“Have you come up with any ideas?”

In the dimly lit room late at night, Ning Yi's words, though a question, weren't delivered too formally. After speaking, he sat down in a chair. The others in the room looked at each other, but for a moment, no one answered.

Since the opening of the Zhu Ji (Bamboo Shop) and its continued growth, Ning Yi had gathered quite a few advisors and talents around him. Their life experiences might differ from those of Yao Zunian, Jueming, Ji Kun, Cheng Zhouhai, and other outstanding figures of the time. This was because in this era, knowledge itself was an extremely important resource, and the process of transforming knowledge into wisdom was hard to define. In such times, those who could excel were often individuals with exceptional abilities, mostly relying on self-study and self-summarization.

Like large, wealthy families, those with knowledgeable individuals who could mentor their children often had a higher success rate. The children of ordinary families, even if they managed to save money for education, often lacked deep understanding. Their knowledge was difficult to transform into personal wisdom. Even if a few intelligent individuals could manage some transformation, they often lacked the background or ability to recover from small mistakes early in their careers. To reach the top, mistakes and setbacks were an indispensable part of the process.

The advisors Ning Yi chose were generally of this type. They might not stand out in others' eyes, but they systematically followed Ning Yi's lead, learning how to do things, gradually mastering scientific methods, and relying on relatively rigorous collaboration to unleash the immense power of the group. Only after the road became smoother did they attempt some unconventional ideas. Even if they failed, they would be tolerated by everyone, preventing them from being discouraged. Such individuals, without the system, collaborative methods, and information resources, might struggle, but within Ning Yi's Zhu Ji system, most could play a role far exceeding their capabilities.

These were the most outstanding of the advisors, working overtime these past few nights to review and summarize information.

But even with strong abilities, a skilled cook can't make a meal without rice.

"...We believe that the two ideas we discussed earlier are unlikely to work... We've collected too little information about the internal affairs of the Jin people. There might be some minor discord between Zongwang and Nianhan, but... trying to provoke them to influence the overall situation in Taiyuan... is ultimately too difficult. After all, we not only lack information, but we are also fifteen days away from Zongwang's army..."

The advisor at the front looked at Ning Yi, somewhat embarrassed to say these words. Ning Yi consistently demanded strict standards and had been known to lose his temper. He firmly believed that there were no miraculous schemes; as long as the conditions were right, taking things step by step made even the most bizarre plans possible. This time, they were discussing the matter of Taiyuan. One external direction was to use espionage or various small means to interfere with the Jin upper echelons, making them more inclined to voluntarily withdraw their troops. After the direction was proposed, everyone had engaged in some fanciful discussions.

But clearly, this time, these ideas had no chance of success. The three elements of time, distance, and information were all in unfavorable states, not to mention the lack of penetration of the Secret Intelligence Division into the Jurchen upper echelons. They didn't even have ideal tentacles to extend.

Ning Yi didn't speak, rubbing his forehead to express his understanding. He also looked a bit tired. The others exchanged glances. After a moment, an advisor from the rear walked over. He held a document for Ning Yi. "East Owner, I found something while reviewing the files tonight that might be used to put pressure on some people on Cai Prime Minister's side. Previously, Yan Zheng held himself quite upright, but..."

These people might be older than Ning Yi, but over the past few years, they had gradually developed respect for him. The other party brought the document, not necessarily believing it was truly useful, but mainly to show Ning Yi their progress. Ning Yi looked at it, listened to the other party's explanation, and then the two exchanged a few words before Ning Yi nodded.

"Summarize it well, but as mentioned before, the core this time is still with His Majesty. The ultimate goal is to have the confidence to persuade His Majesty. Startling the snake is not good, and we cannot be reckless." He paused, his voice not loud. "As I always say, we cannot act rashly until we have a complete plan. The Secret Intelligence Division is an intelligence system. If it's used as a bargaining chip in political struggles, everyone will be in danger, and regardless of right or wrong, we will be asking for trouble... But this is good, record it first."

The advisor nodded in agreement and went back. Ning Yi looked at the map above. When he stood up, his gaze became clear again.

"It seems there are still half a months left." He looked back at everyone and said calmly, "It would be good if we could find a solution. If not, we will have another opportunity when the Jurchens forcefully attack Taiyuan. I know everyone is tired, but there is no turning back at this level, and we can't complain. Let's do our best."

He smiled, "Rest early."

He went out of the room. Looking up from the courtyard on the first floor, he saw the quiet night sky. The fifteenth moon was round, as crystal clear as a pool of amber. Ning Yi returned to his room on the second floor. Juan'er was tidying up the room, then brought a pot of hot tea, said a few words in a low voice, and then retreated, closing the door.

Ning Yi sat behind his desk, picked up a writing brush, and thought for a while. On the desk was an unfinished letter, a letter to his wife.

"...The people at home need not return to the capital for the time being..."

After thinking for a while, he wrote:

"...Although the war is over, the aftermath remains. The situation in the capital is complex, and I cannot yet see a clear direction. From the fact that Old Qin's request to resign was rejected, it is clear that the old man is still in the Emperor's good graces. However, I still feel that there is something strange. Several clues contradict my initial assumptions, but I have not been able to see clearly. Furthermore, I have received several hints that there are signs of court disputes and factional struggles. This was expected, but I do not know the scale. This matter has had too great an impact. If new people want to rise to power, the old men will ultimately refuse to step down. If they refuse to step down, there may be a fight.

Taiyuan plays a pivotal role in the current situation in the capital, and it is highly likely to become the deciding factor. I have no certainty in my heart and am quite anxious. Fortunately, some things are shared by Wen Fang and Juan'er. Thinking about it carefully, the Secret Intelligence Division is a sharp weapon in Qin Prime Minister's hands. Although I have tried my best to avoid using it for political struggles, if things break out in the capital, the other party will definitely be wary. My attention is now in the north, while you are in the south. The transfer of intelligence summarization personnel can be handled by you. With you taking care of it, I can rest assured.

