Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 556: Fear and Apprehension

Border army victory!

Border army victory!

Border army victory!

A few fast horses galloped in from the city gate, shouting the joyous news of the border army’s great victory as they rode. The townsfolk along the way stopped and watched, leaping with joy.

"After such a long war, we finally won a battle."

"General Fan is truly formidable!"

"I think General Fan is much more capable than the previous Left General."

The townsfolk, ignorant of the inner details, were keenly discussing the two successive commanding generals of the border army. It was as if each of them had witnessed the heroic moments of General Fan leading troops to victory. As for the Left General’s accomplishments in guarding the border for over a decade, nobody had any interest. However, the tragic defeat of the border army last year, with Peng City being slaughtered, was repeatedly mentioned.

The battle report was delivered to the palace, and Emperor Taihe was overjoyed, immediately summoning Prime Minister Wang, Duke An, and other ministers to the palace: "Dear ministers, the border army has won a splendid victory; Rouran’s supplies have been burnt, and they suffered significant losses. Here is the battle report, take a look."

The ministers were all overjoyed beyond expectation.

Prime Minister Wang was the first to read the report, his eyes bright with joy: "The border army’s great victory is indeed a joyous occasion."

"In this battle, the Nanyang Army achieved remarkable feats. It was the Nanyang Army’s successful night raid on the enemy camp, burning Rouran’s supplies, that provided the border army with the excellent opportunity to launch a full-scale attack from the city. I request the Emperor to issue a decree, heavily rewarding General Fan and General Yu."

Emperor Taihe has been anxious and sleepless due to the border war lately, but now his expression relaxed, and he laughed heartily: "Prime Minister Wang has a point."

Duke An accepted the battle report with a full face of smiles, reading it while spitting disdainfully in his heart.

The Zheng Family and Fan Family settled their children’s marriage, forming alliances in the court. Now, General Fan has made great contributions in Si State, but Prime Minister Wang praises the Nanyang Army profusely, just to intentionally boost the Nanyang Army’s reputation and prestige, preventing General Fan from becoming too prominent.

However, the Nanyang Army’s surprise attack on the enemy camp led to significant merits, and Commander Yu Chong was heavily injured. The court indeed should recognize and reward these achievements.

Duke An thought for a moment, then said: "Rouran has not yet withdrawn their troops, it’s uncertain when this battle will end. All these war merits today, I’ve noted them one by one. When discussing merits and rewards in the future, the first topic will be General Yu’s achievements."

Emperor Taihe nodded in approval.

Because of this good news, the senior ministers in the court were all smiling happily today, there was nothing to argue about, and the court affairs were discussed very smoothly.

After court was dismissed, Duke An went to Jingyang Palace to pay respects to Grand Empress Dowager Zheng.

In truth, ministers entering the inner palace is a taboo. Grand Empress Dowager Zheng has controlled the inner palace for several years, and Duke An, as her dear nephew, frequently visits to pay respects. Over time, everyone became accustomed to it.

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng was quite invigorated upon hearing the good news and praised Jiang Shaohua with a laugh: "Nanyang County offered military provisions, and the Nanyang Army escorting the supplies also achieved great merits in this battle. Good! Good! When Shao Hua gets married, I shall send a generous gift." 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Even though Jiang Shaohua was far away in Nanyang County and not present, Duke An still felt a strong sense of crisis. The officials of the Grand Empress Dowager’s Faction also had high regard for the Nanyang County Princess.

To speak the thorny truth, if Jiang Shaohua were to give up the vassal territory and reside permanently in the Capital City, the leader of the Grand Empress Dowager’s Faction might have to change.

Duke An coughed and smiled calmly: "Nanyang County Princess harbors noble intentions and has provided a large batch of military provisions to the court, and the soldiers under her command in the Nanyang Army are very brave."

"It’s a pity that General Yu was severely injured this time, and the Nanyang Army has lost quite some troops. If they remain in Si State, there’s fear that more losses might occur in the future. Thinking of these, I feel for the Commandery Princess."

"Grand Empress Dowager Zheng should write a letter urging the Commandery Princess to recall the Nanyang Army early! Don’t risk losing the family foundation."

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng was very receptive to this tactic and seriously began considering.

Duke An outwardly praised Jiang Shaohua while subtly casting an aspersion: "Nanyang County is wealthy and abundant with supplies, as everyone knows. The Commandery Princess previously donated two hundred thousand bushels of military provisions, which alleviated the court’s urgent needs. However, there’s always some troublemaking scoundrels who gossip behind, claiming the Commandery Princess is donating provisions for fame."

Grand Empress Dowager Zheng snorted lightly: "Whoever can give two hundred thousand bushels of military provisions to the court, not only the Emperor but even I am willing to promote their reputation."

Duke An: "..."

Duke An coughed and laughed in agreement: "Lady, you are right."

"You are the Minister of War, a senior official of the court," Grand Empress Dowager Zheng glanced over: "Your words carry weight inside and outside the court. If anyone dares to speak nonsense again, don’t be polite, just keep your back straight and scold them. I want to see who dares to speak ill of Shao Hua."

Well, her heart was totally inclined towards Jiang Shaohua.

Duke An’s heart was overshadowed with apprehension and he felt even more cautious.

...

That evening, Zheng Chen returned to the residence from the palace, and father and son conspired in the study.

"The Nanyang Army achieved great merits, and the Nanyang County Princess has also gained tremendous fame." Duke An said softly: "Prime Minister Wang intentionally made the reputation of Nanyang known, aiming to weaken General Fan’s prestige."

Zheng Chen’s gaze flickered, and he replied blandly: "General Fan is the main commander of the border army; the border army winning a great victory, the merit goes to General Fan. No one can take it away!"

Duke An glanced at his son: "There’s no one around here, no need to speak such useless drivel. General Fan went through several defeats before; this victory was indeed due to the Nanyang Army’s surprise attack burning supplies and stables. In this battle, the Nanyang Army made the first contribution. The Nanyang County Princess is the biggest winner!"

Bringing up Jiang Shaohua, Zheng Chen’s eyes were complex, and he remained silent.

Duke An paced in the study: "Your attempt to assassinate Cui Du completely angered the Commandery Princess. Such matters must not occur again. In just one month, the Commandery Princess will marry, and you will also bring the Fan girl home. All should be well, don’t involve yourself in any entanglements. Avoid displeasing General Fan."

While trying to win over the Fan Family, treat your wife well in the future, don’t be greedy with both.

Speaking of marriage, Zheng Chen’s expression was indifferent, lacking any joy: "Father, rest assured, I know what I’m doing." Pausing, he lowered his voice: "Zhao Wu, this person might still be useful in the future, must keep him hidden well."

Zhao Wu was the former Peng City commander who abandoned the city and fled, resulting in the border army’s defeat.

Duke An took a deep breath and whispered: "This person cannot see the light, not a trace of him can be revealed, and no one can know he belongs to our Zheng Family."

Connecting with a military general is permissible, but what matters is that Zhao Wu fled at a crucial time, leading to the massacre of Peng City, the defeat of the border army, and the demotion of the Left General by the court. It can all be attributed to Zhao Wu.

If it becomes known that Zhao Wu acted under the Zheng Family’s orders, the Zheng Family’s reputation would be sullied, scorned by everyone.

Zheng Chen nodded silently.