After leaving the palace, Wang Yan and Wang Dun, accompanied by their entourage, returned to their residence.
There, they held a secret meeting with several guests who had been waiting for a long time.
The main attendees were Chen Zhen, Zhou Fu, and Man Fen, along with a few scattered officials who had stayed behind.
No one was a fool.
As the Left Guard General, Chen Zhen had been suppressed by a petty man like Shangguan Si.
How could he not feel resentment? Moreover, he was also afraid.
With few soldiers and weak forces, what would happen if they were swallowed up by others? Would there be any way out?
Zhou Fu was the former Governor of Xuzhou.
Before Sima Yue went on his northern expedition, he had summoned Zhou Fu to the capital and appointed him as the Minister of Justice.
Zhou Fu hailed from the Zhou clan of Runan and couldn't be said to belong to any particular faction.
Sima Yue had called him to the capital, though it was unclear what his intentions were.
As the Minister of Justice, Zhou Fu had some people under him, but compared to the regular army, his forces were lacking.
Still, it was a force to be reckoned with.
Wang Yan, being a renowned scholar of the time, naturally attracted Zhou Fu to his side, whether he liked the man or not.
Man Fen, the Colonel-Director of Retainers, was the one among Wang Yan's followers who commanded the most troops.
He wouldn't have had so many soldiers under normal circumstances, but Sima Yue had granted him the authority to cooperate with Commander Mi Huang in guarding Luoyang.
If Sima Yue were still around, Man Fen wouldn't have been in such a position.
But since Sima Yue had disappeared, what could be done? Even widows could remarry, so why couldn't a military general switch allegiances?
In short, after the imperial army's northern expedition failed, Wang Yan seized the opportunity and began a series of maneuvers.
Whether for personal gain or to stabilize the situation in Luoyang, his reputation naturally drew people to his side, leaving him no choice but to act.
Poor Mi Huang, a legitimate commander, ended up being less effective than the title of "renowned scholar."
The discussions lasted until nightfall, and the guests left in batches.
Wang Yan, with his hands behind his back, hummed a tune as he returned to his desk, poured himself a cup of wine, and drank it in one go.
"Brother, you seem quite at ease," Wang Dun said, standing at the door with a smile.
"With great strategies, I can overcome great difficulties. Those petty men and fools are all under my command now," Wang Yan said, shedding his previous humility and gentleness, becoming somewhat arrogant and boastful.
"Brother, I fear your plans may come to nothing," Wang Dun said as he walked over and poured his brother another cup of wine.
"Oh? What plans do you think I have?" Wang Yan shook his head and laughed.
"I'm just playing along with them. In Luoyang, whoever holds power is doomed. I have no other desires; I only want to plan for your sake."
Despite his high self-regard and slight dissatisfaction with his brother, Wang Dun was somewhat moved at this moment.
"My position as the Left Deputy Director of the Secretariat was recommended by Sima Ying, and Sima Yue needed me to adorn his court. So, the Wang family has no need to compete for control of Luoyang," Wang Yan continued.
"To die in Luoyang is to live in the outer provinces. I'm relying on my old face to do everything I can to preserve Luoyang. In the future, no matter who takes over, handing it over intact will be a great achievement. When you are sent out to the provinces, I will have a say."
Wang Dun was visibly moved and respectfully expressed his gratitude.
To be fair, while Wang Yan might have wronged others, often scheming and occasionally borrowing others' ideas during philosophical debates to gain fame, he had never wronged his own brothers.
In front of them, he never hid anything, laughing when he should laugh, crying when he should cry, being proud when he should be proud, and feeling down when he should feel down.
He was completely genuine.
Others mocked Wang Yan for "only thinking of self-preservation," even secretly calling him a "shameless villain."
But for his family, having such a brother was a blessing.
Seeing that the white jade cup in front of Wang Yan was empty, Wang Dun picked up the wine jug to refill it.
Wang Yan stopped him with a wave of his hand.
"I still need to go to the Golden Fortress later."
Wang Dun stopped and sat down.
"Tell me, what's special about Mi Huang, Shao Xun, He Lun, and Wang Bing," Wang Yan said.
"Mi Huang is not a bad person, but he's a bit too honest and can be easily manipulated," Wang Dun said.
"As for He Lun and Wang Bing, they are military men with average skills, but they are diligent and loyal, which is why Sima Yue valued them."
