At the end of the Yong dynasty, the government system changed a lot. Almost every time a new emperor ascended the throne, they would alter the titles of official positions, as if doing so would signify a brighter future and prevent people from falling back into the miserable conditions of the past.

The position of Prime Minister was one case. After the Han family came to power, they changed the title of “Prime Minister” to “Chancellor” in order to suppress the dominance of the Prime Minister’s family. They even created the title of “Chancellor.” This distinction in the government system wasn’t important, so it was only briefly mentioned. Xiao Rong simply felt a bit sentimental about it.

Although both held the title of Prime Minister, Zhou Liang’s end could be described as extremely tragic, while Song Shuo received a grand funeral, with almost everyone who knew him continually mourning his death.

As for Song Shuo’s literary talent, it was hard to say, but he had a nickname in later generations: the “Memory Recitation Machine.” Many famous literati wrote poems and essays to commemorate him. These works were so sincere and beautifully worded that they were included in textbooks and became a nightmare for students.

Xiao Rong, however, didn’t memorize those poems and essays. Whenever he encountered memorization-type questions, he would skip them and focus on questions that had logical patterns.

Even though he skipped over them, he still knew Song Shuo’s reputation. Among all historical figures, he was always highly regarded. In his time and for many generations to come, people spoke of him with admiration. Later Emperors, raised on Zhou Liang’s teachings, would always sigh and say, “I am like Emperor Xu of the Wu dynasty, fortunate.”

 

….

 

Throughout history, the higher the evaluation of Song Shuo, the more numb Xiao Rong’s expression became while sitting there.

He recalled the lies he had told back then, in order to intimidate Song Shuo. After all, the ancients were superstitious, and he made Song Shuo believe that he could predict the future. That way, many things would be easier to handle. However, Song Shuo looked at him skeptically for a while, then blinked his eyes and began to eagerly discuss the teachings of Huanglao with Xiao Rong.

Xiao Rong: “.…”

He didn’t understand the teachings of Huanglao at all.

To cover up his ignorance, he could only say that he had his own methods of divination, which were not the ones known to the public.

Song Shuo suddenly realized and said that extraordinary people faced extraordinary situations. This time, he didn’t doubt Xiao Rong’s words anymore, but he began to chat with Xiao Rong about his past experience with the Qingfeng Sect, a sect that almost took him in. They wanted him to preach, offered gold, and even demanded that he stay at their gathering place every day to listen to their teachings.

Please, he was too lazy to even go to court every five days, how could he possibly go to church daily and accept guidance from others? Besides, there wasn’t anyone in the world who could guide him.

Xiao Rong: “…”

Lazy, arrogant, and extremely focused.

Just as Xiao Rong’s excitement about discovering that Song Shuo was Song Qianzheng started to fade, he began to doubt himself. Was he really going to bring such a person back to Chenliu? Could such a person help him?

Wouldn’t he, just like Zhang Biezhi, cause trouble every day?

Xiao Rong stayed silent for a moment and let Song Shuo steer the conversation. His hints were clear, but Song Shuo completely ignored them and took the conversation in a different direction. If this continued, it would be a waste of time.

Instead, Xiao Rong directly asked, “Since you’ve made up your mind to resign from office, why haven’t you taken action, Young Master Song?”

Song Shuo blinked and replied, “Because I find Jinling quite interesting.”

Xiao Rong chuckled lightly. “If Jinling really was so interesting, why would Young Master Song be living in such a small thatched hut? Even though we’ve only known each other for a short time, I can tell that you are someone who seeks to befriend the heroes of the world. While this thatched hut may be cool, in the presence of more refreshing and noble gentlemen and heroes, it is no longer considered a good place to stay. You stay here simply because there is no one of such stature in the city.”

Song Shuo tilted his head. “Then, in your view, why haven’t I resigned yet?”

Xiao Rong replied, “It’s probably because, even if you resign, you still haven’t found a place better than Jinling.”

