Chapter 79: The Ghostly Strategist of Yan Drives Away Wolves to Fight Tigers

“Royal Brother!”

The King of Yan was moved once more! If he could exchange his life for the northern kingdom’s withdrawal and a chance at peace, he would gladly do so!

The eyes of the assembled ministers changed as well—Yan was truly a land of loyal men! In the future, during ancestral rites, Lord Yan Chun too would deserve a bow of respect!

Even the King, his brother, had not spoken a word to persuade him to stay—not even a token gesture!

Lord Yan Chun understood in that moment: since ancient times, imperial families are without sentiment.

He sighed and straightened his posture.

“Perhaps you ministers are still hoping that the coalition of Zhao and Xiongnu will inflict mutual destruction with the northern army,” he said with a faint shake of his head. The heaviness in the hall deepened, and no one dared interrupt.

“With the northern army’s strength, even if the coalition could destroy the Mo Dong camp, they would be crippled in the process. Once they realize our Yan forces have retreated, the Xiongnu will be the first to withdraw, and Zhao will surely follow suit. Then will come the day when the King of the North brings his own army to settle accounts with us!”

He did not yet know how the King of the North would exact retribution, but Lord Yan Chun felt that Yan was doomed to fall sooner or later. Moreover, the King of Yan seemed intent on making him the scapegoat. Life in Yan was no longer tenable.

The army was lost, and only Lord Yan Chun had fled back. The King was no fool—if the King of the North let him go, his brother must surely have concealed something.

“What counsel have you, brother?” the King of Yan asked, his expression calm.

Lord Yan Chun gave a bitter smile and shook his head. Now, not even his brother trusted him. No matter how many clever plans he had, they were of no use.

“Brother, I confess my guilt. Tomorrow I shall present myself in Liaodong to accept my sentence.”

He bowed once more and hastily withdrew, lest the ministers press him for answers—he would meet with no good outcome.

Abandoning the army was a crime, and his release by the King of the North could not be hidden.

Though he was the first to flee, many others had followed. By now, several must have already reached the capital.

“Ah, so be it,” the King of Yan sighed. He could not bring himself to detain his brother further—nor did he wish to personally pronounce judgment upon him.

Soon, messengers from the various routed troops and from Liaohai Pass reported to the throne.

As expected, the elite forces of Yan had indeed been utterly annihilated.

Lord Yan Chun had concealed much—his flight from the field, his kneeling before the King of the North.

Yet, since Lord Yan Chun was preparing to go to Liaodong and accept his punishment, the ministers could say no more.

“Gentlemen, have you any advice for me?”

“Ju Xin? Ju Wu?”

Those ministers who were usually full of eloquence now fell uncharacteristically silent.

Ju Wu bowed his head and sighed inwardly. Nothing they said would matter—it all depended on what the northern kingdom intended to do with them.

Even Yan’s finest soldiers could not withstand the northern army. Though tens of thousands of local recruits remained, there were not enough weapons to arm them all.

“Your Majesty, since Lord Yan Chun is to present himself in Liaodong to accept punishment, perhaps he can also be sent to negotiate peace with the North.”

The King of Yan frowned. “Would the North even be willing to negotiate?”

No one knew. Ju Xin racked his brains for an answer. “Your Majesty could have Lord Yan Chun bribe the Queen’s inner circle. In the end, women are of limited vision—if we persuade the two queens in the Northern court, the King of the North will surely be moved.”

The King of Yan nodded slowly, understanding dawning.

“This plan may work. The King of the North is known for his debauchery—if we sway his queens, he will surely agree to negotiations!”

Ju Xin was secretly pleased, a glimmer of pride showing. “Your Majesty, if the Northern King is so wanton, why not propose a marriage alliance? That way, Yan can gain influence within their inner court.”

“This war was forced upon us by Zhao and the Xiongnu. Your Majesty could suggest to the Northern King a joint attack on Zhao.”

This gave the King of Yan pause.

“Your Majesty, no! Though a marriage alliance is wise, it must only follow a peace agreement. Otherwise, we risk offending both queens of the North!”

“We may ally with them, but Zhao must not be destroyed. If Zhao falls, Yan will truly stand alone!” Ju Wu exclaimed in alarm. An alliance with the North to destroy Zhao would be to invite a wolf into the house.

