Li Mu pondered for a moment and said:
"The only option now is to start over!"
"Start over?" Chen Qingwan asked, puzzled.
"I am the chosen one of Heaven. As long as I reveal my identity, I will surely be able to gather the best talents in the world. Why should I worry about not being able to accomplish great things?"
Chen Qingwan was somewhat displeased.
As the ruler of a nation, should she really be forced to flee like a stray dog?
Li Mu gave a wry smile:
"Your Majesty, why don't you reveal your identity to Lu Yan?"
Chen Qingwan was taken aback upon hearing this, then coughed awkwardly:
"That's different..."
Of course she knows it's different!
The people of Shannan Prefecture had long since only recognized Lu Yan.
Even after revealing his identity in Shannan Prefecture, he still didn't have as much say as Prefect Lu Yan.
I'm afraid they'll only bring shame upon themselves.
"Your Majesty, although Lu Yan has the talent to govern the world, he is ambitious and is by no means someone who will remain subordinate to others for long."
"Rather than living under someone else's roof, it's better to find another way out."
Li Mu earnestly advised him.
Chen Qingwan understood this principle, but she couldn't think of a better solution at the moment.
Li Mu cupped his hands and said:
"Your Majesty, the best solution right now is to start afresh and regroup!"
Chen Qingwan rubbed her temples, her delicate brows furrowed:
"Easier said than done."
"I am now a stray dog, what stove can I start, what drum can I beat?"
Qiao'er suddenly interjected:
"Your Majesty, I have an idea!"
"We can learn from Lord Lu and raise the banner of 'no taxes, no corvée labor, and equal distribution of land'!"
"At that time, will we still be afraid that no one will come to join us?"
Li Mu's eyes lit up:
"Brilliant! Even if the capital doesn't acknowledge it, Your Majesty, you are still the ruler of the Great Tong!"
"As long as we raise our voices and look out from a high place, we're sure to attract a huge following!"
"While that old scoundrel Liu An hasn't firmly established himself yet, let's find a place that we can attack or defend as our base."
"It is not impossible to revive the Great Tong Dynasty and cleanse the court!"
He paused, then continued.
"That old codger Liu An relies on powerful families, so let's do the opposite and make good use of people from humble backgrounds!"
"No matter how many of those pedantic 'teachers' there are, can they outnumber us, the farmers who toil in the fields from dawn till dusk?"
"As long as they support His Majesty, Liu An's rabble will be finished sooner or later!"
Chen Qingwan was inspired by these words, but still had some doubts:
"That being said, where should this base be set up?"
Li Mu answered confidently:
"Jingzhou! It's a strategically important and easily defensible location, a rare and auspicious place!"
Qiao'er, however, was somewhat worried:
“Jingzhou is right next to Qingzhou, and Qingzhou is now being ruined by Liu An, with the people suffering greatly.”
"Bandits roam freely, and it's only three or four hundred miles from Shannan Prefecture."
“Lu Yan…”
A complex light flashed in Chen Qingwan's eyes.
After a moment's thought, Chen Qingwan suddenly slapped her thigh:
"It's settled then! Jingzhou!"
"Let this be the starting point for my comeback!"
"Moreover, Jingzhou is backed by Shannan Prefecture, and I can also purchase excellent weapons and equipment from Lu Yan."
"In this way, we can attack or defend!"
Li Mu and Qiao'er exchanged a glance and both saw the joy in each other's eyes.
"Your Majesty is wise!"
Li Mu said excitedly:
"Jingzhou has fertile lands and a fierce local culture. As long as it is managed properly..."
"Within three years, we will surely have a strong and well-equipped army, and we will be able to fight that old scoundrel Liu An to the death!"
Qiao'er excitedly chimed in:
"Yes, yes! When the time comes, we can be just like Lord Lu."
"Train an elite force and show those powerful families who the true king is!"
A long-lost smile appeared on Chen Qingwan's face.
In my mind, a brand-new Datong army is rising on the land of Jingzhou.
And she will lead this army to reclaim everything that belongs to her!
Her eyes burned with a fierce fire.
"To quell the chaos in Qingzhou and rescue the people from their suffering—this is what I should be doing!"
Seeing that Chen Qingwan had made up her mind, Qiao'er said no more, but silently kept her worries to herself.
The next morning, Chen Qingwan used the excuse of "relaxing her mind" to leave.
He left Shannan Prefecture with Qiao'er and several guards, heading towards Jingzhou.
Li Mu stayed behind to contact his old subordinates and secretly recruit soldiers.
Throughout the journey, Chen Qingwan's feelings were very complicated.
Leaving Lu Yan's protection, she felt an unprecedented unease, yet also a faint sense of anticipation.
However, reality was far crueler than she had imagined.
The city of Jingzhou was desolate.
The streets were deserted, and most shops were closed.
Occasionally, you can see a few ragged beggars rummaging through the garbage for food.
"This...this is Jingzhou?"
Chen Qingwan couldn't believe her eyes.
She originally thought that even if Jingzhou was not as wealthy as Shannan Prefecture, it shouldn't be so dilapidated.
Qiao'er was also startled, and tightly gripped Chen Qingwan's sleeve, whispering:
"Your Majesty, this place... doesn't seem very safe..."
Just then, a group of strangely dressed men carrying sticks walked menacingly toward them.
"Halt! Who are you?"
The man in the lead had a face full of scars and a fierce look in his eyes; he was clearly not a good person.
Chen Qingwan forced herself to remain calm and replied:
"We are merchants passing through, may I ask..."
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