Scheming for the World
The snowstorm had not yet stopped, Guangling was still covered in a layer of white.
Jia Ru, dressed in a faded old blue robe and carrying a thin cloth bag, stepped alone into the territory of Zhong Mountain Courtyard.
Along the way, Ye Clan's subordinates and attendants, seeing his shabby clothes and aura of someone who had only Foundation Establishment, assumed he was a poor, down-on-his-luck person seeking favor.
He was about to stop him, but when he saw the green token tied to the broken string in his hand, his expression changed drastically, and he bowed to lead the way.
Zhong Mountain.
Passing through the winding corridor, one comes into view a waterfront platform. Ye Jinyu, dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, stands tall and straight, with handsome features and a gentle smile, yet concealing a bottomless depth of cunning.
Beside him, Yu Liang stood with his hands at his sides, his demeanor calm and composed, his appearance refined and elegant.
A game of chess was laid out in front of Ye Jinyu.
Jinyu held the white pen, and there was no one opposite her.
"Young Master, Jia Ru has arrived," Ye Anlan reported.
Ye Jinyu placed a piece without looking up.
"Please come in."
A moment later, a figure in a blue robe walked through the corridor and stood at the edge of the platform.
Jia Ru's face was pale, as if he had never seen the sun in years, but his eyes occasionally flashed with a sharp light when he looked up.
He stopped at the edge of the platform, not rushing forward, but first looking around.
The winding corridor, with its swaying bamboo shadows, is ostensibly a place for refined conversation and gatherings, where music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and the aroma of tea fill the air.
But he saw it clearly—among the flowers, trees, rocks, and mountains, there were faint, almost imperceptible wisps of energy moving about.
Layer upon layer of defenses, their aura concealed like an abyss, revealing only a fleeting glimpse of sharpness, enough to send chills down one's spine.
Zhong Mountain Courtyard, if one were to observe the aura, would surely be awestruck by the majestic presence of this place, where tigers crouch and dragons coil, heroes and generals gather like clouds, and emperors and nobles stand in grandeur, displaying a myriad of magnificent sights.
Jia Ru a chill run down his spine.
He withdrew his gaze, took a few steps forward, and bowed in greeting.
"Jia Ru, an unknown nobody, greets Young Master Ye."
Ye Jinyu then raised her head.
His gaze fell on Jia Ru, showing no disdain whatsoever. Instead, he stood up and personally stepped forward to offer a helping hand.
"Sir, there's no need for such formality."
Ye Jinyu's voice was gentle, yet carried an undeniable composure.
"Yuangui has mentioned many times that you possess the ability to see through people's hearts and to scheme in secret. I have long admired you, and I am fortunate to meet you today."
His words were spoken calmly and sincerely, without any of the arrogance of a scion of the Aristocratic Clan.
Jia Ru a surge of warmth in his heart.
Years of suppressed resentment and anger found a place in this single word, "Mr."
He raised his head and looked directly into Ye Jinyu's eyes.
Those eyes were clear and calm, yet they concealed a deep and unfathomable depth. It wasn't the kind of coldness that kept people at a distance, but rather a kind of indifference that came from seeing through the ways of the world.
"Young Master, you flatter me," Jia Ru said in a deep voice.
"His skills are meager and unrefined, unfit for high society. He only investigates people's secrets, cuts off their escape routes, and spreads spies across vast distances, accomplishing his tasks silently."
A glint flashed in Ye Jinyu's eyes. He suddenly took a step back and solemnly cupped his hands. "Since you possess such great talent, I dare not treat Jinyu with such common courtesy. The world is currently in turmoil, chaos is already evident, and the princes of the Sima Clan are locked in a power struggle, resulting in endless internal strife."
The Northern Frontier is bitterly cold and ravaged by war, while the wealthy Jiangnan is plundered beyond measure. The common people are displaced, and even the immortal sects stand by and watch. Jinyu cannot bear it; what can be done for the world?
"If you have any insights, sir, could you point out a way forward for Jinyu?"
This question reveals the grand ambition of a powerful ruler to consult his trusted confidants and inquire about the well-being of the people.
Jia Ru suddenly looked up, staring directly into Ye Jinyu's eyes. After a long silence, he spoke clearly, word by word:
"Since the young master has asked with sincerity, this humble subject will answer truthfully—in this world, strategists are divided into three classes, and the overall situation of the world can be determined by three divisions!"
"Oh?" Ye Jinyu's expression turned serious. "I'd like to hear the details."
Jia Ru's voice was calm and steady, like parting the clouds:
"Those who scheme for themselves, merely to preserve their lives, and who seek only to protect themselves—these are the ways of the mediocre."
Those who scheme against others, exploit their own interests to defeat enemies, and fight for the benefit of their clan—these are the vulgar men.
To strategize for the world, establish a solid foundation, win over the hearts of the people, grasp the overall trend, and await the opportune moment, one must use overt strategies to establish one's core principles and cover up any shortcomings with covert schemes, remaining cunning yet not wicked, ruthless yet principled—this is the strategy to secure the world's stability!
