On the third day after Feng Wan returned home, an urgent report from the borderlands landed on the desk in the emperor's imperial study. After the court session, Shang Luze specifically asked Shang Luoshu, Prime Minister Lu, and Xu Shi, the Minister of War, to stay behind.
"Early this morning, I received an urgent report saying that Southern Chu has suddenly deployed troops on the border and may launch an attack at any time. I wonder what the three of you think?"
"Even if one rides a fast horse day and night, it takes three days to travel from the border to the capital."
Taking the urgent report from the emperor with both hands, Prime Minister Lu stated the fact with a solemn expression. This meant that Southern Chu had deployed its troops three days ago.
Three days was enough time for one or even several conflicts to occur.
"I understand what Prime Minister Lu means.
I just don't understand why, since the battle three years ago, Southern Chu has always been too afraid to invade our Great Qi, but now it suddenly deploys troops at this critical moment?"
This was also what Shang Luoshu didn't understand. In just three years, he didn't think Southern Chu had recovered from the war.
"Your Majesty, in my opinion, regardless of Southern Chu's purpose, we should now dispatch a large army to the border as a precaution," suggested Xu Shi, the Minister of War.
The young emperor remained non - committal and turned his gaze to Shang Luoshu.
Among those present, no one was more familiar with the borderlands and Southern Chu than his sworn brother. So he wanted to hear his opinion.
To be honest, Shang Luoshu didn't have a clear plan in mind either. The suggestion put forward by the Minister of War was the safest. Thinking of this, he bowed and said, "I second the motion. And I think General Feng Zheng of the Cavalry Guards is capable of taking on this task."
With his sworn brother's words, Shang Luze immediately gained a lot of confidence. "Good. I'll immediately draft an imperial edict to appoint Feng Zheng as the Grand General for Pacifying the South."
After leaving the palace, Shang Luoshu rushed back to the prince's mansion as fast as he could.
A few days ago, he had just learned from Hongmei that it would be Xi'er's birthday in a few days, so all his original plans had been put on hold.
The man had to change his plan temporarily to prepare a birthday gift for Xi'er. But unexpectedly, trouble broke out at the border at this critical moment.
"How is it going with the Liuli Workshop?"
Before he even stepped into the prince's mansion, Shang Luoshu anxiously asked about the birthday gift. But unexpectedly, the butler gave him another answer.
"Your Highness, the Regent Prince is here."
His steps paused slightly. The man suppressed his outward joy and couldn't help but start calculating in his mind.
Since the incident of Kong Ren, the Regent Prince's influence in the court and his prestige among the people had greatly declined. So he had been waiting for this imperial uncle to come to his door.
Unexpectedly, he had to wait for half a month.
"Got it. Ask someone to serve the pre - rain Longjing tea that the emperor bestowed on us a few days ago."
Such good tea should be served to a distinguished guest. Otherwise, he might not have the chance to drink it in the future.
When Shang Luoshu walked into the front hall, Shang Mozheng was sitting in the main seat, as if he were the master of this courtyard.
"Nephew pays respects to Imperial Uncle!"
"I haven't taken a good look at you on normal days. I didn't expect to have such an outstanding nephew," Shang Mozheng praised seriously as he sized up Shang Luoshu.
The man wasn't modest and calmly accepted the praise. "Nephew is so outstanding thanks to the good teachings of Imperial Uncle!"
Before the Regent Prince could say anything, he quickly added, "I wonder if Imperial Uncle has come to nephew's mansion today on some important matter?"
"I didn't expect nephew to be so impatient. But it's okay. I was going to tell you anyway."
With a slight gesture of his finger, the man beside Shang Mozheng immediately took out a piece of paper from his bosom, unfolded it, and placed it in his hand.
Shang Luoshu frowned as he watched their actions, and a bad feeling gradually rose in his heart.
"Does nephew know what this is?"
