Chapter 216 The Rebel Team, fast asleep...
Dozens of eyes were fixed on her, and Zhang Ting felt immense pressure. Everyone present, except herself, had spontaneously joined Chen Jue's rebellious group. Who among them didn't have more experience than her?
A team entirely composed of villains—how could they expect her, an honest and kind person, to do bad things? Morally bankrupt, with twisted humanity!
Zhang Ting refused with a blank face: "Your Highness is grateful for your trust, and I am grateful for the trust of my colleagues. However, I am just a ignorant and inexperienced commoner, and I have no clue about military campaigns and sieges." Rebellion is not something you can just tell me you know and expect me to master without a teacher.
Let's all consider reality, shall we? Although she is indeed very outstanding, she has only been an official for five years. Those of you here are ten or even twenty years older than her. Is it really reasonable to expect her to rise to the top?
Everyone else thought she was being modest, thinking to themselves that Lord Zhang was indeed humble and had the demeanor of a hermit.
"Lord Zhang, you are mistaken. You achieved the highest honors in the imperial examinations, surpassing all others in talent and reputation. In terms of official achievements, your abilities have been evident in Zhangzhou Prefecture, Yinzhou Prefecture, and even Yingzhou Prefecture. Your astonishingly rapid promotion—three ranks followed by three more—is unparalleled in history. If you yourself are clueless about this matter, how can we stand here with any face? How can we possibly devise any grand plan?"
"Your contribution is immense, and we are all eager to hear your advice. Please do not hesitate to share your insights!"
Zhang Ting was speechless, laughing and crying at the same time: "You really think highly of me, but she really doesn't understand military strategy."
"I thank you all for your mistakes..." Before she could finish speaking, she was interrupted.
Chen Jue placed a paw on her shoulder and gave her a wink: That's enough, okay?
Zhang Ting: "..." No one believes her at all!! She really doesn't understand.
She was surrounded by dozens of people, both civil and military officials, who were aggressive and seemed determined not to let her leave until they gave her an explanation.
Zhang Ting gritted her teeth in resentment: She hates workplace bullying!
Zhang Ting took a deep breath and said, "Since the lord and all the officials trust me so much, then I will offer some of my humble opinions." (Translation: Nonsense, no responsibility assumed.)
"Please speak, my dear minister."
Chen Jue stroked her chin. Her granddaughter-in-law was good in every way, except that she was sometimes too modest. Alas, the political situation in the court was treacherous. How could someone as gentle and unassuming as her compete with others? It was truly worrying. She would have to keep a closer eye on her in the future, lest she be devoured without a trace.
Zhang Ting said solemnly, "In my opinion, the most important issue for our army is not to discuss capturing the capital or occupying Huzhou Prefecture, but to wait for an opportunity to launch an offensive."
Someone couldn't wait to ask, "When?"
Zhang Ting smiled but remained silent, appearing inscrutable. In reality, however, she was sweating profusely and babbling incoherently; how could she possibly know when to strike?
Xu Qiushui frowned and pondered for a long time before suddenly saying, "Lord Zhang, are you saying we should wait until the conflict between the emperor and his ministers intensifies and the public resentment boils over and cannot be suppressed?" She looked up and suddenly realized, "This... is indeed a good strategy!"
Zhang Ting nodded, a slight smile playing on her lips. As expected, experience counts; she smoothed things over.
Xu Qiushui excitedly turned her gaze to Chen Jue: "Your Highness, although the people are suffering greatly now, it is far from a time when the people are in uproar. The world has submitted to the court, and the people's hearts are united. Whether we march straight north or take Huzhou Prefecture, we cannot occupy any place for long. It is better to wait for the right opportunity. When that time comes, we can raise our arms and call upon the heroes of the world, and they will all respond and serve Your Highness as their master, and then we can compete for the Central Plains!"
Chen Jue asked, "Opportunity is opportunity, but once we have it, we need to figure out where to start from, right?"
