People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

She understood Wei Yanwu's intentions.

But she will still investigate, because it involves officials from the Dali Temple.

If she doesn't investigate this matter, who else in the world will? Since she bears the responsibility of upholding justice for the nation, it would be derelict of her duty not to do so!

So she just smiled, packed her things, turned around, and left.

Wei Yanwu sat on the sofa, staring at the open door, and remained silent for a long time.

After a long while, when Wen Yue's figure walked in from outside the door and raised her hand to fan away the "mist" in the room, he came back to his senses, let out a long sigh, and felt somewhat complicated.

He saw a shadow in Lin Qingyan, a shadow of someone who dared to be the first in the world, who held the scorching sky, and who even dared to remonstrate with the true dragon in order to stabilize the country.

But that shadow vanished in an instant. The once spirited crown prince, when the true dragon fell dead on the throne, fled in panic from the Hundred Kitchens, and watched as the Grand Tutor's family was wiped out, was already beyond dead.

Wei Yanwu thought of the figure named "Yanwu" and even felt that the Buddha was not looking at himself, but rather watching a tragic movie from a third-person perspective.

He finally let out a sigh:

"The problem with this world is that there are always some self-righteous people who do things that everyone wants to avoid."

"But the good thing about this world is that there are always some truly clear-headed people who can do things that everyone would be willing to follow to the death."

Which one are you?

Longmen, Swire Hotel, penthouse suite.

Ernst has just received a message from Rainbow Squad.

Tatiana and her daughter Rosalyn have safely arrived in Shelag under their escort.

Rosalind really did kick Actos, knocking the burly bear-like man to the ground. But Actos wasn't angry at all; instead, he clutched his stomach, crying and laughing at the same time, seemingly quite pleased.

Ernst had intended to contact Enya and Horhya through the great god Yeragand, asking them to keep an eye on the Peroch family's recent movements and ensure that Kal'tsit wouldn't cause any trouble, when he heard Kal'tsit's voice from outside the door:

"Lord Ernst, someone is looking for you."

Ernst looked up:

"A doctor?"

The answer he received was not from Kal'tsit, but from another, slightly immature voice.

"Lin Qingyan, Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review of Yan Kingdom, has come to pay a special visit."

Chapter 949 True Dragon: Why hasn't Ernst arrived yet!

Yan Kingdom, with a hundred stoves.

The streets of Baizao are filled with the festive atmosphere of the Spring Festival. Every household puts up Spring Festival couplets and paper-cut window decorations. There are also Spring Festival couplet writing services organized by the Baizao Academy. The Celestial Master's Mansion will also arrange for the Celestial Master to go out and perform all kinds of novel magic tricks on the streets.

Fireworks and firecrackers, a tradition of the Yan Kingdom, were of course indispensable. The imperial court even had specialized fireworks and firecracker shops that sold large ceremonial fireworks. There were also many roadside stalls selling classic models such as "Starry Sky," "Thunderclap," and "Double Bang," with an abundance of both quantity and variety.

The Emperor has decreed: May the nation be prosperous and the people live in peace and joy. Even the grand mansions of those important figures who usually live in high-ranking houses will be opened for a few days to allow children and younger generations from the alleys to come and pay their respects for the New Year, as a way to bring good luck.

The Ning family was no exception.

Ning Ciqiu originally didn't want to come back for the Spring Festival this year, but the True Dragon actually gave an order, so she had no choice but to travel day and night and rush back to Baizhao City before the festival.

This magnificent mobile city is more developed, more bustling, and has more of the feel of "home" than Shelag. Returning here and seeing her grandfather lying on the deck chair in the yard always gives her a sense of peace.

It was as if as long as he was still alive, the Ning family's sky would still be there, and it would never fall down.

Looking at Ning Ciqiu's return, Ning Shu's face showed a kind smile. He leaned on the armrest, swayed as he straightened up from the recliner, and, using his cane, went to greet her, like an old man picking up his granddaughter from school.

"Ciqiu is back. This past year must have been tough for you. How have you been doing all by yourself out there?"

"I'm sorry to have worried Grandpa, everything is fine."

Ning Ciqiu helped the old man over the high threshold and into the main hall. She helped him sit down in the main chair, while she herself sat in the lower seat.

