Cai Ziyuan seemed to have finally found a place to vent his grievances. He earnestly advised Bai Qingyan that Bai Jinzhi should read more military books. It wasnât that Cai Ziyuan thought Bai Jinzhi lacked strategy in battle, but he believed that Bai Jinzhi should study to temper his character.
Moreover, Bai Jinzhiâs path to growth had been too smooth, leading to some arrogance and underestimation of the enemy. If this continues, he may suffer when encountering a tough opponent in the future.
Cai Ziyuan originally intended to teach Bai Jinzhi chess to temper his character and learn the art of war through the game.
But Bai Jinzhiâs enthusiasm quickly faded. At first, he said he wanted to learn from Cai Ziyuan properly, so he could play a few rounds with his elder sister in the future. However, after just two days, every time Cai Ziyuan brought the chessboard to him, Bai Jinzhi would run away faster than anyone.
Yesterday, Cai Ziyuan went early to intercept Bai Jinzhi, only for Bai Jinzhi to climb over the wall and escape!
Cai Ziyuan knew that Bai Qingyan had placed him beside Bai Jinzhi, hoping he could be Bai Jinzhiâs advisor and teach him along the way, but Bai Jinzhi... was simply impossible to teach!
If Cai Ziyuan didnât have a strong heart, he might have been infuriated to the point of coughing up blood.
But these werenât the main issues. After addressing them, Cai Ziyuan carefully spoke to Bai Qingyan: "Your Majesty... Gaoyi King has grown up, spending her days amidst the men in the military camps. Has Your Majesty ever considered... that Gaoyi King might have someone sheâs fond of?"
"Who?" Bai Qingyan looked up at Cai Ziyuan, always considering her younger sister Bai Qingyan as still young, so she had never thought in this direction.
Seeing Bai Qingyanâs surprised expression, Cai Ziyuan bowed to her and said, "I apologize for startling Your Majesty. This is Ziyuanâs fault! Originally, I intended to report this matter immediately upon returning, but Your Majesty has been busy, and Ziyuan did not wish to disturb you."
"Go ahead and tell me..." Bai Qingyan pondered over the letters Bai Jinzhi had sent before, guessing whether it might be Lu Yuanpeng.
"Your Majesty, it seems to me that the grandson of Commandant Lu and General Sima Ping from the Sima family both have intentions towards Gaoyi King. However, Gaoyi King has always been carefree and regards everyone as brothers, so she probably hasnât noticed," Cai Ziyuan spoke with lowered eyes, "Since I am neither an elder to Gaoyi King nor a woman, itâs truly difficult for me to speak to Gaoyi King about certain matters, so it requires Your Majesty to put in some effort."
Bai Qingyan was taken aback for a moment, then heard Cai Ziyuan continue: "As for this matter... Ziyuan believes that while the family of Commandant Lu is indeed loyal, Commandant Lu now stands above all but one. His eldest son is the Chief of Staff managing personnel appointments, and his grandson, Lu Yuanqing, is a leading talent among the new generation with unlimited future prospects! If a marriage alliance is to be made, Your Majesty might consider Sima Ping, whose father is exiled but remains talented yet unassuming. In this way... Sima Ping could better rely on Your Majesty!"
Cai Ziyuan truly considered himself a personal advisor to the Bai family, daring to speak such daring words to Bai Qingyan.
"Ziyuan knows that Your Majesty does not wish to use the marriages of the Bai familyâs children as political tools. I think that since Gaoyi King hasnât developed any romantic feelings for either of them yet, both seem to be sincere towards her. Your Majesty... can have someone guide the situation naturally!" Cai Ziyuan carefully said, "Of course, if Gaoyi King ends up having no interest in either, then that would be another matter entirely!"
Bai Qingyan was silent for a moment before slowly responding as if coming to her senses, "This matter has troubled Mr. Cai. Let me discuss it with Xiao Si before deciding."
"Yes..." Cai Ziyuan responded.
"I entrust Mr. Cai with the coastal affairs this time," Bai Qingyan said.
"Rest assured, Your Majesty, Ziyuan will see to it that everything is arranged properly." Cai Ziyuan bowed to Bai Qingyan.
·
Far away on the coast, King of Hancheng first received a letter from his wife.
In the letter, she told King of Hancheng about how Cheng Yuanzhi, Shen Liangyu, Liu Pinggao, and Lu Yuanpeng, grandson of Commandant Lu, kneeled inside Wude Gate to plead for the restoration of King of Hanchengâs military command, only to be reprimanded and punished by the Emperor.
She detailed how the Emperor entrusted Cheng Yuanzhi and the others with great faith in King of Hancheng.
Reading the letter, King of Hancheng redoubled his determination to follow Bai Qingyan, exhaling a long breath and bowing deeply towards Dadu City.
Actually, from the time he set out on his expedition till now, King of Hancheng had been most afraid that Bai Qingyan would not trust him!
Especially in recent days, surrounded by old generals of Daliang who constantly told him that even if the Emperor of Zhou dispatched him, it was merely because there were no well-trained naval generals. Once trained, he would immediately be replaced, as it wasnât the Emperor of Zhouâs trust in him but merely a means to use him.
In truth, King of Hancheng felt uneasy; initially, his intention to send a secret message to Bai Qingyan was to protect the coastal people. When Bai Qingyan showed willingness to trust him, to let him lead the troops, he was genuinely moved by Bai Qingyanâs magnanimity. But... now, hearing the old people of Daliang around him speak, he inevitably felt disappointed upon recalling that Bai Qingyan indeed lacked competent naval commanders at her side.
All he originally intended was to fight for the coastal peopleâs survival.
He even thought that when he tendered a request for troops to Bai Qingyan due to concerns for the people, she probably wouldnât grant it.
Yet now, the timely arrival of his wifeâs letter steadied King of Hanchengâs heart.
Thinking of how Bai Qingyan stood firm amidst opposition in the court to shield him from criticism and pressure, he suddenly felt a sense of guilt but also thankful that he had pledged loyalty to such an enlightened ruler who could fulfill his ambitions.
That single letter was like a calming pill for King of Hancheng, rejuvenating his spirit drastically compared to the past few days.
He realized that Bai Qingyan had used him despite facing the pressure from the court ministers. Even if this time he requested troops and didnât get them, he wouldnât blame Bai Qingyan, understanding that he had immediately sought more troops upon reaching the coast; others naturally doubted his intentions, especially without knowledge of his spies within the Dongyi Kingdom.
Therefore, Bai Qingyan couldnât possibly disclose this matter publicly in the royal court to protect the secrecy of spies and informants.
Thus, he prepared himself for the possibility that Bai Qingyan wouldnât be able to send troops and planned accordingly.
Standing before the military map for a long time, King of Hancheng then loudly called out to the guards outside, "Go... invite all the generals into the tent to discuss important matters."
·
The following day, during the morning court session, the matter of King of Hanchengâs request for troops sparked endless debate.
In the court, led by Commandant Lu, there was vehement opposition to sending more troops to the coastal areas.