Feng Yu Jiu Tian - Volume 11 - Chapter 9

Chapter 9

After the whole ‘enemy within the city’ ordeal was just a false alarm, Zi Yan was very eager to continue with the meeting earlier as he wanted to know what tasks Lie Zhong Liu would assign to him. Zi Yan asked if they should head back to the General’s residence, but Lie Zhong Liu felt that the matter could be discussed at any location and did not necessarily have to be at a specific place.

The chairs were a little dusty, so Chiu Yue and the other maids used their handkerchief to wipe them clean before asking everyone to sit down.

Before they started discussing, there was still one more problem that was not resolved; Lie Dou was still holding onto Lie Zhong Shi and crying out. Wei Chiu Niang saw his anxious face full of sweat so she walked over behind him and said, “I’ve told you many times before, you shouldn’t quarrel with him and argue loudly, but you still wouldn’t listen.”

DD: Lady Wei...I...I’ll never ... argue with him again. Hurry and make him wake up.

WQN: It’s not like you have never seen him faint from seeing blood. In a short while, he will eventually wake up, there’s no need to worry.

DD: What do you mean a short while? It’s already been a long time.

WQN: You don’t need to worry. Just wait a while longer, but put him down first so he can rest a bit. DD: No, no. I don’t want to put him down!

Lie Zhong Liu eventually tells Lie Dou to carry Lie Zhong Shi to a shaded place outside to rest, mentioning that Lie Zhong Shi likes shaded cool areas and by doing so, he will wake up faster.

After hearing that, Lie Dou took Lie Zhong Liu’s advice and carried Lie Zhong Shi outside. Once he left, everyone inside the room let out a sigh of relief since it would be difficult to discuss national affairs while someone was emotionally crying on the side.

“Prime Minister, can we continue now?” Zi Yan asked.

Qian Lin, who was sitting beside him suddenly chuckled a bit.

Zi Yan had trained with him for several years so they were very familiar with each other. He turned to look at Qian Lin, “What are you laughing about?”

QL: I’ve guessed that you would be anxious. What a shame, since you usually states that you want to learn His Majesty’s ways of staying calm.

ZY: You’ve already received the task of guarding Yue Zhong, so naturally you’re not anxious. (He turned to looked at Lie Zhong Liu) Prime Minister, please assign a task for me, I’m currently very anxious to know.”

LZL: Generals have to split up with one inside and one outside. If Qian Lin is guarding within the city, then...

FM: Then Zi Yan should be on the outside.

Lie Zhong Liu didn’t mind Feng Ming chipping in his thoughts as he simply nodded and continued, “Regarding the outside task, it’s not as simple as guarding Yue Zhong City on the outside. But rather it is to protect the safety of everyone within the city so that Yong Yin Kingdom and other nations will not attack it.”

RH: Even though this place is complex, the high walls built insurance, but if the city is surrounded by a large army, then it’ll only be a matter of time before the defense is broken down. Even if Qian Lin has potential, he can only ensure safety for at most one day.

QL: What do you mean only one day?

Confidence ran across Qian Lin’s young face, he generously laughed, “If they wish to break down Yue Zhong’s defense then at most they will need to leave behind at least one hundred thousand bodies. I want future enemies to have nightmares when they hear my name.”

ZY: One hundred thousand? Please don’t exaggerate. You’re already considered skillful if you were to leave behind fifty thousand bodies.

LE: Zi Yan, you should let him enjoy himself a bit, why bother to burst his bubble?

Everyone was laughing, but they understood why Lie Zhong Liu gave the responsibility of guarding the city to Qian Lin. If in the future enemy armies did approached the city, in order to build a foundation for Rong Tian to return to Xi Lei, Qian Lin will definitely defend the city wholeheartedly without retreating.

LZL: Yue Zhong is a small city and not many people understands the overall structure of it or the person who had painstakingly constructed it; therefore, not many nations pay attention to it. Even if Rong Tong knew His Majesty had occupied this city, but with his current state of mind, as long as His Majesty make no sudden movement against him, then it’s enough. So for the time being, he will not take action against Yue Zhong.

LE: But Rong Tong is not a foolish person. He will eventually know that His Majesty has occupied Yue Zhong and will take action sooner or later. Wouldn’t he take this opportunity to make the first move?

LZL: Rong Tong will not take action.