A slight smile faded from the corner of Song Shuo’s lips. Xiao Rong didn’t look at him but continued, shaking his teacup. “Xiangdong is your homeland, Young Master Song. If Xiangdong was truly great, and you could fulfill your ambitions there, you wouldn’t have made the long journey to Jinling. When you were in Xiangdong, you looked up to Jinling because it was the capital of the Yong Dynasty, bearing the future of an entire dynasty and countless scholars. But as they say, ‘the view from the mountain seems grand, but you will eventually reach the foot of it.’ So-called wise kings and virtuous ministers, like a mirage, can be seen but not touched. You can walk towards them, but when you arrive, you will realize it was all an illusion.”

At this point, Xiao Rong looked up at Song Shuo with a smile. “Fortunately, Young Master Song is still young. The blood of youth won’t cool so quickly. Now that you are in Jinling, do you think you can find the next place to aspire to?”

Song Shuo looked at Xiao Rong, his throat itching. He suppressed a cough and smiled as well. “I really have found it. If I’m not mistaken, the next thing you are going to say is that you want to recommend me to Chenliu, right?”

Xiao Rong smiled even more deeply. “Chenliu is a place where all kinds of people are welcomed.”

Song Shuo: “…”

He had already prepared himself for how to pose once Xiao Rong nodded, but suddenly hearing that, his eyes widened as if they were as round as pearls.

Song Shuo stared at him in disbelief. “Do you think I am suited to go to Chenliu?”

Xiao Rong shrugged slightly. “Of course, there’s no problem. The gates of Chenliu are wide open to all people from the Central Plains. Anyone who wishes to come is welcome, but if you want to stay, to enter the royal family and get a position…”

Song Shuo’s voice became sharper. “Do you think someone like me could seek a position in Chenliu?”

Xiao Rong was momentarily stunned, then quickly smiled at him. “Of course, but Young Master Song has great ambitions. You must be willing to take on a minor official role. As for those higher positions, like becoming an advisor to the King of the North or the governor of a city, well…”

Song Shuo: “…”

If Xiao Rong had told Song Shuo from the start that he wouldn’t be able to stay by the King of the North’s side in Chenliu or join his core advisory team, Song Shuo would have been happy, but it wouldn’t have been so dramatic. After all, he knew that his status was low. Although he was the legitimate son of the Song family of Xiangdong and might one day become the clan leader, his family was old and had little influence in Jinling. After the Yong Dynasty moved south, there was a conflict between the northern and southern aristocratic families, and in the end, the Southern Families lost. They weren’t ranked as highly nor were they as powerful as the Northern Families.

Although that conflict was in the past, political exclusion still existed. The Northern Families had banded together and excluded the Southern Families, who had originally been established there. Both sides shared the same mentality: the Northern Families still wanted to return North, while the Southern Families resented them for taking over their territory.

The Song family of Xiangdong was a loser in that conflict. Although someone from their family had always held a position, the most promising and noble heir, Song Shuo, could only serve as a low-ranking clerk in Jinling. He had to serve for three years before he could get promoted, then continue to experience various departments until he reached a high-ranking position like a Deputy Minister. By then, Song Shuo would be over thirty years old.

If he had to endure that long, he would be nearing forty.

It may seem young, but considering the average life expectancy of this time was just over thirty, Song Shuo was likely too weak from birth to even make it to thirty.

What’s more, why did only the Song Family have to endure such treatment? Look at other families, their young masters could become generals at five, following the Emperor’s Chief General around, with higher positions than Song Shuo’s.

Song Shuo had a strange mindset. He was arrogant, but he thought of himself as exceptionally intelligent and worthy of his noble background. Therefore, while he understood the subtle exclusions in the officialdom, he also resisted them. It didn’t matter if the whole world saw his talents, what mattered was that the people he recognized must see them too.

Xiao Rong was one of those he acknowledged. However, Xiao Rong used a step-by-step approach to turn what would have been a reaction from Song Shuo into something that almost made him explode.

Song Shuo didn’t care that he was still an obscure noble son. It was only natural that the King of the North and others would want to recruit him. His mind was full of the fact that Xiao Rong truly recognized his worth.

Had he noticed his otherworldly appearance and astonishing talents?

Xiao Rong: “…”

He really hadn’t noticed.

From the way Song Shuo’s speech had changed, Xiao Rong knew that Song Shuo had taken the bait. As expected, treating him like Song Qianzheng from history was the right approach. When dealing with a fool, you had to use a fool’s method.

