To reclaim control of the Nurgan Commandery, the Imperial Court needed to send an envoy of courage, valor, and strategy.
Yu Qian pondered for a long time before finally suggesting that they select people from the Imperial Academy. "Let them gain experience and spread the teachings. Then select children from some of the tribes to study in the capital, learn our Confucian thought, and return to stabilize their homelands."
Cao Nai rolled his eyes without ceremony. "Send students over there? To their deaths?"
"Select men from the Imperial Guards to escort them as well," Yu Qian said. "Assistant General Pan Yu was not only once a student of the Imperial Academy, but also the son of Pan Hong, Vice Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial. He has earned military merit on the battlefield. He can lead the delegation and escort the students there."
Cao Nai paused, falling into thought.
The ministers fell silent as well.
Pan Yu...
Zhu Qiyu hesitated before asking softly, "Would that not be too dangerous?"
Yu Qian said gravely, "Who could be sent without facing danger?"
Wang Ji said, "Military men all carry their heads tucked into their belts. When has there ever been no danger?"
Yu Qian fixed his bright gaze upon Zhu Qiyu and asked, "Does His Majesty need to ask the National Preceptor before making a decision?"
Zhu Qiyu shuddered, and his mind instantly cleared. He immediately said, "Good. Pan Yu it is. Let the Grand Secretariat draft the decree."
The court officials collectively let out half a breath of relief. It seemed the Emperor did not rely on the National Preceptor in every matter;
Once the Imperial Decree had been sent to the army, the Ministry of Revenue also prepared consolation gifts and rewards for the Jurchens at the fastest possible