You can't only love the Qing Dynasty when you're eating the fruits of others' labor.

Chapter 181 Plaza Trade
After hearing Chief Steward Wu's insightful remarks, Eunuch Qiu, the Director of the Imperial Stables, forgot his tears. He wiped away his tears and cautiously asked:

"Steward, what rank does Lord Jiang currently hold?"

“What rank? He has no rank! The other day he volunteered himself, clamoring to be the General of Dingyuan. The Emperor didn’t agree, but made him the General of Dingyuan’s deputy.”

Grandpa Qiu opened his mouth wide in surprise.

"The military situation in the south is dire, so whatever he demands now is perfectly reasonable, do you understand? You idiot."

"I was wrong."

Furious, Wu Liangfu kicked the man over and then stormed off.

Unexpectedly, after getting up from the ground, Grandpa Qiu's mood suddenly improved a lot.

"Hey, hehe, it seems like my face doesn't hurt anymore."

"Let's go back to the Imperial Horse Stables."

Eunuch Qiu finally let go of his resentment and happily left the Directorate of Ceremonial.

It may seem absurd, but it is actually quite reasonable.

The psychology of eunuchs is quite unique. Compared to normal people, they admire strength even more, to an extent that is almost indescribable.

Even if they are punched and kicked and repeatedly humiliated by a strong person, they would never dare to have the slightest thought of resistance.

Admiring the strong is their lifeline, their logic of survival.

……

The seventh day of the twelfth lunar month, in the afternoon.

The day before setting off south.

Jiang Qingyun hurriedly entered the palace upon receiving the imperial decree, only to be greeted by an acquaintance—the Third Eunuch.

As the two walked across the square in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Third Eunuch suddenly slowed down and whispered a reminder: "Lord Jiang, the Western Depot is secretly monitoring you."

Jiang Qingyun almost lost her temper, but her tone remained indifferent.

"is it?"

"Chief Steward Wu has sent spies to secretly monitor all civil and military officials, and you and the various banner lords and princes are the focus of the surveillance. Chief Steward Wu knows your every move."

Jiang Qingyun sized up the former beggar, hesitated for a moment, and asked softly, "Tell me, what are you after?"

“This servant wants to replace Steward Wu.”

"What does it have to do with me?"

"Lord Jiang, this servant is sincere."

The conversation fell into an awkward silence, and the two hurried on their way.

As we approached the Qianqing Gate.

The Third Eunuch spoke again:
"Lord Jiang, I mean you no harm, please trust me. I'm just kindly reminding you that next time you go out, you should pay attention to your surroundings, and you'll find that someone is secretly watching you."

We've arrived at Qianqing Gate.

……

"Your subject pays respects to the Emperor and the Empress Dowager."

"Rise, and have a seat."

Jiang Qingyun looked up and saw that General Ao Bai was also sitting to the side, so he nodded slightly to him.

Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang spoke first:

"Tomorrow is the day of departure. I entrust the southern campaign to my two beloved ministers."

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty."

"Before we set out on the campaign, I would like to ask you two a few questions. Ao Bai, what are the responsibilities of a commander?"

"Clear rewards and punishments, strategic planning, and proper personnel management lead to victory."

"So, you won't charge ahead like Nikan?"

"Your Majesty, if I were the vanguard, I would be fully armed and charge ahead. But as the commander, I would never take any risks lightly."

"Good~"

Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang nodded in satisfaction.

"Jiang Qingyun, what are your responsibilities?"

"Assist in military affairs, work with the commander-in-chief, and stabilize the situation in the southwest as soon as possible. On the premise of ensuring that the Manchu bannermen do not suffer heavy losses, try to recover lost territory, strive for a ceasefire with the Ming court, and buy time for recuperation. War is a continuation of politics, and the two can complement each other."

"Are you sure?"

"Have."

Emperor Shunzhi could no longer restrain himself.

"Minister Jiang, which provinces are you referring to?"

"Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan."

……

The hall was unusually quiet. Wu Liangfu, standing to the side and behind Shunzhi, remained motionless, like a statue.