"Shao Xun is a bit of an enigma," Wang Dun paused when speaking of the last person, then continued after a while, "At seventeen, his martial skills are unparalleled. He has quite a reputation in the capital, being brave and fierce on the battlefield. He led the charge at Kaiyang Gate to kill Meng Chao and at Daxia Gate to attack the Ye army. Logically, he should be a reckless warrior, but I always feel that he has a deep mind, unlike a young man."
"Oh?" Wang Yan became interested and smiled.
"Among the young nobles in the capital, few have earned such an evaluation from you."
Wang Dun shook his head and smiled bitterly.
"I can't figure him out. I feel like he's thick-skinned and black-hearted, a great villain who appears loyal. I don't know what he's after."
"A military man who does rough work probably doesn't even know what he's after. If you don't like him, just trip him up and delay him for a few years. Isn't that simple?" Wang Yan laughed.
"Brother, this is Luoyang..."
Wang Dun said helplessly.
"If we were in the outer provinces, of course, there would be ways to make sure he never rises again, but here it's a bit difficult."
Just this afternoon, they had been pressured by the military man Shangguan Si, and now Wang Yan was acting arrogantly again, looking down on this and that.
Sometimes, Wang Dun felt helpless.
Fortunately, his brother knew how to put on a good act outside, which was a small blessing in an unfortunate situation.
"Alright, I understand," Wang Yan smiled and asked, "Can Shao Xun be controlled?"
"He's very close to Pei Dun. There are rumors in the capital that he wants to secure an official position in Xuzhou, so he's working hard for Pei Dun. This might conflict with your plans," Wang Dun said.
"Hmm?" Wang Yan became serious upon hearing this.
The strategy of "three burrows for a cunning rabbit" was the fundamental plan of the Langya Wang family.
Competing with the Wang family on this matter was something he couldn't ignore.
Moreover, Qingzhou and Xuzhou were closely linked.
If Shao Xun wanted to become an official in Xuzhou and didn't succeed, he might go to Qingzhou, which would still fall into the Wang family's hands.
"Why didn't Maohong mention this to me?" Wang Yan asked sternly.
"Maohong wanted to handle it himself and didn't want to trouble you with everything," Wang Dun replied without embellishment.
Wang Yan's expression softened slightly, and after a moment, he nodded.
"It's good for him to learn a lesson."
He had a premonition that if he didn't act, Xuzhou might slip away.
Even if he acted now, Xuzhou might not return intact.
Securing either the Governor or the Commander would be a victory.
"Enough about Xuzhou for now. It's getting late; let's go to the Golden Fortress," Wang Yan said, looking at the night outside the window and standing up.
Wang Dun softly agreed.
Soon, the two quietly left the house, accompanied by their guards, and headed to the Golden Fortress.
They arrived at the Golden Fortress quickly.
After some negotiation, two baskets were lowered from the city wall to bring them inside.
Wang Yan and Wang Dun arrived in front of a guesthouse.
At a glance, it seemed to have once been a hall for imprisoning royal family members, but now it had been turned into a military camp.
Two large braziers were placed in front of the hall.
The flickering flames cast a fierce and menacing light on the faces of the soldiers guarding the entrance.
Wang Dun's sharp eyes even spotted a few heads hanging from the beams not far away.
If he wasn't mistaken, these were soldiers who had violated military discipline and had been executed, their heads hung as a warning to others.
The sound of footsteps and the clinking of armor could be heard from time to time, indicating the presence of patrolling soldiers.
When two patrols crossed paths, they exchanged passwords, showing their discipline.
In the darkness further away, shadowy figures could be seen, their eyes scanning the surroundings.
Wang Dun knew these were hidden sentries.
The military's night watch consisted of visible sentries, hidden sentries, mobile sentries, and patrols.
The Golden Fortress had a complete defense system, covering all bases.
This military camp was exceptionally well-managed.
Wang Dun quietly rubbed his arm under his sleeve, noticing that he had broken out in goosebumps.
Indeed, a solemn and strict environment could make people nervous.
Surrounded by weapons and armor at night, with heads hanging nearby, it was hard to remain carefree.
Soon, a dozen or so people emerged from the hall.
Even at night, they were fully armored, their hands resting on their sword hilts.
The leader had a thick beard and a fierce expression.
After scanning the area, his gaze settled on the two visitors.
Footsteps echoed from inside the hall.
