Chapter 0061: In Time

Chapter 0061: In Time

Though paper was expensive these days, people still habitually left much of the letter paper blank.

The Buddhist disciple came from a respectable background; he was the son of an official in Chang'an. Due to his spiritual connection with Buddhism, he was sent to Zunshan Temple by his family. Later, because of his talent, he was personally raised by the old abbot.

Thinking that Buddhist temples were places of purity where monks lived in poverty is a huge misconception. Even moderately popular temples were rich, and Zunshan Temple, supported by the imperial family, was even wealthier. Records showed that before the Hu people invaded the south, Zunshan Temple received thirty million copper coins annually in offerings, which equated to seventy-five thousand gold ingots.

This wasn't just for one year but every year. It's unknown what exactly the monks did with all this money, but one thing was certain: the disciple had grown up in great comfort.

He had always been wealthy, and he remained so. Therefore, when writing letters, he was quite generous, filling four pages with mere pleasantries. If Xiao Rong didn't know that the disciple was unaware of his plans, he might have thought the disciple was intentionally cooperating with him.

In any case, Xiao Rong tried his best to write small, filling almost every blank space on each page. The young emperor had limited literary skills, and Sun Renluan, upon discovering how quickly he was learning, deliberately slowed down his lessons. He only studied for ten days out of every month, spending the remaining twenty days practicing calligraphy.

Fortunately, he had Hengshun by his side. At the time, there was no rule prohibiting eunuchs from reading and writing, as people hadn't yet suffered enough from the tyranny of powerful eunuchs.

Whenever he encountered unfamiliar words, Hengshun would read them aloud, gradually conveying Xiao Rong's messages to the young emperor.

The first sentence taught the method of writing invisible messages using orange juice. Once the water dried, nothing could be seen, but after heating it slightly, the writing would reappear. However, it must be burned immediately after reading, as the writing couldn't disappear again once revealed.

The young emperor's mouth gaped open in shock at the revelation, finding it almost magical. Before he could fully process his amazement, Xiao Rong explained the secret to him.

The young emperor was puzzled. If this was true, shouldn't Xiao Rong keep it a secret? Why was he teaching him?

Xiao Rong seemed to anticipate his reaction and explained his intentions in the next sentence. He hoped that in the future, the young emperor would use this method to communicate with him, needing only to send a message of safety.

His words were heartfelt. He said that the nation was in turmoil, with countless threats endangering the empire built through Emperor Wu's campaigns. The emperor himself was like a prisoner, confined and humiliated. Frustratingly, he was just a scholar, powerless to act. Due to his family, he couldn't achieve much in Jinling. Fortunately, Qu Yunmie was a simple-minded warrior who believed his persuasive words and trusted him more and more. Although the Northern Pacification Army wasn't ideal, officials under Qu Yunmie ostracized and isolated him. Despite this, for the sake of the emperor and the Yong Dynasty, he would endure any hardship!

He reassured the young emperor not to worry, emphasizing that many others awaited his rescue. Though their power was small, over time, even a mighty dam could crumble from the efforts of ants. They would grow stronger and eventually storm Jinling, capture the traitor Sun Renluan, and support the emperor's reign. He urged the young emperor to trust him, avoid rash actions, and stay low under Sun Renluan's watch. All he needed to do was survive until Xiao Rong brought reinforcements.

During this period, Xiao Rong would send letters under Qu Yunmie's name and others'. In his replies, the young emperor could use this secret method to write a few words, ensuring Xiao Rong knew he was safe. If anything happened, such as a crisis in Jinling threatening the young emperor's safety, he could also use this method to send a message. Xiao Rong swore he would spare no effort to save the young emperor.

To avoid suspicion, not every letter from Chenliu would contain a secret message, but if one did, it meant they were ready.

Writing the final line, Xiao Rong's handwriting became messy, reflecting his emotional state. The young emperor stared at the last line for a long time.

—Your Majesty may burn incense, bathe, and sit in the Taiji Hall, waiting calmly for your minister to clear away the rebels. Soon, you will reign over the world and shine upon all directions.*

That day, Xiao Rong went to the palace with only two companions, but returned with a squad of guards.

Seeing this, those left behind instantly mobilized, especially the guards, drawing their swords, ready to strike at any sign of trouble.

Xiao Rong wanted to walk over and give them all a good knock on the head, but after a moment of silence, he merely smiled bitterly and turned around: "I'm here now. Are you going to follow me inside?"

