It was known that the power of the Embroidered Uniform Guard was immense, and it was already too late to change personnel. Since the Yan family had manipulated matters and sent him, it meant they were determined to kill.
However, Zhu Mo had already weathered many storms. He quickly considered: even if they were subordinates of Zhang Er or Lu Liu, they were still members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and it would be inconvenient for them to directly intervene unless he committed a very serious crime. If he could persuade this person to remain neutral, it would represent a significant turning point. That would signify the resurgence of imperial authority, bearing down upon him once more…
He knew well that,
At this moment, within Datong city,
Influence,
Was the most crucial factor.
The contrast in strength between him and the Yan family was not as obvious as it appeared on the surface. Who was stronger and who was weaker was truly difficult to ascertain in a short period.
That's right, the Yan family had more allies, and he had no one on his side. But behind him was the Emperor! When he was in Jiangnan, didn't he also have no one at first? Later, didn't he wait for Zhang Juzheng, and Zhang Juzheng alone then drew in so many upright officials and gentry, gradually expanding his influence…
Therefore,
The situation today entirely depended on the incremental comparison, on squeezing out step by step. Every step taken was an advantage.
He had to win over anyone he could among Datong's current various factions, and keep anyone he could neutral. Slowly, influence would shift, and with a bit of luck, perhaps it would succeed?
…
With this thought,
He calmed himself and smiled, saying, "Mr. Yu is not old, yet you have already been entrusted with such a heavy responsibility. In the future, you will surely be transferred to become a true Grand Governor…”
Yu Zhen was taken aback. He thought, "You call me Mr., but you don't consider me one of your own. What's the point of saying this now?"
Zhu Mo then continued to probe, saying, "Mr. Yu has been in Datong for over a month now. Have the matters of the Tartar incursions been investigated clearly?"
He did not wish to waste time and went straight to the point.
Indeed,
As soon as these words were spoken, Yu Zhen's chest felt constricted, and he almost choked.
Nominally, he was there to investigate the disaster situation and supervise the Datong prefectural officials in disaster relief. As for the matter of Tartar incursions, at least on the surface, it absolutely did not exist! As long as he remained a figure in officialdom, such matters must not be mentioned, especially in a formal setting. And Zhu Mo, by bringing it up so directly, made him extremely uncomfortable. If he completely denied the existence of this matter, it would be tantamount to taking a stance, which meant aligning with the Yan family. Conversely, if he was evasive, Zhu Mo might accuse him of having an unclear stance, which would inevitably lead to suspicion from Yang Xuan and others…
This dilemma had left him utterly disheartened during this period, causing him to lose interest in doing anything, and he spent his days hiding in the yamen, sipping wine and reading poetry.
In fact, when he first arrived in Datong, everything had gone smoothly, just like any other task.
But more than ten days ago, he suddenly received two secret letters, after which he fell into this predicament.
One was from his immediate superior, Zhang Er, which read:
"My dear brother Shi Hong,
The frontier is bitter and cold. Are your food and lodging adequate? My brother bears a heavy responsibility. Be cautious in all matters and remember not to believe rumors. Governor Yang Xuan is loyal and a pillar of the state, an old friend of mine. You should assist him wholeheartedly and personally. Do not act rashly at the request of others. This is my earnest instruction. When my brother returns to the capital, I will personally thank you."
The other was from his original superior, Huang Zhong, which read:
"Shi Hong,
You patrol the borders in the bitter cold. It is rare indeed to receive a load of Astragalus and daylilies as a gift. This old man is deeply grateful and offers a simple piece of advice: Think only of the Emperor's grace, guard your duties diligently, do not be obstinate, do not be rigid; peace is fortune."
Comparing the two, coupled with Zhu Mo's incisive question before him, he already deeply felt that he was in a perilous situation. A single misstep might make it difficult to return home safely—
Zhang Er's instruction not to heed requests from others referred to Zhu Mo's actions in Jiangnan, using the Embroidered Uniform Guard to capture and kill He Maocai. It was evident that Zhang Er did not want him to listen to Zhu Mo, but only to Yang Xuan. And who was Yang Xuan? Everyone knew that meant Zhang Er wanted him to listen to the Yan family.
However, this violated a fundamental principle. In fact, even Zhang Er himself, at least on the surface, maintained a distance from the Yan family. What good intentions could there be in ordering him, Yu Zhen, to become the Yan family's lackey? To say he would thank him – could there really be any benefit? Even if there were, he couldn't accept it…
As for Huang Zhong, he was advanced in years, and few people visited him these days. It was understandable that he felt grateful for the offering of special local produce. His advice was likely sincere, simply urging him to remain neutral, to attend only to the openly assigned tasks of disaster relief, and to inquire about nothing else. Whether it was the Yan family or Zhu Mo, eunuchs and the Embroidered Uniform Guard were only servants of the Emperor, and only by adhering to this could he return to the capital safely.
