Chapter 0146: Prophetic Insight (Update at Midnight Disappeared)

Chapter 0146: Prophetic Insight (Update at Midnight Disappeared)

Zhang Biezhi told Xiao Rong with trepidation and guilt that he couldn't find the jade pendant; the clerk who knew where it was sold had fled to Jiaozhou for refuge.

Xiao Rong knew the chances of finding such a small jade pendant in such a large city were slim. Moreover, Zhang Biezhi's trip wasn't entirely fruitless. He learned that the jade pendant was traded for other goods. Small jewelry shops wouldn't accept everything; useless items would just be junk.

So they only accepted items that could be resold, like hairpins, ornate flowers, or silk produced by farmers.

Xiao Rong highly doubted that the high-ranking members of the Breeze Sect would use such valuable items to buy an unremarkable jade pendant. After all, they had money and needed to travel frequently. Carrying so many miscellaneous items would be impractical.

Most likely, it was bought by a stranger, who would erase the engravings and carve it into something else.

Thus, Xiao Rong remained composed and patiently consoled Zhang Biezhi. However, this was the first time Zhang Biezhi had failed a task, and he couldn't handle the blow. Standing before Xiao Rong, he whined incessantly. Xiao Rong consoled him again, but he still persisted, so Xiao Rong told him to get lost.

Zhang Biezhi immediately looked up and smiled in relief. "Thank you, Master Xiao. I'll take my leave now."

Xiao Rong: "…………"

It was unclear whether he was truly foolish or pretending to be.

Already feeling annoyed, upon returning to his room, he found an unwelcome guest waiting there.

Xiao Rong subtly glanced at the desk, noticing no abnormalities. He closed the door and walked toward Song Shuo. "What brings you here?"

Song Shuo saw his actions and was slightly distracted, causing a delay in his response. Xiao Rong stared at him intently. Song Shuo leaned back and complained, "Why can everyone come here except me?"

"Xiao Rong, I've noticed you've been distant lately. If I don't ask, you won't tell me anything. For example, what did you send Zhang Biezhi out to do today? What secrets do you two have?"

Xiao Rong: "……"

He extended his index finger and beckoned Song Shuo closer.

Confused, Song Shuo leaned forward, and at that moment, Xiao Rong kicked the chair beneath him. The chair flew out, and Song Shuo fell on his rear with a thud.

Song Shuo: "…………"

He stood up, clutching his buttocks angrily. "Xiao Rong!!!"

Xiao Rong laughed at him and even pinched his voice to sound kind. "What is it, little one?"

Song Shuo struggled to come up with a biting retort but eventually spat out, "How boring!"

Then he limped out, still holding his sore bottom.

Watching him leave, Xiao Rong felt a twinge of guilt.

But this guilt was quickly replaced by sheer joy, remembering Song Shuo's comical fall. He placed the chair back and stomped on the thick carpet.

The tribute carpet from Fulsand was indeed of excellent quality. ………

The fall didn't hurt physically, but it wounded Song Shuo's pride deeply.

Given his character, he should have engaged in a heated debate with Xiao Rong, but he suddenly felt afraid. He feared that Xiao Rong's desire to leave might be partly due to him.

He wasn't steady, gentle, polite, or considerate enough.

Thinking about these things, Song Shuo bit his lower lip in solitude, almost on the verge of tears. But being very confident, he soon changed his mind.

Although he had flaws, he had more strengths! He was handsome, intelligent, and charming. Everyone liked him (?), and he had a family, albeit not particularly useful. Once his father and annoying relatives passed away, he would develop the family further.

He wasn't just a burden to Xiao Rong! He could help!

But why did Xiao Rong want to leave?

Song Shuo couldn't figure it out. Looking at the darkening sky, he turned and headed in another direction.

Indeed, everyone else was having dinner, but Mi Jing didn't need to eat.

As a practitioner of the sixteen-plus-eight fasting method, Buddhist monks typically skipped dinner, eating only breakfast and lunch.

During the twilight hours before nightfall, Mi Jing used this time to read scriptures. Each reading brought new insights, immersing him in a sea of spiritual purification, bringing him profound relaxation and peace.

"Bang! Bang! Bang! ——"

"Monk, open up! It's Song Shuo!"

"I see you inside; your head is right next to the candle. That round head can only be yours!"

Mi Jing: "…………" The secular world is too bitter. He didn't want to live anymore.……

Despite this thought, Mi Jing resignedly opened the door. As soon as it cracked, Song Shuo, dressed like a ball, squeezed in. After entering, he surveyed the spartan yet tidy room, pouted, and started setting things up himself.

