CHAPTER 162: CHAPTER 161: GUIDANCE

Lu Qing nodded, seemingly satisfied with Situ Jing’s words, but he still reminded again: "The Situ Family has been good generals for generations, loyal to the emperor and loving the people, admirable.

It is good that General Situ strictly adheres to the family style, but it must be understood that the affairs of the world change in an instant, and one cannot rigidly adhere to traditions. One must adapt to circumstances, in accord with heavenly intent.

Whether the people of the world can live in peace and prosperity is definitely not something that can be decided by a border guard commander alone.

If one remains passive, I fear that the events within the Li State camp will happen again and again, and not only in Li State, but all over the world.

Instead of waiting for chaos to arise everywhere, with innocent people falling into misery, it is better to prepare for trouble and prevent it before it happens."

Situ Jing did not express anything, stood up directly, and cupped his hands to Lu Qing: "Seeing that Lord Imperial Censor’s injuries have obviously improved, and his spirit is much better, I feel much more at ease. It is late today, I shall not continue to disturb you two.

The previous reminders were heartfelt words of sincerity, I hope you will consider them carefully and not act out of anger."

Lu Qing nodded slightly: "So it is with me and the General."

After saying this, he waved to Zhu Yu and said: "Also, the scoundrels who conspired to create chaos in the Imperial Guard camp first released confusing smoke, causing many soldiers to get injured. Later, the criminals didn’t leave any witness alive; these are matters that the General must carefully consider in reporting back to the Holy Emperor.

I am unwell, please ask the Chief Historian to see the guest off for me."

Since Lu Qing said it like this, Zhu Yu got up and led Situ Jing outside.

Situ Jing walked to the door and wanted to say something more to Lu Qing, but stopped and turned around to look. He saw Lu Qing already lying down in bed facing away from the door, so he had no choice but to follow Zhu Yu out silently.

Outside the door, the rune guarded the doorway, originally thinking it would be enough to see Situ Jing out himself. Seeing Zhu Yu taking the responsibility of seeing the guest off, he stepped aside.

Zhu Yu walked in front, vaguely feeling that Situ Jing was following behind her, seemingly always observing her. She pretended not to notice until she reached the courtyard outside the post station, where she stopped and turned to Situ Jing courteously: "Today, I thank the General for his trouble in visiting, I thank you again on behalf of my Lord."

Situ Jing quickly cupped his hands: "The Lord’s injury is due to me. If it weren’t for busy duties, I should have come earlier. Today, I have been quite rude, please don’t take offense, you two."

Zhu Yu nodded.

Although Situ Jing did not clarify anything on this visit today, he didn’t hide his words when speaking. That previous sentence, "Please don’t take offense, you two," basically acknowledged his realization of the identities of Lu Qing and Zhu Yu.

Situ Jing’s eyes held a mix of curiosity and internal conflict as he looked at Zhu Yu. After a brief moment of hesitation, deciding not to speak further, he cupped his hands and stepped away. He had walked only a few steps when Zhu Yu called him again.

"Has General Situ heard about the recent incident with General Cao’s nephew in the Capital? Where do you think the root of the issue lies?" Zhu Yu asked.

Situ Jing, although not in the Capital, had heard of such a large affair. The Situ Family had no particular ties with Cao Tianbao despite both being prestigious veteran generals; their paths differed. One refrained from forming factions, while the other closely followed Duke Yan. Therefore, the two families always maintained distance and rarely interacted.

As a junior, Situ Jing greatly admired Cao Tianbao’s bravery and excellence, but when the topic of the Cao Family’s nephews was mentioned, his face betrayed some disdain.

"That’s naturally because Cao Chenfeng is nothing but a superficial show," he didn’t hide his disdain, "Ordinarily relying on his uncle’s support and promotion, otherwise he has achieved nothing.

If it weren’t for his poor conduct, being caught in a mistake, how could he so easily fall into the opponent’s trap, almost causing trouble for his uncle."

"Indeed so, the General’s words are very true." Zhu Yu nodded, first agreeing with Situ Jing’s words, then changing the subject, "However, if the Lord had not been ordered to come and happened to bring the Divine Doctor capable of detoxifying, General Situ might still be overwhelmed, unable to extricate yourself from the chaos of the Li State camp, right?

Then I, being impertinent, dare ask the General, what wrong have you committed?"

Situ Jing didn’t expect Zhu Yu to say something so suddenly, and for a moment didn’t know how to respond. He tried to find a reasonable explanation to counter, but upon understanding Zhu Yu’s intent, he found himself unable to refute.

Though Cao Chenfeng indeed was a hopeless case, if someone intends to "punish one for possessing jade," regardless of whether the person is incompetent, different methods will be found to trap them in injustice.

Even if he and Cao Chenfeng are not alike, as long as his relatives and General Cao are seen as obstacles and thorns in others’ eyes, no matter how cautiously and diligently he behaves, he cannot avoid the traps set by those with malicious intentions.

"Without bias or self-interest in forming factions, only loyal to the sovereign ordained by heaven and mindful of the people, this is obviously for the best." Seeing Situ Jing silent, Zhu Yu continued, "The current Holy Emperor is an enlightened ruler concerned about the world, appointing the worthy, viewing the old General Situ as the right general for quelling chaos, not caring about the old General’s impartial and unmoved stance previously.

To have such an enlightened ruler is a great fortune for the world.

But if those in power only care about closeness rather than merit, those who align will rise, enjoying high positions and generous rewards.

Those who do not conspire might face settling of old and new scores together, or never see the day of reckoning, burdened with unjust grievances, unable to pursue ancestral glory and family eminence."

Situ Jing’s brows furrowed more deeply. Zhu Yu’s words touched upon his deep-seated worries; only after understanding her identity and unspoken intent did he feel somewhat unsure.

Seeing this, Zhu Yu made a gesture of seeing the guest off to Situ Jing, saying: "General Situ specially came today to visit my Lord; I am deeply grateful and thank you on his behalf.

The General will return to the camp; if there is time beyond official duties, perhaps you might consider whether Da Jin truly has no one else usable? Runzhou is far from Li State; after the sudden death of the Old Capital Commander of Li State camp, why did Your Majesty specially dispatch the General to host the situation here?"

After saying this, she cupped her hands towards Situ Jing as Lu Qing usually did, and without further staying, turned and returned inside the post station.

Hearing her final words, Situ Jing was dazed, contemplating as he watched Zhu Yu’s figure disappear into the door before turning to untie his horse, mounting it and speeding away.