msmithbooks Chapter 269 Winning over Pei Renji and Completely Infiltrating the Shuo Prince's Mansion
Chapter 269 Winning over Pei Renji and Completely Infiltrating the Shuo Prince's Mansion
Yang You took the initiative to speak up and specifically asked for Pei Yuanqing, which showed that he wanted to get closer to the Pei family and win them over.
Rather than siding with Lü Xiao and becoming an enemy of the powerful clans, it would be better to choose Yang You and the orthodox path.
If Pei Renji dares to disagree or be disrespectful, he will be expelled from the Pei family and the relationship will be severed.
"Your Majesty, I hope you will let Yuanqing make his own decision."
Pei Renji gritted his teeth, stepped out of the crowd, and spoke righteously and resolutely, without backing down.
Pei Yuanqing has grown up and is no longer the ignorant child he once was. He now has his own thoughts and judgments.
Moreover, whether or not to go to war with Yang You is not up to the Pei family elders to decide; it must be asked of Yuanqing himself.
"Deben!"
Upon seeing this, the elder of the Pei family's face instantly darkened.
Pei Renji's family was able to come to Luoyang and establish themselves in the court entirely thanks to the recommendations and efforts of their own Pei clan.
As a result, this family became close to Lü Xiao, who was an enemy of the powerful families, betraying their own and siding with outsiders.
If I had known this would happen, I shouldn't have helped them in the first place!
"Father, I will go to war with His Highness."
Seeing that his father was about to quarrel with his relatives, Pei Yuanqing stopped hiding, stepped out from the crowd, and stood up.
He's no longer the naive young man who first came to Dongdu; he's grown up and become more sensible.
He couldn't let his father be caught in the middle among the clan, and he couldn't let his father break with the entire family for his own sake.
It's just a war, what's the big deal? It's not like you're going to the execution ground.
Besides, he had been staying in the Eastern Capital for a long time and was getting restless; it would be good for him to go out and stretch his muscles.
"Ugh."
Pei Renji sighed softly, his face full of guilt.
It's because he's incompetent and has a low status within the Pei family, so he has no say in anything.
That's why he couldn't even decide whether his own son should stay or leave, and couldn't protect him.
"Then, grandfather, your grandson will now head to Daxing."
Yang You brought Pei Yuanqing along as well, his face beaming with undisguised joy and smug satisfaction.
This young man, though young, is quite capable and a formidable warrior.
If Xue Ju is easy to deal with, then let Shan Xiongxin make his own achievements and enjoy all the credit.
If they are too difficult to deal with, and we encounter a tough opponent, then we will have no choice but to send Pei Yuanqing into the fray.
"My dear nephew, your aunt wishes you victory in defeating the rebels and a triumphant return."
Yang Ruyi stepped forward, a polite smile on her face, and said to him.
She is a princess of a country, so she still has to say the proper things.
"Thank you, Auntie."
Yang You responded with a smile, displaying his politeness.
Subsequently, the 2,000-strong force marched in a grand procession toward Daxing to join forces with the local garrison and jointly attack Xue Ju.
Yang Guang and his officials watched Yang You and his entourage leave until the procession disappeared at the end of the official road, at which point they turned back into the city.
After the court session ended, Du Ruhui and Fang Xuanling did not go directly back to their residences.
Instead, he left the ranks of court officials and quietly arrived at the Prince of Shuo's residence.
"Princess, what business do you have with us?"
Upon seeing Yang Ruyi, the two bowed and inquired with great respect.
"You all know about the Pei family's affair," Yang Ruyi said slowly, sitting at the head of the table, her eyes gleaming with shrewdness. "Go and persuade Pei Renji, let him know which side he should stand on."
Yang Ruyi has been tirelessly building up her son's faction.
Pei Yuanqing was extremely loyal to the Lü family, treating Lü Zhen like a younger brother.
However, due to family ties, Pei Renji remained hesitant and did not make a clear statement.
So she decided to help Pei Renji make a decision and give him a push.
"What should we do if Pei Renji doesn't agree?"
Du Ruhui frowned slightly and asked.
The purpose of this trip to persuade them must be to state the intentions directly and clearly, revealing one's identity without any room for concealment.
If Pei Renji were to put aside his own family and disregard Pei Yuanqing's future, and choose to side with the Pei family, what would happen?
Yang Ruyi's ambition was thus completely exposed to the Pei family.
At that time, even as a princess, it would be inappropriate and would cause a huge uproar.
"Then remove them from the list!"
Yang Ruyi's eyes sharpened, and without the slightest hesitation, she spoke decisively.
She was a princess of the Sui Dynasty, with four loyal generals guarding the palace and her own elite army.
In the imperial court, besides Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui, two trusted advisors, there were also some people kept and placed in various places.
The Pei family already harbored resentment towards Pei Renji's family, regarding them as a thorn in their side.
If she allowed Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui to secretly fuel the flames and stir up trouble.
Before Pei Yuanqing even returns from the Northwest, Pei Renji and his family will have to disappear.
Then, this debt can be conveniently shifted onto the Pei family, killing two birds with one stone and leaving them clean and tidy.
"Yes."
Du Ruhui and Fang Xuanling quickly agreed, bowed, and turned to walk out of the mansion, their steps hurried.
They ate the food and received the salary from the Lü family, and they were well aware of Yang Ruyi's ambitions.
Whether Yang Guang became emperor or not, and how he governed the country, was neither their concern nor their desire to concern themselves with.
After all, with Lu Xiao, that god of death, in charge, no one dared to say anything, and nothing could be turned upside down.
But they still hoped that the next emperor would be someone who would stand on the side of the people and work for their well-being.
Lü Zhen was their student; they watched him grow up and taught him step by step.
They know better than anyone else what kind of character or ability he has; he's a good prospect.
The only drawback is that Lü Zhen is a grandson by marriage, not a legitimate grandson, which might make it a little difficult for him to inherit the throne, as his claim to the throne is not legitimate.
But that's alright, there's always a way to overcome difficulties.
When that day comes, the court will be filled with the princess's people, and it's uncertain who will be in charge.
Before long, the two arrived at Pei Renji's residence.
Normally, a visiting card and an appointment are required to make a visit, but these two were not ordinary people either.
As a close advisor to the emperor, he naturally had no need for such formalities.
After a brief announcement, they easily entered the Pei residence.
At this moment, Pei Renji was sitting there drinking alone, his face full of sorrow, trying to drown his sorrows in alcohol.
His behavior today shows that he is a very incompetent father.
She couldn't even decide her own son's fate, and could only watch helplessly as Pei Yuanqing was dragged onto the battlefield by her family.
"Brother Deben."
Fang Xuanling entered the room, raised his hand, and greeted her with a smile, his attitude amiable.
"It's you two who have come. Please, please have a seat."
Upon seeing the newcomer, Pei Renji quickly stood up, somewhat surprised.
These two are prominent figures in the court, why would they come here?
These two are no ordinary people; they both fought their way through the imperial examinations, overcoming numerous obstacles and possessing genuine talent and learning.
After entering the imperial court, he was highly valued by Emperor Yang Guang and rose rapidly through the ranks, becoming extremely popular.