Chapter 595 - Chapter 595: Power of Wisdom
Chapter 595: Power of Wisdom
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
After fighting for a month, Chu Feifengs army suffered heavy casualties. They had no choice but to retreat and postpone their assault on Dingzhou. The war made him unable to continue the war for the time being.
Moreover, having many troops meant he had to feed them, and his rations ran low. Soon after, Chu Feifeng heard a vital piece of news—there were survivors of the Wei family army.
He was terrified and feared the Wei family’s God of War was still alive. Therefore, he wanted to gather more information before mobilizing his troops again.
Luo Jin’an and the others saved Dingzhou. After the war, it was time to rest.
However, they used half of their stored grain and would not have enough food if they continued fighting.
Not only was the border remote, grain production was low. Su Binglan’s calculations showed they might not have enough grain to survive.
In the past, Lan Ruobing and Lan Ruozhu secretly stored food in two cabins.
After all, they had learned to be better prepared from the previous wars. Firstly, food was essential, and they needed to expand their army.
Secondly, the siblings considered medical treatment, but there were insufficient military doctors. Su Binglan knew she must form a medical team and forge new weapons and equipment.
Thirdly, she needed to think about food. Still, the instant noodles and dried meats Su Binglan had prepared beforehand were helpful for the war. Dingzhou also needed silver to develop quickly.
Lan Ruozhu said, “There won’t be any more wars anytime soon. Everyone can rest assured. It’s almost the end of the year, so we must prepare for the New Year celebrations.’
Chu Feifeng no longer had the resources to attack Dingzhou again since he also needed to conserve his troops. Indeed, there was no more war, and everyone could heave a sigh of relief.
“We need to recruit more soldiers, Brother. Chu Feifeng annexed Pingzhou to expand his army and influence. We must expand our sphere of influence too.”
Lan Ruozhu looked at Su Binglan and asked, “Sister, where do you suggest we expand to?!
Su Binglan answered, “This entire generation’s sphere of influence is within the range of Dingzhou to the border provinces.”
She drew a map on the table and circled a large piece of land as she spoke. Lan
Ruozhu was stunned and wondered if his sister was serious. However, her expression assured him.
He noticed he would control a quarter of the land in Chu Country if he controlled Su Binglan’s appointed area. After some thought, Lan Ruozhu said, “I’ll get someone to scout the area. Sister, go home and rest. Don’t worry.”
Su Binglan knew her brother was brilliant and could handle things. After all, his poor health was the only thing inhibiting him from taking action. Now that he had fully recovered, he could do much more.
“It’s okay, Brother. I’ll be your support. We can efficiently develop Dingzhou and extend it to the border. The border has excellent potential for development since it’s vast enough for business and farming.”
Su Binglan’s expression was moving when speaking of such things. She was in high spirits and felt secure when discussing Dingzhou’s development.
“All right,” Lan Ruozhu said smilingly, “I’ll ensure efficiency to make this land ours.”
Then he looked at Luo Jin’an and said, “Jin’an, do you have any suggestions?”
Thanks to Luo Jin’an’s help during the war, Chu Feifeng failed to conquer
Dingzhou, even though the latter had joined forces with external forces. Luo Jin’an’s military wisdom was too formidable. It was no wonder people feared him and the Wei family army.
Luo Jin’an alone had the intelligence and strength of ten generals put together. However, news spread about the surviving members of the Wei family and that Young Marshal Wei might still be alive.
Although most suspected the news to be just a rumor, the enemy forces had no choice but to take the news seriously because many commoners did not know that the Wei family was innocent.
They thought the MJei family army had betrayed the country in the past.
Lan Ruozhu was still considering reinstating the Wei family army, and so did Su Binglan. She wanted to clear her husband’s name and prevent people from hating or misunderstanding him.
Luo Jin’an heard Lan Ruozhu’s question and replied, “We could subdue some areas and occupy their military forces or recruit soldiers and gather horses from local areas. Maybe then we can arrange for some of our army members to go and reorganize them.”
Lan Ruozhu liked his ideas. That way, they would not need to use too many troops and save their resources simultaneously. While the two discussed such things, Su Binglan thought about how to stop the rumors from hurting the Wei family’s army.
Suddenly, a light flashed in Su Binglan’s mind. She raised her eyebrows and said, “I’ve got it!”
Lan Ruozhu looked at his sister’s happy expression and could not help but smile. “What is it, Sister?”
“I know how to stop the unfavorable rumors about the Wei family!” Her words shocked Lan Ruozhu and Luo Jin’an.
‘The voices of the people are vital. After all, water can float a boat, but it could also capsize it.’
Although rumors were sometimes tough to control, using force would make it impossible. Moreover, suppressing people with force would only make them fearful, but everyone’s opinions would accumulate.
‘It’d be best if the commoners can accept a fact from their hearts.’
When Luo Jin’an and Lan Ruozhu saw Su Binglan’s confident expression, they knew her idea would be good. They anxiously looked at Su Binglan, and Lan Ruozhu asked, “How do we do that, Sister?” “What about a play?” Su Binglan suggested.
“Are you talking about acting?”
Although easy to write a script and act, it would have a negative effect if the arrangement was not good. Moreover, the Imperial Court would capture and suppress the Wei family if they appeared in the play.
Since Su Binglan could not guarantee it would not be a problem elsewhere, she knew it would be okay in Dingzhou.
Luo Jin’an knew his wife wanted to help him and his family, but his heart ached even more for her. He said, “It’s okay. Everyone will know the truth one day.
Su Binglan insisted, “No, I don’t want people to frame or misunderstand you.
You and your family were the ones genuinely protecting the country. You’ve all sacrificed so much. People should not misunderstand you or your family.”
She felt terrible whenever commoners from other places accused the Wei family army of colluding with the enemy and betraying the country.
“I’ll write a good script and find some people to act it out to put on a good show. 1 won’t include our real names and just tell the story. People aren’t stupid, you know? They’ll figure it out.”
There were too few entertainment outlets for people in this era. In addition, many were illiterate and did not know much. They would quickly believe what others said.
Su Binglan knew some might not understand her message if she wrote it and posted it everywhere. However, everyone could understand a play. Moreover, ordinary people of this era had never watched a show before.
Even so, only dignitaries and nobles could afford to invite troupes to perform. Although these plays would seem boring to modern people, those of this era would watch and listen attentively and find them entertaining.
If Su Binglan could find villagers who could act, her play would become famous. She could guarantee that people from villages within ten miles or more would come with stools to watch her play..