My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 196 Going south! Go south!
When Gao Huan and Gao Yu arrived at Erzhu Rong's camp.

Only then did they discover that Heba Yue, Murong Shaozong, and others were all there, and even Yuan Tianmu, who should have been in Bingzhou, had appeared here.

But it's normal.

Currently, the group is not in Xiu Rong Chuan, the stronghold of the Er Zhu clan, but in Nan Xiu Rong, which is located at the border of Si Zhou and Bing Zhou. It would not be difficult for Yuan Tian Mu to come over.

"We've been waiting for you two brothers, please take your seats quickly."

After the two brothers took their seats, they looked around at the other people, most of whom were just as confused as they were, wondering why Erzhu Rong had suddenly called them over.

Erzhu Rong looked around and then spoke slowly and deliberately.

"The reason I summoned you all here today is to ask about what's next. Ge Rong and Du Luozhou have already started a war in the east."

Erzhu Shilong immediately said, "Then we should head east now. As the saying goes, when two tigers fight, one will surely be injured. After these two traitors have determined their victor, we will send our elite troops to capture them and achieve unparalleled merit. We can then await the imperial court's reward."

Hebasheng and others shared the same view: "Shilong is absolutely right. We should lead a large army eastward and establish unparalleled merit!"

Although the Heba brothers were valued and given important positions by Erzhu Rong, their official titles were only those of trusted commanders in his tent. They came to join him because they valued Erzhu Rong's powerful connections. Could they expect a good future by following Erzhu Rong?
With the opportunity to make a name for themselves right in front of them, they were naturally eager to send troops out as soon as possible.

They are definitely 'progressive'.

"I have already submitted a memorial to the court requesting permission to travel east, but the court has refused. What can I do?"

Erzhu Rong shook his head. "It's not that I don't want to, but I haven't received an imperial edict. If I were to raise troops on my own, wouldn't I be no different from the rebels in Hebei and Shandong?"

Erzhu Zhao muttered, "When did Tianbao become so indecisive? Now that we have strong and well-equipped troops, why should we care about the court's opinion? We risk our lives to quell the rebellion for the court, do you think the court would dare to have any complaints against us?"

As he spoke, he sneered, "The imperial court? How many soldiers do they have left to fight? If they anger us..."

Erzhu Rong's face turned cold, and he angrily rebuked, "Shut up! My Erzhu clan has been favored by the emperor for generations. If you dare to say such treasonous words again, I will punish you according to military law!"

Erzhu Rong was outwardly angry, but inwardly he was also furious.

idiot!

A bunch of stupid, good-looking idiots.

How could you say such damn things to Yuan Tianmu's face?
Although Yuan Tianmu was his sworn cousin, he was also a confidant of the young emperor Yuan Xu. He was indeed close to him. Yuan Tianmu was indeed just a marginal member of the imperial family. Otherwise, the young emperor would not have tried to win him over. Wasn't it precisely because Yuan Tianmu was a marginal, invisible person that the emperor valued?

But Erzhu Rong still dared not gamble. What if Yuan Tianmu sent back some news that he shouldn't have, which aroused Luoyang's vigilance? Wouldn't all his efforts to act like a grandson for the past six months have been for nothing?

He convened this meeting simply to gauge the attitude of his subordinates.

result……

After just a brief attempt, everyone was already eager to show their attitude, practically writing "I want to improve" on their foreheads.

Even someone like Husi Chun, who usually flatters and agrees with him, didn't bother to read between the lines and instead agreed with Erzhu Zhao and the others' statements.

Capable people are bound to be ambitious, and to gain control, you must satisfy their ambitions.

It seems that the ambitions of my subordinates can no longer be concealed, and I must find an opportunity to satisfy them.

When Erzhu Zhao saw that Erzhu Rong was truly angry, he quickly admitted defeat, "I misspoke. You can't blame us. The rebel army is powerful. We are constantly preparing for battle and ready to march east to meet the enemy at any time, but the court won't allow it. Isn't this just a waste of supplies?"

Yuan Tianmu explained, "His Majesty must have a deeper meaning. We should just wait for His Majesty's decree."

Erzhu Rong quickly replied, "Yes, His Majesty is wise and powerful, and has his own plans. We can wait a few more days."

After saying this, Erzhu Rong ordered someone to bring wine and water.

After exchanging a glance, Gao Huan and Gao Yu understood each other's thoughts.

Until nightfall.

Erzhu Rong summoned the two men to his tent.

"Why did Da Lang and Er Lang remain silent during the day?"

