The True Master of Northern Xinjiang

When Gu Qingyue mentioned Lin Zixiao and Ren Tianye, the crowd did not feel surprised. After all, looking across the entire realm, only these two possessed such absolute and formidable power.

However, who would Gu Qingyue choose?

They listened as Gu Qingyue declared, "My choice is Ren Tianye!"

"Why is that?"

"Because Lin Zixiao has already become a rebel, conquering cities and seizing territories, refusing to accept the imperial edicts. But Ren Tianye... the imperial court has not yet issued an edict to him. He might still be loyal to the sovereign and love his country!"

At first glance, Gu Qingyue's words sounded reasonable.

But upon careful consideration, there were numerous problems.

The Prime Minister could not help but speak up, "Ren Tianye now commands an army in the Northern Frontier. If he enters the capital and refuses to obey orders, what then?"

"If he harbors treasonous intentions, what then?"

Gu Qingyue said confidently, "Lord Prime Minister, have you forgotten that Duke Ren is currently still in prison?"

"With Duke Ren in our hands, how would Ren Tianye dare to disobey orders?"

As soon as these words were spoken, many people's eyes lit up.

After all, Duke Ren had been imprisoned precisely because of Ren Tianye's rebellion, and his entire extended family had been executed. If it were not for the Duke of Zhenguo desperately pleading for mercy in the court, Duke Ren would also have become a departed soul under the executioner's blade!

Furthermore, according to the news sent back, Ren Tianye's military campaign in the Northern Frontier was authorized by Duke Ren. With such a close father-son relationship, Duke Ren even did not hesitate to sacrifice his entire extended family in exchange for Ren Tianye raising an army. Using Duke Ren, it seemed they really could keep Ren Tianye in check!

However, the vast majority of people still felt it was inappropriate.

They felt there was a problem with this plan.

And a very big problem at that!

"Moreover..." Gu Qingyue added at this moment, "Besides Duke Ren, I have other means to ensure that we can firmly control Ren Tianye!"

"Once he arrives in the capital, how could he dare to disobey orders?"

These words were spoken with an imposing aura, somewhat reminiscent of the Duke of Zhenguo when he was alive. It caused the hearts of many ministers, who were itching to eliminate Tuoba Xiangtai immediately, to stir wildly.

Right at this moment, Chen Liang, the representative of the younger faction, strode forward.

He shouted, "No!"

"This matter is absolutely unacceptable!"

"The disaster caused by Tuoba Xiangtai is but a trivial matter. If we wish to deal with it, we only need to enter the Yuchen Mansion and sever his head. A few death-sworn assassins would be enough. Why summon foreign troops into the capital?"

"That Ren Tianye is a tiger and wolf of the Northern Frontier, brimming with ambition. Once he is allowed to lead troops into the capital, how is it any different from rearing a tiger that will eventually bring disaster?"

"He will inevitably monopolize the court's affairs, and when that time comes, the situation will be beyond salvation!"

Before Chen Liang's voice could fade, Gu Qingyue sneered coldly, "Chen Liang, your words are mistaken! Tuoba Xiangtai's power is immense, and he cannot be subdued without external troops. Could it be that you are afraid?"

"If you are afraid, then please leave!"

"This imperial court discussion does not need you!"

With Gu Qingyue taking the lead, the crowd bombarded Chen Liang with criticism.

It caused Chen Liang's face to crumble. He simply turned around and left in indignation, but looking at the carved beams, painted rafters, and blooming flowers of the magnificent palace, he could not help but sigh.

"The one who throws the world into chaos will surely be Gu Qingyue!"

After Chen Liang left in such a manner, the crowd also settled the matter. However, the choice of the envoy to be dispatched still needed to be considered, and for this, Gu Qingyue had already made plans.

She said, "Rest assured about this matter, everyone."

"I will definitely handle it well for the imperial court!"

After the grand meeting, which lasted for a full day and night, concluded, Gu Qingyue rushed non-stop straight to the Heavenly Prison.

Led by the jailer, she first went to see Duke Ren.

Although the Duke Ren Mansion was somewhat inferior in status to the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion and the Duke of Fuguo Mansion, and held no real power, its prestige was solid and authentic.

