Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey

Chapter 825: National Letter (Part 1)

After the Empress made her decision, the different voices in the court quickly dissipated.

This is the true majesty of the Emperor. Words of gold and jade, not to be questioned by anyone.

Before sending the national letter, Jiang Shaohua specially summoned the Left General into the palace: "Duke Wei Yuan, this is the national letter I have written, take a look."

Even as proud as the Left General was, he felt a bit uneasy, and hurriedly said with cupped hands: "Your Majesty’s thoughtful consideration far surpasses that of a humble general like me. I am sincerely convinced."

Jiang Shaohua smiled: "There are no outsiders here, Duke Wei Yuan, no need to be nervous. This national letter has been read by Chancellor Chen and Minister Feng. In the future, I will also announce it to the world. Open and aboveboard, nothing to hide. I let you see it, so just take a good look."

Only then did the Left General breathe a sigh of relief, and took the national letter from Lu Zhen and Lu She, and began to read it carefully.

The Left General most hated the Rouran Barbarians, wishing to cut Fu Mingdun into a thousand pieces. In the prior court discussion, he firmly advocated for killing the Rouran Khan.

However, at this moment, looking at the few terms listed in the national letter, the Left General couldn’t help but exclaim repeatedly: "The Emperor wants to exchange Fu Mingdun’s life for all the captured people of Da Liang. This is wonderful!"

Jiang Shaohua restrained his smile, his gaze cold: "When Peng City was slaughtered back then, tens of thousands of young and strong were taken away. This deep-seated blood feud is something I have never forgotten for a single day. Not just them, in these years, every time Rouran invaded the border, innocent people suffered."

"I am even more eager than you to cut down Fu Mingdun with a single stroke."

"However, if we do so, the people of Da Liang who are slaves in Rouran will have no way out. I want to rescue the people first."

"With Fu Mingdun as a hostage, Rouran must release the captives."

"I also want to take this opportunity of sending the national letter to thoroughly intimidate the Rouran Tribe and all the other nomadic tribes outside the border."

The Left General was stirred with passion and immediately said: "Sending the national letter to Rouran is not a trivial matter, I volunteer to lead the troops there."

Jiang Shaohua looked at the Left General: "You are Da Liang’s Duke Wei Yuan, a Great General who has guarded the border army for twenty years. In my heart, only you can represent the Da Liang Army and show national prestige to the Rouran Tribe."

"However, this journey also has its dangers. If Rouran gives up Fu Mingdun and establishes another Khan, this letter will be useless and will completely enrage the Rouran Barbarians."

"At that time, you would be a lone army trapped in an enemy camp, with little chance of returning alive."

The Left General raised an eyebrow with a smile: "I fear not the slightest. Please grant the order, Your Majesty, and allow me to go."

Jiang Shaohua had to praise him in his heart, though the Left General had many faults, he indeed was valiant and formidable.

"This matter still needs to be planned." Jiang Shaohua said: "How many elite soldiers to bring must also be carefully discussed. There’s no rush for now. Be mindful in your heart. Once everything is properly arranged, it won’t be too late to set off. During this time, take a good rest first."

Sending the national letter to Rouran, having too many soldiers is not suitable, having too few is also not viable. How many elite soldiers to bring is a matter worthy of discussion.

Also, preparations for provisions and baggage are issues that concern both the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue.

Certainly, these logistical matters don’t concern the Left General. What he needs to do is lead the elite soldiers of Da Liang, take a trip to the grassland, and manifest national prestige. Meanwhile, he will ensure that the name of Zuo Feng forever leaves its mark on history.

The Left General suppressed the excitement in his heart, cupped his hands in salute, and accepted the order.

After leaving the palace, the Left General did not go to the military camp nor return home, but went to the Wang Family to meet his former patron, Prime Minister Wang.

Wang Jin married three years ago, and the following year he had a daughter.

The Prime Minister had some regrets initially. Since even if Wang Jin had a son later, the age difference with Princess Bao’er would be too great. The Wang Family’s hope of producing a Crown Prince Consort was completely dashed.

However, as his granddaughter grew up into a chubby and cute, quick-witted girl, the Prime Minister, having nothing better to do, took to educating her himself.

When the Left General arrived, the Prime Minister was merrily teaching his granddaughter poetry!

"Huixi, say hello to Duke Wei Yuan."

The little girl, just over two years old, shook her little head and crisply called out "Duke Wei Yuan," the pearl flowers on her head trembling with her movements.

The Left General chuckled: "Prime Minister, you are teasing me!"

He was happy to be called Duke Wei Yuan. Prime Minister Wang, however, didn’t favor being called Duke Ning as much, preferring to be addressed as Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister laughed heartily and asked the nanny to take Huixi away, and had a good pot of tea served.

The Left General drank a cup of clear tea and recounted his visit to the palace: "...The Emperor has grand plans and foresight. For every step he takes, he considers ten or a hundred more."

"This journey to the grassland, if successful, will thoroughly intimidate all the tribes and bring long-lasting peace to the border."

The Prime Minister gave the Left General a deep look: "This would indeed be a remarkable achievement."

"However, this journey is full of dangers. If things go awry, or if there’s someone audacious enough to risk everything, you might not make it back alive."

"Zuo Feng, you must think carefully."

The Left General raised his brow, a bold aura exuding: "I have already made up my mind, no need for further thought."

The Prime Minister laughed dryly: "Then why have you come to see me?"

The Left General said solemnly: "I came to bid farewell to the Prime Minister. If this journey is smooth, so be it. If I do not return, I hope the Prime Minister will look after the Zuo Family."

The Prime Minister laughed at himself: "I’m just a retired Prime Minister, an old minister in name only, where do I have the ability to look after the sons of the Zuo Family?"

The Left General sincerely said: "Why must the Prime Minister be so modest? The Emperor holds you in high regard. Your fourth son is now a Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, in a few years, with more experience, he will be the evident Minister of Personnel. As long as the fourth son lends his support, the Zuo Family will have a great backer."

The Left General was indeed forthright. He directly expressed that the Zuo Family was seeking a backer in Vice Minister Wang.

The Prime Minister felt a bit troubled hearing this and couldn’t help but retort: "Your calculations are rather loud."

The Left General smiled: "Before I leave, I must make sure my family is properly arranged."

"These words sound ominous," the Prime Minister frowned: "Don’t speak carelessly, otherwise it might become a self-fulfilling prophecy."

The Left General said calmly: "Since I have decided to go to the grassland, I have regarded life and death as beyond me."

The Prime Minister and the Left General stared at each other for a moment before the Prime Minister sighed: "Fine, I agree to your request."

"Zuo Feng, may you go safely and return whole."

"Leaving a name in history is good, but you have to live to enjoy the honor and glory."

The Left General laughed heartily: "Rest assured! I cherish my life more than anyone. Until a critical moment, I wouldn’t easily risk it. Prime Minister, just wait to see me accomplish great deeds!"