Yuan Xiu was very satisfied with Zhao Cheng's performance.
The more Zhao Cheng resembled a sycophant and a lackey, the more at ease Yuan Xiu felt.
He would rather Zhao Cheng be a wicked villain than a second Zhao Huan.
“Chen Changyun is right, Zhao Cheng doesn’t seem like Zhao Huan’s biological son.” Yuan Xiu thought to himself, but said aloud, “Go home and live a good life with the Princess. When the time is right, I will use you.”
"If Your Majesty needs my assistance with anything minor, I will certainly handle it. As for major matters... I am not capable enough, and I do not wish to hold a high position. But Your Majesty can rest assured!"
Zhao Cheng patted his chest and declared confidently, "With my brother-in-law here, I guarantee that there will be no place for Southern Zhou spies to hide in Yanchuan City and Jingdong County!"
Yuan Xiu's expression, which had just recovered, darkened again as he reminded her, "You and the Princess are not yet married."
"Ah...right! I'm not brother-in-law yet, hahaha!" qqxδnew
Yuan Xiu snorted and said, "I misspoke just now. Your mouth is not just lewd, it's both vulgar and lewd!"
"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty!" Zhao Cheng bowed deeply.
...
The Left Prime Minister's Residence.
In the main hall, Wen Tai sat on the left, Wang Ren on the right, and Yu Changsi, Wen Hu, Wang Yuluan, and Du Yuhe took their seats in turn.
The maids served tea and fruit, and the group had been chatting for a while.
Behind Wen Hu stood a woman, not a maid serving tea and water. Although she was plain-looking, she had a cool and aloof air about her, which made Wang Yuluan glance at her from time to time.
Wen Hu noticed Wang Yuluan's meaningful glance, but smiled without saying a word.
This woman was brought back to the Right Prime Minister's residence by Luo Ying. Wen Hu was quite satisfied with her after examining her. She was Liu Ling, a new member of the Five Fiends of the Left Prime Minister's residence.
Wen Tai looked out the door, where a large mulberry tree directly opposite the door was bathed in sunlight.
He looked relaxed, seemingly in a good mood, and asked, "General Wang, what are your thoughts on the situation in the northern desert?"
Wang Ren pondered for a moment and said, "Although the remnants of the Ye Dan royal family have all fled into the snowy mountains in the northwest, Ye Dan's original territory has been ravaged by war, and many people have been displaced and become refugees. Most of the refugees are willing to be recruited by our Great Jing, but there are still some wolf cubs who are not educated and have become rioters who harm the local area, and some have even established their own independent states."
"So I think we still have to fight!" Wang Ren said excitedly. "Since this is already part of our Great Jing territory, we can't tolerate their recklessness! These rioters are only a menace if left alive. Let's wipe them out in a bloodbath, and they'll naturally quiet down!"
Wen Tai asked, "In your opinion, how long will it take?"
Wang Ren said confidently, "As long as His Majesty sends me, I will be able to pacify the northern desert within half a year!"
"General Wang, what a magnificent military presence you have!" Wen Tai laughed. "Indeed, you've won a great victory and been promoted to general. Even your aura is different now."
Seeing Wen Tai's smile, Wang Ren stopped talking. He knew Wen Tai's temper; these words sounded like praise, but they might not be sincere.
Wen Tai gave a soft hum and said, "General Wang, please have some tea."
“Yes…” Wang Ren quickly picked up his teacup.
Wen Tai continued, "His Majesty is eager to form an alliance with Southern Zhou to avoid another war, as the national treasury is currently running out of funds. I know what you're thinking; His Majesty only promoted you in rank but did not grant you a title, which you are not satisfied with, so you are eager to make further contributions."
Wang Ren was so frightened that he immediately stood up, bowed and clasped his hands in a fist to Wen Tai, and said, "This humble general dares not! My proposal to massacre the northern desert was entirely for the stability of the northern desert!"
Wen Tai waved his hand and said, "We're family, there's no need to hide anything from each other, and you don't need to explain to me."
Yu Changsi stood up, helped Wang Ren sit down, and smiled, "General Wang, the Left Prime Minister was right to tell you not to go to fight in the northern desert."
Wang Ren said, "I don't understand."
There are three reasons.
Yu Changsi patiently said, "Firstly, you've risen too quickly. If you make another great contribution, even if His Majesty bestows upon you a marquisate, wouldn't you find it too hot to handle?"
Wang Ren's expression hardened.
"Secondly, we should not make decisions that go against His Majesty's wishes, as launching another large-scale war would also be inconsistent with national policy."
"Thirdly, these mobs in the northern desert are a mob without a leader. They kill each other for resources and territory. Let's give them some time to fight amongst themselves and then we can reap the benefits."
Wang Ren's mind raced, and he nodded involuntarily.
Wen Tai then continued, "What I mean is that I should suggest that His Majesty slow down the pace of expansion and first only include the areas adjacent to the north into the territory of Dajing, establishing the three new northern prefectures. After the situation in the three new northern prefectures is stable and the people are truly loyal, then we can gradually expand northward."
"During this period, the three counties of New Taipei City need someone decisive and knowledgeable about the local situation to oversee things. Who would be more suitable than General Wang?"
"Your victory over the Night Dan is a military achievement, but you still lack political achievements. Sending you to oversee three prefectures will allow you to stay for a year or two. As long as no major troubles occur, you'll have both political achievements and seniority. When that happens, being ennobled will be a natural progression."
Upon hearing this, Wang Ren's eyes lit up. He stood up again, clasped his hands in a fist salute to Wen Tai, and said loudly, "The Left Prime Minister is far-sighted and has a broad vision. I, Wang Ren, am deeply grateful to the Left Prime Minister!"
Wen Tai gestured for Wen Tai to press his hand down and asked, "If you have no objections, is this matter settled?"
Wang Ren immediately replied, "Absolutely no objection!"
As he spoke, Wang Ren glanced at Wang Yuluan and saw his son following Wen Hu out.
He said, "I want to take my son with me. He has now been appointed a general and needs to be tempered."
"Whatever you want," Wen Tai said calmly. "If you can govern the three prefectures, you will need your own team. This is also a good opportunity for you to cultivate your own people."
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