Wang Yue sighed in his heart and couldn't help but sigh: "Your Excellency always cares about the overall situation..."
Chang Kuo, who was sitting nearby, stroked his beard and said modestly, "It has always been like this. It's not worth mentioning."
The more he thought about how His Highness had killed the imperial envoy and tampered with the emperor's will, the more he felt that His Highness was too considerate.
Is it his Highness who really needs this tampered imperial edict? His Highness's modification of the imperial edict has undoubtedly avoided many swords and weapons, but if a real fight breaks out, how can those people stop the Jiangdu army? It will only add unnecessary casualties.
Moreover, at this time when Luoyang had been lost and had not yet been recovered, if news came out that the governor of Huainan Road had openly rebelled, it would surely shock people's hearts again.
In short, His Highness's move not only took the overall situation into consideration and buffered the amplitude of the shock, but also gave enough face to the Saint and the court to a certain extent - on the surface, he "obeyed the order", isn't that enough to give face? If this is not enough, then what else can be done!
Obviously, Chang Kuo's understanding of "giving enough face" is somewhat unconventional.
Because Chang Kuo has his own twisted logic - Your Highness is so thoughtful, so what if he rebels? He said that the court should be happy to have such a considerate rebel! And it is obvious that there are many people in this outer study who also believe in Chang Kuo's twisted logic.
Wang Changshi saw this and wondered for a moment whether his master was good at some evil witchcraft to bewitch people... Otherwise, how could someone be praised so highly even for rebelling?
What's even worse is that, although he already felt that this trend was not normal, he still joined the team that praised her - there was nothing he could do, the adults just acted very praiseworthy.
Luo Guanlin didn't say anything. He was not used to agreeing at times like this, as that would be seen as flattery.
But as for whether he agrees or not, he does agree to some extent.
He knew that Chang Suining chose to lead her troops to Luoyang in "obeying the order" in order to reduce resistance for the Jiangdu army, but it did show that she acted thoughtfully and always kept the overall situation in mind.
This seems to be an ethical principle ingrained in one's bones, just like the meticulous consideration of not damaging a single inch of farmland even if thousands of troops are raised.
She always acted decisively, and even seemed ostentatious in the eyes of the world, but her decisiveness, flamboyance and fighting skills were never used to provoke wars.
From her perspective, looking at the entire Dasheng, it seems that she has no real enemies. What she cares about are the rivers, people and soldiers of the entire Dasheng.
This caring heart...even if she was just pretending, it was already admirable enough and was also a blessing for the common people.
Luo Guanlin was so immersed in this touched mood that he was unable to listen carefully to what Wang Changshi and others were discussing with Chang Kuo.
After a while, Luo Guanlin raised his eyes slightly and looked at Chang Kuo who was sitting there, and an idea gradually formed in his heart.
At this time, the door of the study was pushed open by the guard from the outside, and a green figure walked in.
Everyone in the study stopped talking, turned to look, and then stood up to greet him.
Chang Suining had been away from the army for more than five days. Today, when he returned home, he first drew his sword and killed the eunuch who delivered the decree, and then ordered the troops to move towards Luoyang.
However, after making these major moves, her expression did not change at all. She just walked into the study room as usual, sat down at the head of the table, motioned for everyone to sit down, and said, "I will be away from Jiangdu for a while. From now on, I will trouble you to take care of the affairs of Jiangdu and Huainan Road."
The tone was so casual that it seemed as if she was just going out to visit relatives or go for an outing.
And her subsequent explanation to everyone was also very simple.
Chang Suining had made a lot of preparations for this military campaign, and everything was ready, so he was able to set off immediately after "receiving the order."
Moreover, Jiangdu now has a mature system in operation, which does not require Chang Suining to be there all the time, and Chang Suining also trusts the people she uses.
But in Luo Guanlin's opinion, if you look deeper into the trust that Chang Suining gave out, it was fundamentally derived from her self-confidence.
Because of self-confidence, I believe in my own vision of using people and the means of controlling them.
