Reborn Together: The General and I Reach for Power-Chapter 487 - 484 Persuasion

Xie Liangchen shook her head.

Song Xian whispered, "I know that a lot of grain and medicine have been sent from the eight states."

It’s always the government that requisitions military supplies, never voluntarily sent over, and they are accumulated little by little. Song Xian knows exactly what’s going on in the eight states; there used to be no grain at all, and many people have starved to death over the years.

When they were building roads, they often unearthed bones.

After a great battle, the bodies were buried. In addition to the soldiers killed in combat, there were many civilians, far too many, arousing a sense of compassion.

"Du Zhuo’s side should be the same," Song Xian said, "The civilians of those states are also somewhat prepared."

Xie Liangchen turned to study Song Xian. Song Xian hadn’t returned home for several days. Although his eyes were still bright, he had visibly lost weight, indicating how busy he had been lately.

"Are you tired?" Xie Liangchen asked, "Take a rest."

Song Xian did not refuse; he was indeed somewhat exhausted, mobilizing troops in the North, without proper sleep for several days.

However, Song Xian still didn’t let Xie Liangchen serve him, asking Chang An to fetch water, he cleaned himself in the partitioned area and changed into clean inner clothes.

"Stay with me a while." Song Xian pulled Xie Liangchen, and the two lay together on the bed.

Prince Qi’s matters were exposed prematurely; the Emperor was bedridden, grievously ill, but had not yet passed away, and these reports had already been informed to Song Xian by the spies in the Capital.

From start to finish, Song Xian didn’t do anything, Empress Xu paid much attention to the Heir of Prince Qi, planning as in the previous life, intending to support the Heir of Prince Qi into power, and herself to become the ruling Empress Dowager.

However, Song Xian was prepared; if Empress Xu did not expose Beauty Xu’s words, he would let someone inform the Emperor.

Thus, he needed to have a clear grasp of every move in the Capital, including where Prince Lu’s troops were, the location of Prince Qi’s people, and the battles under the Emperor’s command.

Song Xian said, "Those near the Capital are not Prince Lu’s people, the rebels in the Capital Camp are also not for Prince Lu."

Xie Liangchen said, "For Prince Qi, so Prince Qi has a pretext to enter the Capital to protect the throne."

Daqi is in such turmoil; people are on edge. If Prince Qi can master the situation, he would surely win much support.

The calculations of Prince Qi are indeed clever; had it not been unearthed earlier, he would have achieved his aim.

In the previous life, Prince Qi had entered the Capital.

But the situation then was far more complicated than it is now. With Prince Lu gone, and Prince Qi and the Emperor slaying each other, Song Xian seizes the chance to lead troops all the way south, which should be extremely smooth.

As Xie Liangchen brushed Song Xian’s temple with her hand, still slightly damp from washing, Song Xian’s usual cool eyes now bent subtly, filled with affection.

He lifted his hand, cupped her face with his slender fingers, and leaned in to kiss her softly.

Then lay back down.

"Sleep," Xie Liangchen said, "Once you wake, there’s much waiting for you."

Song Xian seemed very obedient, did not continue, and slowly closed his eyes. Before long, Xie Liangchen heard his breathing become stable and long.

He was asleep.

When asleep, Song Xian resembled a child, his brow relaxed, without the slightest hint of vigilance.

"Take your time," Xie Liangchen said, "whatever you do, I’ll be with you."

... 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

The rebellion of the two princes, the Emperor grievously ill, and wars are everywhere.

Prince Lu fled to the Northwest, and the checkpoints there were not peaceful either. Several Military Governors in the Southwest refused to dispatch troops against Prince Qi, simply heavily guarding their territories in a nonchalant manner.

The women at home could also hear the news from outside all day; everyone said this time the royal power of Daqi might be hard to continue, perhaps returning immediately to the time before Daqi was founded, with some starting to proclaim themselves king, dividing the land into several pieces, and fighting constantly until someone reunites the land.

Due to drawing medicinal diagrams, Meng Changshu often went out and heard even more news.

