Chapter 60 Run!
If you ask Wenrui if he has wronged anyone in his life...
Cui Gangjie definitely counts as one.
When Cui Gangjie was framed, he felt sorry for him and asked Lord Cui to be his advisor.
Although life was a bit poor, we had no worries about food and clothing.
But both he and Lord Cui were extremely distressed.
In this world, those who aspire to be good officials have nowhere to turn for help.
Those who are capable are often oppressed by the treacherous.
Seeing Lord Cui's abilities, he felt even more hatred for those corrupt officials.
In Wenrui's view, none of the officials in Shunchang Kingdom were good people.
Including himself.
As time went on like this, the bitterness that had been building up in his heart became increasingly indescribable.
After helping his superior conceal another human trafficking case.
Wenrui was preparing to commit suicide.
He can't go on like this.
Watching the people being bought and sold like livestock.
He seems incapable of doing anything.
He could no longer live like this.
That night, he had already tied a rope, preparing to hang himself.
Unexpectedly, news came that Prince Wu Yong was plotting a rebellion.
Prince Wuyong said he wanted to purge the court of corrupt officials, that he could not bear to see the people of Shunchang Kingdom suffer, and that he could not stand the officials who held their positions without doing their jobs.
For the people, for all living beings.
He had to go against it.
If Wenrui were alive today, he would certainly understand that someone who wants to rebel will naturally find a better slogan.
But at that time, he felt as if he had found a kindred spirit and was determined to go and serve Prince Wuyong.
Not only does he want to vote, but he also wants to bring Cui Gangjie along.
He couldn't remember Lord Cui's expression at the time.
They all looked disapproving and even tried to stop him, saying that no one knew anything about the Martial Prince's character.
Moreover, they are officials of Shunchang Kingdom, and their duty is to stabilize the region.
But Wenrui, who was already determined to die, didn't care about any of that.
He even discovered that the local officials hadn't noticed him leaving with his family.
His family members had all moved away, but the officer continued to indulge in debauchery every day.
Of course, Wenrui also told Cui Gangjie to hide.
But as we all know, that's what happened next.
Cui Gangjie couldn't hide from it.
Officials avoided him like the plague.
Life became even more difficult.
But Wenrui's life didn't turn out as he had imagined.
In the early days of his service to Prince Wuyong, the prince treated him well and listened to many of his policies that benefited the people.
But Wenrui nearly collapsed when Prince Wuyong allowed his men to massacre the city.
He never imagined that the prince's so-called good for the people would actually be about rescuing them from their suffering.
This is how they were rescued.
Seeing Wenrui's breakdown, Prince Wuyong completely ignored him.
When he tried to escape, his family had already been detained by Prince Wuyong.
Wenrui has let down the country, his friends, and the people.
If I were to betray my family again, I would truly be an unfaithful, unfilial, unkind, and unjust person.
But he simply couldn't bring himself to do anything immoral or heinous.
Upon seeing this, Prince Wu Yong threw him into the city of Gaoqing Prefecture to keep a close watch on the gates.
The lives of the people in this city finally improved a little.
Wenrui became increasingly silent.
The men who gathered around him were either captured by the rebels or had nowhere else to go.
Everyone worked in silence.
If I die one day.
They all thought it was good luck.
Even if Prince Wu Yong is arrested, General Yan will come, and even Prefect Su will come.
They didn't feel anything either.
Since things are already like this, I'll just make do with what I have.
At least that's what Wenrui thinks.
Hearing that his former subordinate Cui Gangjie had come over still made him lose his composure.
Could Cui Gangjie be here for revenge? Also, how has he been doing all these years?
Wenrui was in the capital of Gaoqing Prefecture and was not very familiar with what was happening outside.
Lord Cui was one of the many officials promoted in Guangyue Prefecture.
Wenrui was naturally unaware of his past.
In his view, if he were a rebel, his subordinates and others would surely have an extremely difficult time.
How could he have been so foolish back then, believing such nonsense and thinking he was really going to help the people seek justice?
Not only did he end up in this situation himself.
The subordinates must be having an even harder time.
Just as Wenrui was in shock, Cui Gangjie had already gone to see Prefect Su.
As soon as Lord Cui arrived, he brought up the matter of the shortage of sickles in Yisong County.
It's already mid-June.
There are only two months left until the harvest, and we don't have any suitable farming tools. How can we manage?
Su Qing was naturally aware of this as well. She said, "The agricultural tools made by the weapon workshops in the prefectural city are of good quality, so many people come to buy them."
“It’s not just our local counties that are buying; merchants from other places are also coming to purchase goods.”
"They're from out of town, so let's make do with what they can for now."
"Don't worry, the farm tools from Yisong County will definitely be delivered before August."
With Prefect Su's assurance, Lord Cui was finally relieved.
He finally revealed the purpose of his visit: "Your Excellency, what brings you here?"
Wenrui used to be his boss.
But we haven't been in contact since.
No, is the master worried that he still has dealings with the rebels?!
Really not?!
Su Qing told him to calm down, while Yunxi and Lülan told Lord Cui about the information they had gathered over the past two days.