He was supposed to enjoy a life of glory, wealth, and honor.

Yet he just had to support his son's rebellion.

Now, it was exactly the time to use him.

Gu Qingyue did not waste words. After having the jailer haul Duke Ren up, she directly explained the matters agreed upon today and asked, "Are you willing to assist the imperial court in keeping your unfilial son, Ren Tianye, in check?"

Duke Ren almost knelt down before Gu Qingyue.

"I am willing, I am willing!"

"This Marquis, no, this commoner is more than willing!"

"That is good!" Gu Qingyue did not waste any more words with Duke Ren and walked straight to another prison cell. The one locked inside was precisely Duke Ren's son.

To be precise, it was Duke Ren's adopted son.

And this son, Ren Tianchao, regardless of anything else, shared a brotherly bond with Ren Tianye. He was exactly the candidate she needed.

She also explained everything to Ren Tianchao one by one.

She asked, "Are you willing?"

"I am willing, I am so willing!" Ren Tianchao wept bitterly, tears streaming down his face. "Ren Tianye, no, my brother, although my brother and I haven't known each other for long, we are brothers."

"Our relationship is especially good!"

"If I go to persuade him, he will definitely return to the capital immediately to help the Great Yu execute Tuoba Xiangtai!"

Gu Qingyue nodded in satisfaction once again.

Everything was exactly as she had predicted!

Nothing would go wrong with this matter.

Thus, she had Ren Tianchao released. After he was cleaned up, she gave him the imperial edict, along with the golden seal and retinue, ordering him to go to the Northern Frontier to persuade Ren Tianye!

...

The Northern Frontier!

Ren Tianye was stationed in Yunji City, controlling the overall situation, and the circumstances in the Northern Frontier were progressing very smoothly.

Zhang Shi, harboring the desire to establish merit, roamed freely across the barbarian grasslands. With a force of five thousand men, he slaughtered until rivers of blood flowed, and reports of victory came frequently.

Shi Hu and Sun Xiang did not disappoint him either.

The two each led an army to conquer the Northern Frontier. Along the way, their momentum was like splitting bamboo. In fact, in many places, there was no need to fight at all; before the army even arrived, the city gates were already thrown wide open, with surrender flags raised high.

In just over a month's time, the major towns and cities of the Northern Frontier had all fallen into the hands of Ren Tianye.

At present, he could be called the true master of the Northern Frontier.

In addition, the number of troops in his army continued to rise during the process of conquering the Northern Frontier. He now held an army of two hundred and fifty thousand men, making him a true regional overlord.

Ren Tianye continuously reviewed the battle reports, and the smile on his lips never ceased.

"Congratulations, Great General! Felicitations, Great General!"

Su Jin, acting as the secretary, was also very tactful, offering a timely compliment.

"Hahaha..." Ren Tianye could hardly suppress the corners of his mouth. "It is also thanks to your Su Residence for being able to control the commerce of the Northern Frontier, continuously providing grain and wealth for the army. My cultivation of your Su Residence was not in vain!"

Just as he was speaking with Su Jin, a personal guard ran in from outside.

"Great General, Wang Hai of the Wang family requests an audience!"

"Oh? Invite him in!"

Ren Tianye said politely.

Ever since the two armies of Sun Xiang and Shi Hu began sweeping across the Northern Frontier, the role of noble families like Wang Hai's had become increasingly obvious. Many towns and cities were taken effortlessly precisely because they had persuaded them from within.

Furthermore...

Wang Hai and the others had utilized his identity as the heir of Duke Ren to the point of perfection, making everyone clear that he, Ren Tianye, was the inheritor of Duke Ren's will.

This caused many people who were originally unwilling to submit to Ren Tianye to change their minds. After all, Ren Tianye's starting point was too low, being merely a minor guerrilla general.

But if he was the heir of the Duke Ren Mansion, it was a different story.

Therefore, Ren Tianye also held considerable respect for these noble families like Wang Hai.

Soon, Wang Hai was seen striding in, his face full of joy, "Great General, good news! Your younger brother, Ren Tianchao, carrying a golden seal and a retinue, has come to the Northern Frontier under imperial decree!"

...