Chapter 237 Request
The days in Yanjing City were relatively peaceful. The rebellion of Prince Xia caused a great uproar in Yanjing City. The people were only surprised that this heroic and brave general was actually a traitor, and they sighed in their hearts, but they only talked about it for a few days. Some smart people were worried, and they didn't know when the war would end. Most people were indifferent. Qingzhou was still so far away from Yanjing City. It was heard that Yin Zhili mainly led troops in the south of Qingzhou, while Yanjing City was in the north. The emperor was far away, so the people naturally had no sense of crisis in their hearts, and even felt that Yin Zhili's threat was not as great as that of King Cheng.

However, those in the know know that this is not the case. Yin Zhan has been planning for this day for many years. In a way, he actually has more bargaining chips than King Cheng. His soldiers and horses have not relaxed for a single day in the past few decades. Once released, they are like fierce beasts out of a cage, unstoppable. Yin Zhili was trained by Yin Zhan since he was a child. When he was gentle and elegant, he looked like a harmless gentleman. When he was a general, he was a skilled tactician. He was also very smart. He first surrounded the south of Qingzhou. The people of Beiyan had lived in peace for so many years that they had long neglected tactics. They were captured by Yin Zhili in several cities in a row and were thrown into disarray. After Yin Zhili entered the city, he did not let the soldiers burn, kill, and plunder, nor did he bully the people. Instead, he was very reasonable and even wanted to show some kindness. Therefore, the people in the cities he conquered did not resist violently.

If Emperor Hong Xiao was a tyrant, I'm afraid that the past dramas, where the people opened the city gates to welcome the rebels into the city, would have happened. Fortunately, Emperor Hong Xiao was a wise ruler, otherwise it would have been possible to win without fighting with Yin Zhili's method.

The dynasty has changed in the south of Qingzhou. The common people are not very clear about it, but the ministers in the court and the public are very clear about it. Many ministers have other calculations in their minds. Although the little prince won the tit-for-tat with King Cheng, Yin Zhili is not King Cheng. Yin Zhili's biggest reliance is the invincible Yin family soldiers, and the new generals under Emperor Hong Xiao are still immature. There is a Jinwu Army, but it has not been used for many years, and the Jinwu general of that year has died. Although Duke Su Guo went to the battle himself, he has never been on the battlefield, so it is still unknown how likely he is to win.

The court officials were also miserable. With the change of dynasties, each emperor had his own officials. No one wanted to be the one sacrificed. Just after King Cheng left, another Yin Zhili came. It was really a headache.

Ye Shijie told Jiang Li about the affairs of the court. The more critical the situation is, the more people are needed. Some mediocre officials chose to protect themselves, and they were afraid to stand out. However, Ye Shijie was a young man of the right age, full of passion and outspoken, and was increasingly relied upon by Emperor Hong Xiao. Of course, the fact that he was valued so quickly was also closely related to Xue Huaiyuan's guidance behind the scenes.

Ye Shijie said to Jiang Li: "Your father...recently introduced me to several ministers he is on good terms with. From the look of him, he seems to be planning to give in."

He was talking about Jiang Yuanbo.

Jiang Li smiled and said, "At this time, for the Jiang family, being able to retreat unscathed is the best option."

Ye Shijie heard this and nodded, "That's right."

Since Jiang Yuanbai told Jiang Li that he intended to resign, he really started to give in. However, there were many ministers who were on good terms with him, and many of his disciples in the court, so he needed to deal with a lot at once. But he was doing it one by one, especially since Jiang Li thought that Jiang Yuanbai was going to leave some connections for Ye Shijie. After the two brothers Jiang Yuanbai really resigned, many years later, Ye Shijie might be able to occupy a place in the court, and many years later, when the children of the Jiang family entered the officialdom again, they might also be able to get Ye Shijie's care.

This is how the officialdom works. The predecessors plant trees and the descendants enjoy the shade. Jiang Yuanbai did this not necessarily because he liked Ye Shijie very much, but also to leave a way out for the Jiang family. But for Ye Shijie, there is nothing wrong with this. In Jiang Yuanbai's hands, these connections are the death warrant of the Jiang family, but in Ye Shijie's hands, they can be icing on the cake. It is a win-win situation, and there is nothing wrong with it.