It mainly covers Wenrui's experiences after his rebellion.
His family was coerced and threatened by Prince Wuyong, his wife died, and only two of his five children survive.
He himself not only distrusted the rebels, but also the Shunchang Kingdom.
"So I want you to persuade him," Su Qing said directly. "The state capital is different from other places. I don't want to resort to force, nor do I want to incite a mutiny in the state capital."
The corrupt officials in each county mostly acted alone.
They'd probably only be in small groups of three or five, and a fight wouldn't pose any real danger.
The situation in the prefectural city is different. If a war were to break out with the prefectural officials, the people would inevitably suffer another round of war.
This is not what Su Qing wanted.
This is not something the local people should have to endure.
The people of Gaoqing Prefecture have already suffered enough.
If it can be resolved peacefully, then it would be best if it could be resolved peacefully.
That's why Cui Gangjie was brought here.
Cui Gangjie was clearly dumbfounded.
It wasn't unexpected that Prefect Su had this idea.
But what I didn't expect was that even after becoming a rebel, Wen Rui's life would be so miserable?
They were thinking of saving the people from suffering.
Who would have thought that he was completely aiding and abetting evil?
I can't imagine what he felt when he witnessed General Wu Yong massacring the city.
What would it feel like if your family members were detained afterwards?
Compared to that, his life was tough back then.
But in the last year or two, the previous wounds have long since been healed.
These days, all he thinks about is how to get things done; he doesn't care about anything else.
When people are doing well, it seems they don't reminisce about the past?
Su Qing said, "Anyway, try to persuade them if you can. If you really can't persuade them, General Yan won't be lenient."
General Yan, who had been silent until now, looked at Su Qing and then nodded.
Cui Gangjie accepted the order.
He will do his best to do it.
Upon learning about the situation in Gaoqing Prefecture and the ordeal his former superior had suffered, he abandoned his eagerness to return to Yisong County.
Having rested enough, Lord Cui presented a letter requesting an audience with Wenrui.
Wen Rui looked at Cui Gangjie's calling card without any surprise. He sighed deeply, unable to hide the gloom on his face.
"Please invite him to come see me."
Wen Rui's overwhelming guilt suddenly stopped when he saw the energetic Cui Gangjie.
In contrast, Cui Gangjie was stunned when he saw Lord Wen: "You, sir?"
What I didn't finish saying was, "Sir, you've aged so much."
Wenrui used to be a famously handsome man.
Looking at him now, he seems incredibly gloomy.
In Wenrui's eyes, Cui Gangjie was the complete opposite. He had a booming voice, and his clothes were neither new nor old, but extremely capable. He didn't seem like someone who ate little or wore little clothing.
The key difference is that Cui Gangjie's spirit and energy are completely different.
He is noticeably more energetic than when he was under my supervision.
"What's wrong with you?"
The two sat down and dismissed their attendants.
That's when they started talking about the experiences of Prince Wuyong after he raised his army.
Their situation, however, is quite the opposite.
It started with hope, but ended in despair.
Just when all hope seemed lost, true hope arrived.
“I am currently serving as an official in one of the counties of Guangyue Prefecture. At the end of last year, I was transferred to Yisong County as the magistrate.” Cui Gangjie said, and sighed, “Prince Wuyong is a real scoundrel. The people of Yisong County have suffered greatly because of him. What kind of outrageous things has he done?”
Yisong County was occupied by rebels twice, but there were still opportunities to catch their breath in between.
Gao Qingzhou, however, had been in the hands of the other party for more than 20 years.
Tears welled up in Wenrui's eyes, but she forced them back. Her seemingly calm expression clearly betrayed her impending collapse.
However, he still asked, "You mean that the current Prefect Su is different from other officials in Shunchang Kingdom? Different from Wu Yong?"
Wenrui scoffed, "Don't get fooled again."
That's what he said, but his expression was clearly off; his eyes held a hint of expectation, yet also a sense of despair.
After learning about Lord Wen's experiences, Cui Gangjie felt rather helpless and advised, "With Prince Wuyong gone, it's the best choice to let Lord Su take over, no matter what."
Even if you don't believe her thoughts, you should at least believe her actions, right?
“Take Yisong County for example. The people have land to cultivate and houses to live in, and they have already started a new life.”
"The same applies to the six counties of Gaoqing Prefecture. As for the prefecture city, it's best not to put up a stubborn resistance. The reason the magistrate isn't sending troops to attack is because he's worried about another war that would make life difficult for the people."
But no matter how much you try to persuade them.
Regardless of whether Prince Wu Yong was captured or not.
Lord Wen still wants to rebel.
He had no intention of submitting to the imperial court.
Cui Gangjie understood that he was determined to die, even seeking death.
If the royal family of Shunchang Kingdom knew that their officials would rather die than submit to the court, how would they feel?
After trying to persuade him for a long time to no avail, Cui Gangjie said helplessly, "Why don't you think about your family?"
Upon hearing this, Cui Gangjie realized he had said the wrong thing.
