The Human Heart Is Like a Ghost, Schemes Laid Everywhere

When the delegation entered the city, Qiu Yan had already stirred up a huge uproar in the city.

Dingchang City is located on the frontier, with the border to the north. It is not suitable for farming, but there are merchants coming and going, and people also settle there. However, compared with the Central Plains, the local people are more fierce, and there seem to be more bandits than farmers in the city.

The people in the city don't usually care much about poetry and songs, but they are concerned about military affairs and are very concerned about authority. Every move of the military governor Xiao Lan affects everyone's hearts. Of course, it was impossible to keep it a secret that he personally came out to welcome Qiu Yan today.

Before long, the streets and alleys were abuzz with discussion. No one knew who had revealed Qiu Yan's identity, saying that he was the top scholar in this Imperial Examinations and was very knowledgeable about military affairs.

"So he's the top scholar in the imperial examination! No wonder the military governor and general personally came to welcome him."

"I think even if it's the top scholar, there's no need for the general to personally intervene; there must be a reason behind it."

"What could be the reason? They're probably here to steal the credit again. Don't forget Pan Xiang!"

"Alas, that's true. Over the years, so many civil officials have come here. These people who read the Sage are good at spouting classical phrases, but they're clueless when it comes to military campaigns. They've ruined such a promising situation and brought it to this state!"

"That's right. Putting aside other matters, just take what happened six months ago. What kind of mess was that, Pan Xiang, that so-called New Party general? He was clearly reckless and fell into Hu people ambush. If it weren't for General Du leading the army to rescue him, Pan Xiang would definitely have been defeated and killed. In the end, not only did Pan Xiang get away with it, but he was actually credited with a merit. The Hu people that General Du killed were all attributed to him, while the blame fell on the old general, who was demoted and had people arrested..."

"Hopefully, this top scholar won't be another Pan Xiang."

Similar discussions circulated in crowded places such as taverns and bars, reflecting complaints and distrust of the court's civil officials.

However, there was also a certain amount of respect for the top scholar's position. After all, everyone who lives in this world knows how difficult it is to obtain this title, and no matter how much resentment they may have towards civil officials, they know that position is not something that ordinary people can obtain.

"Qiu Yan has only just arrived, yet his reputation has already spread. The Marquis Maishan personally received him? What kind of show is this? Is he more important than the entire delegation?"

Among the members of the delegation who had come to the city were some walking on the streets, including Di Ai, who was accompanied by two others. Overhearing the conversations of the passersby, Di Ai uttered some words of discontent.

Di Ai had similar thoughts, but didn't show them.

Because of the need for a certain degree of secrecy, the delegation deliberately chose an inconspicuous entrance when entering the city, and Marquis Maishan did not show up. Compared to Qiu Yan's treatment, there was naturally a difference.

After all, there are also Hu people coming and going in this city, and you never know which one might be a spy, so we have to be careful.

In fact, a convoy like this would be easily spotted once it enters the Grasslands. However, there is a time lag between being spotted and being attacked, allowing for preparations to be made.

However, if they were discovered by Hu people spies as soon as they entered Dingchang City, the enemies waiting on the road would not be a hastily arranged ambush, but a well-prepared trap, and the situation would inevitably be worse.

This degree of secrecy is intended to reduce unpredictability and gather intelligence, but it has also sown seeds of resentment among members of the delegation.

Faced with their complaints, Di Ai casually defended Qiu Yan, saying, "Brother Qiu is, after all, the top scholar in the imperial examination, so it's normal for him to have a great reputation. Not to mention others, we all longed for that title when we took the Imperial Examinations back then, wasn't it because we were respected?"

"That's true." The other two's expressions changed slightly. They then remembered that Di Ai and Qiu Yan were both Jinshi graduates in the same year and worked in the Hanlin Academy. They might have a good relationship. If they said these things in front of him, it might reach Qiu Yan's ears. They couldn't help but regret it in their hearts, and their expressions became somewhat unnatural.

But at this moment, Di Ai changed the subject, saying with some worry, "However, we are being extremely careful, afraid of being exposed, but Qiu Yan is making such a big fuss. If he is targeted by the Hu people because of this, it would be a great injustice. We should mention this to Lord Meng."

Upon hearing this, the other two's eyes lit up, and their minds immediately understood.

That "Lord Meng" was none other than Meng Qingbin, the chief envoy of the delegation. Before coming, he had just taken up the post of Vice Minister of Ministry of Rites. This move was proposed by Li Kun and approved by the Ministry of Personnel, in order to demonstrate the respect and sincerity shown to the Three Waters Tribe.

Meng Qingbin had visited the Hu Tribes many times before, and the Meng Clan behind him was a prominent clan in Hedong, with considerable influence in Three Jin. His family business involved border trade and had certain connections with the Hu people. He was very knowledgeable about the situation in the Great Desert, so having him lead the team would be an advantage.

However, to prevent any unspeakable hidden dangers, the imperial court kept the Meng Clan under surveillance after promising them benefits, a tacit understanding between the two sides.

Di Ai's words gave the other two an opportunity to belittle Qiu Yan.

Many of the people who joined the mission were there to gain political capital. Even Meng Qingbin, who was appointed as the chief envoy, was immediately promoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites and may even take over the Ministry of Rites in the future.

