Chang Kuo and General Xiao were both in the tent.
Chang Kuo told Chang Suining about the general progress of the investigation of Li Yi's accomplices. Finally, he said, "But for the time being, we have not found any spies planted in the camp by others..."
The "others" here refer to Prince Rong's Mansion.
Chang Suining specifically reminded Chang Kuo to be careful and identify the spies planted in the army by Prince Rong's Mansion.
In Chang Suining's opinion, the fact that it has not been discovered yet does not mean that it does not exist. It only means that it is hidden very well and cleverly.
In front of Wei Shuyi and General Xiao, she just nodded and said that the investigation must continue.
While Chang Kuo was talking to Wei Shuyi, Chang Suining was sitting there and thought of Fan Ou about this matter.
From what Li Lu said before, we know that Fan Ou had exchanged information with people in Li Yi's army, so Li Lu knew everything about the army... Then, Fan Ou must know who his own spies are.
But this person was very tight-lipped, and it took a lot of effort to get the words out of his mouth later.
Chang Suining thought of many interrogation methods and was thinking about which one would be most suitable for Fan Ou. Or, if he needed it, she could tailor one for him.
In short, this person's mouth is very valuable, and she must pry it open.
The girl held her chin up to her hand, as if she was distracted. Ordinary people would never have guessed what kind of bloody and cruel, or treacherous and heartbreaking interrogation methods were in her mind at the moment.
It was not until the soldiers brought in the food and the aroma of meat brought Chang Suining back to his senses.
Chang Kuo and Wei Shuyi were so busy that they only had time to eat.
Chang Suining had accompanied Adian for dinner an hour ago, but he did not delay eating with Chang Kuo now. After all, it was already an hour and it was time for a midnight snack.
Moreover, the meal was surprisingly good, and it was said that it was seized from Li Yi's private vault.
During the meal, Chang Kuo toasted Wei Shuyi and General Xiao with a glass of wine. Wei Shuyi remained calm and just held the glass lower. However, General Xiao was so frightened that he almost lowered the glass to the ground.
Chang Kuo saw this and laughed, "General Xiao, are you drinking with me or with the local god?"
Xiao Min laughed awkwardly, looking embarrassed.
Chang Kuo said to him, "Since we are sitting here together, we are comrades in arms. There is no need to be so restrained!"
Xiao Min said "yes" and relaxed a little.
But this relaxation did not last long. After dinner, following Chang Kuo's move, he became nervous again.
Chang Kuo asked someone to bring the commander's seal and military token and asked him to accept them.
"This..." Xiao Min's expression changed several times, and he subconsciously looked at Wei Shuyi: "This matter may still need to be discussed."
Chang Kuo didn't care: "The saint asked you to be the commander, just do it, what's there to discuss?"
"General Chang, you don't know... Xiao was ordered to do this in a time of crisis. At that time, the saint thought that General Chang's trip to Hezhou would be dangerous..." Xiao Min looked terrified but sincere, and bowed to Chang Kuo: "Xiao is still inexperienced... Since General Chang is here, I dare not accept this commander-in-chief seal."
Moreover, he was not the one who quelled Li Yi's rebellion this time, so he really had no prestige at all.
He felt uneasy and guilty about accepting the position.
"The imperial edict is here. General Xiao, do you want me to disobey it?" Chang Kuo waved his hand at him. "Just follow the rules. Don't worry, as long as you are not the second Li Yi, I will never make things difficult for you."
This statement is straightforward and may sound a bit presumptuous at first, but it is indeed reassuring.
Xiao Min laughed awkwardly: "General Chang, you are too kind..."
The saint asked him to quell the chaos. Although he was the tallest among the short ones, it was also a careful consideration. He certainly would not become the second Li Yi, and he did not have the conditions to become one.
Looking at the old general with a bold and upright manner, Wei Shuyi smiled and said, "General Chang is right. Since the matter has been decided by His Majesty, General Xiao can just take over the task temporarily. As for General Chang's achievements, I will report to His Majesty after returning to Beijing. If His Majesty has a better arrangement, it will not be too late to adjust it according to the situation in the future."
These words are both flexible and leave enough room for maneuver.
Xiao Min looked at the handsome seal, still a little hesitant.
Chang Suining had been listening for a long time. Seeing this, he said, "General Xiao, take it with confidence. This seal will not bite your hand."
This double-entendre joke made Xiao Min hesitate no longer. He took the seal with both hands and said, "I will shamelessly take over the position of chief commander... In the future, if there are any shortcomings, I hope General Chang will remind me more."
Then, he turned to the girl who was still sitting there leisurely, and said sincerely: "This time, it is fortunate that Madam Chang killed Li Yi. Although the girl is young and a girl, her courage and spirit are far superior to Xiao Min. Xiao Min really admires her very much."
Although these words may seem like flattery to save his own life, they are also his true words.
This is why he didn't dare to accept the position of head coach rashly. Not to mention competing with his father, he couldn't even compare with someone's daughter. If he sat on the position of head coach... wouldn't he be very uncomfortable?
