Once I enter the pass, great Confucian scholars will surely debate the classics for me.

Jin Wei and Zhi Qi have been following Zhou Qingfeng for thirteen years.

The former is good at making money, adept at interpersonal relationships, steady and cautious in his actions, while the latter is resourceful and brave, daring to fight and take risks. After ten years of honing his skills in Yong'an City, his overall qualities have been greatly improved.

Currently, the two are Zhou Qingfeng's most capable and loyal subordinates. They are both capable of handling things independently in their respective fields of expertise, and as long as they are used properly, they can provide Zhou Qingfeng with great assistance.

Moreover, the Zhou family's sphere of influence will continue to expand, and Zhou Qingfeng cannot possibly manage everything, handle every detail personally. He might die of exhaustion before even accomplishing anything significant.

Inside a private room of a teahouse.

Jin Wei and Zhi Qi sat down and discussed how to complete the arduous task assigned by their boss while enjoying tea together.

He picked up his teacup, took a sip of the new spring jasmine tea, and slowly said, "Minister Jin, the commander has asked us to win over the lower-level officials. What do you think we should do?"

Jin Wei smiled slightly: "Registrant, if you have any insightful opinions, please feel free to share them."

After pondering for a moment, he spoke of his concerns: "Minister Jin, Luo Bingyi appears to be apolitical and incorruptible, but in reality, he has formed his own faction. The Fifth Division is now, in fact, the Luo family clique."

"His six students control five departments. Those below them who want to survive will inevitably have some connection with the Luo family gang. How easy is it to win them over and use them for our purposes?"

Upon hearing this, Jin Wei understood what Zhiqi was worried about. The situation was still unclear, and those who were not from the Luo family gang were all secretly watching to see if the commander could hold his position and defeat the Luo family gang.

In situations like this, even if given the opportunity to choose sides, no one would choose to take sides voluntarily.

Choosing sides is too dangerous. If you don't take sides, you can still keep your job and official position. At most, you can just be a lowly nobody in the Fifth Division, obediently lie down, and live your life comfortably.

Choosing the wrong side can result in anything from being dismissed from office to being imprisoned.

Of course, if you choose the right side, you can rise rapidly in your career and seize power.

The problem is that most people don't have that kind of sharp insight or the courage to take big gambles.

Moreover, Luo Bingyi was highly respected and popular in the Fifth Division. His students were all exceptionally capable, holding key positions and wielding power. Coupled with their powerful backgrounds, their combined strength allowed them to dominate the Fifth Division.

Many people don't think that Zhou Qingfeng, the leader who was parachuted in, has the ability to defeat the Luo family gang.

Jin Wei was silent for a moment, then said, "If it were easy, the Commander wouldn't need us. In short, we should find ways to overcome difficulties and solve problems. We must always give the Commander a good report card."

Upon hearing this, Zhiqi sighed inwardly.

He had indeed achieved the bright future he desired, but the complex environment and the people he faced had become even more troublesome. If he failed to handle this matter well, being punished would be secondary; the important thing was that it would seriously affect his impression rating in the commander's mind, and if another opportunity arose, he probably wouldn't be the first person the commander would think of.

Moreover, I am not Jin Wei. Jin Wei is highly trusted and relied upon by the commander and can be considered the number one lackey of the Zhou family. Even if I mess up one thing occasionally, it will not affect Jin Wei's status and future.

A brief silence fell over the private room, broken only by the sound of tea being sipped.

Jin Wei pondered for a moment, then cautiously said, "I have a plan."

"Oh?" Zhiqi was taken aback for a moment, then his face lit up with joy: "Please enlighten me, Chief Clerk Jin."

Jin Wei smiled and said, "Let's invite low-ranking officials and members of the Plum Blossom Guards to a private banquet under the guise of getting to know each other and exchanging ideas. We'll see who comes and who doesn't."

After listening, Zhiqi frowned slightly, seemingly digesting Jin Wei's strategy.

After a moment, he nodded slowly. "This plan is simple, but quite ingenious. Those who are willing to come at least show that they are not opposed to us, and may even be willing to stand on our side."

