Chapter 2187: He Thinks That He Understands Qiao Xuan’s Letter

“You are wise. This is a blessing for the country and for us!” General Sun bowed respectfully and asked, “Your Majesty, how do you plan to handle this matter?”

The Second Prince was taken aback.

Handle this matter? He didn’t want to handle this matter.

He believed he understood Qiao Xuan’s letter.

The letter was filled with dissatisfaction and complaints towards the Sun family, particularly Sun Pu. It didn’t target him.

He had reason to believe that Shao Yunduan was actually very willing to join him and be loyal to him, but he was worried about the Sun family.

It was understandable, as he himself, as the emperor, felt the same way.

The Second Prince pondered over it all night and finally realized he needed to train and promote his trusted aides. Shao Yunduan would grow in Huaixi province, and when the time was right, he would have enough power to protect himself. He would surely come when needed.

At that point, if they joined forces with him, they wouldn’t have to worry about not being able to make the Sun family back down.

He had no intention of dismantling the Sun family, and his mother would not agree, but he couldn’t relinquish his power.

When Shao Yunduan arrived, all he needed to do was strike a balance between the two sides. As long as the ruler maintained equilibrium, he would be qualified.

The Second Prince remarked, “Huaixi province is situated in a remote area, and Shao Yunduan is merely a scholar. How brave and capable could he be? Simply inform the public that he has surrendered and leave him be for now.”

“Uncle, our main concern lies in the north and south, especially the north,” he added.

General Sun appeared somewhat dissatisfied. “This is too lenient on him!”

More importantly, the Sun family had lost considerable face…

The Second Prince chuckled. “Whether he wins or loses is inconsequential. Why must we take such offense at a mere Shao Yunduan? If we become overly preoccupied with him, won’t we become a laughingstock to those two?” he gestured towards the Fourth Prince and the Third Prince.

General Sun pondered for a moment. As long as the Emperor continued to value the Sun family and wasn’t insistent on recruiting Shao Yunduan, he could set this matter aside for now.

Indeed, Shao Yunduan was inconsequential. What could he possibly achieve? Insignificant Huaixi province posed no real threat.

He would settle the score in due time…

General Sun smiled and said, “You are wise. Let’s disregard him for now. He’s just a mere distraction. Not worth your attention. By the way, I intend to personally oversee the recruitment of 80,000 soldiers and ensure their thorough training. I aim to have them engaged in drills before the new year. I must carve out a piece from that rebel, Qin Gaojiong!”

Qin Gaojiong was the fourth prince who held control over the capital.

The second prince’s heart sank. He forced a smile and said, “Conscription is indeed necessary. However, you’ve only just returned from the front line. Shouldn’t you take some time to rest? Let others handle the conscription! We can’t burden you with everything! I would feel guilty, and Mother would surely scold me.”

General Sun laughed heartily and replied, “With your kind words, I am willing to do my utmost for you! Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am in good health and do not need rest! Even if I remain at home, I’ll still fret. I’ll feel more at ease if I oversee it myself!”

“Don’t fret, Your Majesty. There are many promising talents in the army now, so I will naturally give them an opportunity to train! That way, I won’t overexert myself.”