Rejected Beauty Practices the Villain Play-Chapter 929 - 904: The Game of Go

Fang Chuning gradually realized that if it wasn’t him, it was Xie Jue. Xie Jue wouldn’t personally act, but that didn’t mean his people wouldn’t. It turned out he misunderstood. But that person deserved it; using power to bully others and taking advantage of his reputation deserved some discipline. Xie Jue wasn’t wrong either. It was just Zhou Buyan making a fuss over nothing; Fang Chuning felt indifferent, thinking there was no need for surprise.

"Go and investigate how many people over the years have been extorting villagers under my name, acting recklessly, especially the soldiers from Zhongzhou back then. From what I’ve heard, that person’s words show he’s often getting into trouble. I’m far from Zhongzhou and can’t manage it daily, but don’t let others use my name to commit misdeeds everywhere." Fang Chuning instructed Zhou Buyan to investigate.

Zhou Buyan had actually heard some rumors and knew that some people were using Fang Chuning’s name to do evil, but it was within his control and tolerance range, so he never paid much attention. These matters were ordinary; some commoners used the army’s reputation to seek personal gain. As long as it wasn’t excessive, Zhou Buyan wouldn’t intervene.

The status of military households was low. If they used their identity to secure some benefits, Zhou Buyan would turn a blind eye. He wouldn’t deal with such matters unless they went too far. Since Fang Chuning reminded him, Zhou Buyan would take it to heart and would no longer let these situations be, handling them as appropriate. If laws were violated, he would deal with it strictly.

After Ying Er dealt with the matter, he came to see Xie Jue, feeling very guilty, "Master, I lost my discretion and caused trouble for the Prince."

Xie Jue was just brewing tea, slowly warming the teacup, and said indifferently, "No harm."

Ying Er breathed a sigh of relief. Xie Jue said, "Fang Chuning should have something to instruct Zhou Buyan. You stay in Zhongzhou to assist him. The remnants of the Chen Family’s power in Zhongzhou still control the region’s throat. Your stay can also support Zhou Buyan. Fang Chuning and I will go to Ningzhou tomorrow. You stay in Zhongzhou until I return."

"Master is going alone to Ningzhou and later to Beiman. This subordinate is worried. The Emperor specifically instructed this subordinate to stay close to protect the Prince."

"My mind is set, no more words!" Xie Jue decisively instructed, "You staying in Zhongzhou is more useful than following me."

"Yes!" Ying Er also dared not disobey, hoping in his heart that Ying Yi would return soon. How come he hasn’t returned after going to Sannan? Ying Er had rushed from the Capital City to Zhongzhou. Why hasn’t he come?

Was there something on the road that delayed him?

Just as Xie Jue expected, after rumors spread about him and Fang Chuning using power to bully others, Chen Gui came to find Xie Jue, agreeing to the conditions Xie Jue proposed, willing to pledge allegiance to the new dynasty, and cooperate with Zhongzhou’s new policy implementation, for the entire Chen Family. To avoid Xie Xun and Xie Jue turning on him, Chen Gui also proposed a series of plans to consolidate his power. Xie Jue, considering the pros and cons, almost agreed to all of them. Stabilizing and developing Zhongzhou is an urgent matter. As long as Xie Xun is Emperor, and he is a prince, the matters of Zhongzhou can be resolved slowly, without the need to rush. The rights and wrongs and interest entanglements are all clear in his heart.

Fang Chuning saw everything, adding another layer of respect for Xie Jue. On their journey together, though he was searching for his memories, he never delayed rectifying the administration and implementing new policies. From Yangzhou to Zhongzhou, Xie Jue would investigate the new dynasty’s officials’ achievements midway. If he found anyone disloyal or pretending compliance, he would deal harshly, handle it first, and then report to the Capital City, allowing the cabinet to dispatch new officials. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Presently in Zhongzhou, he also worries about the political situation, hoping his brother’s throne can be more stable. The situation across twelve states is even more chaotic, as Xie Xun has already dispatched the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry there. So, Zhongzhou must not fall into chaos.

In the afternoon, the two talked about the Chen Gui matter while playing chess in the pavilion.

Xie Jue patiently explained to Fang Chuning, "After Beiman surrendered, we didn’t actually plan for Sannan’s surrender in a short time. The pretense to make Sannan return was only to stabilize Beiman through Sannan. The best situation is for Sannan to return peacefully, with Sannan King and the Imperial Family genuinely submitting, without inciting war. However, my judgment error allowed the High Priest’s plot to succeed, causing Sannan’s situation to spiral out of control and lose the people’s support. Thus, with Beiman undefined and Sannan out of control, unrest north and south, Zhongzhou must remain stable. Otherwise, if someone in Sannan or Beiman raises a rebellion flag, the consequences would be disastrous. Currently, Beiman isn’t outside the Ningzhou Defense Line but inside. Zhongzhou is the final defense line for the Capital City. Zhixu and I must prepare for the worst. Sending Dugu Jing to Sannan kills two birds with one stone; he can stabilize and control Beiman. Chen Gui saw through this strategy, so he could make large demands. I indeed need him now."

"Will he pretend compliance while acting against us?" Fang Chuning pondered over where to place a piece on the board, always feeling Xie Jue was letting him win. Even when on the verge of losing, he could inexplicably turn the game around.

"No, it’s a win-win scenario; there’s no need for him to act out. After the Sannan High Priest incident, I need to handle these sensitive situations with 100% precision, no room for error, and no allowance!" That oversight brought a devastating blow and unpredictable changes to the whole situation. This was the most chaotic and out-of-control situation after Xie Jue took power, and he would not allow it to happen a second time!

"As long as he acts sensibly!" Fang Chuning said lightly. As long as Chen Gui acts sensibly, it’s manageable. Compared to that, soldiers using Fang Chuning’s name for personal gain is a minor issue. Fang Chuning held back, couldn’t help saying, "The Emperor is already of age, decisive, with a clear political climate; you don’t need to worry so much."

Xie Xun was born with the fate of an emperor. From leading troops in battle, it was clear. He could easily command the soldiers’ submission and loyalty, not because he was a small Marquis of the Marquis Zhenbei Mansion but because he inherently possessed such charisma. The three sons of the Xie Family all had this rallying power, but Xie Xun was more prominent. Now, the cabinet is filled with young officials like Lin Helin, and the political situation is excellent. Xie Jue could indeed take a rest, for he had laid a very solid foundation for Beining.

"Anning..." Xie Jue steadily gazed at him, "Are you worried about me?"

Fang Chuning, propping his head, stared at the chessboard, seemingly unheard of Xie Jue’s words. His gaze fell on the board where black and white stones tangled endlessly, one strong, one weak. They had been playing for thirty minutes, yet not a single game was finished. Fang Chuning couldn’t suppress asking, "I’ve long wanted to ask, are you always letting me win?"

Though slightly disappointed, Xie Jue did not force him to respond, his gaze also focused on the board with a double entendre, "This is my full strength."