The Empress's No.1 Lackey

Chapter 990 - 559: Discussing the World atop Gancao Platform

"On Xiping Road, did the Duke report back that Prince Hejian is still holding on?" Xu Zhenguan shifted the topic.

Yuann Li spoke up, "The local customs of Xiping Road are fierce, and the local martial forces are somewhat stronger. Although Prince Hejian has gathered many martial forces, they are nothing but disorganized troops. If the Western Regions were not being vigilant, the forces under the Duke would have eradicated them long ago."

Compared to the two factions of rebels at the Huai River, the situation on Xiping Road and Iron Pass Road is much better.

Yanshan King’s troops on Iron Pass Road are the least, firmly held by Luo kedie in Jubei City, unable to advance south for a long time, already showing signs of initial enthusiasm followed by exhaustion.

As for Prince Hejian on Xiping Road... according to Duke Tang’s memorial, this person cannot become significant, but after the internal strife within Yu Country, the Western Regions clearly began to grow restless.

Even though Princess Wen Zhu continuously exerted influence, she still couldn’t suppress the restless minds of the various countries in the Western Regions eager for gain.

Thus, Duke Tang could only dispatch troops, keeping an eye on the Western Regions while simultaneously restraining Prince Hejian.

This led to a shortage of manpower.

Xu Zhenguan snorted coldly, "Prince Hejian is just waiting for the court to be unable to hold on, for the Huai River battlefield to turn around, and then seek opportunity. When the clam and the snipe fight, Prince Hejian wants to be the fisherman. Such a mindset, dare he covet the throne?"

The ministers also nodded, agreeing with this judgment.

Everyone understood that the war situation at the Huai River would not only affect one place. Whether it’s Prince Hejian, or Yanshan King, or Prince Chen occupying Coastal Road, they’re all observing the outcome at the Huai River battlefield.

A third-rank military officer of the Privy Council suddenly said, "Your Majesty need not worry, with Minister Xue present, the rebel army will never succeed."

Immediately, one after another, officials from the court’s military side spoke, expressing similar opinions.

In their words, they continually elevated the importance of Xue Shence, as if the court’s future destiny depended on Xue Shence alone.

This is the military ministers vying for greater power. Ever since Xue Shence’s great victory, military officers have been on the rise, led by the Privy Council.

In public forums, they suppress civil servants repeatedly.

"That’s incorrect. Although Xue Shence is the commander, Commander Zhao has achieved more victories. Now overseeing the west line, with Commander Zhao’s demonstrated abilities, a breakthrough on the west line is not impossible."

Suddenly, the newly appointed Minister of Personnel spoke.

As a member of the Imperial Faction succeeding Li Yanfu, he keenly captured the Empress’s slight displeasure and spoke to try to turn the tide.

The Minister of War chuckled, "Commander Zhao has great talent known to all the court. I also heard that recently, Commander Zhao indeed accomplished something significant."

Immediately, he disclosed the latest intelligence on Zhao Douan infiltrating Yongjia City, assassinating the supervisor, and rescuing the Yongjia Prefect.

His speech was not without praise.

However, although these were clearly words of flattery, in the ears of the people, they took on a different tone.

On one hand, there is Xue Shence’s great victory on the frontline.

On the other hand, Zhao Douan’s infiltration and rescue mission behind enemy lines... though indeed impressive, worthy of admiration...

But...

Everything is afraid of comparison.

Comparing the two, Zhao Douan’s actions in Yongjia seem somewhat...

Petty.

And thus, the Minister of War’s praising words took on a somewhat mocking tone.

Yet, there was no one to refute.

Seeing this, the court’s military faction grew ever more pleased, and the Privy Council’s Vice Minister suddenly looked at Ma Yan among the seats, smiling, "I see, Commander Zhao’s actions are not limited to these. For example, recently, that new Master at the Imperial Office Pear Blossom Hall, I hear is Zhao’s subordinate? He also performed some extraordinary deeds. By the way, did this person come today?"