allonlinenovel Chapter 151 Su Changmei Offers Advice
Chapter 151 Su Changmei Offers Advice
Three days later, at Qixia Mountain, Langya Pavilion.
With lush green trees and swaying bamboo, Qixia Mountain is a picturesque landscape, like a paradise on earth, breathtakingly beautiful.
Langya Pavilion, this magnificent building, is nestled peacefully in the heart of Qixia Mountain. Its surrounding layout is ingenious, built according to the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) formation, revealing a mysterious and unpredictable aura of Qimen Dunjia (a form of divination). All the buildings within the pavilion are exquisitely carved from pure white marble, with each massive stone fitting together perfectly, creating an extraordinary grandeur and elegance.
Before even stepping through the main gate of Langya Pavilion, one's gaze is involuntarily drawn to the four colossal white jade pillars standing not far away. On these pillars, the four celestial totems—Azure Dragon soaring through the clouds, White Tiger roaring in the wind, Vermilion Bird spreading its wings, and Black Tortoise diving into the abyss—are depicted with lifelike detail, majestic and mysterious. On either side of the gate stand two strangely shaped, towering ancient trees, their branches swaying as if telling tales of bygone eras, adding a touch of seclusion and antiquity to this idyllic place.
At this moment, Ruan Dianfu had successfully presented the legendary Xuanming Sword to the wise and resourceful Su Changmei. He stepped lightly and with a beaming smile into the solemn and mysterious main gate of Langya Pavilion, his heart filled with an urgent desire—to seek Su Changmei's advice on the extraordinary strategy that could overturn the world and seize power.
Upon entering the pavilion, Ruan Dianfu was immediately struck by the grandeur of the main hall, which rivaled even the Qianyang Hall in Jiankang City. Its sheer size was truly breathtaking.
Beneath the dome, supporting this magnificent building are exquisitely carved white marble pillars, their intricate and beautiful carvings seemingly telling stories passed down through the ages.
The window frames and door frames are also meticulously crafted, with every carving delicate and gleaming, decorating the entire space with a noble yet elegant feel, like a legendary fairyland that inspires awe and longing.
Ruan Dianfu felt a surge of emotion, secretly praising this place as a rare secluded paradise on earth. It possessed both an extraordinary and refined air, as well as an imperial aura, making people yearn for it, as if they had stepped into a completely new world, a place where they could rewrite their destiny and realize their dreams.
Just then, a young man of about twenty years old walked slowly towards them, dressed in a plain white robe and holding a white whisk in his hand. His pace was unhurried as he headed straight for Ruan Dianfu. This man had a handsome face, but his brows showed signs of frailty. He was none other than Su Changmei, the master of Langya Pavilion.
Looking at his appearance, Ruan Dianfu thought to himself that this person was just a weak young man and should not be Su Changmei.
He then stepped forward a few paces, cupped his hands, and said, "I am Ruan Dianfu, the Prefect of Xiangyang, and I have come here specifically to visit Lord Su Changmei, the Master of Langya Pavilion. I wonder if Lord Su is in the pavilion at this moment?"
The young man smiled slightly, his voice clear as a spring: "The person you are looking for is none other than myself."
Upon hearing this, Ruan Dianfu was taken aback for a moment, then laughed and said, "Oh dear, so you are Pavilion Master Su! My apologies for not recognizing you! I have long admired your reputation, especially your wisdom and resourcefulness, which inspire my deepest respect."
Su Changmei smiled calmly and parted her lips slightly: "It's a pleasure to meet you, Prefect Ruan."
Ruan Dianfu's eyes shone brightly as he cupped his hands and said, "Today I have the pleasure of seeing the Pavilion Master in person. He truly is a man of great charisma. Seeing is believing."
Su Changmei waved her hand gently and smiled, "Prefect Ruan, you flatter me. I am but a strategist, making a living through wisdom and strategy. How could I be as extraordinary as you describe? I have a rule of 'exchanging the Xuanming Sword for a plan,' and I always keep my word. Since you have already presented the Xuanming Sword, I will certainly devise a plan for you. But I wonder, what does you seek?"
Ruan Dianfu's expression was solemn, and he said in a deep voice, "The world! I dare to ask you, Master, how can you help my prince conquer the world?"
