Chapter 8: Father and Son

  "Oh dear, I'm enchanted again!"

  Eighth sister's sudden cry of surprise brought her back to reality, and she hastily reached out to collect the bowls and chopsticks on the table, but was quickly intercepted by Pai Feng, "Miss, let me do this kind of thing. The sky is getting dark, and Mother should be busy now. I'll take my leave first and go to the kitchen to attend to things."

  After Liu Yanzhao sent off the wind, he smiled and stopped Ba Mei, who was about to return to her mother, "Yu'er, what do you think of Pai Feng?"

  "Expel wind?"

  Although anxious to go to his mother's side, he was somewhat perplexed when Liu Yanzhao mentioned Pai Feng and stopped in his tracks. "Sixth brother, why did you ask about this matter? Pai Feng has been in the mansion since childhood and is very close to Xiaoyu. Especially after sixth brother got busy with military affairs, the only ones who could accompany Xiaoyu were the annoying seventh brother and Pai Feng."

  Ba Mei's face showed a melancholy that didn't match her age, and now that Seventh Brother had also entered the camp, there were even fewer people in the manor who could keep Little Maid company.

  With a hint of embarrassment, Liu Yanzhao pulled her hand and winked at Ba Mei, "Since that's the case, let's also have Mother teach Pai Feng martial arts and literacy, how about that? This way, Yu Er will have more companions too."

  Upon hearing this, Ba Mei was overjoyed. "Is Sixth Brother telling the truth? Yu'er has had this idea too, but was afraid Mother wouldn't agree, so she never dared to mention it. Now that Sixth Brother is helping, Mother will definitely agree! I'll go tell Pai Feng right now and let her be happy too!"

  Clapping her hands and jumping up and down excitedly, Ba Mei ran out, apparently she was really happy, otherwise how could she have forgotten even the matter of revenge?

  Looking at her joyful appearance, Liu Yanzhao's mouth corner revealed a hint of smile.

  After Eighth Sister left, the house fell silent once again. With nothing to do, he picked up the military book on his desk and started reading it. Although he had plans to enter officialdom, as Liu Jiye's son, he had been branded with the mark of a general's family from an early age, so he still needed to grasp some knowledge of military strategy, which would come in handy when the time came.

  The book in his hand, "Sun Tzu's Art of War", had many annotations on it. The handwriting was strong and powerful, with a hidden sharpness, yet also showed a clear and elegant structure. Liu Yanzhao, who had studied calligraphy, immediately understood that this was the handwriting of Liu Jiye.

  No wonder the views are very thorough and consistent with those of later generations.

  I didn't expect Liu Jiye to be so formidable, and I couldn't help but admire him deeply. If he hadn't been harmed by treacherous people, with these skills, it might not have been difficult for the Song Dynasty to sweep away the barbarian tribes.

  "It's not worth risking one's life for Northern Han, having a set of skills but no place to use them."

  Liu Yanzhao let out a soft sigh and closed the military book in his hand. The more he read, the more he admired it. Unconsciously, Liu Yanzhao thought of the current situation again. Dai State City had an unexpected visitor, Ma Yuan, who was also the imperial envoy.

  It was obviously a precaution taken by the Northern Han court against the Liu family.

  At this point, anyone can see that Liu Jiyuan must also be aware of it. Otherwise, he would not have taken the opportunity to capture Jianxiong Army. In a chaotic world, having an army is king. Even if his father had no intention of occupying one side, Jianxiong Army could not be left in Ma Yuan's hands, otherwise, it would always be a hidden danger for Dai State City.

  But will Ma Yuan be so willing to give up like this?

  This guy is simply a second-generation ancestor, originally came to Daidzhou as a local tyrant with an arrogant attitude, but ended up suffering one defeat after another, and should be unable to swallow this breath.

  It seems that Dazhou City is going to be in for a storm.

  With his hands supporting his chin, Liu Yanzhao quickly calculated in his mind. He had no worries about making an enemy of Ma Yuan; on the contrary, it would be best if he could get him killed in Dai Prefecture!

  A ruthless intention surged in his heart, and Liu Yanzhao made up his mind. Just as he was about to continue plotting, a cry of surprise came from beside him. He turned around to see that Ba Mei had appeared in front of him at some point, her small face filled with fear.

  "What's wrong, Eighth Sister?"

  "Sixth brother, your expression just now was truly terrifying, Fish has never seen you look like that before."

  Ba Mei finally caught her breath and spoke softly. Liu Yan Zhao only then understood that it must have been the unintentionally revealed killing intent from earlier that had startled her.

  Shang Qian patted the little head of Ba Mei, and Liu Yan Zhao smiled to cover it up, "Just now, Sixth Brother was thinking about battlefield matters, so he would be like that, scaring our family's Little Fish. Sixth Brother owes you an apology."

