Chapter 474 Go to the battlefield!
Listening to Zhao Jianan's words, Sun Zhunde basically understood what Zhao Jianan was thinking, and he followed Zhao Jianan's meaning and continued:
“My lord, now is a critical moment, we must not make any mistakes. Zhao Yong is the governor-general, who specially left him in Youyan to guard against Gao Zongchang. So the governor-general may not agree to recommend him to be the second general. And although Shen Zhuo is used to guard against Ye Mingsheng in the east...”

"But Ye Mingsheng is of humble origins, has no ambitions, is content with a small fortune, and has always been respectful to the Governor and our Yan Army. Therefore, he may not have the courage to invade. Shen Zhuo is a general in our Yan Army, so it is most appropriate for him to serve as the Second Division General!"

Zhao Jianan nodded when he heard this. Before today and Shen Zhuo, he had this idea when he knew about the dealings between Shen Zhuo and Zhao Jianwen. And now that he felt Shen Zhuo's ambiguous attitude, he became more determined to replace Shen Zhuo with his own people.

Zhao Jianan pondered for a moment, then asked Sun Zhunde:

"Mr. Sun, what do you think about the person who will replace Shen Zhuo?"

Under Zhao Jianan's gaze, Sun Zhunde thought for a moment and replied:

"Liang Kui!"

Hearing this name, Zhao Jianan showed a touch of surprise. Since he entered politics, in order to reduce his father's suspicion, he seldom interacted with people in the Yan army. Therefore, he did not have many trustworthy people in the army. Only his brother-in-law Liang Kui served in the army...
Because his mother came from a poor family, Zhao Jianan paid special attention when choosing a wife. After great caution, he chose the Liang family, a wealthy family in Youyan. Although the Liang family was not as powerful as the Feng family, it was also one of the most prominent families in Youyan and an evergreen in Youyan's political arena.

Zhao Jianan's brother-in-law Liang Kui is the eldest son of the Liang family. According to the family tradition, he should have taken the imperial examination to become a civil official. However, Liang Kui was not good at speaking and was taciturn like a dumb jar. He also did not have much talent in studying. In addition, he was tall and strong, so the Liang family had no choice but to let Liang Kui become a military officer.

Although he was transferred to be a military officer, Liang Kui did not do anything outstanding. He had been a mediocre official until now. With the support of his family, he served as the commander of the Yan army in Yijing. The biggest battle he had experienced on a daily basis was suppressing bandits outside the city. That was why Zhao Jianan was a little surprised that Sun Zhunde nominated him.

Looking at the unpredictable Zhao Jianan, Sun Zhunde explained:
“Young Master, from the current perspective, the east is very peaceful, and Ye Mingsheng’s Fengwu Army has not shown any unusual movements. So under such circumstances, the person who takes over from Shen Zhuo can relax a little, but he must be loyal…”

"The second division of troops to support the Governor-General will have to be drawn from various units in Youyan. After the Jizhou troops are drawn, there should still be about 7,000 troops left. Therefore, the person who takes over Shen Zhuo must firmly hand over the military power to you, the eldest son."

"He was able to bring troops here at the critical moment. Although Liang Kui is a taciturn and a little dull, he is your brother-in-law after all. On major issues, he will definitely side with you, young master!"

After listening to Sun Zhunde's analysis, Zhao Jianan suddenly realized. Seeing this, Sun Zhunde continued:

"And hasn't Mr. Liang been hinting to you, Young Master, to promote Liang Kui?"

“My lord, you have always evaded the issue before due to Liang Kui’s talent, which has caused some complaints from the Liang family. This is a good opportunity to appease them. If you give the Liang family a good opportunity, they will be more willing to work for you, my lord…”

The more Zhao Jianan listened to Sun Zhunde's words, the more he thought they made sense. He immediately made the decision:

"Just do as you say, Mr. Sun! I will write a letter to Marshal Father and recommend Shen Zhuo as the Second Division General to support Yunbing, and Liang Kui will take over his position as the General of Jizhou!"

After saying this, Zhao Jianan felt that Sun Zhunde was so considerate of him, and he couldn't help but feel touched. He immediately shook Sun Zhunde's hand and said:
"Jian'an is so lucky to have your help, sir. If Jian'an can get what he wants one day, he will definitely live up to you!

