"He egged on the Overlord Saber Camp to make a move against Bao Dao-yi, but we still need to follow the rules to some extent. Besides, the main objective isn't really about Bao Dao-yi himself..."

Ning Yi met with the father of a student at Four Seasons House. After seeing him off, Ning Yi and Wenren Bu'er met in the room. (Search: [End of Book God Station] to read high-quality literature for free). As one of the current heads of intelligence in the city, Wenren Bu'er was excited to learn that the Overlord Saber Camp was going to take action against Bao Dao-yi. However, upon hearing Ning Yi say that the main objective wasn't focused on Bao Dao-yi, he was momentarily taken aback.

"Why? Grand Secretary Tong's army is about to arrive in Hangzhou. Given Hangzhou's current stance, they seem determined to stall for time. If we could use this opportunity to expand our influence and incite internal strife in Hangzhou, wouldn't that be the best course of action?"

"Liu Dabiao isn't an idiot. The only outcome of that opportunity would be my death, and the Overlord Saber Camp would reconcile with Bao Dao-yi, with no benefits for anyone." Ning Yi opened the window and looked outside, pouring himself a cup of tea. "The imperial army won't be here for a while. If we try to cause trouble at this time, Fang La will definitely step in personally to suppress the situation. Liu Dabiao won't really push this matter to the point of internal conflict. Killing a high-ranking official like Bao Dao-yi when the imperial court's pressure is about to crush Hangzhou... anyone with even a little bit of reason wouldn't do that."

He took a sip of tea and smacked his lips. "So I'm trying to make comprehensive arrangements for the aftermath, to give Liu Dabiao the resolve to make this decision. Making sufficient arrangements is also for others to see, to tell them that even if Bao Dao-yi dies, the impact won't be too great... As long as it doesn't shake the overall situation, all they need to consider is their personal feelings towards this person. I think there aren't many people in Hangzhou who have personal affection for Bao Dao-yi. Fang La may have tolerated his various actions in the past, but now that he's established a country and wants to be emperor, he doesn't want to be a pimp anymore. Of course, he wants to build a monument of chastity. He can't help but think, 'That guy Bao Dao-yi is always snatching women and ruining the reputation of my Yongle Dynasty. If there are no loose ends, it's fine if he dies...'"

Wenren Bu'er frowned. "Then what benefits do we get?"

"Infiltration." Ning Yi glanced at him. "What good would it do to cause chaos after Bao Dao-yi dies? At most, others will stabilize the situation before the imperial army arrives in Hangzhou. The ultimate determinant of victory isn't these things. Killing Bao Dao-yi and his men, causing chaos in Hangzhou, and watching them fight among themselves... it sounds exciting, but it's actually useless. But... one must take a long-term perspective. Even a small chaos after Bao Dao-yi's death is still chaos. The most important thing is that the person in charge is different, and the people who can rise to power are different. Seize this opportunity, and you can place your resources in key positions. When the army besieges the city, those who can help deliver intelligence can do so smoothly, and those who can help open the city gates can be placed to guard them... I came to you because I need the list you have, don't tell me you haven't planted any nails in Fang La's army after all this time."

Wenren Bu'er's eyes lit up. "Although not many, there are still some people we can use..."

"Not many, huh?" Ning Yi was silent for a moment, then nodded. "That's fine too." He had originally thought there would be a lot more. After all, Fang La's uprising accepted everyone. If one had the intention to arrange for internal spies, it would have been easy. But it seemed that the imperial court hadn't taken this matter too seriously before Fang La captured Hangzhou. If there were people who could be used, they would have to make do.

"Now it depends on how we kill Bao Dao-yi. It's not enough to just make arrangements for the aftermath. We need to add more chips. You need to help spread some rumors. I don't care how you do it, but... Bao Dao-yi's subordinates are a mixed bag, and there will definitely be a surrender faction. In the next few days, you need to arrange for such a person to visit Bao Dao-yi, then be captured by Li Tianrun, and then have him reveal that Bao Dao-yi has thoughts of surrendering... Make up any reason you want, just say that the imperial court thinks he's someone who can be persuaded with benefits, promised him some official position, or that he's suspicious of Buddha Commander because of conflicts with the Overlord Saber Camp and humiliation from Buddha Commander's disciple, and therefore he had thoughts of surrendering."

