Tang Dynasty: To win Yang Guifei, they asked Emperor Xuanzong to die.

A few days later.

Li Mao and his generals gathered in the tent once more, this time to devise their next strategy.

"Gentlemen, after several days of observation and investigation, we have a general understanding of the motives of the Jiangnan military governor. What seems like an opportunity may also be a trap, so we must be extremely cautious." Li Mao's gaze swept over everyone present.

Qiu Tianqi said, "Your Highness is absolutely right. However, we cannot be complacent about the situation in the Jiangnan region, as the local powerful clans are still adopting a wait-and-see attitude."

“We cannot rush into action,” Li Mao said in a deep voice. “The rebels brought by Xue Cheng need further verification; we cannot trust them rashly.”

Afu stood to one side, pondered for a moment, and said, "Could we use delaying tactics to make them show sincerity, or even surrender on their own initiative?"

Li Mao nodded, "Indeed, this shows their sincerity."

Then, he turned to General Feng and asked, "General, what do you think?"

General Feng pondered for a moment before replying, "Better safe than sorry. My suggestion is to strengthen surveillance of Xue Cheng's army and deal with any abnormalities in advance."

“Alright, let’s proceed according to this plan,” Li Mao decided.

A few days later, they received new intelligence.

The military governor of Jiangnan had close ties with some merchants from the south, who seemed to be secretly procuring large quantities of goods through disguised waterway trade.

"Your Highness, this major upheaval in Jiangnan may present an opportunity to secretly profit," Afu reported, rising to his feet.

Li Mao said softly, "Send men disguised as merchants to investigate secretly. Do not act rashly."

The next morning, Li Mao led a contingent of elite troops and quietly set off for the residence of the Jiangnan military governor.

Throughout their journey, they adhered to the principle of caution and prudence to ensure they did not arouse suspicion from outsiders.

Upon arriving at the residence of the Jiangnan military governor, Li Mao ordered his troops to halt and sent out several scouts to investigate the roads and fortifications.

The scout quickly returned and reported: "The road ahead is clear, and there is nothing unusual around the governor's residence."

"Your Highness, it seems we can continue on our way." Qiu Tianqi felt slightly relieved.

Li Mao nodded slightly, then gestured for everyone to proceed.

Upon entering the governor's residence, he was able to meet the governor of Jiangnan—Li Jingqing.

"Your Highness Prince Shou, welcome to my humble abode." Li Jingqing greeted him with a warm smile, his words filled with respect.

Li Mao returned the greeting and said, "I have long admired General Li's reputation. I have come here today to discuss the situation in the south with you again."

"Your Highness's magnanimity is a great honor to Jiangnan." Li Jingqing led Li Mao to his seat.

"Your Highness, have you heard of the merchants of Jiangnan?" Li Jingqing put down his wine cup and asked softly.

Li Mao replied calmly, "I have heard a little about it, but I have not investigated it in depth. If you have any important news, please tell me."

Li Jingqing nodded and smiled, saying, "I have heard that the waterway trade in the south has been booming recently, and merchants are busy spying and making a profit."

“General, you are absolutely right. The South is indeed prosperous, but it is also quite complex.” Li Mao paused deliberately and looked at Li Jingqing before asking, “But would you be willing to share more details, General?”

Li Jingqing hesitated slightly, but then nodded. "It can't be explained in a few words. Your Highness may stay here for several days."

Li Mao agreed, but he knew in his heart that he could not stay in one place for long.

In the following days, Li Mao spent his days admiring flowers and fishing at the residence of the military governor of Jiangnan, as if he were there for leisure.

In reality, his subordinates were never idle; they were constantly gathering information.

"Your Highness, after investigation, it has been found that some merchants do indeed have dealings with some unknown forces in the court, and the behind-the-scenes operations are quite complex," General Feng reported secretly.

Li Mao pondered for a moment, then instructed, "Let's remain calm for now and continue to monitor the situation. What we need is evidence and concrete measures."

As time went by, the relationship between Li Mao and the military governor of Jiangnan became more and more distant.

During his time at the Jiangnan military governor's residence, Li Mao appeared to be a leisurely and distinguished guest. He calmly admired the flowers and trees in the courtyard, toured the scenery around the residence, and chatted with Li Jingqing as if nothing was amiss.

"The general's garden is unique, especially the lotus pond, which is truly unforgettable."

Li Jingqing replied with a smile, "If Your Highness likes it, you may stay a few more days. The scenery of Jiangnan is beautiful in every season."

"General, you are so hospitable, how could I refuse?" Li Mao smiled slightly, his words full of profound meaning.

Time flew by, night fell, and Li Mao returned to his residence.

His close confidants were already waiting.

"Your Highness, today during our investigation near the market, we encountered a merchant named Su Ming whose behavior seemed suspicious. This man appears to be closely connected to the issues we uncovered earlier," Afu said in a low voice.

Li Mao nodded. "Continue to follow up secretly. We must find more concrete evidence. Don't be impatient."

Thanks to their tireless investigation.

The name Su Ming gradually added more clues to their records.

This merchant appeared to be an ordinary grain and oil shop owner, but further investigation revealed that he specifically chose to sell goods at night and likely had connections with certain high-ranking officials.

"Your Highness, it seems that this Su Ming may be connected with some powerful officials in the court," Afu reported to Li Mao in the secret room.

"In that case, let's wait and see what he does next," Li Mao instructed while pondering.

the next day.

Li Mao "inadvertently" mentioned the situation of doing business in the south to Li Jingqing in the study of the military governor's mansion, without showing any emotion on the surface.

"General Li, have you ever heard of a merchant named Su Ming?"

Li Jingqing seemed slightly taken aback, then replied, "There is a lot of commerce in Jiangnan, and I have heard the name Su Ming many times."

Li Mao nodded slightly, stopped pressing for answers, and changed the subject to other matters.

However, he had some guesses about Li Jingqing's reaction.

at the same time.

On the busy path, several of Li Mao's capable men disguised themselves as merchants, tracking Su Ming's goods and recording their routes for future use.

A few days later, General Feng brought news: "Your Highness, Su Ming has recently transported a large amount of supplies to a dock. According to our spies, this is a clandestine trading point."

"Time?" Li Mao asked quickly.

"Three days later," General Feng replied in a deep voice.

"Prepare for the arrest operation." A determined glint flashed in Li Mao's eyes.

During these three days of planning, they focused all their attention on Su Ming's cargo ship and arranged for elite troops to patrol the area, monitoring any unusual activity discreetly.

As soon as Su Ming appeared, Feng, disguised as a boatman, immediately led his men over and quickly pinned Su Ming to the ground.

The dockworkers tried to escape, but were caught red-handed by soldiers lying in ambush on the perimeter.

Feng led Su Ming directly to a dark room to meet Li Mao.

"Su Ming, if you can confess honestly, I may spare your life," Li Mao said coldly.

"Your Highness...it's a misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding!" Su Ming trembled with fear, completely flustered.