Standalone Northern and Southern Dynasties

Chapter 65: The Fall of the General
At the Danyang Duke's Mansion, Xiao Baoyin was discussing matters with his trusted aides.

"Tomorrow is the day when Prince Qinghe will select his troops. I am also invited to attend. At that time, I will give advice to Prince Qinghe and discuss the southern expedition."

"Think carefully about how to impress King Qinghe and get him to support the southern expedition."

The trusted aides at the table began to discuss, but only one of them lowered his head. He looked very similar to Su Cho, but his demeanor was much calmer. He was Su Cho's brother Su Liang.

Then everyone chattered and expressed their opinions, but Su Liang remained silent until Xiao Baoyin got tired of listening and dismissed everyone. Only then did he leave Su Liang alone and asked:
"Jingshun, in the past when you were in my shogunate, you were the one who offered endless advice, and no one else said a word. Why is it the other way around today?"

Su Liang bowed and said, "Mingsir, I have a few words of advice for you."

Xiao Baoyin said with an open mind, "Go ahead."

Su Liang said, "I discussed state affairs with my brother a few days ago. The northern border is in turmoil, bandits are everywhere in the country, and even Li Wohu no longer talks about the southern expedition. Why are you still obsessed with this?"

"You are a talented general. If there is any change in the world, you will have the opportunity to make achievements. It is better to quell the civil unrest first and then plan the southern expedition."

After Su Liang finished speaking, Xiao Baoyin's expression completely changed. He said in a cold tone: "Xiao the thief and I have a hatred for destroying our family. If I can't march south, what's the point of me staying in the court?"

"Jingshun, ask yourself, I am a member of the royal family of the former Southern Dynasty. Apart from sending me to the southern expedition, will the court let me lead troops to other places?"

"If I don't lead the troops to war, can the court trust me?"

These two questions made Su Liang completely silent.

Yes, in the previous Battle of Fushan Weir, the imperial court ordered Xiao Baoyin to lead the troops to fight. One reason was that he was a member of the royal family of the previous Southern Dynasty and had prestige among the generals and governors of the Southern Dynasty. He could win over some of the counties and prefectures of the Southern Dynasty to surrender and had great influence on the southern front.

Secondly, he and Xiao Yan were sworn enemies, so it was impossible for him to surrender to the Southern Dynasty, and he fought the hardest.

But if it wasn't an attack on the Southern Dynasty, no matter how bold the Northern Wei court was, it would not hand over the army to a royal family of the enemy's former dynasty, right?

Even if Xiao Baoyin had married Princess Nanyang and was considered an in-law of the Northern Wei Dynasty, it would not work. According to the tradition of the Northern Wei Dynasty, only close royal kings could be used to suppress internal rebellions in provinces and counties.

Like the Southern Dynasties, the court struggles in the Northern Wei Dynasty were also very fierce.

Although Danyang Duke Xiao Baoyin married a princess, Princess Nanyang was only the elder sister of the previous emperor. She had a distant relationship with the ruling Empress Dowager Hu, and had no family affection for the young emperor.

Xiao Baoyin was able to be given an important position as a member of the royal family of the former dynasty of the enemy country, and no one knew how many people envied him.

His family was broken up in his early years, and his experience of exile in a foreign country made him extremely insecure. Now he lives at home and is anxious day and night.

"Husband, use some spring points."

The door opened, and Princess Nanyang, dressed in palace clothes, came in with a food tray. Seeing Xiao Baoyin was still discussing matters, she put down the food tray and said:
"Husband, please eat something first before discussing matters."

Xiao Baoyin nodded, looked at his wife and said, "Is there any news from Prince Song's Mansion?"

Princess Nanyang said with joy and pride: "I have already told my sister that she will speak well of my husband to Prince Qinghe tomorrow."

Hearing this, Xiao Baoyi's face became much better. He stroked his wife's hand and said, "Thanks to my good wife, you have worked hard."

Princess Nanyang almost shed tears. Since returning from the southern expedition, her husband had never spoken to her in such a gentle tone. She quickly wiped her eyes with a handkerchief. Xiao Baoyin took her hand and said, "Tomorrow we will go to the selection meeting. You should accompany me."

When Princess Nanyang saw Su Liang was still in the alley, she shyly responded in a low voice, then hurriedly left with the food tray.

When the princess left, Xiao Baoyin's expression changed immediately. He said to Su Liang:

"We must march south as soon as possible no matter what. It really makes me uncomfortable to stay in the mansion and flatter this ignorant woman every day!"

Su Liang sighed secretly and had no choice but to say goodbye and leave the room.
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At the same time, in the mansion of General Li Chong, the lights were on. Li Chong, who had been "sick" at home, was holding his recently married concubine with one hand, and holding a wine pot to fill it with sweet wine, while the dancers were dancing gracefully.

Li Daoyuan, who was sitting in the guest seat, did not drink any wine. He stared at the table, holding the teacup and sipping tea.

Seeing that Li Daoyuan was so bored, Li Chong soon lost interest in drinking and watching dancing. He waved his hand in disappointment and dismissed the dancers and concubines.

When the banquet hall quieted down, Li Chong said, "The King of Rourou has already written to the court, declaring that the murder of the two brave men will no longer be investigated. Lord Li has solved the case first this time, and the court will soon appoint you as the governor of Henan!"

Li Chong immediately burst into laughter, but Li Daoyuan remained expressionless, which made Li Chong feel very bored.

Li Chong put down the wine bowl in his hand, looked at Li Daoyuan and said: "Every time I see you, I think of Cui Gong, which is really boring. However, Su Ze who helped you solve the case is interesting."

Li Daoyuan then said, "In this case, can the general select talents for the country?"

Li Chong said flatly: "No."

Li Daoyuan held his forehead and asked, "Why not?"

Li Chong said: "My son has not yet been crowned, how can I recommend this Yulin soldier?"

Faced with Li Chong's self-righteous reasons, Li Daoyuan was speechless, but he was already used to it.

Li Chong added: "But if the court allows me to open a government office again in the future, I can recruit Su Ze."

Li Daoyuan looked at Li Chong and asked in surprise: "The general is going to be reinstated?"

Li Chong shook his head and said, "I am already old, and the court will never use a sick man like me."

But after Li Chong said this, Li Daoyuan felt that he was confident.

But it’s true, there are actually not many ministers in the court who can lead troops to fight.

Li Chong is one, Xiao Baoyin, the Duke of Danyang, is one, and Yuan Shen, the former Yin of Henan and current Governor of Huanzhou, the Prince of Guangyang, is one. Those brave generals who once fought with Emperor Xiaowen are either old and sick or defeated in political struggles and have long been expelled from the court.

Although Qinghe King Yuan Yi had a reputation for virtue, it was only a reputation for literature and he did not have the ability to lead troops in battle.

Faced with the decline of military generals in the court, Li Daoyuan fell silent again. What was going on in the Wei court?
Li Chong said, "King Qinghe is going hunting tomorrow. I heard that Su Ze will also go? I want to take a good look at him. If King Qinghe doesn't want him, I will decide on him first."

Li Daoyuan bowed and said, "Then I would like to thank the general on behalf of Su Ze."

Thank you for your support. I have saved some manuscripts and will update them soon.
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(End of this chapter)