Chapter 1092: What Was Done

Chapter 1092: Chapter 1092: What Was Done

Xia Houzhe did not truly want to sever ties with this old minister, so he bowed and softened his voice, saying, "Sir, please don’t be angry. It was my arrogance and reckless words that displeased you."

Mr. Ning was not one to fall for this, and said, "My lord, there’s no need for such courtesy. You’re the master and I’m the servant; I don’t deserve this. Moreover, my lord is grown now, and need not rely on this old man for every decision. You can make your own judgments."

Xia Houzhe felt a bit indignant. Looking at the old man’s weary appearance and recalling their years of companionship, he said, "You truly are angry with me. I understand your wishes; patience in small matters is crucial for the bigger strategy. I understand that. But sir, after tolerating for more than twenty years, how long must we continue? My heart is with Great Xia, what about the old troops in the village?"

Mr. Ning pursed his lips.

"You must know, sir, that over these decades, Great Qing has developed while my father’s old troops have also been recuperating. They’ve married, had children, and are enjoying peace. If we truly raise the flag, how many would sincerely wish to follow?" Xia Houzhe asked, with a hint of sorrow. "The fighting spirit in people can slowly fade in the torrent of time. You and I are determined to revive Xia, but is everyone like us?"

Though he hated to admit it, he knew that the people of Great Qing were living peacefully and acknowledged Emperor Chu as their ruler because he brought them peace and harmony.

As the saying goes, it’s better to be a peaceful dog than a person in chaotic times. Who would choose to live amidst war?

Even those old troops have settled down, living a peaceful life. Would they really be willing to give up this comfort to go to war?

Perhaps not.

Xia Houzhe feared that the peace of Great Qing would completely eradicate those people’s fighting spirit, wasting all the preparations.

How could he be willing?

He had lived under an assumed name for more than twenty years, not wanting to be erased along with others. He would rather fight fiercely, leaving success or failure to fate.

But the old ministers and aides with Mr. Ning, apart from enduring, continued to plan. Yet after all these years of preparation, merely preparing without action—what meaning does that have?

He no longer wished to endure, preferring to constantly challenge Emperor Chu and test these people’s patience.

Mr. Ning remained silent for a while and then said, "If my lord still heeds my advice, retreat to Xuzhou. This way, we have a retreat. Even if we start the uprising, shouldn’t you be in Xuzhou?"

Xia Houzhe clenched his fist secretly.

"No matter what, Xuzhou is the base. It’s Prince Min’s fief as long as the fief isn’t revoked," Mr. Ning said. "If you don’t retreat, I’m afraid the old ministers wouldn’t have a chance, especially since Cui Changxiao’s whereabouts remain unknown. No one knows what he might uncover."

"Isn’t there still Chu Ze? We always have two plans," Xia Houzhe said calmly.

Regardless of what is uncovered, Chu Ze would become him.

Mr. Ning’s face turned grim.

Xia Houzhe’s face was also shrouded in darkness, hiding his real expression as he chuckled sinisterly, "Maybe even without waiting for Cui Changxiao to return, the capital would be in chaos."

Mr. Ning was taken aback, "What did you do again?"

Xia Houzhe grinned, "I did nothing, sir. Rest assured, it wasn’t me who did anything. It’s nearly dawn, so I won’t disturb your rest any longer."

Mr. Ning did not reply. When the secret chamber returned to silence, he thought for a long time before striking the bamboo gong.

A Hidden Guard appeared before him, and Mr. Ning said, "Go investigate what the Prince Min Mansion or the merchant families sent as the Longevity Gift."