Chapter 1021: Aftermath (Five)

"I went to school; I've read all the books in the academy and learned them all."

"Then go to the county academy, the prefectural academy, the Imperial Academy," Pan Yun's gaze swept over his brows and eyes as she smiled: "Military lineage allows you to take the imperial exams. If you want to protect your family and friends, if you want this world to continue developing justly and orderly, you must have sufficient power—plowing fields alone won't do."

Shen Shukang's face lit up: "So do I have a Wenchang Noble Star, an academy, and a Huagai?"

Pan Yun only smiled without answering.

Shen Shukang took it as a yes, his thoughts stirring.

Shen Boxiu caught up and heard the latter half.

He immediately told Shen Shukang: "Next year, you'll take the county academy exam."

Pan Yun did not intervene, though with her status, getting Shen Shukang into the county academy would have taken only a word.

But she didn't want to interfere in such karmic causes, and Shen Shukang had the ability to enter on his own.

The only help Pan Yun could offer was giving him books—vast quantities of them, all seized from the Feng family.

These books were all recent print editions, with only a few handwritten copies, some containing annotations and commentaries.

But to the soldiers who seized the estate, these books were less valuable than the bookshelves themselves.

So the books were scattered everywhere.

Pan Yun came by, saw them, knew most would be sold as scrap paper, and casually collected many.

Now these books finally had a proper place.

Pan Yun gave the books to Shen Shukang: "A precious sword is given to a hero; a precious book is given to a scholar. All of them are yours."

Shen Shukang hugged the books, deeply moved.

Just as Shen Shukang was about to settle down to study, the newly appointed Regional Commander of Guangdong finally arrived in Chaozhou. Legally, he should have first taken up his post in Guangzhou, then come out to inspect Chaozhou.

But this new commander seemed aware that all prefectures were still in the aftermath phase, especially Chaozhou, due to its complexity and the long span of time involved, requiring a slower pace.

So he decided to directly handle affairs in Chaozhou with his official seal, managing from Chaozhou all the way to Guangzhou, then heading south.

Xue Shao was also in Chaozhou at the time and immediately went to meet the new commander, primarily to hand over the aftermath duties.

This new commander was also an acquaintance, surnamed Jiang, named Gui.

But unlike his previous careless and arrogant image, this Jiang Gui had washed his hair, donned a new official robe, and sat upright on a master's chair, radiating an aura of quiet authority.

Seeing Xue Shao, his gaze immediately darted behind him, found only Xi Jin holding a stack of official documents, and his expression turned disappointed.

Xue Shao pretended not to notice, handed over the materials, and said: "Since I've met Commander Jiang here, I'll hand these over to you now."

Jiang Gui flipped through them and asked: "Are you leaving, Inspector Xue?"

Xue Shao nodded: "I've completed my inspection of all Guangdong. The memorial has already been submitted. Naturally, I must leave."

Jiang Gui set down the documents: "According to my information, Inspector Xue still has a batch of illicit funds unaccounted for—substantial in amount."

Xue Shao: "It's already stated in the memorial. The State Master will soon return them to Jingcheng."

"Where is the State Master now? I am the newly appointed commander—this matter should be transferred through me, correct?"

Xue Shao considered it. If Jiang Gui's signature and seal were on the documents, it would indeed be more proper. So he said: "The State Master dislikes crowds. She's hiding in the fields and ditches. If Commander Jiang wishes to meet her, you must go to the rural military colonies."

Jiang Gui was already planning to inspect the military colonies. Upon hearing this, he rose instantly: "Let's go now. Which military colony is she in?"

Xue Shao: … You don't need to be this urgent.

But you can't afford to wait.

Pan Yun appears and vanishes without a trace. She can fly—can you fly too? If you don't seize this chance to catch her whereabouts now, once she's gone, where will you find her?

Moreover, he couldn't leave Guangdong.

He knew well: not long ago, Pan Yun had rushed back to Jingcheng in haste; half his position as commander was because of her.

Then, she'd vanished with a swift whoosh.

Jiang Gui couldn't wait.

Xue Shao shook his head. He'd thought Jiang Gui had grown more composed, yet he was still just as impulsive.

He still led the man to the military colony.

On a patch of grass, a boy sat engrossed in reading a book, while Pan Yun sat cross-legged on a nearby boulder, cultivating and meditating.

As the group climbed the slope from Tian Geng, Pan Yun opened her eyes.

Pan Xiaohei emerged from beneath her robe, his black, gleaming eyes fixed on them.

Shen Shukang glanced back at Pan Yun, waited for her nod, then left.

Jiang Gui rushed forward in three strides, excitedly bowed and saluted: "State Master."

Shen Shukang slipped over to Xue Shao's side and asked: "Lord Xue, who is this man?"

"The newly appointed Regional Commander of Guangdong, General Jiang Gui."

"A second-rank official~~" Shen Shukang immediately stood straight.

That was his goal.

Pan Yun pointed to a nearby stone: "Commander Jiang, no need for such formalities. Please sit."

Jiang Gui didn't sit. He remained agitated, first thanking the State Master—because of her and the Emperor's suggestion, the Emperor had sought opinions from more people.

Then Wang Ji recommended him, Chen Huai recommended him, Yu Qian didn't oppose, so he leapt past the several candidates Yu Qian had previously proposed and became the new Regional Commander of Guangdong, skipping three ranks at once.

Jiang Gui was deeply grateful to Wang Ji, to Chen Huai, and equally grateful to Pan Yun.

Without her intervention, he might have waited another decade for a chance to become a second-rank governor.

Pan Yun: "You came to me just to thank me?"

Jiang Gui became even more humble, bowing deeply: "Besides that, your humble servant wishes to discuss with the State Master the development plan for Guangdong's garrison forces…"

Verbal thanks would only cause awkwardness. Money—the State Master lacks none. Beauty—the State Master needs none. Longevity—though it is her pursuit, he has no expertise in that…

So all he could do was inherit her will, reach mutual agreement, and ensure this realm develops exactly as she envisioned.

This continuation of her will, this implementation of policy—this was the highest form of appreciation and gratitude.

Usually, only descendants and later generations inherit the will of their ancestors.

Jiang Gui stared at Pan Yun with a look of gratitude and a hidden, childlike reverence, hoping she would grasp the meaning behind his words.

Pan Yun understood, so she smiled, becoming even more amiable toward Jiang Gui, and pointed at the stone beside her, saying, "Sit and talk."

Only then did Jiang Gui sit down on half a buttock.

Pan Yun asked him directly, "Did my lord Jiang see Censor Xue's memorial?"

"I did," Jiang Gui said without stint, praising, "Censor Xue's plan is very thorough. If he weren't a civil official, he could certainly serve as a Commander, bringing peace to a region."

Pan Yun said, "I agree with him."

Pan Yun said, "Although Guangdong is far from Jingcheng, appearing remote and poor, in my view these are all temporary—especially when maritime trade is reopened and Guangzhou Port is rebuilt."

"The Guangdong garrison should not merely be border troops guarding Lingnan, but should set its sights on the sea," Pan Yun said. "There is great opportunity on the sea, and great opportunity for military households as well."