"Those who refused the invitation were either die-hard members of the Luo family gang."

"Either they are too cautious and unwilling to express their opinions easily."

Jin Wei continued, "Yes, the first thing we need to do is to screen out those who are willing to cooperate."

“These people may be our breakthrough point. We can obtain more inside information from them and even use them to influence more people. As for those who don’t come, we don’t need to rush. We can observe them slowly, find their weaknesses, or wait for the right time to make contact.”

Upon hearing this, Zhiqi frowned and reminded him, "We must proceed with caution. The Luo family gang has many informants in the Fifth Division. Our efforts to win them over must be discreet to avoid arousing unnecessary suspicion."

“We can start small, for example, by inviting only a few seemingly neutral people, and then gradually expand the scope. This way, we won’t attract too much attention, but we can gradually build our own network.”

Jin Wei nodded in agreement, "That's right, we should proceed step by step and make steady progress. We can also use the information gathered from each banquet to develop more specific tactics and take different measures against different people."

"For example, we can promise support to those who aspire to promotion; we can provide protection to those who are concerned about their safety; and we can promise to share the benefits to those who pursue power."

After much discussion, the two secretly finalized a detailed execution plan.

Two flowers bloom, each telling its own story. While two loyal and capable subordinates are plotting to help their boss seize control of five locations step by step, Zhou Qingfeng, the boss, is visiting Luo Bingyi at the Royal Court Medical Center with gifts.

Luo Bingyi was somewhat surprised by Zhou Qingfeng's visit, but still welcomed him with a smile.

"Old Luo, how are you feeling?" Zhou Qingfeng smiled slightly, personally handing over the gifts he had bought, which included health-preserving tea, a jade pillow, and a handwritten copy of "The Peach Blossom Spring": "These are just a small token of my appreciation, and I hope Old Luo will like them."

"Thank you for your visit, Commander. I am feeling much better." Luo Bingyi, dressed in a white bathrobe, rose to greet him. He looked very old and frail, his back hunched, as if he were bent over by something unseen.

Zhou Qingfeng warmly helped Luo Bingyi sit down on the stone bench in the courtyard, then placed the gift on the stone table and poured tea and water for Luo Bingyi. He showed no airs of a superior and demonstrated basic respect for his senior.

"Old Luo, please take care of your health. You're getting old, and health is the most important thing. You've worked so hard all these years. Without you, the Fifth Division wouldn't have been able to solve so many major cases. Because of you, Jianta has been able to maintain peace and stability. Everyone from top to bottom has seen your contributions. You are truly a meritorious hero of Jianta."

Luo Bingyi took a sip of tea and said with a smile, "Commander, you flatter me. I was just doing my duty."

To be honest, Luo Bingyi enjoyed Zhou Qingfeng's respect and praise, and was even a little proud. He thought that after learning the true situation of the five places, Zhou Qingfeng decisively came to admit defeat and make peace.

In his view, as long as Zhou Qingfeng gave him enough respect and courtesy and didn't go too far, he could make concessions, at most he would just give up the position of deputy commander.

He continued to serve as the head of his fifth division, and relinquished half of his core power position to Zhou Qingfeng.

Even if students have grievances, we can find ways to mediate and suppress them.

In this way, everyone will no longer need to fight.

The two shook hands and made peace, and he was able to be on equal footing with Zhou Qingfeng.

Luo Bingyi cannot withstand both external and internal pressures at the same time. As long as the external pressure is gone, but there are internal disputes, and students want to push him, their teacher, forward, Luo Bingyi has the means to suppress them.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Qingfeng changed the subject, not mentioning the peace talks, but instead bringing up the topic of retirement: "Old Luo, I've noticed that many retired seniors are enjoying their rich and colorful retirement lives recently."

"Some travel to major cities of the empire, some enjoy all kinds of delicacies, and some listen to music, watch dances, drink and have fun. It's really enviable."

"I believe that with your wisdom and insight, there will be many more wonderful things waiting for you after you retire."

"I wonder if Mr. Luo has considered what he would like to do after retirement?"

Luo Bingyi smiled slightly: "Little Zhou, I've been so busy with official duties that I really hadn't thought about it."

