Why My Domineering Prince Regretted Filing for Divorce?-Chapter 749 - 578: The Importance of Taiyuan

Just as Shang Ruyi was feeling conflicted inside, Yu Wenye, with a flicker in his eyes, looked intensely at Shen Wuzheng: "Brother Fu Ming thought of it too?"

"..."

Shen Wuzheng paused for a moment and said: "I have considered it, but this has always been an issue right in front of us."

"..."

"Taiyuan is the birthplace of the Grand Chancellor. Even now, your brother is still stationed there with a large number of troops, showing the importance of that place."

"..."

"Moreover, the significance of Taiyuan goes beyond its meaning to the Grand Chancellor."

Pei Xingyuan widened his eyes: "What do you mean?"

Shen Wuzheng said: "Eastern Capital Luoyang, rich and prosperous, is now in the hands of Liang Shide, and he has the backing of the Turkic forces. If in the future—the Dynasty wants to unify the territories, reclaiming Eastern Capital would be a tremendous challenge. At least for now, peaceful negotiation or persuasion will not reclaim Eastern Capital; the only option is to deploy troops."

"..."

"However, Liang Shide commands a formidable army of hundreds of thousands, coupled with an alliance with the Turks. Deploying troops for reclamation is not an easy task. If time drags on, the split between east and west means the Dynasty will never be unified again."

"..."

"With Taiyuan, the situation changes. The Grand Chancellor can utilize Taiyuan to create a two-pronged attack on Eastern Capital. But if Taiyuan were lost—"

At this point, he stopped speaking, but the severity of the situation was already evident.

Yu Wenye nodded and said: "While Daxing City has just endured a plague, with some unrest among the people, its fortifications are strong, and it has tens of thousands of garrison troops. Even if Ashina Shali intended to wage war on us, it would not be easy."

"..."

"But Taiyuan is different. If he intends to attack Taiyuan, it is indeed much easier, presenting a heavy blow for us and leaving numerous long-term repercussions."

"..."

"Therefore—"

Pei Xingyuan said: "So, should we deploy troops to aid Taiyuan?"

"..."

Upon these words, the room suddenly fell quiet.

Yu Wenye and Shen Wuzheng exchanged glances, both with flickering eyes, evidently containing deeper emotions unvoiced. Pei Xingyuan frowned and said: "What? Is it wrong?"

Yu Wenye paused and said: "If we dispatch troops to aid Taiyuan, and then the Western Turks attack Daxing City, what should we do?"

"...!"

Pei Xingyuan’s eyes suddenly widened.

He lowered his head, thinking for a moment, as if he had just come to his senses, and softly said: "You mean—"

Shen Wuzheng said: "Ashina Shali is crafty and sly and undeniably skilled in military strategy. Previously in Yanmen County, he unexpectedly besieged the late Emperor for several days. This time, even if he makes a show of dispatching troops, it might not truly happen, nor might it be focused on any specific location."

"..."

His few words left Pei Xingyuan somewhat bewildered.

After a while, he said: "So, you mean—we cannot deploy troops, nor can we refrain from deploying them?"

Shen Wuzheng helplessly glanced at him, then looked at Yu Wenye. Pei Xingyuan quickly understood that the decision about military deployment ultimately lay with Yu Wenye, so he promptly turned his attention to him: "What do you say?"

Yu Wenye said: "Brother Fu Ming’s words are reasonable."

"..."

"There is even the possibility that he will act after we respond."

"..."

"If we truly deploy troops to aid Taiyuan, then Daxing City will become his prize."

Although his words clarified the situation, they also added to Pei Xingyuan’s headache, causing him to frown and ask in frustration: "Then, what should we do?"

"..."

"Could it be that the letter Princess Qiancheng sent us is utterly useless?"

Yu Wenye immediately said: "Absolutely not."

"Then—"

"Daxing City must remain secure, so there can be no major movements of troops here. As for Taiyuan City—its fortifications are strong, and its troops well-supplied. As long as we hold firm, there shouldn’t be major issues."

"..."

"The best approach is to send a letter advising Yan Jie to be cautious and vigilant. If the Western Turks truly attack Taiyuan, relying solely on the current troops, sustaining for months is feasible; at that time, Daxing City can deploy troops for assistance, ensuring success."

Shen Wuzheng also nodded and said: "This is currently the most prudent approach."

"..."

"Now, with the Duke’s important affairs approaching, there’s a reluctance to mobilize substantial forces; otherwise, it could lead to instability within the court, and more critically, if it provokes ambitions from other rebel armies to siege Daxing City, our troubles will multiply."

"..."

"So, strengthening Taiyuan’s defenses while keeping Daxing City stable and static is the most prudent strategy."

Upon hearing this, Pei Xingyuan realized the reasoning.

The significant affairs of Yu Wenquan—what they had longed for—as the Eldest Princess swore in court—should a disaster arise, and if the Yu Wen Family truly rescues the people from hardship, the Emperor ought to resign in favor of Yu Wenquan!

This plague indeed fulfilled the prior prediction of "comet appears, disaster strikes," and under the governance of the two sons of the Yu Wen Family, the plague has gradually been eradicated, with patients recovering steadily. Once the patients at Changle Square recover and leave the city, preparations for Yu Wenquan’s ascension to Emperor could commence!

Such major undertakings often bring more turmoil,

and greater crises.

Under these circumstances, indeed, caution is paramount.

At this moment, Yu Wenye lifted his head and looked at Shang Ruyi sitting opposite him. Today, she was unusually silent. Although she was not typically verbose, she never neglected her participation in significant discussions due to her identity as a woman. On the contrary, she often actively engaged in such matters.

Why today—

Watching Shang Ruyi’s expression still somewhat pale, Yu Wenye slightly furrowed his brow, about to speak, when he noticed Shang Ruyi take a deep breath, seemingly finally calming her heartbeat, then lift her head to look at him: "Then will you report this to Father?"

Yu Wenye glanced at her and said: "Of course."

"..."

"But I think Father likely discussed this matter with several senior ministers last night. Unless unexpected, the result would be the same."

"..."

"Therefore, it is best for Father to send that letter."

Shang Ruyi nodded.

At this time, Pei Xingyuan looked up toward them and then toward Shen Wuzheng on the other side, suddenly speaking in a very subtle tone: "Actually, have any of you considered that we might have an even more prudent option?"

"...?!"

Everyone was taken aback.

Shen Wuzheng widened his eyes, looking at him, thinking he might jest again, but his expression was serious—utterly earnest.

Shen Wuzheng said: "What other approach could be more prudent?"

Pei Xingyuan said: "Did we not locate someone—a person with foreknowledge, who can predict without inquiry?"