Chapter 80

"Understood, Father." Min Ruo Ying respectfully replied.

"Regarding the Eastern Border Army, are you planning to replace Cheng Wuben with Luo Liang as the commander?" The emperor looked at Min Ruo Ying and slowly asked.

"I have this plan in mind. Father also knows that Cheng Wuben has never been fond of me. The Eastern Border Army is the foundation of our Great Chu, and the 200,000 troops are the backbone of our Great Chu. If we cannot replace him with someone who is loyal to me, I cannot feel at ease." Min Ruo Ying raised his head, unwilling to compromise on this issue.

"Luo Liang, this man!" The emperor sighed and shook his head. "He has abilities, and his skills in leading troops are also good, but there is one thing: this man has great ambitions, always dreaming of making a name for himself and achieving great deeds. If such a person is placed in the Eastern Border Army, he will inevitably provoke conflicts with Dong Qi. Ruo Ying, do you really think we have the ability to compete with Dong Qi?"

"Father, Dong Qi has been eyeing our Great Chu, always wanting to annex our territory. A war between the two of us is inevitable." Min Ruo Ying's eyes glowed with fervor. "Since a war is inevitable, why should we avoid it? Luo Liang is not only a grandmaster himself, but his ability to lead troops is far superior to Cheng Wuben. Why can't we replace Cheng Wuben?"

"Do you know why I appointed Cheng Wuben as the commander of the Eastern Border Army? In theory, his ability to lead troops is even worse than Zuo Lixing, and his personal cultivation is only at the ninth level. But for over a decade, Cheng Wuben has remained firmly in this position. Why did I do this?"

"I understand. Cheng Wuben is steady. His goal is to firmly defend the eastern border of Great Chu. He has no ambition to advance, so he has made the eastern front as solid as a fortress, leaving no room for Dong Qi to exploit. In recent years, Dong Qi has tried to attack, and although it seems we have been defeated on the front lines, Dong Qi has been unable to advance westward or shake the foundation of the eastern front." Min Ruo Ying explained.

"It seems you are not foolish." The emperor exhaled deeply, his eyes becoming somewhat hazy. This son has always been ambitious, dreaming of unifying the world and achieving the great deeds of Emperor Li Qing. Now that he has grown strong, how much of what I say will he really listen to? It's a question. But can I still control so much? When I close my eyes and my soul drifts away, what can I do but let him do as he pleases? I can only repeatedly warn him, hoping he will be cautious.

"Since Father values Cheng Wuben so much, I will make Luo Liang the main commander and Cheng Wuben the deputy. One will attack, and the other will defend, maintaining balance on the eastern front." Min Ruo Ying said with a lowered head.

"Rubbish!" The emperor suddenly burst out with a curse, making Min Ruo Ying's eyebrows twitch. "Are you trying to fool me, or are you really that foolish? Cheng Wuben has been in the Eastern Border Army for over a decade. If he doesn't leave, how can Luo Liang take control? Given Luo Liang's nature, he will certainly kill Cheng Wuben to establish his authority. If Cheng Wuben is killed, the Eastern Border Army will surely fall into chaos. If Luo Liang can resist killing Cheng Wuben, he will not be able to take control, and the two will fight, leading to their inevitable downfall. One attacking and the other defending, they are like a needle against a grain of wheat; only one can survive."

Min Ruo Ying was silent. He had intended to fool the old emperor, but the old emperor, though seriously ill, was still very clear-headed.

"Luo Liang must be used with caution." The old emperor sighed. "This man is a double-edged sword, capable of killing the enemy but also capable of harming himself. Cheng Wuben, on the other hand, is like an iron shield. Although you do not like him, he can protect Great Chu. You must weigh your options carefully."

"I will be extremely cautious, walking on thin ice, and will not be the slightest bit negligent."

"The civil officials have never been fond of you, but once you take power, you must remember to win over these scholars. Conquering the world relies on the army, but governing the world relies on them. Yang Yihé has already resigned. Who do you plan to appoint as the new left chancellor?"