Xu Qiushui waved her hand dismissively, “Those who achieve great things throughout history need the right timing, the right place, and the right people. However, not every opportunity requires the same path. So why should we confine ourselves to a rigid framework?” She looked at Zhang Ting with admiration, “I think Lord Zhang thinks so too.”
Zhang Ting smiled: Yes, yes, that's exactly what she thinks!
The ministers were puzzled but also deeply impressed, and they all agreed.
Chen Jue also felt that there was some truth to this. It is important to plan before acting, but rigid strategies will not work if you want to reap the fruits of victory.
She told the officials to continue their work, but kept Zhang Ting behind alone.
Zhang Ting glanced at her colleague's retreating figure, then lowered her head dejectedly. How could he have driven away the most knowledgeable person, leaving her, a complete novice, behind? What a tyrant!
After the officials dispersed, the air inside the tent became much cleaner and fresher.
Chen Jue breathed a sigh of relief, finally feeling alive again. She plopped down in the main seat; her legs were numb from standing all night. She patted the seat next to her and called Zhang Ting over to sit down.
"Is Tuntun four years old? I've never met this little girl before." He spoke casually and in a friendly tone.
Zhang Ting asked, puzzled, "Since you have some free time, may I have Xiao Yi bring the child for you to see?"
Chen Jue felt an unbearable throbbing in her head, chuckled dryly twice, and refused: "Right now, military exercises and training are very busy, and I'm afraid I won't be able to find the time. You can take her to meet the Crown Prince's husband when you have some free time." She would not see Zong Suyi again until she ascended the throne again.
She added, "I brought this up to remind you—Xiaoting, you have a family and outstanding talent. This is the time when you need to work hard and strive for success. Humility and politeness are important, but realizing your life's value is even more important. Do you understand?"
Zhang Ting understood that this was a subtle jab at her.
Chen Jue put one arm around her shoulder and said in a friendly tone, "To be honest, Xiao Yi is my only surviving grandson. Xiao Ting, your acceptance of him is a great favor to me. I have seen your character and talent, and I regard you as my Guan Zhong, treating you with the respect due to a national hero and entrusting you with important responsibilities. As long as we, as ruler and subject, work together, we will surely be invincible!"
Zhang Ting's comment: This pancake smells so strong. Is this how someone repays a debt of kindness by dragging me down with them?
Chen Jue probably has some sadistic tendencies.
Zhang Ting really wanted to say: If you want to repay her kindness, you can simply achieve great success and promote her to a higher position! If you accidentally kick the bucket halfway through, she won't blame you.
They insist on throwing mud at her and expect her to be grateful.
Zhang Ting admits that someone even more shameless than herself has appeared. Alas, she'd rather remain alone, seeking defeat.
The next moment she straightened up, "Your Highness, I will do my utmost to follow you!" Her gaze was firm, and her words were resounding, like a loyal minister who would not be afraid even if she were a moth drawn to a flame.
Life is like a play, and it all depends on acting skills.
Chen Jue was quite satisfied. With his trusted confidantes under his control, she was the sharpest blade in his hand. How could his great cause not succeed?
Zhang Ting was also worried. Why wasn't Chen Jue dead yet? If she died, they could all break up and go their separate ways. This thought had been lingering in her mind ever since it first popped up, popping up every now and then to show its presence.
...
After reviewing the soldiers' drills with Chen Jue, Zhang Ting went back.
Sitting in the sedan chair, she rubbed her temples, recalling the elite status of the rebel army while calculating her chances of victory against the capital or various prefectures.
To be honest, although it's wrong to always think like this, Chen Jue might as well be dead.
The journey inside was winding and circuitous, finally arriving back at the Zhang residence late at night.
The gatekeeper delivered a letter, which Zhang Ting casually placed on the table without noticing whose it was. After washing up, she came out, still damp, wearing clogs, and saw Zong Suyi holding the letter and reading it.
