After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times-Chapter 834 - 824: The Stratagem of Sowing Discord

Chapter 834: Chapter 824: The Stratagem of Sowing Discord

Ming Yu quickly glanced at Ji Yuan, sat up straight, and asked solemnly, "May I know what the matter is that troubles you so?"

Zhao Hanzhang said, "I wish to send someone to assist Liu He in West River Country, aiding him in joining forces with Liu Cong’s army."

Ming Yu was slightly taken aback, "Why is this? The division of the Xiongnu forces is beneficial to us."

Zhao Hanzhang shook her head and replied, "We don’t have the luxury of time for them to slowly wear each other out. In this world, power comes from military strength. Currently, the Xiongnu’s forces are divided into several parts: those attacking Jinyang, Ma Jing and others, the imperial guard protecting the Imperial Court, and then there’s Liu Cong and Shi Le."

"Not to mention Shi Le, Liu Cong holds two hundred thousand troops, with almost all of Xiongnu’s elite under his command. Thus, where the army is, there lies the power," Zhao Hanzhang said. "If we don’t act, they will maintain the current situation. Liu He will continue as the new emperor in Zhongyang County, Liu Cong will continue his campaigns outside, and the other subordinate generals will not heed royal orders, continuing their chaos."

"Given time, Liu He’s prestige will wear thin. Will he still dare to defy Liu Cong and consolidate power?"

Ming Yu felt a stir in his heart and asked, "What is your intention, Your Excellency?"

"Send Liu He to Anping Country to join forces with Liu Cong. He is the emperor of the Xiongnu, and the soldiers of the Han Kingdom should obey his commands." Zhao Hanzhang said, "Liu He manages his subordinates without grace and harbors much suspicion. He has just ascended the throne; he is eager to consolidate power. With someone whispering in his ear, he will certainly not tolerate Liu Cong."

"And Liu Cong," Zhao Hanzhang chuckled, "He is narrow-minded and seeks revenge for grievances. The brothers have been at odds since Liu He became Crown Prince. If Liu He threatens his life, can he still endure?"

Ming Yu stroked his beard and said, "Are you planning to use a tactic to sow discord?"

Zhao Hanzhang: "I simply aim to exploit the situation and let their conflicts erupt early."

Ming Yu stroked his beard, "If the two vie for power, Liu He will certainly call back Ma Jing and Shi Le’s armies for aid, relieving the critical situation in Jinyang and Yu State."

Zhao Hanzhang nodded, "Even if Shi Le is unwilling to withdraw, he will send reinforcements back to support, lessening our pressure."

Ming Yu asked, "Do you think Liu He will win?"

Recalling historical events and the personalities and capabilities of Liu He and Liu Cong, Zhao Hanzhang shook her head, "No, Liu He will lose! Going to Anping Country is akin to a sheep entering a wolf’s den."

Zhao Hanzhang waved her hand, "Regardless of who wins or loses, as long as they start fighting, it’s enough."

Ming Yu understood, she intends to stir up chaos among the Xiongnu.

"Whom do you suggest we start with?"

"Huyan You," Zhao Hanzhang said, "He is short-sighted and fond of power plays. Liu He is his nephew; he certainly would not sit idly by and let his nephew lose power. Just a bit of nudging from the side is needed."

"However..." Zhao Hanzhang paused and said, "The person doing this must be cautious and meticulous, so as not to be noticed and risk ruining the plan."

Ming Yu pondered with lowered eyes, "Liu Cong’s subordinates have met with me, but people from Pingyang City have not. I should not be detected if I go to West River Country. But in what capacity should I go?"

"Although Huyan You has fallen on hard times, he is still the imperial uncle and a Xiongnu noble. He is probably difficult to approach, isn’t he?"

"There is a ready-made identity," Zhao Hanzhang replied, "There is a merchant named Wu Sheng under my command, who has been trading in Northern Land these two years. The furthest he’s gone is Jinyang, and he has some renown in the West River Country area. You can accompany him as a strategist and offer him guidance."

Ming Yu’s eyes lit up slightly, and he asked, "Where is he now?"

"He is waiting for us at Shangdang Lv County," Zhao Hanzhang looked at him and asked, "Mr. Ming, this journey is perilous. Deep in enemy territory, I cannot offer aid. If you do not wish to go, you may refuse. I will not force you."

Ming Yu laughed and asked, "Do you have a better candidate besides me?"

Zhao Hanzhang shook her head, "No, you are the most suitable person right now."

Originally, Yuan Li was also very suitable, but he is currently missing. It’s said he found Prince Yuzhang and several others, but several counties in northern Yu State fell, almost exposing them to Shi Le’s army. To avoid pursuit, he made himself hidden.

Ji Yuan, being Zhao Hanzhang’s closest strategist, has appeared frequently by her side, thus many on the Xiongnu side recognize him.

In contrast, Ming Yu has been more low-key since he pledged allegiance to her. He seldom appears in grand occasions, and the two times he appeared before the army, he was far away on horseback, not drawing attention.

From that distance, no one can clearly see his face.

He can trim his beard, change his attire and hairstyle to ensure he won’t be recognized.

Actually...

Zhao Hanzhang kept glancing at the beards of him and Ji Yuan, thinking that if they shaved clean and wore different hats, even their own parents might not recognize them.

However, for men of this era, a beard’s importance is akin to hair, which can substitute for the head, meaning a beard is equivalent to their lifeline. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Ji Yuan cannot go, making Ming Yu the best choice.

Ming Yu readily accepted, his eyes reflecting an unnoticed joy, "Rest assured, Your Excellency, I shall not fail this mission."

A plan to sow discord—he likes it!

However, there is one characteristic of such a plan; it is particularly costly, especially with valuable gold and silver jewels.

Zhao Hanzhang was generous, taking Ming Yu to several carts as they camped, having the boxes on the carts unloaded and opened for him to see. Glittering gold and precious jewels were unveiled. With a wave of her hand, she said, "Feel free to take your pick, do not stand on ceremony."

This rare display of generosity made even Fu Tinghan take a few more glances at her.

Indeed, Ming Yu did not stand on ceremony and carefully selected three boxes of gold and silver jewels. Apart from one box with no distinct markings but of exquisite craftsmanship, the other two boxes contained treasures with good materials but ordinary workmanship.

Ming Yu said, "Items with distinct markings and special designs can’t be taken, to avoid being discovered. These gold ingots are excellent; they can be used directly, melted down, and crafted into other things, valuable yet unobtrusive."

These items were confiscated in Pingyang City, including goods from the state treasury, private royal treasury, and fleeing officials’ homes.

Zhao Hanzhang had scoured everything she could.

Actually, after the battle at Pingyang City, she could basically cover the expenses of this expedition.

Zeng Yue, who departed earlier with the grain convoy, took a batch of treasures with him, and the rear army had another batch.

No wonder Liu Cong likes war—some battles cost money and resources immensely, but others make one wealthy.

Zhao Hanzhang shook her head to rid her mind of such thoughts and generously offered Ming Yu, "Is this sufficient? Would you like to check treasures from the other carts?"

Ji Yuan, standing aside, coughed lightly twice, and Ming Yu glanced at him before politely declining, "No need, this money is more useful in the hands of the Inspector, I can be sparing."

Zhao Hanzhang then, worried for him, said, "Don’t be too frugal. It’s better to be wealthy on the journey; you’re going far and deep into enemy territory. Having money gives me peace of mind."