Therefore, in everyone's eyes, Qiu Yan, who was favored by the emperor, undoubtedly became a thorn in their side. It was very likely that the merits they gained would be attributed to Qiu Yan due to the emperor's momentary lapse of judgment.

There are precedents for this kind of thing, so we can't be careless. As a result, many people in the delegation are secretly hostile to Qiu Yan. The two people traveling with Di Ai are Zhao Can and Zhong Yan, both officials of the Ministry of Rites. In terms of official rank, they are higher than Qiu Yan and Di Ai, but Qiu Yan stole their thunder, so they are naturally dissatisfied.

Di Ai was just an ordinary member of the entourage on this trip. He was given more authority but not a promotion. However, he had a godfather who was a Vice Minister, so he was not without connections in Prosperity Capital. Zhao Can and Zhong Yan knew about this, which is why they deliberately befriended him and traveled with him. Now that Qiu Yan was mentioned, they seemed to share a common hatred and found themselves getting along better and better.

As they walked, Di Ai looked around and chatted with Zhao and Zhong. Finally, he said, "Alright, we've got enough of the situation. Let's return to the post station so we can report back to Lord Meng."

"That makes sense. Then let's go back quickly."

These members of the delegation were not going out aimlessly; they were instructed by Meng Qingbin to go into the city, take a walk, and familiarize themselves with the situation in the Hu Lands.

Although Dingchang City is part of the territory of the Great Rui, it is located on the frontier, on the edge of the Great Desert. The local customs and atmosphere are similar to those of the Hu Lands, and there are Hu people traveling around. For people who have never left the pass, it is good to have a place to adapt in advance so that they can make mental preparations.

In fact, the so-called secret itinerary does not mean that it should be done secretly, but rather that variables should be controlled as much as possible. For example, right now, on the surface, the delegation members are scattered throughout the city, but in reality, there are people secretly following them and paying attention to the expressions of passersby.

This is also a way of testing the waters; if you're lucky, you can bring out any potential problems in advance and capture them in one fell swoop.

On the other hand, Qiu Yan was taken by Xiao Lan to the Jiedushi (military governor) and sat in the main hall.

A series of scrutinizing gazes fell upon him, yet they could not stir his mind in the slightest.

After observing for a while, Qiu Yan's attention first focused on Xiao Lan. He sensed a strong masculine Qi and Blood around this marquis, surging like the sea, which had already surpassed the Foundation Establishment. He was clearly a master who had achieved success in Life Cultivation!

"It seems my Original Edition guess was wrong. Military School appear to operate differently from those in officialdom, but that Song Yuan..."

As Qiu Yan pondered, his gaze fell upon the old man to his left, sensing a hint of danger.

"This old man..."

The old man nodded slightly and smiled at him. Then he raised his hand and made a grasping motion. The scene in the Void changed instantly. The Military Spirit surged out, turned in mid-air, and landed around Qiu Yan, arousing his Literary Thoughts and Divine Sense. More than a dozen Divine Senses immediately jumped and were about to break out, while the Sage Spirit merged into the Divine Sense also faintly pulsated.

However, these Sage Spirits are not complete; they were formed through Qiu Yan's enlightenment. The true spirit has already passed through the Soul Aperture to Zhou Rao, where it has been used by the Divine Spirit Body to influence the Human Path Order in Zhou Rao.

Under these circumstances, Qiu Yan had no choice but to calm his mind, focus his attention, be vigilant about his surroundings, and prepare to make a move, as his own Military School Order subtly began to manifest.

Boom!

In his senses, Dingchang City seemed to shake instantly, and his Qi and Blood were drawn in, carrying with them illusory scenes that entered Qiu Yan's mind, causing memories to surface in his heart and his aura to change abruptly!

The calm, scholarly air cultivated through reading and learning dissipated, replaced by a chilling murderous aura!

However, this murderous aura did not manifest as brutality, wantonness, or bloodshed, but rather as a sense of weight, composure, and order, with the faint outline of millions of soldiers appearing behind them!

But the next moment, the aura dissipated.

"Hmm?" The old man let out a soft exclamation. "The top scholar indeed possesses Divine Abilities, but this aura of a Military School strategist truly surprises me. He wins through both orthodox and unorthodox means, without anger or resentment, just like a general who Military Conquest! He truly deserves to be called a wise man who understands the Military School Order!"

"Um?"

Upon hearing the old man's words, everyone present showed surprise. Even Xiao Lan's eyelids twitched, and her gaze towards Qiu Yan became more serious. She then asked a few questions.

Qiu Yan remained composed and unassuming, engaging in conversation as usual despite the many gazes around him, leaving a lasting impression on everyone. These people were seasoned Sand Battlefield with an imposing aura; their presence alone in this hall exuded a decisive and ruthless presence. In the past, scholars who came here were either obsequious or arrogant, all influenced by this aura and losing their composure. Only those who had cultivated their minds could maintain their true selves.

Of course, those who cultivate their minds to such an extent are not necessarily virtuous or loyal ministers, but without exception, they are all influential figures in the Great Rui and the Grasslands.

Now, Qiu Yan is among these people.

As they talked, Qiu Yan realized that Xiao Lan meant no harm, so he made a suggestion. "The delegation will be staying here for a day. I would like to take this opportunity to see the Dingchang Army and the surrounding scenery. I hope the military governor will grant my request."

"What's so difficult about that?" Xiao Lan's eyes flashed, and she turned to call out, "Xiao Jian, come here."

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