My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 160 Yes, yes, yes, Gao Lang is perfectly fine!

Erzhu Zhao nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite.

Erzhu Rong could only shake his head inwardly.

Some truths can only be understood by oneself. He can't always break down the words and feed them to Erzhu Zhao bit by bit, like in this conversation.

But he couldn't help feeling a little melancholy.

He had kept Erzhu Zhao by his side for so long with the intention of nurturing him, but Erzhu Zhao had not made any progress at all.

What upset him even more was that Erzhu Zhao was actually considered one of the best in the Erzhu clan. At least Erzhu Zhao listened to advice and was able to heed the advice of those around him. He was not the kind of person who was stubborn and self-willed.

"According to Tianbao's words, Gaolang has no disloyal intentions and can be given an important position."

"Whether such a talented person has any disloyal intentions is another matter. It's like using troops. Why should soldiers be loyal to me and swear to serve me to the death? Because there is a future for them if they follow me. I give them money, food, and good treatment. The more capable a person is, the more ambitious they often are. As long as I can give them what others cannot, they will always be loyal to me."

Erzhu Rong can be certain of this.

At least for now, Gao Yu doesn't have any other ideas.

Having someone with such exceptional abilities and high reputation under your command should indeed be treated with caution, not only for the sake of being on guard, but also to avoid your actions from chilling their hearts.

The most dangerous people are those who are capable and famous but choose not to show it and hide their talents.

Like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows, it strikes unexpectedly, making one feel uneasy.

Sima Xuanwang served as a warning to future generations.

"You should also go back and rest."

Erzhu Rong waved his hand.

Right now, he has too many things to sort out.

………………

After Gao Yu returned, he washed his face with cold water to refresh himself.

"Tianbao values ​​me highly and treats me well. I can serve him and continue to observe the general trend of the world under his command."

Gao Yu was also aware that he was now living under someone else's roof, and thus he also had to restrain the behavior of his subordinates.

While others may treat you well, you must be mindful of your words and actions to avoid displeasing them. Not everyone in the Erzhu clan is on good terms with you, or rather, it's a strategy to protect yourself if a few within the Erzhu clan are hostile or resentful towards you. If you were to easily win over the hearts of the Erzhu clan, whether it was intentional or not, it would be a path to your death.

"We will continue to send people to inquire about the whereabouts of the prince and others when spring arrives next year."

"The rebels have probably reached their limit, and the Rouran will certainly be restless by next year."

Gao Yu was also mentally analyzing the situation in the north.

The rebels' momentum was certainly unsustainable. Once they could no longer snowball their strength and were forced into a stalemate with the court, their eventual defeat was only a matter of time.

After all, it was a case of fighting against the whole country from a single corner.

Even with the fertile land of the Sichuan Basin at his disposal, Zhuge Liang was unable to create miracles or defy fate.

Po Liu Han Baling only had Woye Town and five towns that had already been destroyed. How could it possibly hold out indefinitely?
Ultimately, they were no match for the enemy's size. The powerful Wei could wear down the rebels even if they had to fight it out. However, this dishonorable method would make many people see the 'weakness' of the Wei.

As for the Rouran people?
He received quite a few benefits from the imperial court over the past year, but everything has its limits.

Moreover, the rebels led by Po Liuhan Baling had lost their initial vigor, and the Rouran people would naturally not miss this opportunity to strike a fatal blow. After all, if the matter dragged on any longer, the Great Wei would not even need the Rouran people's help; they would have to quell the rebels on their own.

Anagui was also a great ruler of his time. How could he possibly let this opportunity to gain benefits from the Great Wei and strengthen himself slip by?
Gao Yu speculated.

After the spring, the situation in the northern frontier will undergo a new change, but the Six Garrisons have been completely destroyed, and the Heng and Shuo prefectures have also been destroyed. At that time, I wonder how the court will arrange for so many displaced people.

Regarding the current Wei Dynasty.

Gao Yu felt that... they might do something outrageous that could instantly worsen the situation that had just improved.

Let's just wait and see.

