novelraw Chapter 788: Obtain - 766: Trust
Chapter 788: Obtain - 766: Trust
The conversation between Xie Jue and the Grand Marshal ended on a sour note. The idea of sending Fang Chuning to Zhongzhou was a recent thought of Xie Jue’s; it had never crossed his mind during the early days of Xie Xun’s ascension. It was only after the Beiman intrusion, while Xie Jue was studying the power dynamics between Ningzhou, the Twelve Provinces, Zhongzhou, and the capital region, that the notion of Fang Chuning going to Zhongzhou suddenly struck him.
The Chen Family in Zhongzhou had always harbored rebellious ambition. Neither he nor Xie Xun cared much for how loyal the Chen Family truly was—an untrustworthy general could always be replaced. Among the many generals aligned with Ningzhou, both he and Zhixu had their preferred candidates. Yet, over time, Xie Jue began to seriously consider sending Fang Chuning to Zhongzhou.
He understood that the Grand Marshal had been grooming Fang Chuning for the Jiangnan Army. However, if Sannan was to be recovered and the Jiangnan garrison reduced, Fang Chuning being stationed in Jiangnan would no longer hold any value. For Fang Chuning to showcase his talents, Zhongzhou was the only viable option. Moreover, the influence of the Fang Family in Jiangnan had to be curtailed; a new heir could be installed in their place. Jiangnan was the economic hub, not a military stronghold. The new dynasty’s strategy required adjustment. While ensuring the stability of Xie Xun’s regime, Xie Jue also hoped that Fang Chuning could fully utilize his abilities and not let his talents go to waste.
The first probing attempt with the Grand Marshal had ended unpleasantly, yet Xie Jue remained composed—it was entirely within his expectations. He had known from the beginning that he would be refused, yet he approached the Grand Marshal anyway, mainly to prepare him mentally in advance.
In the future, if any issues arose between him and Fang Chuning that came to the Grand Marshal’s attention, Xie Jue preferred the Grand Marshal to view him as the primary culprit. That way, perhaps Fang Chuning would escape some of the blame.
What Xie Jue hadn’t anticipated was how his words to the Grand Marshal would be completely misunderstood.
After returning to the campsite, he summoned Fang Chuning without delay and directly asked, "Previously, you argued with Ting Feng and nearly severed all ties. Was it because he intended to send you to garrison Zhongzhou?"
Fang Chuning froze. "I’m going to Zhongzhou?"
How come he had no idea?
"You didn’t know?"
"Did Father and Ting Feng discuss something?" Fang Chuning asked suspiciously. He was aware that Xie Jue had met with Father, although he didn’t know what had been discussed. All he knew was that Father returned with an unpleasant expression—a detail Xiaoqi had secretly informed him of, warning him not to irritate Father further. Fang Chuning had assumed the meeting wouldn’t involve anything major. Could it be that the topic of his future prospects had infuriated Father? But Ting Feng had never mentioned sending him to Zhongzhou.
When had this decision been made?
"Ting Feng sought me out. He hopes that after the envoy returns, you will take up the garrison in Zhongzhou. Father refused outright!" the Grand Marshal informed Fang Chuning of the outcome directly.
Fang Chuning chuckled mirthlessly. "This is my future, and yet when you were making decisions, did anyone consult my opinion? Father, whether it’s Jiangnan or Zhongzhou, you’ve all already decided. Does my will matter so little?"
"What! You actually want to go to Zhongzhou?" The Grand Marshal was infuriated. "Do you have any idea what that would mean? Has there been enough time since the rebellion at Marquis Zhenbei Mansion? The royal succession has barely settled, the flames of war have only just died down, and the precarious stability of the court will once again descend into chaos. If you go to Zhongzhou, you’ll completely dismantle the decades of painstaking effort the Fang Family has invested, leaving yourselves vulnerable to external forces. Back then, if Ting Feng had passively accepted his fate without defying orders and rushing back to Ningzhou for reinforcements, we wouldn’t even be standing here today! The lessons of the prior dynasty must be remembered—we must not repeat such tragedies!"
Fang Chuning fell into silence. This matter required careful contemplation. What puzzled him even more was why Ting Feng would not consult him on such an important thing, directly discussing it with Father instead. Judging by Father’s towering fury, Ting Feng’s stance must have been resolute.
"This is a matter for after the envoy’s return. It’s not urgent to resolve now. I’ll find Ting Feng and get to the bottom of this. No matter what, I trust him—he won’t harm me."
The Grand Marshal was dumbfounded. "Xie Tingfeng wouldn’t harm you? Does that mean I would?"