He moved the brazier from the corner, away from the scriptures, to the low table. Then he picked up two commonly used cushions, tossing them from their meditation spot to the mat beside the table.

There wasn't much else to move. Mi Jing lived even more frugally than Qu Yunmie. At least if Xiao Rong gave Qu Yunmie a soft bed, he would use it. Mi Jing deliberately chose hardship.

After sitting down, Song Shuo, who knew nothing of ascetic practices, complained, "It's already winter, and you're still using bamboo mats. Even a hemp mat would be better."

His poor bottom, which had just taken a fall, now sat on ice. …… Despite the cushion, Song Shuo complained with ease, claiming his bottom was too precious to feel the cold through the cushion.

Mi Jing: "……"

Song Shuo probably assumed he was poor and suggested a hemp mat. But apart from the bamboo mat, Mi Jing only had a brocade mat sent by a noble from Heavenly India.

Crafted by monks from Sanchi Tower, it was adorned with gold and silver threads and embedded with precious stones favored by the Indians. More importantly, it bore the blessing of Ashoka, making it invaluable.

Even after nearly two years, these people continued sending gifts, hoping Mi Jing would return.

To the Indians, it was a treasure; to Song Shuo, it was just grass. ……

Song Shuo kept talking about how bad things were at Mi Jing's place, saying this should be changed and that should be added. Are you afraid of losing face, so you can't bring yourself to say it? Don't worry, I'm not afraid of losing face; I'll say it for you.

Mi Jing: "……"

He couldn't take it anymore and asked, "Why are you really here?"

Song Shuo's incessantly chattering mouth shut instantly. His eyes darted around, and his hands fidgeted below the table.

Mi Jing observed him, already forming some thoughts in his mind.

After a moment, Song Shuo finally asked hesitantly, "Monk, what do you think of my personality?"

Mi Jing's eyes widened slightly. Too devious.

Song Shuo must have come here specifically to trap him, knowing he couldn't lie.

Mi Jing deeply felt he was being persecuted.

But every problem has a solution, and having dealt with many people, Mi Jing wasn't going to be intimidated by a mere Song Shuo. After a brief pause, he replied, "Personality is subjective; everyone has their own perspective. My opinion isn't the same as what others might think, so asking me would be futile. Why don't you tell me why you're asking this question?"

Song Shuo narrowed his eyes. "You just don't want to answer."

Mi Jing blinked and gave him a one-handed salute. "Amitabha."

Song Shuo: "……"

Facing someone sincere and calm, even Song Shuo couldn't stir up trouble. He took a deep breath, and his expression gradually became serious.

Mi Jing put his hand down and waited.

When he looked up again, Song Shuo changed the topic, seeming less tense. "When did you decide to stay here?"

Hearing this, Mi Jing shifted slightly. "When I was certain that the Northern Pacification Army had someone who shared my path and that the Northern Pacification King was willing to walk it too."

Song Shuo glanced at him but didn't comment on whether there was anything wrong with his path.

In truth, Song Shuo strongly disagreed with Mi Jing's ideas. He thought Mi Jing was naive and burdened too much. Politicians and monks are different, yet Mi Jing wanted to excel in both roles, which was impossible. Trying to balance both would make him mediocre in both. Only by choosing one could he excel in it.

As a politician, Mi Jing would have to turn a blind eye to the killings within the Northern Pacification Army. Sometimes it wasn't war, but when someone made a mistake, they would be punished according to the rules, and sometimes these punishments led to death. Mi Jing couldn't protest these killings and had to endure the torment. As a monk, he couldn't only consider the officials' perspectives; he also had to care for the common people and his fellow monks. No one could achieve absolute fairness, especially since everyone's sense of justice differed. However, Mi Jing was protected, so he didn't need to worry about his safety; he only needed to worry about whether he could withstand the conscience's reproach in the quiet of night.

Song Shuo used to find Mi Jing ridiculous, thinking he was living in a dream. But gradually, he realized Mi Jing was truly committed to this path, regardless of the outcome—whether it led to joy or destruction, he would bear it alone.

Understanding this, Song Shuo no longer spoke sarcastically to Mi Jing. Now, he controlled his urge to criticize and asked another question, "If one day you decide to leave the Northern Pacification Army, what do you think the reason would be?"

Mi Jing frowned.

"I don't know; there could be many reasons. But if it's the person you're thinking of, I guess... he might have other things to do."