If it is true that Lord Wen himself harbors deep hatred for Wu Yong and the others in Shunchang Kingdom.
This is especially true for family members.
They were also citizens of Shunchang Kingdom, and they had experienced things that were perhaps no less significant than those of Lord Wen.
Now, this whole family is contemplating suicide.
They would rather die than submit, and they would rather die than hand over the city to the officials of Shunchang Kingdom.
I'll say it again.
Even if Prefect Su is innocent.
What about the others?
Shunchangguo's actions and conduct.
They can't be trusted.
The character of the royal family of Shunchang Kingdom.
They don't trust them either.
Not to mention Wenrui and his family.
Most of the state officials under his command shared this idea.
Only then did Cui Gangjie finally understand why Prefect Su had asked him to come.
These people are too stubborn in their thinking to be persuaded.
If it weren't for Lord Wen feeling somewhat guilty towards me, he would never have said so much to me.
"You're so foolish!" Cui Gangjie exclaimed in anguish. "Lord Su is different from those people! How can you not understand that!"
Cui Gangjie explained the changes in Guangyuefu one by one.
From the death of Su Qing's father, to her, a frail woman, supporting Nanjiang County, and then being appointed to take over Guangyue Prefecture in a time of crisis.
Immediately after the fall of Yisong County, they rushed to Nanjiang County to hold the line, and so on.
"You still don't trust someone like that? If you're not confused, who is!"
"You've already made the wrong choice once, are you going to make the same mistake again?!"
Cui Gangjie said in a loud voice.
Wenrui seemed to have given up hope and didn't answer at all.
It's better to kill him than to make him hand over the state government office.
He will absolutely not let the people suffer again.
As the two were arguing, someone came from outside the door to report: "Lord Wen, Prefect Su Qing has arrived and has already passed through the second gate."
? ? ?
Uninvited?
They just walked right in?!
Aren't you going to stop them?
She was flanked by General Yan and Lian Feiyang.
Which one of them wasn't a decorated war hero?
Especially General Yan, even the Martial Prince couldn't defeat him, so who would dare to really stop him?
Moreover, Cui Gangjie has already come in, so perhaps the adults' attitude has softened?
Cui Gangjie quickly waved his hand: "I didn't know about this, but if Lord Su mentioned it in advance, I will definitely agree."
Wenrui was helpless.
It's one thing for Cui Gangjie to trust Prefect Su so much.
Where is General Yan?
Those were also members of the royal family.
In Wenrui's view, the current chaos in Shunchang Kingdom began with the royal family.
The late emperor seized power while Prince Wuyong was fighting a war.
He then appeased and won over the court officials, promising them countless benefits in order to gain their support.
They turn a blind eye to officials and others engaging in favoritism and corruption.
The current emperor has ascended the throne, yet he hasn't revitalized the court.
They even condoned their subordinates' corruption and illegal activities.
They dared neither exterminate the valiant prince nor directly resist him.
He even considered ceding Gaoqing Prefecture and Guangle Prefecture to his uncle in exchange for a period of peace.
This was also the reason why Wenrui insisted on rebelling back then.
Of course, not long after he arrived in Gaoqing Prefecture, General Yan arrived.
Therefore, he was not familiar with this person.
He had had enough of the royal family's behavior.
Seeing his utterly astonished expression, Cui Gangjie was completely speechless.
However, Prefect Su had already reached the front of the main room when Yun Xi and Lü Lan, who were beside him, directly lifted the curtain and came in.
Su Qing acted as if she were one of the guests, smiling and asking, "Did you two have a good chat?"
Then look behind them, there are two military officers.
Wen Rui said firmly, "No, please go back."
Su Qing remained silent, sat down in the seat that Lord Cui had offered, and smiled, "How can we turn away a guest who has come to visit?"
"Someone, bring tea."
Is this reasonable?!
You're acting way too much like one of us!
The people around were unsure whether to serve tea or not, as constables had already surrounded the area outside.
As long as Lord Wen gives the order, they will come in to rescue people.
Only Su Qing remained calm and composed, saying to General Yan and Lian Feiyang, "I would like to have a private conversation with Lord Wen."
That's exactly what I was saying to General Yan.
Given Yan Zhengzhou's status, he shouldn't have come.
Even with Lian Feiyang accompanying him, he still felt there was danger, which is why he went along.
Su Qing added, "You're all outside the door, there won't be any problems."
As he spoke, he glanced at Lord Wen's thin frame.
I always felt that if she pushed someone, they would fall down.
Seeing this, Yan Zhengzhou reluctantly nodded: "I'm right outside the door."
Lord Wen was furious.
This woman!
How can you underestimate yourself!
Su Qing then said to the constables outside, "Think of your own wife, children, and elderly parents. Unless absolutely necessary, why send them to their deaths?"
"Have you never heard of my name, Su Qing?"
Everyone had naturally heard of it.
I've even heard it countless times.
Su Qing, the prefect.
This was also one of the important reasons why Prince Wu Yong was completely defeated.
However, no one expected that she was actually an extremely young woman.
She is tall and slender with bright eyes, radiating an indescribable vitality. Just by looking at her, you can tell that she has a well-thought-out plan.
