In the Nanpo Posthouse, five li north of Chengdu City in Jizhou, a group of northern people stopped here temporarily.
Fei Yi walked in from outside, bowing to Zhuge Liang who was enjoying the coolness: "Prime Minister, it has been half an hour since we stopped. Shouldn't the troops enter the city now?"
Zhuge Liang's face remained stern: "Very well, let's set off to enter the city. After entering the city, Wen Wei and Wei Gong will accompany me to the palace to meet the emperor."
As Yang Yi got up and bowed to agree, he sighed lightly: "From Baishui to Chengdu, this round trip will take at least half a month and more. The Baishui mansion has many things to do, and the city of Chengdu is also not peaceful."
"In my opinion, it would be better for Prime Minister Zhuge to impeach these noisy individuals upon entering the palace. This way, they will know that important military and state affairs must be handled by the prime minister himself, and cannot be lightly talked about by mere spectators!"
Zhuge Liang's mood was already not good. After hearing Yang Yi's words that were clearly filled with resentment, he forcefully hit the handle of his fan against the table: "Shut up! How dare you discuss government officials and ministers behind their backs?"
Yang Yi's face showed a hint of grievance: "But they also gossip about the Prime Minister in Chengdu! Li Zhengfang is being difficult on the surface, and Du Boyu, Lai Jingda, and others who are secretly connecting and gossiping are even more despicable!"
"Secretly connected?" Zhuge Liang looked up at Yang Yi, his unflustered but authoritative gaze making Yang Yi feel insecure in his heart: "Did you send someone to investigate Du Qiong and Lai Min?"
"My lord, my subordinate only knew this from rumors, not through any deliberate investigation. These two are truly..." Yang Yi's throat involuntarily moved.
Zhuge Liang raised his hand to interrupt Yang Yi's words, pointing his finger toward the door: "General Wei should not accompany me into the city. Immediately return and reflect seriously, suspension and reflection for one month!"
Yang Yi looked puzzled: "Prime Minister, are you asking me to return to where?"
"Return to BaiShui! Otherwise, how can you be sent back to XiangYang?" Zhuge Liang's face finally revealed a few traces of anger, and he slapped the table heavily: "Leave immediately!"
Yang Yi, realizing he was in the wrong, bowed respectfully: "My subordinate begs leave. Please take care, Prime Minister."
With that, he took a few small steps and exited the doorway.
The team then set off southwards, getting closer and closer to the northern gate of Chengdu City.
Fei Yi whispered: "Prime Minister, although General Wei's words were a bit overboard, but as you return to Chengdu this time, he mentioned these few people should be handled with care. Gentlemen are broad and honest, yet should also fear rumors!"
Zhuge Liang's gaze remained forward: "It's all right, I will handle these matters myself."
Fei Yi sighed: "Then what about General Wei..."
Zhuge Liang said: "He is a little too self-confident. General Wei is in charge of military affairs at the mansion, not to prevent him from paying attention to the situation in Chengdu, but not to pry into the conditions of government officials!"
"You and General Wei are both part of the Prime Minister's Mansion. Whatever you do will ultimately be counted against me. Have I ever asked General Wei to do these things?"
Fei Yi bowed: "My lord, I understand. After entering the city, should we immediately proceed to the palace or rest for half a day first?"
"No rest." Zhuge Liang shook his head: "This time, returning to Chengdu quickly, after handling the affairs, I will return to BaiShui as soon as possible. Let's go to the palace first."
"Yes."
This time, Zhuge Liang returned to Chengdu lightly, bringing only Fei Yi and Yang Yi, two generals, and 20 horsemen. If the usual procession was followed upon entering the city, many officials would have come out to welcome them, and even ordinary people might gather along the streets to watch.
Business is important.
The other matters are far from what Zhuge Liang seeks in his heart.
Although Zhuge Liang is the Prime Minister of the Greater Han, he still needs to report for entry and exit to the palace, and the etiquette of a subject cannot be slighted.
"The Emperor, the Prime Minister requests an audience outside the palace." The inner servant Guo Duo walked a few steps to Lü Xuan's side to inform him.
It was the afternoon, and Chengdu in July was unusually hot and muggy. Liu Xuan was dozing off in the cool shade of the palace hall, but upon hearing this, he suddenly stood up.
"Prime Minister? Which Prime Minister?"
"It is the Prime Minister Zhuge Liang. The Prime Minister Zhuge has returned from BaiShui and just entered the city."
