Deposed Empress General 14- Great Present

Dust blew through the land. Heading west from Daji city, the amount of water diminished, and the land was filled with dry riverbeds. Melted snow would pass by from the north, bringing the water needed for life. Within the cloudy storm of sand, Wenqi was currently instructed soldiers to dig ditches and plant trees; those small trees had been shipped here from the south, setting their roots in the northwest. If they died, they would just replace them with another, and start over planting it.

This is a far-sighted effort, but since Wenqi had been at this border town for ten or so years, this city had grown many times. People from the central plains, people from the near west, people from Gu tribe, people from Yu country, and various nomadic tribal people would all come here to exchange goods that they needed. Even though the habitat here was extremely harsh, but one could actually buy many things that could not be found elsewhere.

Murong Yan jumped off his horse, and came forward, gathering some water to water the trees. Wenqi frowned, "Save a bit of the water, don't waste it." Raising his head to see that it was Murong Yan, he finally smiled bitterly, "Second highness, this subject thought you would still take three to five more days before you would arrive."

Murong Yan didn't bother hiding anything, saying, "I was restless, rushed here, so that's why I came here empty handed, to award the armies."

Wenqi laughed greatly, "Your highness is already empty handed, so how can this subject also be empty handed. Luckily, in the northwest, the vegetable dishes aren't particularly good, so it's enough to fill one's stomach with rice. Your highness, please."

They left for the army camp, and more sand was falling on Wenqi's body, so he passed over a facecloth for blocking out the sand, "The climate in the northwest is not like that in Jinyang, so I'm only afraid your highness will not be used to it."

Murong Yan received it, saying, "I got used to seeing the southern regions' blooming foliage and vibrant colors, but coming here, I actually feel free, and my thoughts feel like they've grown much broader."

Wenqi looked into the distance, "The heavens and earth are endless, and the long rivers continue to flow. In society, we can accompany a desolate and empty place and making a living out of it."

Bearing through the sandy wind, they walked for a short time, and quickly arrived at the army camp. Wenqi had arranged for Murong Yan's tent to be situated right next to his large tent. In the night, the camp lit the braziers. Wenqi, accompanied by some important commanders, received Murong Yan officially. Nobody came out, as it wasn't an extremely formal affair, and brought a bowl of wine over to drink with Murong Yan. Murong Yan actually wavered for a bit. Had someone actually washed this bowl before?!

Wenqi's assistant general, upon seeing his smiling face, but him also not moving forward to drink, his face immediately reddened, saying, "What, could it be because this man, Yuan, is a rough man, and is unworthy of drinking with your highness?"

Murong Yan stared at the wine, smiling bitterly; whatever, if the man was going to make a mountain out of a molehill, he would need to just put aside his highborn etiquette. "General toasting me, how could I not drink it. It's just that if you all gave me a toast, I probably would be unable to take it."

Yuan Xi raised his head, pouring the wine into his mouth, and then poured another two bowls, wiping his lips after finishing, "I'll exchange three bowls with one of your highness's, is that okay or not?"

Murong Yan lightly sighed, then lifted his head, drinking the wine in one gulp. At this, the various generals all grew elated. After the excited voices calmed down, he fell back, drunk and unconscious! This Murong Yan only had this much alcohol tolerance?

The many people came close, and a long while later, Zheng Chu said, "How about we offer some cities to Western Jing, and surrender?!"

Everyone laughed out heartily.

Wenqi ordered people to help Murong Yan into his tent to rest; Zuo Canglang carried a bowl of wine, walking over before Yuan Xi, saying, "I'll accompany general to drink."

Yuan Xi took a look at her, laughing out loudly, "Sure, ah. I like to drink with women the most." Everyone around all knew that there was something exciting that was about to occur, and could help but watch. Yuan Xi consecutively drank three bowls with her, and had the intent to poke fun at her, "Little beauty, do you have the guts to exchange for a bigger bowl?"

Some people felt that the excitement wasn't great yet, so they quickly brought forth large bowls. The two continued drinking, starting from bowls, and ending up with just drinking straight from the jugs; slowly, the surrounding soldiers no longer commented. Only, some people continued to keep track of the number that had been drunk. At the end, Yuan Xi finally couldn't keep smiling, but in front of so many people, he also couldn't admit defeat.

