Zhao Yi felt Pei Tianlin’s thoughtfulness and gave a slight nod to show his gratitude. He then took his seat. Having never intended to participate in the bandit suppression, Zhao Yi simply listened in silence for the duration of the meeting.
What struck Zhao Yi as strange was that Pei Tianlin, the commander-in-chief, also spoke very little. The Fifth Prince, sitting beside Zhao Yi, maintained an attitude of detachment and rarely uttered a word. The most active person was, undoubtedly, the Fourth Prince. Among the many princes, the Fourth Prince was well-known for his prowess in war. With rumors recently circulating that the Emperor was preparing to appoint an heir and was currently evaluating the princes, the Fourth Prince was likely eager to display his strength during this campaign.
After much discussion, Jiang Boliang, the regional commander of Zelin Province, and Xiao Zhuo, the regional commander of Xiadong Province—the commanders leading the troops from their respective provinces—both supported the Fourth Prince’s strategy of a multi-point offensive. With the additional vote from the Minister of War, Zhou Mingyi, the Fourth Prince’s side secured four votes in total. As Zhao Yi and the Fifth Prince had no particular stance, Pei Tianlin’s proposal for a steady, cautious approach became insignificant. In the past, as commander-in-chief, Pei Tianlin would have certainly overruled the others to ensure everyone followed his lead. But now, having learned the Emperor’s true in…
Chapter 179