Upon hearing this, Su Changmei showed no surprise whatsoever, but rather a calm acceptance of what was happening. He thought to himself, "This was all bound to happen sooner or later; it was just a matter of time." It seemed Liu Huan had already fallen into their trap, actively seeking out them, intending to overthrow Liu Kun's cruel rule and seize the throne.
However, Su Changmei didn't want Liu Huan's strategist to feel that victory was assured and too easy. He needed to add a twist to this battle of wits, making the path to victory less smooth.
Su Changmei smiled gently, her tone mild yet firm: "Prefect, your question is too broad and lacks specificity. I'm afraid I cannot answer it."
Ruan Dianfu felt a pang of disappointment, muttering to himself, "If this matter weren't so important, why would I have asked him? All this painstaking planning seems to have gone down the drain."
Then, Ruan Dianfu knelt down before Su Changmei, tears streaming down his face, and cried out hoarsely, "Lord Pavilion Master, the current tyrannical ruler is rampant, loyal officials are unjustly accused, the common people are suffering unspeakably, resentment is everywhere, and the world is in turmoil. My lord, the direct descendant of the late emperor and the elder brother of the current tyrant, harbors lofty ambitions and vows to use his sword to sweep away the tyrant and restore peace to the world! I beg you, Lord Pavilion Master, to consider the suffering of the people, prioritize the preservation of the nation, and devise a good plan for my lord to turn the tide and save the people from their misery!"
Seeing this, Su Changmei secretly praised him, thinking that this person was indeed courageous, insightful, and had extraordinary courage, able to reveal his entire plan.
So Su Changmei gently helped Ruan Dianfu up and said softly, "Prefect, please rise. Your great courtesy is too much for me. I promise you, I will do everything in my power to help you and devise a plan!"
Upon hearing this, Ruan Dianfu instantly wiped away his tears, a smile blooming on his face. He said eagerly, "Master, please teach me quickly!"
Su Changmei smiled slightly and said slowly, "Your Excellency, the Prince of Xiangyang has the world in his heart, and the key to his grand ambition lies in his ability to employ people. Looking across the land, among civil officials, Chu Liangchen is undoubtedly the best; among military generals, Xiao Jinyan is second to none. If one of Chu or Xiao could be obtained, he could achieve great things and contend for the throne!"
Upon hearing this, Ruan Dianfu was overjoyed and quickly cupped his hands, saying, "Listening to the Pavilion Master's insightful remarks today has truly enlightened me!"
Su Changmei slowly said, "As the ancient saying goes, 'One who accepts a commission should be loyal to it.' Now that I have taken the Xuanming Sword, I should do my duty and share the burdens of the Prefect. This is only right and proper. Since the Prefect has already understood this grand plan to dominate the world, please make your own decision. I wish the Prince of Xiangyang a speedy end to the chaos and to conquer the world!"
Upon hearing this, Ruan Dianfu smiled slightly and said, "In that case, I will not bother you any longer. Pavilion Master, may our friendship endure as long as the mountains and rivers flow on, and may we meet again!"
After saying this, Ruan Dianfu turned around with great joy and strode away from Qixia Mountain, his figure gradually disappearing into the winding mountain road.
Just as Ruan Dianfu disappeared, Xiao Jinyan and Yu Xin'er came out of the room.
Su Changmei stepped forward with neither arrogance nor servility, knelt on one knee, and said in a loud and respectful voice: "This humble general, Su Changmei, greets the Commander and the Madam!"
Yu Xin'er took a few steps forward with light, lotus-like steps, her gaze containing both scrutiny and encouragement.
Xiao Jinyan nodded slightly, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes.
It turns out that Su Changmei was a centurion under Luo Chuan. This operation was carried out according to Xiao Jinyan's carefully planned scheme, and every step had to be meticulous and flawless.
“Changmei,” Xiao Jinyan’s voice was deep and powerful, “was everything you just said exactly as I instructed you to say?”
Upon hearing this, Su Changmei's body trembled, and a resolute glint flashed in her eyes: "Don't worry, Commander! I have said every word exactly as you instructed, without the slightest error."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile. He gently patted Su Changmei's shoulder, his tone carrying a hint of approval: "Good, you did very well! I, Xiao Jinyan, always keep my word. From today onwards, you will be promoted to the rank of Captain. I hope you will make even greater contributions to me in the future."
