LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 19 - Sowing Discord
Hearing each name that came out of Luo Jinlan’s mouth, Lu Ping fell silent for a moment.
It was expected, yet still surprising.
Lu Ping had anticipated that Li Wenfu might have placed more than one spy in the Yan region, but he hadn’t expected there to be so many.
Almost the entire Yan Marquis Manor was filled with Li Wenfu’s people, leaving Luo Jinlan as little more than a figurehead.
This was a bit tricky.
If it were just one or two spies, Lu Ping could have quietly helped Luo Jinlan get rid of them.
But now, more than a dozen had suddenly surfaced, and they were all considered Luo Jinlan’s “trusted confidants!”
“Yan Marquis, there’s something I’m not sure if I should say,” Lu Ping finally decided to hint at Luo Jinlan. How much she could grasp with her limited understanding would depend on her.
Luo Jinlan nodded lightly. “There are no outsiders here, go ahead.”
Lu Ping watched Luo Jinlan’s reaction. “It’s nothing much, really. I just wanted to ask if you’ve heard of the powerful minister Zong Bang from the previous dynasty?”
“I’ve heard of him!”
Although Luo Jinlan spent most of her time daydreaming about her ideal prince charming and paid little attention to military or political affairs, she did know about Zong Bang.
Mainly because Zong Bang was too famous!
He was hailed as the most powerful minister in centuries, entering the palace as the queen’s brother, becoming the young emperor’s childhood companion, and later, due to his contributions in supporting the emperor’s rise, he became the Grand Preceptor. When the emperor was on his deathbed, Zong Bang was entrusted with safeguarding the young heir. After the early demise of the new king, Zong Bang stood firm against opposition and supported the rise of the infant emperor, reigning as the de facto ruler for forty years!
A quintessential example of a powerful regent!
If Lu Ping had been talking to someone as astute as the Han Marquis, she might have caught the implications in his words.
But Lu Ping was facing the Yan Marquis, Luo Jinlan.
Judging by Luo Jinlan’s increasingly wide-eyed expression, it was clear she had completely misunderstood.
“You want to be like Zong Bang?” Luo Jinlan lowered her voice, almost making Lu Ping cough up a lung.
“No, did you even listen? I was talking about Zong Bang…”
Luo Jinlan nodded. “Yes, you mentioned Zong Bang, that powerful minister from the previous dynasty, who held the position of Grand Preceptor and wielded supreme power…”
Lu Ping rubbed his forehead and sighed, realizing he shouldn’t have used this example.
Luo Jinxuan had apparently compared Zong Bang with himself.
Both held the position of Grand Preceptor, both wielded great power.
She conveniently ignored the fact that Zong Bang’s rise was due to his status as a royal in-law!
“Ahem, Yan Marquis, be cautious with your words. I hold the position of Grand Preceptor solely because of the emperor’s trust. My true ambition lies not in court politics, but in finding someone to spend my life with… Yan Marquis, do you understand?”
As Lu Ping spoke, he gradually lifted his gaze, looking far into the distance.
That was the direction of Lingzhou, where the Han Marquis resided.
Luo Jinlan didn’t fully grasp Lu Ping’s meaning, but she was still excited and nodded vigorously.
Because she had caught the last part of what Lu Ping said, “finding someone to spend my life with.”
“You’re so annoying!” Luo Jinlan suddenly became bashful, twisting her body like a young sprout swaying in the wind.
‘Why was he saying this to me out of the blue?’
‘There were only the two of us in the hall. Was he hinting at something?’
‘But we’ve only met once!’
‘Isn’t this moving too fast?’
Luo Jinlan looked down and began fiddling with her fingers.
‘This man isn’t bad-looking. If he’s made it to the position of Grand Preceptor, he must be very capable. But what about his character?’
‘Pffft! Who cares about character?’
‘He’s someone the emperor values; how bad could his character be?’
‘Even if his character isn’t great, he’s still better than these rough men in Yan, right?’
‘I need to seize this opportunity!’