Song Shuo: "……!"

He exploded, looking at Mi Jing as if he were a thief. "I didn't say who it was!"

Mi Jing looked back at him. "But who else in the Northern Pacification Army would you care about leaving?"

Song Shuo: "…………"

His entire face stiffened. After a long while, he said in frustration, "You can't tell anyone!"

Mi Jing paused briefly and replied, "I'll try."

Song Shuo's expression twisted.

He shouted, reaching across the table to grab Mi Jing's collar. "No! Not 'try,' you can't say a single word! You're a monk; you have to keep it a secret for me!"

Mi Jing's collar was crumpled, and his neck was being squeezed. He sighed, trying to free himself while saying, "Have you ever heard of a monk keeping secrets? If you don't want me to tell anyone, you shouldn't have told me in the first place."

Song Shuo shook Mi Jing frantically. "I didn't tell you; you guessed it yourself. You're not allowed to say anything, do you hear me?!"

Mi Jing was getting dizzy from the shaking and couldn't help raising his voice. "Why?!"

Song Shuo almost pressed his forehead against Mi Jing's bald head. "Because if you say it, he won't be able to leave!"

Mi Jing was stunned, and so was Song Shuo. Slowly, Song Shuo released Mi Jing's collar and sat back down, his voice much softer. "I can't understand why he wants to leave, but if he really does, I don't think anyone should stop him. He's different from you and me. I have my ambitions and family I can't abandon, and you have your tragic past and the world you must change. What does he have?"

Achievements mean nothing to him, and family can be entrusted to others when necessary. He seems to enjoy good food and comfort, but he can live without them.

If what he has is worthless, then he has nothing.

Even when guessing Xiao Rong's reasons for leaving, Mi Jing's first thought was that he had something else to do. He thought this because he believed Xiao Rong stayed here because he had something essential to accomplish.

It might be hard to see in a day or two, but over months or years, one could sense Xiao Rong's urgency to complete a task.

Mi Jing was stumped by Song Shuo's question and answered after a while, "He has you and me."

Song Shuo stared at him and asked, "Is our presence enough to make him stay?"

Mi Jing: "……" Not enough.

Mi Jing didn't answer, and Song Shuo fell silent. He lowered his head, looking somewhat hurt. He was confused and reluctant, but if this was what Xiao Rong wanted, he would step back and support him.

Song Shuo felt he was making a huge sacrifice, believing there was no better friend than him in the world.

But Mi Jing watched him, feeling a growing concern.

Song Shuo didn't realize that this matter had nothing to do with either of them. Their influence was negligible compared to the mountain Xiao Rong faced.

After calming down, Song Shuo started forcing Mi Jing to promise not to tell anyone. After careful consideration, Mi Jing agreed this time.

Song Shuo immediately cheered up, knowing Mi Jing wouldn't deceive him. Mi Jing's reasoning was simple.

Xiao Rong wouldn't be so irresponsible as to just leave without notice. If he truly wanted to go, he would have arranged everything beforehand, including Qu Yunmie. If handled well, nothing would go wrong after his departure; if not, he wouldn't be able to leave at all. Even if he managed to escape secretly, Qu Yunmie would turn the entire Central Plains upside down to find him, and he wouldn't return until he was found.

With both civil and military officials in place, and Gao Xunzhi and others overseeing matters, the Northern Pacification Army wouldn't face significant issues. It would be better to let Qu Yunmie go out searching than to have him deal with government affairs in a fit of rage.

In conclusion, whether or not he speaks up, this is an issue between those two individuals, and it's best for him not to meddle unnecessarily. ...

After calmly analyzing the situation, Song Shuo had already left for some time. Mi Jing got up, restored everything to its original position, and then picked up the scripture again. He intended to quickly read through it before moving on to other tasks.

But he suddenly found that he couldn't concentrate.

The words on the scripture seemed to move, rearranging themselves in his mind, impossible to shake off.

—Why leave?

—At this crucial moment, why... why abandon them?

He thought he would deal with Xiao Rong for the rest of his life. Was it possible that Xiao Rong was also just a fleeting passerby in his life?

Most of the time, he could accept such outcomes, but occasionally, he would quietly stare into space, savoring the feeling that periodically swept over him. ...How lonely.

While Mi Jing and Song Shuo were whispering, Xiao Rong wasn't idle either. He first moved the paper hidden in the ledger to a safer location, then went to find Yu Shaoxie.