  "Sixth brother is fine, and the fish doesn't matter either." Holding Liu Yanzhao's hand, Eighth Sister pulled him out, "Mother asked me to call Sixth Brother for dinner. Father and brothers have all returned, only Seventh Brother that annoying guy can't get out of bed yet. Fish will let Pai Feng send some food to him later."

  The little girl was muttering to herself, but Liu Yanzhao had fallen into deep thought once again. Father is back, so the Jianxiong Army's matter should be temporarily resolved. However, it's unknown whether these foreign soldiers are truly loyal, or else there will definitely be endless troubles in the future when deploying them.

  After all, how should this thorny Jian Xiong army be handled? Liu Yanzhao really looked forward to his father's approach.

  Entering the living room, it was already packed with people, only Dad and Mom had not arrived yet. The atmosphere was still lively. Seeing Liu Yanzhao, Dalang and several others were delighted. Sanlang couldn't help but make a joke, "Hey, just two days without seeing you, Sixth Brother's injury has healed, really making Third Brother happy, what's the saying that goes like this?"

  He said, deliberately turning his head to look at Wu Lang, who naturally cooperated and took over, "A thick skin is hard to pierce with an iron spear. Has Sixth Brother also mastered this kind of amazing martial art, but only uses it on his butt? Haha..."

  The harmonious singing of the two made everyone else laugh, and Liu Yanzhao naturally wouldn't bother with them, he just smiled and sat down in his seat.

  At this scene, Erlang Liu Yandeng also smiled and teased, "Something big has happened, how can the usually sharp-tongued Sixth Brother be so taciturn? Could it be that he's been replaced by someone else after a few days at home?"

  At this time, Liu Jiaye and his wife walked in, wearing casual clothes. Seeing everyone so happy, Zhe Saihua couldn't help but speak up, "What are you all talking about? You're having so much fun, let me and your father know too."

  "Sister, are they joking with Sixth Brother? By the way, how's Seventh Brother's injury?"

  Dalong hurriedly explained, but then asked about Liu Yanyi's situation. After all, as the eldest brother, Liu Yanping was still a bit worried that his younger brother had encountered such a thing when he first joined the army.

  "Qilang's body is not as good as Liulang, so he still needs to rest for two more days. Your father just went to see him and he's fine now," said Zhesaihua, picking up her chopsticks. "Come on, let's eat! We've been tired for several days, it's time to replenish our energy. For tonight's dishes, Yunniang and the others have been busy preparing for a long time."

  After dinner, Liu Yanzhao was originally planning to rest for a while before returning to his room, but after drinking only two mouthfuls of tea, he and several brothers were led away by Liu Jiye to the study.

  They entered the study, sat down separately, and Liu Jiye placed his hands on the desk in front of him without speaking. For a while, the study became quiet.

  Everyone remained silent, and Liu Yanzhao did not dare to speak much. He lowered his head and looked at the ground shrouded in the yellow glow of the oil lamp, guessing that the matter to be discussed later would likely involve Jianxiong Army and Ma Yuan.

  "Father, did you summon us children here to discuss matters of the camp?"

  After a while, Da Lang Liu Yanping couldn't help but ask, after all, several people just sat here doing nothing.

  "Hmm," Liu Jiye murmured, "Although the Emperor has let me lead the Xiong Army, it's always been a remote leadership. Now they're suddenly being dispatched to Dai Prefecture, I'm afraid there are some petty people secretly sabotaging this."

  Just as Liu Yanzhao thought, his father was not muddled. 'Yao ling' and 'ling' differ by only one character, but their meanings are vastly different. Yao ling is merely a nominal title, so incorporating Jian Xiong Jun under his command would already be an overstepping of authority.

  "For two generations, the Liu family has been loyal to the imperial court. The Emperor should not listen to rumors and besides, Father has already submitted a memorial to the imperial court. With the border defense being urgent, it is reasonable to mobilize troops, so I think Father should set his mind at ease."

  "Second Brother is right, but this Jian Xiong Army is indeed a difficult problem. Although we have brought them all into the camp in these two days, perhaps it was that day's trial that created a gap, and there seems to be a considerable distance between them and our soldiers."

  The second son's words were immediately echoed by the third son, who expressed his opinion in his heart. Under his words, several people turned their eyes to Liu Yanzhao, who remained silent.

  Seeing this situation, the latter's scalp felt numb, but he couldn't blame anyone. After all, it was his own doing. He cleared his throat a few times and said, "Father, elder brothers, perhaps there is a way to solve the current problem."

  "Oh? What's the hurry, Sixth Brother? Spit it out!"

  Wulang was overjoyed and exclaimed, but then realized he had lost his composure, so he quickly shrunk back and remained silent. Perhaps Jianxiong's question had become a thorny issue, so Liu Jiye also did not scold him, instead staring at Liu Yanzhao and saying, "Liu Yanzhao, what do you propose?"

