"Have you thought of any ideas?"
In the middle of the night, the lights in the room flickered slightly. Although Ning Yi's question was a question, it was not too formal. After he finished speaking, he sat down on a chair. The other people in the room looked at each other, but for a moment, no one answered.
Ever since he opened Takeshi and continued to grow, Ning Yi had gathered a lot of talented advisors around him. Their life experiences and experiences might be different from Yao Zunian, Jueming, Ji Kun, and Cheng Zhouhai. This was because in this era, knowledge itself was an extremely important resource, and the process of transforming knowledge into wisdom was even more difficult. In this era, those who could stand out were usually individuals with outstanding abilities, and most of them relied on self-study and the ability to make conclusions on their own.
For example, in a large family, there were knowledgeable people in the family who would guide the children in the family and teach them according to their aptitude, and the success rate would be higher. For ordinary children of ordinary families, even if they managed to save up money to study, it would be difficult for them to transform knowledge into their own wisdom if they did not seek to understand. Even if there were a few smart people who could transform a little, they would often have no background and no ability to turn things around if they made a small mistake. If a person really wanted to reach the top, mistakes and setbacks were an indispensable part of it.
The advisors that Ning Yi chose were mostly people like this. They might not be outstanding in the eyes of others, but they systematically learned from Ning Yi, grasped scientific methods step by step, relied on relatively strict cooperation, and unleashed the great power of the group. When the road was smoother, they would try some outrageous ideas. Even if they failed, they would be tolerated by everyone, and they would not be defeated after a setback. These kinds of people, if they left the system, cooperation methods, and information resources, perhaps they would be a bit clumsy, but in Ning Yi's Bamboo Record System, most people could display a role that far exceeded their abilities.
These few nights, the ones who were still working overtime to check and organize the information were the top few advisors.
But no matter how capable they were, they could not cook without rice.
"… We don't think that the possibility of the two ideas we discussed earlier is high … We have too little information on the Gold Men. There might be some animosity between Zong Wang and Zhe Han, but … it's too difficult to provoke them and affect the overall situation in Taiyuan. After all, not only do we not have enough information, but we are also fifteen days away from Zong Wang's army …"
The advisor at the front looked at Ning Yi and said this with some difficulty. Ning Yi had always been strict with them, and it was not that he had never lost his temper. He firmly believed that there were no bizarre schemes. As long as the conditions were right and they walked step by step, no matter how bizarre the schemes were, it was not impossible. This time they were discussing the matter of Taiyuan. One way to deal with the outside world was to use spies or all kinds of small tricks to disturb the upper echelons of the Jin people, so that they would be more inclined to take the initiative to retreat. After the direction was put forward, everyone still went through some whimsical discussions.
However, it was clear that none of these ideas could be realized this time. Time, distance, and information were all at a disadvantage. Not to mention that the Office of Secret Investigations did not have enough infiltration of the upper echelons of the Jurchen people. They did not even have an ideal tentacle to extend.
Ning Yi did not speak. He rubbed his forehead and expressed his understanding. He also looked a little tired. Everyone looked at each other. After a while, an advisor walked over from the back. He gave something to Ning Yi. "Boss, I went through the files tonight and found something that might be used to control the people on Grand Preceptor Cai's side. Yan Zheng was quite upright earlier, but …"
These people might be older than Ning Yi, but they had gradually gotten along with him over the years and were very respectful of him. They might not have brought something because they thought it was useful, but mainly because they wanted to show Ning Yi the progress he had made. Ning Yi looked and listened to the other's words and explanations. Then, the two sides exchanged a few words before Ning Yi nodded.
"It's done now, but like I said before, the core this time is still on His Majesty's side. The final goal is to have the confidence to persuade His Majesty. It's not good to alert the enemy, and we cannot be rash. " He paused and said in a low voice, "It's still the same. Before we have a complete plan, we cannot act recklessly. The Office of Secret Investigations is an intelligence system. If we use it as a bargaining chip for politics, everyone will be in danger. Whether right or wrong, we will be asking for trouble … But this is good. Record it first. "
The aide nodded in agreement and walked back. Ning Yi looked at the map above. When he stood up, his eyes became clear again.
"It looks like there's still half a month." He looked back at everyone and said calmly, "It's good if we can find a way, but if we can't, we will still have another chance when the Jurchen people attack Taiyuan. I know everyone is tired, but there is no way out for this level of things, and we can't complain about it. Just do your best. "
He smiled and said, "Rest early."
He walked out of the room and looked up from the courtyard on the first floor. It was a quiet night. The full moon was like a pool of amber. Ning Yi returned to his room on the second floor. Juan 'er was tidying up the room and then brought in a pot of hot tea. She whispered a few words and left, closing the door.
Ning Yi sat behind his desk and thought for a while with a brush. There was an unfinished letter on the table. It was written to his wife.
"… Everyone in the family doesn't have to return to the capital for the time being …"
After thinking for a while, he wrote this:
"… Although the war is over, the aftermath is not over. The situation in the capital is complicated, and I still can't see the direction. From the rejection of Elder Qin's resignation, it can be seen that the old man is still in the Emperor's heart. However, I still feel that something is strange. There are a few clues that are contrary to what I originally thought, but I can't see clearly. Also, I've received several rumors that there are already signs of a struggle in the court. This is expected, but I don't know the scale. The impact of this matter is too great. If a new person wants to take the position, the old people will not be willing to step down. If they are not willing, there may be a fight.