Seeing that he almost wouldn't be able to save face, Murong Yan said from within the tent, "Ah Zuo, prepare some water for me."

Zuo Canglang was in a slightly impatient mood, but thought for a bit, and ultimately, still left the wine behind to go and draw water.

She carried the water in; within the northwest territory, the weather was frigidly cold in the night. The water seemed to have formed a layer of ice. Bringing the water into the tent, she added some hot water into it, and finally brought it before Murong Yan.

Murong Yan laid on the mat, unmoving, she was worried, and quickly helped him wipe his face and hands. He finally opened his eyes, and took the towel, wiping himself. Seeing her with an aura of wine, and her cheeks also carried a tinge of red, finally said, "A few military people, have harsh criticisms but not the evil heart. Why bother with scorning them so." 

Zuo Canglang waited for him to finish wiping his face and hands, and helped him remove his socks, steeping his two feet into the hot water. And then when she seemed as though she couldn't stand it, suddenly rushed out of the tent, and puked everywhere.

Murong Yan shook his head, born stubborn like a young calf, but was also quite silly, but she did know how to protect her master.

After Zuo Canglang finished puking, she returned, and stooped on the ground, helping Murong Yan wipe his feet. Murong Yan lightly frowned, as he actually had a little bit of an obsessive compulsive quirk; normally even if it was his close attendants, he would never let them personally serve like this. Normally when he ate together at the table with others, he never shared a dish that others had touched. But after a few consecutive days of journeying, and suffering through the wind on the journey, even a man made of iron would still tire. He didn't shoo her away.

Zuo Canglang's hands weren't actually delicate, because she would draw her bow, or practice with swords and blades often, so her hands were very coarse. But when she pressed against her master's body, it was actually unnaturally comforting. He shut his eyes, letting her continue to press and massage.

Right then, Wenqi had lifted the tent flap, entering, and then he was startled, "It seems like I have come at an inopportune time."

Murong Yan got up, wiping his feet, and signaling him to sit, "Does Yu country have some movement?" Wenqi didn't respond, but rather took a look at Zuo Canglang; in this type of situation, it was probably not appropriate to have a woman present.

Murong Yan smiled, "General has underestimated women; this habit is not good."

Wenqi's face blushed, and considered that person, but ultimately did not complain. It was just that he couldn't speak out the words he wanted to use to shoo Zuo Canglang away. He said, "The military does not allow women to freely enter or exit, and your second highness, although you are here to observe the army under his highness's orders, but you shouldn't have brought a woman inside."

Murong Yan said, "Marshal Wen, I brought this girl inside, because this little girl has a large present to gift to marshal." Wenqi was a bit surprised, and took a glance at him, before glancing at Zuo Canglang, his face a bit serious, "What does second highness mean by this?"

Murong Yan's lips hooked up, and he smiled, asking, "What does marshal think?"

Wenqi's expression turned a bit unhappy, "This man Wen, it's not like your highness does not know. Previously, before all the soldiers, this man Wen is a subject, and could not speak frankly. However, tomorrow at dawn, this subject would please have second highness immediately bring this woman out of camp."

His face contained anger, but Zuo Canglang asked, "Marshal believes that this small one came here, for the sake of offering a beauty trap?"

What a type of person Wenqi was, he immediately realized he had been tricked by Murong Yan, and immediately made an awkward cough. After all, his was the elder here, and no matter what, he could not trade looks with Zuo Canglang. He asked, "What type of great present is it, would please have second highness explain."

Murong Yan put away his smile, and seriously said, "If general Wen would write a letter to norther Yu, claiming that for the sake of seizing the throne of Great Yan, would be willing to cooperate with northern Yu. We will promise that after northern Yu sends troops to assist, after we are successful, we will agree to cede a few cities of Yan country as a gift. What do you think, general, will Yu country's Daxi Cheng and Daxi Qin believe it?"

Wenqi slowly opened his eyes wide, what did this mean?