He stepped forward, his tone suddenly rising:
"The Sima Clan used their imperial lineage to stabilize the realm, relied on the Golden Core to ascend to the Heavenly Palace, and governed the secular world through the Purple Mansion. Coupled with their inherited Dao Soldiers and the 100,000 elite soldiers of Huainan guarding the territory, their rule appeared secure, but in reality, they were plagued by three major problems—"
The princes were suspicious of each other, the people were not loyal, and the army was unrestrained in its power!
The Emperor of Luoyang is weak, Sima Honglin is manipulating events behind the scenes, Illustrious Martial guards the border in the north, and Azure Waves is tyrannical in the south. Internal strife is rampant, and the dynasty's fate is slowly eroding. This is the opportune time for the young master!
Ye Jinyu's eyes flickered slightly, signaling him to continue.
"The land Jiangnan River is crisscrossed by waterways, rich in wealth, teeming with millions of displaced people, and teeming with talented young men. Aristocratic Clan hold sway, yet each harbors its own ambitions; the Azure Waves levies exorbitant taxes, drawing the wrath of both heaven and man. This is the young master's advantageous position!"
Jia Ru's tone shifted, revealing his true nature as a cunning strategist, yet his words remained upright and dignified:
"The grand plan I speak of is not merely about underhanded tactics, but rather about establishing oneself through open strategies and using intrigue to break through obstacles."
First, a strategy of overt planning to consolidate the foundation:
Prioritize benevolence and righteousness, appease displaced people, treat the virtuous and talented with respect, and spare no expense to buy their bones.
On the surface, the young master established his reputation on benevolence and kindness, gathering together scholars from humble backgrounds, Rogue Cultivator, and down-on-their-luck heroes. He supported them with the wealth of Jiangnan and won their hearts with the lofty reputation of Zhong Mountain.
As it happens, I know that Cao Cao once led Wei Wu expedition, captured Jinling, and destroyed the Wu ruler!
The flames of war in the Jianghuai led to the fall of some military strategists' legacy into the hands of the Gu and Lu families in Jiangnan. One family produced Jiefan Elite Soldiers, while the other produced Chariot Guard Tiger Warriors. Both were part of the foundation of the Wu ruler's national defense.
It just so happens that I was previously engaged in these kinds of clandestine investigations. fortuitous opportunity chance, I learned that the Gu and Lu families had secretly selected members with the talents of the three Spirit Root of metal, earth, and water, and recruited them as geniuses. This should correspond to the military tradition, in order to train these two supreme Dao Soldiers for self-protection.
Young Master, you should seize this fortuitous opportunity! Use the wealth and prestige of the Ye Clan to forge an army that can protect the nation!
The military Dao Soldiers said that war is a matter of vital importance to the state, a matter of life and death, a road to survival or ruin, and therefore it is imperative to examine it carefully.
The Dao Soldiers is a synthesis of the principles of Yin and Yang in warfare, and the techniques of warfare. If this is mastered, it will lead to worldly power struggles and the changing of dynasties!
It can be described as one of the most powerful weapons in Cangxuan.
The art of war, drawing upon the power and principles of heaven and earth, is exemplified by the Great Peace Temple lineage, which inherited the renowned Yellow Turban Elite Warriors of the Flame Han Dynasty, the Ministry of War, the Fire Qi Tiger Guards of the Langya Wang Clan, and the Azure Nether Sword Warriors of the Ye Clan.
All of this is achieved through the interplay of Yin and Yang in warfare!
It acts in accordance with the times, promotes punishment and virtue, follows the fighting, relies on the five elements, and uses ghosts and gods as aids. It assists the yin and yang energies of heaven and earth, draws upon the earth's veins, spiritual atmosphere, fortune, the soul of the ruler, the spirit of death battle, etc., to suppress the underlying forces.
When the Dao Soldiers are deployed, they can blot out the sky and change the day, connecting heaven and earth, and no one can stop them!
Yu Liang, listening from the side, was deeply moved. He truly is my dearest friend and confidant!
All of this aligned perfectly with his own thoughts, and now Jia Ru revealed it in a single sentence, with even greater clarity.
Jia Ru said again:
The second plot to break the deadlock:
What the Sima Clan feared most was the imbalance among the princes. The young ruler could secretly sow discord, making Luoyang suspicious of Azure Waves, and Azure Waves wary of Illustrious Martial, causing them to fight amongst themselves and leaving them unable to look south.
Azure Waves's actions in presenting prisoners of war—forcibly capturing barbarians, plundering Alchemist, and seizing their souls—have already incurred the wrath of both heaven and man. We will take advantage of his tyranny to seize the hopes of Jiangnan, sever his arm, uproot him, and also take away his Dao Soldiers heritage and resources.
This is the yin aspect—ruthless and merciless, yet acting as a righteous agent for Heaven.