The next day.

Erzhu Zhao personally went to find Gao Yu.

"Erlang, come with me to see Tianbao. He has summoned us to discuss important matters."

Why summon the clan members to discuss important matters, yet bring along an 'outsider' like myself?
So heartwarming!

As expected of the sun of Xiuyingchuan, the energy emanating from her words and actions always makes people feel so warm.

Gao Yu rode his horse and followed Erzhu Zhao. When they arrived, a large group of people had already gathered, all of whom were young talents from the Erzhu clan. At present, Erzhu Rong could only rely on the people in his clan.

After all, he was only a guerrilla general on the surface, and he was stripped of his official position after Yuan Yi's downfall, leaving him without any official title.

The world is not yet in great chaos, and those who want to find a powerful patron would not choose him as their first option.

"Gao Lang is here?"

Erzhu Rong immediately got up to personally greet Gao Yu, which made Gao Yu feel flattered. Erzhu Rong even personally poured Gao Yu a freshly warmed bowl of goat milk wine. Gao Yu was deeply touched by this heartwarming gesture.

"Come! Let us drink together!"

After finishing his drink, Erzhu Rong got straight to the point, "I have gathered everyone here today to discuss something."

“When I returned, Prince Gaoyang Yuan Yong slandered me to His Majesty during a court meeting, ordering my Erzhu clan to prepare a large number of warhorses, cattle and sheep to be sent to the front lines.”

Erzhu Zhongyuan was furious upon hearing this. His eyes widened in anger, and he slammed his fist on the table. "Damn it! When has the court ever gone to war without my Erzhu clan supplying provisions and supplies? Why don't we let those high-ranking families supply them? Do they really think my Erzhu clan is easy to bully?"

"that is!"

Erzhu Shilong chimed in, "Do you think the Erzhu clan is easy to bully? That's absurd!"

You can't just fleece a fat sheep, can you?

Even the fattest sheep can be sheared bald.

"This matter is not a problem."

Erzhu Rong shook his head, "A few cattle, sheep and warhorses are nothing to worry about, so we'll give them away."

Gao Yu was secretly alarmed; this was the tone of a rich person.

The court's exploitation of the people was described as "a little," which speaks volumes about the wealth of the Erzhu clan. When will I ever be that rich...?

"Tianbao, what business do you have with us that you want to discuss?"

Erzhu Zhongyuan was somewhat baffled, and everyone else was equally puzzled.

Erzhu Rong sighed and revealed the whole story: "I served as an official in Luoyang under the patronage of the Prince of Jiangyang, a fact you all know."

Everyone nodded.

Erzhu Rong was the 'chief horseman' of the Prince of Jiangyang. Every time he brought something from the Erzhu clan to Luoyang, he would prepare a separate portion for the Prince of Jiangyang, Yuan Yi.

Yuan Yi was indeed 'grateful' and gave Erzhu a lot of benefits, which also made Erzhu Rong's official career flourish.

"But something happened in Luoyang."

"His Majesty and the Empress Dowager joined forces to bring down the Prince of Jiangyang. Now the Prince of Jiangyang has been stripped of all his official positions and titles, and is a prisoner."

"what?"

Everyone was astonished and said in disbelief, "The King of Jiangyang has fallen?"

Erzhu Rong nodded solemnly and said, "There are many details involved, which I cannot explain in a short time. The reason I have summoned you all here is to discuss how the Erzhu clan should conduct itself in the future."

All of a sudden.

Everyone was silent.

They're good at leading troops to fight, but this kind of thing really touches on areas where their knowledge is lacking.

It's not that I don't want to make suggestions, but I really don't have much to offer.

Gao Yu didn't rush to speak, as he didn't know the specific details of Luoyang and couldn't speak rashly.

Seeing that no one was speaking, Erzhu Zhongyuan thought he should show off and immediately spoke up.

"Why don't we... rebel too!"

"When spring arrives, I will lead my army north to help Po Liu Han Baling seize Heng and Shuo prefectures. Tianbao, you will personally lead your troops to seize Si, Fen, and Bing prefectures. At that time, with Heng, Shuo, Si, Fen, and Bing prefectures in hand, why will we need to be concerned about Luoyang's feelings!"