Qian Lin did not wait for Lie Zhong Liu to explain since he answered Lie Er’s question on behalf of Lie Zhong Liu.

QL: Didn’t His Majesty already said so? Rong Tong’s has yet to firmly secure his position on the throne as he still haven’t managed to gain full military power within his hands. The one thing he is worried about now is to hold all the power in his control. Furthermore, even if he wishes to attack Yue Zhong, he still has to receive permission from his uncle to do so. Everyone knows of our Majesty’s strength, so I’m afraid that his initiation to provoke our Majesty will meet with opposition.

CY: Then Yue Zhong should be fairly safe right now. Xi Lei’s troops will not come here to attack. Zhao Bei and our Majesty has no hatred so they won’t bother to attack. As for Tong Kingdom...

CX: The King of Tong Kingdom has just died, so they don’t have much effort to pay attention to this small city.

CL: Praying to the heavens, as long as there are no fighting, then it’s good. If there is battle, then Qian Lin has to stay here until His Majesty is in need of this city.

Chiu Lan did not know much about military affairs so after she said a few sentences, most of the men chuckled.

She didn’t know why they were laughing so she looked over at Rong Hu, “Did I say something wrong?”

RH: No, but we know that not going into battle is the best option.

LE: That’s right. However...let’s not forget that Yue Zhong is a city within Yong Yin’s territory. they will not just easily let us occupy a city of theirs. Chiu Lan, just think about it. Would you and my brother allow Chiu Yue to “urinate” on your bed? Whether it is only a few drops and the smell is not completely bad, aiya ~

Lie Er let out a sudden scream after he was slapped in the back of the head. Lie Er clutched his head and turned around grimacing in pain. The person who slapped him was Feng Ming.

FM: You never seem to put in any good words for Chiu Yue, do you? CY: Duke Ming slapped him well!

After hearing that Yong Yin was not as safe as she had thought, Chiu Lan felt ashamed about what she said earlier; however, Rong Hu comforted her and told her that her words were not wrong and that not battling is a good thing.

ZY: Then Prime Minister, we don’t have to worry about the three neighboring kingdoms, but what about Yong Yin then? Although Yue Zhong is a small city, the time that we occupied it we had deliberately blocked the gates in order to prevent news of this from spreading outside. But this news cannot be kept hidden for long, Yong Yin King will soon learn that Yue Zhong had been overtaken.

RH: Even though Yue Zhong is a small city, it is still a part of Yong Yin’s territory. Even if it’s for Yong Yin’s reputation, Yong Yin King will not allow this matter to be ignored.

Lie Zhong Liu revealed an enigmatic smile; he lowered his head slightly to sip the hot tea. Wei Chiu Niang fiercely grabbed his cup and placed it down on the table. “Hey, act like a Prime Minister. If you want to say something just say it, don’t just take your precious time!”

LZL: The city of Yue Zhong has Qian Lin to defend it from within, so we’ll just send someone to deal with the royal family of Yong Yin.

“Deal with the royal family of Yong Yin?”

LZL: Don’t worry Duke Ming, I didn’t say I want to create harm to Yong Yin King. Instead, I want to create an agreement with them so that they will allow us to temporary stay within this city.

ZY: Prime Minister’s plan is very good, but in order to persuade him is not an easy thing. Yong Yin is however a nation and is also an ally of Rong Tong. How can they be willing to let us stay within this city?

LZL: Then we will have to depend on Lie Er’s ability. FM: Lie Er? Prime Minister wants Lie Er to...

Lie Er has a deep relationship to Yong Yin kingdom. He is very familiar with the character and temperament of Yong Yin King and Yong Yin Prince. So if anyone can accomplish this, then the only person who can do it is Lie Er.

Feng Ming wanted to say a few more words, but Lie Er seemed to be in high spirits and immediately replied, “Just leave this to me. Your Majesty and Duke Ming, please rest assured. I understand the royal family of Yong Yin the best, after this meeting ends, I will immediately set out to complete this mission.”

Feng Ming was silent. He really did not want Lie Er to leave his side.

That year when Lie Er was sent to Yong Yin as a spy by orders of Rong Tian, every action he took was already very dangerous. Later he was sent to follow Feng Ming on a diplomatic trip and almost met with danger. And now, he wanted to take on a dangerous mission by himself.

Lie Zhong Liu pretended not to see Feng Ming’s depressed expression and asked Lie Er, “What are your plans?”

