Chapter 951: Wise Ruler

Guo Shuhan's inner thoughts at this moment are quite complicated.

Interacting with Chen Wuji gave him a deep feeling like basking in spring breeze, yet he subconsciously harbored some doubt: was Chen Wuji too deep‑schemed, deliberately putting on such an appearance?

But after careful consideration, he decisively abandoned that doubt.

Given Chen Wuji's past conduct and his current position, there was simply no need for that.

Thus, after a brief reflection, Guo Shuhan grew ever more firm in his view.

This Marquis Zhenyuan is naturally the sort of person who makes others feel like they're basking in spring breeze.

"Please advise, Marquis." Guo Shuhan bowed respectfully with clasped hands.

At this moment he felt immensely fortunate about his decision.

This is what a wise ruler ought to be like.

Those few in the court have exposed their wolfish ambitions; none of them looks like a sage ruler—they're basically a bunch of trash, comparable to demons and monsters.

No wonder Chen Wuji could amass such strength in such a short time.

Now Guo Shuhan has found the reason.

Not only that, he even feels a sense of shared honor.

"How many troops are stationed in An Sai Zhou?" Chen Wuji asked.

Guo Shuhan immediately set aside his scattered thoughts and said solemnly: "It's hardly different from Feng Xian Zhou—both have over ten thousand troops; Wang Yu hasn't had time to recruit new soldiers yet."

"He probably won't conscript more able‑bodied men either; his character is quite clear to me as a subordinate. He has resolved to serve the court with fervent loyalty, which amounts to making enemies of both the Marquis and the Yan Zhou garrison; he has no reinforcements, so this battle is doomed to fail, and he wouldn't bear to let the people die pointlessly."

Regarding that claim, Chen Wuji still retained some skepticism: "Could it be that his resolve is simply a wish to seek death?"

"Marquis, that can indeed be said," Guo Shuhan replied.

"He has no alternative; this man's pedantry and obstinacy are the most exaggerated I've ever seen among subordinates, yet his pedantry and obstinacy are integrity, being upright and unyielding."

As for this friend, Guo Shuhan often felt frustrated enough to wish he could hammer steel into him, having hurled every harsh word imaginable.

But if he were to assess him, Guo Shuhan would certainly not stint on lavish praise.

In Chen Wuji's presence, his wording has become quite restrained.

Otherwise, he would surely unleash all the flowery language evoking the airs of ancient sages.

Chen Wuji stroked his chin, eyes deep: "I trust Lord Guo's judgment of Wang Yu is accurate, but I never treat anything as absolute—I'd better prepare both ways."

"The troops of Feng Xian Zhou need to move; they can't stay there as targets and granaries for the court army. I propose we charge the An Sai Zhou Inspector with suspected treason and order him to march south to suppress."

"Understood!"

Guo Shuhan had no objection, accepted the order gladly, and added, "Although Wang Yu is an old friend of mine as a subordinate, after all people's hearts are hidden; we should guard against him a little, just to be safe."

Chen Wuji nodded: "Before we mobilize, we must gather and store all grain within our borders as quickly as possible—these must not be left for the court army. As for whether we can squeeze more grain and money from the court army's stores, that will depend on Lord Guo's ability; even a slight weakening of the enemy is to our advantage."

Guo Shuhan gave a wry smile: "Marquis, this may prove rather difficult."

"Before I came to see you, Marquis, two groups had already rushed to Feng Xian Zhou ordering me to procure grain and fodder. I explained it away by saying last year's harvest was short and this year's grain hasn't yet been stored; that excuse might work once or twice, but trying to squeeze more money and grain from them would be nearly impossible."

"You needn't pressure yourself over this; if it succeeds, that's best, but if it fails, it's no matter," Chen Wuji said generously.

"Understood!"

Guo Shuhan acknowledged, then asked: "Marquis, if the court army refuses my plan to march south, what should we do? An Sai Zhou is a large prefecture; if the court army lacks supplies, perhaps they won't permit me to lead troops southward."

"No problem; as long as they're willing to leave that city, I'll handle the rest—you just hold Feng Xian Zhou securely," Chen Wuji said with a light smile.

They're hiding in a turtle shell, snarling at each other; Chen Wuji enjoys watching it.

But if they dare to come out, Chen Wuji will not let such an opportunity slip.

The court army's 400,000‑strong force has already lost two tenths; even if he attacks with a blunt blade, our chance of victory stands above seventy percent, and if we can cut off another of their arms, this battle is essentially assured.

……

After an hour, Guo Shuhan, using the excuse of needing to return quickly to meet Wang Yu, politely declined Chen Wuji's invitation for his brothers to stay and play two more days, then hastily boarded the carriage.

Also accompanying them this time was Lu Daye.

Upon learning Chen Wuji's intent, Lu Daye eagerly volunteered himself, requesting orders to capture Wang Yu.

The elder Lu seemed to be holding back some vigor; when making his request he stared at Lu San ye, exerting extra force in his cheeks.

This usually unkempt elder rarely shows such enthusiasm; Chen Wuji naturally agreed readily.

After Lu Daye and Guo Shuhan departed, Chen Wuji ordered Chen Li to send Yuan Lao Liu and several elite personal guards to follow behind Lu Daye, to provide support.

Given Lu Daye's ability, even if Wang Yu is guarded by a grand master, the objective might not be achieved, but escaping will certainly pose no problem.

But Chen Wuji, accustomed to caution, feels uneasy without an extra safeguard.

The carriage jolted over the hard, dry road with a frequent clatter, kicking up choking dust.

Guo Wanhe leaned against the window, glanced around for a moment, fanned her small hand and lowered the curtain, then whispered to Guo Shuhan, who was busy sorting manuscripts: "Elder brother, where's that elder Lu?"

"Don't be curious; no doubt that elder is at least a grand master, possibly stronger. He's surely nearby, but with our abilities we'd likely fail to spot his trail—let's just go on our way."

Guo Wanhe lowered her voice: "Elder brother, are you really going to so readily give… give your life to that person? Won't you think it over a bit more?"

"Indecision will only doom us both. Before coming, I'd already made up my mind on these matters; there's no need to keep agonizing." Guo Shuhan closed his bamboo slip, lips twitching, "Besides, this trip to Xinglin Zhen has yielded far more than I expected."

Guo Wanhe watched her brother's lovestruck expression, lips twitching: "Elder brother, I actually want to splash a bucket of cold water on you—believing in people, you don't seem to trust them as much as I do…"

"Distrusting people isn't anywhere near as strong as yours!" Guo Shuhan said solemnly.

"Being cautious is fine, but these remarks should have been made before we see the Marquis, not now. Saying this now is just changing your mind mid‑course, looking at the pot while eating from the bowl. Little sister, people like that usually come to no good end."

"You needn't worry further about this; I have it figured out."