Chapter 313: The Weak Scholar
"In that case, what are you two trying to achieve by going to such great lengths?"
It is actually difficult to say whether the Ji family has ambitions.
After all, the Ji family's power and status are there. If there is anyone in this world who can succeed in rebelling, the Ji family must be the first choice.
In the past, the Ji family was focused on guarding the border, but now everything Zhao Shen has done has already exceeded his duties.
Under such circumstances, the emperor actually handed the military command to him personally.
Yin Shu felt that if he were the emperor, he would be unable to sleep or eat in peace in the capital.
"Of course it's loyalty to the emperor and serving the country," Ji Yunshu said matter-of-factly. "If we do too much, it means we're planning a rebellion. Everyone in the court works diligently, so does that mean everyone wants to rebel? What kind of logic is that?"
Her words and actions were so frank that Yin Shu was speechless.
Zhao Shen smiled and said nothing.
The few of them chatted as they traveled, and it took them two days to reach their destination.
There was a flat area at the foot of the mountain where the army that arrived first had already set up camp.
The general leading the team was a burly, bearded Khan. Upon seeing Zhao Shen arrive, he quickly stepped forward and saluted: "General Chen Shan, I greet Lord Zhao."
Zhao Shen said, "General Chen, there's no need to be so polite. Thank you for the trouble you've made."
Chen Shan looks like a rough man, but he speaks very modestly: "It's just my job, Your Excellency, please forgive me for being so kind."
Zhao Shen didn't exchange pleasantries and went straight to the point, asking, "How long have you been here? Have you detected any activity in the mountains?"
Chen Shan replied, "I received an order from General Wu and immediately led my men out. We arrived here around noon today. I have sent scouts to explore the forest, but they haven't found anything unusual so far."
Zhao Shen said, "My men have discovered a well-equipped ambush within the forest. They're most likely the Southern Xinjiang garrison's hidden weapon. We must eliminate them this time. I'm a scholar by birth and don't understand the art of marching and fighting. I'll leave it to the general."
Chen Shan nodded and said, "I understand."
After a brief conversation between the two, Zhao Shen let the person leave.
Ji Yunshu followed him into a tent specially prepared for the two of them before asking, "Is this person reliable?"
Zhao Shen poured her a cup of hot tea and asked, "What do you think?"
Ji Yunshu thought back to the person he had just met: "It seems that he has no dissatisfaction with you. He is very cooperative in his actions. He is a cautious person."
Zhao Shen smiled and said, "It's indeed cautious. Don't be in a hurry. Let's take a look first."
When Ji Yunshu heard him say this, he knew that there was something wrong with this person.
But they are already in danger now. If even this person has problems, wouldn’t it be even more dangerous?
She didn't know what Zhao Shen was planning, but since he didn't tell her, she didn't ask.
At dinner time, Zhao Shen made a big fuss and ordered people to hunt wild game for dinner.
No one knew what General Chen was busy with and he never showed up again.
This time, Ji Yunshu also felt that this person was very inconsistent.
When they returned to the tent, she asked Zhao Shen with a smile, "Did you bring me here on purpose? You, a civilian official with no experience of military strategy, rashly mobilized troops, brought women with you, and acted so flamboyantly, yet he showed no dissatisfaction at all. What's going on?"
Zhao Shen said, "Although the rebellion in Southern Xinjiang was somewhat hasty this time, it has been prepared for many years. On the surface, it appears that only Hongtu is rebelling, but the truth is clearly more than that. Now the two armies are deadlocked in Xiangcheng. I asked General Wu to mobilize troops, but he asked for it himself."
Ji Yunshu pondered his words carefully. Xiangcheng could not be lost. It was not appropriate to mobilize troops at this time, but the reason that there were rebels here was a reasonable excuse.
"Are you asking for it?"
Ji Yunshu looked at Zhao Shen with a half-smile.
Seeing that she understood, Zhao Shen didn't say much. He put his arm around her and said, "Rest early. We're going to go into the mountains ourselves tomorrow."
Ji Yunshu didn't know what Zhao Shen relied on, but it was obvious that the people around him were not following him. They must have been sent by him to do something, so he knew that he had other arrangements.
The two slept well that night and got up early the next day. Chen Shan was waiting outside. When he saw them come out, he hurried forward and said, "Sir, according to your instructions, the scouts have already explored this forest and found signs of human activity. Should we send troops?"
Zhao Shen smiled and said, "Military affairs are not my forte. What do you think, General?"
Chen Shan saw that he looked sincere and didn't seem to be deliberately refusing. He thought for a moment and said, "I don't know how long these people have been stationed here. If we rush out rashly, we might be ambushed. I think we should investigate further and understand their specific situation before taking action."
Zhao Shen nodded and said, "General, you are right. Knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to success in every battle. However, Xiangcheng is also in danger. You should know that we don't have much time."
Chen Shan said, "I understand. I will have someone investigate the situation in the forest as soon as possible."
After he left, Ji Yunshu asked Zhao Shen, "He doesn't even know what's going on in the forest, yet he dares to suggest you send troops. Is he testing you?"
Zhao Shen said: "It's okay, aren't we testing him?"
Ji Yunshu felt that Zhao Shen was overdoing it. "If he really has a problem, doesn't that mean we'll be attacked from both sides?"
Zhao Shen pulled her and said, "Don't you want to go out for a walk? I'll go with you to the mountains and forests."
Ji Yunshu: “…”
She's been on the road almost all the time these days, so how could she possibly want to go out for a walk?
However, after walking a short distance, Ji Yunshu understood Zhao Shen's intention.
Zhao Shen led her to sit on the branch of a towering tree. She watched the people below milling around looking for someone, and couldn't help but chuckle, "Why don't they look up?"
Although the branches here are so dense that it is difficult for Tibetans to find it, she feels that there is always an angle to see it from looking up.
Zhao Shen said nonchalantly, "Because in the eyes of these people, I am just a weak scholar, and it is impossible for me to climb such a high tree with a weak woman like you."
Ji Yunshu was surprised: "Don't they know you know Kung Fu?"
Zhao Shen smiled and said, "Not many people have seen me in action, so naturally not many people know about it, and they are unlikely to tell everyone about it."
"It seems that this Chen Shan is not an important character."
Ji Yunshu was a little disappointed. Zhao Shen put in a lot of effort this time, but the fish he caught was not a big one.
Zhao Shen laughed and said, "Anyone who can be pushed to the surface is just a chess piece that can be discarded at any time. How can he be an important character?"
Ji Yunshu lost interest instantly and glanced down: "It seems they are leaving. What should we do next?"
Zhao Shen took her hand and said, "Let's go check out the so-called ambush."
"You suspect there's some trickery?"
Ji Yunshu was puzzled.
Seeing that everyone had left, Zhao Shen grabbed her waist and jumped down from the tree. "We've been in Southern Xinjiang for quite some time now, and I'm pretty sure of what Lin Huixue has up her sleeve. Now we're at the end of our rope, and this sudden appearance of troops is probably specially prepared for me."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
