Chapter 12 Resistance: Shi Wan treated him with indifference.
In May, temperatures rose rapidly, and the heat began to set in.
The early summer sunlight slanted across the eaves, casting a golden halo that fell on Shi Wan's shoulders.
Her light green dress fluttered in the wind, and the unique floral patterns on it were faintly visible in the light.
Jiang Xu was discussing political affairs with his advisors in the main room when a faint sound came from the doorway, which gradually subsided after a while.
The door opened, and Shi Wan quickly lowered her head, her eyes fixed on the ground.
Noticing several gazes sweeping over him, he paused, and couldn't help but let out a long sigh.
Ever since the two of them had a half-hearted talk last time, Jiang Xu, perhaps remembering that she had kept it a secret beforehand, has been deliberately making her stand under the eaves to wait these past few days.
Just then, peasant uprisings broke out in three prefectures of Youzhou, and in a short time, the long-dormant advisors sprang up one after another like bamboo shoots after a spring rain.
This is the third day.
Shi Wan gradually got used to these scrutinizing gazes, so she simply remained silent and let them look at her.
If she continues to cover it up now, others will think she doesn't know what's good for her. It would be better to go with the flow and seek greater power and freedom.
For example... leaving the mansion.
Almost the instant Shi Wan was pondering this, Jiang Xu's instructions came from inside. Hearing this, she immediately snapped back to reality, quickly checked the room, and then stepped inside.
The sunlight, like a painter, meticulously depicts the delicate contours of the person before you with exquisite skill.
Her porcelain-white skin had a faint blush, and her eyelashes drooped, casting long, dark shadows on her eyelids.
His chest heaved rapidly, seemingly due to the summer heat.
Jiang Xu's gaze involuntarily fell upon it, and after staring at it for a couple of seconds, he said, "You look better these past few days." Compared to his aggression and harshness a few days ago, his concern in these words was undisguised.
However, Shi Wan remained completely unmoved.
Thanks to Jiang Xu's busy schedule these past few days, I didn't have to spend every day with him, and my sleep became more regular. The wound in my heart has finally healed.
But she didn’t know if it was just her imagination, but she would feel a sharp pain in that area from time to time, as if it were being gnawed by insects.
It's uncomfortable, but not fatal.
But Shi Wan naturally wouldn't tell the person in front of her these things. She said, "Fortunately, thanks to the King's compassion, my previous injuries have been greatly healed."
Upon hearing her mention the injuries she sustained in prison when they first met, Jiang Xu's expression turned unusually unnatural. He coughed lightly and said, "You look very good in this dress."
The combination of pale green and goose yellow creates a unique and elegant look.
Shi Wan remained neither humble nor arrogant, saying, "It is all thanks to Your Majesty's discerning eye."
Her tone was flat, but Jiang Xu sensed a hint of resistance in it once again, like when he was a child and found a kitten he liked, but the kitten remained curled up deep in the haystack, refusing to show him even a little bit of its body.
This is a silent form of resistance.
Just like Wan'er's behavior at this moment.
Even though she was praising him.
But... Jiang Xu always felt that this kind of superficial flattery wasn't genuine.
They weren't close either.
However, based on his limited experience, with his pity, Wan'er should feel much better, naturally her mood should be better, she should be grateful to him, and...
Get close to him.
Instead of this, there are always some barriers between them.
Jiang Xu was displeased, but this time he didn't say anything more. After a few moments of silence, he spoke again, "These past few days there has been a peasant uprising, and officials have died in Taoyuan City, Youzhou. It's not very safe outside."
The other party abruptly changed the subject, but fortunately, Shiwan was already used to it.
Jiang Xu wanted her to listen, so she listened.
Ultimately, everything she had was given to her by him.
Since we are vassals, we might as well take this opportunity to learn more.
Upon hearing this, Shi Wan smiled slightly.
But to everyone's surprise, Jiang Xu misunderstood her smile and asked, "What?"
Shi Wan seemed embarrassed, "Your Majesty trusts this servant, and this servant... is overjoyed."
Seeing this, the man's gaze darkened, and after a moment, he continued, "I always think that the world is not good now. If we encounter something like this, the people will have an even harder time living."
Youzhou faced nomadic tribes directly and served as a natural barrier for the Southern Yuan Dynasty. Surrounded by mountains, it was easy to defend and difficult to attack.
However, tracing back to the source, this place is often the breeding ground for rebellions and is not very peaceful, with battles of all sizes occurring from time to time.
The current ruler of Youzhou, the Grand Marshal of Youzhou, Mao Maochong, is a warmonger who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
The plight of the common people was undoubtedly dire, and countless more would die in despair.
Jiang Xu gave a brief explanation, and seeing Shi Wan's thoughtful expression, he paused for a moment before speaking leisurely, "I wish to discuss with the rebel army the possibility of opening the Jingbei Army's granaries under my name."
As local military assets, granaries, though not requiring orders from the central government, were certainly not places that displaced people could open legitimately.
However, with the covert involvement of the Jingbei Army, the situation would become much clearer.
Shi Wan said calmly, "Your Majesty cares for the people, but will those who rebel truly be grateful?"
"A small favor is appreciated, but a large one breeds resentment"—this is a principle even a child understands, so how could Jiang Xu not know it?
But Wan'er was willing to think things through and discuss things with him, which undoubtedly made him very happy.
Especially in areas where Jiang Xu is quite skilled, it gives him the illusion that the two of them are getting closer quietly.
Jiang Xu beckoned Wan'er to come closer, "My actions are certainly not in vain."