"Oh, right! Mr. Sun, my father-in-law has a young daughter who is 28 years old this year and is about to get married. I heard that your eldest son is still unmarried. What do you think? If you are interested, I can come forward and talk to my father-in-law on behalf of your son!"

Listening to Zhao Jianan's words, Sun Zhunde couldn't help but sigh in his heart. He knew that this was Zhao Jianan's way of compensating him in disguise. Although he was also a high-ranking official in Youyan, his status was not particularly high because of his humble origin. Therefore, it was too high for his son to marry the girl from the Liang family!
Even though Zhao Jianwen sent people to assassinate him and crippled his second son, he was still the governor’s son after all. It was already the limit that Zhao Jianan could make such a fuss for himself and Zhao Jianan. At least now it was impossible to really let Zhao Jianwen pay with his life...

If the commotion continues, the Governor will step in, and by then, if nothing unexpected happens, both of you will be punished with fifty lashes. So, let's quit now while you are in the right!
Although he was filled with grief and indignation at the thought, Sun Zhunde still bowed to Zhao Jianan and said:
"Thank you for your gift, young master. I will definitely put the overall situation first!"

Seeing that Sun Zhunde understood his hint and chose to compromise, Zhao Jianan nodded with relief.

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Dongning, Military Governor's Office.

Yun Hanjie walked into Ye Mingsheng's study again, bowed his head and reported to Ye Mingsheng:

"Sir, the head of our Yun family, Yun Guanjing, died of a sudden illness at home last night! I hope you will show mercy and send someone to attend the funeral!"

After the words fell, although Yun Hanjie lowered his head and did not look at Ye Mingsheng, he could still feel a hawk-like gaze falling on him...

Ye Mingsheng's original words were to bring Yuan Guanjing over. Although everyone knew that Yun Guanjing was doomed to die, Yun Hanjie undoubtedly still wanted to make the decision on his own.

However, whether for personal reasons or for the sake of his family, Yun Hanjie was unwilling to hand Yun Guanjing over to Ye Mingsheng!

As for personal feelings, although Yun Guanjing is Yun Hanjie's nephew, since he was raised by Yun Hanjie, it is not an exaggeration to say that they are as close as father and son, otherwise Yun Hanjie would not be willing to take the blame for him.

Although Yun Guanjing must die under the coercion of Ye Mingsheng, if he is handed over to Ye Mingsheng, then with Ye Mingsheng's methods, Yun Hanjie dare not imagine what Yun Guanjing will encounter before his death. So even if he is forced into a corner, he cannot let Yun Guanjing die too painfully.

In addition, for the entire Yun family, Yun Guanjing is nominally the head of the family and represents the face of the family. Handing him over to Ye Mingsheng would be a fatal blow to the Yun family's reputation in Liaoyang. The entire family would also be disgraced and would not be able to hold their heads up among the gentry... So, whether for public or private reasons, Yun Hanjie could not hand Yun Guanjing over to Ye Mingsheng. He could only choose to give Yun Guanjing a cup of poisoned wine and then ask Ye Mingsheng to send someone to check!
Taking a deep breath, Yun Hanjie, who had already prepared himself mentally, said in a deep voice:

"Reporting to the commander-in-chief, my Yun family is also willing to contribute a little to the Fengwu Army's expedition to Youyan. We are willing to offer 700,000 taels of silver, 100,000 hectares of fertile land, 50,000 pieces of cotton cloth, and 100,000 shi of grain. In addition, the 400,000 taels of silver bonds held by my Yun family from the Dadongsheng Company are also voluntarily destroyed!"

Listening to Yun Hanjie's words, Ye Mingsheng couldn't help but admire him. He was indeed a ruthless man. Based on Ye Mingsheng's understanding of the Yun family, although the Yun family was quite wealthy, there was not much left after his repeated exploitation. And what the Yun family reported now was almost all the remaining property of the Yun family!
Perhaps he knew that his self-assertion would anger Ye Mingsheng, so Yun Hanjie did not bargain with Ye Mingsheng about the money, but bet everything on it. Except for the family's remaining money for food, the rest was given to Ye Mingsheng...
"Mr. Yun, I didn't expect you to be so single at your age!" Looking at the unusually old Yun Hanjie, Ye Mingsheng said indifferently:

Listening to Ye Mingsheng's words, Yun Hanjie raised his head and said earnestly:
"Please, Lord Commander, calm down your wrath and let our Yun family live!"