From Chang Suining, Luo Guanlin came to a conclusion that those who truly trust their employees must be confident enough.
To this day, facing this ease of control, Luo Guanlin still often feels puzzled, wondering why such ability appears in a little girl.
Now he was only left with confusion, and no longer had that unspeakable resentment... In the past, he was extremely unwilling to why such ability had never been bestowed upon the children of the Li family.
At this moment, Chang Suining's simple explanation only included two things.
First, she thought it was time to add some staff to the outer study. In recent days, many people with outstanding abilities have emerged in the first seven halls, and Wang Changshi already has a list of candidates that he has been examining for a long time.
The reason why this outer study room of the Jiangdu Governor's Mansion is regarded as a supreme holy place by Jiangdu officials is that those who can work here can directly touch the most confidential government affairs of the entire Huainan Province. In addition, this is also the best way to become the trusted arm of the Huainan Province Jiedushi.
Therefore, this place is simply a holy place for attaining enlightenment in the minds of Jiangdu officials.
However, there has been no sign of any increase in the number of personnel in this holy land. Many officials have also tried to inquire about it indirectly, but to no avail.
Chang Suining's personal request to add more staff was undoubtedly good news that brought great surprise.
With Chang Suining's departure, the affairs of Huainan Road will only increase and not decrease, and Chang Suining will need more trustworthy confidants in the future. This move is equivalent to cultivating close talents in advance.
Chang Suining handed the matter over to Wang Changshi and asked Yao Ran to screen and review it.
The second thing was that Chang Suining transferred the decision-making power of major affairs in Huainan Road to Chang Kuo in front of everyone. On weekdays, Wang Yue was responsible for reporting to Chang Kuo.
This was a precedent that had never happened before when Chang Suining left Jiangdu, but the situation this time was different. How long Chang Suining could conceal his act of tampering with the imperial edict depended entirely on the considerations of the saint.
Chang Suining's intentions will soon be exposed, and Huainan Road may then face military pressure from various places, and all of these will require Chang Kuo to take charge of the decision-making.
After Chang Suining had roughly arranged these two matters, Yao Ran and others gave additional comments.
The arrangements in everyone's mouth were in order, but there were huge waves shaking in everyone's heart. They all knew very well that what they were doing at this time and the situation they would face next were all unprecedented.
In the afternoon, Chang Suining left the study, and Yao Ran followed beside him.
"Aran, you need to stay here for me." Chang Suining said to Yao Ran, "From now on, the Jiangdu Governor's Mansion cannot be without you."
Today, Yao Ran not only has enough ability to manage affairs, but her existence also represents a certain direction and example - there needs to be at least one such female official in the outer study of the Jiangdu Governor's Mansion.
Yao Ran knew the significance of his responsibility, and nodded solemnly: "Please rest assured, sir, I will do my part."
Privately, Yao Ran wanted to go along, but at the same time she knew that she was better at handling local government affairs than war strategies, and the adults needed a military advisor who was good at making decisions.
At this time, Yao Ran thought about it again and again, and still reminded him: "Although there are many wise and resourceful counselors in your army now, you are not very familiar with them. After all, you still lack a truly trustworthy person to lead them."
Chang Suining nodded and looked at Yao Ran with some satisfaction: "That's right."
Now Yao Ran also knows how to use people and how to check and balance.
Chang Suining really needs such a person, and she already has a candidate in mind.
The sky, which had been gloomy all day, suddenly brightened up as dusk approached, dyeing half of the sky with a layer of dazzling golden light.
Chang Suining personally went to Luo Guanlin's residence, and under the old jujube tree, he asked, "Would you like to go with me to Luoyang?"
The golden sunset was so bright that Luo Guanlin was in a trance for a moment.
Before Xu Zhengye left Jiangdu, he asked him if he wanted to go with him, but he declined and chose to stay in Jiangdu. At that time, this move meant that he and Xu Zhengye had already separated.
At this moment, he did not nod, but asked: "My Lord, what are you going to do?"