"Quickly, please!" Liu Xuan exclaimed before changing his mind and saying, "No need for you, I will go myself!"
Upon seeing Liu Xuan for the first time, Zhuge Liang bowed deeply and said, "Your servant Zhuge Liang pays his respects to the king."
Liu Xuan also returned the gesture, matching Zhuge Liang's deep bow: "I have heard that my father-in-law has just entered the city. The heat of July and weariness from traveling by carriage are both exhausting. Quickly enter the palace to rest."
Zhuge Liang said, "It is my fault to trouble Your Majesty to come out to greet me."
Zhuge Liang said, "After this, Your Majesty will take the lead!" and extended his hand forward.
"I will walk with the Prime Minister." Liu Xuan noticed Fei Yi bowing behind him: "Oh? Fei parameter also came, then let's come together."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." After Fei Yi replied, he followed behind the two of them at a distance of two chi, walking with the eunuchs from afar.
Liu Xuan asked in a low voice, "This time the Prime Minister returned to Chengdu, no one informed me beforehand. Is there something important? Is it related to Li Zhengfang?"
Zhuge Liang shook his head slightly: "Li Zhengfang is just one of them. The Prime Minister returned to Chengdu this time not only to explain things to the court officials but also to ensure that every official understands the importance of unity."
"The Prime Minister should persuade those who need persuading, and fight for those who can be fought. For those who are truly unconvincible, let them not hinder matters." Liu Xuan sighed softly, "The burden of national affairs is all on the shoulders of my father-in-law, and I also feel guilty. Li Zhengfang, as an old subject of the former emperor, was trying to divide Yi Province to form Ba Province last time, but it was delayed by your position as the military governor. This year at the beginning of the year, the court just enfeoffed him as a General protecting the realm, but he wanted to set up a government office like the three officials of Wei."
"He just talked without actually doing anything excessive. Furthermore, he always handles matters properly, and as he commands heavy forces in Jiangzhou, I also find it difficult."
Zhuge Liang said slowly: "Li Zhengfang is an old subject who has merits in the past."
Upon seeing Zhuge Liang, Liu Xuan couldn't stop talking: "He is indeed a subject with merits, which is why I am in a dilemma. Now that you, the Prime Minister, are here, this matter can be handled by you."
"If you count it carefully, the Prime Minister has not been back to Chengdu for nearly eight months. I wonder what the situation is on the north."
Zhuge Liang said, "In the seventh year of Jianxing, I launched two military campaigns: one against Daji Middle and another at Yangping Pass. These two military actions allowed me to fully explore the strength and weaknesses of the enemy."
"The military strength of the Wei Kingdom lies solely with its central army. The others are all ordinary individuals. Cao Zhen is a common general, but Zhang He is still worthy of praise."
Liu Xuan nodded thoughtfully: "If what the Prime Minister said is true, if the Wei Kingdom's central army were not in the west, there would be opportunities to use in that area?"
Zhuge Liang replied: "Your Majesty is wise, and that is also the reason why the Prime Minister has always advocated for an alliance with Sun Quan. Before General Jiang Guoyan went on a mission to Wuchang this time, the Prime Minister had already clearly informed him that as long as he can promote Sun Quan to launch an attack towards Xiangyang, matters of words and etiquette are all up to him."
"Liang Wan also has great talents," Liu Xuan looked at the road and introduced with his hand, "Prime Minister, let's walk to the right. There is a pavilion not far from here that is particularly cool."
"In compliance with Your Majesty's orders," Zhuge Liang said, "Although we have successfully convinced Sun Quan to launch an attack towards Xiangyang, this is a matter that benefits the country, but it does put Your Majesty in a somewhat difficult position."
Liu Xuan sighed bitterly: "State affairs are of utmost importance, and the Prime Minister need not concern himself with my thoughts. If Sun Quan can launch an attack, that is the best thing."
Zhuge Liang nodded: "I heard about the food shortage in the Guanzhong region of the Wei Kingdom while in BaiShui. After collecting multiple pieces of evidence, I have finally confirmed it. In my opinion, we can launch another northern campaign this autumn and winter."
The two walked into a pavilion that Liu Xuan called the "Cooling Pavilion". The trees outside the pavilion were about five or six chi high, and with a gentle breeze in summer, it was indeed very comfortable.
After sitting down, Liu Xuan immediately asked, "This time, what place does the Prime Minister want to invade?"
