Chapter 95
Book 9 Chapter 9 – Lucky Encounters
After hearing the entire story from Xiang Shaolong, Zhao Mu stood up happily and faced the sky laughing: "Heaven is really on my side. If I ever be the King of Zhao, you will be my Supreme Commander."
Xiang Shaolong was amused: "Time is of the essence. Let us plan against King Xiaocheng immediately. If Li Mu were to really return, the tide will turn against us."
After a moment’s reflection, Zhao Mu asked: "Zhao Ya has succ.u.mbed to you but why if Empress Jing helping you as well. She is in cahoots with Cheng Dan and there is no reason she will help an outsider like you."
Xiang Shaolong then mentioned the part about Han Chuang and was bowled with laughter. With all his worries gone, he sat down again and said: "I must disclose our relations.h.i.+p to Tian Dan and regain his confidence."
Xiang Shaolong’s face changed colour: "You must never do that. Unless you reveal your own true ident.i.ty, he will not believe you with his intelligence. Why don’t I pretend to defect and he may even withdraw his soldiers? It is better to reveal our intentions later and take some precautions against him"
Zhao Mu nodded in agreement: "You have thought through every detail. Li Mu will not be able to return so quickly. We still have some time."
Xiang Shaolong added: "Marquis had better gave me some names so that I can answer to the muddle-headed king and gain more of his trust."
Zhao Mu smiled: "So what if he knows all my spies? But let me consider this first. Once we have our strategies in place, we can then push forward. We can fake King Xiaocheng a.s.sa.s.sination by Xiang Shaolong. Once I control the military, Empress Jing will have to cooperate with me. Li Mu and Lian Po will also see the end of their career. Hai! It is better that Le Cheng is dead for I have some suspicions of his loyalty."
Xiang Shaolong took the opportunity and asked: "What is the relations.h.i.+p between Tian Dan and Li Yuan?" Zhao Mu brushed: "I see that they are just using each other!"
Xiang Shaolong can tell that Tian Dan is hiding some information from Zhao Mu regarding this issue and did not press further. He proposed: "Before I am officially promoted, I must try to meet up with Tian Dan and gain his trust. Does Marquis have any pointers?" Zhao Mu was pleased and clapped: "I am fully confident in your abilities. Do as you wish. Let me plan a few scenarios and I will discuss the grand plan with you."
He added: "Tian Dan will be attending Guo Zhong’s banquet this evening. See if you can catch him on the road."
Xiang Shaolong thought of a preposterous idea and departed with glee.
Xiang Shaolong is in his best mood. He slipped to Ji Yanran’s loft and shared all the news with her. After a quick session, he intercepted Tian Dan’s entourage and entered his carriage.
Tian Dan is indeed a cautious person. The Liu Zhong Xia and Liu Zhong s.h.i.+ brothers are still protecting him in his carriage.
Xiang Shaolong went straight to the point: "I have thought over carefully and decided to serve Chancellor with all my heart."
Tian Dan is overjoyed and asked: "I thought Brother Dong needs a few days to consider? Why have you made such a quick decision?" Xiang Shaolong seriously said: "I have just met King Xiaocheng and he wishes to make me the new City Commander despite all odds. This has forced mu hand. I will slip away tonight and send someone to divert my incoming family and livestock to Qi to show my loyalty to Chancellor."
Even the brilliant Tian Dan was stunned was a while before he recomposed his and cried: "Is Handan so lacking in talent that King Xiaocheng has to choose such an unqualified person as you? I do not believe that King Xiaocheng has such an open mind and foresight."
Xiang Shaolong explained: "It is due to my good relations.h.i.+p with Princess Ya. She knows that I am still dissatisfied with King Xiaocheng and used this promotion to make me stay and accompany her." While he spoke, he scrutinised Tian Dan’s expression closely. When Tian Dan heard about his proximity to Zhao Ya, his eyes lit up. Xiang Shaolong deduced that Tian Dan might use his connection to Zhao Ya to steal the secret manual.
Tian Dan stretched out his strong hand and held Xiang Shaolong’s shoulder. In a serious manner, he dissuade: "Brother Dong, you must never leave like that. If you stay behind as the City Commander, you will lend me an even bigger helping hand, do you understand?" Xiang Shaolong pretending to protest: "But..." Tian Dan heavily emphasized: "From today onwards, Dong Kuang is Tian Dan’s good brother and we will share wealth and woe. Do not worry and become the City Commander. I will come and discuss matters with you after two days."
Xiang Shaolong gave up. In these times, everyone he spoke to are blatantly lying with their eyes with open. On one hand, Tian Dan tried to take his life. With his value going up, he addresses him as Brother. If not for his special ident.i.ty, he will die without knowing why.
The entourage is nearing the hilly roads besides Guo residence. Xiang Shaolong bid farewell and headed back to his residence.
Before daybreak, Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi were in the palace attending morning court.
In front of all the officials, King Xiaocheng officially appointed Xiang Shaolong as the City Commander and Teng Yi as his a.s.sistant General. He was given the official seal, official sword, and letter of appointment as well as other stuff.
Guo Kai knew that the decision is final and dare not say anything in retaliation. Zhao Mu’s lackeys, Empress Jing and Zhao Ya cheered with delight. An impossible appointment has now become reality.
After the court session, everyone came up to congratulate them and pave way for future collaborations, making both of them sigh with negativity.
King Xiaocheng personally accompanied Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi to inspect the City Army, letting the soldiers know who their new Commander is and gaining their obedience.
King Xiaocheng proceeded to discuss with both of them the art of defending the city, Teng Yi took the chance to display his talent while Xiang Shaolong depended on his 21st century experience coupled with Mohist Founder Mo Yi’s art of war. King Xiaocheng could finally rest on his laurels and celebrate his excellent choice of men.
The accompanying military leaders were all stunned into silence. From what the two men casually said, most of the strategies are something that they have never heard of. Initially unconvinced, they were finally won over by Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi.
After the discussion, King Xiaocheng returned to the palace while another a.s.sistant General Zhao Ming Xiong escorted both of them back to the East Gate Army Command Centre. North of the Command Centre’s Great Hall, there is a raised armchair that is meant for the City Commander. When Xiang Shaolong took his seat there, over a hundred colonels, majors, captains and lieutenants lined up neatly on two sides and kneeled in respect. Xiang Shaolong felt like he was dreaming and cannot believe what is happening before his eyes.
In the following days, both men are busy deploying the soldiers, improving their weapons and training new recruits. The elite soldiers are inserted into the City army and served as their personal escorts. At the same time, he located Pu Bu and four of his buddies within the City guards and promote them with some other soldiers to the rank of major so as to make it easier to deploy his troops in the future.
When all is done, Xiang Shaolong was relieved and went to visit Zhao Mu.
The traitor met him in the secret room. Zhao Mu sat down and laughed: "General Dong, can you guess what Guo Kai did to topple you? That ungrateful [email protected]/* */ sent me a secret note that you are a p.a.w.n of King Xiaocheng who is out to catch traitors like me. He asks me to guard against you and I nearly died laughing. "
Xiang Shaolong was infuriated. Guo Kai this lowly sc.u.m is willing to forgo the big picture and harm him for his personal gain. Such a cunning man! Xiang Shaolong coldly asked: "Can we do anything to bring him down?" Zhao Mu advised: "We must tolerate little nonsense like this and focus on the grand scheme. When Zhao is ours, I will destroy his family and subject him to all forms of torture. Let him enjoy his temporary freedom."
Xiang Shaolong reported what had been discussed between Tian Dan and himself.
Zhao Mu praised: "You are a genius. No wonder Tian Dan