Chapter 60 Threat

Another official chimed in, "Indeed, Your Majesty. Though Zhao Ang usually acts like a spoiled scoundrel, his performance on the northern battlefield can only be described as a miracle. If we press the advantage now, the northern barbarians will likely never recover!"

Hearing this, Emperor Jing raised his eyes slightly, his gaze sweeping across the courtiers below.

A composed smile remained on his face, but undercurrents surged within his heart.

Zhao Ang's military achievements naturally brought glory to him as the emperor, yet at the same time, they instilled a faint sense of threat.

Zhao Ang had led the Black Tiger Army to the northern frontier and completely turned the tide of battle in such a short span of time.

How could Emperor Jing not be wary of such prestige?

"Although Zhao Ang has rendered meritorious service, this campaign is not yet fully concluded. I shall not bestow lavish praise upon him prematurely."

Emperor Jing spoke calmly, his tone carrying a trace of majesty. "Send word to the northern frontier, commanding Zhao Ang to continue pursuing the remnants of the barbarians and ensure the chaotic situation is thoroughly purged."

"As you command, Your Majesty." A eunuch acknowledged the order and withdrew.

Emperor Jing's gaze fell once more upon the military report, his fingertips tapping gently against the desk as he thought to himself, *The Zhao family... When I spared your lives back then, it was for the stability of the imperial court. But now, are you not shining a bit too brightly?*

The winter in the capital grew even more biting.

The Duke of Dingguo's estate was silent, yet its main hall was brightly lit.

The Duke of Dingguo sat in the primary seat with a gloomy expression, gripping the news that had just arrived from the palace—though Emperor Jing had rewarded Zhao Ang for his successive victories, there was not the slightest sign of gratitude toward the Zhao family.

"My Lord, what is the emperor's attitude?" a trusted confidant asked in a low voice, caution written across his face.

The Duke of Dingguo casually tossed the memorial in his hand onto the table and sneered, "Attitude? Nothing more than the usual imperial tactics. He uses Zhao Ang to fight his wars, but will never allow the Zhao family's achievements to become too conspicuous."

He raised his eyes to look out the window, his gaze profound. "This Zhao Ang... is riding the crest of his popularity right now. But let us not forget, he still has the Duke of Zhenguo, Zhao Rong, backing him. That old fox is not someone easily dealt with."

The confidant spoke in a hushed tone, "My Lord, how do you plan to respond? Now that Zhao Ang is cutting through the northern frontier like a hot knife through butter, and the prestige of the Black Tiger Army is growing ever more illustrious, once he returns in triumph, I'm afraid..."

Before he could finish, the Duke of Dingguo coldly interrupted him, "Return in triumph? Zhao Ang is dreaming! With just a slight push from me to make Emperor Jing fully aware of the threat posed by the Zhao family, whether Zhao Ang can return alive remains to be seen."

The confidant was startled. "Then does My Lord intend to—?"

The Duke of Dingguo slowly stood up, placing his hands behind his back. His voice was low yet tinged with ruthlessness, "Since the blade of the Zhao family has already been drawn, it is time to pry it out of Zhao Rong's hands. While Zhao Ang is campaigning in the north, I shall cut off his retreat, leaving him with no home to return to."

The next day, the Duke of Dingguo entered the palace early in the morning to seek an audience with Emperor Jing.

Inside the Golden Hall, Emperor Jing was reviewing memorials. Upon hearing that the Duke of Dingguo requested an audience, he lifted his eyelids. "Summon him in."

Entering the hall, the Duke of Dingguo bowed deeply, "This subject pays respects to Your Majesty."

Emperor Jing raised a hand slightly. "Rise. My Lord, speak your mind if you have matters to discuss."

The Duke of Dingguo stood up, straightened his robes, and wore a look of deep concern as he spoke in a low voice, "Your Majesty, I have presumptuously requested this audience today regarding a major matter concerning the safety of the state."

Emperor Jing put down the memorial in his hand, looked up at the Duke of Dingguo, and raised an eyebrow slightly. "The safety of the state?"

The Duke of Dingguo nodded slightly, his expression solemn. "Precisely. Your Majesty, the Heir Apparent, Zhao Ang, has achieved brilliant military successes on the northern frontier. The Black Tiger Army is unstoppable, and the barbarians are no longer capable of counterattacking. This ought to be a joyous occasion, but what worries this subject is the attitude of the Zhao family."