Wenrui did the same; he dismissed everyone, and even Lord Cui had to leave the room.
The main room was originally used for entertaining guests, and the door was rarely closed tightly. Now, it was unusual to close the door and shut the sound inside.
The room was silent until Su Qing took a sip of the tea that had just been served.
Then Lord Wen said, "Lord Su, aren't you afraid I'll poison you?"
Su Qing smiled and said, "Why bother? If you want to fight, you don't have to resort to this method. I have no grudge against you, and I am even your benefactor."
benefactor?
Where to begin?
Su Qing said directly, "If it weren't for me, your guilt towards Lord Cui would probably be even deeper. Isn't that my benefactor?"
It's possible.
But nobody says it outright.
Su Qing put down her teacup and said with a smile, "Actually, I came here because I have a favor to ask of you."
"I'd like to ask, what does it feel like to plot rebellion?"
Upon hearing this, Wenrui stood up abruptly. His already frail body was now so angry that he felt like he was about to vomit blood.
"Lord Su! Are you mocking me?!"
Su Qing looked into the other person's eyes: "No, I want to learn from their experience."
Learn from experience.
Experience in rebellion.
Su Qing spoke sincerely, but Wen Rui did not believe her.
Unexpectedly, Su Qing then said, "Some people in the court have suggested that I become the prefect of Gaoqing Prefecture."
"But it was rejected. After the imperial examination next year, another prefect will take my place as the prefect of Guangle Prefecture."
Wenrui bluntly stated, "It's only a matter of time. If you have a family background, it's fine. Out of respect for your family, they won't care whether you're male or female, as long as you can occupy a position. But if you don't have a foundation and are a woman, how can they tolerate that?"
Whether it's him or Lord Cui.
And many officials in the court.
Isn't that how it is?
Whatever I do, someone else takes it all and humiliates me in every way.
Take the fall of the capital and Yisong County as an example.
With the capital city fallen, the entire nation must mobilize to bring the Emperor and Empress Dowager back as soon as possible.
Let's go back then; the capital is indeed important.
But what happened after that? The problems in Yisong County seemed to have vanished, and they weren't in a hurry at all.
They even prevented the soldiers and officers from coming over.
That's incredibly selfish.
Under these circumstances, all of Su Qing's contributions to Guangyue Prefecture and even Gaoqing Prefecture will eventually be taken over by someone else.
Next year's imperial examination will bring a new batch of officials, and that will be the end of it.
Wait a minute.
Is that why they want to rebel?
If Su Qing holds both Guangyue Prefecture and Gaoqing Prefecture, retreating to Gaoqing Prefecture would be a viable option if all else fails.
Even separated by the river, the area further north of Jiangbei County belongs to Suqing?!
Wenrui got excited when this was mentioned.
"With your abilities, it would be very easy for you to improve the lives of the people in these two places."
"At that time, no one will replace you."
Wenrui became happier and happier as he talked.
It wasn't that he didn't trust Su Qing's abilities.
It's not that I don't believe in her character.
That would be wonderful if I could stay in Gaoqing Prefecture forever!
However, Wenrui took another deep breath: "No, we don't have enough troops."
As he spoke, he glanced outside the door and said, "General Yan is truly remarkable."
As long as this General is here.
It's difficult to fight against him.
Su Qing smiled and said, "He joined too."
? ? ?
"His situation is so similar to that of Prince Wuyong."
Do you think the imperial court is not wary?
This matter needs no further explanation; Wenrui naturally understands.
The court had long wanted General Yan to return to the capital, but he simply didn't go back on his own.
That? !
There was Prefect Su and General Yan.
Not to mention Gaoqing Prefecture, Guangyue Prefecture is also in our hands!
If we're talking about other things, Wenrui probably doesn't have any ideas yet.
He was overjoyed at the mention of rebellion.
Even if we can't save all the people of Shunchang Kingdom, it would be good if we could save the people of these two places.
Lord Wen calmed down again.
If the general really agreed, they shouldn't be outside the door right now, but inside to discuss it in detail.
Su Qing was slightly surprised; it seemed that Lord Wen could be so perceptive.
Su Qing smiled: "He hasn't agreed yet. Even if he doesn't agree, the situation will be pretty much the same if he's summoned back to the capital."
"My idea is to replace the people in Guangyue Prefecture and all the counties in Gaoqing Prefecture with our own people."
The rest is self-explanatory.
No matter who comes, they won't be able to replace them.
Even if Su Qing is not the nominal prefect, he is still the de facto ruler.
Will this really work?
Wenrui was half-believing and half-doubting, but then he heard Prefect Su say, "All you can do now is believe me."
"Live well and manage Gaoqing Prefecture well. It won't do you any harm, will it?"
It has to be said.
Prefect Su's words were clearly more appealing than Lord Cui's.
You can believe everything you believe, but that would make you seem stupid.
After a long while, Wenrui said, "I will give this matter some time to think about."
