Jing Xian was quite honest, revealing his purpose without any concealment.

His face was written all over with sincerity!

Just then, the servant brought two fresh pots of hot tea, poured a cup for each of them, then withdrew.

Jingrong’s brows knitted slightly. He picked up the teacup, took a sip, then asked him, “But wasn’t it you who voluntarily took on this matter? Why would you suddenly come looking for me about it?”

Jing Xian looked somewhat embarrassed, truly too ashamed to speak, but still mustered the courage to say it: “I really shouldn’t trouble you with this, but… as you know, I’ve only recently entered court. These short two months—you could say they’re not long, but actually they’re not short either. However, I’m of mediocre abilities and have never dealt with court affairs before. What I know most are just classical texts and scholarly writings. Military campaigns and official strategies are like a blind man reading books to me. Compared to you, I fall far short. I’m afraid there will be many more things to learn in the future. Regarding the Shaanxi matter today, I also deliberated for a long time before accepting it, but I also know my abilities are limited. So I wanted to consult with you. When court ended earlier, you left in a hurry and I couldn’t call out to you, so I had no choice but to come find you in person.”

His speech carried a tone of seeking guidance, very humble and sincere.

His purpose was crystal clear.

Jingrong made a sound of acknowledgment and said, “So, you want to ask my opinion?”

“Mm… actually, it’s seeking advice.”

Jingrong could tell he had indeed come with genuine sincerity.

Therefore, he generously helped him think of strategies.

He analyzed: “This matter is indeed tricky when you think about it, but it’s not completely without solutions.”

“I’d be grateful to hear the details?”

“You must use appropriate methods for different people. As the saying goes, teach according to aptitude, obtain the way and use the way. Since those bandits are cunning, we must use the same tactics to be even more cunning than them. Over a year ago, I passed through Changbing in Shaanxi. Though I only stayed for two days, I learned some things. The terrain there is extremely rugged and steep. Both the official roads and side roads pass through a valley. The high walls on both sides of the valley are covered with moss, extremely slippery. If both ends are blocked, those in the middle will surely be trapped with no way to escape.”

Hearing this, Jing Xian thought carefully for a moment and seemed to understand the meaning. “You mean catching a turtle in a jar?”

“Exactly.”

“But knowing the valley is dangerous, why would those bandits go there?”

“As I said earlier, teach according to aptitude, obtain the way and use the way.” Jingrong emphasized these two phrases again.

Teach according to aptitude?

Obtain the way and use the way?

Jing Xian pondered for a moment, finally understanding, his mind connecting the dots.

“I understand now.” He was delighted and immediately stood up, clasping his hands together in gratitude. “Jingrong, thank you.”

The next moment, Jingrong also quickly stood up, holding his wrist and lifting it up. “As I said, you and I are brothers. Why be so formal? Besides, helping you is helping the court. Of course I’ll do my utmost.”

“If you encounter any difficulties you can’t solve in the future, I’ll also do everything to help.”

“Good.”

The two got along very harmoniously.

They talked for a while longer, and seeing it was getting late, Jing Xian took his leave and departed.

On the third day, he set out for Shaanxi, accompanied by several military generals from the court.

Five thousand troops were already waiting outside the city.

On this day, Jingrong, Ji Yunshu, Muruo, and Tang Si—all four of them—came to the city gate to see him off.

Jingrong patted his hand and advised, “Be careful on the road.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll go and return quickly. I won’t disappoint Father Emperor.”

“Remember what I told you before.”

He nodded.

Muruo stepped forward and pressed a box into his hands, saying, “You’ve never left the capital. You don’t understand the outside situation either. I don’t know what possessed you to show off like this? You dare take on something you’re not confident about!”

Though somewhat angry, his tone still conveyed concern.

Jing Xian just smiled. “I only accepted after careful consideration. In any case, I’ll take good care of myself. Besides, Shaanxi isn’t far from the capital, and I have five thousand troops and so many guards accompanying me. Nothing will happen.”

“I hope so.” Muruo tapped his finger on the box and said, “Inside are some food items, and I’ve added some medicinal supplements. Take them along to replenish your energy.”

“Thank you.”

“Be careful on the road.”

He nodded again.

A guard came over. “Virtuous Prince, it’s time to depart.”

Urging him!

He no longer delayed, said his farewells, boarded the carriage, and left.

The group exited through the capital’s city gate, gradually obscured from view by the common people coming and going.

Tang Si gazed after them and said with contempt, “I think this Virtuous Prince is just a scholar who wields a brush and writes characters. What does he know about suppressing bandits? I bet when he encounters those bandits, he’ll definitely flee back with his pants soaked.”

She laughed with a creaking sound.

Muruo immediately rolled his eyes at her.

Her mouth didn’t stop, continuing to say, “I’m not wrong! He’s stayed in the palace for so many years and knows nothing about the outside world. Besides, people’s hearts are treacherous, with danger lurking everywhere. Does he think suppressing bandits is that easy? Don’t be surprised if after leaving the capital gate, he can’t even recognize the roads.”

She laughed again with that creaking sound.

Ji Yunshu replied, “When scholars wield swords and blades, they can be more formidable than that whip of yours.”

“Nonsense!” She bristled, refusing to accept it, and patted the silver whip wrapped around her waist, saying proudly, “This whip of mine is…” absolutely remarkable.

Before she could say those last three words, she fell silent.

Her round eyes suddenly fell upon four men entering from outside the city gate. Three of them wore simple clothing but had extremely burly physiques, fierce gazes, and faces bearing murderous auras. Each carried a curved blade in their hands, with exquisite patterns carved on the blades—like flowers, or perhaps animals. The other person appeared middle-aged, sporting a neatly trimmed short beard, with sharp eyes and a stern demeanor. His tightly furrowed brow seemed to naturally emanate a killing intent that made people shudder.

As they entered from outside the city, they looked around in all directions, as if searching for something—or someone.

Tang Si immediately cowered.

Ji Yunshu asked, “Why have you stopped talking?”

“…”

Her body flashed as she immediately hid behind Muruo, shrinking her head, both hands tightly clutching the fabric at his back, her eyes full of panic.

This was the first time they’d seen her like this.

Muruo’s brows furrowed as he turned his head to ask her, “What’s gotten into you? Let go of me quickly.”

“Don’t move.”

“What’s wrong with you?”

She kept her head lowered.

This abnormal behavior was incomprehensible.

Jingrong and the other two looked at each other.

Confused!

Tang Si peeked out with her eyes, secretly glancing toward the city gate. Seeing those four men getting closer and closer to their side, her heart was nearly jumping out of her throat.

In her panic, her feet stomped hard, and simply—

She turned and bolted.

Running extremely fast!

As the Art of War by Sun Tzu says: Of the thirty-six stratagems, fleeing is best.