"Deputy Director Wang, your visit is an honor. Forgive us for not welcoming you properly," Mi Huang said as he quickly walked out of the hall, bowing in greeting.
Upon seeing Wang Dun, he bowed again and smiled, "I didn't expect the Grand Herald to come as well. My apologies."
Behind Mi Huang were three military officers: Shao Xun, He Lun, and Wang Bing, who all bowed in unison.
Wang Yan and Wang Dun returned the gesture.
"We had no choice but to visit at such a late hour," Wang Yan said with a smile.
"Please come inside quickly. The military camp is a solemn place, and we wouldn't want to disturb you," Mi Huang said, stepping aside to invite them in.
"Alright," Wang Yan nodded and entered the hall with Wang Dun.
After everyone was seated, Wang Yan glanced around the hall.
The Golden Fortress, also known as Yongchang Palace, had many halls since it was often used to imprison royal family members.
The living conditions were quite good.
"Deputy Director Wang, I must admit I was surprised when I heard you were at the Golden Fortress. After confirming it was you and your brother, I was overjoyed," Mi Huang, as the host, spoke first.
"Unfortunately, the military camp is a simple place, and we couldn't prepare a feast on such short notice. Please forgive us."
"Not at all, not at all," Wang Yan waved his hand, smiling warmly.
"I heard your son recently got married? Qingzhou and Xuzhou are like one family. If I had known earlier, I would have sent a generous gift."
"It's been a few months since the wedding," Mi Huang said, feeling somewhat flattered by Wang Yan's courtesy.
"I'm afraid my son's name might not be worthy of your attention."
"Don't say that," Wang Yan laughed.
"If there's a chance, I'd like to meet him and give him some advice, to help boost the reputation of our young men from Qingzhou and Xuzhou."
Mi Huang was genuinely moved.
He stood up and bowed deeply.
"Deputy Director, your kindness is overwhelming. If you ever need anything in the future, I will not refuse."
Wang Yan stroked his beard and smiled without saying a word.
Wang Dun, watching from the side, was deeply impressed.
This was the power of reputation.
Without doing anything, his brother had made Mi Huang owe him a great favor, all for a promise that might never be fulfilled.
After bowing, Mi Huang returned to his seat, his excitement still evident.
He took a deep breath and asked, "Deputy Director, what brings you here so late at night?"
Wang Yan frowned and sighed.
"It's about the Crown Prince."
"Has the Crown Prince issued any orders?" Mi Huang asked.
Wang Yan's gaze swept over He Lun and Wang Bing, lingering slightly on Shao Xun before returning to Mi Huang.
"The Crown Prince is being controlled by Shangguan Si. Any orders he issues are chaotic."
"I heard that this afternoon, the Crown Prince appointed Zhou Fu as the Guard General and Director of the Secretariat. Is that true?" Mi Huang asked.
"Zhou Zuxuan is loyal to the state. How could he accept such a chaotic order?" Wang Yan smiled.
"I believe the Crown Prince is being forced. Shangguan Si is arrogant, greedy, and lawless. The Crown Prince is under his control, and that's not a good thing."
"What do you mean, Deputy Director?" Mi Huang glanced at his three generals and hesitated.
"At this point, there's no need to hide anything," Wang Yan sighed.
"The glorious city of Luoyang cannot be destroyed by Shangguan Si. We, the scholars of Qingzhou and Xuzhou, must unite and work together to overcome this difficult time, waiting for the return of the Grand Commandant."
"Deputy Director, you are absolutely right," Mi Huang also sighed deeply.
The whereabouts of Sima Yue were his greatest concern.
Now, with no news of his life or death, Mi Huang's heart was in turmoil.
But as long as there was no definitive news of the Grand Commandant's death, he would remain loyal and protect Luoyang, the heart of their power.
Shao Xun, listening silently, felt a sudden sense of crisis.
This Wang Yan seemed much more formidable than Wang Dao.
Regardless of anything else, his verbal skills were top-notch.
In just a few words, he had Mi Huang completely under his spell, ready to follow his every word.
Had all his cultivation gone into his eloquence?
"I have a plan that might restore peace to Luoyang," Wang Yan suddenly said.
"Please, Deputy Director, speak freely."
"This plan is called 'Drive the Tiger to Devour the Wolf'..."
Wang Yan said after a moment of contemplation.
(End of Chapter)