After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times

"It was the Eldest Prince who coordinated with them from within, opening the way, and we didn’t receive any information."

Before Tuoba Pusugen could grit his teeth, news from Ping City quickly arrived, even worse, "What did you say? Ping City has almost become a ghost town? Ji Dan took thirty thousand households from around Ping City and disappeared?"

"Do you hear what you’re saying? Thirty thousand households, not three. How could so many people disappear without a trace? Where is General Wei? He’s Father King’s Left Guard General; is he not aware of what’s happening in Ping City?"

"General Wei followed the Great King to war and was dispersed, and his life or death is unknown now."

Bad news kept coming one after another, "Second Prince, the Bai Tribe Xianbei has rebelled and already taken over the three cities of Loufan, Maiyi, and Yingguan. Other tribes are also restless and are conspiring with the Bai Tribe Xianbei."

"Second Prince, Shi Le, Shi Le has entered Dai Country, capturing three cities, including Fan Zhi and Guoxian..."

Tuoba Pusugen was overwhelmed; at this moment, he couldn’t help but blame Tuoba Yilu, "Why did Father insist on attacking elder brother?"

Of course, he wouldn’t say why his elder brother would rebel against his father; standing and taking a beating is for cowards.

At this time, Tuoba Liuxiu hadn’t killed Tuoba Yilu, and in his heart, the elder brother still seemed more justified.

Other tribes and officials in Dai Country thought the same, and because of this, the tribes that took the opportunity to rebel were still within controllable limits, within Zhao Hanzhang’s controllable limits.

At this moment, Tuoba Pusugen finally understood Huang An’s hint.

If he took advantage of the gap while Tuoba Yilu and Tuoba Liuxiu went to the Capital City to seize Dai Country, then Beigong Chun and Shi Le would send troops simultaneously, and at that time, he would not only have to deal with internal rebellions but also face two powerful enemies.

At this time, he could only cooperate with Beigong Chun and Shi Le, following Zhao Hanzhang’s command, so he could have the energy to suppress the rebellion of tribes like the Bai Tribe Xianbei.

Tuoba Pusugen gritted his teeth and ultimately chose to follow the decree, sending someone to invite Beigong Chun to discuss matters together, while also sending a letter to Shi Le in the northeast, asking for his help in maintaining stability in the northeastern part of Dai Country.

As for the three cities he had occupied, Tuoba Pusugen acted as if he didn’t know about them.

Shi Le, upon receiving his letter, felt a bit regretful and said to Zhang Bin, "He’s too obedient; it would’ve been better if he lashed out and attacked me or cursed me in a letter."

Zhang Bin laughed, "Don’t provoke him, Lord. The new emperor will ascend the throne soon, so it’s better to be cautious."

Shi Le curiously asked, "Do you think Zhao... the new emperor will let Tuoba Liuxiu inherit Dai Country, or reclaim Dai Country? If it’s the former, I won’t return the three cities I captured."

After saying this, he regretted a bit, "The little brats were too slow, capturing only three cities. If not for the Bai Tribe Xianbei’s rebellion getting ahead of us, we could have captured two more."

Zhang Bing pondered for a moment with downcast eyes, "When the new emperor ascends, she will naturally bestow kindness upon vassal states. Even if there’s evidence of patricide in Dai Country, she will choose someone to inherit the royal title."

Shi Le nodded; he thought so too, "The throne will most likely fall to Tuoba Liuxiu. Tuoba Yilu will either be killed or imprisoned. With this play, Tuoba Liuxiu will surely be loyal to her in the future."

Shi Le said this with endless regret, "Dai Country still hasn’t returned to Youzhou."

Zhang Bin, however, shook his head and said, "No, Lord forgets one thing. The new emperor cherishes the people greatly, and the people of Dai Country are suffering. I feel that Dai Country will return to Youzhou. At the very least, it cannot be governed with the same harsh penalties as under Tuoba Yilu."

Shi Le had great faith in Zhang Bin, never doubting his insight, and with bright eyes, he asked, "How can this be orchestrated?"

Zhang Bin shook his head, "I do not know either."

But he believed Zhao Hanzhang should be able to come up with a solution.

Zhao Hanzhang was already prepared.

Yuan Li sent a telegram back, saying that Tuoba Liuxiu was willing to bring Tuoba Yilu to the Capital City. She immediately decided on this case in her mind.

Of course, to make it legitimate, reasonable, and agreeable, she also gathered several trusted ministers and held a three-day meeting.

In the end, everyone finally found legitimate, reasonable, and agreeable explanations for the unscrupulous (ahem) method she came up with.

Zhao Hanzhang did not consider her method unscrupulous; in later dynasties, it was normal for the royal title to be constrained.

The fief would still be managed by the court, and they could only take a portion of the tax revenue. Isn’t this already a commendable merit? What’s unscrupulous about it?

Now, everything was ready, just waiting for the father and son to enter the capital.