The King of Yan nodded in relief—it was fortunate he had not spoken his thoughts aloud.

That old fox, Ju Xin, suppressed his anger and quickly explained, “Indeed, a marriage alliance should only be arranged after peace is secured. However, the destruction of Zhao is a benefit greater than its risks.”

The King of Yan frowned, motioning for Ju Xin to continue.

Glancing at Ju Wu, Ju Xin allowed himself a subtle smile.

“After the Battle of Changping, Zhao has been in decline. Even if not destroyed now, it will eventually fall to Western Qin. Afterwards, Yan will be surrounded by enemies on three sides, making survival even harder.”

This was difficult to refute—even Ju Wu could find no counterargument.

“Zhao is doomed sooner or later. If the North destroys Zhao, Yan gains three advantages!”

Ju Xin lifted his head with conviction.

“First, it will redirect the fury of the northern army, sparing Liaohai Pass further devastation. Second, the remnants of Zhao will weaken the North’s power. Third, it is a case of using one wolf to fend off another!”

Before he could finish, laughter broke out, but he dared not take offense.

“Haha, excellent! Ju Xin truly is the cunning strategist of Yan! A fine plan, setting wolf against tiger—letting the North and the mighty Qin battle on Zhao’s soil. Whoever wins, both sides will suffer!”

Ju Xin laughed as well. “Your Majesty is wise and decisive. When both Qin and the North are weakened, Yan will have the chance to unite the Three Jin states—thus, our hegemony may be realized!”

Marvelous! Brilliant! The excited King of Yan could not help but laugh heartily, nodding at Ju Xin in approval.

It seemed that Ju Wu, once the chief strategist, was past his prime.

Ah! Ju Wu had nothing to say. Even he was convinced by Ju Xin’s analysis.

Indeed, as Confucius said: ‘Among any three men walking, I can find a teacher.’ Even a mediocre Ju Xin can have moments of brilliance!

The King of Yan was now filled with hope—his path to dominance would begin with this first step!

“Prepare the royal edict: Lord Yan Chun is to represent me in going to the Northern Kingdom to plead for peace and negotiate!”

“Ju Xin, as this was your proposal, after court you will go to Lord Yan Chun’s residence. Tomorrow you will accompany him as envoy, representing Yan in negotiations with the King of the North regarding the campaign against Zhao!”

Even if his brother succeeded in redeeming himself, the King of Yan meant to hold him accountable. The loss of Yan’s elite soldiers could not be blamed on Le Jian alone—a royal family member must bear the responsibility for this disaster.

“I receive your command!” Ju Xin bowed, his heart a mix of anxiety and excitement.

Since the King of the North had spared both Yan Dan and Lord Yan Chun, he knew the northern monarch was open to persuasion. He was eager to see this famed Lin, King of the North, who had shaken the steppes.

He could not help feeling that the northern kingdom would be the next mighty Qin.

Lord Yan Chun, who had managed affairs for decades, knew of the court’s decision even before Ju Xin arrived.

“Alas! To have escaped back here, only to face this calamity!”

Sensing the cold indifference of the King of Yan, Lord Yan Chun understood—even if he did not die, he would be severely punished. To lose all power would be a fate worse than death.

“My lord, Jue Ying swears to follow you unto death!”

At the sign of danger, Jue Ying immediately pledged loyalty.

Lord Yan Chun raised his arm in salute—perhaps the greatest success of his decades was saving Jue Ying.

“My lord!” Jue Ying hurried to stop him, feeling unworthy of such a gesture.

Lord Yan Chun smiled faintly and sat down with composure.

“I have no shame before Yan, but Yan can no longer tolerate me. Then let Yan fade away like dust in the wind.”

Thinking of that calm, self-assured man in the carriage, Lord Yan Chun could not help but feel admiration.

The King of the North, in stature and appearance, was not so different from himself—much like his own youthful prime just a few years ago.

At this, Jue Ying’s heart trembled, but then he slowly breathed a sigh of relief.

To stand against the North was like a mantis trying to stop a chariot—futile. Having witnessed the might of the northern king, Jue Ying no longer had the will to resist.

“My lord, the envoy Jing Ke requests an audience.”

The steward’s voice was as melodious as a zither, and Lord Yan Chun’s expression lit up.

“Wonderful! Please, show him in at once!”

Overjoyed, Lord Yan Chun even rose to greet him personally.