Xiao Min is only in his early thirties this year. His family background and qualifications can only be described as average, and his skills can barely be considered above average, but he is very self-aware.
Chang Kuo's idea was very simple. This matter had nothing to do with humility. The imperial edict was here, and he had no intention of rebelling at the moment. What was there to fight for the position of commander-in-chief?
Besides, it is just a commander's seal. With the unlucky example of Li Yi, the will of the soldiers is bound to be more important than the commander's seal and military token.
Chang Suining and Xiao Min nodded: "From now on, I hope that the army will be united and eliminate the rebels as soon as possible to restore peace to the people of Jiangnan."
We will need to observe in detail what kind of person Xiao Min is, but since we have to work together, we should show friendliness to him.
After hearing the girl's words, Xiao Min felt more at ease, yet inexplicably excited, as if there was a resonance in his heart.
Before he came and on the way here, perhaps because he felt that the situation ahead was not good, all he wanted to do was to complete this mission as successfully as possible. But at this moment, facing this father and daughter, he suddenly felt that the road ahead was open and the direction in his mind became clear.
Eliminate the rebels and bring peace to the people.
Yes, a general should be like this.
They sat down again to drink tea and discuss matters. The atmosphere was much more relaxed than when they had dinner.
…
As the night deepens, the stars gradually disappear and the sky gradually brightens.
…
As dusk fell the next day, the rear army arrived, and Yuanxiang and Changji were indeed among them.
In addition to these two familiar faces, Chang Suining also saw Captain Bai.
At first, she had traded her "water bottle" for the white captain's fast horse.
The other party also recognized her, or rather, based on the rumors about the girl from the Chang family in recent days, he had already guessed the identity of the young soldier who exchanged horses with him and left the team that day.
Chang Suining thanked him: "...If it weren't for Captain Bai's help, I wouldn't have been able to catch up with my father."
Captain Bai clasped his fists towards her, bowed his head and said, "This is my duty."
"I heard from Minister Wei that Captain Bai also helped him a lot this time. Captain Bai played an indispensable role in Yu Zai's execution." Chang Suining said with a smile, "Afterwards, when we reward him for his merits, he can no longer be called a captain, but a general."
Captain Bai also smiled when he heard this: "Madam Cheng Chang, good words."
But to be honest, this Madam Chang should also be rewarded.
But, what kind of reward should be given to a girl?
There are few precedents to refer to for such things. The specific results can only depend on what the senior officials in the capital and the emperor think.
"Mrs. Chang!"
At this time, Yuanxiang walked over quickly, smiling, and saluted Chang Suining.
Facing that bright and pleasing smile, Chang Suining also raised his lips: "Long time no see, Yuanxiang."
Captain Bai saw this and left at the right time, but his steps were a little slow and he subconsciously pricked up his ears to listen.
Because of Cui Jing, he and Yuan Xiang already knew each other, but they were not familiar with each other. However, this did not prevent Yuan Xiang from secretly revealing to him on the way that he was ordered by the Grand Commander to come and help Madam Chang.
Therefore, the news that General Cui loves and wants to marry Madam Chang is not a rumor at all!
Captain Bai wished he could turn into a fly and land on Yuanxiang to find out some gossip from a close distance, but unfortunately he had no way to transform.
Yuan Xiang has explained the whole story to Chang Suining: "…When the Grand Commander heard that General Chang was trapped in Hezhou, he guessed that Madam Chang must be there too, so he ordered his subordinates to rush to Jiangnan and try to borrow troops to help, firstly to relieve the danger in Hezhou, and secondly to deal with Li Yi's rebellion…"
But before he arrived, he heard the news that Hezhou had escaped danger.
It was at this time that he met Wei Shuyi, who came as an imperial envoy.
Yuan Xiang learned the key to the current situation from Wei Shuyi. After discussion, he decided to hand over the token of his own commander-in-chief to Wei Shuyi and escort him all the way to subdue the troops outside Yangzhou City.
These were not included in the plan given by the Grand Commander, but Yuan Xiang knew that since the Grand Commander had given him the responsibility for this matter, he had to adapt it according to the situation.
Yuan Xiang also knew that although his Grand Commander and Minister Wei seemed to have a different communication style, their relationship was not truly hostile. On the contrary, Minister Wei was often trusted by the Grand Commander.
Yuanxiang believes that he still has some brains.
But the above phenomenon is absolutely not applicable to him and Wei Changji!
Finally, Yuan Xiang put on a sincere smile and said, "I was traveling with Minister Wei on the way and did not come directly to Madam Chang. Please do not blame me, Madam Chang."
Chang Suining smiled and said, "It's okay, you did the right thing, this is the safest way."
Hearing this affirmation, Yuan Xiang's eyes lit up, and he felt that the next thing would be easy.
It was cold outside the tent, and Chang Suining thought that Yuanxiang was tired from the journey, so he invited someone to sit down and talk in the tent.
Xier and Ache were both there. When they saw Yuanxiang coming, they served him hot tea.
