeply indebted to the General! Now, with the political situation in the court so uncertain, how can I leave the General? I should stay in Luoyang to help the General resolve his troubles!"

Yuan Yi was overjoyed!

He quickly got up and helped Erzhu Rong up, deeply moved. "With Tianbao's help, what do I have to fear from the insects in the court! What I'm worried about is the war situation in the north. As long as the war situation improves, the problems in the court will be nothing more than a minor ailment."

"The rebel army in the Six Garrisons is powerful, and we really need to make plans as soon as possible. So, let's follow Tianbao's advice and have Wanren go back to Xiurongchuan to reorganize the army and prepare for war."

"Here!"

After watching Erzhu Rong leave.

Yuan Yi then summoned Yuan Hongye and Yuan Faseng.

Although these two were relatives, they belonged to a collateral branch and were not members of the main royal family. They were loyal to Yuan Yi and were his staunch confidants.

"I will ask His Majesty to issue an edict to send the two of you to serve as governors in various prefectures and counties. With me in the court and you two in the provinces, we can support each other and control the situation!"

Yuan Hongye and Yuan Fasheng exchanged a glance, secretly delighted.

They were destined not to rise to higher positions in Luoyang, so serving as governors or local officials in prefectures and counties would be a better option.

a few days later.

The imperial court issued another edict.

Yuan Hongye was appointed Prefect of Dingzhou, and Yuan Faseng was appointed Prefect of Xuzhou. Since Xuzhou was the front line facing the Southern Liang, Yuan Faseng was also granted the title of Envoy with Imperial Credentials, Grand General of the Three Departments, and Commander-in-Chief of the Southern Expeditionary Forces.

After the meeting.

Inside the Shiqian Hall.

The young emperor Yuan Xu was furious. "Damn it! The Prince of Jiangyang is going too far!"

Yuan Ziyou learned of what happened at the court meeting from Gao Qian and chuckled, reassuring him, "Your Majesty is of noble birth; how could you be angry over such a trivial matter? Besides, the Prince of Jiangyang's actions were far too foolish; Your Majesty should be pleased."

Yuan Xu was taken aback and immediately sat down beside him, asking, "What's there to be happy about? Now the governors of Dingzhou and Xuzhou are both Jiangyang Prince's confidants. How will you check and balance him in the future?" Yuan Ziyou maintained his faint smile, "The rebellions in the Six Garrisons and Longxi have been slow to be quelled, and the situation is getting worse. Many ministers in the court are dissatisfied with Jiangyang Prince, and his prestige is not what it used to be."

“The Prince of Jiangyang thought of sending his confidants to various prefectures and counties to coordinate with him from afar, but he forgot that the reason he was able to wield so much power in the court was because the central army and the imperial guards were both in his hands.”

"Now that he has voluntarily weakened his own power in Luoyang and done such a foolish thing, shouldn't Your Majesty be pleased?"

Yuan Xu thought about it carefully for a while, and it was indeed the case.

With Yuan Hongye, Yuan Fasheng, and others leaving Luoyang, positions would naturally become vacant. He could easily send his trusted confidants to replace the two men in their original official posts. Even if Yuan Yi was extremely unwilling, he had to agree, because that was the exchange.

All we need to do is completely prune away Yuan Yi's entanglements in Luoyang.

He will then be able to regain the power that has fallen into his hands.

at least.

Compared to his previous role as a mere mascot, Yuan Xu has now begun to reclaim a small portion of the imperial power that rightfully belongs to him.

"Ziyou, rest assured, once I regain power, I will surely place you in a high position so that you may assist me well and create a beautiful story of a ruler and his minister."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace."

At this moment, Gao Qian spoke up to remind him, "Your Majesty... should spend more time with the Empress Dowager. She has been in charge of the government for many years, and many ministers in the court were promoted by her. Although she was imprisoned by the Prince of Jiangyang for two years, her kindness in promoting many ministers has always been there. If you want to regain power, you must rely on the Empress Dowager's help."

Yuan Xu then realized that he had become a bit arrogant lately and hadn't properly paid his respects to his biological mother for quite some time.

He immediately stood up.

"I will go and pay my respects to the Empress Dowager immediately."

Yuan Xu couldn't wait to get up and go.

Yuan Ziyou and Gao Qian exchanged a glance, feeling somewhat helpless.

"Your Majesty is always so hasty."

"Be careful what you say... We will assist you well."

Yuan Xu rushed to Jiafu Hall to pay his respects to Empress Dowager Hu, who was chanting sutras and worshipping Buddha.

The mother and son met.

Empress Dowager Hu asked, "I heard from the attendants that His Majesty has recently been favoring Consort Pan?"

Pan Chonghua is not a name; Chonghua is the lowest rank of title among the imperial concubines.

"Mother..."

"How can Your Majesty favor only Consort Hua? I have already ordered the Li, Zheng, and Cui families to select suitable women from their clans to enter the palace as Your Majesty's concubines. Your Majesty should show more favor to women from noble families."

Yuan Xu initially wanted to refuse, but then he remembered what Yuan Ziyou had said.

He could only suppress his displeasure and quickly bowed, saying, "Your subject will obey Your Majesty's decree."

That's what he said, but a fierce glint flashed in Yuan Xu's eyes.

We must reclaim the imperial power that rightfully belongs to us.

Otherwise, if an emperor had to compromise with everyone at every turn, what kind of emperor would there be in the world?
"Why would I harm you? If you want to seize power, you will need the help of powerful ministers... Favoring their daughters is also a way to win over powerful families."

Over the years, Empress Dowager Hu has learned some political tactics, and she sincerely taught Yuan Xu these skills.

There is another reason.

She hated Pan Chonghua because she saw a reflection of her past self in him.

This harem cannot accommodate a second 'master'.

Just like the court cannot accommodate two emperors.

………………

Erzhu Rong received Erzhu Zhao in his own residence.

"Why don't you come back to Xiurongchuan with me, Uncle? Isn't the King willing to let you go back?"

Seeing Erzhu Zhao's boisterous manner, Erzhu Rong shook his head helplessly, "How do you know that the King isn't using this opportunity to test me?"

"Why does Your Majesty test us when we are so loyal?"

Erzhu Rong became increasingly helpless and began to doubt whether sending his stubborn nephew back to Xiurongchuan could truly convey his intentions.

Time was of the essence; he had no other choice.

“It’s also good for me to stay in Luoyang. Staying in Luoyang allows me to learn about the situation in the court and the general trend of the world. When the time is right, I will find an opportunity to return to Xiu Rongchuan.”

"After you return this time, remember to send people to inquire about the Gao family of Huai Shuo, the Heba family of Wu Chuan, the Yuwen family... The soldiers and civilians of the six towns have been pardoned and will definitely head south to seek refuge..."

"Uncle, how do you know they didn't surrender to the rebels?"

"If they had surrendered to the rebels, how could Huai Shuo and Wu Chuan have held out until today?"

Erzhu Rong felt a headache coming on. "Don't ask any more questions. Just listen to my arrangements."

"If you learn of the whereabouts of these people, send someone to bring them to Xiurongchuan. Treat them well and do not be stingy with money and goods. Then, in their name, recruit soldiers and civilians from the Six Garrisons. But remember... do not incorporate the soldiers and civilians of the Six Garrisons into their ranks. They should be controlled by members of the clan."

"Have the artisans in the tribe make more weapons and have the caravans buy more grain and stockpile it."

Erzhu Zhao nodded.

"As for the rest, I will send someone to deliver a message to you."

(End of this chapter)