This was the first time the advisors had gathered together to discuss Ji Zeyu’s affairs, so each had some thoughts in their hearts.
However, what surprised them most was that Miss Qin was so perceptive—completely unlike a sheltered daughter who knew nothing of worldly affairs.
Qin Yining noticed everyone’s gazes and continued: “I don’t know Marquis Dingbei well, but recalling his method of leading people in random slaughter that day, there were many suspicious points. With Marquis Dingbei’s capabilities, if he wanted to kill the Qin family, it would be impossible for him not to find the right people.
“Even I know why His Majesty accepts Great Yan’s surrendered ministers—could Marquis Dingbei, occupying a position in the official circles, not know? He deliberately went on a wild killing spree and offended the surrendered ministers against His Majesty’s wishes—isn’t he afraid His Majesty will hold him accountable?
“Perhaps I have a petty mind, but I don’t believe Marquis Dingbei’s brotherly feelings for the Prince would make him so desperate that he’d disregard his own safety for revenge—revenge where he couldn’t even find the right targets. He wouldn’t be so impulsive, nor would he be so stupid.”
At this point, Qin Yining looked at Pang Xiao beside her and asked: “Marquis Dingbei is equal in fame to the Prince—he should also have the same troubles as the Prince now, with achievements that overshadow his master, right?”
Pang Xiao didn’t answer, just sat silently with an unperturbed expression.
Qin Yining’s words showed clear thinking. Based only on her rough understanding of the capital’s situation, she had already analyzed so many key points. Though the advisors present might not be unable to think of these things, for a young woman to dissect current affairs so thoroughly still made them acknowledge her abilities.
The advisors now looked at Qin Yining no longer with just the eyes that viewed a “femme fatale.” They seemed to understand why Pang Xiao regarded her differently—such beauty was already rare, but even rarer was her intelligent mind that could keep up with the Prince’s pace, inevitably making people view her with new respect.
Xu Weizhi stood up and personally took the teapot to add more tea to Qin Yining’s untouched cup.
Then he set down the teapot and smiled: “Miss Qin has keen insight. Many of your thoughts coincide with this old man’s.”
His attitude was courteous, no longer showing his earlier coldness. Pang Xiao nodded approvingly while watching, and everyone around was quite surprised.
Xu Weizhi then cupped his hands toward Pang Xiao: “Your Highness, this old man previously told you that Marquis Dingbei’s actions this time weren’t simple. Now Miss Qin, having just arrived, can also understand the complexity within—this shows my deductions weren’t groundless. Your Highness values relationships deeply, but one must guard against others.”
Pang Xiao nodded with a calm expression.
Xu Weizhi sighed: “Your Highness is someone who values loyalty and righteousness—this is Your Highness’s virtue and precisely why we willingly follow you. But people’s hearts change, and situations change too—this is inevitable.
“Though Marquis Dingbei and Your Highness have deep feelings, his current situation is similar to yours—both having achievements that overshadow the master and being subject to suspicion. Marquis Dingbei will also do everything possible to survive and won’t ruin his entire life through simple emotional impulses.”
“Exactly so—we all think the same.” The other advisors also nodded and sighed, feeling quite emotional.
Qin Yining could understand the complexity in Pang Xiao’s heart.
Of the three sworn brothers from back then, one was already targeting him. If another joined in, it would completely destroy the oath made when they became sworn brothers. This wouldn’t feel good for anyone.
But in this world, to survive, one had to accept reality.
Xu Weizhi had repeatedly wanted to advise Pang Xiao but couldn’t find an opportunity to speak due to consideration for Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu’s relationship. Today, Qin Yining’s words gave him that opportunity.
“Everyone, this old man believes Marquis Dingbei’s action kills three birds with one stone: first, attempting to show goodwill to the Prince; second, attempting to win over the old ministers of Northern Ji in court; third, deliberately creating a fault to present to His Majesty. What do you all think?”
Usually, these dozen or so people discussed matters this way. Since they learned Qin Yining was someone the Prince trusted, they didn’t avoid discussing in front of her.
Someone said: “Attempting to show goodwill to the Prince is understandable. After all, the Prince and Marquis Dingbei have been separated north and south for a long time without meeting. Even knowing each other’s news, not communicating would create distance. Marquis Dingbei treasures his friendship with the Prince, so showing goodwill makes sense.”
“However, as Master Xu said, Marquis Dingbei isn’t simply showing goodwill. Showing goodwill is probably incidental—the other two points are his real purposes.”
“Indeed. The arrival of Yan dynasty’s surrendered ministers will definitely take away part of the Northern Ji remnant ministers’ power. Though Marquis Dingbei’s action can’t guarantee the Northern Ji old minister faction will be grateful to him, at least when he returns north, these people won’t stab him in the back.”
“Exactly so. Moreover, Marquis Dingbei’s achievements truly overshadow his master. He acts meticulously without leaving any faults, making His Majesty unable to get a grip on him—slippery as an eel. This appears good on the surface, but long-term, it’s not beneficial for Marquis Dingbei. You must know that when rulers employ people, they’re only at ease using those they can control.”
“Correct. Now that Marquis Dingbei has attacked the Great Yan procession and returned to the capital to request punishment, he’s deliberately giving His Majesty a handle. This way, His Majesty will feel at ease, thinking this sharp blade can be discarded when not needed.”
…
Qin Yining listened quietly to everyone’s analysis, finding this discussion environment both novel and appealing.
Wasn’t this exactly what was meant by “pooling wisdom and expressing individual opinions”?
Listening to these intelligent people discuss helped her understand the Great Zhou environment and benefited her greatly. Unconsciously, she began analyzing today’s topic of discussion.
Seeing Qin Yining’s thoughtful expression, Xie Yue smiled and asked: “Does Miss Qin have any insights?”
All the advisors looked at Qin Yining.
Qin Yining hadn’t expected him to ask her, but she wasn’t intimidated. She smiled and said: “I did think of some things. I believe what that gentleman said about Marquis Dingbei’s ‘showing goodwill being incidental’ is somewhat inappropriate.”
“Oh?” The advisor Qin Yining mentioned raised his eyebrows, feeling somewhat unconvinced. Even if the Prince favored this woman, she was still just a female and a young girl—could she have more profound insights than these strategists?
“Please enlighten us with your insights, Miss Qin.” His tone was quite stiff.
Qin Yining wasn’t annoyed and smiled: “Actually, I think Marquis Dingbei’s main purpose was showing goodwill, and the other two points Master Xu mentioned were incidental. After all, without the enmity between the Prince and my father, Marquis Dingbei definitely wouldn’t have chosen to attack Great Yan’s procession to achieve his goals.”
This cause-and-effect relationship made everyone genuinely curious about Qin Yining’s perspective.
Qin Yining continued: “Moreover, I think besides these three purposes, Marquis Dingbei has two other most important goals. Master Xu said Marquis Dingbei is skilled at planning, which is indeed true. His scheme this time truly kills ‘five’ birds with one stone.”
The named strategist disliked how this woman was showing off, but with Pang Xiao present, he couldn’t say much. He just asked with a stern face: “What are the other two points? We’d like to hear the details.”