The third thing is to wait for the time to establish the dynasty:
The Golden Core is detached from worldly affairs; this is an ironclad rule of the world.
The young master does not contend with the Heavenly Palace for superiority, but only grasps worldly power, the spirit of the people, the power of the earth's veins, and the strength of the Dao Soldiers.
When the Sima Clan's internal strife erupts, the Thunder Cave Heaven falls, and war breaks out across the land, the Ye Clan, with Jiangnan as its base, Dao Soldiers as its spearhead, and the people's hearts as its shield, can either advance to contend for the world or retreat to transform their family into a nation.
After he finished speaking, the wind and snow seemed to stop, and the stream became silent.
Jia Ru bowed:
"My humble plan contains both yin and yang, poison and righteousness. If you, young master, adopt it, Jia Ru, am willing to use all my wisdom and strategy to wield the sword of darkness and safeguard the foundation of light!"
Ye Jinyu remained silent for a long time, then suddenly burst into loud laughter, the clear sound echoing throughout the pavilion.
He stepped forward and personally helped Jia Ru, his tone filled with complete entrustment and trust:
"Sir, your argument is comparable to the advice that the former ruler of Shu sought from Zhuge Liang. Such a strategy should be kept in mind by Jinyu!"
The world says that cunning strategists only know how to be treacherous and deceitful, but today Jinyu realizes—a truly great scheme is one where treachery cannot conceal righteousness, and poison cannot harm the Way!
He took out a golden token engraved with Qiu Yan and Azure Nether from his bosom. This was the highest mark of the Ye Clan's Dark Division, and it was based on the Daoist titles of the two True Lord of the Ye Clan.
Ye Jinyu solemnly handed it to Jia Ru:
"With this order, all of the Ye Clan's secret agents, assassins, wealth, grain transport, and spy networks in Jiangnan will be under your command."
Sir, you employ open strategies; I will assist you with the lofty ideals of Zhong Mountain.
The gentleman resorted to intrigue, so I will fully support him with the Ye Clan's resources.
The inheritance of Dao Soldiers, the strategic layout of Huainan, the checks and balances among the Aristocratic Clan... everything is entrusted to you, sir!
Jia Ru held the token, feeling as if it weighed a thousand pounds, yet it also warmed his heart.
He spent half his life in poverty, scheming against people's hearts and experiencing the coldness of human nature, but today he has finally met a true leader who recognizes, trusts, and uses his talents.
He knelt down on both knees and bowed with the utmost solemnity:
"Since you trust me so much, young master, Jia Ru, would gladly die for you!"
In this life, I am determined to help the young master conquer Jiangnan, conquer the world, and achieve a glorious cause of transforming our family into a nation!
Ye Jinyu personally helped him up, her gaze fixed on the direction of Huainan, her voice soft yet carrying the force of a thousand troops:
"Very well. Then let the waters of Huainan become chaotic first."
We, on the other hand, secretly plot our schemes while establishing our foundation in the open.
Looking at this world, who will ultimately prevail?
Within seven days of Jia Ru entering the Zhong Mountain Courtyard, the Jiangnan region was already in a state of panic and unease.
He was a seasoned master of scheming and intrigue; once he took over the spy network, he was like a dragon entering the sea.
The Ye Clan's assassins operated by night and infiltrated the studies and secret rooms of prominent Aristocratic Clan to steal confidential letters and record their correspondence.
The entire transportation system, including canal transport, grain depots, and money shops, was mobilized. Small sums of money and grain were used to bribe ordinary people—servants, sedan chair carriers, and soldiers—and from their accounts, the whole picture of Huainan was pieced together little by little.
Anyone who helps Sima Canglan plunder wealth or capture prisoners will have their home burgled that very night, their secret messages leaked, and their relatives taken to a safe place. He uses both coercion and enticement.
In an instant, espionage battles erupted across the Jianghuai.
Spies from Azure Waves Heaven, secret agents from Luoyang, undercover agents of the Ye Clan, pawns of the Wang Clan, and Aristocratic Clan are all intertwined like a web. A mere glance between them on the street can ignite murderous intent intent.
Someone spread a rumor in a teahouse, and was immediately dragged into a dark alley and silenced.
Someone sent a letter home from the post station. When it was opened, the paper was filled with dense writing, and before the ink was dry, it had already been passed on to three different people.
Someone was counting grain ships at the ferry crossing. He seemed like an ordinary merchant, but he had a secret book in his sleeve containing records of materials for refining Dao Soldiers.
While Jia Ru was in charge of the Ye Clan's secret prison, he solved three assassination plots perpetrated by assassins planted by Azure Waves Heaven in the Zhong Mountain Courtyard in one night.
Ruthless in methods, leaving no room for future trouble.
The news spread, and everyone in Jiangnan knew about it.
The name of the cunning Jia Ru.
Of course, there are undercurrents, but another grand event is about to unfold in Huainan.
That was the world-famous Huainan Alchemy Gathering.
The moment to make a name for oneself is also the moment of fiercest competition.