Wenren Bu'er laughed. "Anyway, whether Fang La and his people believe it or not, as long as they hear it, that's enough. That's no problem."

"Yes, in short, let them feel that it's good that Bao Dao-yi is dead, it saves a lot of trouble... Also, please take care of my wife's side."

Hearing this, Wenren Bu'er became solemn and cupped his fist. "This is our negligence. But your sister-in-law's methods are truly remarkable, she was able to enter Hangzhou at this time... Oh, the female warrior beside her seems to be quite capable as well."

Ning Yi lowered his voice. "There's some personal friendship, but... her identity is somewhat shady. It's best not to investigate. If you know anything, I hope you pretend you didn't see it."

"Understood. We're not from the Six Doors. We can make the decisions on these matters."

After finishing his instructions to Wenren Bu'er, Ning Yi left the private room and sat in the restaurant for a while. He was waiting for Xiao Chan, who had gone to buy things on the nearby street. The atmosphere in Hangzhou was strange these days, and Xiao Chan usually didn't go out, but today she wasn't the only one who had come to the street. Several housewives from the Overlord Saber Camp, led by Ji Qian'er of the "Mandarin Duck Blades," had come out to buy things together, with a few men accompanying them. Xiao Chan had joined them for a stroll.

Ning Yi mainly used the excuse of discussing serious matters with people, and also wanted to keep a low profile, so everyone brought Xiao Chan with them. He was sending her back now. After eating some pastries, they left with a flurry of activity, leaving Ning Yi and Xiao Chan to enjoy some alone time. Although there was animosity between the Overlord Saber Camp and Bao Dao-yi, it hadn't reached the point of killing people in the streets.

To put it another way, given the Overlord Saber Camp's hot-tempered nature, if Bao Dao-yi wanted to kill someone, he would kill Liu Xigua, Liu Tiannan, and others, not target a small fry like Ning Yi. Moreover, Ning Yi was known as the Bloodhand Man-slayer, and the Overlord Saber Camp probably knew that he had powerful and varied methods. No one knew how he had killed Tang Kou that day. Among the seven blades around Liu Xigua, Ji Qian'er's Mandarin Duck Blades were the most fierce and ruthless, but Ji Qian'er herself probably wouldn't want to confront this guy who seemed to have endless tricks and unpredictable depths, and who always played the fool. He ultimately had the ability to protect himself.

The trip to Hangzhou was originally intended to finalize the matter with Xiao Chan, but unfortunately, before they could have a proper ceremony, they encountered natural and man-made disasters. Now, although they were together, it was under such dire and crisis-ridden circumstances. Ning Yi himself might not care about having several women around him, but in the way he treated them, he still adhered to modern values. Since he had made a promise, he would ultimately try his best to make her life better. The two relied on each other in this environment, and their feelings had deepened. But now, he had to send her away. Ning Yi felt guilty towards Xiao Chan.

He found the best seat on the second floor near the window. The two looked at the scenery, ate pastries, and chatted, considering it a private date amidst the busy schedule. Xiao Chan naturally didn't know Ning Yi's thoughts. She smiled and gestured to Ning Yi about the interesting things she had seen on the street earlier. Being cooped up all day, she was also bored. She then felt that she was being a bit undignified and tried to put on a dignified face as she ate her snacks. Before long, she was amused by Ning Yi again and gestured excitedly.

Xiao Chan was seventeen, almost eighteen years old. In an ordinary family, she probably would have already had two children. She had put down her maiden's hairstyle these days, but in Ning Yi's eyes, she was still a young and innocent girl. A thousand years later, she would probably still be carrying her schoolbag and going to high school. Xiao Chan might not be the assertive class monitor, but she could probably be the labor committee member, and she would also be well-liked by everyone because of her attractive appearance... Ning Yi imagined these things, looking at the girl who seemed innocent but already had a hint of domesticity, smiling happily, and his heart calmed down slightly.

In any case, it was ultimately necessary to get her away from this place. There were many days to come...

Thinking this, it was almost noon, so Ning Yi ordered a few dishes. It was also the peak business hour at Four Seasons House. As the dishes were being served, Wenren Bu'er walked past and quietly said, "Bao Dao-yi is also hosting a banquet here." Then he pointed to a window on the third floor.

