Chapter 1041: Keeping the Appointment

Prince Chujiang repeatedly emphasized that he was not bragging.

As long as the Xie family did not come out to stir up trouble, he would sooner or later be able to fight his way into the capital.

"Fight into the capital, and then what? The capital has high walls and thick ramparts, and there are the Three Great Camps. How many troops do you have to besiege the capital? With the capital's reserves, maintaining a population of one million for half a year is no problem. Are you sure your great army can besiege it for half a year without shaking the morale of the troops? Once the Northwest government troops turn around, they could swallow you in one bite."

In the Great Ming Dynasty, the true main force for field battles was not in the south, but in the northwest. That was the group of old soldiers commanded by Marquis Pingjiang; those government troops were the Great Ming Dynasty's strongest combat power, fighting year-round with no time to rest.

They fought fiercely and wildly, and they were the hardest to manage. Rogue soldiers, old soldiers, small warlords, cliquish—the problems were endless.

If not for Marquis Pingjiang having enough seniority, enough military merit, and a high enough status, he truly could not have suppressed them. If it were anyone else, those local warlords would have dared to listen to the mobilization but ignore the summons, flipping the commander's desk on the spot!

That was how wild they were!

The late Emperor was indeed a muddled ruler in his later years, but he was also a clear-headed muddled ruler.

During the Northwest riots, he did not send anyone else to command the troops, but instead sent Marquis Pingjiang, precisely because he knew that if it were someone else, without one or two, or even three years of integration, they simply could not fight a decent battle. Every local warlord acted on their own, looking at each other with disdain.

Only with Marquis Pingjiang stepping forward could the integration be completed in a short time, saving time and leading the troops to pierce through the rebels!

Facts proved that the muddled ruler's decision was correct.

Why had Prince Chujiang been rebelling against the imperial court for so many years, yet many noble families still sat on the fence, and most even firmly chose the imperial court?

It was because there were many smart people in this world who saw through Prince Chujiang's reality. As long as the Northwest army did not move, Prince Chujiang could only be considered a minor skin disease, a local crisis, not yet reaching the point of endangering the entire world.

The reason the imperial court had been fighting Prince Chujiang for so many years and kept him in a state of neither dead nor alive was mainly because the southern army's combat power was average, the commander was not very capable, and there were too many constraints and concerns. Who made the southern noble families so numerous? While fighting, they had to consider the noble families' stances and interests. Where was that fighting? It was clearly human relationships and politics!

It was not until Xie Gechen stood out, with the Minister of War personally commanding the troops, that those who were dragging their feet were kicked away, and thus came the outcome of Prince Chujiang's defeat and death.

"The Northwest soldiers are just so-so. Once they reach the south, let alone the weather, they wouldn't even be able to display their skills due to the terrain alone." Prince Chujiang was very proud, with an arrogant air that his own army could crush all the world's troops.

Chen Guanlou smiled. "Fine, you continue to fantasize and dream. In any case, you have no dealings with the Xie family, no friendship, right?"

"The Xie family, hmph!" Prince Chujiang was dismissive. "Xie Gechen is a treacherous villain. Why are you asking this? You wouldn't be going to see him, would you? You, a tiny Jiang Jiang Yucheng, what qualifications do you have to meet the current Left Prime Minister?"

Chen Guanlou silently raised a middle finger and then left the Jia-sized prison.

Prince Chujiang was anxious; his questions had not yet been answered.

"You come back, come back and make things clear."

Leaving things half-said—this was going to drive him crazy!

Baoguo Temple, Chen Guanlou was familiar with it!

On the day of the appointment, he arrived on time. The last time he came was early spring, when it was still cold. Now, entering midsummer, the green trees provided shade, and the scenery was excellent.

Baoguo Temple was very deserted today; it seemed they were not receiving believers!

It was cold and clear; he didn't even see many monks.

"May I ask if you are Benefactor Chen? Please follow this little monk this way."

Chen Guanlou stood still. "What's the situation today? You haven't opened the mountain gate? How come I haven't seen a single person burning incense?"

"As Benefactor Chen sees, this temple has temporarily closed the mountain gate for repairs."