The leader didn't respond but glanced at the guards behind him.

Xiao Rong immediately turned back and loudly scolded them: "Go back! What are you doing here under the eyes of the emperor!"

Of course, they wouldn't leave. Their sole mission was to protect Xiao Rong, even if he threatened to kill them.

Xiao Rong understood this and turned back, his bitter smile deepening: "My apologies for causing a scene. I simply got lost today, with no ill intent. Please convey my innocence to Grand Marshal when you return."

Saying this, he took out some silver pieces from his sleeve. These were cut from silver ingots, but honestly, such a small bribe barely caught the attention of the palace guards, who all came from influential families.

Feeling Xiao Rong's poverty, they looked down on him even more. The Grand Marshal ordered them to watch Xiao Rong without allowing him to interact with anyone, but didn't specify whether to watch his residence too. Since it wasn't specified, they didn't want to stay and stare aimlessly.

They sent Xiao Rong inside, leaving a few less influential ones to continue the surveillance while the rest returned to report.

As Xiao Rong entered, the guards followed, the last one closing the gate tightly, frustrating those left outside.

Do you think you're something special? A bunch of barbarians and refugees from beyond the border. If not for the Grand Marshal's orders, who would want to watch over you? We haven't said anything, yet you're already on guard. How ridiculous.

Ignoring the thoughts of those outside, they followed Xiao Rong into the main hall, closing its door tightly as well.

Xiao Rong turned around, startled by the string of men behind him, then laughed wryly, dispersing them: "I'm fine. Today was just a minor misunderstanding; nothing serious will happen."

Zhang Biezhi squeezed through the crowd and asked first: "Nothing serious will happen for a while? Then what happens after that?"

Xiao Rong thought for a moment and replied: "Play it by ear."

Everyone: "…………"

What can you do if something happens?!

Their expressions tightened, but Xiao Rong suddenly burst out laughing: "Look at you, so tense. I was just joking. Nothing will happen."

Ah Shu still looked worried: "Master mentioned a minor misunderstanding…"

Xiao Rong: "Oh, nothing much. I accidentally wandered into another palace without permission and unintentionally met the emperor, unintentionally speaking a few words with him."

Ah Shu: "……"

Others: "……"

So many 'unintentionals' really okay?

Even they knew it was fabricated, so surely those in Jinling would know too.

Ah Shu's voice trembled: "Will they make things difficult for Master?"

Xiao Rong suddenly looked up at them, sat down, poured himself tea, and said: "No. Openly challenging me would mean opposing the King, and they can't afford the consequences. Besides, I didn't harm the emperor or do anything outrageous. Sun Renluan still wants to gain more benefits from me. If he breaks ties with me, all his previous plans would be ruined. It's disadvantageous. Making things difficult for me serves no purpose except to save face. He's not Zhang Biezhi; he won't do such a thing."

Zhang Biezhi: "……"

What does this have to do with me?!

Everyone fell into deep thought, but one person's mind was more agile. He was the leader of the guards, and he asked Xiao Rong, "But Mr. Xiao, although they can't act openly, it doesn't mean they won't take any covert actions."

Xiao Rong: "Yes, there is indeed that risk."

The man became anxious immediately. "Then let's set off tonight!"

Kill the guards outside and escape back to Chenliu!

Xiao Rong: "No."

"Why?!"

Xiao Rong took a sip of tea before slowly replying, "I still have things to do. Besides, I am the esteemed Prefect of Chenliu. No matter where I go, I am a guest of honor. How could a guest flee in such a manner? I came here openly, and I will leave openly as well. Only then can we maintain the dignity of The King and the Northern Pacification Army."

Guard Leader: "..."

He truly wanted to say that at this moment, The King wouldn't care about his reputation; he only cared about Mr. Xiao's life!

However, he also realized that Mr. Xiao probably didn't care whether The King cared or not. Although he claimed everything was for The King, he never considered The King's feelings. ...This was so difficult.

Once Xiao Rong made up his mind, no one could persuade him otherwise. Even if they were anxious enough to climb the walls, they had to leave. The guard leader thought that once they returned, they would need to hold a small meeting to discuss whether they should carry Mr. Xiao out of the city while he slept at night.

Just as his leg was about to step out the door, Xiao Rong's voice suddenly came from behind him, "You wouldn't tell The King about today's events, would you?"