Qu Yunmie planned to send his brother to suppress the rebels, so he naturally needed to inform his brother about it.

Yu Shaoxie had already realized during the day that this task would likely fall on Yu Shaocheng when he heard the news. Listening to Xiao Rong, he nodded: "When Cheng'er arrives tomorrow, I'll greet him. Don't worry; Cheng'er is easy to please. He's eager to make achievements and won't resent The King."

Xiao Rong smiled slightly. "The King indeed holds him in high regard. With his current performance, he will definitely become the Grand General one day."

Just not the first one, as he was too young. The first Grand General would likely be Wang Xinyong or Jian Qiao. Although Gongsun Yuan's impartial attitude didn't earn him Qu Yunmie's enmity, it did cool Qu Yunmie's heart somewhat. The Grand General was the highest-ranking military officer, and Qu Yunmie would choose someone who commands respect and whom he trusts.

He would strongly support Wang Xinyong, even though it might be unfair to Jian Qiao. But... Wang Xinyong had lofty ambitions, and without a good official position, achieving those goals would be difficult.

When they were repairing the imperial tombs, Qu Yunmie and Xiao Rong discussed privately. According to Xiao Rong, once Qu Yunmie gained power, he would immediately posthumously honor Qu the General as the previous emperor. Qu Yunmie insisted on honoring his brother as well.

Xiao Rong couldn't refuse, but now, recalling this, he felt a bit sympathetic towards Wang Xinyong.

Marrying the Empress Dowager... hmm...

Xiao Rong's expression became subtle, as if he wanted to laugh but felt embarrassed doing so. Yu Shaoxie looked at him, puzzled. "Rong'er?"

Xiao Rong shook his head. After all, it was still uncertain, and he couldn't reveal it yet.

He turned to business: "Huang Yanjiong and the King of Nankang's sudden collaboration was facilitated by Han Qing. Initially, I thought it was his personal strategy, but upon reading the detailed military report, I learned that the Breeze Sect was also involved. They have ample supplies and wealth, with every soldier equipped with iron weapons, something the Northern Pacification Army can't achieve."

No matter how many times Qu Yunmie declared a full-scale attack, it was never truly the entire army. Some troops always remained behind to guard their base and other checkpoints. Those left behind often lacked quality weapons. Weapons were consumed rapidly, and the entire army had to tighten their belts, investing all resources in military equipment to ensure they wouldn't run out mid-battle.

However, there was only so much iron, and the Northern Pacification Army had many soldiers. Thus, elite soldiers had several iron weapons each, while ordinary soldiers depended on their superiors' abilities. Those with better skills secured swords and spears, while the less capable ones had to settle for wooden spears with metal tips.

Even Jinling, wealthy as it was, couldn't equip the entire army with swords and spears. No matter how rich the King of Nankang was, he couldn't cover the costs for his allies.

Moreover, the King of Nankang wasn't particularly wealthy. For years, he operated solely within Nankang. Now in his forties, he was exiled from Chang'an in his twenties with a large fiefdom, which gradually shrank under multiple emperors, leaving him with only Nankang. In his youth, he harbored ambitions to claim the throne, given the rapid succession of emperors, believing he had a chance.

But thrones only pass downward, not upward. Additionally, he was somewhat timid, continuing to pay tribute when other princes stopped. However, since the Yong Dynasty became Southern Yong, his efforts became increasingly half-hearted.

Such a person is suited to rule a region, not to vie for the Central Plains. It's unclear what influenced him to rise up now.

Listening to Xiao Rong, Yu Shaoxie smiled. "No matter how advanced their equipment, they can't match The King's million-strong army."

Xiao Rong: "..."

Indeed, as their numbers increased, the reported figures became more exaggerated. Previously, they claimed sixty thousand, now it's a million.

Inflation is rampant.

Xiao Rong: "I'm not worried about these two causing trouble. They barely know each other; one is royal family, the other a noble exiled for offending the court. Their differences are too great, and their cooperation is likely temporary. They'll split faster than anyone if faced with setbacks. What concerns me is why the Breeze Sect wants them to collaborate and act now."

Yu Shaoxie pondered and replied, "They plan to catch everyone off guard before the New Year."

True, everyone prepares for the New Year, with no interest in war. Fighting during this time would draw criticism, so few choose this period.

This explanation makes sense, but Xiao Rong still shook his head. "It might not be that simple. This time is sensitive, and surprising someone... we don't know who they're trying to surprise."