Yuan Xiang smiled and thanked him: "Thank you, Miss Xier!"
Xier was somewhat suspicious. Although General Yuanxiang had been a very kind person in the past, he was so warm and polite today. She felt that he had some ulterior motive...
Chang Suining and Yuanxiang asked about the situation in the northern border.
After Yuan Xiang answered all the questions, Chang Suining asked about Cui Jing again.
The words "finally here" echoed in his mind, and Yuan Xiang grinned and said, "The Grand Commander said that if you ask about him, let me tell you that everything is fine with him!"
Chang Suining: “……?”
What kind of natural and unadorned way of retelling is this? She couldn't help but ask in confusion: "...Is he really good or just pretending to be good?"
"It's good, indeed..." Yuan Xiang gave a complicated smile, "But it's not that good either."
Dai Changshi privately asked him how the Grand Commander got along with Madam Chang. Hearing that the Grand Commander only reported good news and never bad news, and was obsessed with maintaining his invincible image, Dai Changshi's comment on this was - this won't work, you have to learn to play the victim appropriately in order to survive.
So, under Chang Suining's questioning look, Yuan Xiang began his journey of selling misery as the Grand Commander.
He usually worked day and night to handle official business, personally supervised the border defense, trained soldiers, and did everything personally. Due to the bitter cold in the north, the number of people had decreased a lot, so these were not a problem for him.
In addition, Yuanxiang talked about a thrilling incident that happened not long ago.
"…That day, a soldier came to report that they had discovered traces of Northern Di troops passing through the border, so the Grand Commander led us to investigate. However, on the way back, a heavy snowstorm suddenly fell, blocking the way back."
The snow was extremely heavy and we couldn't move forward at all. Fortunately, we found a cave to take shelter temporarily, but there was a black bear in the cave and we almost died.
Yuan Xiang first recounted the thrilling process of how his own commander-in-chief fought a black bear and was injured as a result.
It also described in detail how the commander-in-chief led them out of the mountains despite being injured and having a high fever, and how they found the way back to the camp in the snowy plains.
At the end, he did not forget to point out specifically what the doctor said after the commander-in-chief returned to the camp.
After saying this, Yuan Xiang quietly observed Mrs. Chang's reaction.
After hearing this, Chang Suining said thoughtfully, "That's amazing..."
But if it were her in the past, it should be possible, right? But she had never killed a bear, so it was hard to say.
Yuanxiang looked a little confused.
It was a pity, but why didn't I see Madam Chang showing any sympathy or tenderness? Instead, it seemed... it aroused Madam Chang's competitive spirit?
Was it because he described it too realistically, without the exaggeration that Dai Changshi said, that this was a terrible failure? When Yuan Xiang was reflecting on himself, he heard the girl seem to come back to her senses and said, "But you still have to take care of yourself."
Yuan Xiang was invigorated, and just as he was about to answer, he heard the voice continue, "At this critical moment, if Commander Cui fails, who can take on the important task of the northern border?"
So, is he concerned about the North or the Grand Commander? Yuan Xiang sighed. Never mind. Now it was his Grand Commander who was wishful thinking. It was good enough that he cared. Why bother arguing about the priorities and causes and consequences?
Yuan Xiang was so sensible that he smiled contentedly and said, "Yes, I will definitely convey it to the Grand Commander!"
Chang Suining asked them when they would leave.
Yuan Xiang: "The mission is completed. They can set off back to the North tomorrow!"
Chang Suining asked doubtfully, "What about you?"
Yuan Xiang grinned and said, "When I came here, the Grand Commander had told me to stay and help Madam Chang!"
Following these words, he began to recommend himself like a cabbage spirit: "...I have followed the Grand Commander for many years and have experience in the battlefield. If it really doesn't work out, I will just stay and run errands for Madam Chang!"
He was happy to stay and run errands for Madam Chang.
On the one hand, it was for the sake of the Grand Commander's lifelong affairs, and it could also subtly help the Grand Commander gain some status in front of outsiders - in this regard, Yuan Xiang admitted that he had some ulterior motives.
Secondly, this errand is also a way to save effort. After all, whenever Madam Chang encounters a major problem, the Grand Commander will definitely not sit idly by. Last time he sent her back to the capital, and this time he sent her to Jiangnan...
Every time when he was hurrying along the way, Yuanxiang felt that even Kuafu might not have run as fast as he did when he chased the sun.
"But the Grand Commander said that it all depends on what Madam Chang wants." Finally, Yuan Xiang acted like a well-behaved cabbage waiting to be picked: "Madam Chang wants me to stay, so I will stay. Madam Chang wants me to go back, so I will go back!"
Thank you for your tips and monthly tickets (づ￣3￣)づ╭ Regarding Ningning's fanart, it doesn't matter if it's not what you imagine. After all, it's fanart, and everyone imagines it differently. But the anime image can't be replaced with real people, so it doesn't matter. You can also use your imagination as you like. As for the ponytail Ningning that everyone mentioned, there are some too. I will post another one for everyone to review soon (づ￣3￣)づ╭
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