Chapter 197: One step back, the world is vast? (Thanks to book friend Mo Shaobao for the reward!)

Xun Ke's two questions can be said to have hit the nail on the head, making everyone's eyes light up, and they all spoke at once:
"I told you, Ye Mingsheng is not blind, how could he not see Lord He's abilities?"

"Master He, despite the bitter cold, accompanied Ye Mingsheng to Liaoyang? Don't you know how to repay a favor?"

"Master He's ability in training soldiers is second to none in the world!"

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He Jingyun, who had been silent at this time, coughed lightly, and then said lightly:
"I have already made suggestions to Ye Mingsheng about arranging your official positions. I believe Ye Mingsheng will give you a reply soon!"

Hearing what He Jingyun said, everyone regained their confidence and stood up in joy, bowed to He Jingyun, and said in unison:

"Thank you for your cultivation, sir!"

After this little episode, the dinner party organized by He Jingyun once again returned to its previous happy and harmonious atmosphere with people toasting each other for hours. After another hour, everyone said goodbye and left.

However, what surprised He Jingyun was that Xun Ke, who had already left, turned back again.

Looking at Xun Ke who had returned, a smile appeared on He Jingyun's face. Among his old subordinates, Xun Ke was the second to last, if not the last, in terms of personal bravery. But in terms of wisdom, Xun Ke was definitely the first!
In fact, the reason why He Jingyun did not speak when facing the crisis of trust among his old subordinates was that he was waiting for Xun Ke. And Xun Ke did not disappoint him. He helped him out as soon as he opened his mouth. With just a few words, he relieved everyone's anxiety and stabilized people's hearts.

"What's matter?"

With only his right arm left, he picked up the teacup and took a sip of tea. After sobering up, He Jingyun asked:

Facing He Jingyun's question, Xun Ke nodded solemnly without hesitation, then said carefully:

"Sir, I have something in my heart that I can't help but say..."

"Oh? I'm all ears!" He Jingyun's heart moved, he put down the teacup, looked at Xun Ke, waiting for his speech.

Under He Jingyun's piercing gaze, Xun Ke became a little nervous. He took a deep breath and then slowly said:
"Sir, I have observed what Ye Mingsheng has done during these days in Liaoyang..."

"I think maybe he's not as incompetent as we think!"

At the end, Xun Ke mustered up the courage to look He Jingyun in the eye.

He Jingyun, who was sitting on the chair, thought about it for half a cup of tea before saying, "Go on!"

After getting He Jingyun's permission, Xun Ke no longer had any concerns and continued:

"Sir, in terms of ability and seniority, you are Ye Mingsheng's first choice. Then what qualifications does Yuan Song have to command the battle?"

"Ye Mingsheng is doing this obviously to avoid letting you command the battle and build up his prestige!"

"And it can be seen that Ye Mingsheng attaches great importance to military power. Lin Huaiwu and Ye Tie, who are responsible for recruiting soldiers, are both his close confidants!"

"Lin Huaiwu was the first to follow Ye Mingsheng. He was able to become the sentry leader because of Ye Mingsheng's promotion. He has always followed Ye Mingsheng's lead!" "Not to mention Ye Tie, he is a member of Ye Mingsheng's clan and the former captain of the personal guards!"

"If my guess is correct, unless there is an emergency, Ye Mingsheng will not let you, Lord He, lead the troops directly!"

"And with Hong Min's victory this time, Ye Mingsheng is likely to pay more attention to Yuan Song and use Yuan Song to balance you, Lord He!" Xun Ke analyzed calmly:
Although Xun Ke didn't say it explicitly, the implication of his words was to tell He Jingyun that Ye Mingsheng didn't trust him! Ye Mingsheng was on guard against him!
It was obvious that Xun Ke's passionate words in front of everyone just now were not his true words. He was just trying to help He Jingyun out.

Although He Jingyun is arrogant and a little paranoid in his heart, he is not a stupid person. He is just confused by his own situation.

And now, Xun Ke's words from the perspective of an outsider can be said to have cleared away the fog and revealed the blue sky, giving him a sudden epiphany...
"Thank you!" Looking at Xun Ke, He Jingyun said solemnly:

"You are too polite, sir. This is all my job!" Xun Ke said modestly. After hesitating for a moment, he added:

"My lord, Ye Mingsheng is in Liaoyang. He has the best time, the best location, and the best people... My lord, why don't you take a step back and cooperate with him to work for the court together? This would be a good thing!"

He Jingyun, who had just been humbly accepting advice, suddenly changed his expression when he heard Xun Ke's exhortation. After a moment, he said calmly:

"I see!"

Although He Jingyun looked normal and didn't seem to have changed at all, Xun Ke, who had followed him for many years and was familiar with his character, immediately realized that He Jingyun was not pleased with his words.

Xun Ke, who originally wanted to persuade He Jingyun, felt helpless and didn't say anything more. After chatting with He Jingyun for a few irrelevant words, he really said goodbye and left.

After Xun Ke left, He Jingyun locked himself in the room. He stopped drinking tea to sober up and directly picked up the jar of wine, drinking while falling into deep thought.

The reason why he declined the meeting held by Ye Mingsheng in Ye's residence today on the grounds of feeling unwell was not because he was really feeling unwell...

Instead, he had already guessed that Ye Mingsheng would most likely spend a lot of money today to reward people according to their merits.

In the battle against Hong Min, everyone else made contributions, except He Jingyun, who stood behind and stayed with Ye Mingsheng idly for a whole day, doing nothing.

Therefore, instead of watching others receive their rewards while he stood aside awkwardly and got nothing, He Jingyun simply decided not to join in the fun.

In the temporary residence arranged for him by Ye Mingsheng, he gathered all his old subordinates for a dinner party. His intention was good, he wanted to unite everyone, but he did not expect that Guan Fei would suddenly attack.

If He Jingyun didn't know Guan Fei's outspoken personality, he would really think that Guan Fei was deliberately embarrassing him again.

In fact, long before Xun Ke said this today, He Jingyun had already begun to realize Ye Mingsheng's extraordinaryness...

It's just that he doesn't want to admit it.

Or maybe he was unwilling to accept the fact that his plan to usurp the throne had failed before he could even implement it.

(End of this chapter)