bookcurios Chapter 236 Planning
Chapter 236 Planning
Zhao Sheng looked at Zhao Zhen, who had lost some weight recently, and felt heartbroken. He asked softly:
"Zhen'er, have you been having trouble eating lately?"
Zhao Zhen lowered her head slightly, her expression slightly gloomy, and replied, "No, I noticed that the princess has been worried all day long recently because of the loss of her unborn child, and she doesn't seem as cheerful as before."
"I can understand what she's thinking. She's been stuffing people into my room like crazy recently. Actually, she's conflicted." Zhao Sheng's eyes showed understanding and helplessness.
"Contradiction?" Zhao Zhen frowned slightly when she heard what Zhao Sheng said, her eyes full of confusion.
She subconsciously glanced at a few people not far away. Although she had some questions in her mind and wanted to continue asking, she felt that this was inappropriate, so she pursed her lips and swallowed back the words that were about to come out of her mouth.
Mr. Zhao naturally knew Li Shuya's current state of mind. She must have asked the doctor about her physical condition, and became so depressed after knowing it.
"Okay, don't think about these unpleasant things. From now on, you should pay more attention to the income and expenditure accounts of the workshop. By the way, bring someone out to help you. After all..."
When Zhao Sheng said this, his voice stopped abruptly. The next words, "After all, I have to get married," were on the tip of his tongue, but he didn't have the courage to say them out loud.
Zhao Zhen didn't understand and didn't ask any further questions.
After understanding the current production material reserves, Zhao Sheng knew that some things must be sold so that they could be converted into cash and more food resources would be available.
"Mao Wang, when you go back, please protect my sister. Also, keep an eye on Wu Sikai. If there is anything wrong, you can report it directly to the princess." Zhao Sheng instructed with a serious face.
Seeing that Zhao Sheng wanted him to leave, Mao Wang hurriedly came up and said, "Sir, please consider my joining the combat unit."
Zhao Sheng rolled his eyes at him, thinking to himself that this guy really was determined to keep his head above water. His expression became increasingly serious as he said, "The defense of the Princess's Mansion is of vital importance. You should just give up on this idea."
The princess was injured, and Mao Wang blamed himself. He chose to join the new army because he wanted to kill Zhang Xiaosi and avenge the princess. However...
"My Lord, I, Mao Wang, swear that if I don't avenge the princess, I will not be a human being! Others can defend themselves, but I must avenge her!"
Mao Wang's eyes were red, veins bulged on his forehead, his fists were clenched tightly, and he exuded an aura of determination.
Zhao Sheng frowned and said sternly, "Mao Wang, don't be impulsive! The Princess's Mansion needs stability right now. If we neglect internal defenses, the consequences will be disastrous. Although Zhang Xiaosi is despicable, we must first stabilize the foundation."
Mao Wang gritted his teeth, his eyes wide open, and said, "My Lord, I can't sleep at night because the princess is injured. My heart has already flown to the battlefield, wanting to kill the thieves with my own hands."
"Mao Wang, I know you are loyal and resentful. Arrange your defense first. When the time for revenge comes, you will naturally not miss it." Zhao Sheng looked at Mao Wang with a firm tone.
"My Lord, how long do we have to wait? I'm afraid I can't wait any longer." Mao Wang's voice was filled with urgency and anxiety.
"Mao Wang, believe me, it won't be long. But before that, you must obey the instructions and not act on impulse."
Zhao Sheng looked at Mao Wang firmly, trying to calm him down.
Mao Wang took a deep breath and tried to suppress his anger: "Okay, Prince Consort, I'll listen to you. But you must remember to promise me."
Zhao Sheng nodded slightly and watched Zhao Zhen leave under Mao Wang's protection.
At this time, Zhao Sheng sorted out his thoughts and asked Zhao Yongsheng: "Tell me, Chen Da was originally a very honest man. Why did he become like this after becoming a high-ranking official?"
Yes, Chen Daben was a hungry man. Zhao Sheng gave his family a place to eat, his mother also had a place to live, and his silly brother worked as a security guard in the workshop, so he no longer had to worry about three meals a day.
However, after Chen Da became the governor, he went to Langya to defend it, but he had some heresy in his heart.
Zhao Yongsheng frowned and fell into deep thought. After a moment, he said:
"Sir, perhaps power can lead people astray. Chen Daben came from a poor family, but suddenly rose to a high position. Faced with so many temptations, it was difficult for him to stick to his original intentions. He may have been blinded by power and wealth, forgetting the hardships he once endured and your kindness."
There was a trace of regret and confusion on Zhao Yongsheng's face.
Zhao Sheng shook his head, sighed deeply, and said:
"But I had high hopes for him, believing he would be grateful and work for the welfare of the people. I gave him the opportunity to realize his ambitions, but I never expected him to betray my trust so badly."
Zhao Sheng's eyes were filled with disappointment and heartache.
Zhao Yongsheng continued, "Perhaps it was the complicated situation in Langya that changed him, or perhaps it was the instigation of those around him that made him gradually forget his original intention.
The officialdom struggles and conflicts of interest there may have led him astray, and the instigation of some ill-intentioned individuals may have led him astray." Zhao Yongsheng's expression was solemn, his brows furrowed.
Zhao Sheng clenched his fists, his expression solemn, and said angrily:
"No matter what, he has heresy in his heart and must not be tolerated. I have been lenient with him time and time again, but he remains unrepentant. If I don't punish him, how can I explain this to everyone?"
"Yongsheng, we need to find a way to persuade Chen Da to surrender. If we can avoid a fight, that would be the best."
Zhao Sheng's tone softened a little, and there was a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
Zhao Yongsheng nodded slightly, thought for a moment and said:
"Sir, in my opinion, we should first send someone who is eloquent and eloquent to test Chen Da's mind and understand his true thoughts and demands. Only by understanding his concerns and expectations can we prescribe the right remedy and find a way to persuade him to surrender."
Zhao Sheng nodded and said, "This plan is feasible, but who should we send?" At this time, Zhao Sheng frowned and fell into deep thought.
……
Afterwards, the two of them carefully considered the many details of persuading the enemy to surrender and the subsequent contingency plans. Time passed quietly and they did not notice that the sky was gradually darkening.
Zhao Sheng stood up, looked out the window at the gloomy sky, and said worriedly:
"Yongsheng, this matter is of great importance and we must not be negligent in the slightest. This decision not only concerns our own interests, but also the life and death of many soldiers and civilians."
Zhao Yongsheng bowed and said, "Don't worry, sir. I will do my best. However, Chen Da's intentions are unpredictable. If persuading him to surrender fails, we must make full preparations for a strong attack."
Zhao Sheng paced back and forth, thought for a moment and said:
"Quickly gather your elite troops and deploy them secretly, just in case. But don't resort to violence unless it's absolutely necessary. After all, a war would bring devastation to the people. The people have already endured too much suffering, and a peaceful resolution is the best outcome."
Zhao Yongsheng took the order and left.
Zhao Sheng curled up alone in the dim and quiet house. The moonlight outside the window was dim, shining through the mottled shadows of the trees, casting a few strands of silver fragments, adding a bit of chill to this lonely night.
Inside the house, an oil lamp flickered, the flame flickering, as if reflecting his mood at the moment, fluctuating.
Zhao Sheng stared blankly at the slightly worn wooden table in front of him. On the table were scattered a few yellowed drawings and an ink jade pen that had been repeatedly rubbed and had slightly worn edges.
His fingers tapped unconsciously on the table, making a subtle and rhythmic sound, which intertwined with the occasional chirping of night birds outside, adding a bit of loneliness to the late night.