Chapter 1218 - 300: Military Strategies (2)

Chapter 1218: Chapter 300: Military Strategies (2)

"Alright, alright, you talk, you talk."

Ji Chengjue quickly compromised. In reality, for a long time, he always felt that Zheng Fan was very at ease and almost omnipotent.

Skilled in warfare,

Skilled in human relations,

Skilled in pastoral care,

Skilled in poetry,

Throughout history, those proficient in one of these skills could gain fame; proficient in two would be a true talent in both civil and military fields, deserving of a notable entry in history.

But in this matter, Ji Chengjue felt Zheng Fan was wrong. Before having a child, he actually shared Zheng Fan’s idea, but from the moment his wife was pregnant, his thoughts instantly changed.

Why does Lord Jingnan raise his son with Zheng Fan?

Honestly,

With Lord Jingnan’s current status and prestige,

Even if he raises his son beside himself,

Who can stop him?

Who dares to stop him?

Who qualifies to stop him?

After having a child, Ji Chengjue understood some deeper meaning behind Lord Jingnan’s actions.

Over here,

Lord Zheng continued his speech:

"Why should we give to the children? Everyone lives their life just once, and there’s only one lifetime, so you can’t treat yourself poorly, right?"

Ji Chengjue nodded, saying:

"Yes, yes."

"You’re very dismissive."

"No."

"You are."

"Alright, I am."

Lord Zheng reached out and patted Ji Chengjue’s shoulder, said:

"Actually, this is just one aspect. If it were entirely Emperor’s personal motives, you Ji Chengjue could lead the ministers in sitting and persuading His Majesty not to resort to reckless warfare at the palace gates.

If really afraid, hey, let the Crown Prince lead the way, none of you brothers would drop out; go altogether. The Emperor can’t possibly deal with all of you brothers in one sweep."

"Oh? I’d like to hear more."

"You’re not in the military, so there may always be a gap in your understanding of military affairs—it’s actually hard to see clearly.

The emperor wants to act swiftly and finish matters during his reign also because he knows, should he one day not be around..."

"I am confident I can stabilize the situation," Ji Chengjue said.

"I trust, I trust your capability. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be living in your home. If you didn’t have the ability, I would have severed ties with you long ago."

"That statement is quite blunt."

"Between us brothers, it’s called honesty."

"Alright, continue."

"You can stabilize the situation, and I believe you have the ability to stabilize it, but you’re merely stabilizing it. To be frank, while the emperor is there, the Earl of North Border and Lord Jingnan will always stand behind him.

Just like back in the Imperial Palace, the emperor lead with the two Lords following, and behind them, thousands of cavalry from both armies.

But if the emperor is gone, who can mobilize them?

I’m not talking about that kind of mobilization, but when the emperor wanted to reclaim local governance authority, Lord Jingnan did not react, and silently cooperated with the court’s move.

If you were in that position, do you think Lord Jingnan would give you such face?

Furthermore,

Yan is fortunate to have two great Lords, its generals shining brilliantly—without capitalizing on this to make war and settle necessary battles, who knows if we’ll have another batch of nearly undefeated commanders in the future?

Also, this is the most important part.

Let me use myself as an example,

If all three aren’t there,

Sitting on the dragon throne is the Crown Prince or you Ji Chengjue, you know what I, Lord Pingye, will do immediately?"

"What will you do?"

"Upon hearing the exciting news of your enthronement, I am very delighted. That night, Snow Sea cavalry exits the city, directly controls the surrounding area, and expands my domain from a point into a region.

Nearby cities must be garrisoned by my troops and follow my command.

Then,

Submit a memorial,

Swear allegiance to you.

I guarantee most military leaders would do the same."

"Then, before that, if Lord Jingnan transfers most of the Jingnan army to you and completes the handover?"

Lord Zheng chuckled,

and said:

"Then you die even quicker."

Ji Chengjue rolled his eyes at Zheng Fan.

"Powerful clans are not the most frightening, because even during the show-off between Earl of North Border and the emperor, with North Border troops potentially advancing east at any time, those clans wanted only for the emperor to compromise a little, to bestow Southern and Northern Lords as kings—that’s all. They never intended to overthrow your Ji family.

But if warlords expand, it quickly becomes a scenario of regional military rulers, then the emperor indeed would be whoever possesses stronger military strength.

Besides,

The Qian people are forming a new army, and the regent of Chu State is suppressing noble forces, smoothly consolidating power. The national strength of Qian and Chu, specifically as a force able to conduct foreign warfare, is actually increasing daily.

While our Yan seems to have annexed the Three Jin area, realistically can’t leverage Jin land’s strengths to bolster ourselves. As I traveled, though local garrisons all have Jin army units, they primarily guard against Jin troops.

On the battlefield,

If you even have to guard against your own fellow soldiers, then this war, truly needs no fighting."

"Old Zheng, what are you getting at telling me all this?"

Lord Zheng leaned back slightly and pointed at Ji Chengjue, said:

"Who was the first to apply medicine for me? If I’m not mistaken, the emperor actually knows that military calculations won’t yield results, because you Ji Chengjue and the Ministry of Revenue can’t create funds or laborers out of thin air, so the emperor ultimately had you relay a certain... verbal decree."