Su Qing was not in a hurry. She stood up and said, "I want to control Guangyue and Gaoqing even more than you do. Guangyue Prefecture is my life's work. Do you think I would hand it over to someone I don't trust?"
yes.
They were unwilling to give up even though they were barely managing to maintain control of Gaoqing Prefecture, let alone Guangle Prefecture.
By this point, Wenrui was already five or six parts convinced.
If Su Qing shares the same goals as me, then cooperating with her is indeed a viable option.
On the surface, they submitted to Shunchang Kingdom, but in reality, they kept the officials of both places under their own control.
Given the right opportunity, they separated directly from Shunchang Kingdom.
As long as we have the military support to help them, that's not difficult.
Anyway, the mountains are high and the emperor is far away, so the emperor may not care.
In this situation, it would be more beneficial for them if General Yan could return to the capital.
Of course, it would be best if General Yan could join us.
Wenrui's hatred for Shunchang Kingdom and his thoughts of rebellion are already becoming increasingly apparent.
The court's deep wounds towards him are truly lamentable.
There's an old saying that goes, "If the ruler is not upright, the ministers will defect to foreign countries." I suppose that's what Wenrui was thinking.
Su Qing left, but Lord Cui did not; he wanted to stay and persuade Wen Rui.
If we can persuade Wenrui.
Then the people brought by Prefect Su from Qingzhou City will be able to hand over the responsibilities smoothly and cooperate between the two parties.
If it doesn't make sense.
A battle is inevitable in the capital.
The outcome of the war was self-evident.
These people certainly won't survive, and they'll bring war to the already ravaged state.
Cui Gangjie spoke with great earnestness and patience.
Although he could not guarantee that the court would allow Lord Su to continue serving in Guangyue Prefecture and Gaoqing Prefecture.
However, he praised Prefect Su highly to convince Lord Wen of her abilities.
"She's really amazing."
"Always plan ahead for everything."
At this point, Cui Gangjie scratched his head again: "By the way, I can't persuade you for too long, and before we know it, it's July."
"I'm hurrying back to prepare for the autumn harvest in Yisong County."
Wen Daren was speechless.
Can you please stop showing off?
He also wanted to ensure that the people under his jurisdiction could live and work in peace and contentment, and to be a good official.
Su Qing, who lived in Yan Xieshou's house, and Yun Xilulan rarely had a moment of leisure.
However, they shouldn't go out, otherwise the people of the city would gather around to watch.
They had never seen a woman serve as a prefect before.
They had never seen an official who loved the people like his own children.
The two have actually merged into one.
I've never seen it before.
So you definitely need to take a good look.
They inevitably have some expectations in their hearts.
Can this official bring them a better life?
To avoid being stared at, Su Qing mostly sunbathed in the courtyard.
Lian Feiyang, who was beside him, was alright, but he couldn't sit still and kept going out.
General Yan was different. Ever since he met Lord Wen, he would look at Su Qing from time to time with a helpless expression in his eyes.
Since the war ended, the two have met frequently, but their interactions are far less frequent than during the war.
Especially in their correspondence, Su Qing became increasingly restrained in her emotions.
The practice of collecting information about people's lives and suffering in various places, writing letters to him, and sending them back has completely disappeared.
The implied meaning in the letter was never revealed again.
Aside from this meeting with Lord Wen Ruiwen.
This scholar looked like a "frail willow swaying in the breeze."
In reality, he was determined to rebel.
I was able to persuade him.
What was Su Qing talking about?
Others don't know.
Yan Zhengzhou, however, was quite clear about the matter.
Su Qing burned each of his letters as he read them.
It's both a disagreement and a way of protecting her.
Once those letters are out, Su Qing may never be able to turn back.
Of course, she might not need to turn back.
Yan Zhengzhou sat to the side, unusually lost in thought.
She is bolder than many people.
She even told the emperor's younger brother about her idea.
When Yunxi and Lülan couldn't resist going out to play, only Su Qing and Yan Zhengzhou, who were dozing off, were left.
Yan Zhengzhou then spoke: "There shouldn't be any fighting here."
This is an affirmative statement.
Su Qing put the book aside and sat up straight: "Hmm."
"What did you say to Lord Wen?"
Su Qing smiled: "You really want to hear this?"
The question and answer exchange—what was said is no longer important.
Yan Zhengzhou opened his mouth, but finally said, "Perhaps not in the court."
"It's not that bad?" Su Qing laughed. "You're almost back in the capital, why are you still talking about this?"
That's right, Yan Zhengzhou is returning to Beijing soon.
In fact, he should have gone back at the end of last year.
It dragged on for half a year.
Now that Gao Qingzhou has been dealt with, no matter what method they use in the capital, they will get him back.
Previously, General Yan was sent back to Beijing.
They also had to worry about Prince Wu Yong ceding territory and establishing his own government.
The obstacles have now been cleared.
The rebels in Gaoqing Prefecture were almost all gone.
We must make him return to Beijing as soon as possible.
This is something everyone knows.
The only thing I don't know.
That means the valiant Prince is no longer here.
An even more "difficult" Su Qing has arrived.
Now, she controls the officials and the people of both places.
The only thing it lacked was military power.