Murong Yan said, "Daxi Qin would probably believe it, because he would not believe I would have the gall to only tempt him with this plot. I have not received my father king's favor, and once this plot is exposed, I am destined for death. After the bulk of his forces enter the city, we will find a place to set up an ambush. With the weather, the land formation, and the cooperation of the participants, we won't need to wait for him to invade, and we'll have an even greater chance of victory, right? After the battle, have father king send a letter, angrily chastising northern Yu invading without provocation, and at the same time, general Wen will lead the troops towards northern Yu's border towns, taking their cities."

The more Wenqi heard, the more serious his expression grew, but Murong Yan's gaze stayed on the ground, "Even if we were victorious, it will still be a justified victory. Other countries would not move recklessly."

Wenqi pondered deeply. It was really a miraculous scheme. It was so ballsy that even I couldn't believe it.

He said, "Even though this plot is extremely ballsy, but using it to bait the enemy out of their base...... it's actually feasible. Only......" only are you really only doing this for the sake of repelling the enemies? Or do you really have a plot to cooperate with northern Yu to seize the throne?

Heavens, even I am starting to suspect.

Murong Yan smiled slightly, ignoring the suspicion in his gaze, "But this plot is indeed too harmful for others to hear. If father king even had half a bit of doubt towards me, I'm only afraid he definitely would not approve it."

Wenqi lowered his head, of course he wouldn't approve it. Wouldn't he also have the same suspicion I did? But...... if they did not do it this way, could there be an even better method? He rose, saying, "Your highness, are you willing to take a trip tonight?"

Murong Yan followed him out of the camp, and he brought Murong Yan atop the city gate.

Even though this location was harsh, but as the garrison's head, Wenqi had managed to construct the city wall so that it was both tall and thick. Although the troops' armor had grown old, and the city had replenished the military supplies daily, but its military prowess had not fallen at all.

Wenqi gazed at the distant and empty desert, the moon and stars shining upon them. The night of the northern desert, cold winds would pass by. He said, "Seven years ago, I achieved military merit here, becoming famous with one battle." His light and civil expression actually carried a few traces of tiredness, "It's been seven years, in which I have subdued the Yu Ci, but have not managed to advance another step."

Murong Yan turned to look at him, the second highness who had the heart of a bear, along with a general that was right before his face exchanged glances. He said, "If this news was sent to Jinyang, news of it would definitely be leaked. If you have the guts to not tell father king, I will immediately write a letter to northern Yu's king."

Wenqi's lips froze, what were they talking about? A marshal with a prince that was not favored, were plotting to hide the news from king Yan, and secretly go to war. Or were they planning on really usurping the throne. In the midst of the wind, he difficultly opened his mouth, "Does your highness know, what the risk is with this?"

Murong Yan stood atop the city, his face only showing a dark shadow, "Once I send the letter, no matter if it is successful or a defeat, it will be difficult for me to escape the label of traitor. Father king will not believe me. The people within the palace will only add fuel to the flame. But when the land is in danger, when family and country are threatened, how can I do nothing? If after the battle, I am not dead, please be a bit merciful towards me, general." Do you still not understand? He sent me over to the northwest, because he wanted me to resolve this problem. But no matter what, he won't give me an opportunity to attain military merit. That's why, with my coming, it could only be in the name of rewarding the armies. If we are victorious, the fame will belong to you, but if we are defeated, the blame will fall upon me.

Wenqi took another look at the handsome man standing before him; perhaps it was a trace of consort Rong, but he had a few degrees of additional conviction and determination than the other members of the Murong clan. It would make people fear in the next moment, then obey. He had a natural born aura of leadership.

He cupped his hands, bowing, "Yan country's second highness, prepare this letter."

I served his highness for fourteen years, and his intention, how could I not understand? It's just that it will be unfair towards your highness, being stuck between a rock and a hard place.

That day, Murong Yan prepared a letter, and had a secret emissary send it to northern Yu's king, Daxi Cheng.

Wenqi stood with Murong Yan in the middle of the army, the two were secretly plotting and studying the situation. Which places were best for setting up ambushes, who would lead the troops, and how to assign them.

