On the ninth day of the fifth month in the twenty-second year of Yong'an, the latest military report arrived from Youzhou. The Seventh Prince, who had been out of contact for nearly half a month, had defeated the Khitans, beheading their king. The new Khitan king had pledged allegiance to Great Wei, promising annual tribute.
The Luo family's rebellion had also been quelled, and the army was soon to return to the capital.
Yu Mingyue received a letter from her elder brother. It made no mention of the peril involved in slaying the Khitan king, only speaking of the vast, boundless grasslands and the opportunity to take her horseback riding there.
Her brother also said he had seen their father, but that their father could not return to the capital with the army this time, and that all was well, so she should not worry.
With the Luo family's rebellion just suppressed and the new Military Governors of You and Ji prefectures yet to be appointed, Yu Zeyan had to wait for the imperial court's decree before he could leave.
Yu Mingyue understood. Her father, ostensibly demoted to a mere local militia commander outside the capital, naturally could not return with the army.
To put it plainly, even with his meritorious service in quelling the rebellion, he and his elder brother could not both receive honors.
Her brother was the heir apparent. His ennoblement would benefit the Duke's mansion in the future. Their father would not compete with his son for merit. Not only would he harbor no resentment, but he would also be grateful to the Sage Emperor.
It had to be admitted that in the art of calculating human hearts, the Sage Emperor was truly unmatched.
Yu Mingjing's letter, assuring them of his safety, also contained one addressed to the Cui family.
Yu Mingyue, knowing the protocol, did not open it. Instead, she handed it to Cui Jiulang.
Cui Jiulang's expression shifted several times as he read the contents of the letter, his face a mask of bewilderment.
The Luo family had gradually gained power in Youzhou over the years. They secretly purchased a batch of armor and weapons from the Li clan of Longxi each year. Because the prices they offered were significantly higher than those of the imperial court, the Li clan was naturally happy to engage in such trade.
Similarly, there were the warhorses from the Zheng clan, the grain and fodder from the Cui clan, the extensive network of the Wang clan that spanned the nine provinces, and the convenience of the Lu clan's immense wealth.
For the aristocratic families, they supported whoever was beneficial to them as emperor. Despite the constant warfare, the nation was impoverished while the clans prospered.
To prevent the Seventh Prince from returning to the capital, the Wang family had dispatched assassins to attempt to assassinate him. This move was beneficial to the Luo family, who naturally cooperated wholeheartedly, each pursuing their own interests.
And the five great clans were all aware of this matter.
Yet, now, Mingjing's letter stated that the successful beheading of the Khitan king was due to the assistance of the Cui and Zheng families.
Cui Jiulang was utterly confused. The Cui family had indeed sent people to Youzhou, but certainly not to aid the Seventh Prince.
Ever since the Seventh Prince broke off his engagement with Mingyue, the Cui family had lost all affection for this ungrateful wretch. How could they possibly save him?
After finding the Seventh Prince, Yu Mingjing had encountered various pursuers along the way. As the prince's副将 (fùjiàng - deputy general), he had engaged with assassins more often and was certain that these assassins were not from the same group.
It was clear that Yu Mingjing had his doubts, which was why he had first written a letter back to the capital. Ostensibly to express gratitude, it was in reality to inquire.
"Could it be people sent by brother-in-law?" Cui Jiulang asked.
Cui Shi shook his head. "He is a military general; he would not possess such deep stratagems. Regardless of who is behind this, this action has eased the relationship between the Sage Emperor and the aristocratic families. They are friends, not enemies."
As his wife, she naturally understood her husband. If the people were indeed sent by him, he would not have gratuitously attributed this merit to the aristocratic families.
"Then what is his purpose in doing this?" This was what puzzled Cui Jiulang the most.
If it were for his future prospects, he would not need to use the banners of the Cui and Zheng families.
Setting aside the Cui family, the Zheng family had the closest ties with the Wang family, and their intermarriages were the most frequent. The Zheng family would not undermine the Wang family.
"Whatever his purpose, it has at least allowed the Cui family to narrowly escape disaster. With the Empress's untimely demise and the Wang family's scheme foiled, the Seventh Prince's return to the capital will undoubtedly lead to him being made Crown Prince. He was personally tutored by the Sage Emperor and will not spare the aristocratic families in the future. Ninth Brother, perhaps Yue'er was right."