The man stared at the thing in his hand without responding. Shang Mozheng wasn't annoyed. He pinched one corner of the paper and turned the front side towards Shang Luoshu.
Just one glance and a storm rose in his heart.
This was actually a letter written by General Feng to the monarch of Southern Chu, and there was also Feng Zheng's private seal on it!
No!
The man suddenly came to his senses. During the battle against Southern Chu, the general was his subordinate. He would never collude with Southern Chu.
"This is fake!"
Frowning, Shang Luoshu said firmly.
Hearing this, Shang Mozheng suddenly burst into laughter. "Sure enough, you're my nephew. You can tell at a glance that this isn't real."
"What on earth do you want, Imperial Uncle?"
Sensing Shang Luoshu's growing anger, the Regent Prince didn't bother to play games anymore. "You're right. This is indeed fake, and the content on it was also written by someone imitating General Feng's handwriting."
"But I have to tell you one thing. The seal on this letter is absolutely genuine!"
"What do you think would happen if I made this evidence public? Would the common people still allow Feng Zheng to lead troops against Southern Chu?"
Something flashed through his mind, and Shang Luoshu instantly understood everything. "Southern Chu's troop deployment was instigated by you!"
"Luoshu, watch your words!"
Shang Mozheng put away the letter paper and looked relaxed. "I dare not take the blame for such a serious crime of colluding with the enemy and betraying the country!"
It was really his own negligence!
Closing his eyes slightly, the man tried his best to suppress his chaotic emotions.
In the case of Feng Wan, he had been so focused on using this opportunity to suppress Shang Mozheng that he had completely forgotten what Feng Wan had mentioned, that it was a deal.
Since she had obtained Kong Jiao, she must have given something in return!
He finally understood why this imperial uncle could be so patient. He didn't expect this was where he was waiting for him!
For the time being, he had to find a way to get that letter paper. Otherwise, not only would Feng Zheng be unable to lead troops to the border, but the entire Feng family would also be doomed.
Colluding with the enemy and betraying the country would result in the execution of the entire family!
Thinking of this, the man gradually calmed down. "What do you want?"
"The position of the Deputy Minister of War!"
"Absolutely not!"
Shang Luoshu refused immediately.
The current Deputy Minister of War was old and had already submitted a memorial to retire. During the court session this morning, the officials were still discussing the candidate for this position. Unexpectedly, Shang Mozheng had set his eyes on it.
"Imperial Uncle, you should remember the previous agreement. The Regent Prince cannot interfere with military power."
"Is this nephew's answer? Or does it mean that in nephew's heart, the lives of the nine generations of the Feng family are not worth the position of the Deputy Minister of War?"
Shaking the letter paper in his hand, Shang Mozheng still looked indifferent, but Shang Luoshu had already clenched his fists.
Caught in a dilemma, he suddenly remembered Lu Yinxi's power of words. If she were here, would he not have ended up in this situation?
"I agree, but I get to choose the candidate!"
"Deal!"
Shang Mozheng raised his eyebrows and handed the letter paper to him. Although it was as light as a feather, Shang Luoshu felt it was as heavy as a thousand pounds.
"Imperial Uncle trusts nephew so much. Aren't you afraid that nephew will go back on his word?"
"A gentleman keeps his promise. Naturally, I have to trust my family member. Moreover, what do you think His Majesty will do if he knows about this?"
The current emperor was young and had grown up in a dangerous environment, so he had developed a suspicious and sensitive personality.
If he knew about this, even without evidence, he would gradually become suspicious of General Feng and would surely no longer reuse him.
And in the current court, apart from Feng Zheng, only he himself was most familiar with Southern Chu. If Feng Zheng was out of the picture, once Southern Chu made another move, he would be the one to go to the battlefield.
By then, in the capital, only Prime Minister Lu would be able to compete with Shang Mozheng.
Watching Shang Mozheng's back as he left, Shang Luoshu had to admit that in this confrontation, he had lost!