“Trade power for grain.” Jiang Xu’s tone was leisurely, full of confidence. “I’m sure the rebel army will be very happy to discuss this deal.”
This... uses food as a medium to exchange for economic rights?
For the rebels, this was like drinking poison to quench their thirst, yet the other side now had no choice but to agree to this condition.
Youzhou...?
Thanks to her frequent contact with many high-ranking officials and dignitaries at Liushaotai, Shiwan would often learn something from those who, after drinking too much or for other purposes, would boast a few words. She had always enjoyed thinking and had learned quite a bit of information over time.
Even today, it has proven to be of great use.
Shi Wan remembered that the Grand Marshal of Youzhou had a grudge against Jiang Xu, but she didn't know the specifics of the grudge.
She silently noted this down and said, "The war is currently at a stalemate. The rebel army is, after all, a newcomer with no legitimate cause and lacks food and clothing. This matter... will surely be resolved as Your Majesty wishes."
Jiang Xu's face was mostly hidden in shadow. Upon hearing this, he couldn't help but look at the person beside him again. "Thank you for your kind words."
Shi Wan was taken aback, then exclaimed in surprise, "Your Majesty is too kind. I was merely telling the truth."
They were friendly, polite, and even... warm.
It's like... treating a pet, but occasionally, it's also like the patrons that Shi Wan used to serve.
When men and women are together, it's hard to suppress their feelings, so much so that they want to express them actively.
But this feeling was only fleeting. When her thoughts returned, the teacup on Jiang Xu's table was already empty. Shi Wan quickly added half a cup of tea for him, while quietly moving a little further away.
This person's favor is her bargaining chip, but she certainly doesn't rely on it.
For a young and ambitious man like Jiang Xu, it would be incredibly easy for him to elevate her to a high position.
If I want to discard her someday, it will be a piece of cake.
Shi Wan remained unmoved, her face growing even more embarrassed. She smiled softly, as if responding to Jiang Xu's words.
At this moment, the man was clearly in a good mood.
She seized the opportunity and said, "Your Majesty, I feel that the people of Jichuan are in a very different state from those elsewhere."
"Last time I asked Guard Jing, I discovered that there were soldiers in the Jingbei Army who were on good terms with the common people. It was truly an eye-opener for me."
Jiang Xu remained noncommittal, saying, "Soldiers are also civilians, and civilians can also become soldiers."
"If unforeseen circumstances arise in the future, it is not unreasonable to mobilize the entire population as soldiers."
This was the first time Shi Wan had heard such a novel viewpoint, and she couldn't help but be stunned for a moment. Seeing her bewildered look, Jiang Xu swallowed slightly and asked, "Why did you suddenly bring this up?"
Shi Wan said, half-jokingly, "Under Your Majesty's command, there are always many novel scenes that I have never seen before. I am curious and always want to see them with my own eyes."
So you've said all that, is it because you want something from him?
Jiang Xu's sense of elation quickly cooled, but when he looked up, he saw Shi Wan looking at him like a little rabbit. He paused slightly, but still said, "I happen to be going to patrol the streets this afternoon. In that case, you may come with me."
Shi Wan was taken aback, then quickly replied, this time with a smile that seemed even more genuine.
......
*
As dusk approached, the sunlight, having lost its midday heat, transformed into a light veil, enveloping the streets of Jichuan City.
Street vendors had set up their oilcloth umbrellas early in the morning and were loudly hawking their wares. The bright red bayberries and the sour plum soup on a small table on the side emitted a refreshing fruity aroma. The sweet and slightly sour flavors intertwined, making Shi Wan's gaze linger for a while.
Jiang Xu was unusually dressed in a horse-drawn carriage today. Although it was a common style, it was still considered very prestigious these days, and only a very few people were qualified to ride in it.
This was Shi Wan's first time sitting on such a frame, and her eyes were full of curiosity as she couldn't help but secretly take a look.
In the past, although she had come into contact with many powerful and influential people from different social classes, the venues were always confined to the Willow Pavilion. She was inevitably somewhat uncomfortable with such a luxurious carriage.
Just like... when she first arrived at the main courtyard and nervously brewed tea.
Fortunately, a gentle breeze occasionally blew through the window, allowing glimpses of the street scene. There were many shops selling things like plum juice, and as lunchtime approached, wisps of smoke could be faintly seen rising from their chimneys in the distance.
The patrolling soldiers passed by in formation, everything was busy yet orderly, and at first glance, it seemed like an ordinary, peaceful day.
......
Perhaps it was because what they had seen and heard in the past half hour was too novel, so much so that even after the two returned to the prefect's mansion, Shi Wan still felt a lingering excitement in her heart.
Shi Wan carried the food box in her hand and followed Jiang Xu toward the main room without stopping. However, at this moment, all she could hear was the chaotic and disordered heartbeat in her chest.
"Knock knock, knock knock..."
A moment later, the door closed, the food box was opened, and two bowls of plum juice were revealed inside.
Shi Wan took small steps, and upon seeing this, the hairs on her body stood on end instantly, and she subconsciously slowed her breathing.
Her gaze shifted and met Jiang Xu's smiling eyes. He lightly tapped the corner of the table, gesturing for her to come over.
"A bowl of this is quite refreshing on a hot summer day, why don't you try it?" The man's voice was warm, and his invitation was like a gentle breeze.
However, at this moment, what fell into Shi Wan's ears was no less than a thunderclap.
The explosion made her pause in shock.
What does this mean?
Jiang Xu.
he......?
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