"If your father resigns..." Ye Shijie said, "The Jiang family will not stay in Yanjing City. Where are you going?"

Jiang Yuanbai has been the Prime Minister for many years, and he has also blocked the way of many people. Although most of the people who became the right prime minister have been cleared out, there are still some fish that slip through the net. It is inevitable that he will stay in Yanjing City after resigning. Jiang Li shook her head: "Father didn't tell me his plan."

"From what you said," Ye Shijie looked at her, "you are not going to do this?"

"Your Majesty has granted me the marriage," Jiang Li smiled slightly, "I will be in the Duke's Mansion sooner or later, so where else can I go?"

Ye Shijie stared at Jiang Li: "Have you ever thought of other options?"

"I haven't thought of any other options." Jiang Li said with a smile.

She looked very serious and didn't seem to be joking, but Ye Shijie understood. He smiled and whispered, "Sometimes, I really envy him."

His voice was too low for Jiang Li to hear clearly. When Jiang Li wanted to ask again, Ye Shijie had already changed the subject. After talking to Ye Shijie for a while, Jiang Li left. Xiao Hong stood on the lantern and looked at Jiang Li. Without Ji Heng, this noisy starling looked a lot more lonely. She no longer approached people to talk enthusiastically, but was quieter than before.

In the huge Duke's Mansion, there was no longer the sound of General Ji practicing swords. Jiang Li walked into the flower garden. She didn't know if it was her illusion, but she felt that the bright flowers had also dimmed a lot. She didn't know if it was because the wind and snow this year were particularly devastating, or if Jiang Li was reminded of someone she had seen. She only felt that the New Year's Eve that day when she and General Ji, Ji Heng Wenrenyao and others roasted venison was still fresh in her mind, as if it was just yesterday, but now everything has changed, and this year's New Year's Eve is probably not as lively as before.

Xue Zhao was talking to Situ Jiuyue in the flower garden.

After Xue Zhao returned to Yanjing City, he probably realized that he was no longer able to protect the people around him. He followed Ye Mingyu to practice whip skills. Situ Jiuyue gave him some poison. Although the poison would not kill people instantly, it would still cause them great pain. Xue Zhao's whip skills were not very sophisticated yet, and he might hurt himself during practice. If it was a poison that killed people instantly, it would also be very dangerous for him.

Situ Jiuyue and Xue Zhao got along very well. Ye Shijie didn't practice martial arts and had no interest in killing people, and Xue Zhao didn't know much about the affairs of the court, so even though they were of similar age, they couldn't really play together. Jiang Li walked to the edge of the flower garden and saw the shadows of Xue Zhao and Situ Jiuyue. Just as she was about to say hello to them, she heard Xue Zhao say, "Miss Jiuyue, do you think... my brother-in-law is in danger in Qingzhou?"

Situ Jiuyue's voice was calm and even: "There is no place on the battlefield that is not dangerous."

"I'm worried." Xue Zhao's voice was a little muffled. "If my leg wasn't injured, I could go to Qingzhou with you."

"You're going?" Situ Jiuyue said, "The enemies on the battlefield are not just one or two, you're facing tens of thousands of people. If it weren't for the situation, no one would be willing to go to war. Don't make it sound easy."

Xue Zhao looked at her and said, "Miss Jiuyue, when Molan was in turmoil, the war was also very brutal."

Situ Jiuyue was stunned and didn't speak for a long time. Even though she always spoke of her past as if it was a long time ago and she didn't care at all. But the fact is, every time she thought of it, she would still feel palpitations. She could only try not to think about it to make herself look calm. Seeing with her own eyes the people she was familiar with, including the nanny and maid who had served her since she was a child, as well as her parents, brothers and sisters, all gone, how tragic it was.

"Of course." After a long while, Situ Jiuyue replied, "You can't even imagine it."

"Then...have you never thought about revenge?" Xue Zhao asked.

Jiang Li, who was outside, was also slightly startled when she heard this. Just like when she became Miss Jiang Er, the first thing she thought about was how to take revenge on Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong. What about Situ Jiuyue? Witnessing the whole family being killed, had she never thought about revenge?