Once I leave, she will definitely be able to train suitable personnel.
There are also quite a few promising military talents at the Guangyue Prefecture School.
Her son, the head constable under her command, and even her relationships with Lian Feiyang, Wen Qianhu, and others.
That's enough for her to have her own troops.
Fighting her is far more difficult than fighting the Martial Prince.
Besides.
It's hard to say whether the capital will release him then.
Yan Zhengzhou slowly spoke: "At that time, these two places will no longer belong to Shunchang Kingdom."
The afternoon in late June was exceptionally hot.
Suddenly, for a few seconds, it was as if even the cicadas' chirping had disappeared.
"Yes, that's right."
But is that all?
Su Qing thought of Mei Niang's hometown and Ye Shanming's hometown.
There are also many, many places around here.
Even though there are many dynasties in this time and space, they are different from those in her era.
But the same culture, the same customs, the same Chinese civilization.
This made her, while resolute, feel a little reluctant.
Looking at the situation of national division.
There are some things she can't do.
Therefore, there are other options.
Su Qing didn't continue speaking, but instead brought up another matter.
"General Yan, let's make a bet."
Yan Zhengzhou didn't speak, so Su Qing took it as a tacit agreement.
Su Qing beckoned Yan Zhengzhou to sit next to her before saying, "If you are not suppressed after returning to the capital, when I am summoned to the capital at the end of this year to report on my duties, the position of Prefect of Guangyue Prefecture will remain unchanged."
"If one of these two things is not accomplished, then you have won."
"If both things come true, you have to promise me one thing."
As for what it is, we'll talk about it later.
Yan Zhengzhou did not answer.
Because they both knew that they were two heroes in resisting the rebels.
They will definitely be discarded after they have served their purpose.
It's just a matter of time.
Seeing that he didn't answer, Su Qing deliberately leaned close to his ear, her warm breath brushing against his ear: "You know the answer too, don't you?"
Yan Zhengzhou frowned and stood up, staring at Su Qing with a displeased expression.
You are a woman with a fiancé.
Su Qing was a little confused by his reaction.
She guessed wrong?
Yan Zhengzhou was struggling with his reason.
Why are you doing this when you have a fiancé?
What do you take him for?
Knowing full well that he wouldn't win this bet.
Yan Zhengzhou said, "Okay, I agree."
After saying that, he turned and left.
They didn't appear for the next three to five days.
Su Qing was completely baffled.
Setting aside other matters, he inquired about the whereabouts of Lian Feiyang and their commander-in-chief.
Lian Feiyang was completely baffled: "They went to suppress bandits. There aren't many bandits left in Gaoqing Prefecture; this is the last one."
"However, the General left without a word, without even taking me with him."
Su Qing raised an eyebrow, and then saw Lian Feiyang scratching his head and laughing: "By the way, the General and I will be returning to the capital soon. Before we leave, there is something I want to tell you."
This tone made Su Qing somewhat puzzled.
Lian Feiyang first asked solemnly, "Do you have any thoughts about your marriage?"
"If possible, would you consider me?"
Lian Feiyang was naturally lively, and once he started talking, he couldn't wait to recount his entire family history.
His grandfather was General Lian, who guarded the capital.
Their ancestors all rose through the ranks by military achievements.
When Lian Feiyang returns to the capital, he will surely be promoted and ennobled, which will not be considered a disgrace to his ancestors.
And now he only has one last wish left.
Marry a wife who is exceptionally intelligent!
Su Qing.
He was the smartest person he had ever met.
So he wanted to ask her out.
That's all I have to say.
Guan Jianlian added, "I know you're engaged to Scholar Gu, but engagements are engagements, and they can be called off!"
"If you feel bad about it, I'll take care of it. I'll definitely find him a good family to marry into, and he won't be treated unfairly!"
Su Qing hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but then stopped herself.
He wanted to answer Lian Feiyang, but then he thought of Yan Zhengzhou, who was also somewhat angry.
Wait a minute?!
Did he deliberately get close to him even though he felt he was already engaged?
My attitude made me seem like a wicked woman deliberately trying to get him to rebel against her.
The kind who doesn't care that she has a fiancé.
Su Qing was practically banging her head on the ground.
She really didn't.
Of course, it's best to deal with the immediate problem first.
Su Qing's answer was definitely no.
Let's set aside the fact that she didn't even have that idea.
Furthermore, she had another idea regarding her marriage.
Lian Feiyang was not surprised by Su Qing's rejection.
He said this before he left, also to fulfill one of his wishes.
That's what he said, but even Fei Yang couldn't bear to part with it.
Who wouldn't want to marry a woman like Su Qing?
Thinking this, Lian Feiyang sighed repeatedly.
This matter cannot be discussed with others, as it could easily damage Su Qingqing's reputation.
So he could only sigh and complain to General Yan, who was the most tight-lipped.
"What's so great about that Scholar Gu? He just got there first."
"If I were him, I would have gotten married long ago. This dragging on must mean there's something wrong."
"If he doesn't want to get married, he can just call off the engagement! Others might want to."