"The former right chancellor, Ma Xiangdong, is both virtuous and capable. I believe he is suitable for this position."

"Though far inferior to Yang Yihé, Ma Xiangdong is the only one who is capable and can gain your trust now." The old emperor nodded. "Treat the old ministers well."

"Yes! These old ministers have served Father for many years and have made great contributions to Great Chu. I will not let them down." Min Ruo Ying nodded repeatedly.

"The last matter: how do you plan to handle your elder brother?" The old emperor turned his body and looked at Min Ruo Ying with a piercing gaze.

Min Ruo Ying hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth. "Father, although few people know about this matter, we must give an account to the world. Only my elder brother can bear this responsibility."

"If this matter is placed on your elder brother, will he have a chance to live?" The old emperor said coldly. "You only have two brothers. If you do not kill him, will you not feel satisfied?"

Min Ruo Ying lowered his head, his expression changing.

"If this matter is finally announced to the world, and the Great Chu royal family is found to have committed such a heinous act, how will the world view the royal family? Have you considered that the prestige of the royal family will fall to its lowest point, and how long it will take to restore its reputation?"

"Father?" Min Ruo Ying looked up, wanting to argue. The emperor waved his hand. "This is your final test. Go and think carefully about how to properly handle this matter. You have three days to come back with a report. If you can satisfy me, in three days, an imperial edict will be issued to the world, and you will be established as the Crown Prince Regent, in charge of the government."

Ten miles outside the capital, several carriages were parked by the roadside. Yang Yihé, dressed in white, turned back to look at the towering city walls of the capital. Beside him stood the head of the internal guards, An Ruhai.

"Ruhai, after ten miles of farewell, we must part ways. The road ahead is uncertain, and we may never meet again." Yang Yihé sighed.

"Left Chancellor, this is not the end. Just a setback. The Left Chancellor should take a short break at home; there will always be a chance for a comeback." An Ruhai consoled him.

Yang Yihé smiled. "I, in the end, was too soft-hearted. If I had ignored the Crown Prince's plea and firmly refused to get involved, I might have had a peaceful end. But I reached out, and once I did, I could not retract my hand. After I return home, I must first take care of my affairs. After the emperor passes away, I fear I will have to follow him."

An Ruhai lowered his head in shame. On that day, if he had entered the Left Chancellor's residence, would the outcome have been different?

"Ruhai, there is no need to feel guilty about this." Yang Yihé patted his shoulder and smiled. "Even if you had entered the Left Chancellor's residence that day, it would not have changed much. It would have just added you to the mix. We underestimated the Second Prince. Now that you are still alive, it is fortunate."

"The Second Prince has decided to kill me!" An Ruhai whispered.

Yang Yihé was taken aback, then laughed. "Ruhai, put your heart at ease. If the Second Prince truly wants to achieve something, he will not kill you. However, you will not be able to remain as the head of the internal guards. Go back, pack your things, and prepare to go to the western border."

"What do you mean?"

"Rebuilding the Western Border Army is a difficult and thankless task, often requiring one to take the blame. Of course, someone like you must do it!" Yang Yihé laughed. "Ruhai, I have a favor to ask."

"Please, Left Chancellor, command me."

"I have only one son, Yang Zhi. He is young and inexperienced, spoiled by my wife and mother. This time, he suffered a great loss at the western border, which I hope will benefit him. If I am not around in the future, please take good care of him. I do not ask for wealth and honor, only for him to live a peaceful life. I have already written to the Sword Embracer Elder, and once everything is settled, I will release him from his master."

"Very well, if I am indeed sent to the Western Border Army, I will take Yang Zhi with me and ensure his safety." An Ruhai nodded. "But, Left Chancellor, are you thinking too much? You are the head of the civil officials, with prestige spread throughout the land. The Second Prince would not dare to—"

"The reason is right here!"