Ning Shu said nothing, but with just a glance, the servant at the door immediately closed the gate.

He then turned around, and in just a few seconds, without even exchanging pleasantries, his expression changed:

"Ciqiu, you didn't run into anyone this time you came back, did you?"

Ning Ciqiu was taken aback, somewhat confused as to why her grandfather would ask such a question, but seeing his serious expression, she knew it was of great importance, so she shook her head truthfully:

"No. Grandpa, what happened?"

"What's up"

Ning Shushen pursed his lips, gently stroking his white beard with his right hand, appearing to be deep in thought.

After a long pause, he suddenly spoke, but not in response to Ning Ciqiu's question. Instead, he said:

“Ciqiu, the Ning family is a prestigious family, but not a prominent one. It was only through me that our family truly prospered and gained a place in the imperial court.”

"To this day, I have been in this position of Minister of Rites for twenty years, and I can say that I have gained a firm foothold in this turbulent and unpredictable world."

“But, Ciqiu, Grandfather can’t stay in this position for another twenty years, do you understand?”

Ning Ciqiu opened her mouth, unsure why the topic had suddenly become so heavy. However, during the World Summit, she had witnessed many unexpected events, and her composure was far stronger than before. At this moment, she quickly regained her composure and asked:

"Does His Majesty the Dragon wish to reorganize the court?"

This was the only possibility she could think of immediately.

The ambassador was temporarily recalled from his post abroad, left in Baizao under the pretext of "visiting relatives," and a high-ranking official from the imperial court, the Minister of Rites, uttered these words that sounded like a last will and testament. After much thought, this is the only explanation that can be found.

Now it was Ning Shu's turn to be surprised.

He looked Ning Ciqiu up and down, his expression changing repeatedly, as if he were getting to know his granddaughter whom he hadn't seen for a year all over again.

After a moment, the serious expression on his face faded considerably, replaced by a kind smile. He reached out and took Ning Ciqiu's hand, clapping it gently, as if applauding.

"well."

"Your guess wasn't entirely correct, but the fact that you dared to guess and reacted so quickly is already remarkable."

"Your future achievements will be no less than mine!"

Ning Shu was genuinely happy.

He was afraid that Ning Ciqiu would become the kind of "mediocre official" who didn't think, only worked hard, and was conscientious, but could only live a mediocre life.

It's not that those kinds of people are undesirable, it's just that successful people are not like that.

None of his colleagues, like the Grand Tutor, the Grand Commandant, and the former Grand Preceptor, who were all ministers of the Six Ministries, were that kind of person.

You all say that thunder and rain are all the emperor's favor, and trying to guess the emperor's intentions is a capital offense. But if you want to climb up the ranks, you have to listen to these words in reverse!

Those who obediently accept being scolded, or even sincerely thank them, are fools. Smart people think about why they were scolded, learn from the experience, and understand their leader's meaning. Later on, even anticipating the leader's thoughts before they even begin—that's a required skill!

The Grand Tutor, the Grand Commandant, and that other Grand Preceptor are typical examples.

How cunning were Ling and his ilk back then? They were cunning enough to secretly support Yanwu's rebellion against the True Dragon!

Thinking of remonstrating with the emperor, whether you remonstrate or not, if you mention the word "military" in front of the emperor, it is a capital offense!

I didn't see any of them suffer any repercussions.

Grand Tutor Wu even jumped out to shield Yan Wu himself, exchanging a treacherous Grand Tutor for an innocent prince, keeping the people of the world in the dark, and letting the court officials play a self-deceiving trick with him.

Liu Ningciqiu is certainly not at the level of the three dukes of Grand Tutor, Grand Preceptor, and Grand Commandant yet, but she has already begun to dare to guess, and even dare to say such treasonous things to his face, which is already quite remarkable.

A soldier who doesn't want to be a general is not a good soldier. So-called ambition, to put it bluntly, is rebellion!

The only difference is that the reverse is larger or smaller.

Ning Ciqiu seemed somewhat flustered by her grandfather's praise.

She had been praised often before, but never before had her grandfather been so excited.

Besides, is this the time to be excited? If you remain silent, our entire family lineage will be shrouded in mystery!

"So, grandfather, what exactly happened? Did the true dragon really..."

