My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 272 The storm is coming
After learning of the news from Luoyang, Erzhu Rong marched day and night.

It only took three days.

He arrived at Beizhongcheng, north of the river bridge, on the seventh day of the ninth month. He had already sent Wang Xiang and others to Luoyang in advance to deliver the message.

at night.

He ordered his elite Qihu cavalry to camp outside the city, while he himself, under cover of night, led several personal guards and discreetly entered the city overnight.

Erzhu Shilong, Erzhu Zhao, Erzhu Yanbo, and other well-known members of the Erzhu clan were all waiting for him in the city. Only Erzhu Tianguang was left in Jinyang Ba Mansion to guard his old home.

"Prime Minister!"

Upon seeing Erzhu Rong arrive, everyone stood up, while Erzhu Shilong, feeling rather guilty, took a few steps back.

He knew very well why Erzhu Rong had rushed to Luoyang in such a hurry.

It was also clear that Gao Yu's achievements in this battle were largely due to his assistance; if Gao Yu hadn't abandoned Hulao Pass...

Erzhu Rong walked to the main seat with a blank expression.

He looked around and then asked.

What has happened in Luoyang these past few days?

As a court attendant, Erzhu Shilong had no choice but to answer Erzhu Rong's question with a forced smile, "No major events have occurred in Luoyang."

Having just defeated the army, the main task is to restore order. We need to send back the soldiers who were conscripted from all over the country, and also send the people back home. We need to rebuild all the houses damaged by the previous 'scorched earth' campaign before winter. Otherwise, after winter comes, the people will have nowhere to shelter from the cold and will freeze to death in the snow and ice.

"Where is His Majesty? The garrison of Luoyang has achieved great merit in this battle. Did His Majesty not mention rewarding those who have made contributions during the court assembly?"

Erzhu Shilong shook his head. He also found it strange. "The news of the Prime Minister's great victory over Ge Rong in Hebei has also reached Luoyang. His Majesty said that... since the Prime Minister has made an unparalleled contribution, the reward should be discussed when the Prime Minister returns."

Erzhu Rong frowned.

Yuan Ziyou did not play by the rules.

In his view, Yuan Ziyou would definitely take advantage of the time gap before he returned to Luoyang to give generous rewards to those who had made contributions in the defense of Luoyang, in order to win them over, especially Gao Yu...

There was no reward?

Erzhu Rong felt uneasy. Yuan Ziyou was not a peaceful person and was definitely plotting something.

Erzhudulu then added fuel to the fire.

"Prime Minister, you don't know, but after the great victory over the enemy that day, on the way back to the city, His Majesty personally held the whip and removed the stirrups for Moheduo. All the officials and the people of Luoyang saw it... After this battle, His Majesty will surely promote Moheduo greatly. You must not tolerate Moheduo any longer! This boy will definitely become a major threat to our Erzhu clan in the future!"

Erzhu Yanbo added, “What Dulu said is true, Prime Minister… you may not know this, but a children’s rhyme has already spread throughout the land, in Luoyang and its suburbs, and even throughout the entire northern border!”

"General of Chariots and Cavalry, Gao Erlang, personally bestowed with the seal and seal by the Emperor!"

"Ghost-faced cavalry, black-armored soldiers, the earth collapsed and mountains crumbled as they captured the three kings!"

"Moheduo's reputation has already spread throughout the world, and His Majesty has tried every means to win him over. Why wait until the future? He is already a major threat to our Erzhu clan!"

The two of them launched a relentless barrage of attacks on Gao Yu.

Erzhu Rong remained silent.

Erzhu Zhao couldn't stand it any longer and immediately stepped forward, angrily rebuking, "If it weren't for Gao Lang leading the troops to fight to the death and defend Luoyang, giving you two the opportunity to earn merit without lifting a finger, how would you two have had the chance to slander Emperor Tianbao?"

Erzhudulu said sarcastically, "Wanren, you are related to Moheduo by marriage. Shouldn't you avoid suspicion at this time?"

“That’s right. Yuechan is your daughter. She will marry Mohedu in the future. You will naturally speak well of him.”

"Nonsence!"

"Avoid your mother's suspicion!"

Erzhu Zhao was known for his volatile temper, and he immediately launched into a tirade: "If you two weren't members of my Erzhu clan, how could you, with your lack of both literary and martial skills, hold such high positions?" "Even the Emperor knows to go to great lengths to win over a hero like Erlang, but you bunch of good-for-nothings! All you do is be envious, jealous, and slander Erlang."

"When has Erlang ever done anything to betray my Erzhu clan? When has he ever abandoned the Prime Minister?"

"Tianbao! You should have told me that back then."

"The talents of the world are like wild horses. If they can be tamed and used by my Erzhu clan, they will be a great help. If they cannot be tamed, they will harm themselves."

“A talent like Gao Lang should be put to good use; why should we be on guard?”

"If one doesn't even have this much tolerance, how can one be worthy of aspiring to great things?"

“If one does not have the heart to embrace the world, one is not worthy to rule the world. If one wants to replace the Yuan clan Xianbei and rule the world, one should make good use of such talents.”

"These are all things you said to us yourself, have you forgotten them?"

Erzhu Rong's expression became complicated.

He couldn't help but sigh.

Yes.

When did I start to suspect people for no reason?
Gao Yu did nothing wrong; he was just doing his job in his position.

The emperor appointed him as acting general of chariots and cavalry, and he pondered a strategy to repel the enemy, but he did not overstep his bounds.

Or……

I used to think I could control Gao Yu.

But when Gao Yu steps onto a bigger stage and displays all her abilities, she becomes insecure, feeling that she can no longer control Gao Yu, and thus develops suspicions?

"All right."

Erzhu Rong waved his hand, "Stop arguing, I have my own thoughts on this matter."

The two sides then stopped arguing, but Erzhu Zhao spoke up again to remind them.

"There is one thing, though. Erlang captured three kings in this battle. The emperor ignored Yuan Hao and Xing Gao, but he secretly met with Yuyang King Yuwen Luosheng several times."

"But is that the Prince of Yuyang under Ge Rong? He's from Wuchuan?"

"Exactly."

Erzhu Rong squinted, seemingly deep in thought. “I have also heard of this man. He and Erlang killed Wei Kegu back then. He is quite famous among the people of Wuchuan Town. After joining Ge Rong’s army, he became a renowned figure in his ranks.”

"His Majesty met with him privately..."

He seemed to have guessed something and quickly asked, "Shilong, where did you put the rebel soldiers captured by Erlang?"

"There are so many people, I dare not be careless. They are currently being housed on the south bank of the river bridge. Rest assured, I have ordered people to keep a close watch on them, and nothing will happen."

"Good, you handled this matter very well!"

After praising him, Erzhu Rong waved his hand and said, "You may all leave now. I need to think this over by myself."

After everyone left.

Erzhu Rong then murmured, "Your Majesty... I'm afraid this matter will not go as you wish."

"Since you waited for me to come back, let me see what other plans you have."

"As for Erlang... he needs to be dealt with properly."

(End of this chapter)