LE: I will go find Yong Yi, help him regain the Crown Prince title, and then make a proposal to Yong Yin King, requesting for the small city of Yue Zhong.

LZL: If someone within Yong Yin royalty family impede your plans, then what will you do?

LE: Among the royal family of Yong Yin, none of them has high ambition; instead, they only quarrel within. Even if someone were to impede the plans of requesting the city, I will take advantage of their personal conflict to deal with them. Yue Zhong is not a large city, Yong Yin King will accept this request. Once this city is within the jurisdiction of Yong Yi, the rest will be easy. Yong Yi will have full entitlement and as an ally to His Majesty, he can invite His Majesty as a guest here.

QL: That’s right! We are here as guests, who would dare say that we have captured Yue Zhong? There is no such thing.

LZL: Good, this was what I was thinking. Since you have set the plan, then you will not need my suggestion. (pointing at Rong Hu) I’ll give you this talisman, it will be the source of money supply for you. When you are in Yong Yin, as long as you request for money, just look for your brother. He will be handling Duke Ming’s possessions. However much money you need, he can give you that much.

LE: That’s even better! Everyone within Yong Yin royal family are greedy. If there’s a bribe, then they will be unanimous. Even if Crown Prince Yong Quan objects to the matter, he wouldn’t be able to do a thing.

Rong Tian was sitting beside Feng Ming, he lowered his head and whispered to him, “Didn’t you wanted to learn how to run a country? The best teacher is right in front of you. From the beginning, Prime Minister had already decided for Rong Hu to handle Xiao family’s finance for you, but in fact he wanted Rong Hu to cooperate with Lie Er.”

FM: I know, this is the initial plan before making any decisions.

RT: You’re right. With him here, our days of battling will be much shorter in time.

FM: After the world is at peace, we can be together and have fun every day, go to the plains, climb the mountains, and might even head out to the sea.

Rong Tian didn’t expect to hear such lovely words coming out from Feng Ming’s mouth.

RT: No matter if we conquer the world or not, as long as you agree, I'm willing to go anywhere with you.

Next to them, Zi Yan’s discontent voice rang out, “Prime Minister, you’re not being fair. Didn’t you say that the tasks outside of Yue Zhong will be assigned to me? So why are you giving it to Lie Er? Lie Er already has his assigned mission, so what about me?”

Lie Er patted Zi Yan on the shoulders, “Bro, Prime Minister isn’t being unfair, it’s just only I can accomplish this task. Yong Yi only listens to me.”

CY: You’re so full of yourself. We still don’t know who listens to who here.

RH: Zi Yan, you don’t need to worry. You will have your own mission. (turning to Lie Zhong Liu) Isn’t that right, Prime Minister?

“Not right.” Lie Zhong Liu shook his head, “I don’t have any tasks assigned for Zi Yan.”

Lie Zhong Liu gave a smug look around the crowd. “If Zi Yan wants to do something, then he has to be assigned by His Majesty.” He turned to face Rong Tian, “I have used my power as Prime Minister and put His Majesty’s four men to good use: Mian Ya, Qian Lin, Lie Er, and Rong Hu. As for Zi Yan, I will leave him under His Majesty’s command.”

This one move by Lie Zhong Liu, retreating with limit, had displayed his full potential as Prime Minister gracefully. Even Rong Tian was amused by him that he laughed. After a few hearty laughter, Rong Tian asked Lie Zhong Liu, “First, I would like to clearly ask, does Prime Minister really want me to issue the order?”

“Does Your Majesty really decide to listen to my suggestion?”

RT: Didn’t I already make the promise? Not only me, but even Feng Ming will be under your command? If a King does not keep his promise, then how can he be qualified to govern a nation and rule over his people? Prime Minister has many well-thought out plans, I would like to witness your work first-hand. I believe that you have already thought of what I should do so let’s not waste any more time, let us hear it.

Since he was readily direct, Lie Zhong Liu no longer refused.

To be honest, Rong Tian does not have much manpower right now. His troops are very limited, but to use them to unify the world is simply an impossible task.

With the current situation, Lie Zhong Liu have racked his brains for a long time to think of a good strategy to benefit everyone and use their contributing abilities to create leverage, so everyone will play a bigger role.

How can Lie Zhong Liu miss out on the huge resource Rong Tian will bring?