There are only a few days left before the New Year. After the New Year, all anger can be unleashed without restraint. People will have no reason to hold back, and armies can easily march south without worrying about keeping soldiers home for the holiday.

Thus, any further incidents would occur in these few days. Xiao Rong sensed a larger scheme but couldn't pinpoint where to disrupt it.

What does Han Qing want?

To disrupt the situation and help Huang Yanjiong grow stronger? But he has no chance; even if chaos ensues, the Northern Pacification Army can suppress it in one or two months.

To muddy the waters and prolong Southern Yong's life? That's absurd; with Sun Renluan fallen and Jinling's grain supply in disarray, even Buddha and Daoist deities couldn't save Southern Yong.

Or to elevate the King of Nankang to the throne? ...That's even more absurd. Even if Huang Yanjiong were to give up the throne, what would it mean for the King of Nankang to ascend just before Southern Yong's collapse?

Others think Huang Yanjiong chose a good time to emerge, but Xiao Rong believes it's a terrible opportunity. If he wanted to rise, he should wait until the Northern Pacification Army and Southern Yong clash. Since there's no clash, they'll focus on suppressing him first, like whacking a mole. As soon as Huang Yanjiong shows his head, the Northern Pacification Army's hammer will come down.

Xiao Rong even suspects he's a sacrificial pawn, appearing to distract others. Could it be true?

Xiao Rong isn't sure, as Han Qing has nothing left. Killing Huang Yanjiong would eliminate his new patron. With the King of Nankang involved, where else could he turn? He wouldn't go through all this just to kill them.

Xiao Rong can't understand Han Qing's logic, focusing solely on his intentions, overlooking one thing.

How did Han Qing convince Huang Yanjiong, and how did he know Huang Yanjiong is cruel, disregarding even civilian lives?

Only Xiao Rong knew Huang Yanjiong's true nature. Han Qing must have known it too, selecting Huang Yanjiong so quickly and using such extreme methods. Otherwise, he wouldn't be so bold.

So, Han Qing had an accomplice, one who knew Huang Yanjiong very well.

This accomplice could no longer appear before Huang Yanjiong. Huang Yanjiong didn’t even know that Han Qing was acquainted with this person. He wanted to seize the last chance to rise in his life, but he was unaware that his fate had already been decided by the people of the Breeze Sect and his former subordinates. ...

In Jinling, news of Wang Xinyong returning to the north spread, but most people were indifferent to it. Only those with guilty consciences became restless.

Those who had made up their minds had already sent messages to Wang Xinyong. Some even dispatched family members or subordinates to meet him personally. However, these people held low-ranking positions; precisely because of their low rank, they could easily decide to support the new regime.

This person was different. His position was that of a Chariot General, a second-rank official, ranking third among all military officers in the entire Yong Dynasty. If compared to the Northern Pacification Army, his status in Southern Yong would be akin to Jian Qiao’s.

But in terms of loyalty, he was far from comparable to Jian Qiao. He also wanted to switch allegiance to the Northern Pacification Army, but he had self-awareness. His position was obtained through hereditary privilege. He was surnamed Sun, the nephew of Sun Renluan.

A direct nephew, his father being Sun Renluan’s younger brother from the same mother.

The Sun family had strict discipline, yet few of the direct-line descendants were capable. It was often the side branches and illegitimate children who stood out. He was one of the mediocre ones, and during critical times, Sun Renluan wouldn’t even call him for meetings. The reason he held a second-rank position was that Sun Renluan thought he was reliable, at least not causing trouble. Moreover, Sun Renluan needed someone to share military power. Although Shen's Army was solely under Shen Yangrui’s command, the number of troops led by aristocratic families in Jinling was greater. To Xiao Rong, these aristocratic sons were trash, but to Sun Renluan, they weren’t. Even if they were useless, they represented their respective families when standing together.

Sun Renluan needed their support and backing.

Thus, this person served as a representative and could cast a dissenting vote when necessary.

He knew his own worth and understood how sensitive his surname was. Therefore, while others could contact Wang Xinyong, he dared not do so. He feared being discovered by the people of Jinling and worried that his status would decline if he switched sides. He wanted to maintain his current position, even in the new regime, desiring to remain a second-rank general who only coasted along. ...

It sounded absurd, but that was truly what he wanted, and he was working hard to achieve it.

After Sun Renluan fell, he suddenly became the most trusted person to Sun Shannu. This wasn’t due to their blood relationship or Sun Shannu’s blindness, but because he helped restore her precarious reputation. Due to the grain issue, the entire court erupted, demanding a thorough investigation. As one of the culprits behind the scenes, Sun Shannu was naturally terrified.