Taiyuan plays an important role in the situation in the capital, and it is very likely to become a decisive factor. I am not sure and am quite anxious. Fortunately, I have Wen Fang and Juan 'er to share some of the burden. Thinking about it, the Bureau of Secret Investigations is a sharp weapon in Prime Minister Qin's hands. Although he has tried to avoid using it in politics, if the matter in the capital starts, the other side will certainly be afraid. Right now my attention is in the north, and you are in the south. The plan has already been prepared, and with you looking after it, I can rest assured.
Since returning to the capital, I have been eating well. The minor injuries I suffered on the battlefield have already healed, and I've probably gained another two kilograms in the last few days. The matter of having to risk my life is over, and you don't have to worry too much. A few days ago, I dreamed of you and Xi 'er, Xiaochan and the child, Yunzhu, and Jin' er. The scene was vaguely in the very hot south. At that time, the war was over, and everyone was safe and happy. Perhaps it was a future scene, but Xiaochan's child has not yet been named. Please apologize to her on my behalf, and please comfort the other family members on my behalf … "
He finished writing the long letter and looked it over. There were a few places that he wanted to change. His brush stopped for a while, but in the end, he did not change them. After stuffing the letter into the envelope, he sat in front of the table and thought for a while.
The lights were still on in the night, long past the Zi hour. It was not until the early morning when the moon was setting in the west and dawn was about to break that the lights in the window were extinguished …
The following half a month was a joyous and lively half a month in the capital.
Large-scale meritorious awards had begun, and many military figures had been rewarded. This time, the military meritorious awards were naturally led by the imperial guards guarding the city and the Wu Rui Battalion outside the city. Many heroes were recommended, such as some generals who died defending the city, such as Long Hui and the others who sacrificed themselves outside the city. Many of their families were coming to the capital to be rewarded. There were also events such as parading on horses in the streets, which were held every few days.
For the time being, the rewards had been decided on the material aspect. As for the military meritorious awards and promotion, it had not been decided yet. Now, more than a hundred thousand troops were gathered near Bianliang. Whether they should be broken up and recast or follow some rules was also being discussed in the imperial court. However, all parties maintained an attitude of procrastination, and did not want to have a final conclusion for the time being.
No one knew whether they would be sent out to deal with some problems that no one wanted to see in the next month or two.
In such a festive and lively atmosphere, the weather in Bianliang had gradually begun to warm up. Due to the death of a large number of young and strong men, some of the obstacles in the operation of society had begun to appear. The people of the entire Bianliang City were still in a seemingly unsettled state. While Ning Yi was running around, the propaganda and incitement of the lower class were smooth sailing and vigorous, and the efforts of the Wu Rui Battalion to send troops to Taiyuan were all in vain. The officials and forces in the imperial court seemed to be in a state of stagnation with ulterior motives. Everyone was watching. No matter who tried, in which direction, the same resistance seemed to be fed back.
In the midst of it, the Emperor was also silent. From a certain point of view, Ning Yi could understand his silence. It was just that many times, when he saw the relatives of those who died in battle, saw those who waited to do something but did not get any feedback, especially those soldiers with broken limbs. These people had fearlessly charged against the resentful army in Xia Village, and some did not stop killing the enemy even after they fell. However, after their hot blood stopped for a while, what they would face might be hardships for the rest of their lives. He could not help but find it ironic. The sliver of a gap that so many people had struggled and sacrificed for was gradually disappearing in the game of interests and the indifferent onlookers.
Even more ironic was that he knew in his heart that other people might also think of them in the same way: after winning a battle, they wanted to make trouble, wanted to continue fighting, and wanted power. They did not know the big picture at all, did not know how to share the burden of the country …
When the first spring rain fell, Ning Yi was only surrounded by many trivial matters. He ran both inside and outside the city. The rain and snow melted, bringing more coldness. On the streets of the city, behind the propaganda of heroes, there was a sense of disharmony that many families had changed, as if there were faint cries. However, because it was too lively outside, and the imperial court had promised a large amount of compensation, the orphans and widows watched in a daze, not knowing whether they should cry or not.
In order to discuss matters with people, Ning Yi went to Fan Lou a few times. In the chilly spring cold, the lights in Fan Lou were warm or cozy, and the music was messy but pleasing to the ear. It strangely gave one a feeling of being away from this land. In reality, many of the things he discussed in secret were all idle chess pieces. There was still no way to decisively change the situation on the map in Takeshi's Conference Hall. He could only wait.
As Zong Wang's army continued to advance, the delay in the arrival of each message grew longer. It was the second day of February again. The dragon raised its head, and it began to rain in the capital. On 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 his work and opened the window to enjoy the wind. Then he went out and sat down on the roof of the building.
The blue sky was like it had been washed, and the setting sun was so bright and clear that it seemed to have been washed. It shone from the west, and the air had the scent of a rainbow. There were also people in the opposite building who opened their windows and looked out. In the courtyard below, people walked out and sat down, admiring the refreshing sunset. There were also people holding cups of tea in their hands. Most of them were Takeshi's advisors.
For a moment, no one spoke as they gazed at the beautiful scenery.
The sky was a thousand li to the north.
The snow had not yet melted. Taiyuan City was still immersed in a snow-covered whiteness. At some point, there was a disturbance.
The officials and generals charged onto the city walls. The setting sun gradually disappeared. At some point, the Jurchen camp on the other side had begun to show signs of large-scale troop movements.
The signs did not stop …
The troops that came from the south were constantly replenishing their numbers. Infantry, cavalry, and banners fluttered in the wind. The siege equipment that Zong Han had stockpiled over this period of time was being pushed out one by one. Qin Shaohe charged onto the city walls and gazed south at Bianliang. The reinforcements that he had been waiting for were still far away …
On the fourth day of February, Zong Wang sent a letter of surrender, requesting that Taiyuan open the city gates. He said that the emperor of the Wu dynasty had promised to cede this land during the first negotiations …
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