Since returning to the capital, my diet has been good. I suffered some minor injuries on the battlefield, but they have already healed. I'm afraid I've gained a couple of pounds in the past few days. The need for desperate measures has passed, so you don't need to worry too much. A few days ago, I dreamed of you and Xi'er, Xiaochan and the children, Yunzhu, and Jin'er. The scene was vaguely the very hot south. At that time, the war was probably over, and everyone was safe and happy. Perhaps this is the future. Xiaochan's child has not yet been named. Please apologize to her for me. Please reassure the others at home for me as well..."

He finished writing this long letter, read it through, and there were several places he really wanted to modify. The writing brush paused for a while, but in the end, he did not modify it. After stuffing it into an envelope, he sat at the desk and thought for a while.

The lights were on late into the night, past midnight, until the moon set in the west and dawn approached, the lights in that window finally went out...

The following half month in the capital was a half month of joy and celebration.

Large-scale awards for meritorious service had begun, and many military figures received rewards. This time, the military merits naturally belonged to the several Imperial Guard units that defended the city and the Wu Rui Camp outside the city. Many heroic figures were recommended, such as some of the generals who died defending the city, such as Long Hui and others who sacrificed outside the city. Many of their families were rushing to the capital to receive awards, and there were also parades through the streets, held every few days.

The rewards, as temporarily determined, were still related to material things. As for how promotions would be made based on military merits, it was not yet clear. Currently, more than 100,000 troops were gathered near Bianliang. Whether they would be disbanded and reorganized or follow some other procedure was being discussed in the court, but all parties were delaying the decision, not wanting a conclusion to be reached for the time being.

No one knew if they would be mobilized again in the next month or two to deal with some problems that no one wanted to see.

In this joy and celebration, the weather in Bianliang had gradually begun to warm. Due to the deaths of many young men, some obstacles in the operation of society had begun to appear. The livelihood of the entire Bianliang city was still in a state of uncertainty that seemed not to have landed. During Ning Yi's travels, the grassroots propaganda and agitation were smooth and spectacular, while the efforts to get the Wu Rui Camp to send troops to Taiyuan had all gone to zero. The official forces in the court seemed to be in a state of deliberate stagnation. Everyone was watching, and no matter who exerted force in which direction, the same resistance seemed to be fed back.

Amidst all of this, the emperor was also silent. In some ways, Ning Yi could still understand his silence. But many times, when he saw the relatives of those who died in the war, when he saw those waiting for work but receiving no feedback, especially when he saw those dismembered soldiers—these people in Xia Village had fearlessly charged the rebel army, some even continuing to kill enemies after falling. However, after the fervor subsided, they would face the hardships of the rest of their lives—he could not help but feel ironic. The sliver of a gap that so many people sacrificed and struggled to create was gradually being lost in the game of interests and cold observation.

And even more ironic was that he understood that others might view them in the same way: They only won a battle and now they want to stir up trouble, want to continue fighting, seek power, and have no sense of the big picture, not knowing how to share the country's burdens...

When the first spring rain fell, Ning Yi was surrounded by numerous trivial matters. He ran back and forth between the city and the outside, and the melting rain and snow brought more cold. On the city streets, hidden behind the propaganda of heroes was a sense of disharmony as many families had changed. It was as if there was faint crying within, only because it was too lively outside, and the court had promised a large amount of compensation. The orphans and widows looked blankly, not knowing whether to cry for a time.

In order to talk to people about things, Ning Yi went to Fan Lou (a brothel) several times. In the cold of early spring, the lights in Fan Lou were either cozy or warm, and the silk and bamboo music was chaotic but pleasing, strangely giving a feeling of being detached from this land. In fact, many of the things he was secretly discussing were just moves in a chess game. The extension of the flags on the map in the Zhu Ji meeting room, the method that could decisively change the situation, was still not there. He could only wait.

As Zongwang's army continued to advance, the delay in receiving each piece of information became longer. It was again the second day of the second lunar month, the Dragon Raises Its Head. It began to rain in the capital. By the morning of the third day, it was still raining. In the afternoon, the rain stopped. In the evening, the air after the rain carried a refreshing coolness. Ning Yi stopped working, opened the window to let the wind blow in, and then he went out and sat down on the roof.

The blue sky was as clear as if it had been washed, and the sunset was also as bright and clear as if it had been washed. It shone from the west, and the air smelled of rainbows. Someone on the opposite pavilion also opened the window to look out. In the courtyard below, people came out and sat down to watch this refreshing sunset scenery. Some still had tea in their hands. They were mostly Zhu Ji's advisors.

For a time, everyone looked at the beautiful scenery, and no one spoke.

The sky traveled thousands of miles north.

The snow had not yet melted. Taiyuan City was still immersed in a pale, snow-covered scene. At some point, a commotion rang out.

Officials and generals rushed to the city walls. The sunset gradually disappeared. In the Jurchen military camps across the way, a large-scale troop movement had begun at some point.

That movement never stopped...

Troops from the south were constantly being added under the city. Infantry, cavalry, flags fluttering. The siege equipment that Zong Han had stockpiled during this time was pushed out one by one. Qin Shaohe rushed to the city walls, looking south towards Bianliang. The reinforcements they were waiting for were still nowhere in sight...

On the fourth day of the second lunar month, Zongwang shot over a letter of surrender, demanding that Taiyuan open the city gates, saying that the Wu Dynasty Emperor had promised to cede this place during the first negotiations...

On the fifth day, the heavens and earth changed color in Taiyuan City. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to (起点) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Read.)

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