Chang Suining looked at the setting sun, his expression calm and his voice not too loud: "It is time to settle the unrest and build a cause that will last for thousands of years."
"For whom do you settle the injustice, and for whom do you build the unbreakable cause?"
Chang Suining turned his head slightly and looked at Luo Guanlin, his eyes calm: "This phenomenon is determined for the people of the world, and this business is built for me, Chang Suining."
When he met those eyes, Luo Guanlin's heart trembled slightly, knowing that she was speaking frankly of her ambitions.
I still remember that when they were drinking under this jujube tree, she told him that she was willing to support the children of the Li family.
But facing her inconsistency at this moment, Luo Guanlin did not have the slightest intention of questioning her.
If he cared about her regret, it meant that he still cared about the Li family's children.
On the contrary...
Luo Guanlin suddenly sighed heavily in his heart.
He had intended to at least ask her why she lied to him, but now he was not ready to ask.
People who achieve great things don't care about trivial matters. The fact that she could "trick" him into this was also a testament to her ability.
Luo Guanlin thought of his mother's twisted logic: "The adults are willing to spend time to "trick" you, isn't that a sign of their appreciation for you? Don't be so ungrateful after getting an advantage!"
Luo Guanlin smiled with mixed feelings in his heart. Today, he actually agreed with his mother's twisted logic.
Seeing that Luo Guanlin did not answer for a long time, Chang Suining smiled and said, "Sir, you can think about it overnight. It will not be too late to give me an answer when we leave tomorrow morning."
Luo Guanlin came back to his senses, but turned slightly and faced Chang Suining. In the evening light, he raised his hands and bowed deeply, saying clearly: "Qian is willing to serve you with all my heart and soul until my death."
His words “I will not stop until I die” not only apply to this trip to Luoyang, but also to the future.
There was a brief silence in the courtyard. Luo's wife, Liu, who was downstairs in the corridor, watched the scene quietly and for some reason her eyes became wet.
"When the troops are about to be mobilized, the word death will not be mentioned." Chang Suining raised his hand to support Luo Guanlin's elbow, and said with a smile: "I want you to live, so that you can follow me to see the peaceful world one day."
When Luo Guanlin stood up, the corners of his eyes were already slightly red. When he saw that gaze, he felt as if a clear breeze from the harmony of heaven and earth had fallen into his heart, brushing away all the obstructions.
Liu then hurried back to her room and packed her husband's luggage.
As she stepped over the threshold, Liu happily wiped away her tears, and thought that she should prepare a pot of good wine. It is not convenient for people who are about to go out to drink, and the wine is for her mother-in-law... If her mother-in-law knew that the stinky stone at home had become smart, she would be so happy!
In the courtyard, Chang Suining chatted with Luo Guanlin for a few more words.
Luo Guanlin was not in the mood to chat. After thinking for a while, he said, "I have something I want to remind you of."
Seeing his serious expression, Chang Suining also said seriously: "Sir, please speak."
"If you want to accomplish great things, you should be prepared for some things." Luo Guanlin said, "Although the loyal and brave Marquis is a kind person, he has another son... I think it's not a bad thing for you to be more cautious."
Chang Suining blinked.
Luo Guanlin's expression remained solemn: "My Lord, please do not think that I am deliberately instigating or exaggerating. Such things have happened many times in the past..."
He admitted that he had changed.
When he tried to persuade Wang Yue to join the gang, he told Wang Yue that even if Chang Suining had ambitions, he should not be afraid because she still had a father and brother above her who could dissuade and suppress her...
But now, he turned around and reminded the ambitious Chang Suining to beware of her father and brother stealing power...
Luo Guanlin felt that his name change was appropriate, otherwise he really could not imagine that the current Qian Shen was the same person as the Luo Guanlin of the past... This transformation was so unrecognizable that it made people ashamed to face their old self.
Chang Suining smiled and nodded: "Thank you for the reminder, sir. I will pay attention to it."
If she said that Chang Kuo and his son were reliable, Luo Guanlin would only think that she was simple-minded and would hurt his feelings. This kind of sharp reminder was very valuable because ordinary subordinates would not dare to speak easily to avoid suspicion.