  "The children are indeed in a predicament, whether it's Jian Xiong Jun or the generals of Dai Prefecture, they are all guardians of the imperial court. If both sides were to fight against the enemy together, perhaps some familial affection could be born."

  Upon hearing this, even the calm and collected Da Lang couldn't help but voice his praise, "Sixth Brother's plan is excellent! When faced with external threats, they will definitely unite and cooperate, relying on each other for survival. Where would there be room for such internal strife?"

  After a moment of contemplation, Liu Jiye also nodded, "It's good, but the Song State's attacks are all on a small scale, this grinding process will likely take some time, I just hope there won't be any unexpected changes."

  "Father said that it would be better to frequently organize some confrontation drills, mixing up the Jianxiong Army and our state's generals, so that not only can the generals get practice, but also subtly achieve a harmonious effect."

  Er Lang added a sentence, immediately got recognized, Liu Jiye was also extremely agreeable. The war may not happen every day, but the matter of Jian Xiong Army cannot be delayed, and it is impossible to grasp it. If this sharp blade is not controlled, it will hurt people at any time.

  They continued to discuss for a long time, and when they realized it, it was almost midnight. The oil lamp on the desk was also about to burn out. Liu Jiye picked up the cold tea in front of him and took a sip. "It's late, let's go back and rest. Tomorrow we'll do as we just discussed."

  Liu Yanzhao was about to leave with Dalang and others when he was stopped by Liu Jiyeh from behind, "Sixth brother, you stay here."

  "Go and talk with your father." Dalang gave him a look, whispered to him in a low voice, and then left with three other brothers.

  What's going on?

  Liu Yanzhao was a bit hesitant, but still stepped into the study, "Father, you called for me?"

  "How is your injury?"

  "The child has worried his father, but he's almost recovered now. Tomorrow, he can go to the camp with his elder brother for training."

  "Good, that's good", Liu Jiye hummed and leaned back in his chair with his eyes closed, but what he said next made Liu Yanzhao worried.

  "Sixth Brother, I don't understand why you had to be so ruthless that day. This is completely unlike the way you normally behave."

  Still got caught, luckily I was thinking of an excuse while resting at home and had prepared for it. I immediately spoke up to apologize, "I know I'm wrong, but this observation is too deceitful, that's why I couldn't bear it for a moment."

  Shifting the blame onto Ma Yuan was his best plan, Liu Jiye was a clever person, how could he not understand the intention behind Ma Yuan's visit to Dai Prefecture.

  At first, he also wanted to take this opportunity to alienate Liu Jiye and the Northern Han court, but after more than two hours of conversation, he did not mention Ma Yuan at all. Liu Yanzhao understood that his father was deliberately avoiding talking about it.

  It's still necessary to think about it from a long-term perspective.

  Without saying a word, Liu Yanzhao knew that his father was weighing the pros and cons, and this excuse had also helped him avoid trouble once again.

  "What do you think should be done with Ma Yuan?"

  Liu Jiye still had his eyes closed, but the question was much more direct, almost making Liu Yanzhao's words that had been brewing in his heart slip out, but in the end, he still held back.

  As for Ma Yuan, of course he was killed. This was Liu Yanzhao's true intention. He had already inquired about it and found out that Ma Yuan was the only son of Shangshu Left Buda Ma Feng. In this way, Liu Jiye could be said to have tied a knot with the Ma family.

  However, this naturally couldn't be said out loud. After a moment's thought, Liu Yanzhao came up with a compromise: "Child, I think there are two ways to deal with him. One is to treat him with courtesy, but deliberately isolate him, after all, Dai Prefecture City has always been in your father's control. I believe that after a period of self-inflicted humiliation, he will return to JinYang City."

  "What's the second way?"

  "Secondly, next time when fighting against the Song army, Father can let Ma Yuan follow him. He is just a spoiled son of a wealthy family, after experiencing the cruelty and cold-bloodedness of the battlefield, I'm afraid he won't be willing to stay in Dai Prefecture even if you spare his life."

  "This is indeed a coincidence," Liu Jiyei nodded slightly, "Liu Liu's vision has improved a lot. It's getting late, you should also go back to your room."

  "Son, you go ahead and retire first, Father will also rest early, there are still many things in the camp that need Father's attention."

  He turned and left, but as he stepped out of the threshold, Liu Yanzhao was called back again, "Sixth Lang, what do you think of the court's situation?"

  Liu Yanzhao stopped in his tracks and hesitated for a moment, "Dad, are you ready to hear the truth?"

  "Ah, naturally."

  "That child simply spoke his mind, relying on the Khitan, but only managed to save himself for a moment. In the end, he still brought wolves into the house. This move is no different from Shi Jingtang's betrayal of the country."

  After saying this, Liu Yanzhao's heart beat violently and he held his breath. However, Liu Jiye didn't get as angry as he had expected, but instead remained silent for a long time before sighing again, "Go back and rest!"