The interior of Four Seasons House was circular. One could also see the third floor diagonally from the second floor. The person sitting slightly inside the window was vaguely Bao Dao-yi. However, Ning Yi didn't intend to go over. He knew Bao Dao-yi, but Bao Dao-yi didn't know him. It wasn't a big deal. He turned his head and focused on eating and chatting with Xiao Chan. When they were almost finished, Bao Dao-yi and a group of people came down from upstairs. Ning Yi noticed someone he recognized among them.

It was Lou Shuwang, mixed in the crowd. Ning Yi already knew that the Lou family had sought Bao Dao-yi as a protector. However, the Lou family was considered relatively pure businessmen. When Fang Qifo had asked the Lou family to join him, he hadn't considered them a major political force. Even if the two sides were close now, it was just some money and power exchange, similar to paying protection fees. When Bao Dao-yi was around, they paid protection fees to this side. When Bao Dao-yi fell, they would naturally find other people. There was no need to pay attention to them. When Lou Shuwang looked over, Ning Yi nodded casually, and the other party also gave a perfunctory nod and left silently.

As he went downstairs, Bao Dao-yi turned his head and glanced over, probably noticing Lou Shuwang's nod earlier. Ning Yi was reaching out to wipe the sauce from the corner of Xiao Chan's mouth. When he felt the gaze and looked over, Bao Dao-yi had already turned his head and gone downstairs.

This was just a small interlude in the rolling tide of events. Ning Yi didn't pay attention to it. Returning to the Overlord Saber Camp, he was pulled by Liu Xigua to discuss ideas. He knew that Liu Xigua had attended two poetry gatherings in the past two days. She had already used several of Li Qingzhao's poems, such as "I often remember at the Xiting Pavilion at dusk, so drunk that I forgot the way home. When my interest was exhausted, I returned by boat, accidentally entering the depths of the lotus flowers." Given her usual style, it was surprising that she would express such a small woman's sorrow. Others would probably think she had encountered enemies ambushed in the depths of the lotus flowers, so she wrote a poem...

In addition to Li Qingzhao's, she had also copied "Climbing Phoenix Terrace in Jinling":

Phoenixes once roamed Phoenix Terrace,
The phoenixes are gone, the terrace is empty, the river flows on.
Flowers and grasses of the Wu Palace bury a secluded path,
The costumes and hats of the Jin Dynasty have become ancient mounds.
Three mountains are half-fallen beyond the blue sky,
Two waters divide the egret islet.
Always the floating clouds can obscure the sun,
Chang'an is not seen, making people sad.

Jinling was Jiangning. She had never been there in her life, but she copied it anyway. It was said that she was lamenting that people like Bao Dao-yi had blinded Fang La, and she was heartbroken for it... In fact, everyone had already understood that she had a ghostwriter behind her, but the fact that the ghostwriter could write such poems at will startled many people who understood poetry. Of course, whether the poems were good or not had no impact on Liu Xigua's playful attitude. Even if it was a doggerel, no one would dare to say anything. But being this good was a bit scary.

At this time, no one knew how the battle in the north was going. When the imperial court became serious, Ning Yi knew that Fang La's front line was shrinking across the board. The wounded were constantly being transported back, and Li Tianrun was arresting batches of people. Although the total number was not large, it made the atmosphere even more solidified and murderous.

Ning Yi manipulated the Overlord Saber Camp's overall relationships, weaving a giant net within Hangzhou to kill Bao Dao-yi, seemingly to minimize the impact of killing Bao Dao-yi on Hangzhou. But in reality, few people knew that his ultimate goal was to allow the imperial court's espionage forces to be reasonably inserted into Fang La's military system. This was no longer a simple matter of dealing with Bao Dao-yi, but was already directly facing Fang La and the Yongle Dynasty at a strategic level. In a sense, Tong Guan's 150,000 troops were facing Fang Qifo in the north, while he was facing Fang La here with Wenren Bu'er's strength, to make a key push to end this war as soon as possible, influencing the course of history.

