The situation in Yongchang Guard was extremely delicate at this moment.
Liu Zhangkuan, a confidant of Mu Chaobi, immediately sensed trouble upon seeing You Jujing present. Had the Duke not apprehended this man? Upon paying his respects, he realized that Wang Daren was likely problematic, having failed to cooperate with the Duke and thus creating a mess. He knew Mu Chaobi was always resourceful. If the governor wasn't apprehended but brought along, it meant the Duke intended to accomplish something in Yongchang Prefecture.
While carefully paying respects to his superiors, he observed Mu Chaobi's expression. Seeing the Duke nod at him and adopt a grave demeanor, he understood: whatever the Duke intended, he needed control. He should exaggerate the situation to facilitate the Duke's plans.
Indeed, after Liu Zhangkuan had paid his respects to the officials, Mu Chaobi spoke directly: "Wende, military matters are urgent. A force of fifty thousand men incurs significant daily expenses. We are all recipients of royal stipends, so we should discuss substantive matters. Ah, Lord You, you speak?" He then looked at You Jujing.
You Jujing smiled, "Within the Golden Horse and Jade Chicken Ward, the Governor holds command. Outside the Golden Horse and Jade Chicken Ward, the Duke commands. This is imperial decree. Duke, please do not refuse."
Mu Chaobi nodded, thinking that even a foolish Liu Zhangkuan would understand now. He then said solemnly, "Since the situation is perilous, Wende, you shall speak first! Yongchang Guard is the foremost defensive town in the rear of Yunnan and Guizhou. You must recount all details, concealing nothing."
"Your subordinate understands," Liu Zhangkuan cleared his throat and said, "Gentlemen, ah, Mang Yinglong made his move two months ago. At that time, Mu Bang reported that Lushuan was attacking Ava again, and Mang Yinglong ordered his brother Meng Shuo to suppress it, also dispatching troops from Lanna for joint defense. Your subordinate, along with the generals of Jinchi and Tengyue Guards, all believed this to be a normal deployment. However, within ten days, the situation changed again. Mang Yinglong himself returned west from Lanna and stationed himself near Ava. Subsequently, the chieftains of Mu Bang and Luxi both declared rebellion. Only then did your subordinate realize that Mang Yinglong might have intentions of advancing north and thus urgently reported to the provincial yamen."
Everyone listened in silence. Mu Chaobi pondered for a moment and then said, "Continue, tell us about recent events."
Liu Zhangkuan continued, "Recently, the situation has changed again. Mu Bang and Luxi have already rebelled, and Yongchang and Tengyue are also wavering. Currently, within Yongchang Prefecture, the populace is uneasy. Ah, there are border residents colluding with the enemy, and some are taking the opportunity to cause trouble. The local officials are particularly restless, and your subordinate can barely suppress them."
Oh?
Hiss!
Everyone suddenly grew serious. Zhu Mo quietly observed Yang Shen, finding him composed, seemingly unconcerned, and without any sign of agitation. He then looked at the hereditary commander Yang Guochang, who appeared frightened and bewildered, repeatedly opening his mouth as if to speak but hesitating.
At this moment, Mu Chaobi sighed and said gravely, "Wende, do not be swayed by rumors! In border conflicts throughout history, how has the populace ever been stable? You only need to defend the city. The province has already discussed this; do not speak recklessly again!"
Wow!
With these words, You Jujing immediately grew angry, and Zhu Mo cursed the man silently as a villain! Was this not a blatant intention to cause trouble? It seemed Yongchang Prefecture had indeed long been his private garden, and now it had become a dragon's pool and a tiger's den.
Indeed, Mu Chaobi continued, "Wende, before the army moves, provisions must precede. What preparations have you made?"
Liu Zhangkuan thought for a moment and said, "Your subordinate has also made preparations, but Yongchang is a poor region! The provisions your subordinate has gathered are likely only enough for fifty thousand troops for one month! Your subordinate, alas, your subordinate deserves death!"
What?
Everyone was immediately in an uproar! Several commanders began to curse—
"What's going on?"
"Without provisions, what can we fight with!"
"Duke, we must act swiftly!"
"One month? We can only take Luxi?"
"..."
Amidst the barrage of words from the generals, Liu Zhangkuan appeared increasingly anxious. He directly fell to his knees, trembling, and said, "Duke, Yongchang is extremely dilapidated. The former prefect, Yan Shitai, spent his days touring mountains and enjoying the scenery, feigning detachment, yet ignoring worldly affairs. This led to the decline of all industries and he indulged the local officials, always seeking reconciliation. As a result, in the seven or eight years since your subordinate took over, official orders have not been followed, and there has been constant evasion and secret machinations. Your subordinate, your subordinate truly has no recourse!"
Hmph!
Mu Chaobi was furious and said, "You, how can you be so incompetent? If Yan Shitai could cause chaos, why haven't you accomplished anything in seven or eight years? Now, with a lack of provisions, my army is trapped in Yongchang, unable to advance or retreat. What do you expect me to do?!"
Wow!
His vulgar outburst startled all the officials of Yongchang Prefecture. A chorus of thuds followed as they all knelt down. The atmosphere in the central tent instantly became rigid.
You Jujing had to persuade, "Duke, you cannot blame them entirely. With the great battle imminent, why should we sow discord among ourselves? I believe we still need to gather more provisions. I will immediately issue documents to Dali and Chuxiong to have them raise some as well..."
Mu Chaobi, however, said grimly, "Lord You, you are unaware. Matters of state and military affairs are not to be trifled with! That Mang Yinglong is a formidable figure. If we are so unprepared, it is extremely dangerous! Lord You, we must impose a curfew immediately! All matters shall prioritize military affairs, and Yongchang Prefecture and all other guards will be taken over by the army!"
His words were entirely devoid of any room for negotiation!
You Jujing thought of the imperial decrees. When marching, he was indeed the primary authority. Even knowing that Mu Chaobi intended to use military orders to control the entire situation, crushing any opposition, there was nothing he could do. He could only sigh and turn his gaze to Zhu Mo.
Zhu Mo took a sharp breath at this moment—
This fellow is too difficult to deal with, and his actions are truly decisive! He had been encamped for less than two hours, and Mu Chaobi had already erupted, and so imperiously. As the Duke of Qian, he was indeed nominally the foremost person in charge of military affairs. The reasons given by Liu Zhangkuan could indeed serve as an excuse for his outburst.
As Zhu Mo was contemplating, Mu Chaobi had not forgotten him. He said in a low voice, "Military Advisor, what is your opinion?"
Military Advisor?
Zhu Mo almost forgot that he was still the Military Advisor. "Ah, I think we should first inspect the situation on the ground. Officials in charge of border regions have often spoken inaccurately... Ah, Lord You, please expedite the requisitioning of grain from various prefectures, and scouts should also investigate the military situation. We should not be hasty! Duke, what do you say?"
Huh?
Mu Chaobi pondered for a moment and then smiled, "Good! The Military Advisor speaks wisely! Liu Zhangkuan, out of consideration for the Military Advisor's plea, your crime of military dereliction will be noted for now! All officials of Yongchang Prefecture, have you all heard? According to the Military Advisor's suggestion, you will all go down and investigate. We will discuss it again in three days!"
Wow!
Hiss!
Zhu Mo and You Jujing exchanged glances—
By doing this, they truly had no way to deal with him?
Zhu Mo sighed inwardly: Emperor Taizu was good in all aspects, but he was too sentimental, spoiling the meritorious officials of the past... These people held such high status that, apart from the royal family, who could do anything to them?