The Demon Lords

Chapter 472 2 - The Sky is High and the Birds Can Fly-2

With money, provisions, popular support, and territory in hand, the only concern in the early years was the central government's wariness, hence the continuous caution. This time, the Yan people attacked Qian State, fighting their way to the imperial capital. The Qian Emperor issued the King's Order, and it can be said that the prestige of Qian State's central authority has been utterly swept away. Prestige, this thing, seems useless but actually has its uses. Once Zu Zhuming returns, you just watch. The Zu family army will certainly no longer hold back; recruiting soldiers and expanding their strength is an inevitable matter. I have met Zu Zhuming. He appears gentle and possesses the air of a cultured commander, but in reality, he is a dragon among men, with great depth and cunning. People who have drifted at sea—much like you Yan people galloping across the desert—having seen the vastness of the sky and sea, their hearts naturally grow wilder.

Furthermore, take the previous great clans of Yan, for example. Their foundation was overly reliant on the commoners. They believed that by controlling the commoners' lands, they could truly shepherd the people on behalf of the Son of Heaven. In reality, it was mere wishful thinking. Every Yan Emperor undoubtedly wanted to move against them; it's just that the current Emperor found the opportunity. When it was time to act, the hundred thousand troops of the Northern Garrison swept away Yan's great clans in little more than a month. TSK. Therefore, one must stand firmly on two legs. One must learn from the Zu family, not the Zhong family, and certainly not from Yan's great clans, who dreamed of being the Ji Family's right and left arms, mutually supporting and coexisting.

"You're right."

"Of course, you might have already thought of what I'm about to say. From our first meeting to our journey back to Yan together, and having lived here for so long, let me be frank. When I observe others, the higher their position and power, the greater their ambition. Only when they lay eyes on that dragon throne do they begin to imagine what it would feel like to sit upon it. But you all are different. It seems you were determined from the very beginning to commit acts of rebellion."

The blind man smiled and said, "Actually, that's not quite it."

"It's not?"

"It's just that we felt living a muddled and dull life would be far too uninteresting. We figured, since we've been given this rare chance to exist in this world, we should at least make our lives a bit more exciting, fulfilling, and free. To achieve that freedom, one must climb. There's no other way. It's not that we necessarily want to do anything rebellious. To be honest with you, the imperial throne, for us, for my master, truly doesn't hold that much attraction. Yet, perhaps it sounds pretentious, but we long for a day when truly no one can hold us down, so we can live freely. Only then, when lying here basking in the sun like this, will there be no dark clouds obscuring the sky above."

"You're just beating around the bush; it still amounts to the same thing," Wen Sutong grumbled.

The blind man nodded somewhat abashedly. "Indeed, it is the same meaning."

"Actually, I don't have very high hopes for you."

"I know."

"But I've already thrown caution to the wind. At my age, I've long made peace with life and death. Now, I don't even aspire to a good reputation after I'm gone. So, I can indulge my whims, observe freely, and treat it all as mere entertainment.

Speaking of these Wen Family youngsters, they may not be skilled in riding or archery, and they lack martial prowess, but they are family nonetheless. After I entered official life, I weathered the storms of bureaucracy and ultimately managed a peaceful retirement. The fundamental reason is that I am one of the few pragmatists in Qian State's officialdom.

I dislike empty talk. When I was at the Ministry of Revenue, I personally calculated finances and provisions. At the Ministry of Works, I personally visited the Workshops. At the Canal Bureau, I personally inspected the river embankments. No matter how fierce the court struggles, or which faction held power, there always had to be people who could, and would, actually get things done.

A skilled craftsman won't starve in a famine year; the same principle applies to being an official.

These Wen Family youngsters may lack profound worldly talents, but after joining the army, they are quite adept at clerical work and handling documents. That's due to my family's upbringing; they've all been thoroughly trained.

In the future, if your master is appointed as a city governor in a remote posting, he'll need people who understand practical administrative affairs to assist him. It'll be more convenient. When all's said and done, we're relatives, and in the same boat now."

"Indeed, indeed."

Just then, the sound of several horses came from outside.

The blind man said, "The master is back."

"Heh," Wen Sutong chuckled. "What I find most peculiar is this: you are clearly blind and cannot see, yet you seem to perceive everything. This isn't something that can be explained away by the old saying that 'the blind see clearly with their hearts.'"

"That's exactly how it is," the blind man replied.

Yuexin personally brought over another recliner and brewed fresh tea. After Zheng Fan arrived and lay down, Yuexin moved another chair for Siniang, then stood by to attend to them.

Zheng Fan touched his teacup. Siniang understood, rose, fetched some ice cubes, and brought a large bowl.

Hot water was poured in, then ice cubes were added. Zheng Fan picked it up and downed the entire large bowlful.

As Wen Sutong watched Zheng Fan, he couldn't help but remark, "Youths are full of vigor, after all."

When one is truly thirsty, tea doesn't quite cut it.

Zheng Fan lay down again. To tell the truth, although the sunlight overhead was pleasant, being sandwiched between this old and young pair of sly individuals actually sent a shiver down his spine.

"The commendations for meritorious service have been announced," Zheng Fan said. "Originally, I could have been directly promoted to Guerrilla General. However, it's said that Zhao Jiulang suggested I be assigned as a city prefect in the newly acquired Jin land."

Speaking of this, Zheng Fan couldn't help but laugh. This was truly a case of a pillow being delivered right when he was feeling sleepy—a most timely boon.

"That's wonderful!" Wen Sutong said joyfully, continuing, "The newly acquired Jin land is indeed unstable, both in terms of popular sentiment and the general situation. It appears challenging, but in reality, it offers great freedom. If you want to be an official and live a stable life, then staying under Hui Wenzu in Yinlang County would naturally be most suitable. As long as Hui Wenzu has meat to eat, you'll never be without soup."