However, in the subsequent historical records, the most heavily written event was not this, but the election held by the Overlord Saber Camp three days after the conflict with Bao Dao-yi. This election was quite farcical. It was one of the pranks that occurred during the casual discussions between Ning Yi and Liu Xigua—something that seemed very casual at the time. The election had everyone in the Overlord Saber Camp vote for a few existing officials, confusing everyone. After the election, the vote counting process was not made public. Each person's vote was not made public. The results showed that all the small leaders remained the same after the election.

Before this, Liu Xigua had been considering how to start with Ning Yi's ideas, from what direction to start. The next day, Ning Yi casually threw out a suggestion, "Let them vote once." This election was unfair, unjust, and not transparent, but it just gave people the concept that "there is such a thing." It would be held several times in the future. They would verbally say to them, "This is for you to decide," but in reality, they would ignore their thoughts. After several times, some of them might consider this matter due to interests. As long as the first person came out to protest, the above would give in. "You think there's a problem? This time we'll be more transparent." "You think there's still a problem? This time we'll be fairer." "Still a problem? What do you say we should do?" Over time, the concept of striving and the idea that they could actually speak on this matter would form.

In history before this, matters that everyone couldn't decide were resolved by raising hands. The essence of such elections had always existed. But only this simple, farcical election, along with a series of things carried out by the Overlord Saber Camp and Liu Xigua in the next few years, was indeed considered by later generations to be the first conscious germination of democracy.

Although this germination was first born in a chaos and confusion that no one could see clearly, in the first few years, the small spark was subjected to all kinds of wind and rain, experienced various turbulent shifts, and the ravages of war and danger. It was even once thrown by its founder into a neglected wilderness. It flickered on and off, and one could not see the future, but after a few years, this seed still sprouted vigorously, pushing away the boulder above its head. In the eyes of later generations, its ultimate survival was undoubtedly a miracle containing countless flukes.

Of course, that was later.

At this time, Ning Yi already had the awareness to turn the tide of this situation. Having already made a move and made a decision, there was no need to turn back. He indeed had the possibility to determine the war situation in Hangzhou to a certain extent, minimizing and shortening the extent and duration of its devastation as much as possible. In a sense, he had participated in determining a part of history. Of course, this was the history of this world, different from the original world.

Compared to this solemn aspect, he didn't have high expectations for Liu Xigua's ideas and actions for the time being. If it was possible to continue, he would also like to see what this thing would become in the future, but for now, there was no need to pay too much attention to it. Since there was an opportunity, he should seize it immediately and drill a few of the most critical holes in the Fang La system's flood control dam. At the same time, he was also concerned about his wife's affairs, hoping that his wife and Xiao Chan could ultimately leave smoothly.

Time passed day by day, two days, three days, four days, five days... After the sharp conflict, the first clear action against Bao Dao-yi was about to take place. Ning Yi tightly and nervously controlled the situation, trying to allow the people Wenren Bu'er arranged to participate more rationally in this major event. At the same time, Su Tan'er was to meet with Xiao Chan, and the time for them to leave Hangzhou was also approaching. In such an atmosphere, one thing unexpectedly inserted itself into the entire situation, perhaps proving that there will always be some small twists and accidents, and that everything cannot be as desired and smooth.

In the eyes of later generations, this was just a small matter. But at the time, when it suddenly inserted itself in front of Ning Yi, as him, he did indeed have a sense of surprise, as well as feeling somewhat wry and amused.

And as the Lou family, the other party in the event, they were actually only treating this matter as a trivial matter at the time...

*************

Speaking of which, my neck was very uncomfortable when I woke up today. I passed by a massage hospital for the blind and thought it might be useful. I went in. It was a male technician. Although he wasn't blind, he was indeed a professional masseur. The technique was okay. The two chatted about their professions. I said I wrote books on the internet, so I rarely exercised. Then he asked if I was on Qidian, saying he also read books on Qidian. I asked him what he read. He said "Wu Dong Qian Kun." I said, "I know this author." Then "Endless Sword Path." I said, "I know this one too." Then "Transcending the Nine Heavens." I said, "I still know him..."

Then he said Son-in-Law, I: "..."

"It's just that the updates are a bit slow..."

"I wrote it..."

Then I came back alive...

But my whole afternoon was still very painful after the massage. I don't know if it's normal pain from doing this kind of massage for the first time, or if I have bone hyperplasia and spine problems, or if I was secretly harmed... (To be continued. Vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

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