My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 342 Testing each other
September 17th.

Gao Yu received a secret letter sent by Gao Qian.

"I never imagined the situation in Luoyang would turn out like this..."

Gao Yu guessed that the situation in Luoyang was definitely worse than Gao Qian described in his letter.

It seems that Erzhu Rong was pushing Yuan Ziyou too far, otherwise Yuan Ziyou would not have been forced into such a desperate situation that he would have to take such a risky action.

He found Cui Xian and asked him to compile statistics on the garrison situation in Qingzhou and Nanqingzhou and then report it.

"Autumn planting cannot be delayed. We must hurry up and sow the seeds. After sowing, we will announce that I will inspect the martial arts training again."

Even though the war is about to start, we can't delay the sowing of winter wheat this year, because next year's harvest is very important.

Only with sufficient provisions can one continuously support one's military operations.

Only four days had passed.

Lou Zhao then rushed to Qingzhou, covered in dust from his journey.

"Mo Hedu!"

"Buddha!"

Buddhism was quite popular during this period, and many people would directly use Buddhist elements to name themselves or choose a courtesy name, such as Bodhisattva or Rakshasa. Yang Jian's wife, Dugu Jialuo, was named after a type of fragrant wood in Buddhism.

The two had not seen each other for a long time.

Since the start of the Six Garrisons Rebellion, Lou Zhao has been by Gao Huan's side.

The last time the two met was when Gao Yu was in Luoyang.

Lou Zhao didn't waste any more words. He took out the letter and handed it to Gao Yu. "My brother-in-law asked me to give you this letter. It contains his instructions."

Gao Yu opened the envelope and remained silent for a long time.

But I sighed in my heart.

really……

They've stopped hiding their ambitions.

In his letter, Gao Huan stated directly that this was a golden opportunity to delay his military campaign and allow Erzhu Rong to commit regicide in Luoyang.

The two brothers could agree to raise an army under the pretext of killing the rebels and avenging the late emperor, and then march straight to Luoyang!
Hou Jing in Dingzhou and Sima Ziru in Xiangzhou would respond to the two.

Gao Huan would then go to Rouran to borrow troops, catching Erzhu Rong off guard and taking the opportunity to invade Bing and Si prefectures.

If all goes well by then.

Two brothers.

This would allow one to simultaneously control Shanxi, Hebei, and Shandong, with their territories connected, making great achievements possible.

"Second Brother, we brothers once said that a wise man should keep his talents hidden until the time is right. Now that the situation has changed and the fate of the Great Wei Dynasty is sealed, we brothers should seize the opportunity to take over the world!"

Lou Zhao was well aware of Gao Huan's decision.

He also chimed in, "Moheduo, although the current emperor has been kind to you, ... he promoted you to counter Erzhu Rong, so why are you so hesitant?"

"At this juncture, only his death would be most beneficial to us. If you truly wish to repay his kindness, you can give him a grand funeral befitting an emperor in the future."

Gao Yu did not respond.

Instead, he sat down at his desk, picked up paper and pen, wrote a letter by hand, and handed it to Lou Zhao again.

“Bodhisattva, I will trouble you to deliver this letter to my brother. I am aware of his plan, and I have my own plan.”

Lou Zhao did not linger in Qingzhou for long before setting off on his return journey with his personal guards.

........................

Inside the Taiji Hall in Luoyang.

Erzhu Rong, as expected, brought up the matter of the 'Nine Bestowments' for the third time.

Yuan Ziyou also tried to persuade him again.

"The Prime Minister is the benefactor of our Great Wei, having rendered outstanding service, a merit as great as the heavens. If the Prime Minister does not accept the reward, how can I face my ancestors and my officials?" "Yesterday, in my dream, my ancestors spoke to me, urging me to bestow upon the Prime Minister the Nine Bestowments. Does the Prime Minister intend to refuse the goodwill of my ancestors?"

This time, Erzhu Rong did not refuse. Instead, he cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Your Majesty, I am deeply apprehensive. How could I dare to disobey the wishes of my ancestors? I can only accept this and thank Your Majesty for your great kindness!"

Yuan Ziyou spoke again, "Quickly begin preparations for bestowing the Nine Bestowments upon him. By the way, I intend to issue an edict summoning the Prince of Shangdang to Luoyang as well. The Prince of Shangdang is a virtuous member of the imperial clan and has also become sworn brothers with the Prime Minister. How can we miss this opportunity?"

"What is the Prime Minister's opinion?"

“Your Majesty is absolutely right. I regard the Prince of Shangdang as an elder brother. I urge Your Majesty to issue an edict summoning the Prince of Shangdang to Luoyang.”

Erzhu Rong knew perfectly well what was going on, but he didn't refuse. Instead, he tacitly allowed Yuan Ziyou to let Yuan Tianmu leave Bing and Si.

Faced with his aggressive approach, Yuan Ziyou made concessions in every way.

Wasn't he also playing along, making every effort to yield?
Having mastered the art of hunting, he knew very well that if he didn't give the prey a chance to fight back, how could he possibly capture and kill it?

In the eyes of a wild beast, isn't the hunter also its prey?

September 23rd.

Yuan Tianmu received the imperial edict and also a secret letter from Erzhu Rong.

He ordered that Erzhu Zhao be summoned before him.

"Wanren, the Emperor has issued an edict ordering me to go south. After I leave, Sizhou will be handed over to you."

"Tianbao clearly stated in his letter that you should pay close attention to the various tribes of the Tiele in Hexi, and also... He Liuhun in Hengzhou. He Liuhun is a man of unpredictable thoughts, so you must not trust him easily. No matter what happens, send someone to Luoyang to deliver a message first, understand?"

"Do not worry!"

Erzhu Zhao waved his hand with a smile, "I'll be waiting for your good news in Sizhou. Tianbao is destined to rule the world!"

"As for He Liuhun, the Gao brothers are like brothers to me, and also in-laws. When Tianbao ascends the throne, they will definitely be rewarded. Why would they cause trouble? Don't worry."

Yuan Tianmu shook his head helplessly, "No one should be trusted lightly."

After giving Erzhu Zhao his instructions.

He deliberately pulled Murong Shaozong aside again, saying, "Wanren is too straightforward and easily trusts others. You must remind him from the side, understand?"

Murong Shaozong nodded.

After giving instructions.

Yuan Tianmu, accompanied by his personal guards, also set off south towards Luoyang!

Just three days later, on September 26th, they arrived in Luoyang.

Yuan Ziyou learned the news.

He personally hosted a banquet in the palace to welcome him and also invited Erzhu Rong.

Erzhu Rong gladly accepted the invitation to the banquet without any hesitation!

After a hearty meal and drinks in the palace.

On the way out of the palace.

After dismissing those around him, Yuan Tianmu whispered a reminder, "Tianbao, why did you come to this banquet? If..."

The Records of the Grand Historian clearly teaches everyone a lesson.

We must not attend the enemy's banquet.

What would Erzhu Rong do if Yuan Ziyou suddenly launched an attack?
Erzhu Rong laughed and said, "The Imperial Guards and the Central Army are both under my control. I have my eyes on all of His Majesty's actions. I am just waiting for an opportunity!"

"If I didn't appear to be completely unguarded, why would His Majesty act so easily?"

Yuan Tianmu was speechless.

Are you fishing here?

In the end, he just sighed and didn't say anything more.

It seems that these two, the ruler and his minister, will eventually reach a point of life and death.

(End of this chapter)