RPAGF Chapter 170 Too Many Conflicts
Chapter 170 Too Many Conflicts
"My lord, you wanted to see me?" As Zhao Yun approached the Wei King's residence, he bowed to Chen Er.
Upon seeing Zhao Yun arrive, Chen Er waved for Zhao Yun to sit down: "Zilong, you've worked hard. Sit down and rest first."
Zhao Yun thanked Chen Er, then sat down on the left, where military officers usually sat, and asked Chen Er, "My lord, what brings you to my seat?"
"Zilong, when you go back, tell the brothers in the Dragon Cavalry Battalion to bring a new set of armor and uniform as a backup. When you go south, each of them should have three horses as a backup. My main purpose for going south this time is not to meet Liu Bei."
"Instead, I want to take this opportunity to see the development of the autonomous region along the way. I haven't been to Qingzhou, Xuzhou and other places since they were incorporated into the autonomous region. This is an opportunity, so the departure time must be kept secret."
"We must keep our whereabouts secret not only from the outside world but also from within. I'm going to launch a surprise attack so we can see the true situation." Zhao Yun arrived at the Wei King's residence.
"Chen Er briefly explained the matters concerning this trip south, and Zhao Yun then understood the real reason why Chen Er suddenly summoned him back to Yuyang before the New Year."
Zhao Yun stood up and said to Chen Er, "My lord, rest assured, with me, Zilong, on this journey south, I will definitely protect you."
Zhao Yun knew that Chen Qun's death was a great blow to Chen Er, and that Chen Er's recall of him under such circumstances was a sign of his trust in him. Zhao Yun had to step forward at this time.
“Zilong, I believe in you,” Chen Er nodded and said.
Zhao Yun asked Chen Er, "When shall we set off?"
"The day after tomorrow, I'll stay home with my ladies for a few more days."
Chen Er said with a smile, and upon hearing this, Zhao Yun smiled knowingly and said, "The relationship between our lord and his wife is truly enviable."
"Zilong, it's time you found someone," Chen Er said with a smile. Hearing Chen Er's words, Zhao Yun blushed slightly, which was rare for him, and then said, "My lord, you know that it's not easy for people like us who come from the military to find a suitable person, not to mention that I spend most of my time on the grasslands. What ordinary woman would be willing to come and live with me on the grasslands?"
Zhao Yun said with a sigh.
"You don't need to worry about this. I'll have Xiaoxiao help you find someone later," Chen Er said.
Chen Er was quite concerned about the marriages of his generals and officials, especially those like Zhao Yun who were still single.
However, the focus now is on the upcoming southward march. Chen Er didn't dwell on this matter too much. He said to Zhao Yun, "Zilong, you don't need to worry about this. Your focus now is on preparing the southward march plan."
"Yes, my lord, I understand," Zhao Yun replied, accepting the order.
After Zhao Yun left, Chen Er put on a different expression and went into the backyard, where Su Xiao, Ying Qiuyu, and Cai Yan were whispering to each other.
As Chen Er walked to the door to wait, he overheard Cai Yan saying to Ying Qiuyu and the other woman, "Sisters, I really envy you. You've both given birth to a child for His Highness Prince Wei. I wonder when I'll be able to conceive a child for him."
As Cai Yan spoke, she stroked her belly. Seeing this, Chen Er's lips curled up slightly. He then walked into the backyard, laughing loudly, and said, "If you want to have a child, you'll have to work hard with your husband!"
"Ah!" Upon hearing Chen Er's laughter, the shy Cai Yan quickly turned her head and said to Su Xiao, "Sister, my husband is bullying me again."
"You, weren't you still so eager to have a child just now?" Su Xiao smiled and tapped Cai Yan's forehead.
Cai Yan immediately said in a coquettish tone, "Sister, my husband bullies me, so you can bully me too."
The family was happy and harmonious. Chen Er rarely enjoyed such an atmosphere throughout the year. For him, war and political struggle had become the main theme of his daily life, and behind him were three wives and two children.
He was very content. Sometimes he would think that if this could continue, he would rather not be the so-called chosen one, not have his current status, and just have this happy life.
But then I thought, if he didn't have such an experience and status, would he still have three wives? At least he would hardly have had the chance with Su Xiao and Cai Yan.
"My three ladies, I am about to depart. After I leave, do not reveal my whereabouts to anyone. Only announce that I am going to inspect the northern grasslands a day later, understand?"
On the third day of the new year, Chen Er, accompanied by Zhao Yun and a thousand elite dragon cavalrymen, headed south. Before departing, Chen Er instructed his three wives to keep his whereabouts a secret. He had already planned to test the administration of several southern states on this trip, and he did not want the officials along the way to be prepared.
"We will obey your orders, my husband," Su Xiao and the other two replied to Chen Er.
"Well then, I'll be off." Chen Er nodded to the three of them, then picked up his two sons, Li Ang and Chen Yang, and kissed them both. Li Ang smiled and kissed Chen Er back, saying, "Have a safe journey, Father."
Chen Yang can't speak yet, he can only grin and smile at Chen Er. Looking at his two children, Chen Er is a little reluctant to part with them, but his career is more important right now, and he can only cherish these family ties after his career is stable.
"Take care, Madam!"
Disguised as ordinary cavalry, the dragoons, led by Chen Er and Zhao Yun, left the city through the north gate. Their southward journey was to meet Liu Bei in mid-March. In reality, Chen Er had plenty of time. He spent the next two months secretly investigating the administration of the counties along the way, whether the officials were competent, and the implementation of the autonomous region's various policies.
"With such disguise, and since we left the city through the north gate, I think that should be enough to conceal my true whereabouts," Chen Er said to Zhao Yun. Zhao Yun nodded and replied, "Everyone certainly doesn't know that our lord would act in this way."
In order to see the most authentic situation, Chen Er really tried every means possible, but doing so was indeed necessary, based on Chen Er's own experience in his previous life.
The officials below him are definitely very good at saving face. If he had been informed of his actions in advance, Chen Er was absolutely certain that they would have tried their best to present their best side to him, thus preventing Chen Er from seeing their true selves.
The new policy reforms are bound to have some ups and downs. Chen Er also understands that many things cannot be accomplished overnight, and it is inevitable that various problems will arise during the specific implementation process.