12dz Chapter 505 Heading to Suzhou
Chapter 505 Heading to Suzhou
Sikong Jin had no idea what these guys were thinking; they'd been eyeing the Great Zhou capital for a long time! But considering they'd followed him for so many years, he decided to grant their wish this once. After thinking for a moment, he said, "In that case, you should go and make arrangements for our people first. Be patient, and after I report to His Majesty, we'll see how he arranges your whereabouts."
"Thank you, my lord! My lord, you must do your best to whisper in His Majesty's ear and get us a good job in the capital. My lord, I beg you!"
Fatty Zhu Si looked at Lord Sikong with hopeful eyes, and Mei Ruhua nodded repeatedly in agreement, their four eyes shining as they stared at Lord Sikong.
Lord Sikong coughed lightly and said calmly, "His Majesty will make his decision. Lord Zhu, His Majesty has already ordered your mother to garrison Yongcheng (the original capital of Dayong). Lord Fang is also there now. If you wish to return there, I will naturally strongly support you."
"My lord, I wish to go to the capital with you and bring Xiaoxue here, my lord..."
"That's a lucrative position. You might not find such a good job in the capital. You'd better think it through. If you're not satisfied, I'll send Meng on his way!"
Sikong Jin squinted and glanced at Zhu Si—
These guys, now that they've conquered the country, they're all thinking about sugar-coated bullets. Weren't the previous rectification campaigns effective?
Zhu Si naturally noticed that Lord Sikong's tone was off, and was startled. He silently stopped talking and looked at Lord Sikong with a pitiful expression.
The Minister of Works glanced at him and said, “I know you have all worked hard and made great contributions in this war, but the end of the war does not mean that everyone can relax. There are still many remnants hiding, and you still need to be vigilant. Deputy General Mei, I intend to appoint you as the Commander-in-Chief of the Northwest Army, and Li Ji as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief, to take command of the 200,000 troops stationed at Hangu Pass on my behalf. What do you think?”
Upon hearing Sikong Jin's words, Mei Ruhua was stunned, almost thinking she had misheard. She stared at Sikong Jin with wide eyes, speechless for a long time. Sikong Jin, on the other hand, smiled leisurely, "You have been with me in the army for many years, and the brothers respect you. I am naturally quite at ease entrusting this army to you."
"But... sir, this humble general... this humble general is just a lowly deputy general... and this humble general is merely..."
Mei Ruhua struggled for an unknown amount of time before she finally managed to regain her voice.
"Don't worry about that. A hero's origins don't matter. As long as you have the ability, I won't mind giving you a chance. I will petition His Majesty to promote you. As for what happens after that, it depends on your own fortune and efforts. You are all my good brothers and sisters who have followed me through thick and thin, so I will naturally not treat you unfairly. But I also hope that you will not disappoint me. I have always been fair in rewarding and punishing."
Sikong Jin pondered for a moment, then continued.
"My lord... I'm afraid I'm not up to the task. Thank you for your guidance, my lord..."
Mei Ruhua was filled with gratitude, but at the same time she was also a little apprehensive, which made Zhu Si, who was standing to the side, feel anxious as well.
"I have observed you for a long time and naturally believe in your strength, which is why I dare to say such things. Deputy General Mei, such hesitation is not like your nature. Show some backbone."
Sikong Jin straightened up slightly and stared intently at Mei Ruhua. Mei Ruhua, as if stimulated, straightened up as well and immediately replied, "Yes, sir! This humble general will certainly not let you down!"
Sikong Jin nodded. "Lord Zhu, after thinking about it, I think you should remain the strategist of the legion. As for Lord Fang and your son, you can take them with you."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Si paused for a moment, then gratefully clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Thank you for your guidance, sir."
"I dare not say I'm going to cultivate you, but if you don't perform well, I will be the first to not forgive you, and I will be the first to suffer the consequences. Do you understand?"
Sikong Jin pretended to put on a stern face, looking quite dignified. However, Mei Ruhua and Zhu Si exchanged a glance and then laughed, "Sir, we are considered part of your maternal family, so we certainly won't let you down. Please rest assured, sir!"
The two looked on with obvious confidence, but Lord Sikong only gave them a detached look.
"I have ordered Meng Benbo to lead his troops to wipe out the remaining fugitives near Canglan Mountain. You should be ready to provide support at any time. I will have His Majesty issue an edict as soon as possible. Once things here are settled and the edict is issued, you can lead your troops back to Hangu Pass. That is our base. You have indeed landed a lucrative post."
As Lord Sikong spoke, Mei Ruhua and Zhu Si, their faces beaming with joy, quickly replied, "Thank you for your kindness, sir!"
After arranging everything, Lord Sikong dismissed the two men, changed into a light black outfit, and then went to Suzhou with Changfeng.
When they arrived in Suzhou, it was past midnight. However, Emperor Beizun clearly knew that Sikong Jin was coming, so the food and wine were still warm and hot water was prepared.
"Your Majesty, Lord Sikong has returned!"
Inside the study, while the Northern Emperor was reviewing memorials, Eunuch Wang suddenly came to report with a delighted expression.
Upon hearing this, Di Beizun quickly looked up from the memorial, his dark eyes filled with barely suppressed joy and longing, which he managed to control well. He was only slightly pleased for a moment before returning to normal and calmly said, "Let her wash up properly first, and then come to the study for dinner."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Lady Sikong, weary from her journey, had originally intended to have a hearty meal first, but Eunuch Wang told her that His Majesty wanted her to wash up first. Lady Sikong angrily cursed Emperor Beizun a few times before following Eunuch Wang to take a bath.
After tidying up, she went to the study. The meal was already prepared. The noble and aloof man put down what he was holding and walked over to the table to sit down. Sikong Jin stood by the door and watched him for a while before walking over.
It's only been a little over a month since I last saw him, how come I suddenly find that he's gotten even more handsome?
However, thinking back to how she and Tang Jingyao had chased after Xing Qiyu when he fled without telling him, she wondered if the man would be angry.