Dark Sand: My Players Are All Actors
Chapter 423 - 248: Annihilation of a Nation_2

Chapter 423: Chapter 248: Annihilation of a Nation_2

The method he had considered previously was actually quite simple, it was nothing more than finding a way to dispose of Grand Commandant Tong during the process of annihilating Xixia.

But hearing Emperor Taizu of Sheng mention this, Fan Cun also understood that this method was indeed too risky.

After all, Grand Commandant Tong was a high-ranking official in the court at that time, and even if it could be made to look like an accident, others were not toddlers, how could they not suspect it.

Moreover, he did not have full control over the Western Army at this time, and it was almost impossible to carry out this matter flawlessly.

Killing Grand Commandant Tong would not only make it difficult to explain to the court, but more importantly, he wondered what his elder brother, the Crown Prince, would think.

For Fan Cun, who was still Prince Yun at this time, this would greatly increase the difficulty afterward.

Fan Cun nodded, "Understood. When I see Grand Commandant Tong again, I’ll try using His Majesty’s method."

...

Two days later, Grand Commandant Tong arrived in Tong’an City.

At this time, his complexion seemed to have become even uglier.

The military report of the great victory at Tong’an City had already been delivered to his hands.

After this battle, it could be said that the likelihood of conquering Xixia was high.

But the biggest problem was that this achievement was not only unrelated to him, but he had nearly turned the great victory into a disastrous defeat due to his misguided commands.

This made Grand Commandant Tong, the highest military officer in the northwest, somewhat unable to save face.

Even more importantly, how was he to face Prince Yun?

Prince Yun had previously mocked him as "child’s military strategy," and Grand Commandant Tong angrily retorted, "If you think you can, then you go!" Indeed, Prince Yun did go, and he was indeed capable...

It was said that Prince Yun led a select cavalry to fight against the Xixia Army’s heavily armored cavalry, Tieyi Zi, and personally defeated several cavalrymen.

After this battle, the Western Army was unanimously convinced.

Even veteran generals like Zhong Pingyuan were obedient to Prince Yun, and Liu Fa viewed Prince Yun as his lifesaver, almost willing to go through fire and water for him.

Grand Commandant Tong vaguely felt that there was a trend to sideline him.

And worse, Prince Yun’s status was too special. Grand Commandant Tong had been able to manipulate these lower-ranking, straightforward-minded generals at will, but this method was ineffective against Prince Yun.

Thus, when Prince Yun said he wanted to have a private talk with him, Grand Commandant Tong was filled with caution because he really couldn’t see through Prince Yun’s intentions at this moment.

...

"Grand Commandant Tong, all of us in the Western Army, including you and me, know the inside story of the battle of Tong’an City.

"This great victory signifies that the unprecedented achievement of conquering Xingqing Prefecture and annihilating Xixia is already within reach.

"Your Highness knows that you, Grand Commandant Tong, desire a legacy in history, so why not make a deal with me?"

Prince Yun’s gaze was filled with oppressiveness.

Although Fan Cun spoke these words following Emperor Taizu of Sheng’s advice, with a hint of copying others, under the momentum of this great victory, he still put immense pressure on Grand Commandant Tong.

"Please, Your Highness, clarify," Grand Commandant Tong said in a deep voice.

Fan Cun said indifferently, "For this time, you forced Liu Fa to rashly march into Tong’an City, nearly leading to the annihilation of the main force of the Western Army under Liu Fa. I do not plan to report this to His Majesty.

"Similarly, the unprecedented achievement of storming into Xingqing Prefecture and annihilating Xixia, I am also willing to share it with you.

"But, please think carefully, Grand Commandant Tong, with so many benefits, what do you plan to offer in exchange?"

Grand Commandant Tong’s expression darkened, then he reluctantly said, "Prince Yun, after all, the entire Western Army is still under my command."

Grand Commandant Tong was not foolish, and he had already heard the implicit message from Prince Yun.

Prince Yun was willing to cover up for him regarding his forced march into Tong’an City that nearly caused a catastrophe, while also sharing the credit for annihilating Xixia.

But in return, Grand Commandant Tong would also have to pay a corresponding price.

For instance, relinquishing control over the Western Army, allowing Prince Yun to legitimately gain a significant part of the command; and, for example, providing strong support in the imperial court, and even making efforts in the future struggle for the throne.

Prince Yun had not explicitly stated this, but...

A prince who was capable both in literature and warfare, capable of fighting and annihilating countries, and who was deeply favored by the current emperor, why would he be content to remain subordinated to others?

When Prince Yun returned, he might face impeachments from many court officials, provoke the Crown Prince’s suspicion, and stir up some turbulence...

And Grand Commandant Tong would have to use all his power to clean up after Prince Yun.

Although this was clear enough, Grand Commandant Tong clearly did not like the feeling of being threatened by a younger man.

In his view, Prince Yun was demanding too much.

Fan Cun smiled calmly, leaned in slightly, and said, "Grand Commandant Tong, I advise you to think thrice before acting.

"Grand Commandant, you wielded great power when my father ascended the throne, don’t you think you should consider the future carefully?"

Grand Commandant Tong appeared completely unfooled, "Prince Yun, the position of Crown Prince is not so easily schemed for.

"Moreover, with the current emperor in good health, I fear these considerations are somewhat superfluous."

Fan Cun shook his head slightly, "In today’s world, the south has rising refugees and robbers, and to the north, the people of Jin are watching us closely. Our dynasty, although seemingly peaceful and flourishing, has undercurrents that you, Grand Commandant Tong, cannot be unaware of.

"And precisely because the emperor is in good health, you should consider this matter more. After all... the emperor and I have plenty of time."