Chapter 1974: The Scheme! An Yaluoshan Promoted! (1/2)
Edited by: Michyrr
From a certain perspective, Zhang Shougui was the local Emperor of Youzhou. Youzhou knew only of Zhang Shougui and no other Emperor.
This was fine in the past. As long as Zhang Shougui protected Youzhou, no one could do anything to him. But after this defeat, his foundation had been completely undermined.
”They would dare!”
Upon hearing Zhang Shougui's words, An Yaluoshan fiercely raised his head, his face contorted in rage.
”If anyone tries to replace Foster Father, your child and the generals of Youzhou will never agree!”
”That's right! We Youzhou generals will never agree!”
In the hall, the Youzhou generals voiced their agreement so loudly that the hall shook.
An Yaluoshan grabbed Zhang Shougui's sleeve and asked, ”Foster Father, the court is in a phase of frequent reshuffling, and the Sage Emperor has also changed. Things should not be that bad, right?”
”No one likes a loser. In the Youzhou war, while we managed to win in the end, making it less certain that the court will remove me, we still must prepare for this possibility. There are many examples in history of people who had their military authority removed after a single loss. This has nothing to do with a wise ruler or incapable one. And if it's an incapable ruler, our situation might be even worse.
”Youzhou is the work of this old man's entire life, and it cannot be allowed to fall into the hands of another. This old man also has no plans to pave the road for someone else's success. This time, if the Imperial Court really does decide to replace me, this old man will recommend you to temporarily hold my post of Protector-General. I've already written the memorial.
”You recently won a major victory in Youzhou, and the Sage Emperor is certain to have heard your name. Moreover, you are also a general of Youzhou and are extremely familiar with the northeast. If I recommend you, the court will not refuse!”
Zhang Shougui placed a hand on An Yaluoshan's right shoulder, a profound light in his eyes that seemed to see through everything. He had already made all the arrangements.
On the floor, An Yaluoshan trembled in shock, and his eyes showed a faint ripple of emotion.
But a moment later, Zhang Shougui continued to speak.
”As long as you control the Andong Protectorate in my place, this old man will at most need two years to return to Youzhou. At that time, we will once more become father and son, and Youzhou will once more be under this old man's control, and you will be well rewarded by your father!”
An Yaluoshan's eyes turned cold, and an imperceptible sneer appeared on his lips, but he quickly put on a sincere and grateful expression.
”Thank you, Foster Father!”
At this moment, Zhang Shougui began to fiercely cough once more. These words had seemingly taken all of his strength, and his eyes rapidly dimmed while his face turned ghastly pale.
An Yaluoshan jumped to his feet to assist Zhang Shougui.
”Foster Father, are you okay?”
As An Yaluoshan helped up Zhang Shougui, he shot a glance at Tian Qianzhen and Cui Qianyou behind him.
”Hurry and bring over the medicine!”
A few moments later, a bowl of thick black liquid was brought up.
”Foster Father, you must protect your health. This medicine is good for your body. Let your child help you drink it.”
An Yaluoshan had a sincere expression on his face as he lowered his head.
”After so many years, you still know how to treat your father best.”
Zhang Shougui's face was emotional and unsuspecting. He took the bowl from An Yaluoshan and drained it in one gulp.
After taking the medicine, Zhang Shougui was quickly taken to his chambers by his servant girl.
In the hall, all the generals withdrew.
A few moments later, An Yaluoshan walked out. As he turned his head, that sincere, honest, and somewhat comical face disappeared, replaced with a savage and venomous face, awash with the joy that came with the success of a scheme.
An Yaluoshan did not tarry in the protectorate headquarters, and several li away, he met up at a prearranged point with Cui Qianyou, Tian Qianzhen, Tian Chengsi, and Gao Shang.
Cui Qianyou was the first to speak. ”Your Excellency, this war was an incredibly rare chance, when Zhang Shougui was at his weakest. Why, instead of killing him and ending things for good, did Your Excellency decide to save him?”
The war had ended several days ago, and An Yaluoshan had spent every moment since then at Zhang Shougui's side, attending to his every need. Only now did Cui Qianyou finally have the opportunity to ask this question.