"You still need to work on your temper. You're still a bit lacking in patience."

Ning Shu laughed,

"But my old bones are still here, and I can still shield you and Ning Yin from the storm for a while longer."

"As for what happened, you should already know about the Dali Temple's journey to Longmen, right?"

Ning Ciqiu's eyes flickered for a moment, and after hesitating, she nodded to her grandfather.

The whereabouts of the Dali Temple are not secretive. Everyone knows where they will patrol. The routes have been set in advance, and anyone with a little status can find out with a simple investigation.

After all, everyone wants to have a good New Year, so knowing their whereabouts in advance and making preparations when they are spotted by the patrol is considered one of the unspoken rules, and the Dali Temple turns a blind eye to it.

But if it were the Ning Ciqiu of the past, she certainly wouldn't have taken the initiative to investigate this matter.

Firstly, she was an official stationed abroad, now called a "special envoy," formerly known as a "messenger of rites." The Dali Temple's inspections mainly investigated local officials, so they couldn't investigate her.

Secondly, although the whereabouts of the Dali Temple can be investigated in advance—this is an unspoken rule—an unspoken rule is still an unspoken rule. Just because everyone does it doesn't mean it's legal. In the past, Ning Ciqiu would rather suffer losses than do something that violates the rules.

But this time, after receiving the imperial edict and learning that Ernst would be visiting Yan Kingdom, she thought a lot and investigated a lot of things.

This was the first time she had done this.

And it was done excessively.

It went to a point that Ning Shu probably never imagined.

Ning Shu smiled, patted his well-behaved granddaughter, who had grown quite a bit, on the shoulder, and said in an exceptionally confident tone: Six

"That's right, don't be afraid, no one will pursue this matter."

Ning Ciqiu nodded, but seemed to have something on her mind.

She said:

“I know, Grandpa, I’m just curious.”

"Is it impossible to remain completely innocent if you want to reach a higher position? Is it true that if many people do something, they won't be punished? Why are you happy even though I'm doing things that don't quite align with the principles you taught me back then?"

Does maturity mean becoming bad?

Ning Shu paused for a moment, looked at Ning Ciqiu, and smiled nonchalantly:

"You are still too young, you are still too naive."

He leaned on his cane and said earnestly:

“Remember, I never said that this is the right thing to do. In the future, no matter who asks you, you must never tell them that this is the right thing to do.”

"Everything you use is your method, not your thought. If you are a loyal minister, and His Majesty is incompetent, you can also act as a powerful minister to restore order to the world. If you are a treacherous minister, you can also preach the teachings of the sages and the principles of the monarch and father to fool the people of the world into not daring to oppose you."

"The world is corrupt but you are pure, the world is drunk but you are sober. No one can do that. Whether you want to be a loyal minister or a treacherous minister, a pure stream or a corrupt stream, you have become an official. The only thing you have to be true to is your original intention."

"This is some experience that your grandfather has accumulated over the years as an official of the Great Yan Dynasty. As for what you think, you have a long road ahead of you, so go and discover it for yourself."

After he finished speaking, he waved his hand, indicating that Ning Ciqiu, who was about to speak, did not need to say anything more, and directly changed the subject:

"As for what will happen next, your grandpa might as well give you a sneak peek."

He held up three fingers:

"three things."

"First: The True Dragon wants Yanwu to return to the court."

"Second: The issue of the Year Beast will be the subject of a grand court debate, and the True Dragon hopes to reach a final conclusion during the debate."

"Third, there may be a major change in the court soon. The Grand Commandant and the Grand Tutor are plotting something, and even I am still kept in the dark."

He paused,

"It's unclear whether these three things will happen one after another or all at once. But after this, the best outcome for your grandfather, the Minister of Rites, will probably be to retire and return to his hometown."

Ning Ciqiu was slightly taken aback:

"why?"

"Because my grandfather did some things back then."

Ning Shu patted her head.

"That's what I wanted to tell you too."

"When you're an official, you have to stay true to your original aspirations. As for the things you've done, no matter how long or short they've been, they'll come back to haunt you one day."

"It's not that I don't want to report it, it's just that the time has not come yet!"

"Therefore, to be a good official, one must bid farewell to autumn."