How did he transform into the charming person he was known as in history? Could it be that something had happened to him?

It didn’t seem so. When Song Qianzheng died, his whole family attended his funeral, which seemed to indicate that something had happened to their family.

If there was no major change, maybe Song Shuo truly changed with age, as his youthful rebellious phase gradually healed, and he became more mature. He had always been a naturally open and optimistic person, and with his weak health at birth, he lived freely day by day without the pressure others had. Over time, he naturally became a happy person to those around him.

This was good news for Xiao Rong. If Song Shuo had changed overnight, Xiao Rong could target the right treatments, leading him through human tragedies to speed up his transformation. If he had slowly transformed, Xiao Rong doubted whether he would ever see it happen.

 

….

 

No matter which way it was, since Xiao Rong had seen it, Song Shuo couldn’t escape. Regardless of his personality, his talents in state affairs were unquestionable. Besides, who knew what kind of butterfly effect his arrival would cause, leading Song Shuo to serve their enemy earlier? That was impossible. After all, this person even wanted to enter the strange Qingfeng Sect just to take a look.

Did he want to resign and retire? Even if he retired, he would have to do so under Xiao Rong’s watch, within Chenliu City.

 

…

 

Song Shuo rambled on and on, essentially boasting about how impressive he was, but Xiao Rong was in a trance and didn’t hear a word he said. When Song Shuo finally finished, Xiao Rong looked at him blankly for a while. Suddenly, he noticed the sky outside darkening. He immediately stood up, bid farewell to Song Shuo, and said he had to go back.

Song Shuo: “…”

You’re deliberately doing this to me, right?!

 

＊

 

When Xiao Rong and the others returned to their residence, Zhang Biezhi and the others hadn’t come back yet. Xiao Rong had dinner, then stayed in his room practicing calligraphy. The villa was fully equipped, and they even provided free brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. With this in mind, Xiao Rong practiced diligently.

When the servant came to deliver more paper, they started to doubt things. The servant couldn’t help but feel that Xiao Rong was taking advantage of the Grand Marshal’s generosity. Yet… could it be so? Such a handsome young master, how could he do something so demeaning?

 

…

 

The days grew longer in the summer, and by the time Xiao Rong lit his candle, Zhang Biezhi and the others had just entered the villa. As soon as they came in, Xiao Rong heard bickering.

One of them, of course, was Zhang Biezhi, and the other person, surprisingly, was Ah Shu, who always seemed so quiet and well-behaved in Xiao Rong’s eyes.

Ah Shu complained to Zhang Biezhi. “It’s all your fault for insisting on eating outside. We could’ve returned long ago.”

Zhang Biezhi retorted, “I was handling official business. If you wanted to return, you could have gone back yourself. No one stopped you!”

Ah Shu’s face turned red. If he had been given the chance to look after Zhang Biezhi, he would have already returned long ago!

How could there be such shameless people in the world? How much trouble had he caused for others? Didn’t he see it at all?

Xiao Rong pushed open half the window, raising an eyebrow as he watched the person walk in, as if they were heading straight for a confrontation. Ah Shu rarely had moments like this. He quickly passed Zhang Biezhi, and when Zhang Biezhi saw this, he immediately tried to pass him too. Even though the entrance was wide enough, they insisted on squeezing through together, which made Xiao Rong suppress a chuckle.

Their destination was Xiao Rong’s room. He closed the window, sat back, and waited. The wooden door had good soundproofing, but once a shadow appeared outside, Ah Shu’s angry voice suddenly rang out, “Knock on the door first!!”

Zhang Biezhi: “…”

“Knock, then!”

There was a knock on the door. Inside, Xiao Rong raised an eyebrow. It was surprising that no one got angry and tried to break the door down when there was a conflict. It showed that Zhang Biezhi was quite sensible.

Xiao Rong knew that Zhang Biezhi was like this only in front of him, but if he acted this way towards others too, it meant he had really grown up.

After calling them in, the door was immediately pushed open by Zhang Biezhi. He rushed in like he had to claim credit, and quickly cupped his hands towards Xiao Rong. “Xiao Xian, I have the results of my observations!”

When he squeezed in, he nearly knocked Ah Shu to the ground. Hearing this, Ah Shu immediately rolled his eyes without hiding it.