I casually asked, "Who wrote it?"
Zong Suyi pursed her lips and looked back at her: "Who else could it be but your good sister Luo Zijun?" She waved the letter paper, "She has been promoted and returned to the capital to serve as a secretary in the Imperial Secretariat." From a sixth-rank prefectural judge to a seventh-rank secretary in the Imperial Secretariat, it seems like a lower official position, but in reality, it is a demotion in name only. The position of secretary in the Imperial Secretariat is a coveted job with low rank but great power.
That brat has some luck.
“This is good news.” Zhang Ting sat opposite him, took the letter, and couldn’t help but smile. “It seems the emperor has taken a liking to her and personally ordered her to be transferred back. Ziju has a bright future ahead of her.”
The news of Ziju's sister's promotion lifted Zhang Ting's spirits and dispelled her recent gloom.
Zong Suyi couldn't understand her sense of relief; he was just grateful that Luo Zijun didn't bother his wife. He picked up a cotton towel and dried her wet hair, running his fingers through her thick hair inch by inch, massaging it occasionally.
His tone held a hint of resentment: "Why didn't you come back earlier? Your hair doesn't dry easily at night, what are you going to do if you have a headache tomorrow?"
Zhang Ting looked down at the ground, a few slightly damp strands of hair hanging down beside her face, making her look unusually charming and carefree. She smiled, tilted her head, and took his hand, stroking it. "I had a lot of things to do today, so I was inevitably delayed."
Zong Suyi bent down and hugged her, gently nuzzling her, his voice soft and weak: "I was just worried about you." He could hear her steady heartbeat, thump thump thump, each beat like a tap on his heart, "Running back and forth between two places, so far apart, and with such heavy political duties, you haven't been able to get any rest."
His hand landed on her face, his slender, jade-like fingertips tracing the dark circles under her eyes. His brows furrowed slightly, and a sudden pang of pain shot through his heart. "Look, your dark circles are even more pronounced..."
Zhang Ting gazed at Zong Suyi, then suddenly raised her hand and placed it over his, slowly tightening her grip and kissing it. Her voice was as soft as the wind, "It's alright, you'll get through this." What she didn't say was that this was just an appetizer; the real show was yet to come.
Zong Suyi stayed quietly in her arms for a while, then suddenly stepped back and knelt behind her. "You should take a nap first, I'll dry your hair for you." He picked up a dry towel and began to dry her hair. He was used to a life of luxury and rarely did such things, but at this moment his movements were incredibly meticulous. He treated her thick, long hair as if it were a rare and precious treasure, and his gentleness seemed to have seeped into his very bones.
In such a tranquil and cozy atmosphere, drowsiness washed over her. Zhang Ting rested her head on her husband's lap and closed her eyes for a short nap. She had originally planned to doze off for a little while, but perhaps because the environment was too warm and relaxing, she couldn't help but fall into a deep sleep.
Her hair was long and thick, and she used one towel after another to wipe and absorb the water, but Zong Suyi never got tired of it and repeated it over and over again, making very gentle movements so as not to wake her up.
It was getting late, well past his bedtime. Zong Suyi was so sleepy he was practically pecking at his ears, his eyelids drooping. Suddenly, he snapped awake and sat up straight. He instinctively touched her hair, which was still a little damp, and continued wiping it.
He said it wouldn't be easy to dry at night, and he had to wipe himself dry before he could sleep, otherwise he would get a headache.
A strong sense of conviction made him open his eyes wide, and he tried his best to cheer up, wrapping his hair up to start the next round of wiping, working as diligently as a little bee.
After an unknown amount of time, her hair finally dried completely. Zong Suyi was so sleepy that she could barely keep her eyes open. She groped her way to the covers and crawled into bed, hugging a warm heater as she fell asleep.
I woke up feeling uneasy. Half-asleep, I put her arm around my waist and finally drifted off to sleep.
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