Erzhu Shilong's eyes darted around, and he also strongly agreed.

"If we can seize the lands of the five states, the other states will surely follow suit and cause trouble. At that time, we can then seize the world. The Yuan clan Xianbei can control this world, so why can't we, the Erzhu clan Qihu, control it?"

Their statements received widespread support.

They all felt that since they couldn't stand the court's displeasure, they should just start fighting!

Erzhu Rong remained expressionless and did not rush to express his opinion, but Erzhu Zhao was quick-witted and immediately said, "This matter is inappropriate."

"inappropriate?"

Erzhu Zhongyuan sneered, "Could it be that Wan Ren is afraid? Tell me what's wrong with it? The imperial court has spent so many days trying to subdue the mere six rebel garrisons, which shows that the imperial army is full of useless trash. How can they compare to the bravery of my Qihu?"

Erzhu Zhao glared angrily, "What do I have to fear? But this matter is simply inappropriate, as for what's inappropriate..."

He stammered for a long time but couldn't say anything. Erzhu Rong had originally had some expectations for him, but was instead deeply disappointed.

I'm so stupid...

Why would anyone have such expectations of Wanren?

But then, Erzhu Zhao anxiously looked directly at Gao Yu, "Let Gao Lang explain what's wrong! He must know what's wrong with it."

what?
Gao Yu was a bit confused. He was waiting to see the Erzhu clan's internal strife, but how did he suddenly get dragged into it?
Erzhu Zhao was quite pleased with himself, saying, "With Gao Lang's cunning, he will surely see through it!"

Thank you for thinking so highly of me.

Gao Yu was helpless, but since things had come to this point, he had no choice but to stand up and speak up to defend the sharp-headed Erzhu Zhao.

"What are your thoughts, Gao Lang?"

Erzhu Rong was also looking forward to it.

"This matter... is indeed inappropriate."

Gao Yu shook his head and expressed his opinion.

Erzhu Zhongyuan felt embarrassed, but he couldn't show his anger in front of Erzhu Rong. After all, even a fool could see Erzhu Rong's attitude towards Gao Yu. He could only suppress his anger and grit his teeth, saying, "Where is the problem? I hope you can enlighten me, Gao Lang."

"Then let me ask you."

"If they were to rebel, how many soldiers does the Erzhu clan have? How much grain and weaponry have they gathered? How much do they know about the specific situation in Heng and Shuo prefectures?"

"The Erzhu clan are mostly cavalrymen, skilled in field battles. If the governors of Sizhou, Fenzhou, and Bingzhou, like those of Hengzhou and Shuozhou, cower in their cities and refuse to go out, how should we deal with them?"

How do you know how many troops the imperial court still has available?

Erzhu Zhao, as if he had found a powerful backer, quickly chimed in, "Yes, yes, yes! What Gaolang says is true. Rebellion is a matter that could cost you your head. How can it be treated like child's play?"

Erzhu Zhongyuan looked extremely embarrassed after being rebuked, but he couldn't find any reasonable reason to retort.

The matter of rebellion.

When the Six Towns first fell into chaos, Gao Yu also considered this possibility. He was quite famous in the Six Towns, so why not also raise the banner of rebellion?

As a result, after discussing it with Gao Huan, nothing came of it, as both felt it was unreliable.

The Six Towns were originally harsh and cold places, and even if they were captured, there was no way to settle down and develop them.

Moreover, although the troops of the Six Garrisons were brave, their strength lay in open field battles. Just like the people of the grasslands, they had no way to deal with a well-defended city.

They didn't know the true strength of the Great Wei.

Rebellion is something that should only be undertaken when one is forced into it.

Alternatively, if the country is already in chaos and the court is too weak to quell the rebellion, then one could rise up in rebellion and take advantage of the chaos.

It's definitely not a decision that can be made on a whim.

This is a job that could cost you your head.

(End of this chapter)