These were naturally good words, sincere advice…
At this moment,
His thoughts were a jumble.
Zhu Mo's arrival, and the scenes he witnessed yesterday, were etched in his memory and chilled him to the bone. He felt that a major event was about to unfold. If both sides were to confront each other, he didn't know what the consequences would be!
Furthermore, he had been in Datong for over a month and had heard various rumors, which he could not help but believe.
Because,
In the past decade or so, many people had gone beyond the frontier to make a living, gathering in the mountains to the north, building their own settlements and cultivating land, and had many connections with the local frontier people. For several days, there had been talk that Anda Khan had mobilized a large army, and all the Tartar tribes were gathering in Fengzhou Chuan, indicating that a major war was imminent…
And the reason for this war was clearly the previous Tartar incursions.
He, Yu Zhen, was not a fool. Could he not understand by now—
Anda Khan had only been testing the waters before; the real thunderous blow had not yet begun! And why were both the Yan family and Zhu Mo trying to win over the Embroidered Uniform Guard? Was it not because both sides were preparing for a final showdown? And he happened to be caught between them, placed in a precarious position.
Yu Zhen pondered with distress, while carefully observing Zhu Mo. He felt that this person possessed an extraordinary spirit and an indescribable aura, and for a moment, his heart wavered—
Perhaps he should help him?
He also admired the deeds this person had accomplished. Moreover, his own ancestors had always been upright scholars, loyal to the Great Ming. Although these generations had prospered and enjoyed the most privileged lives, on matters of great importance and critical junctures, they still considered carefully.
He also knew well that the Great Ming had indeed reached a time when change was necessary. If the Yan family continued their ways, no one would fare well… Moreover, any discerning person could see that the Yan family had suffered repeated setbacks in the past six months, being beaten without any ability to retaliate. Clearly, the Emperor was about to make a move. To risk everything for Zhang Er at this time would be foolish, wouldn't it?
What's more,
This person was undoubtedly backed by the Emperor. If he truly had to choose sides, then choosing the Emperor would be the most reliable.
With this thought,
He couldn't help but stand up and pace back and forth in the hall several times, hesitating to speak.
…
Zhu Mo had not intended to persuade him, only to make him neutral. Seeing his hesitation, he thought that persuading him was probably impossible, so he sighed lightly:
"Mr. Yu, I have come to your place today to ask for a favor..."
Oh?
Had he actually spoken?
Yu Zhen was astonished and immediately recalled Zhang Er's words, thinking, "Do you want to use me again to arrest someone like you did in Jiangnan? How can I listen to you? Last time it was a lucky success, but this time it's hard to say…"
Just as he was about to refuse, Zhu Mo unexpectedly let out a long sigh and said earnestly, "I have just come from Xuanfu. The situation there is quite dire. The military preparations are completely neglected. The current situation is perilous, and war is imminent… Well, therefore, I want to invite you to Xuanfu to assist Liang Menglong in rectifying the military preparations. What do you think?"
When Zhu Mo spoke of the imminent war, he deliberately emphasized the words.
Yu Zhen heard this and couldn't help but utter an "Oh"—
I didn't expect you to be so chivalrous…
You're advising me to leave a place of danger and join Liang Menglong, to remain neutral? Very well. With your words, I will no longer be derelict in my duties.
Just as he was about to thank him, he suddenly thought again—
This person is so chivalrous, I can't be so slick, can I? Perhaps I should wait and see. If he truly has the ability, or if the Emperor has other plans? If I leave, although I'll be safe, wouldn't it also be without merit?
Furthermore, I am a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. As long as the Tatars don't break through the city, what can Yan Song or you, Zhu Mo, do to me? With these words, whether I leave a few days earlier or later makes no difference…
With this thought,
He finally smiled and said, "Young Master Zhu, thank you for your kind offer! However, Yu has a few matters yet to complete. I will have to wait for their reports before I can make a decision. I'm afraid I can only go in a few days…"
Hahaha,
Both of them understood each other perfectly and burst into laughter.
Zhu Mo knew this person was very important. If he would simply show his face with him on the street, it would be of immense help. Moreover, after strengthening their relationship, he could continue to persuade him. He hesitated for a moment and then shamelessly said,
"Brother Yu, when I left the capital, Elder Xu and the others asked me to properly inspect the military preparations of Datong Right Guard. Alas, the court is very concerned. Could Brother Yu accompany me on this trip?"
Yu Zhen naturally understood his intentions. But then he thought: this person is quite righteous. As long as I don't take a stance or say anything, the Yan family won't be able to prosecute me forcefully, right?
He immediately nodded in agreement.
Zhu Mo was overjoyed. He took his hand and they went out, mounted swift horses, and headed towards the Right Guard.