Yinshan Record

Chapter 128 Grand Tutor Yuwen
The Imperial Guards and the Jingye Division were theoretically directly under the imperial court, and belonged to a different system from the Censorate. In theory, no matter how much power Yu Zhongcheng held, it could not extend to Shi Chibao and Liu Yu.

But the world is complex, and the rules that are on the surface are usually compromised.

Although Yu Ze was an Imperial Censor sent by the Censorate to govern a region, he was also a rising star of the Yu clan of Yingchuan and a legitimate member of the imperial family. When he acted out of line here, no one could do anything about it and could only listen obediently.

“If Cizhou is thrown into chaos by these practitioners, I, Yu Ze, can bear the responsibility, but you cannot. You must quickly come up with a solution.”

Legend has it that Cizhou never existed in the world. This fertile land was created by a person with great supernatural powers who, in order to verify a certain principle, used heaven-reaching means to turn the sea into mulberry fields, thus creating this land.

The revenue from Cizhou's grain and rice has always accounted for a large proportion of the imperial court's income. Moreover, with the ongoing war in the north, money and grain are needed everywhere.

If Cizhou falls into chaos, not only will Shi Chibao and Liu Yu be unable to explain themselves to the imperial court, but even Yu Ze will face consequences.

Su Che understood that if it came to destruction, even if a third-rank expert came and tried to move mountains and fill seas, there was nothing that could be done but let them be. If a fourth or fifth-rank expert came, the imperial court would have someone to deal with them. As for those sixth, seventh, and eighth-rank figures who roamed the streets and alleys, you would have the manpower to deal with them one by one.

Do you know which inn they fought over a young lady? In which village did they draw their swords in anger because a few villagers glanced at them? At which ferry crossing did they fight over a mere reputation, breaking through the riverbank and causing waves?
That's where the trouble lies.

"What I mean is, let's come up with a set of rules here first. I'll take the lead, and Eunuch Feng and all of you will sign them. We need to give the court an explanation."

Yu Ze made his stance clear, and Su Che saw that the other two had miserable expressions on their faces.

Young Master Su understood perfectly well that this Vice Minister Yu was up to no good!
It's true that a strategy has been put forward, but is it possible to implement such a hastily agreed-upon strategy? And what good results could there be if it were implemented?

If Cizhou ends up in chaos, Yu Zhongcheng will definitely be in trouble. But he is an incorruptible official, and he might be reinstated in a couple of years. What can Shi Chibao and Liu Yu do then?
Losing one's official position is one thing, but if the court were to subject one to severe punishment, one might lose one's life, which would be a great pity.
“Lord Yu, I have received the official document from the Censorate to transfer to the position of Embroidered-Robe Envoy, but it is not appropriate for me to get involved in this matter. You said you would submit a memorial to the court, but I can run errands for you.”

Liu Yu understood the current situation perfectly well.

You, Yu Ze, don't care about saving face, so why should I, Liu Yu, care?
"Liu Yu, what do you mean?"

Yu Ze glanced at Liu Yu.

“I am no longer the Registrar of the Jingye Division. I am not in a position to interfere in politics. If I were to participate in such an important matter, it would indeed be against the established laws of the court. There is no such rule.”

Yu Ze smiled slightly and pondered for a moment.

"What you say makes sense."

Upon hearing Yu Zhongcheng's words, Su Che and Shi Chibao exchanged a glance, and a thousand thunderbolts seemed to explode in their minds at once.

Good heavens, how many aphrodisiac pills did that guy surnamed Liu send to Yu Ze? He's clearly trying to get rid of Liu Yu.

"Then, Liu Xiuyi, I won't keep you here."

Yu Zhongcheng's face was as blank as a sheet of paper: "Go back to Cizhou City now and hand over the reins."

"I humble my position and take orders."

Liu Yu clasped his hands in a fist salute, gave Shi Chibao and Su Che a look that said "brothers, I can't help you," dusted off his sleeves, and left.