The guard leader sighed. There wasn't time for that, and besides, the situation wasn't urgent enough to require The King's intervention.

He turned around and honestly answered Xiao Rong, "Please rest assured, Mr. Xiao, we won't."

Xiao Rong responded with an "oh," then asked, "And you certainly wouldn't be plotting to disobey my orders secretly, hoping The King might show leniency, right?"

Guard Leader: "........"

You really are a half-deity.

He looked stiffly at Xiao Rong. Seeing his expression, Xiao Rong understood. He gently smiled and softened his tone, "Let me ask you one question. If someone else were sitting here instead of me—say, Chancellor Gao, General Jian, or General Gongsun—and they made a decision beneficial to the army, would you support them wholeheartedly or disrupt their plans according to your own thoughts?"

The guard leader was stunned, realizing what his answer would be.

He opened his mouth to explain, "It's different. We are here to protect Mr. Xiao. The King cares about Mr. Xiao's safety..."

Xiao Rong raised a hand to stop him, "Have you heard the saying that generals on the battlefield sometimes must act without waiting for orders? Don't mention The King or my safety. Anyone leading troops must face life and death. You are first my subordinates and then my guards. If you wouldn't dare to act without orders for another, it's not because you follow The King's orders, but because you don't follow mine. You don't trust me and have never truly regarded me as your superior."

The room fell silent, so quiet that even a pin dropping could be heard. Everyone dared not speak, watching Xiao Rong's relentless questioning. Honestly, this scene was tenser than when Zhang Biezhi was scolded. Back then, at least people dared to breathe. Now, even Zhang Biezhi tried to minimize his presence, fearing that Xiao Rong's calm anger might soon engulf him.

The guard leader was stunned for a long moment before suddenly kneeling on one knee and bowing to Xiao Rong, "Mr. Xiao, please forgive me! I understand now. I am willing to follow your orders!"

He said he understood, but whether he truly did, Xiao Rong couldn't be sure. After a moment of silence, Xiao Rong didn't order him to rise but continued, "Though I am a scholar, since entering the Northern Pacification Army, I am also a soldier. You are my soldiers. Far south of the Huai River, I cannot rely on anyone else. Even with the Northern Pacification Army's 400,000 soldiers and a brilliant commander like The King, it offers me no help. If something happens, I can only rely on you. If you don't listen to me, I will truly become an isolated figure and lose this covert war."

The guard leader bowed his head lower, feeling deeply ashamed. If not for Xiao Rong's enlightenment today, he wouldn't have realized he had been following The King's orders while forgetting that Xiao Rong was a crucial figure in the Northern Pacification Army. This journey was for the army, yet they had not only failed to assist him but also hindered him.

However, due to his lack of involvement previously, all tasks were completed by Xiao Rong alone. Now, with the situation taking a sudden turn and Xiao Rong insisting on facing danger, they suddenly had an important mission. Their feelings changed accordingly.

Xiao Rong's trust in them moved not just the guard leader but everyone else as well. They all knelt down together and said in unison, "We are at your command, Mr. Xiao!"

The only one with a quick mind among the twenty was the guard leader. The others wore their thoughts clearly on their faces. After observing their expressions, Xiao Rong smiled slightly, ordered them to rise, and told them to rest. He promised that wherever he went, he would take them along. He didn't want to die needlessly either.

Satisfied with this assurance, the guards left, preparing to conserve their strength. Everyone would take turns keeping watch at night, ensuring no one slept through the night.

Xiao Rong continued drinking tea contentedly. Ah Shu knelt beside him, having learned Xiao Rong's preferred method of brewing tea. While he couldn't offer much protection, he aimed to make Xiao Rong's life more comfortable.

This master-servant pair enjoyed a harmonious moment, unaware of the changing expression on Zhang Biezhi's face.

Initially, Qu Yunmie's personal guards firmly opposed Xiao Rong's risky plan, but in the end, they not only apologized to Xiao Rong but also pledged their loyalty. When they discovered that Xiao Rong was willing to take them along, they showed deep gratitude.

Zhang Biezhi stared blankly at Xiao Rong.

Is this what a scholar is like? If he started reading books now, would it be too late?

Author's note:

Hint: Tomorrow's plot is quite exciting. I might pause it depending on the situation. If I can finish it in one update, I won't pause. Otherwise, it might be paused right there. If you're particularly curious, it's best to wait a day before coming back to read it, or else you might get so anxious you want to chop me up...