Upon hearing this, Su Changmei's eyes flashed with excitement and disbelief: "This humble general thanks the Protector for his cultivation! I will certainly do my utmost to serve him and live up to his expectations!"
Su Changmei coughed lightly and said to Xiao Jinyan in front of her, "Lord Protector, your Xuanming Sword is still safe and sound in my possession. I am filled with trepidation. Such a divine weapon should be returned to its rightful owner. Please, Lord Protector, take it back."
Xiao Jinyan waved his hand gently, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Changmei, I appreciate your kindness. But the situation is complicated right now. You can keep the Xuanming Sword for now."
Upon hearing this, Su Changmei's face showed a hint of embarrassment: "My lord, this is absolutely unacceptable! What merit or ability do I have to presume to keep your sword safe? If anything were to happen to it, I would be guilty of a thousand deaths."
Xiao Jinyan gently patted Su Changmei's shoulder: "Changmei, have you forgotten? You are now the head of Langya Pavilion, with a noble status and heavy responsibilities. In this position, you must learn to disguise yourself and not let anyone see through your disguise. My sword is safest with you."
After hearing this, Su Changmei took a deep breath and said, "My lord, I understand. Since you trust me so much, I will keep the Xuanming Sword safe for you for the time being."
Xiao Jinyan nodded in satisfaction: "Good, Changmei, you did a great job."
Su Changmei bowed again and said, "If the Commander has no further instructions, then this humble general will take his leave."
After saying that, he turned and strode away, his back view revealing a sense of determination and indomitable spirit.
Yu Xin'er whispered to Xiao Jinyan beside her, "Husband, is there any deeper meaning behind your plan? Why did you have Su Changmei declare that you are the foremost military general and the only candidate for the future Grand General?"
Xiao Jinyan turned around, his gaze deep, and said in a low voice, "My wife is so intelligent, surely you understand my intentions?"
Yu Xin'er raised an eyebrow slightly, a sly glint in her eyes: "Husband, I naturally understand that you had Su Changmei say this so that when Liu Huan ascends the throne, he can rightfully appoint you as the Grand General of the State, give you military power, and solidify our position. But, I can't figure out why Su Changmei simultaneously declared Chu Liangchen to be the best civil official."
Xiao Jinyan chuckled softly, gently stroking Yu Xin'er's smooth hair, and explained, "Isn't it simple? My lady, look, I am the future Grand General, wielding military power, while Chu Liangchen is the future Prime Minister, in charge of civil administration. One is a military leader, the other a civil official; they complement each other, enabling us to remain stable and invincible in this chaotic world. I am doing this not only to elevate my own status but also to pave the way for the future, making Chu Liangchen my right-hand man, working together to assist the new emperor and achieve great things."
Upon hearing this, Yu Xin'er's eyes flashed with a hint of realization, but then she frowned: "Husband, you so easily promoted Chu Liangchen to the position of the head of the civil officials. Are you sure he is loyal to you?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's gaze deepened: "Madam is overthinking it. Chu Liangchen is a man of great loyalty and righteousness. More importantly, he shares the same ideals and goals as me. I saved his wife's life, so how could he easily betray me? Besides, things in this world are never truly secure based on trust alone. I have prepared many contingency plans to ensure everything goes smoothly. Madam, please rest assured."
Yu Xin'er's eyes flickered, and she asked softly, "Husband, you said you had a backup plan. Can you tell me the truth?"
A hint of tenderness and determination flashed in Xiao Jinyan's eyes: "Madam, I have already secretly made arrangements within the inner city's Imperial Guards, and have placed a key figure in their ranks."
"Who is this person?" Yu Xin'er pressed, her tone tinged with urgency.
Xiao Jinyan shook his head slightly, a mysterious smile playing on his lips: "Madam, you will know in time. Please believe me, it won't be long before Liu Kun falls from his lofty throne like an autumn leaf."
Upon hearing this, Yu Xin'er's anxiety gradually subsided, replaced by a strange sense of confidence.
"It seems that my husband already had a plan in mind, and I was worrying too much."
As night deepened, Xiao Jinyan bid farewell to Yu Xin'er under the moonlight, then turned and stepped into the night, like a lone wolf, embarking on his journey to the manor outside Jiankang City. Bathed in moonlight, his silhouette appeared exceptionally proud and resolute.