Meng Shanming listened carefully. When Shang Shuqing had finished, he revealed a thoughtful look. "He truly was a capable man, though his methods were not very honorable. This man walked somewhere between righteousness and evil! Yet in these chaotic times, being too honorable may not necessarily uphold justice. Shangqing Sect missed out on a talent, but he has helped Prince greatly. Alas, Mr. Dongguo's painstaking efforts were wasted. Shangqing Sect has truly declined beyond recovery... Prince has suffered too much!"
He turned back to look at Prince Ning's memorial tablet in the seat of honor within the hall and heaved a long sigh. The son of the mighty Prince Ning had actually fallen to the point of needing to rely on Feng Lingbo. He would likely have to lower himself and marry Feng Lingbo's daughter, only to be looked down upon by others, who would think Feng Lingbo had gotten the better end of the bargain by giving her daughter to Shang Chaozong.
Afterward, Shang Shuqing told him of Shang Chaozong and Lan Ruoting's plan to seize Qingshan Commandery. This was not her own idea; before she had come, Shang Chaozong and Lan Ruoting had instructed her to seek Meng Shanming's opinion. As before, messages sent by Golden Wings were not necessarily secure. With such an important matter at stake, some things were inconvenient to explain in detail through letters.
Meng Shanming had once been Prince Ning's foremost general and had his own expertise in strategy. They wanted to hear his thoughts.
Meng Shanming pondered briefly, then slowly said, "I have been away from the situation outside for too long, so I cannot say anything for certain at once. County Princess, please allow me to consider it carefully before giving you an answer."
He asked about a few other matters,