"Where are you going, Military Advisor Liu?"

As they were speaking, the clanging sound of armor plates colliding rang out from outside.

Feng Buxing wore a black gauze hat and black armor, with a straight knife hanging at his waist. His red cloak was stained with blood, and there were still specks of congealed blood on his fair face. "Greetings, Eunuch Feng."

Shi Chibao and Su Che immediately bowed to him.

"Your subordinate..."

"When the imperial court employs people, there is no distinction between high and low status."

Feng Buxing stared at Liu Yu: "Are you going to change your clothes?"

Liu Yu lowered his head and said with a hum, "This humble servant dares not."

Eunuch Feng, if you keep staring at me with such murderous intent, I really need to change my clothes.

"Eunuch Feng, this Military Advisor Liu is no longer under the Jingye Division; he's now an Embroidered-Robe Envoy of my Censorate. I've instructed him to hand over his duties immediately and return to the Censorate to report back..."

"No one should shirk their responsibilities when it comes to matters of the imperial court. Let's come up with a plan."

Feng Buxing’s voice rose: “I am here by imperial decree to handle the matter of Xuanshan. The matter is not yet settled. This place is also considered part of the military. Anyone who deserts in the face of battle must ask me whether my military law allows for leniency.”

"Good father-in-law, you are indeed righteous and awe-inspiring." Shi Chibao was overjoyed. "Liu Yu, even if your yin-nourishing and yang-strengthening elixir is made into a flower, can it still arouse the mortal heart of Eunuch Feng?"
Old friend, if there's hardship or disaster, we'll have to get through it together.

Feng Buxing didn't stand on ceremony and sat directly in the head seat. Shi Chibao waved to the group of imperial guards and immediately arranged the chairs.

Yu Ze sat to Feng Xingbu's left, as a companion. Shi Chibao and Liu Yu sat opposite each other. Shi Chibao on the left was winking and making faces, while Liu Yu on the right had a suspicious expression.

Su Che sat on the bottom chair, leaning against Shi Chibao, deep in thought about what was going on.

"Now that things have come to this, there's no need for me to hide anything. Commander Wei achieved a great victory over the Suo barbarians in the north and invaded Yuzhou. This is the first major victory since the founding of our dynasty. His Majesty will absolutely not allow this northern expedition to end in such a hasty retreat again."

Feng explained the court's strategy and the inside story of the matter in detail.

"The Grand Tutor of the Northern Dynasty, Yuwen Rui, persuaded the Dragon King of Dongting Lake. I don't know what benefits he promised this wretched creature, but he stirred up the Huai River's flood, causing a great flood that blocked the imperial court's route to the north."

The banks of the Huai River are not only rich, but also a reliable waterway. The reinforcements and military supplies of Daliang were sent to Wei Huaiwen in the north via this waterway.

The reason the imperial court is willing to readily allocate military rations for disaster relief now that the Huai River is flooded is precisely because of this. The old emperor is inherently stingy, and the reason he is willing to allocate grain for disaster relief is because if disaster relief is not carried out, the grain will not be able to reach the north.

"Commander Wei is a pillar of the nation and a renowned general. He can only provide support for a short time. Once the Huai River is restored to its normal flow, we must complete the procurement of military provisions and send them to the north."

“Minister Yu, His Majesty has said that the court only has the Northern Expedition as its most important task right now, and we must deliver on this promise.”

Feng Buxing looked at the people below: "The Black Mountain Monster is gone, and most of the Xuan Mountain demons have been wiped out. Now the Yin Yang Dharma King is guarding his own gate, which is the time for him to make a difference, but instead this Golden Book Conference has been created."

“Yuwen Rui has always been adept at manipulating people’s hearts and minds, and is cunning and treacherous. How should we deal with him? Let’s come up with a strategy.”

"Eunuch Feng, Vice Minister Yu, I have an idea."

Su Che stood up from his seat, clasped his hands in greeting, and said.

(End of this chapter)