"The attitude of the Zhao family?" Emperor Jing narrowed his eyes slightly, a hint of chill entering his tone. "My Lord, speak plainly if you have something to say."

The Duke of Dingguo took a half-step forward and lowered his voice, "Your Majesty, the Zhao family has guarded the borders for many years, and the Black Tiger Army has long been their personal stronghold. Now that Zhao Ang has established such merits in the north, young though he may be, he is, after all, the grandson of the Duke of Zhenguo, Zhao Rong. The Duke of Zhenguo is advanced in years, yet he still holds military command. Does Your Majesty not feel that this is somewhat inappropriate?"

Emperor Jing's gaze darkened slightly as if in contemplation.

Seeing this, the Duke of Dingguo continued, "This subject harbors no intention of slandering the Duke of Zhenguo, but the power of the Zhao family is far too conspicuous now, especially given Zhao Ang's consecutive victories. Who can guarantee that the Duke of Zhenguo will not harbor other ambitions? If Zhao Ang continues to hold the Black Tiger Army while the Duke of Zhenguo pulls the strings from the capital, Your Majesty... I fear it will be difficult to truly maintain control of the situation."

Emperor Jing tapped gently on his desk, his gaze profound. "And your meaning is?"

The Duke of Dingguo said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, this subject dares to offer a stratagem. Though Zhao Ang is in the north, the foundation of the Black Tiger Army remains in the capital. As the backbone of the Zhao family, if Your Majesty can restrain him slightly and allow him to enjoy his twilight years in peace, it would be regarded as removing a hidden danger for the imperial court. That way, even if the northern situation changes, Your Majesty can handle it with ease."

Emperor Jing's gaze tightened slightly. His face remained calm, yet no one could read his thoughts.

"Restrain Zhao Rong?"

He asked calmly, his tone unhurried, "How specifically should this be done?"

The Duke of Dingguo cupped his hands, a measure of caution in his tone.

"Your Majesty, loyal though the Duke of Zhenguo is, he is advanced in years. Moreover, since Zhao Ang is already fighting in his stead on the northern frontier, the Duke of Zhenguo's military authority ought rightfully to be held by Your Majesty. This subject suggests that we temporarily 'detain' the Duke of Zhenguo within the palace, bestowing upon him the leisure to live out his old age."

Emperor Jing did not reply immediately. Instead, he slowly stood up, paced to the window, and cast his gaze upon the cold winter scenery outside the hall.

After a moment of silence, he suddenly spoke, "My Lord's words are indeed reasonable. The Duke of Zhenguo is advanced in years and truly ought to be given a proper rest."

Hearing this, a surge of joy welled up in the Duke of Dingguo's heart, though he maintained a respectful outward appearance. "Your Majesty is wise. This subject believes the Duke of Zhenguo will surely understand such an arrangement."

"My Lord, since you deem this necessary for the stability of the court, I shall leave this matter entirely in your hands." Emperor Jing slowly turned around to look at the Duke of Dingguo, his tone indifferent.

The Duke of Dingguo bowed slightly, a respectful smile on his face. "This subject thanks Your Majesty for your trust. I shall surely share Your Majesty's burdens and handle this matter flawlessly."

"Very well. The Duke of Zhenguo has been utterly loyal, but it is indeed time for him to recuperate properly."

Emperor Jing waved a hand, his tone carrying a profound undertone. "Remember, do not mar his dignity. After all, he has rendered illustrious service to the imperial court."

"This subject understands." The Duke of Dingguo bowed once more, a flash of coldness hidden deep within his eyes.

After he withdrew, Emperor Jing's gaze returned to the snowy scenery outside the grand hall. His expression was tranquil, yet none could fathom what he was thinking at that moment.

Upon leaving the imperial palace, the Duke of Dingguo headed straight back to his estate.

As soon as he stepped into his study, he found his confidant waiting for him for quite some time, holding a stack of densely written documents.

"My Lord, did Emperor Jing agree?" the confidant asked in a low voice, noting his calm expression.

The Duke of Dingguo let out a soft murmur of assent, sat down, took the documents, and flipped through a few pages. He sneered,

"He agreed. Though he is wary of the Zhao family, he is even more wary of Zhao Ang's blazing prominence. At a time like this, he could never allow the Duke of Zhenguo to continue pulling strings from afar."