"How could it be?" Situ Jiuyue's voice became a little cold. She said, "One day, I will return to Molan and take back what belongs to me. But now I am alone and weak, and I still have to rely on others. But I can endure ten, twenty or even thirty years. As long as I am alive, my desire for revenge will not die. When I came to the Duke's Mansion and agreed to work for Ji Heng, it was just because he made a deal with me. When the previous affair was over, he helped me kill his way back to Molan."

Jiang Li was surprised. This time, she really understood the relationship between Situ Jiuyue and Ji Heng. However, Jiang Li always felt that Ji Heng was willing to agree to Situ Jiuyue not just for the sake of a deal or to take advantage of Situ Jiuyue's ability to poison Ji, but because he saw his own shadow in Situ Jiuyue. Perhaps they were in the same boat. Ji Heng was a man who seemed to be ruthless, but if he was really ruthless, he was willing to help others at certain times.

"What's that expression on your face?" While Jiang Li was still in deep thought, Situ Jiuyue's voice came, and she asked, "Do you think I'm cruel and ruthless, or do you think I look down on you because I'm obsessed with revenge?"

"How could that be?" Xue Zhao said, "If someone hurts me or someone around me, I will avenge them at all costs. If you do something wrong, you must pay the price. I think Miss Jiuyue did the right thing. If I were Miss Jiuyue, I would do the same. Miss Jiuyue can see the pros and cons and judge the situation. She would rather lie dormant for many years than act rashly. She will make plans before taking action. I admire this very much. When Miss Jiuyue returns to Molan, I think my whip skills will be good enough, so I can go back with Miss Jiuyue." "You?" Situ Jiuyue sneered, "What does my family's hatred have to do with you? What are you going to do?"

"Miss Jiuyue is my friend." Xue Zhao said seriously, "If a friend needs help, I will naturally help."

After a while, Situ Jiuyue's voice came back, and she said, "You'd better take care of yourself. I don't want to take you with me, and I'm afraid you'll be in danger."

Although she couldn't see Situ Jiuyue's face, she could tell that her voice was full of laughter. Jiang Li turned sideways and smiled as well. No matter what, a good thing had happened in the Duke's Mansion these days, right? As a girl, she could of course see what Situ Jiuyue was thinking, but she didn't know when that fool Ah Zhao would find out. But that was all. Although it was laborious to guess her thoughts, it would be an interesting memory to think about it later. Let them figure it out on their own.

Jiang Li turned and walked away.

……

This war lasted a very long time. Months passed, the New Year passed, and even spring was almost over. The people of Northern Yan finally realized that something was wrong. It was as if they had just seen the true strength of Prince Xia. After losing several cities south of Qingzhou, Yin Zhili established himself as king there and called himself King Xia. The Yin family soldiers were very brave, but no matter how brave they were, they could not cross the other side of the Yongding River in Qingzhou - the Jinwu Army was equally powerful and did not give in.

Ji Heng learned the politics of the court, not how to lead troops to fight, but the Jinwu Army he led was surprisingly good. Unlike the orderly Yin family soldiers, it was said that the Jinwu Army was tough back then. After many years, even the young soldiers back then were now old, and the newly recruited soldiers had difficulty integrating into the army. Logically speaking, such a Jinwu Army might be in name only, but not as good as it was back then. Under such unfavorable conditions, it was surprising that Ji Heng could do so much to prevent the Yin family soldiers from making further progress.

But precisely because of this, it would be extremely difficult for the Jinwu Army to move forward and completely annihilate all of the Yin family's soldiers.

The results of the battles in the front were delivered to Jiang Li every day. Sometimes the Yin family won, sometimes Ji Heng won. The battle report was only a few lines long. Jiang Li could not guess what Ji Heng was like from those lines. She could only think about it in her mind. Sometimes Ji Heng stood up and walked around, and sometimes he sat in the tent drinking tea. In this way, Jiang Yuanbo also dealt with many things in the court and planned to resign in a few days.

On the day he was about to resign, Jiang Li asked Jiang Yuanbai to take her into the palace.