In just a few seconds, Luo Jinlan had rehearsed an entire drama in her mind.
“Yan Marquis?” Lu Ping sensed something was off with the atmosphere in the hall and called out tentatively.
Luo Jinlan snapped back to reality, suppressing her inner joy, and feigned nonchalance. “You speak rather bluntly, but considering your sincerity, I can agree to your request. However, I’ll make it clear—if you ever betray me, I won’t let you off.”
Suddenly, Luo Jinlan took on the air of a Marquis again, referring to herself as “this palace” instead of “I.”
But now, it was Lu Ping’s turn to be confused.
“Agree to my request?”
Lu Ping replayed the conversation in his mind. “Did I ask her for something?”
Just as he was about to ask if there was some misunderstanding, someone reported from outside the hall.
“Reporting to Yan Marquis, Strategist Ji has carried out the Grand Preceptor’s order. The rebel commander Zhang Hong and fifty other leaders have been executed on the spot. The remaining rebels have been enslaved and are being sent in batches to the foundries in Anzhou!”
Hearing this, Lu Ping couldn’t help but smirk.
Zhang Hong executed on the spot?
Zhang Hong had been dead for a while already!
Sending them to the foundries in Anzhou? Why not just send them overseas?
Anzhou, adjacent to the capital Luoyang, was famous for its iron mines and was a key producer of military equipment for the Great Jing, under the jurisdiction of Li Wenfu.
Was Li Wenfu trying to secure 50,000 cheap laborers for himself?
Lu Ping was annoyed but remained calm.
Because he had already sent Lu Heng to intercept them.
Thinking of weakening the Yan region to give the Di an opportunity?
No way!
Lu Ping was waiting for the Di to attack in full force, only to have Lu Heng lead the 50,000 rebels, who were supposed to be sent away, to strike back!
Kill one and you’re pardoned. Kill two and you’re rewarded.
Would these men dare not fight for their lives?
“Strategist Ji is indeed a capable official!” Lu Ping praised Strategist Ji for his efficiency.
Strategist Ji, in turn, continued to flatter Lu Ping, saying it was all due to Lu Ping’s abilities and that he was fortunate to serve someone as capable as Lu Ping.
Lu Ping then casually suggested to Luo Jinlan that they host a banquet to celebrate the quelling of the rebellion.
Luo Jinlan agreed and gave the orders.
During the banquet, the observant Strategist Ji began to sense something was amiss.
Li Wenfu’s plan had gone too smoothly.
The Lu Ping, reputed for his sharp mind and resourcefulness, had not only failed to hinder it but had even helped it along?
Was his reputation undeserved?
As Strategist Ji glanced around and noticed the absence of Lu Heng, he asked with concern, “Grand Preceptor, why don’t I see General Lu?”
Lu Ping, unfazed, replied, “Don’t mention that stubborn mule in front of me! He had the audacity to argue that my order to execute the ringleaders was too harsh. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was in league with the rebels!”
Seeing Lu Ping’s anger, Strategist Ji quickly raised his cup. “It was my mistake to speak out of turn. Please don’t be upset, Grand Preceptor. I’ll punish myself with a bowl of wine!”
After downing a full bowl of wine, Lu Ping warmly patted Strategist Ji’s arm, signaling him to sit down, and leaned in to ask, “I felt an immediate connection with you, as if we were old friends. Would you consider returning to the capital with me to accomplish great things?”
Strategist Ji was taken aback, a look of hesitation crossing his face.
Was Lu Ping trying to recruit him?
This…
Strategist Ji was momentarily lost in thought.
The reason he had obeyed Li Wenfu, apart from their distant familial connection, was that Li Wenfu could offer him what he wanted.
He had spent years away from home, all for the promise of being granted the title of Marquis of the County upon completing the tasks assigned by Li Wenfu.
But now Lu Ping was also trying to recruit him!
In terms of rank and influence in the court, Lu Ping far surpassed Li Wenfu.
Strategist Ji nearly knelt down on the spot.