Chapter 43 Wang Meng's foresight hits the nail on the head.
Chapter 43 Wang Meng's foresight hits the nail on the head.
He paused, then his tone shifted to a more profound and strategic one: "In my opinion, this marriage is not a shackle, but could be a brilliant move for the prince to infiltrate and even counterbalance the Hu tribes in the future!"
I fear that in the end, it won't be the prince who is controlled by the Hu people, but rather that the prince will be able to use this marriage relationship to legitimately extend his reach into the Hu people's ranks, subtly influencing their situation!
Mu Yun Lingyuan's pupils suddenly contracted, as if a lightning bolt had cleaved through the thick fog in his heart, bringing sudden clarity!
His thoughts had been preoccupied with how to protect the mandala and how to escape potential control, but he had never considered the opposite perspective.
This identity might also become a fulcrum for him to take the initiative. Once this thought arose, he suddenly felt that the world before him had expanded.
"Sir... your thoughts are profound and your plans far-reaching, I admire you greatly!" His eyes showed even more respect, and his tone was one of heartfelt praise.
Wang Meng not only saw the current predicament, but also foresaw the possible evolution of the game's trajectory over the next few decades. This foresight is truly remarkable.
"It is not that I have thought things through deeply, but rather that the analysis of the situation has its own logic."
Wang Meng smiled calmly, his expression regaining its usual composure and wisdom, and continued his in-depth analysis.
"Although Guli Khan is indeed a great hero, he is getting old and his energy is inevitably waning. The more crucial issue is his successor! I have been paying attention to the affairs of the Hu people for a long time. Although the Khan's sons are not lacking in brave and fierce men, skilled in archery and horsemanship, and able to hunt foxes and eagles, none of them are capable of governing the country."
Some were violent and unpopular, others indulged in pleasure and neglected state affairs, and still others were short-sighted, only concerned with the immediate gains and losses of the tribe. Even more worrying were…
The princes had been vying for the throne for years, openly and covertly fighting each other, each courting tribal leaders and creating chaos in the royal court. While the nomadic tribes appeared united, deep-seated fissures were brewing, and hidden dangers had long been brewing within them.
He lowered his voice, but each word was clear and went straight to the heart of the matter: "If the prince marries Princess Mandala, he will be the rightful consort of the Hu tribe, and the princess's strongest support on the grassland."
After the Khan of Guli passes away, if no strong figure quickly unites the Hu tribe, chaos will inevitably ensue. At that time, the prince can use this identity to intervene in Hu affairs under the guise of "assisting the princess, maintaining the stability of the Hu tribe, or mediating disputes among princes."
Initially, it might just be mediation and advice; as its foundation gradually solidifies and its influence grows, it will gradually forge alliances with powerful generals and win over smaller tribes… In time, it remains to be seen who will ultimately dominate this other powerful nomadic tribe in the northern frontier!
These words fully articulated the long-term potential value of the marriage alliance and the possibility of reverse operations, revealing the shrewdness and boldness of a strategist.
Upon hearing this, Mu Yunlingyuan was deeply moved, but he quickly forced himself to calm down. He raised his hand and slowly shook it, his tone regaining its usual composure:
"Sir, your argument is fascinating, but it is ultimately a case of 'distant water cannot quench immediate thirst.' I have not even stepped into the gates of the Muyun tribe yet, my own foothold is not firm, and my foundation is nonexistent. Yet you dare to talk about controlling or even influencing the Hu tribes in the future. It is nothing but a castle in the air, a mirage."
The most pressing issue right now is how to take the first step after returning to the department. I urge you to set aside your long-term plans for now and devise a solution to break the current predicament for me.
Seeing that Mu Yunlingyuan could maintain such a clear mind in the face of great temptations and prospects, without being greedy for merit or rash, Wang Meng admired him even more.
This is the composure that those who achieve great things should possess. He composed himself, his earlier slightly agitated expression softening, and nodded solemnly: "What the prince says is absolutely right. It was my momentary distraction that led me astray from the crucial matter at hand. Right now, we should indeed focus on the first step after returning to our posts."