"Isn't that right, General Yan?"
Yan Zhengzhou didn't say anything and walked away.
? ? ?
Is he really that annoying?!
Just as Su Qing was about to leave, she saw General Yan coming towards her.
He was about to explain, but then raised an eyebrow and said, "Lord Wen sent a letter asking us to go over there."
Under Lord Cui's earnest persuasion.
Wenrui finally relented.
He was willing to relinquish control of the state capital and surrender directly.
He submitted his proposal to Su Qing.
Su Qing and Yan Zhengzhou listened, their expressions differing.
Su Qing laughed and said, "Don't even mention surrendering to me. The court has not issued any order for me to take charge of this place."
"Come back to Guangyue Prefecture with me and serve as my attendant. You can atone for your crimes through meritorious service."
Those who participated in the rebellion.
Not only was he not imprisoned, but he also became an attendant to the prefect.
Is this a sin?
Su Qing added, "I imagine the court can understand."
Wenrui thought to himself.
How could the imperial court possibly understand?
My identity is too special.
Su Qing offered a suggestion directly: "Write a letter of apology to show the world that it was the Emperor's good deed and that the Emperor was magnanimous."
"Not only that, but he also called on other rebel forces and parties across the country to surrender as soon as possible."
In this way, the emperor would not be able to openly take action against him.
We will not give those rebels and insurgents a way out.
That would make the situation even more difficult to control.
Our emperor is the type who prefers to avoid trouble.
They probably won't care.
"What do you say, General?"
What else could Yan Zhengzhou say?
Although Su Qing had never met the Emperor, she had already figured out his personality.
Her ability to see into people's hearts is rare in the world.
Wenrui and the others nodded repeatedly.
Since they've surrendered, they have nothing more to say.
This prefecture city can't be left unattended.
Su Qing looked at Cui Gangjie, who was in a hurry to return to Yisong County.
"Why don't we let Lord Cui take over for a while?"
Before Cui Gangjie could object, Su Qing said, "Let's hold out for now. We won't harvest the grain until mid-to-late August."
"I'll definitely find someone to replace you then."
It's only the end of June.
There's still more than a month to go.
Wenrui nodded, saying he was quite at ease handing it over to Lord Cui.
As for myself and my family, we went to Guangyue Mansion with Lord Su.
The two sides reached an agreement.
This allowed the entire state capital to breathe a sigh of relief.
If they were to fight, the people wouldn't panic.
After all, the people here are used to it.
I feel very fortunate that we're not fighting now.
The transfer of power in Gaoqing Prefecture went extremely smoothly.
Lord Cui took over the task here with an almost cold face.
Except for those in positions where no one could be replaced, all the other officials followed Lord Su to Guangyuefu.
It was said to be a way to atone for one's crimes, but in reality, it was just a change of official position.
The officials in those areas will gradually be transferred from Guangyue Prefecture to Gaoqing Prefecture.
Su Qing did these things without keeping them from Yan Zhengzhou.
After the officials from both sides finished exchanging information.
These two places are completely in her hands, and it won't take long at all.
On the ninth day of the seventh lunar month, Su Qing and the others will leave.
It's been three months since I came here in April.
Besides the corrupt officials who have already been beheaded, there is also Lord Cui, who remains in the prefecture.
Everyone else seemed quite happy?
The people of the city passed through this ordeal peacefully.
The people of the six counties were allocated land and houses, and new officials were appointed.
In the second half of Yongsheng's fifth year.
They are finally about to start a new life.
Lord Cui saw him off for a long distance, and even said to Prefect Su, "Sir, please find someone to replace me quickly!"
Su Qingman agreed casually.
This made Lord Cui somewhat suspicious.
real!
Managing this prefecture is really not as good as managing his Yisong County.
How well has his Yisong County developed?
Can't you tell?
July 14th, the fifth year of Yongsheng.
Su Qing, Yan Zhengzhou, Wen Rui and others left Gaoqing Prefecture and arrived at Yisong County, the first county in Guangle Prefecture.
This is the county town that Lord Cui longs for.
Wenrui finally saw its full appearance.
From the last year of the late emperor's reign to the present fifth year of Yongsheng.
For almost half of the six years, it was in the hands of the rebels.
The desolation of this place was something everyone had anticipated.
But upon closer inspection, it became clear that the spirit and energy of the people in Yisong County were completely different from those in Gaoqing Prefecture.
Their shops are filled with goods, and farmers are tilling the fields.
Everyone was talking about the newly bought farm tools and the cheaply rented oxen.
Do they have money after just finishing a war?
Wenrui said, "Lord Cui said that the money and grain were allocated by the prefectural government."
Therefore, the people of Yisong County were able to calmly get through the most difficult year since the war.
They don't have to worry about food or land.
Just do your job step by step.
Near the government office, there were not only places distributing porridge and food, but also places distributing medicine.
The medical staff from Nanjiang County told them that food and water sources should be clean and that they should pay attention to health.
These scenes brought tears to the eyes of Wenrui and the others.
It looks fake.
But it's true.
He thought he would never see such a scene in his lifetime.
