met free Chapter 82: Incapable of doing anything else
Chapter 82: Incapable of doing anything else
As night fell, the sounds of battle faded into the distance, finally finding respite deep in the mountains.
An Lushan was temporarily sheltered in the mountains under the protection of An Sishun.
"It seems we still have some help." An Lushan looked slightly tired.
An Sishun smiled slightly and said in a low voice, "It is our common wish to keep the general safe at this time. However, we must be more cautious in our future actions."
An Lushan nodded, understanding the complexity of the situation, and immediately cupped his hands in a fist and said, "Thank you for your help, brother. The situation is not yet stable, and we must proceed with caution."
In the following days, Li Mao and An Sishun secretly collaborated, silently achieving a delicate balance.
Although An Lushan was able to rest for the time being, his long-term plans still needed to be carefully devised.
“Ah Fu, this was a necessary operation. We were not exposed, so it can be said to be a success,” Li Mao said softly in the study.
Afu nodded: "However, Your Highness must always be vigilant to ensure that we remain invincible."
"We achieved this at minimal cost, and the subsequent development of the situation laid a new and solid foundation," Li Mao said confidently, with anticipation in his eyes.
Meanwhile, inside Chang'an, Li Heng also maintained a keen awareness of the changing situation in the outside world.
“Your Highness, it is still unclear how An Lushan will deal with us, but we must be fully prepared,” Gao Shi advised.
……
In the mountains and forests.
Under An Sishun's escort, An Lushan temporarily concealed his sharp edge and hid in a secluded valley.
"Being cautious was the right thing to do. We owe our escape to your help." An Lushan sat on the stone chair, his words less authoritative than usual, and more filled with emotion.
An Sishun replied softly, "General, you are too kind. This is my duty. Although the situation has eased for now, we must make longer-term plans for the future."
An Lushan looked up into the distance. "Li Mao's willingness to secretly assist shows that he has his own considerations. Perhaps we should try to make further contact."
"Contact is possible, but caution is essential," An Sishun cautioned. "The struggles within the royal family are complex, and a slight misstep could backfire."
An Lushan nodded. "Rather than fighting alone, it's better to join forces. But we need to secure our own resources first."
at the same time.
Inside Chang'an, Li Mao was planning his next move.
His study was brightly lit, with Afu by his side.
“Your Highness, An Lushan has now withdrawn. Although this move has helped him overcome his difficulties, in the long run, will we be implicated as a result?” Afu asked.
Li Mao smiled slightly. "An Lushan has chosen to remain patient from now on, and will not pose a threat in the short term. The recent situation has also provided us with enough buffer time."
"Should we then proactively inquire about An Lushan's plans in order to anticipate his actions?" General Feng interjected.
Li Mao pondered for a moment, "We can consider arranging a private meeting and having An Sishun deliver the message. However, all of this must be done with absolute security as the premise."
Ah Fu immediately responded, "I will contact An Sishun and inform him of our intentions."
That night.
In a secret room in the Crown Prince's residence, Li Heng sat around a long table with a group of trusted confidants, while a storm quietly approached outside.
"Any new developments?" Li Heng asked seriously.
Gao Shi presented a newly released intelligence report: "Your Highness, An Lushan seems to have disappeared without a trace, and there has been no clear indication of his whereabouts."
Li Heng nodded, his brow furrowing slightly. "It's normal for him to keep quiet, but we must remain vigilant, especially regarding his connections with the powerful clans in the north. If they unite into a force, the situation will become even more complicated."
Zhang Jiuling interjected, "Perhaps we should concentrate our efforts and gradually divide An Lushan's supporters, leaving them isolated and vulnerable."
“Good. But be careful. First, stabilize the current situation and proceed according to plan,” Li Heng instructed, having made up his mind.
Deep in the valley, An Sishun brought back Li Mao's secret letter.
“General, this is a message from Prince Shou. The prince wishes to meet with you to discuss the future.” An Sishun handed over the letter.
An Lushan examined it carefully, lost in thought. "Li Mao is indeed a man of great cunning. His invitation is quite unexpected."
"What do you think? If we agree, will it expose our location?" An Sishun asked with slight concern.
“Li Mao is still a trustworthy ally for the time being, and we can agree to that, but the location must be chosen by us,” An Lushan made up his mind.
An Sishun nodded, "I will arrange it according to your instructions to ensure that nothing goes wrong."
Not long after, a secret meeting was arranged in an abandoned mountain temple. Li Mao arrived under the cover of night, accompanied only by Afu.
He and An Lushan sized each other up in the dim candlelight.
"General An, it's been a long time." Li Mao smiled slightly, breaking the silence.
An Lushan clasped his hands in return, saying, "Your Highness, I am honored to have this opportunity to meet you."
"I have come here today only to seek a win-win solution. The current situation in the court is delicate, and I would like to hear the general's thoughts," Li Mao said, getting straight to the point.
"In fact, I hope to protect myself first, and then find a suitable opportunity to return to the front line. Is Your Highness willing to continue to provide assistance?" An Lushan made no attempt to hide his intentions.
"In exchange, I need the general's support in future changes, taking into account the interests of both of us." Li Mao's condition was simple and clear.
The two understood each other implicitly and shook hands as a pledge.
After the meeting, An Lushan watched Li Mao's figure disappear into the vast night, feeling somewhat relieved.
“Li Mao is a trustworthy man, but we still need to have backup plans in case of unforeseen circumstances,” An Lushan said to An Sishun.
“The general is quite right. We can still find more allies to prepare for any eventuality,” An Sishun reminded.
Inside the Tai Chi Hall.
Li Longji was leaning back in his chair, resting with his eyes closed. He had been feeling unwell lately, and despite the imperial physicians' treatment, he still felt weak.
"Your Majesty, Miss Xianglan has arrived," the eunuch reported in a low voice.
Li Longji slightly opened his eyes and saw Xianglan gracefully enter. He smiled thoughtfully and said, "Xianglan, you've come."
"Your Majesty, Xianglan has specially prepared a calming soup for you, hoping it will relieve your fatigue." Xianglan bowed slightly and presented the soup bowl.
Li Longji took the soup, took a small sip, and said, "Xianglan, you are always so thoughtful. This soup tastes excellent."
"Your Majesty flatters me. It's just a simple preparation," Xianglan said softly as she sat down.
The two talked to each other, and Xianglan's serene expression and Li Longji's occasional signs of fatigue intertwined to create a subtle atmosphere.
"Recently, court affairs have been numerous and overwhelming, leaving me with little time for anything else. Please spend more time with me," Li Longji suddenly said.
Xianglan's heart stirred, realizing Li Mao's ultimate purpose in arranging for her to come here, so she nodded, "It is Xianglan's honor to be able to share His Majesty's burdens."