nycdaug Chapter 84 Overwhelmed with Miscellaneous Duties
Chapter 84 Overwhelmed with Miscellaneous Duties
After cautiously looking around, the spy bowed to Li Mao.
"Your Highness, our spies have just obtained new intelligence. An Lushan seems to be secretly contacting some foreign forces," the spy whispered.
Li Mao raised an eyebrow and a meaningful smile appeared on his lips. "This is very interesting."
"Should we launch a further investigation to uncover the mystery behind this?" General Feng suggested.
"Send the most reliable people, and don't alert them," Li Mao said firmly.
Meanwhile, at An Lushan's secluded retreat, An Sishun was planning their next move with An Lushan.
“General, our deployment in the north is gradually being completed, and some key nodes have been set up,” An Sishun said softly.
An Lushan nodded and said, "Very good, this way we can have a stronger reserve force."
"But at the same time, we must also guard against the continuous encroachment of hostile forces on the western front," An Sishun added.
“This is indeed something we cannot ignore. Our key is to seize the opportunity and create an advantage,” An Lushan said sternly.
At this moment, Li Heng sat at his desk, his fingers lightly tapping the surface.
"Your Highness, the urgency of the military situation has reached a critical point. What should we do next?" Gao Shi asked from the side.
Li Heng smiled calmly, indicating that he was prepared, "Our goal is to stabilize the overall situation, and we should not miss an opportunity to move the situation forward under any circumstances."
……
As night fell in Chang'an, the hustle and bustle of the streets and alleys gradually subsided into tranquility.
Inside the Taiji Hall, Li Longji was receiving several trusted ministers.
"Zhang Jiuling, the military situation is changing rapidly. How can we stabilize the situation?" Li Longji sat on the dragon throne, his sharp gaze sweeping over the assembled officials.
Zhang Jiuling stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, although An Lushan has temporarily retreated, according to intelligence reports, his remaining forces are still waiting for an opportunity to move. There are also signs of unrest in remote areas of the southwest."
Li Longji frowned, his face showing deep thought: "These are turbulent times, and we cannot afford any mistakes. We must plan ahead."
"Your Majesty, perhaps we should strengthen our domestic affairs and military preparations to ensure the stability of the central government, so that we can defend against external enemies," another minister, Xue Deng, seconded.
“Indeed, securing one side is the key to dealing with multiple challenges.” Li Longji nodded, then turned his gaze to Li Heng, “Heng’er, what are your thoughts?”
Li Heng pondered for a moment, his gaze resolute: "Father, I believe that the current situation requires a comprehensive approach, addressing both internal and external factors. We should dispatch capable envoys to strengthen pacification and communication with local areas. Furthermore, we should deploy heavy troops along the border defenses."
Li Longji clapped his hands in approval, his words overflowing with reassurance and trust: "Heng'er is a pillar of our Great Tang Dynasty, and his words are reasonable. We shall proceed accordingly and hope for remarkable results."
Xianglan whispered words of comfort from the side: "His Majesty trusts those he employs, and he will surely be able to stabilize the overall situation."
Li Longji nodded slightly, his face showing emotion, "Having you all by my side is truly my good fortune."
at the same time.
Inside the Prince Shou's residence, Li Mao was discussing the southern deployment with his advisors.
"Your Highness, although An Lushan's remaining forces have retreated, they have not left. We must be wary of them secretly gathering strength," Afu reported.
Li Mao raised his hand slightly and calmly ordered: "The southern garrison must be fortified. Those who have been plotting against us must not be let down their guard at any time."
General Feng then interjected, "Your Highness, should we still pay attention to the unrest in the southwest? Many local powerful figures harbor ill intentions."
“Indeed, it’s possible that both sides harbor ulterior motives. Anyone who poses a threat to me should be eliminated at the last minute.” Li Mao stared at the map, lost in thought.
"Prevention is better than cure, and that is the best course of action right now," Afu suggested. "We can strike at the right time to nip any threat in the bud."
Li Mao tapped the table lightly, indicating his agreement. "Only by taking them by surprise can we control the overall situation. But we must not alert them and cause unnecessary trouble."
After much deliberation, Li Mao said to General Feng, "Keep a close watch during this period, and if necessary, quickly contact reliable allies."
General Feng understood immediately and already had a plan in mind.
At this very moment, An Lushan was also busily planning for the future.
"General, our troops have been secretly moved and are gradually being deployed to the border and strategic passes," An Sishun reported.
An Lushan nodded in satisfaction. "The time is not yet ripe, but the location is advantageous. We must be patient and wait for the right opportunity."
"But at the same time, we must be constantly vigilant about enemy intelligence and ensure that every movement is within our expectations," An Sishun carefully reminded.
“Of course. Life is like a game of chess, and the situation can change in an instant.” An Lushan waved his hand lightly and gave the order: “Continue to gather information and ascertain the movements of Li Longji and Li Heng.”
……
In the East Palace.
Li Heng said to Gao Shi, "Lord Gao, the situation is relatively stable at the moment, but we should not be too trusting before a storm."
Gao Shi nodded in agreement: "Your Highness, even a gentle breeze can harbor hidden turmoil. Shouldn't we seize this opportunity to consolidate the central government and strengthen internal control?"
Li Hengping gazed ahead, his expression profound. "Only through internal and external cooperation can peace and prosperity be achieved. It is time to make a decision and appoint talented individuals to positions of authority."
“If Your Highness can use people with discernment, you will surely be able to ride the winds of change. The situation will be reversed in the future,” Gao Shi said with a smile.
"This is like trying to hide something that's not there; the person hiding it won't notice." Li Heng said calmly, "I should first seek change while maintaining stability, and then act when the time is right."
Inside the Tai Chi Hall.
Xianglan remained by his side, exchanging words with Li Longji amidst the chess game.
"Your Majesty, the situation is now very complex and difficult to determine. Should we continue to play our cards right?" Xianglan asked softly with a smile.
Li Longji smiled wryly, “Chess is a trivial matter, but the bigger the game, the harder it is to control. However, by following the natural order, one can achieve victory by maintaining the center.”
"The game of chess is like the game of life, and so it is," Xianglan said slowly.
“Absolutely right. As for what lies ahead, let’s wait and see what fate has in store.” Li Longji was moved by these words and nodded slightly.
Outside of Chang'an, An Lushan and An Sishun were giving their people new orders.
"It seems a change is imminent," An Lushan murmured. "We should seize the opportunity to act."
“But now it is even more urgent and difficult to achieve, so we must think carefully and act prudently,” An Sishun said, accompanying him.
“My journey is fraught with peril, and avoiding disaster is even more difficult. How much better to conduct myself in a way that aligns with the will of the people,” An Lushan said earnestly.
At the same time.
Inside the Prince Shou's residence, Li Mao was discussing important plans with General Feng.
“Your Highness, the current situation is not without its challenges, and we should seize the opportunity,” General Feng suggested softly.
“What is hidden danger?” Li Mao’s expression turned serious, and he spoke more slowly and deliberately. “Even knowing that things are complicated, we should still prioritize what is important.”
"Your Highness has sharp eyes and timely foresight," Afu added.
"Now that we know they are coming, we must welcome them." Li Mao was resolute, his decision made. "In addition, we must maintain contact with Xianglan."
……
"Your Majesty, I have been preoccupied with many matters lately. Please take care of your health." Xianglan's distant voice echoed in Li Longji's ears.
Xianglan sat down in front of Li Longji with a gentle gesture and whispered, "Shall we play chess?"
Li Longji changed his clothes under the maid's clothes, glanced at Xianglan and said, "I'm busy with chores, so let's skip it today."