Xiao Rong glanced at Ah Shu, then turned to Zhang Biezhi. “Oh? What results do you have? Tell me.”

Zhang Biezhi said, “The city of Jinling is divided into three parts, all centered around the Imperial Palace. The North City is where the army is stationed and where the poor live, it’s the poorest section. The South City is where the powerful families live, and most officials also reside there. There are many patrols, and anyone who looks too fancy gets immediately driven out. The city has a lot of markets, with tea houses and inns. The East City is mixed, with many thugs on the streets. The foreigners mostly live here.”

Xiao Rong didn’t react much, but Ah Shu was the first to be surprised. He hadn’t done much today other than wandering the streets with Zhang Biezhi. He had been secretly disdaining Zhang Biezhi for being so lazy, but he didn’t expect that Zhang Biezhi had been observing carefully.

Zhang Biezhi seemed to know what Ah Shu was thinking. He glanced back at him, then continued to report to Xiao Rong.

Xiao Rong: “…”

How old is Ah Shu, and how old is Zhang Biezhi? He’s older than Ah Shu, so why bother competing with him?

Then Xiao Rong thought about it. Maybe Zhang Biezhi’s maturity was more like Ah Shu’s, and he let it go.

 

…

 

Zhang Biezhi had just summarized the distribution of power in Jinling. Now he got to the point, and even Xiao Rong stopped looking indifferent. He straightened his back slowly.

“The patrolling soldiers are bullying the common people, but they even dare to bully well-dressed foreigners. I saw a soldier directly take a sack of rice from a cart. The shopkeeper at the rice store just smiled and didn’t dare to say anything. The tea shop next door had a cart of tea, and the soldier took it too.”

Xiao Rong froze.

The shops that were being oppressed by the soldiers clearly didn’t have any powerful background, but taking rice and tea made sense. Tea was a luxury good, but rice was essential for survival. The soldier taking the tea instead of rice was probably because he lacked money, and he needed rice.

Was this just an isolated incident, or was there a problem with the grain distribution in Jinling?

While Xiao Rong was thinking, Zhang Biezhi continued with his next observation. “There are so many foreigners in Jinling, and they’re all from places we’ve expelled. I thought they would never dare to enter the Central Plains again, but they’ve actually gone around and come to the other side of the Han River. These ungrateful drunkards and gluttons, relying on us to drive these people away, think they’re in the clear. They even let those barbarians enter the city!”

Xiao Rong was stunned for a moment. He raised his hand to stop him. “Wait, you’re saying they’re all from the Huns?”

Zhang Biezhi replied, “Yes, the Huns, Wusun, Shanshan, Rouran, Gao Che, and Khitan. The Shanshan and Rouran are the most, and there are even some people from the Kumo Xi tribe. They’re all merchants, just like the Shanshan and Rouran people.”

Xiao Rong: “…”

Xiao Rong had heard of some of these nations, while others he didn’t even know about. Surprised, he asked, “How do you recognize them? By their appearance?”

Zhang Biezhi scratched his head. “I recognized them by their appearance and clothing. I used to deal with these foreigners a lot, so I can tell.”

Xiao Rong asked, “You dealt with them?”

Zhang Biezhi nodded. “I used to be in charge of transporting prisoners.”

Though most of the time, those prisoners had been executed on the spot by orders from Xu Yun.

Xiao Rong: “…”

Xiao Rong was surprised that Zhang Biezhi had such work experience, and that just by transporting prisoners a few times, he could recognize the clothing from so many countries. It showed that Zhang Biezhi’s observational skills and memory were above average.

He had sent him out just to kill time, but unexpectedly, Zhang Biezhi had actually brought back useful information. Xiao Rong, who was usually stingy with praise, immediately expressed that Zhang Biezhi had done well and would reward him once they returned.

Zhang Biezhi felt a little confused. He had only gone out for a walk, he hadn’t personally participated in a battle. To him, this didn’t really count as an achievement, but Xiao Rong kept emphasizing it, and it felt strange to him.

His brother-in-law always wanted to beat him, and his sister always cried in front of him. He’d been in the Northern Military for years, but the king never even gave him a glance. The usually gentle and friendly Gao Xunzhi only shook his head helplessly when he saw him.