Gao Yu didn't speak, but gestured with his eyes for Gao Huan to answer. He actually wanted to hear Gao Huan's insights as well.

Unlike when he was under the command of Du Luozhou and others, Gao Huan knew Erzhu Rong's abilities and magnanimity, so he naturally would not hide his talents to protect himself.

Under someone like Erzhu Rong, the more you demonstrate your abilities, the more important you become. Although you'll be viewed with suspicion, suspicion and being valued aren't mutually exclusive.

People like Du Luozhou, who are neither valued nor trusted and are always viewed with suspicion, are truly disgusting.

Gao Huan cupped his hands and said, "In my opinion, Tianbao has already made up his mind. How could someone as decisive as you be easily swayed?"

"Oh?"

A glint of light flashed in Erzhu Rong's eyes, and he countered, "What are your thoughts, Eldest Brother?"

Gao Huan said, "Hasn't Tianbao already made preparations to march south?"

Although Erzhu Rong remained expressionless, Gao Yu could still see a hint of surprise flash in his eyes.

"Tianbao sent Zhongyuan and Tianguang to take over Mayi and Jingxing, but then brought us to Nanxiurong. Doesn't this prove that you have no intention of going east, but rather want to go south directly to Luoyang!"

Erzhu Rong did not directly admit it, but retorted, "How dare I lead troops south on my own? If I did that, wouldn't I be no different from a traitor?"

Gao Huan smiled and shook his head, "Today, the emperor is weak and incompetent, the empress dowager is licentious, and treacherous officials are in power, causing chaos in the country and widespread suffering. Now the time is ripe, and Tianbao should seize the opportunity to send troops south to Luoyang to take control of the situation!"

"But I have no legitimate reason to follow."

"Isn't the presence of treacherous officials in the court the perfect pretext? Xu He and Zheng Yan flatter the Empress Dowager to the emperor while attacking those who are loyal to the emperor and seizing opportunities to amass wealth, causing widespread resentment. Emperor Tianbao should use the pretext of 'cleansing the court of corrupt officials' to send troops to punish the traitors. Once the troops have reached the emperor and the rebels have been executed, the imperial ambitions can be achieved. That is my opinion."

"Has the Emperor Tianbao not heard of the story of Cao Cao?"

Gao Huan has already made his intentions very clear!
Learn from Cao Cao!
Under the pretext of "purging the court of corrupt officials," they could storm Luoyang, seize the emperor, and use him to command the feudal lords. At that point, wouldn't righteousness and legitimacy be entirely under their control?
Erzhu Rong glanced at Gao Huan, then looked at Gao Yu.

"What does Erlang think?"

“My thoughts are the same as yours, brother. If we do not seize the opportunity given by Heaven, we will suffer the consequences. The time has come, and we must not miss the chance.”

Erzhu Rong then laughed loudly, "It's still my eldest son and second son who truly win my heart, unlike fools like Wan Ren."

Erzhu Shilong, Erzhu Zhao, and others were still thinking of asking the court for rewards after they made meritorious contributions.

That's really stupid.

With the Erzhu clan's army strong and well-equipped, why not seize the young emperor?

Let's create a new 'Great Wei'!
Let's set aside the question of whether or not to replace it.

With the emperor in hand, what merits and positions one can attain will all be decided by a single word.
"I have the same idea. I have received news that the Prince of Beihai has led 20,000 infantry and cavalry north to Xiangzhou to fight against bandits. At present, the defense of Luoyang is lax, which is the perfect opportunity for me to lead my troops to purge the court of corrupt officials!"

"Tomorrow, we will make preparations and head south to Luoyang!"

After Gao Huan and Gao Yu left.

Erzhu Rong watched the two figures leave, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

"Why is it that none of my Erzhu clan members can compare to the Gao brothers?"

"What keen eyesight! He could see through my thoughts from just a few pieces of information."

"Fortunately, these two brothers are no match for me, otherwise... one is a scholar and the other is a warrior, far superior to the likes of Ge Rong and Du Luozhou. I must hurry up and arrange the wedding for Erlang and Yuechan."

An engagement is not secure enough.

We're getting married!
And it should be done on a grand scale.

Erzhu Rong had already planned that after taking control of the court, he would have Yuan Xu issue an edict in the name of the emperor to bestow a marriage upon him!
The whole world should know about this marriage.

This completely binds Gao Yu to the Erzhu clan's chariot!

Let everyone know that Gao Yu and Erzhu have an inseparable relationship!

PS: I won't deliberately drag out the climax. I'll try my best to add more chapters in the next couple of days.

Let's all give some monthly votes to encourage each other.

(End of this chapter)