Ao Bai felt slightly uneasy, turned his head to look at Jiang Qingyun, and his eyes revealed obvious dissatisfaction and anger.

Jiang Qingyun remained unmoved, as steady as Mount Tai.

Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang and Emperor Shunzhi, seated at the head of the table, took in the changes in the expressions of the two men and exchanged a silent glance.

Shunzhi spoke:

"Minister Jiang, I admire your drive. However, if you want to retake these three provinces, you must first defeat Li Dingguo. But you cannot directly call upon the Manchu bannermen at the front to fight. So, what do you plan to do?"

"Your Majesty, I have discussed with Lord Ao and we have decided to stick to the old rules: Manchu bannermen will supervise the battle, while Han and Mongol bannermen will charge into battle. This will first dampen the Ming army's morale, and then we will gradually take action through a political offensive."

What are the chances of winning?

"6%."

Emperor Shunzhi was getting restless.

Even Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang felt slightly uneasy.

Hope is a good thing. But often, the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment.

Shunzhi turned his head:

"Ao Bai, do you think so too?"

Ao Bai was clearly displeased:

"This servant is not as optimistic as Lord Jiang. This servant's idea is to first control Hubei, then recapture Yuezhou, and then not rush to launch an attack. Using Yuezhou as a base, we will build up a navy, train the Green Standard Army, stockpile grain and fodder, and cast cannons to gradually control Dongting Lake and the Xiangjiang River system. In one or two years, our army will then fight the Ming army. It will take two to four years to take Hunan and Jiangxi."

The Shunzhi Emperor and his mother exchanged a glance, their eyes seemingly saying, "Aobai's actions are a shrewd and sophisticated plan to govern the country."

“I grant your request. Aobai, it will be as you say. Four years is a time I can wait.”

"The slave obeys the order."

……

After the two left the hall, Jiang Qingyun walked slowly ahead with his hands behind his back, looking quite composed.

Ao Bai caught up, his eyes filled with hostility.

What did you mean just now?

"Shh~ Brother Ao, please calm down. I deliberately disagreed with you in front of the Emperor. What I'm about to say will be quite shocking, so please don't make a sound."

"The thirteen government offices are secretly monitoring me."

"what?"

Ao Bai could hardly believe his ears.

"His Majesty probably knows about our secret meeting at the teahouse that day. I don't want His Majesty to misunderstand our relationship, so I deliberately caused trouble for you in front of the Emperor just now."

Ao Bai remained silent, saying nothing the entire way.

Once outside the Meridian Gate, he suddenly asked, "Tell me, is this Wu Liangfu's intention or the Emperor's?"

Jiang Qingyun turned around and smiled: "Without the Emperor's authorization, would Wu Liangfu have the guts to do this? Brother Ao, let's not mention it again. Just pretend you know nothing."

Hey~
Ao Bai sighed and rode away.

……

"Lord Jiang, please wait. The Emperor has summoned you!"

Jiang Qingyun smiled and dismounted.

"Brother Su, how have you been lately?"

"It's alright, I'm just hoping that one day I can be transferred to a local post as a substantive official."

"You have a goal?"

"Just dreaming."

"Brother Su, why don't you come with me on the southern expedition? If we make some military achievements, it won't be difficult to get a real post as a prefect."

Suleda remained silent, but it was clear that he was struggling internally.

"If you are willing, I will speak on your behalf before the Emperor later. It's about fighting for the country; the Emperor will most likely approve it."

"Thank you, sir. I am willing to serve under you."

"Ah."

Jiang Qingyun walked with his hands behind his back, taking his time. Suddenly, under the red walls and yellow tiles, he encountered an acquaintance—the monk Tianji.

Several feet apart~
The two stopped simultaneously and stared at each other.
The monk Tianji smiled, while Jiang Qingyun's eyes reddened slightly.

Time seems to stand still at this moment.

After a while, Suleda tugged at his sleeve.

"Lord Jiang, shall we go?"

"it is good."

(End of this chapter)