After Being Abducted by the General

chapter 117

The fragrance of tea wafted gently, and white mist slowly floated upwards from the teapot's spout.

The autumn wind blew in through the door, dispelling the room's stuffiness.

Zhang Liangdong stroked his beard, his brows furrowed with concern. "The Emperor's situation is indeed difficult. If we let Li Li continue to act recklessly, it won't be good."

Xiang Hongyun pondered for a moment and seemed to understand. "Are you suggesting that Master should get rid of Li Li?"

Zhang Liangdong nodded slightly.

Xiang Hongyun understood.

He picked up the teapot and poured a cup of tea in front of Zhang Liangdong. "The words you truly want to say are 'we, as courtiers, should do our best to alleviate the Emperor's worries.' His Majesty's greatest concern now is probably Li Li."

Zhang Liangdong didn't confirm or deny it, just said, "You continue to guess."

Xiang Hongyun smiled lightly and continued, "Everyone in the world can go hungry, but not the Emperor. But now, even the Emperor is suffering from hunger. Isn't it due to Li Li's negligence? If Master really delivers the grain you sent to Luoyang, upon seeing such a large amount of food, Li Li will undoubtedly become greedy and continue to demand more grain from Youzhou. The Grand General also holds a grudge against Li Li for killing his family, and he won't tolerate it. There will be a conflict between them."

As he spoke, Xiang Hongyun became more and more certain of Zhang Liangdong's intentions. He paused for a moment and continued, "If Master didn't send the grain to Luoyang, your words also imply that it's time for Master to wage war against Li Li. After all, Li Li has given them a perfect excuse to attack him. Many feudal lords in the realm are dissatisfied with Li Li. If Master and the Grand General rise up now, the other feudal lords will surely respond and join forces to overthrow this usurper."

"That's right," Zhang Liangdong looked at Xiang Hongyun with appreciation. "I do indeed want to use the hands of Yuan Li and Chu Hechao to get rid of Li Li. But not only that, I also want Yuan Li and Chu Hechao to gain military achievements through this."

He sighed, a trace of melancholy on his face. "Li Li is a well-known usurper in the world. If we can kill this usurper, their reputation will reach an unmatched level. Reputation may seem intangible, but having lived for so long, I know how important it is. If Yuan Li and Chu Hechao can kill Li Li, they will be renowned as loyal and righteous figures in the world. The people will rally around them, and they will earn the respect of the people. Countless wise men will join them, and their deeds will be deeply recorded in history. High-ranking positions and titles will be within their reach... These are tangible benefits that cannot be seen or touched, but they are real."

With a bitter smile, Zhang Liangdong continued, "If I say I believe all the feudal lords in the world are loyal, that would be too naive. Among the feudal lords I know, Yuan Li and Chu Hechao are the rare few who genuinely consider the country and the people. They are among the few loyal courtiers who truly serve the Northern Zhou. If they kill Li Li and welcome the Emperor to Youzhou, I will feel relieved. But if other feudal lords get this opportunity, I can't guarantee that it won't turn into another Li Li situation, holding the Emperor hostage to issue orders to the feudal lords."

That's why Zhang Liangdong wanted to urge Yuan Li and Chu Hechao to take the lead in killing Li Li. When the time came, Yuan Li would be appointed as one of the Three Excellencies, and Chu Hechao would become the top military commander. With these two individuals, both civil and military, by the Emperor's side, the Northern Zhou would gradually stabilize.

Xiang Hongyun nodded slightly.

However, there was one thing he didn't say, and he would never say it to Zhang Liangdong.