He hesitated for a moment, then his gaze became focused and sharp again:
"Although the prince has been away from his tribe for twelve years and his relationship with the Chanyu has become distant, his status as the eldest son of the legitimate heir is determined by the ancestral laws and is a glorious and legitimate lineage that cannot be disputed."
This is the prince's greatest political asset. Therefore, after returning to his unit, the prince must not be overly self-conscious due to his awkward situation; instead, he should take the initiative and utilize this status to secure a favorable starting position.
"My strategy is—" Wang Meng said clearly, enunciating each word distinctly, "After the prince returns to his tribe and pays homage to the Chanyu, he should volunteer to be sent to the frontier to lead an army and guard key locations!"
"Voluntarily requesting a transfer to the frontier?" A hint of surprise flashed in Mu Yun Ling Yuan's eyes, then he fell into deep thought. This seemed to contradict his subconscious desire to return to the center of power.
"Exactly! This is the best strategy: retreating to advance, defending to attack!"
Wang Meng spoke with certainty and his analysis was reasonable: "Prince, consider this: the heartland of the tribe, where the royal court is located, must be a place where Mu Yunzhao's power is deeply entrenched."
If the prince were to remain there, it would be as if he were caught in someone else's trap, with every move he made under surveillance, making it impossible for him to move an inch.
More importantly, your status as the eldest son of the legitimate wife is the greatest threat to Mu Yunzhao and his cronies.
If you remain in the royal court, you will become a sitting duck, and you will inevitably be attacked from both open and covert angles, making it impossible to defend against them.
Even if the Chanyu (ruler) had any fatherly affection for you, under the pressure of favoritism and vested interest groups, he might not be able to fully protect you.
At that time, the prince will likely find himself in an even more dangerous situation than when he was a hostage in the land of the Huns—then he was a prisoner in the open, but now he is prey lurking in the shadows!
He then changed the subject, pointing out the benefits of being sent to the frontier: "On the contrary, if one volunteers to guard the frontier, it may seem like one is far from the center of power and exiled to the edge, but in reality, the world is vast and open, just like a dragon returning to the abyss or a tiger returning to the mountain! Although the frontier is harsh, cold, dangerous, and remote, it also has its unique advantages."
Firstly, with the emperor far away, the constraints imposed by the royal court are greatly reduced, allowing the princes to gain valuable breathing room and room for development. Secondly, the constant friction between the border regions and external forces makes them an ideal place to train troops, select generals, cultivate loyal followers, and establish military achievements.
Officers who are frustrated in the infighting within their tribes, fierce soldiers who risk their lives to survive on the frontier, and disillusioned nobles who have been ostracized can all become targets for the prince's recruitment.
"As long as the prince shows sincerity, treats everyone fairly, rewards and punishes fairly, and shares weal and woe with the soldiers, it won't be long before he can gather a core force that obeys only the prince and is capable of fighting!"
A glint of wisdom flashed in Wang Meng's eyes:
"Thirdly, with the prince far away, the power struggles within the royal court become clearer. As far as I know, although Muyun Zhao is powerful, the other sons of the Chanyu, and even some tribal chiefs who are dissatisfied with the expansion of the Xiutu tribe's power, may not be truly subservient."
The prince was far away on the frontier, detached from the situation, which was perfect for him to observe and let them fight and wear each other down first.
When they are weakened by repeated defeats and internal conflicts intensify, the prince, with his elite troops honed on the frontier and bearing the merits of defending the country, and in the name of the eldest son and legitimate heir, will raise his arms and return to the royal court... At that time, the hearts of the people will be with them, and the tide of history will be irreversible, leaving them no choice but to follow suit!
He added meaningfully at the end: "Moreover, the elders of the Muyun tribe, who have experienced many vicissitudes and value tradition and tribal continuity the most, may be silent in the face of power, but they have their own scales in their hearts."
Although the prince was young at the time, he went to the land of the Hu as a hostage when the tribe was in danger. They will never forget the sacrifice and forbearance he made for the tribe.
If the prince can achieve tangible results on the frontier, protecting the borders and ensuring the safety of the people, this merit will earn him their recognition and respect. When the time is right, the support of these clan elders can often play a crucial role in stabilizing the situation.
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