Free Web NovelChapter 1334: Chapter 26 Changle
Mingling the ways of the Hundred Schools of Thought, grand and vast, different for every individual. The Crown Prince only spoke in generalities, and Jiang Wang was left to speculate about the path of the Emperor Qi.
However, he suddenly thought of something.
In retrospect, when he killed Dong Ah, it was indeed a perfect opportunity, striking right at Zhuang Country’s vulnerability.
Otherwise, with the momentum from their great victory over Yong Country and Du Ruhui stepping down by following the trend, Dong Ah would have continued the line of governance. Dong Ah’s governance skills are undeniable, with an even stronger position as State Minister of Zhuang Country, the Outer Building would be unworried, even possibly attaining the opportunity to realize a divine presence. And once Du Ruhui was free from his official duties, he might well become a True Man!
When he infiltrated Xin’an City at night and killed Dong Ah, he did not merely kill Dong Ah.
He also severed Du Ruhui’s path!
And broke the positive cycle in the position of State Minister of Zhuang Country. freewebnσvel.cѳm
It would take many years for Du Ruhui to find another Dong Ah fit to carry on the governance.
"Does the Crown Prince mean to say, the death of Han Yin was not as simple as it seems?" Jiang Wang, connecting this to what he had seen in Yong Country, seriously asked: "Was it not solely by Zhuang Gaoxian’s hand?"
This question’s answer was naturally important to him. Based on it, he could judge the true strength of Zhuang Gaoxian.
But Jiang Wuhua just shook his head and smiled slightly: "I didn’t say anything."
His smile was already an answer.
Yong Country, far across the Western Territory, falling entirely within Qi Country’s view, didn’t surprise Jiang Wang.
If one cannot focus on the entire world, how can one claim to be a supreme ruler?
If one’s vision only stays within one territory, at most, they can only be called a hero for a time.
"I understand!" Jiang Wang said.
"What do you understand?" Jiang Wuhua asked with a smile.
"I understand why the Crown Prince told me about this official way," Jiang Wang didn’t smile, simply asking: "Does the Court have plans for me?"
Jiang Wuhua’s extensive talk on the official way suggests that the Qi Court is about to assign him a real position.
Inviting him over for congee is undoubtedly a gesture of goodwill.
After all, Jiang Wuhua is the Eastern Palace Crown Prince; knowing the Court’s plans for him in advance wouldn’t be difficult. Giving him a heads up and helping him complete his knowledge allows him to make better choices. This kind of favor is solidly established.
He smiled and said: "The Son of Qingyang is wise and brave, a fortune for the country!"
This time, he did not say "a fortune to me," probably knowing moderation is key.
However, for this praise, Jiang Wang could not feel at ease. It was only now that he understood, if it was Chongxuan Sheng instead, perhaps the Crown Prince would have known the truth as soon as he began speaking, and wouldn’t accept this favor.
The debt of gratitude is the most difficult to repay, and the Crown Prince’s favor is especially like walking on thin ice.
Having heard so far, he had accepted this favor, liked it or not!
Jiang Wang sighed inwardly and smiled on the surface: "Thank you for your guidance, Crown Prince."
Jiang Wuhua waved his hand: "You and I share similar aspirations, we should be confidants; why mention thanks?"
He seriously said: "Achievements are about civil administration and military prowess. You should be clear about what suits you, the official way is also long and should not be hindered momentarily. You, a peerless prodigy, a fine talent of the nation, the Son of Heaven will also consider your wishes, intending for you to grow faster, not to be a burden to you."
Is it being a Prefectural Governor? Or leading an army to conquer the Lost World, or the gate of all demons?
It’s not that Jiang Wang is arrogant; with his current reputation and the talents he has shown, there aren’t many choices left.
Surely they wouldn’t have him compile and edit scriptures, doing monotonous work, and wasting time.
What Jiang Wang needs to consider more is... whether his cultivation should align with the official way or not?
This is a fundamental path one must ponder over repeatedly.
Having accepted this favor, Jiang Wang wouldn’t dwell on it further.
He raised his voice and asked: "Jiang Wang has a question he doesn’t understand. Since the official way is bilateral, intertwining governance and cultivation, aside from vengeance, why would there still be traitors who are disloyal to their country?"
Traitors are of two kinds, one for vengeance, the other for profit.