But these rumors were half-true and half-false; whenever she asked her father, he would not say much.

"Someone has come from the North," said the housekeeper next to Meng Changshu, "It seems to be Mr. Cheng."

Cheng Yanzhao.

If it were someone else, Meng Changshu wouldn’t be able to inquire, but Cheng Yanzhao was different; perhaps Cheng Yanzhao has brought letters from Liangchen.

It was already dark, but Meng Changshu clearly couldn’t wait.

"Father has been too busy lately," Meng Changshu said, "Guests have arrived at our house, let’s prepare some meals and send them over."

Meng Changshu, along with the housekeeper, cooked some dishes in the kitchen, and had them delivered to the study.

Before long, the housekeeper returned to report, "The prepared noodles were insufficient; the master asked for another bowl to be sent over."

Meng Changshu was somewhat surprised, "How many people?" She watched the chef make a large pot of noodles.

The housekeeper said, "Just Mr. Cheng." He too had never seen someone eat so much, knowing Mr. Cheng traveled day and night; those unaware might think there was a shortage of food in the North.

"I’ll send it!" Meng Changshu took the chance of delivering the noodles to hear the information in the study.

After serving the noodles, Meng Changshu went to knock on the study’s door.

The door opened, and Cheng Yanzhao looked up to see Miss Meng walking in, with a maid beside her holding a tray, on which was an enormous bowl of soup.

In such a scenario, recalling the food he’d just devoured, Cheng Yanzhao wished he could crawl under the table.

Seeing Cheng Yanzhao’s expression, Meng Changshu couldn’t help but smile. Ever since she saw Cheng Yanzhao burn his eyebrows, he’d always appeared in this manner before her.

She shouldn’t laugh, but she couldn’t help herself.

It’s not mocking him, just that... the expression seems interesting, and every time she can’t control her gaze, first landing on Cheng Yanzhao’s eyebrows.

"Why have you come," Meng Su said, "really causing trouble."

"I wish to know how things are with Liangchen," Meng Changshu said, "Has Liangchen sent me any letters?"

"Yes," Meng Su said, "Take the letters and read them slowly."

Yet Meng Changshu showed no intention of leaving, instead dismissing the servants, closing the study’s door personally, ensuring it wouldn’t be overheard, then spoke, "So will Song Jiedu deploy troops?"

Meng Su furrowed his brows, this daughter of his growing ever bolder, knowing Meng Changshu wouldn’t leave without clear answers, he responded lightly.

"And how about father," Meng Changshu asked, "will you deploy troops to assist?"

Is this even a valid question? The Emperor has not passed away, it’s still the realm of Daqi, and he’s an official of Daqi, yet the daughter is pressing him towards rebellion, seemingly delighted.

Meng Su’s expression grew slightly conflicted, despite already being prepared beforehand.

Seeing the opportune moment, Cheng Yanzhao also spoke, "At this time, I hope Mr. Meng makes a decisive decision, the court’s political situation has long been unstable, the Emperor has wrongfully killed too many innocents; Prince Lu, Prince Qi are malevolent people, regardless of who inherits the throne, it’s a disaster for the people."

"In the palace, Empress Xu wishes to use the Heir of Prince Qi to wield power. Mr. Meng is surely aware of Xu Family’s ways, once they come to power, they will certainly first eliminate dissidents, harm the loyal."

"The North has always been a military stronghold; under Song Xian’s command are powerful forces. If anyone can quell the military chaos swiftly, Song Xian is the perfect choice."

"You are aware of Song Xian’s relationship with Princess Jia’an, should Song Xian ascend the throne, he will surely fulfill expectations."

Meng Su was silent for a long time but finally nodded, "Mr. Cheng, no need to persuade further, I agree."

Cheng Yanzhao showed joyful expressions, "Song Xian doesn’t require you to send troops to assist him in attacking the Capital."

Meng Su manifested surprise.

Cheng Yanzhao said, "You need just to close the city gates tightly, preventing Prince Qi and court soldiers from entering."