The heat was oppressive, but now that they had found relief, Zhuge Liang's expression softened, and with a smile, he asked, "Your Majesty, do you think we should attack where?"
Liu Xuan handed Zhuge Liang a feather fan and gently brushed away the specks of dust on it: "I want to attack Daciuzhong!"
Zhuge Liang asked again: "Why is Dajiuzhong?"
Liu Xuan calmly fanned himself with the breeze: "I want you, the Prime Minister, to defeat Lu Baiyan's troops!"
Zhuge Liang's expression changed slightly, and then he solemnly bowed his hands: "Your servant Zhuge will definitely destroy Lu Baiyan's troops to satisfy Your Majesty's vengeance. Do not worry, Your Majesty!"
Liu Xuan said, "Lu Xun is not the most important concern. Historically, the Prime Minister's letters to me have been carefully read. Yangping Pass is a major fortress, so it may not be wise to attack it at this time. If we can capture Dajiuzhong, we will certainly break Wei's hold on Liangzhou, which will slowly lead to the occupation of Yan and Liang."
"This is what the Prime Minister has clearly stated to me."
Zhuge Liang sighed and said, "Your Majesty sees things clearly, but there are always those in the court who do not want to launch a northern campaign. It would not have occurred to me that there are so many people with discontentment in Chengdu if it were not for Your Majesty's reports of their petitions."
Liu Xuan sighed softly: "Du Qiong, He Zong, Lai Min, Pei Jun. They are the main ones among the four people. Their petitions clearly state that they are not unwilling to launch a northern campaign but do not want national and civilian strength to be so wastefully consumed."
"The Prime Minister's mansion is in BaiShui rather than in Chengdu, and since then, from the highest officials to the common ministers in Chengdu, many have followed suit, and even the students of the Taixue (Imperial Academy) have rallied in support. It has almost become a political trend."
Sometimes, the difference between the presence and absence of the core of politics is nothing more than two completely different things. Zhuge Liang is in BaiShui, far from Chengdu, and the officials and local families in Chengdu can discuss and argue freely.
Regardless of whether Zhuge Liang is in Chengdu or not!
Zhuge Liang asked with a composed expression, "Are they saying that once the national strength is sufficiently accumulated, then a northern campaign can be launched, which will surely result in victory? At that time, the Prime Minister will lead the elite troops to the north for attacks, and places like Hanzhong, Longyou, and Guanzhong can all be conquered in one stroke?"
Liu Xuan nodded.
Zhuge Liang asked again: "Does Your Majesty think their words can be realized?"
"I truly don't know," Liu Xuan shook his head and sighed deeply, "Accumulating national strength is necessary; a country cannot do without reserves. Northern campaigns are also necessary; how can the Han Dynasty only seek peace in one corner? When these two things are balanced, I find it difficult to make a decision."
Zhuge Liang deeply inhaled and explained slowly: "Your Majesty, I understand that the Han Dynasty's national strength needs to be recovered. However, the Prime Minister's haste in training troops in BaiShui is because we need to defeat the enemy as quickly as possible. The Wei subjects accumulate their national strength faster than us!"
"By comparing these two scenarios, if we launch a northern campaign now, we can still win through our strategic advantage and military strength. If we delay another five or ten years, it might be too late to change the situation. This is also why the Prime Minister feels so urgent in his heart."
Liu Xuan nodded solemnly, "The Prime Minister's words are clear to me. Prime Minister, you may rest assured, I will issue an edict to dissuade Du Qiong, He Zong, Lai Min, Pei Jun, and others, so that they understand the importance and dangers of the national situation and endeavor to support the northern campaign!"
Zhuge Liang shook his head and said, "No need for Your Majesty to trouble yourself. I will convince them myself. They use words to deceive the masses, and I will counter their arguments with clear and persuasive words. That is the correct way."
"But the Prime Minister has another matter to report to Your Majesty, hoping that Your Majesty will approve the Prime Minister's request!"
Liu Xuan, seeing Zhuge Liang's expression, was puzzled and asked, "What is it that the Prime Minister wishes to discuss?"
Zhuge Liang slowly stood up, bowing to Liu Xuan with a respectful expression: "The Prime Minister accuses General Li Yan of lacking broad vision, seeking personal gain, and using military power to force the government during a critical time of the northern campaign, only caring about personal authority!"
"Please Your Majesty to demote General Li Yan, remove his official position!" (The end of this chapter)
