RPAGF Chapter 1081 No Longer Existing
Chapter 1081 No Longer Existing
This statement was undeniably direct, striking right at Xiaoyuer's hidden thoughts.
As a man, especially one with ambition and ideals, and supported by a family background, having grown up as a favored child and basking in the glory, it's impossible for him to say he had no such thoughts at all.
But taking that step is still very difficult!
Loyalty to the emperor and love for one's country have been traditional ideas among scholars for thousands of years. Without a suitable gimmick, trying to establish a new banner would likely result in being fiercely criticized.
So even though Xiaoyuer was resolute, he was momentarily hesitant and unsure how to respond, let alone whether the words were a test or had some other meaning.
After a moment, he replied in a strained voice, "Grandfather, you can't say such things. Aren't you putting your grandson in an unjust position?"
"Hehe, what is righteousness and what is unrighteousness? Aren't they all just things written by those in power?" Grand Tutor Qian stroked his beard and laughed.
He then stood up, patted his grandson on the shoulder, and said, "You don't need to say anything more. Judging from your reaction, I already know what you're thinking."
"Grandfather..."
"Sometimes, some things are just one push away from success, and that final step is all it takes. But many people never dare to take that final step in their entire lives."
When Grand Tutor Qian spoke, his expression was calm, as if he were not talking about a heinous crime of treason, but just casual conversation.
After he finished speaking, he looked at his grandson's slightly wary expression, sighed, and then slowly continued:
"You don't need to rush to make a decision now. This matter will definitely require you to discuss it with your father. However, what your maternal grandfather wants to tell you is that no matter what, the Qian family will always be your support. Remember, no matter what you do, we will do our best to help you."
Survival is cruel, especially in chaotic times, and even more so if you want to rise above others. If you don't eat others, you will be eaten; if you don't take the initiative, you will be defeated.
Never think that you can get through life peacefully by not causing trouble or committing crimes; that's a coward's thought!
"Given the current situation, you should be able to see that within six months, new people will follow suit, rebel, and declare themselves kings. At that time, there will be many warlords. Your father, as the military governor of the Huainan region, will be someone that many parties need to win over and are wary of, including the imperial court. How do you think the imperial court will respond then?"
Thinking of the imperial court's previous requirement for the families of military officers from various regions to come to the capital as hostages, Xiaoyuer gave a bitter smile: "Grandfather, I understand what you mean, but I don't quite understand why you chose me. In terms of background, the Qian family is much more profound, isn't it?"
"The Qian family will not rebel, nor does it need to rebel," Grand Tutor Qian said calmly.
Little Fish understood some of what this meant, but not entirely.
However, there was one more thing he needed to confirm: "If I say no, will you choose someone else?"
“Of course, I wouldn’t joke about the future of the family, and there’s no conflict between the two, is there?” Grand Tutor Qian retorted.
This means placing bets on multiple sources.
"Furthermore, the outcome of the turmoil in the southeast is already decided, and the victor has been determined. As for Lin'an, I think you don't need to stay here any longer. Pack your things and head back to Huainan tomorrow!"
"Yes, Grandfather," Little Fish was also eager to go back; he felt he still had many things to do.
"Well, I'm too old to see you off. Uncle Shou will take you to the dock tomorrow!"
Little Fish nodded, "Please take care, sir!"
After saying that, he turned and left. But just before he reached the hospital gate, he couldn't help but turn back and ask in a low voice, "If I weren't the only son of the Zhang family, and my father weren't the military governor of Huainan, would you still think I have the talent to be a ruler?"
"You're still young, always wanting to get to the bottom of everything, but not everything has an answer. Go on!" Grand Tutor Qian waved his hand, not giving a direct answer.
Upon hearing this, Little Fish sighed softly, whether out of disappointment or regret, and then strode away, this time walking briskly and decisively without any hesitation.
The next morning, Little Fish got up early to prepare to head to the dock.
As expected, Grand Tutor Qian did not appear, and instead ordered his steward, Uncle Shou, to take care of everything.
Not long after leaving the house, Xiaoyuer saw the Ge family's steward coming over. Upon seeing Xiaoyuer's carriage, the steward breathed a long sigh of relief.
He jumped off the carriage, wiped his sweat, and said, "Lord Zhang, it's good that you didn't leave. This is a letter my master asked you to deliver to Master Zhang!"
Xiaoyuer reached out and took the letter, feeling its thickness. He didn't ask any questions, just nodded and said, "Okay, I understand!"
He then lowered the carriage curtain and ordered his men to continue driving.
When we arrived at the pier, it was still early, but there were already quite a few people waiting with their luggage.
Many of them were discussing the war in the southeast region.
In this era, people who can travel far from home are generally knowledgeable or have some wealth, and they are more informed than ordinary people.
Xiaoyuer listened to what was going on, and at this point, most people were still optimistic about the rebellion in the southeast region.
But once news of the defeat spreads widely, it marks the beginning of widespread panic.
Thinking of this, Xiaoyuer couldn't help but shake his head. He stopped wasting his energy and, after boarding his own boat, ordered the boatman to sail away.
He returned to Huainan in less than half a month.
In just half a month, news of the defeat in the southeast had already spread.
When Xiaoyuer disembarked at the Huainan dock, he could hear people everywhere talking about the matter, shaking their heads and sighing, all saying that life was hard.
Little did they know that Huainan, thanks to Zhang Ping'an's vigorous development and reforms over the past few years, with reduced taxes and a focus on people's livelihoods, was already living much better than other places. In other places, many people were starving and displaced.
When they returned to the mansion, it was quiet. Only when they reached the backyard did they see Madam Li playing with her two children. She seemed no different from before.
"Why didn't those two go to school?" Xiaoyuer asked as they walked.
When Li saw that he had returned, she quickly went up to him and said, "Why didn't you write to let me know beforehand? I could have met you at the door. Are you tired?"
As she spoke, she poured a cup of tea and handed it over before explaining, "My father-in-law said that things have been rather unsettled outside lately, so he has stopped sending the two children to the academy. He has hired a tutor, Mr. Lang, to come and teach them at home these days, and today is their day off."
"Oh, I see. Where's my father? Is he still at the yamen?"
“Alas, where else could we be but the yamen?” Madam Li sighed, looking very upset. “You don’t know yet, do you? The imperial army suffered a great defeat and retreated to Songxi. However, they were relentlessly pursued by the King of Donghai in Songxi and eventually reached Fengling Pass. Ten out of ten soldiers survived. The imperial court was furious. General Li… who is my uncle, has already… has already died in battle at Fengling Pass.”
As she finished speaking, Li couldn't help but tear up. After all, he was her own clansman and a close elder. It was truly a pity and a tragedy that he had died.