Chapter 293

After the Fei family left the western border, control of the military authority was handed over to the Cheng family.

The Cheng family had grand ambitions, but their strength did not match their lofty goals. After suffering several defeats in battles against external forces, many soldiers in the western border grew discontented. They hoped the Fei family would return soon and drive the Cheng family out.

However, the Fei family had been trapped in the capital, while the Cheng family began to sideline dissidents in the western border.

Those willing to follow the Cheng family were appointed to relatively low-ranking positions but with significant power.

The hardliners who refused to yield were placed on the front lines to face external forces. General Cheng was so obstinate that he paid no heed to anyone else’s advice and had suffered numerous losses, leading to countless casualties.

When they learned that the Fei family had returned, these individuals immediately rejoined the Fei family. Observing the Fei family’s swift consolidation of power upon their return, the Cheng family was left fuming with frustration.

They had spent so much time trying to subdue these individuals, but the Fei family had only returned for one day, and these people had already turned traitor.

“This group of scoundrels!”

General Cheng stepped forward, his voice sharp, “Are you trying to rebel? I will report this to the court and have you all thrown into prison!”

Fei Yunsong snorted coldly, looking at the former soldiers who had sided with the Cheng family.

“The imperial decree is here. As of today, all military authority in the western border is transferred to my Fei family.”

“General Cheng, why are you so panicked? Could it be that you’re the one planning a rebellion?”

The Cheng family members immediately panicked and countered, “You’re talking nonsense!”

Some generals, after the Fei family’s departure, had already aligned with the Cheng family to safeguard themselves and their subordinates.

Apart from those who had promptly apologized and pledged allegiance to the Fei family upon their return, two other generals had firmly sided with the Cheng family after weighing the pros and cons in their hearts.

General Xu and General Liu exchanged glances, understanding each other’s intentions.

Seeing the standoff, General Xu took the initiative to step forward, smiling and trying to defuse the situation, though there was a hint of uneasiness on his face.

During the time when Prince Wuding held military authority, he had treated Xu quite favorably and even promoted him. However, considering his recent actions and the words of General Liu, Xu’s resolve to apologize to Fei Yunsong wavered.

General Liu was right; even if he returned now, he would still be under suspicion and scrutiny from the prince. Instead of that, he thought it might be better to take a chance and remain with General Cheng.

His determination grew stronger, and he said, “After all, the prince has been away for a long time. There are many matters that General Cheng is more familiar with. Why don’t we let General Cheng temporarily oversee these matters, and we can discuss the rest later?”

Another General with the surname Liu also spoke up, saying, “General Xu’s words are quite sensible. Although the prince has the imperial decree, the current situation is different from the past. It might be wiser to let General Cheng handle the military authority for now.”

He added with a touch of sarcasm, “We’ll take care of the fighting up front, while the prince can enjoy his comforts at the back with his family.”

When General Liu’s words came out, not only Fei Yunsong but also Fei Yanchen and Wen Yunlan had serious expressions.

Remaining at the back to enjoy comforts?

Perhaps he didn’t want to give up his power.

Both sides were at a standstill, but the Fei family held the imperial decree, which gave them a significant advantage.

Except for a few individuals who feared being on the losing side and couldn’t secure any gains, or those who had advanced through flattery and deceit, most of the generals sided with the Fei family.

Seeing that the current situation was not in their favor, the Cheng family members began to smile again, intending to buy more time.

The Fourth Prince would not disregard them.

After all, the ten thousand troops in the western border were a substantial asset.

“Your Highness, you just mentioned not knowing about the imperial decree a moment ago.”

“But now that the imperial decree has arrived, it’s only natural to return the military authority to Your Highness.”

“However, there are still many unresolved matters in this, so Your Highness and the others can take a rest for a period. Once I’ve organized everything that needs to be transferred, I will immediately hand over the military authority to Your Highness.”