Chapter 71: Mutual Resonance
Page 1 of 3
When Xu Jie was faced with Cai Cong, all his arrogance vanished; he spoke with remarkable candor. How deeply hidden were the great sects of this world? Because of a single comprehensive history, they had sent their most outstanding people to the academy, yet in the end, each bowed their proud heads before Cai Cong’s superior knowledge. It was a sight that brought satisfaction.
“Stop trying to sow discord. You’ve waited for me an hour—what do you want?” Cai Cong spoke calmly. The learning of these schools had been repeatedly examined by future generations; even some secret knowledge circulated among circles of cultural thieves. He found it quite normal.
Hearing Cai Cong’s question, Xu Jie wiped away his frivolous smile, straightened up, and said seriously, “Someone from the thieves’ guild has come from the Turks, saying they have matters to report. People from Liangzhou have also returned—they’re all waiting for you.”
“Let them eat first. I’ll go home to dine with my mother, then I’ll come over.” Cai Cong replied coolly. Xia Yun and Dong Zhu stood nearby, watching like hawks, carrying out the lady’s orders to bring their lord home for a meal—a duty not to be neglected.
“Sir, they’ve traveled hastily to get here. Shouldn’t you see them first?” Xu Jie was dumbfounded. Good heavens, my master isn’t supposed to behave like this—ignoring affairs of state just to have lunch with the elderly lady!
“What do you mean by that? Of course the lord must go home for a meal first. What if he starves? Can’t you see anything?” Dong Zhu, arms akimbo, cheeks puffed out in pride, scolded Xu Jie.
“No, skipping a meal isn’t fatal—wait, that’s not what I meant. I mean eating isn’t important—no, that’s not right…” Flustered before the lovely Dong Zhu, Xu Jie’s face flushed scarlet as he stammered to explain, breaking into a nervous sweat.
“Enough, stop talking. I can guess why they’ve come: the Turks intend to send troops to Liangzhou, and the people there want to revolt. Aside from that, there’s not much else. I’m off to eat first; I’ll visit the camp later.”
Cai Cong spoke lightly. In truth, missing a meal was no great matter, but having lost a game of Go to Chunyu last night, Sister Cai had insisted he stay home for meals more often and not wander about.
“Ah? Then I’ll take my leave, sir.” Xu Jie stood stunned, then fled in haste, unable to meet Cai Cong’s teasing gaze.
After lunch, Cai Cong soundly defeated Chunyu in several rounds, ensuring she knew who was the true master, and only then did he head to the military camp.
The atmosphere there was tense. Outside Cai Cong’s tent, Old Meng and Fang Yuan stood coldly watching Xu Jie. The lord had not arrived, and Xu Jie’s lone visit wasn’t odd—but the fact that he’d subtly probed the envoys for military intelligence aroused suspicion. Old Jiu was off teaching culinary arts at the palace, so Old Meng and Fang Yuan promptly detained Xu Jie.
“What are you doing?” Cai Cong strolled up carelessly, asking as he saw the scene.
“My lord, you’ve finally come! If you hadn’t, they’d have treated me as a spy!” Xu Jie cried out in relief, moving toward Cai Cong.
“Stay back. One step closer and you die!” Old Meng shot an arrow at Xu Jie’s feet, raising his bow with a cold glare.
“What’s happened here?” Cai Cong’s air of nonchalance vanished as he narrowed his eyes in inquiry.
“Sir, Captain Xu came to the camp and began subtly probing for news about the Turks and Liangzhou. We suspect he may be a spy, so we won’t let him near you,” Old Meng said solemnly. The others gripped their swords, ready to draw and spill blood at the slightest provocation.
Page 2 of 3
“Sir, I am wronged! I just wanted to know if your guess was correct—I was merely curious!” Xu Jie pleaded loudly, realizing his mistake too late.
“Nonsense! Affairs of state—if you know, you must keep the secret. How could you try to spy just because I mentioned it?” Cai Cong’s eyes narrowed as he scolded harshly. In wartime, Xu Jie’s conduct would have cost him his head, no matter if he were a real spy or not.