"What are you doing in the palace?" Jiang Yuanbai frowned. Jiang Li was not a person who liked to go to the palace, and she didn't have anyone she knew in the palace.

"I want to see Your Majesty." Jiang Li replied.

"you……"

"Father, don't worry. I'm meeting His Majesty not for the Jiang family's affairs, but for the Duke's Mansion. Ji Heng once told me something and asked me to explain it to His Majesty in person. I think the time has almost come... Father, I won't cause any trouble for the Jiang family."

Jiang Yuanbai looked at Jiang Li for a while, and he felt more and more powerless. He was about to resign, and Ji Heng was the most trusted minister of Emperor Hong Xiao. The imperial edict granting the marriage was almost a warning from Emperor Hong Xiao to him. Jiang Yuanbai could not influence Jiang Li's marriage, nor could he influence Jiang Li as a person. In fact, in a sense, Jiang Li was now a member of the Duke's Mansion, and even the people of the Ye family moved into the Duke's Mansion. What could he do? He could not interfere, and he dared not interfere in the affairs of the Duke's Mansion.

Therefore, Jiang Yuanbai waved his hand and said resignedly: "Forget it, if you want to go, go ahead."

Jiang Li smiled: "Thank you, father."

Jiang Yuanbai was also startled when he suddenly saw Jiang Li smile. Since Ji Heng was on standby for the battle, Jiang Yuanbai rarely saw Jiang Li smile easily. Most of the time, she was staring at the sky in the yard. Without thinking, he knew that she was thinking about Ji Heng. This daughter looked independent and generous, but when she fell in love with someone, she was really like all girls who had a lover.

Jiang Yuanbai couldn't help but probe: "Xiao Li, if we resign and leave Yanjing..."

"Father, let me stay here and look after the Jiang family." Jiang Li replied.

Her eyes were still as clear as they were back then, but Jiang Yuanbo saw her unshakable determination from these gentle words. He was silent for a while before saying, "You have to think it over."

"I've already thought about it."

Jiang Yuanbai looked at Jiang Li steadily, and suddenly he felt confused. Jiang Li's personality reminded him of Ye Zhenzhen who died young. Ye Zhenzhen died early, and he later married Ji Shuran, thinking that he was happy and perfect. He seldom thought of Ye Zhenzhen. But looking at Jiang Li's appearance, he thought that Ye Zhenzhen many years ago was also so stubborn.

At that time, Madam Jiang went to the Ye family to propose marriage. Although the Jiang family was an official family, the Ye family was not very happy at first. They were afraid that Ye Zhenzhen would be wronged because of her merchant family background. But Ye Zhenzhen saw Jiang Yuanbo in the backyard and turned around to tell Madam Ye that she wanted to marry.

After Ye Zhenzhen got married, she took the initiative to tell Jiang Yuanbo about this matter. Jiang Yuanbo laughed at her stupidity in his heart. Women in the world want to show off, for fear that others will look down on them. If you like a man, you have to say only three points out of ten, but Ye Zhenzhen never lies. She told Jiang Yuanbo directly that she really liked him very much.

Jiang Li is not alike Ye Zhenzhen in the past. She is much more rational and cunning. But now she is very similar to Ye Zhenzhen. They are both equally frank and do not hide their feelings at all. They say whatever they think.

Is this a good thing? Jiang Yuanbai thought vaguely that the reason why Ye Zhenzhen did not have a good ending was because she was plotted against by Ji Shuran. In the final analysis, it was all because of him. But Jiang Yuanbai also admitted in his heart that it was because of Ye Zhenzhen's unreserved love that he actually looked down on Ye Zhenzhen in his heart.

What about Ji Heng? What would Ji Heng do when he saw Jiang Li express her feelings so frankly? Would he look down on Jiang Li like he did, or even let her down?
He looked at his daughter in front of him. The girl was slender and gentle, but the determination between her brows could not be shaken in the slightest.

Forget it, Jiang Yuanbai sighed in his heart, this is all fate. How can he, a mere mortal, understand what fate is like?

His back was slightly hunched, and he said, "Then do as you wish."

Jiang Li smiled: "Thank you, father."

(End of this chapter)