The Marquis Is Innocent

“I’m not being paranoid, but there are clues to the matter. You should still remember the lady onetime returned to East County. After she left, the Magistrate disobeyed your opposition to recruiting soldiers. What does that mean? In front of the Lord, the Magistrate said he wanted to defend the county against foreign invasion. But in my opinion, the Magistrate intended not only to defend against foreign invasion. Now that the effect has begun to show, the Magistrate introduced Bi Zhi. When I heard your words just now, it was not difficult to know that the Magistrate has already had some private dealings with Bi Zhi. Although Bi Zhi is your son-in-law, he is one of the Magistrate’s men. There is already a magistrate in Yanzhou, and with another Bi Zhi, what will be your position in the future? You should think twice.”

Zhang Pu’s words struck a chord in Qiao Yue’s heart.

After hearing this, a cold sweat broke out on his back. “Fortunately, I had asked you! Otherwise, I was close to leading the wolf into the house! What you said is correct! Bi Zhi is just a lowly horse slave. How can my Qiao family tolerate such a son-in-law? My daughter, who has abandoned her father and ancestors, I’ve long since considered her gone! But … ” He paused.

“What’s your concern?” Zhang Pu observed the situation from the side.

“I thought that if my niece married Wei Shao, Yanzhou would be able to rely on her from now on. But Wei Shao cannot even protect himself. How could he protect Yanzhou? My Qiao family and Xing Xun have always been at odds. When he became the emperor, Yanzhou was not the only state that did not respond. He sent Zhou Qun to attack Yanzhou because my family was related to Wei Shao by marriage. My second brother refused to listen to me and broke the bond with Xing Xun. Even though he has won two battles, he couldn’t guarantee that Xing Xun wouldn’t do anything in the future. If I don’t accept in Bi Zhi, how will Yanzhou be able to survive if Xing Xun comes again?” He sighed deeply and added, “When I first formed a marriage with the Wei family, I wanted more support, but now I’m in trouble. I’m in a dilemma!”

Zhang Pu said, “My Lord is extremely concerned. After Xing Xun became the emperor, he sent a strong army to conquer Wei Shao. Wei Shao is already in a disadvantageous position, and now that Xing Xun has gained the allegiance of Le Zheng Gong, he has added wings to his tiger. Now the two sides are at war in the Yellow River. The results are unknown, but anyone with eyes knows that Wei Shao will wane! He is just strenuously struggling!”

Qiao Yue grew worried and couldn’t sit down anymore. He got up and walked around the room, sighing.

Zhang Pu looked to the side and suddenly said, “My Lord, no need to be so anxious. Now there is an opportunity to help you turn the tide.”

Qiao Yue stopped, turned his head, and said, “What kind of opportunity?”

Zhang Pu quickly stepped to the front of the desk and wrote a few letters with his pen.

Qiao Yue went over and took a look.

“Liu Yan?” He was surprised.

“Exactly!” Zhang Pu nodded. “The former son of Langya, who had received the grace of the Qiao family, has now ascended the throne. You must’ve heard of it.”

Qiao Yue frowned. “I naturally know. But what about it? What does it have to do with me?”

Zhang Pu said, “I’m not going to lie. When Liu Yan lived in East County, I knew him well. Just a few days ago, he sent a letter to me, asking me to deliver it to you.” After saying that, under Qiao Yue’s astonished gaze, he pulled a yellow silk letter from his sleeve and respectfully presented it to him with both hands.

Qiao Yue hurriedly took it, unfolded and read it. There was a surge of thoughts that made his fingers slightly trembling.

Zhang Pu talked eloquently, “Xing Xun is notorious, usurped the throne as emperor, his reputation is improper, the world eventually will attack him. On the other hand, Liu Yan has all the advantages in the world. He has Wang Ba, Dong Cheng, Dou Wu, and Deng Xun, all important ministers. This Yellow River battle will be the momentum. In the future, the nine states will become two. Xing Xun and Le Zheng Gong accounted for the rebellion, and Liu Yan led the world as the rightful Han emperor. My Lord, Wei Shao has offended Xing Xun. Liu Yan, however, is grateful for the saving grace and has written a letter, holding a high official title, with a vacant position waiting for him. I say that this is an opportunity. Do you think I am wrong?”

Qiao Yue listened as his eyes gradually emitted a strange light. With hands behind his back, he excitedly walked into the room several times back and forth. He suddenly stopped and hesitantly said, “But, my second brother…”

“My Lord, did you forget what I said earlier? Wei Shao is the son-in-law of the Magistrate. The Magistrate has secretly suppressed you and probably already intended to replace you. How can you expect the Magistrate to work with you?”

Qiao Yue’s face was somewhat ugly. After contemplating, he said, “As you know, the situation is different. If he doesn’t give permission, all my family members will not listen to me.”

Zhang Pu said, “I have a strategy to offer. My Lord should get rid of Bi Zhi first. My Lord could decide on this matter. Even if the Magistrate is unwilling, he cannot refute. After you get rid of Bi Zhi, let your trusted friends arrest the Magistrate. Declare that he is too sick to govern and take away his military power, then Yanzhou will return to you. Then, it will be a matter of time before the Lord has the power to decide.”

Qiao Yue hesitated.

“My Lord! If you are not in charge of the army, you are incompetent! Haven’t you learned the lesson when you were so merciful and soft that you lost your position? Wei Shao will lose this battle! Once Xing Xun had destroyed Wei Shao, the spearhead would be pointed at Yanzhou again. Yanzhou’s hundred-year foundation will ruin if you hesitate and miss the opportunity to be protected by Liu Yan! You’re not taking his life. You’re just restraining him. Why are you hesitant?”