“I know my error, sir. Please spare me.” Xu Jie’s cold sweat poured down as he bowed in apology.
“Xu Jie, though you had no intention to spy, your actions were grave. Five days of confinement as a warning. If you repeat this, execution will follow. Do you accept your punishment?”
“I accept, sir,” Xu Jie replied loudly.
“Go and receive your punishment. Bring in the envoys from the thieves’ guild and Liangzhou.” Cai Cong spoke coolly. Xu Jie’s impulsive nature needed curbing, and a little discipline would do him good.
“Greetings, sir!”
Two unremarkable men entered the tent, bowing respectfully.
“No need for formality. I’ve awaited you. Was there trouble at your end?” Cai Cong’s authoritative tone tightened their expressions.
“Sir, our master sent us with a letter; all news is in it.”
Cai Cong took the envelope, carefully inspecting the seal to ensure it was intact, then opened it and read. When he finished, he looked up and asked the envoy from Meng Baolai, “How did Baolai’s investigation go?”
“Sir, the commander has determined that our caravans were repeatedly attacked in Liangzhou by Prince Changle, Li Youliang. Moreover, he discovered Prince Changle is colluding with the Turks to plot rebellion. When I left for Chang’an, the commander had infiltrated the prince’s residence, working with Master Yuwen to apprehend him.”
The envoy spoke excitedly; what began as a simple investigation into caravan attacks had uncovered a major conspiracy, and participation might bring great merit.
“This matches Xiao Cheng’s report. Li Youliang, Li Youliang—do you really think yourself fit to rebel?” Cai Cong sneered, lips curled in disdain.
“Relay my orders to Xiao Cheng: cut off all supplies to Tuli and Mengnaite. I want the Turks in internal chaos. Let’s see what Jieli can do against our Great Tang.”
Cai Cong laughed coldly. Jieli, believing rumors and relying on a Han scholar, invented new titles and imposed harsh taxes, favoring the Hu people. The Turks were already divided, and many tribes had begun to break away.
If Tuli and Mengnaite can’t pay the heavy taxes now, they’ll surely rebel against Jieli. At that point, Jieli would be lucky to protect himself, let alone launch an expedition.
Page 3 of 3
“Yes, sir!”
“Relay my orders to Meng Baolai: do not touch Prince Changle—leave him to the court. But all those butchers who attacked the caravans—leave none alive. Execute them and display their heads on the city gates. Let everyone know that harming Cai family caravans means courting death.”
“Yes, sir.”
The two men received Cai Cong’s orders and immediately set out with their teams for the grasslands and Liangzhou. Cai Cong pondered for a moment, then called out, “Summon Fang Yuan to see me.”
After a short while, Fang Yuan’s voice sounded at the entrance, “Reporting, subordinate Fang Yuan here as ordered.”
“Come in,” Cai Cong said casually. Fang Yuan entered and stood straight before him; after half a year, his bearing was already that of a professional soldier.
“Prince Changle in Liangzhou intends rebellion. Baolai is assisting Master Yuwen there—I fear they lack manpower. Take a squad and support him.”
“What?” Fang Yuan’s eyes widened in shock. Was Xu Jie’s claim true? Had Cai Cong foreseen Prince Changle’s revolt from the start? Fang Yuan was utterly astonished.
“Fool! Where’s your military composure?” Cai Cong barked, displeased that such a minor matter could unsettle him.
“I accept my fault.” Fang Yuan straightened, answering solemnly. Cai Cong’s expression softened somewhat as he spoke gently, “Be cautious in all things, ensure your own safety above all. Prince Changle is not to be feared; beware of the Turks possibly invading. If that happens, you know what to do?”
“I understand, sir. If so, we’ll move covertly and eliminate their leaders!” Fang Yuan replied coldly. Cai Cong nodded and dismissed him.
Cai Cong boarded his carriage and headed straight for Chang’an. Even with imperial authorization, he needed to report constantly.
Will the votes drift in with the festive air? Begging for votes, asking for your collection.
(End of chapter)