At the crucial moment, this nephew suddenly said that his friend was willing to donate grain to alleviate the court’s immediate crisis. He himself also offered to donate all the stored grain in his household. Although their combined donation amounted to only 3,500 dou, it was enough to prevent the Empress Dowager from being pressured by those troublemakers. All of Jinling would be grateful for her selflessness.

His proposal was to attribute the credit for the grain donation to Sun Shannu, which delighted her immensely. She didn’t even ask why these people had so much grain, assuming that wealthy families always had hidden wealth.

With the credit for the grain donation, he moved freely within the palace and gained increasing power. Normally, one might become arrogant at this point, given that the Empress Dowager’s authority was immediate, whereas the Northern Pacification Army’s was future-oriented.

However, he remained unaffected, still focused on coasting along in the new regime. Upon hearing that Wang Xinyong had left, he immediately panicked and hurried back to consult his newly hired advisor.

An advisor, a strategist, both served the same purpose: providing counsel in exchange for protection and prospects.

This new advisor was extraordinary, as he brought the 3,500 dou of grain. He claimed to be from a powerful clan in Jianan, seeking refuge due to impending chaos. He wanted to join the Northern Pacification Army, but couldn’t reach the north with his valuables and grain. After observing for days, he believed General Sun was the right person to support. He was willing to help General Sun escape certain death and continue serving him after joining the Northern Pacification Army.

Every word struck a chord with him. The Northern Pacification Army would definitely win, Jinling would surely fall, and he, with his surname and lack of ability, would likely die. Why was it so difficult to live a peaceful life?

After a heartfelt conversation, he was thoroughly brainwashed. Not particularly intelligent, he thought he had found his last lifeline and was unwilling to let go. As the situation worsened, he faced immense mental pressure. The advisor further conditioned him, promising assistance but delaying action. After confirming that he wouldn’t cause trouble, the advisor finally revealed his plan.

He fainted from shock. ...

Upon regaining consciousness, he was still dazed, never expecting the advisor to be even more ruthless than the aristocratic families!

He was asked to lure the Northern Pacification King into the city and then open the gates!

Indeed, such an act would be a great achievement. The Northern Pacification King would spare him, and he wouldn’t be limited to a second-rank position. He might even secure a title as a non-royal king. But this was too dangerous!

Death awaited him if discovered, which was his greatest concern. Being called a traitor didn’t bother him; people had long cursed him for Sun Renluan’s misdeeds.

From this, it was clear that he lacked any sense of shame. Choosing him for brainwashing was indeed correct.

If opening the city gates didn’t bother him, the rest was trivial. After dispelling his concerns, he began acting. Gaining the Empress Dowager’s trust, placing his people in the palace, replacing the gate officials, the next step was luring. However, the advisor kept delaying until today, when he returned, the advisor nodded with a smile.

"The time has come."

Hearing this, his face twitched with excitement, and he rushed back to the palace to steal the imperial seal.

As he entered the palace, he collided with a young eunuch. The eunuch fell but didn’t kneel to apologize, instead running away pale-faced. Clearly guilty, the general, feeling even guiltier, couldn’t confront him.

Arriving at his destination, he waited until the male favorite Tan’er caused another disturbance, drawing away Sun Shannu. In this small room, once she left, everyone else followed, leaving only two maids.

Sun Shannu didn’t trust Sun Renluan’s old servants and preferred not having eunuchs around, so she replaced them with maids.

The maids posed no problem, but unfamiliar with politics, they didn’t realize they should stay. Thus, the general easily dismissed them.

Alone, he took a sheet of imperial yellow paper and lightly stamped it with the imperial seal.

Taking the paper home, he handed it to the advisor, watching him quickly write a distress letter. Unable to resist, he asked, "Master Zhou, why is today the right time?"

The advisor, Zhou Liang, though slightly impatient, answered, "Because the world is about to descend into chaos."

General Sun: "..."

Master Zhou’s words were always brief and ethereal, leaving him hesitant to ask more.

After the letter was written, he dispatched it, not noticing someone rushing towards him.

It was a palace guard, anxiously informing him that the Empress Dowager summoned him. Trouble had erupted in the south; Governor Huang Yanjiong of Jianning and King of Nankang He Gao had rebelled. The Empress Dowager was furious; hurry to the palace!

Hearing the guard’s words, the general was stunned. Oh dear.

Master Zhou’s foresight was truly remarkable!