Chapter 175: Loyalty and Ambition

He came out from the study reeking of medicine and heavy atmosphere in the Chan Prefecture Governor's Office.

He mounted his warhorse and galloped along the official road returning to Luo River.

The biting cold wind blew in his face, yet it could not dispel the turmoil in Chen Wen's heart.

Chai Rong's words were like a stone tossed into a calm lake, sending ripples of complexity through his heart.

「There are also many people in the court who are paying attention, 」

「One must act ever more cautiously, 」

「The future of Chan Prefecture ultimately still relies on you young people……」

Especially that last admonition accompanied by a weary expression, and that meaningful remark "put the greater good first".

All of this points to a clear message.

The lord's health probably truly has a serious problem.

And the Imperial Court of Bian Liang's suspicion toward Chan Prefecture, especially toward him Chen Wen.

It has reached a point where the lord must personally step forward to warn and pacify.

「I harbor no other thoughts. 」

This was his answer given before the lord, resounding and forceful, and also what he truly thought at the time.

He felt grateful for Chai Rong's benevolent recognition, sincerely wishing to assist this heroic lord, pacify the Northern barbarians, and end this chaotic age.

This loyalty, having been tested by blood and fire in the Battle of High Peace, has not faded to this day.

However, when the ever-taller, sturdier outline of Luo River's city walls appeared on the horizon.

When he saw the newly opened fields outside the city, with their intersecting ridges and furrows, and heard the vibrant hammering from the artisans' workshop.

Feeling the vibrant vitality emanating from this land, which under his hand had transformed from desolation to prosperity.

Another emotion, like a seed buried deep underground, quietly broke through the soil.

This is a sense of responsibility for the foundation he himself built, and a consideration for the future of the tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians who follow and trust him.

An instinct… unwilling to let fate be entirely in others' hands.

Returning to the Governor's Defense Office study, he dismissed the attendants, leaving only Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru.

The firelight in the brazier illuminated the equally solemn faces of the three.

Chen Wen recounted his audience with Chai Rong.

Especially Chai Rong's words with hidden meaning, he selectively informed these two core aides.

Zhang Cheng listened, his brows furrowed, and he pondered aloud.

「The lord is reminding us that the tree that stands out in the forest will be struck by wind. 」

「The court's suspicion is inevitable. 」

「But… if the lord truly is ailing, Chan Prefecture, and even the entire Later Zhou, may face great upheaval. 」

Wang Ru's thoughts were more delicate; she looked at Chen Wen and spoke softly.

「The lord last mentioned 'putting the greater good first with Yuan Lang'; perhaps he also noticed the movements of Zhao Commander's side. 」

「For now the lord is still present, able to suppress one or two; but in the future…」

She did not continue, but the meaning went without saying.

Chen Wen walked to the map, his gaze sweeping over the three counties under his jurisdiction.

He then looked toward Chan Prefecture, toward Bian Liang, and finally rested on the vast north.

「The lord has treated me with kindness as weighty as a mountain. I, Chen Wen, am certainly no ungrateful traitor. 」

His voice was low, yet carried an undeniable force.

「We develop our foundations and strengthen our strength, originally to better protect the borders and pacify the people, assisting the lord in achieving great undertakings. 」

He paused for a moment, his finger unconsciously tapping lightly on Luo River's position on the map, and his words shifted slightly.

「However, the tree wishes to be still, but the wind does not cease. 」

「The current situation is such that merely wishing for stable development does not guarantee it. 」

「Bian Liang's suspicion will not disappear, and Zhao Kuangyin's hostility grows day by day. 」

「Behind it all, the mysterious Iron Crow Army adds fuel to the fire. Northern Han and Khitan stare hungrily as well. 」

He turned his body, his gaze blazing as he looked at Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru.

「If the lord remains healthy and continues to hold the reins, I, Chen Wen, would gladly serve as his subordinate general, clearing thorns and purifying the universe for him. 」

「But what if… what if the lord meets an unforeseen fate, with a young ruler and doubtful state, internal and external troubles erupting together? 」

「Then, what should we do? 」

「Is it to sit bound and await death, handing over our heart's blood and the lives and fortunes of these tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians to that suspicious court? 」

「Or is it the scheming Zhao Kuangyin? Or…」

He did not continue, but the air in the study seemed to solidify.

Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru held their breath, understanding Chen Wen's unspoken words.

Is it to continue with unreserved loyalty, or… beyond loyalty.

Also, we must plot a path for ourselves and for all who follow us, one that allows us to control our own destiny?

This is not a simple abandonment, but a reassessment of 'loyalty' and 'duty' under the pressure of harsh reality.

In this chaotic age, absolute loyalty sometimes means perishing together with those one depends on.

Wang Ru took a deep breath, spoke first, her voice firm.

「Lord, no matter what the future holds, we all wish to follow you. 」

「Luo River, Thus entries: Thus entries: Anping, Lin River, and possibly even more land and people in the future. 」

「All are foundations you built with your own hands and painstakingly managed. 」

To safeguard this foundation, so that those who rely on this land may enjoy peace—this is where righteousness lies!

Zhang Cheng also clasped his fists firmly and spoke in a low voice.

Not bad, Lord! Our hearts are bound to the Luo River—we live and die together!

No matter how great the future storms, as long as the Lord is with us, we have a mainstay!

Whether we are loyal to the military commissioner or blaze a new trail, we all follow the Lord's lead.

Listening to the two chief ministers' unreserved support.

Chen Wen felt a subtle guilt arising from the sprouting of ambition in his heart.

It was gradually replaced by a heavier sense of responsibility.

His gaze once again turned to the map, becoming deeper and more resolute.

Loyalty, not blind loyalty.

He cherishes the personal kindness shown by Chai Rong, and wishes to repay it with the devotion of a national servant.

He also bears responsibility for the world and for the struggling common folk in this chaotic age.

If heaven's mandate and the times...

Ultimately pushing him into a position where he must wield greater power to fulfill his ambitions and safeguard peace in one region.

He will not retreat.

I understand.

Chen Wen slowly opened his mouth, his voice returning to its usual calm.

Lord, your health is ailing; we should exert ourselves fully, secure the rear, train strong troops, and prepare for the unexpected.

Toward Bian Liang, we show outward obedience while secretly resisting; toward Zhao Kuangyin, we maintain strict defenses to thwart his schemes.

Domestically, we will continue to deepen governance and accumulate strength. Everything… we shall see how the situation unfolds.

He made no clear decision, but Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru both sensed it.

After this meeting with Chai Rong and his inner struggle, the defense commissioner before him.

It seemed that something had changed.

He was no longer merely a loyal and capable general; his gaze now reached farther.

Go on, get busy.

Chen Wen waved his hand.

Remember, what I say today, from my mouth to your ears, must not be leaked.

For now, we remain subjects of Later Zhou and generals of Chan Prefecture.

Yes! Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru replied solemnly, then withdrew from the study.

Chen Wen stood alone by the window, gazing at the scattered lights of Luo River city outside.

Loyalty and ambition, like intertwined light and shadow, repeatedly swirled in his heart.

He knew that from this moment on, he could no longer be satisfied with merely being a sharp blade.

He must begin to consider how to become the one… who wields the blade.

And that system's Growth Progress Bar also seemed to respond, shifting forward slightly to reach 8.5%.