Seeing that Chang Suining seemed to have really listened, Luo Guanlin then talked about something else: "...The Queen's secret decree this time is very inappropriate. It doesn't seem like her style. Does your Excellency know if there is any hidden reason behind it?"
Logically speaking, it is impossible for the Queen not to have thought that such a secret decree would force Chang Suining to rebel.
Based on his understanding of the Queen, the other party's unusual behavior seemed to be based on something else...
"What a hidden story..." Chang Suining did not deny Luo Guanlin's guess, but in the end he just smiled and said, "I'll tell you when I have the chance someday."
If we talk about her relationship with Empress Ming, it will naturally involve the secret that she was once Li Xiao.
Hearing her "keeping things a secret" like this, Luo Guanlin said with his hands behind his back, "Your Excellency does have quite a few secrets."
The seven million strings of cash, her unclear background, her many inexplicable abilities, and now an unknown connection with the Queen...
Chang Suining also put his hands behind his back and said with a smile: "If I don't keep these secrets, how can I attract you to follow me?"
"In your eyes, am I a donkey that needs a carrot to hang on its head before it moves forward?"
"Sir, how can you be so self-deprecating? You are at least a good horse."
"Is Luo devaluing himself again?"
“…”
As the two chatted and laughed under the jujube tree, the sky gradually darkened.
The next morning, Chang Suining mounted his horse and set off outside the main gate of the Jiangdu Governor's Mansion, with all the officials paying their respects and seeing him off.
The 20,000 cavalrymen who followed Chang Suining in the lead were already lined up in an orderly manner outside the city of Jiangdu, with great momentum.
Chang Suining sent troops to Luoyang and announced to the outside world that he was suppressing the rebellion in accordance with the emperor's order. Within a short period of time, everyone in Jiangdu knew about it, but everyone had their own guesses and thoughts in their hearts.
Outside the city of Jiangdu, there was a mighty and solemn cavalry team escorting more than ten horse-drawn carriages. In one of the carriages sat Wu Jue and Tianjing.
Wu Jue, who had not slept all night, was not in a relaxed mood at the moment. After a while, he frowned and asked Tian Jing: "I say...you knew you were no match for me, so you used your shabby illusion to do something to me in the middle of the night, and took the opportunity to peek at the result of my divination, right?"
Before leaving this morning, Chang Suining received a note from Wu Jue and Tianjing, each of which stated the birth date and horoscope that the two had calculated for her.
After Chang Suining unfolded them one by one, he saw that the handwriting was completely different, but the content of the eight characters was exactly the same.
But what really surprised Chang Suining was not this.
Upon closer inspection, the eight characters actually have a great connection with her...
The origin of this is that in this eight-character horoscope, only the year of birth is the year when Ah Li was born, but the following six characters completely overlap with her previous life as Li Shang.
The so-called eight characters are divided into four pillars, namely the year pillar, month pillar, day pillar and time pillar when a person is born.
In other words, in the horoscope that Wu Jue and Tian Jing had calculated for her, the year column was the year of birth of her current body, while the month column, day column, and hour column belonged to Li Shang under her body...
When these eight characters are put together, they unexpectedly create a unique and precious destiny.
But is this really an accident?
Tianjing doesn't think so.
To fabricate a shocking and noble horoscope out of thin air, and the year column is fixed and cannot be changed, there are many details and taboos involved, and the actual difficulty is far beyond the imagination of Chang Suining, an outsider.
Even when the year pillar is fixed, there is a possibility that no matter how the six characters are arranged afterwards, it is impossible to achieve 100% success in becoming extremely noble.
Last night, Tianjing and Wu Jue calculated repeatedly, but they were never satisfied. It was not until dawn that they came up with results one after another.
The same results also indirectly prove a fact: the value of this eight characters is unquestionable and irreplaceable.
At this moment, Tianjing said with emotion: "Perhaps, this is the brilliance of our Master..." (End of this chapter)
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