In the cultivation system of the official way, there should realistically be no gains for traitors.
"Among the nations of the world, not just one or two. Those who are wicked in this nation might be meritorious in another. Merit and demerit can offset each other, with the support of a national system, it can withstand the backlash, even potentially gaining benefits,"
Jiang Wang thought inwardly. Just like Huang Yixing, defected to Qi. His cultivation not only didn’t decay with the demise of yang, but flourished even more in Qi.
But this wasn’t the real question he wanted to ask...
After explaining, the Crown Prince continued: "Moreover, cultivation is a personal matter. Taking the exploration of the Star Vault as an example, whether it consumes vital energy, how could others possibly know? Being in the officialdom, those who do not rely on the official way are numerous. Thus, loyalty to the system does not necessarily indicate allegiance, and departure from the system does not necessarily mean rebellion."
He looked at Jiang Wang with a profound meaning: "Qi Country is a great nation, and loyalty is not manifested here."
He obviously understood the implications of Jiang Wang’s words and informed Jiang Wang of the answer; whether he relies on the official way or not is entirely up to him. The Qi Court will not judge his loyalty based on this.
He is like currently holding a Fourth Grade Green Badge, where he could treat a substantive position as honorary. Or even if he completes the actual work and gains achievements, he may choose not to use the power of the official way.
Everything is autonomous, and it all depends on how he chooses his own path.
Jiang Wang felt that today, he has gained a new understanding of the Da Qi Crown Prince, and naturally also a new understanding of the current official ways. Holding his knees, he earnestly said: "Hearing your words is better than reading ten years of books!"
But the Crown Prince laughed: "The word ’Lord’ should not be used carelessly."
Who says the Crown Prince is simple!?
Jiang Wang felt like he just climbed out of one pit and fell into another. Totally unable to cope.
The best plan is to flee as per ’The Thirty-Six Strategies’.
He glanced outside the palace.
"Ah, it is already late!"
Jiang Wang was surprised and then looked regretfully at the Crown Prince: "I really enjoyed our conversation today, Jiang Wang has benefited a lot. Unfortunately, I have other important matters to attend to and cannot stay longer. I bid farewell now and pray for Your Highness’s blessings!"
Jiang Wuhua wasn’t annoyed but just sat there, smiling warmly: "Safe travels, Son of Qingyang."
Jiang Wang hurriedly got up and walked briskly outside, fearing that the Crown Prince would not let him go.
He felt he was no match in these indirect conversations with these men of noble birth.
If he were to visit Chang Le Palace again, he would need to bring Zhongxuan Sheng for support.
Oh, spit. ƒreewebɳovel.com
Never to visit Chang Le Palace again!
Will repay the favor owed by other means.
"Hey, wait!"
The voice of the Crown Prince rose from behind.
Jiang Wang pretended not to hear and hastened his steps, already leaving the dining hall.
Suddenly, his sleeve tightened; he was caught!
Jiang Wang turned around and was met with Jiang Wuhua’s warm smiling face.
"Ah, Your Highness!" he exclaimed in surprise: "Why do you summon this humble official?"
As if he really hadn’t heard the previous call.
Jiang Wuhua, appearing genuinely oblivious, let go of his sleeve and stretched out his hand, taking an antique-fashioned food box from the eunuch, and handed it to Jiang Wang: "You forgot to take this. Inside are portions of bamboo partridge, pearl pork, and mini magnolia, packed in this box, they won’t spoil no matter how long."
Jiang Wang took it: "Your Highness’s generous kindness, Jiang Wang will engrave it in his heart."
Jiang Wuhua just smiled: "Come for a meal again next time."
"Will surely come when available!"
Jiang Wang placed the food box into his storage box, and with a slip of the foot, he hurriedly left.
He stepped out of the palace.
It was still morning, and the sunlight fell on the palace plaques, making the characters for "Chang Le" (Eternal Joy) shine brilliantly.
Those who are content can enjoy enduring happiness; the Crown Prince seemed content and was likely to enjoy enduring happiness.
But... is that really so?
Jiang Wang headed to his carriage and quickly climbed in.
He urgently said: "Let’s go quickly!"
The Palanquin Bearer obediently lifted the palanquin and walked on.
The Housekeeper Xie Ping was shocked.
Lord Jiang... has he caused some trouble?