If all the places in Guangyue Prefecture were like Yisong County.
Then he's willing to rebel with Lord Su!
He was more than willing!
Then we went to Shangkou County, Jiangbei County, and Nanjiang County.
Wenrui had already made up his mind.
Even if Su Qing asked him to assassinate the emperor, he would do it.
This is his ideal life for ordinary people, this is his ideal world.
Su Qing couldn't help but say, "This is nothing."
Where to?!
Nanjiang County is comparable to many prefectural cities.
Look at this dock, look at the endless stream of merchant ships.
There are also wide streets.
The people here are dressed better than those in other places.
Wenrui praised it again and again, wishing he could live there forever.
Su Qing also said, "You can stay here."
Wenrui and the others were surprised.
If I live in Nanjiang County, do I need to go to the prefectural city?
Su Qing shook her head: "There's no need to go for now."
The situation there is more complicated; it would be better for her to stay in Nanjiang County.
After Su Qing settled Wen Rui and other officials.
With the help of Aunt Mei and Aunt Zhu settling her family, she finally had some free time.
This time I've made time.
They specially saw off Yan Zhengzhou and others.
As Lian Feiyang said.
He, Yan Zhengzhou, and even Yan Xieshou were all going back to the capital.
The generals who will replace them have arrived, and after the handover, they will set off.
Su Qing was completely unfamiliar with the newly arrived generals and others.
The other party also showed no interest in engaging with the military; local authorities and the military need to maintain a certain distance.
Su Qing's familiarity with the military personnel as the prefect was due to the circumstances he was forced to do so previously.
But Su Qing and Yan Zhengzhou didn't say anything.
Both of them knew perfectly well that they would meet in the capital at the end of the year, so there was no need for further words.
Besides, it's best not to discuss their differences further.
On the contrary, Lian Feiyang almost cried.
He really wanted to marry Su Qing.
If we let him resign from his official post and become a follower of Su Qing, that would be fine too.
With his strength, no one would dare to touch her easily.
Yan Zhengzhou found it a headache and simply told Lian Feiyang to leave first.
Yan Xieshou chuckled and led the others away as well.
Su Qing and Yan Zhengzhou were left speechless.
Yunxi and Lülan instinctively took a few steps back.
Su Qing thought for a moment and said, "I have a fiancé named Gu Congsi."
"If General Yan sees this, please take good care of him."
Disbelief flashed across Yan Zhengzhou's usually calm face.
he?
Ask him to speak on my behalf?
Thinking back to that afternoon, Yan Zhengzhou's face darkened for a moment before he turned and left.
Although Yunxi and Lülan retreated, they could still hear their conversation.
Green Orchid exclaimed in shock, "Sister Su, didn't you and Brother Gu already break off your engagement?"
Su Qing smiled and said, "Yes."
Then why did you say that?
They could all sense that General Yan's aura had darkened.
General Yan was already quite imposing.
That was even more frightening.
Su Qing hugged her younger sister and said, "Hey, with his personality, you just have to tease him a little."
Instead, Yunxi spoke up: "What if I poke too hard?"
"There's nothing we can do."
"Anyway, I have more than just this one thing to do."
"Let's go home. It's been so long since I've had my mom's cooking."
Yunxi and Lülan both nodded vigorously.
They want to eat too!
After being so busy for so long, I can finally take a break.
Speaking of which, Nanjiang County is still the best. It's warm and peaceful, and anyone can live comfortably here!
But the two of them knew even better.
After a short rest, there are still many things waiting for them.
Especially Sister Su, so many people are waiting for her to give orders!
Just as I was getting home.
Su Qing, with her sharp eyes, spotted someone reciting poetry at the restaurant ahead and quickly pulled Yunxi away to avoid them.
The people in the restaurant were none other than Wenrui and his party.
Their faces were full of joy, showing no trace of the sorrow they had felt in Gaoqing Prefecture.
The poems he recited were all about how the master was on the eastern hillside, where crops grew around his thatched hut. Insects chirped sadly as they spun their looms, and sparrows chattered as the millet ripened.
There are also sayings like "The fragrance of rice blossoms heralds a bountiful year" and "Plums are golden and apricots are plump."
They are all poems celebrating a bountiful harvest.
All the resentment and tears accumulated over the years were poured out at this moment.
They thought they were used to the place under the rule of the valiant prince.
They weren't used to it before; what they wanted was actually in Nanjiang County, and it was actually in Shunchang Kingdom.
The crowd sang and wept.
People around him kept their distance.
Who came from here? What are they doing?
Haven't you seen the daily scene in Nanjiang County?
These are all part of everyone's daily life.
Is it really necessary to exaggerate like that?
These murmurs made Wenrui and the others cry even more.
Everyday life is so good now.
This is the life they want.
This is also the boss they would give their lives for.
I've been searching for over a decade.
He studied diligently for decades.
They have finally found a place where they can dedicate their lives!
As long as the scenery here can be preserved.
They are willing to give anything!
Su Qing whispered, "Run, don't let them see us."
Let them see that they're definitely going to get themselves killed!
So run!
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