The Anarchic Consort (Book 1)

466-470

"Hire me as your military advisor..." Baili Jia Jue continued to say with a quiet, magnetic voice.

Helian Wei Wei's eyes brightened up. It would be ideal if His Highness could accompany her, no doubt he had more experience in politics than her.

However...

"Will the imperial palace be fine without you?" Helian Wei Wei was concerned about the current volatile condition of the imperial court.

Baili Jia Jue turned the teacup in his hands, saying, "Have you ever seen me stay in the imperial palace for the entire day? Grandfather is holding the fort in the Capital, it will be fine. There are benefits if I transfer too."

"What are they?" Helian Wei Wei had no idea how this could be beneficial to Baili Jia Jue.

He said calmly, "I am bound to be a prince regent in the future, therefore I need to make some achievements now for my eventual ascension to be more persuasive. Some people have influences that are deeply entrenched in the Capital, uprooting them here would be too arduous. It might be easier to burrow in from outside, layer by layer."

Helian Wei Wei knew who Baili Jia Jue meant clearly, without even naming them.

Come to think of it, it does make sense. The web of connections of the four influential families was too extensive, a small ripple would trigger a huge wave of reactions.

Their roots in the Capital were too deep underground, it would perhaps be more effective to trace back to their origin, from the roots of their connections from outside the Capital.

Helian Wei Wei dispelled her only concern at that very thought.

Both of them were efficient, thus they met with the Retired Emperor immediately after returning to the palace.

After listening to them and mulling it over, the Retired Emperor said with a smile, "I am impressed that both of you have such profound thinking. Jue Er, you are right, but the location is of vital importance either. The Southern region is too far. Firstly, the political circle is too tight-knit there, thus entering it would be futile. Secondly, it's not convenient for emergency situations. People claim that it's easier to make contributions and fame in the poorer regions. Listen to me, go to Fuping instead!"

"Fuping? Within the borders of Hebei? The place is neither too far nor too close to the Capital, and is famous for its picturesque landscapes." Helian Wei Wei raised her eyebrow, unsure whether it was the place that she knew.

The Retired Emperor stroked his beard and assured her, "That's the place. Wei Wei, Jue Er, don't underestimate this small, unpretentious Fuping County. The smaller the county, the more landowners there would be. They neither fear God nor the Emperor, rampantly conducting unethical acts. Being in the imperial palace, I have to consider every aspect when ruling the country. I would be at ease if I can pass you the things that I can't do for the people. Some individuals pillage the people's fruits of labor for their personal gain, yet the people can't voice their extreme anguish. Whether it is extortion or deception, these brutes have done it all. This time, help me catch the culprit as a stern warning to others! Don't worry! When the time comes, I will punish them accordingly, no matter how influential the people backing them are!"

"Yes!" Helian Wei Wei smiled a little and saluted him by raising her hand beside her forehead.

The Retired Emperor was puzzled at her action, not understanding what the gesture meant. Then, he let out a roar of laughter and said, "This silly girl."

Helian Wei Wei's admiration for this old man grew even more. Although most of the things that he had done had gone out of his control, every thought he spared was still for the country. A person like him was worthy to be highly regarded by society.