"Why was I able to come up?"

"Benefactor is an honored guest."

"Why don't you just say it directly: Baoguo Temple has been contracted by someone today, so others are not allowed up the mountain."

"Benefactor really knows how to joke."

The guest-welcoming monk of Baoguo Temple had a very good temper. Even though Chen Guanlou's tone was not very good and slightly provocative, the other party did not get angry and still spoke in a pleasant manner.

"Lead the way!"

Chen Guanlou gave a self-deprecating smile; there was no need to make things difficult for a guest-welcoming monk, and even less need to dwell on such small details.

Baoguo Temple was willing to bow to power; one had to respect their choice.

The guest-welcoming monk led the way in front, walking all the way to the backyard. Passing through an archway, they entered the back mountain.

It turned out there was another courtyard in the back mountain for honored guests to rest and contemplate.

Needless to say, today's honored guest must be Xie Gechen.

The guest-welcoming monk sent him to the entrance of the courtyard. "Benefactor, please enter! The person you want to see is inside."

Chen Guanlou stepped into the courtyard gate.

The courtyard was very simple; apart from a few fruit trees, there were no other decorations.

A servant from the Xie residence appeared.

"Jiang Jiang Yucheng Chen, please this way. My Prime Minister has been waiting for a long time."

"Meeting up and making it so mysterious, is it necessary? What is your master doing right now?"

"The Prime Minister is currently discussing scriptures with Master Jueneng."

"Monk Jueneng is here too!"

Chen Guanlou smiled and followed the Xie residence servant into the quiet room.

In the center was a chessboard; Xie Gechen and Jueneng were kneeling on the mat playing chess.

Chen Guanlou did not like kneeling, so he directly ordered the Xie residence servant to bring a chair, and he sat to the side to watch the battle.

Both were figures who had become famous at a young age.

Xie Gechen had topped the imperial examinations at a young age, his reputation was prominent, and he had extraordinary influence in both the scholarly and official circles. Now, he was even the noble Left Prime Minister, the head of all officials. Apart from his previous imprisonment, his life path was so smooth that it made people unable to be jealous. If one said he was God's favorite son, surely no one would doubt it.

As for Monk Jueneng, he was young and had been promoted to the Ninth Rank. Relying on debating scriptures, he became famous in one battle. Now, he was even an imperial devotee, frequently entering and leaving the palace to lecture on scriptures for the Emperor and the imperial concubines.

These two actually knew each other, and it looked like they were very familiar.

Sure enough, smart people all played with smart people.

When the game ended.

Xie Gechen cleaned his hands and drank tea. "Apologies, I was engrossed for a moment, keeping Jiang Jiang Yucheng Chen waiting for a long time."

"You called me here just to watch you play chess?" Chen Guanlou asked bluntly.

Xie Gechen pursed his lips and smiled, introducing, "This is Master Jueneng; I presume you also know him."

"Naturally I know him! Master Jueneng, long time no see!"

Monk Jueneng nodded slightly. "Benefactor Chen, all is well!"

"All is well, all is well! Lord Xie, what is the matter for which you sought me out? Watching you play chess can be spared; I am a person who is too lazy to use my brain and don't like that sort of thing."

"Jiang Jiang Yucheng Chen is being modest. I heard from others that your chess skills are not bad; why don't we play a game?"

"Whoever you heard that from, go play chess with them." Chen Guanlou would not serve that; running up a mountain in midsummer just to play chess—he must be sick.

Xie Gechen did not get angry either. He waved his hand, and the Xie residence servant stepped forward to collect the chessboard and served fragrant tea again.

"Drink tea!"

Chen Guanlou was willing to drink tea.

Lying flat, drinking tea, blowing the mountain breeze—that was not bad either.

"Since the scripture debate ended, Pure Yang Zhenren has not come out. I heard that Jiang Jiang Yucheng Chen has a deep friendship with Pure Yang Zhenren?"

Xie Gechen saw that Chen Guanlou did not want to exchange pleasantries with him, so he decisively changed his strategy, getting straight to the point and talking about today's main business! ===== CHAPTER 1042 =====