Chapter 413 - 230: Taking Charge in a Crisis_3
Although the border was heavily guarded, Dayuan Country came well-prepared this time and fiercely captured two cities. If reinforcements do not arrive soon, they will take over Dafeng Mansion, a strategic fortress at the border. Then Dayuan’s forces will surge southward like splitting bamboo.
In the Imperial Court, only two men possess the ability and prestige to lead as Marshal: one is Marquis Yue, Yue Feng, and the other is Master Marquis Liang Zechong. Besides those two, there are several middle-aged generals in the military who, although they have never been Marshals, still have command abilities. With training, they can surely take on a great responsibility.
Both Master Marquis Liang and Marquis Yue were summoned by the Emperor to Qianqing Palace late at night.
Hearing that the Emperor intended for one of them to lead the forces, both Yue Feng and Liang Zechong knelt down, claiming they were not the most suitable candidates and feared failing the heavy trust placed in them. Jointly, they recommended Prince Ning Zhu Xiangsheng, saying that with his vigor, strategies, practical combat experience, and long stay in the Northland, he was the most suited for the task.
Deep down, the Emperor did not wish his sons to be overly competent in military affairs or hold too much power, as it might engender undue ambitions and pose a significant threat to the future crown prince.
The Emperor, infuriated, threw a teacup at one minister and a document at another, scolding, "What a bunch of good-for-nothings! The Imperial Court has nourished you for so many years, and now when needed, you shove responsibilities onto others. What use are you to me?"
Liang Zechong quickly knocked his forehead on the floor and said, "Your Majesty, it’s not that your humble servant is shirking responsibility, but the upcoming battle is extremely arduous. We must nominate the most suitable person. Both Marquis Yue and I can lead, but we are far from being the best candidates for Marshal. We have been away from the military for many years, and with age, our strength has waned. We are not as familiar with the northern terrains as Prince Ning..."
The Emperor hesitated and said, "Should we perhaps train Liang Yiqian or Li Han?"
Liang Zechong replied, "Picking the wise should not avoid personal connections, and if Your Majesty deems Yiqian suitable, I would also be pleased. However, his experience is insufficient to guarantee victory in this critical battle. Dayuan Country harbors wolfish ambitions; they’ve prepared for so long not just for a few cities—that’s too simple. What they want is to conquer all of Daqian."