Murong Yan drew out the whole city, saying, "Passing through Ye city, it will be Daji city. We will first lead them through the gate, and Daji city is great Yan's rich land, and great Yan, being before their eyes, would seem like they could just ride right through it. They would naturally not grow suspicious. Our side should first coordinate with Daji city to bury some flaming oil and tar, and after northern Yu enters the city, we will have our soldiers fire flaming arrows in, causing mass chaos."

Wenqi nodded, but suddenly his face froze, "How will we accommodate the civilians within the city? If there isn't any activity going on, it will probably cause suspicion among the Yu people. Additionally, if you and I do not first enter the city, one fears that norther Yu's troops won't fall for the trap."

Murong Yan had already thought of it, saying, "General, assign me two thousand cavalry, and I will bait them into Daji city, they will evacuate the civilians, and learn the layout of the land."

Wenqi shook his head, "Once you enter the city, and arrows dot the sky, there would be no way to distinguish friend from foe. Environmental hazards are unconscious, and your highness is of noblest blood, so how could you personally brave the danger?"

Murong Yan laughed, "If I didn't enter the city, and had general face the danger, how would the troops under general be willing to listen to my orders? We don't need to bicker more over this, as I will put in my greatest effort to minimize our losses. Men need to have conviction and courage, fearing this and that, how would we be able to succeed?"

Even a military person like Wenqi was slightly moved, "This subject will assign a few of the best commanders to disguise as soldiers, to protect your highness!"

Wenqi received northern Yu's letter. Northern Yu's king had considered it for many days, and finally still decided to enter the camp, to secretly have talks with second highness and Wenqi.

Wenqi didn't let any news of this thing get exposed, and as he had led troops for fourteen years, so within the armies, his word was law. Over here, the imperial court was far away, and the loyalty the troops had towards him, far exceeded that towards the Yan king in the imperial palace, Murong Yuan.

He could entirely make the decision.

A secret emissary of northern Yu came, and paid respects to Murong Yan and Wenqi. The other side also knew that Wenqi was old and tricky, so they spoke for a long time with Murong Yan. He tested in hundreds of different ways, but Murong Yan managed to cover everything spotlessly. Once he had left the secret chambers, he finally exposed his goal this time-- the new ruler would draw the borders, and finally the agreement to cede land.

Murong Yan signed the agreement, promising to cede the northwestern region's four marquis-doms and twenty cities to northern Yu. The emissary kept trying to negotiate, but Murong Yan didn't budge. The verbal negotiations extended for two days, and the emissary finally left.

The two sides both signed the treaty, with Murong Yan and Wenqi both signing.

Of course Zuo Canglang followed Murong Yan, and the two people, in the short breath of three days, had pretty much walked through all of Daji city. In the decrepit civilian houses, it seemed as though Zuo Canglang had thoughts on her mind, "Daji city's civilians aren't few, but your highness wants to use fire to burn the city, so how will the civilians be accommodated?"

Murong Yan sat on a chair, his face filled with clarity, he passed two plates over. He continued without minding, "Isn't this something you're supposed to be thinking of?"

Zuo Canglang said, "If we have them retreat, when the Yu forces enter, they will naturally be suspicious. If they do not pull out, it would be difficult to prevent them from suffering at the hands of the Yu. We need to let them neither pull out, nor have a threat towards their lives......" She took another look at Daji city, from the sky to underground, there wasn't an inch she overlooked. Finally, she clapped her hands, saying, "Here, pretty much every house has a basement, so once the battle begins, just have them immediately hide in the basements."

Murong Yan didn't say anything, and Zuo Canglang asked, "Lord master, is this arrangement good?"

Murong Yan only pointed to his shoulder, saying, "Help me massage it a bit, tired."

Zuo Canglang didn't know how the conversation had suddenly turned to this, but she still lowered her head, helping him massage his shoulders. She applied appropriate force, making Murong Yan feel very comfortable. Perhaps it was because of their close interaction and accompaniment for the past several months, or maybe it was a type of reward, but he no longer cared at her touch.

He shut his eyes, and actually managed to fall asleep, slowly.