Chapter 533 – The Winds of Change (Part 3)
My little book boy really has a narrow mind.
When the strategist was under Changshou Wang, he came up with a scheme to frame Huang Song. It’s likely that Huang Song is fuming over this unexpected blame; if he knew it was the strategist’s idea and that he had encouraged Changshou Wang, how could he not hold a grudge?
This isn’t an escape; it’s a clear path to death.
Although it’s harsh talk, there’s a hint of amusement in his tone, clearly showing he’s not angry about the book boy’s pettiness.
The book boy understands his master’s temperament well, knowing he won’t get angry and might even be eager to take action.
He said, “Master, your strategies are unparalleled! If that Huang fella is as amazing as you say, he won’t blame you for this.”
The strategist clicked his tongue and then climbed into the carriage, leaning back against the table, lazily speaking.
“Do as you wish.”
The book boy laughed and said, “Alright, off to Zhai County we go!”
A classic master-servant banter, complete (1/1).
The world is unstable now, and the people’s hearts are unsettled. Intellectuals do not hold high hopes for the Dongqing royal family or Changshou Wang. Regardless of who wins, they cannot bring back clarity to this chaotic world; they lack both the ability and the vision to correct the disorder.
Since the fall of the Daxia Dynasty, the world has split into five countries, all too newly established for their leaders to be seen as patriots.
If the world is murky, then let’s carve out a new land and bring back the light!
In this world, those seeking fame and profit are like fish crossing a river, in endless numbers; as long as there is profit, there is no shortage of pursuers.
Some wish to support a wise ruler and forge a name that will echo through history.
This strategist is no exception.
Before Changshou Wang revealed his true nature, he did seem to have the air of a wise ruler. To be blunt, he was good at acting, and plus, as the Changshou Wang of the Dongqing royal family, he possessed a vast and fertile estate, along with a strong army—a solid foundation for contending for the world.
However, he isn’t a patient person, and his acting wasn’t refined enough; it didn’t take long before flaws began to show.
Having seen his true face, the strategist certainly didn’t want to assist such a scoundrel.
A good bird chooses the tree it rests on, and a wise minister selects the ruler it serves.
If one can meet a suitable master, they should give their all; if they encounter an unsuitable one, it’s best to find a more compatible match quickly.
However, since they’ve cooperated to this point, the strategist is not yet willing to confront his old master.
Under the setting sun, the carriage leisurely heads towards Zhai County.
He wants to see if this capable Huang Song really has the mettle, and what kind of vision he possesses!
He cherishes his life while also enjoying a good gamble. The book boy knows his master’s temperament well, or else he wouldn’t have suggested they head to Zhai County.
The farther they go north, the more refugees they encounter—desolate fields, starving common people, crumbling ruins… everything strikes hard at their eyes. However, the strategist sees such things often and has a somewhat cold character, so he doesn’t show any complicated expressions.
The book boy, on the other hand, with his innocence and kindness, feels deeply for the numb refugees or the weeping orphaned children.
Yet, he remembers his place and doesn’t offer them food or money, nor do they linger too long.
When traveling in such chaotic times, goodwill may not always receive gratitude; it could lead to danger instead.
For safety’s sake, they still used a scrawny old horse for transportation, and the book boy replaced his clothing with a patched-up old garment. The strategist’s carriage was also changed to an old, gray one, though the interior was still comfortable and clean.
With such a setup, as long as they don’t encounter desperate refugees, they should be safe.
The strategist merely raised an eyebrow at this arrangement without further comment.
The book boy looks after his master’s daily needs, always dependable—washing clothes, cooking, mending, driving, surviving outdoors… with this little book boy around, he has no worries about living comfortably, even if stranded on a deserted island!
“Master, what kind of hand can bring peace in this chaotic world?”
The book boy, not yet of age, sports a small bun atop his head, his chubby little face making him appear even smaller.
Without raising his head, the strategist replied, “Your master isn’t a deity; how can he know such things?”
The book boy said, “But didn’t you resolve to assist a wise ruler and help the world’s people? The person you choose should be capable of doing that.”
This book boy was purchased from starving refugees for just a handful of copper coins—a moment of goodwill, and unexpectedly, this little one possesses a heart full of innocence, grateful towards others, leading the strategist to treat him like a younger brother.
Though it seems he overindulged, resulting in the book boy having unusually strong confidence and admiration for him.
“Who knows… maybe in a few years, maybe in several decades, perhaps even until you’re laid to rest, the world will still be in chaos.”
The old horse pulling the carriage doesn’t allow for high speed; they can only travel leisurely.
After days of travel, the master and servant stopped at a rundown teahouse, ordering a bowl of tea. The murky water had floating tea leaves, and the taste was quite underwhelming. Yet, the strategist drank it down without a frown, while the book boy complained on behalf of his master.
Disguised as a down-and-out family, they appeared low-key.
While sipping tea, they overheard a conversation about Fengyi County.
“…Have you heard? Those murderous Green Garment beasts in Fengyi County have been driven out…”
“Who’s strong enough to do that? I heard the governor of Fengyi County was subservient to the Green Garment Army, and suddenly someone managed to drive them away.”
“Seems like it was the county magistrate from Xiangyang, called Liu Xi… I heard Xiangyang used to be a territory of the Green Garment Army, but didn’t the official make Liu Xi the county magistrate? Last year, he directly led people to drive out the beasts from Xiangyang and even incorporated them…”
The north suffers from relentless turmoil caused by the Green Garment Army and the Red Lotus Sect, causing many common people to flee south.
While there is fighting in the south too, at least there’s some semblance of order; they don’t act as recklessly and violently as those two bandit groups.
Coincidentally, there were also refugees in the teahouse who escaped from Fengyi County, and upon hearing news about their hometown, they couldn’t help but ask more questions.
“What about Cheng’an County? I escaped from Cheng’an County; were the Green Garment beasts defeated over there too?”
The person sharing the news replied, “They’ve already been defeated. Cheng’an County is now back in the hands of that magistrate Liu Xi.”
Hearing this, the common person beamed with joy and then hesitated.
Having barely escaped from Cheng’an County, who knows what the future holds?
Rushing back recklessly might endanger his life.
Someone noticed his hesitation and said, “Tsk, you’re still hesitating! I’m actually thinking of going back there to find a job. But my wife and mother won’t allow it; they say the journey is too far, and if something goes wrong on the way, they don’t want me to go…”
“Eh? Why? It’s just fine here…”
Although this place is poor, at least there’s no military disaster; it’s just a bit remote, and life is a bit tougher.
The man glanced around and asked the others, “Do you know where Xiangyang County is?”
Everyone looked puzzled; Xiangyang County is just Xiangyang County; how else could it be defined?