Receiving Rong Tian’s answer, Lie Zhong Liu immediately gave his command without hesitation, “Right now, we need to accumulate the amount of power His Majesty has on hand in order to provide the best outcome. That day, when Your Majesty was battling with Rong Tong, you threw away your throne in order to rush to Dong Fan to rescue Duke Ming. By doing so, you must had already thought of a plan to regain the throne in the future. Judging by Your Majesty’s personality, I do not believe that you wouldn’t have secretly arranged for a set of troops elsewhere, awaiting for future usage.”

Rong Tian straight-forwardly replied, “For Prime Minister to guess this, it is quite impressive.”

“Could those hidden troops be within Xi Lei’s territory?”

Everyone was surprised after hearing Lie Zhong Liu’s remark.

LZL: Within Xi Lei, I’m convinced that His Majesty already set an ambush troop, but as precaution, His Majesty must also have a set of hidden troops outside of Xi Lei. Tong Kingdom has always been in conflict with Xi Lei, for His Majesty to hide his troops there is highly unlikely. Even though Yong Yin and Xi Lei have a good relationship, but it borders many different kingdoms, including Tong Kingdom and Li Kingdom, creating many negative variables. When deducting these

possibilities, the neighboring nation, Zhao Bei, is the best place to hide the troops.

After finishing, he smiled at Rong Tian. As for everyone else, they were all confused.

Zi Yan and Qian Lin looked at each other.

They were both part of the hidden troops Rong Tian had stationed at Xi Lei, but after Rong Tong took over the throne, Rong Tian immediately ordered them to leave and rushed over to Dong Fan.

They never knew that Rong Tian also had another set of troops stationed at Zhao Bei.

Looking into Lie Zhong Liu’s insightful eyes, Rong Tian revealed a cunning smile and then suddenly laughed as he pointed at Lie Zhong Liu and turned over to look at Feng Ming, “If Prime Minister assisted Li Kingdom, then I’m afraid the two of us would have died without a trace.”

After he finished, Rong Tian nodded at Lie Zhong Liu and replied, “I do have troops stationed in Zhao Bei. They are the last set of power I have, if it’s not a last resort, I will definitely not use them.”

“Right now would be considered last resort.” Lie Zhong Liu continued to ask, “Where are they hidden?”

“A small fishing village along the banks of Mei River.”

“Brilliant!” Lie Zhong Liu suddenly clapped his hands, pleased with Rong Tian’s answer, “Your Majesty is very wise in choosing this location. If something were to happen, they can head towards Mei River into Aman River without having to worry about the expedition and being labor intensive. Also since it’s a fishing vessel, they can easily travel in concealment, not having to worry about being exposed. Can I ask how many troops are there?”

“Not much.” Rong Tian held up one finger, “Only ten thousand.”

“Ten thousand?”

This time, Lie Zhong Liu was startled by the number, he suspiciously asked, “That many people, even if they are secretly hidden in a small fishing village, they can’t possibly hide from Zhao Bei King without being discovered.”

“Originally, I stationed three thousand people there, but since the battle at Aman River, the number increased to ten thousand.” Rong Tian gave a faint smile and continued, “Ten thousand troops

grouped together in one place will definitely arouse attention, but Mei River banks is very long. Along the two sides, a village would have six to seven hundred villagers. With each villages connected to each other, twenty or thirty villages is enough for us, the rest are mostly barren land. The population of Zhao Bei usually changes from time to time, the guards stationed there also change frequently, new local officials also are not aware of how the villages came to be, they just occasionally come by and ask a few questions. That’s right, our fishing village had to pay taxes each year to Zhao Bei.”

Everyone laughed.

Lie Zhong Liu was very happy, he only expected the troops in Zhao Bei to be five thousand. Now that the number doubled, it was like floating on air. “If that’s the case, then I request Your Majesty to immediately deploy your elite troops secretly to Dong Fan.”

“Dong Fan?”

“Of course, Dong Fan.” Lie Zhong Liu explained, “Xi Lei is already in the hands of Rong Tong, so we can’t touch it for now. Yue Zhong is a small city, we can only let Qian Lin stay here and guard it. If Your Majesty or Duke Ming were to stay here, the other kingdoms will be on high alert, bringing increased risks for Yue Zhong. We only have Dong Fan, a place where Your Majesty can have the best foothold.”