In response to Yun Hanjie's request, Ye Mingsheng did not answer directly, but changed the subject and said:
"Master Yun was standing where you are standing right now, Gongsun Huan of the Gongsun family was yesterday. Do you know what he said to me?"

Yun Hanjie hesitated slightly when he heard this. He knew that Gongsun Huan came to see Ye Mingsheng yesterday, but because the Yun family was in a mess now and Ye Mingsheng only gave him three days, he had not had time to meet Gongsun Huan. So naturally he didn’t know the content of the conversation between him and Ye Mingsheng...
Although he didn't know why Ye Mingsheng suddenly told him this, under Ye Mingsheng's calm gaze, Yun Hanjie had a bad feeling, but he could only bite the bullet and shook his head and said:
“I don’t know!”

After hearing Yun Hanjie's answer, Ye Mingsheng did not keep him in suspense and answered directly:

"The Gongsun family is not as rich as your Yun family, but the Gongsun family is willing to summon family members, servants, and tenants to go to the battlefield!"

As soon as Yun Hanjie heard this, Ye Mingsheng understood the implication. His face changed immediately, and he knelt on the ground and pleaded with Ye Mingsheng:

"General, our Yun family is not as brave and martial as the Gongsun family. Our children have been practicing martial arts since childhood and have strong bodies. Our children are all playboys who can't carry anything. If they go to the battlefield, they will be lambs to be slaughtered. Your Excellency, all the money and goods of our Yun family are dedicated to you. Please have mercy on us and spare us!"

After saying this, Yun Hanjie banged his head on the floor tiles of the study room, and the sounds were shocking.

Seeing this, Ye Mingsheng remained calm and said:

"This is what I thought before. When it comes to the expedition to Youyan, those who have money will contribute money, and those who have strength will contribute strength. But now I see it differently. Your Yun family is braver than I thought, and your character is more resolute. I underestimated you before..."

"Then in order to make up for my mistake, I decided to give the Yun family's sons a chance to make achievements. From now on, all males in the Yun family who are over 18 years old and under 40 years old will be incorporated into my personal guard battalion. I will personally lead them to the battlefield, and see with my own eyes the heroic figures of the Yun family's second sons on the battlefield!"

After Ye Mingsheng finished speaking, Yun Hanjie, who was kneeling on the ground, was furious. He opened his mouth and wanted to say something, but he couldn't utter a word. He fainted from anger.

Looking at Yun Hanjie who fainted on the ground, Ye Mingsheng frowned slightly. Although he was a little displeased with Yun Hanjie's self-assertion, he still adhered to the traditional virtue of respecting the elderly and loving the young, and ordered Qi Dechao to find a doctor to rescue Yun Hanjie. If Yun Hanjie died in his study today, he would be somewhat unlucky...

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Youyan, Yuyang.

Late at night in the Gu family study, under the orange light of the candle, Gu Shouting was concentrating on reading the book in his hand. He did not notice that a slim figure quietly walked into the study behind him, and a pair of soft and boneless jade hands gently kneaded Gu Shouting's shoulders.

"Why don't you go to bed?"

Holding the hand of his beloved, Gu Shouting said with a smile:

Gently stroking Gu Shouting's face, Wang Jingru said softly:

"I had fallen asleep, but when I noticed you were missing, I thought you were reading in the study!"

Wang Jingru and Gu Shouting were originally in love and decided to spend their lives together, but because of the obstruction of the Gu family, Gu Shouting could only marry the daughter of the An family. Although she could no longer be the legal wife, Wang Jingru, who still couldn't let go of Gu Shouting, finally chose to humble herself and become Gu Shouting's concubine...
Gu Shouting was also grateful for her dedication and feelings for him, so since Wang Jingru came into his family, he had been doting on her in every way, fearing that she would suffer any grievances again. The two of them were very affectionate and gave birth to a pair of children within a few years.

Gu Shouting smiled and said casually:

"If you can't sleep, come and read a book. You'll fall asleep easily after reading for a while!"

Listening to Gu Shouting's words, Wang Jingru pulled Gu Shouting's hand with some distress and said:

"Did my brother write to you? Shouting, you have already suffered so much, why do you have to continue to meddle in their affairs?"

"I think our family is pretty good now. At least we don't have to worry every day..."

(End of this chapter)