"Since the reign of our late King Wu Ding, Hu Fang has been our ally. That they now wish to submit to us is certainly welcome news."
Zi Shou paused, then continued, "But the Baiyue have stirred up trouble and bullied our ally. Great Shang must demand an accounting. Is Jiang Wenhuan here?"
Jiang Huanchu was taken aback. Why had His Majesty suddenly called for his son?
His son Jiang Wenhuan was only seventeen or eighteen. What good ideas could he possibly offer?
Could it be...
Understanding dawned on Jiang Huanchu. His Majesty had subdued the lands in every direction, imposed fines, and reduced noble ranks. On the surface, the feudal lords hardly dared breathe, but what were they thinking inside?
His Majesty was trying to win over some of the feudal lords, and his own line, that of the Marquis of the East, represented those loyal to royal authority.
With that, Jiang Huanchu gave Jiang Wenhuan a meaningful look.
As long as Jiang Wenhuan gave a sound, measured answer, His Majesty would surely entrust him with important duties, using him to counterbalance the discontented Feudal Lords who were distancing themselves from Great Shang.
"Your subject is here!" Jiang Wenhuan was eager to try his hand.
Zi Shou looked at him with a hint of anticipation. He needed to see whether his young brother-in-law really was all courage and no brains. If he lacked brains, he absolutely had to be given an important post. "As the son of the Marquis of the East, you have been versed in warfare since childhood. Tell me, how should we pacify Baiyue?"
Jiang Wenhuan was brimming with energy and excitement. Thinking of Su Quanzhong marching north to destroy Tu Fang and Chao Lei crossing the sea to strike the Eastern Yi, he answered without