Zhang Biezhi thought about it. Every time he appeared in front of Gao Xunzhi, it was after he had caused some trouble, and then Jian Qiao would pull Gao Xunzhi to help him. The only thing Gao Xunzhi could do was shake his head.

He was someone who could reflect on himself. Thinking back, he understood where he had gone wrong. At least today, he realized how good it felt to be praised. It was far better than being scolded with his neck stiffened.

Zhang Biezhi left, and Xiao Rong’s smile slowly faded. He looked at Ah Shu, still standing by the door.

Ah Shu hadn’t come over. He was feeling embarrassed, and Xiao Rong noticed that he was dissatisfied with Ah Shu’s performance today.

Ah Shu pursed his lips and walked over with small steps, then murmured to Xiao Rong, “Lang, I know I was wrong.”

Xiao Rong asked, “What did you do wrong?”

Ah Shu pouted and answered, “I shouldn’t have looked down on others.”

Xiao Rong: “…”

Xiao Rong really needed to be careful around Ah Shu in the future. Look at what he was saying now

Xiao Rong sighed with a mix of amusement and frustration. “Although you did judge people by their appearance, you don’t have to say it like that. You like Zhang Biezhi, so naturally, you’ll have a better opinion of him. I won’t force you to be kind to him, but Ah Shu, let me ask you a question. If another general made you dislike them, would you behave the same way in front of them as you do in front of Zhang Biezhi?”

Ah Shu froze.

Naturally, he wouldn’t.

He was timid and afraid of conflict with others. He was Xiao Rong’s servant, Xiao Rong’s brother, and always felt inferior after stepping out. Ah Shu was used to it, thinking there was nothing wrong with it. He was afraid of civil officials, but even more afraid of military officers, since they carried swords and could kill him without warning.

Zhang Biezhi was also a military officer, but… why wasn’t he afraid of him?

Ah Shu even dared to argue and bicker with him, not scared that Zhang Biezhi might suddenly draw his sword.

It was probably because he knew Zhang Biezhi wouldn’t do that.

Zhang Biezhi was rude, shameless, and had no sense of decency, but even when the Old Lady was about to jump on the roof, he would still take action. He looked down on Xiao Yi, but he also disturbed Ah Shu when he was studying, because Xiao Yi needed his afternoon nap and quiet time. Zhang Biezhi would always invade that space.

 

…

 

Oh, so this was the reason he felt so fearless.

Seeing that Ah Shu seemed to have come to some realization, Xiao Rong waved his hand, telling him to go off and fix his views while he continued to practice calligraphy.

 

…

 

The day felt fulfilling. Divided into groups, the mission was a success, and emotions ran high. Xiao Rong entered the palace alone. The guards wanted to find out what had been said in the palace, and in the end, a few people gathered together, brainstorming, and wrote a secret letter that would satisfy the king. Then they gave it to one person to send out.

However, Xiao Rong had gone to bed early the previous night, and tonight, even though it was already the second watch, he was still awake. The messenger guards outside stayed up with him, their eyes bloodshot. Finally, Xiao Rong blew out the candle.

After the candle went out, he didn’t leave immediately. He waited for a while, then quietly walked toward the door.

Just as he reached the center of the courtyard, there was a creaking sound. A door behind him opened.

Xiao Rong stepped out of the dark room, fully armed.

The messenger guard froze. His colleagues were hiding inside, nervously watching the scene.

Messenger Guard said, “…Master Xiao, I was just going to the bathroom.”

Xiao Rong smiled. “Do you know there’s a fish called a flatfish? Its eyes are on the back of its head.”

The guard looked confused, and Xiao Rong pointed at the back of his own head. “Just like me, my eyes are also on the back of my head. Normally, they serve no purpose, but whenever someone tries to do something sneaky behind my back, I can immediately sense it.”

After saying that, Xiao Rong extended his hand. “Give it to me. Don’t make me say it twice.”

The messenger guard: “…”

He stared at Xiao Rong’s palm for a long time before closing his eyes in despair.

“My Lord, it’s not that I’m incompetent, but you are just too sharp.”

He actually had eyes on the back of his head!!!!

 

Edited by: Antiope

 

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