Zhou Qingfeng smiled and said, "No rush. There are juniors in the Fifth Division to ensure everything goes smoothly. You should stay here and recuperate. Once you're better, wherever you want to go, juniors will arrange everything perfectly for you."

"Alright, I won't disturb Elder Luo's rest any longer. I need to go to the crime scene myself later. There's no way around it; the case of murdering an official and plotting a rebellion is of great importance, and I can't stay here any longer. I hope Elder Luo won't mind."

Luo Bingyi didn't hear Zhou Qingfeng's words of compromise and reconciliation, and his expression was somewhat unnatural, but he still maintained a smile and stood up to see him off: "Little Zhou, official business is important, I'll see you off."

Zhou Qingfeng reached out to stop him, smiling as he said, "No need, Elder Luo, please rest well. Oh, by the way, Elder Luo, take a look at the gift. I happened to acquire a novel that is very interesting. You may take a look when you have some free time."

After saying this, Zhou Qingfeng put his hands behind his back and walked away from the convalescent courtyard.

Luo Bingyi frowned slightly, somewhat puzzled as to what Zhou Qingfeng had come here for.

Is it appropriate for a junior to offer a perfunctory greeting to a senior?

Is it really that simple? Zhou Qingfeng is a ruthless character who rose from humble beginnings to fight his way up.

This trip must have a deeper purpose.

Luo Bingyi pondered Zhou Qingfeng's words carefully, then turned back to the stone table and picked up the gifts Zhou Qingfeng had given him one by one: "Health-preserving tea, jade pillow... Peach Blossom Spring?"

Luo Bingyi had never heard of such a novel as "The Peach Blossom Spring," so he curiously opened it and read it carefully. He discovered that this work depicted an ideal world far removed from the hustle and bustle of the world.

Although it is not directly about travel or retirement life.

But it describes a peaceful and self-sufficient lifestyle.

It's an ideal retirement environment.

After reading it, Luo Bingyi belatedly realized that Zhou Qingfeng hadn't come to offer condolences or goodwill at all; he was clearly reminding him that he was getting old, that his past achievements were in the past, and that now that he was sick and old, he should take good care of himself and retire.

Health-preserving teas imply the importance of health.

A jade pillow symbolizes a peaceful old age.

"The Peach Blossom Spring" goes even further, pointing directly to the idea of ​​retiring to the countryside.

Based on what Zhou Qingfeng just said, he was subtly conveying a message.

That is, he acknowledged his outstanding contributions to the Sword Tower, and in consideration of his more than 100 years of hard work for the Sword Tower, he was willing to give himself a dignified exit, and the honors he would enjoy in his retirement were all arranged and handled by Zhou Qingfeng.

However, when listening to someone, you shouldn't just hear half of what they say, but also the other half.

Zhou Qingfeng was subtly reminding himself that it was time to let go and enjoy his own peaceful time.

This reminder is both an affirmation of past achievements and a guide for future choices.

If he does not step down and continues to covet power and position, he will hold onto the power of the five departments.

Then don't blame Zhou Qingfeng for not giving himself a chance for a dignified retirement.

Luo Bingyi's emotions fluctuated at this moment, a mixture of anger and resentment, which finally turned into a low roar. He suddenly swept the health tea and jade pillow to the ground, tore "The Peach Blossom Spring" into pieces, and shouted: "You brat, you've gone too far!"

This seemingly peaceful and cordial visit was actually a power struggle without gunfire, casting a new shadow over the relationship between Luo Bingyi and Zhou Qingfeng.

Whether or not the war breaks out depends on Luo Bingyi.

The Zhou family's fourteen-character ancestral motto is: Be compassionate in your conduct, and act decisively in your actions.

Thirteen years later, now in a high position and with much experience, I look back.

Zhou Qingfeng has gained new understanding and insights.

He hoped that before the war started, the senior leader could be given a dignified opportunity to step down, so as to peacefully regain power and smoothly transition through the period of power transfer. This was the situation that Zhou Qingfeng most wanted to see.

After all, in Zhou Qingfeng's view, Luo Bingyi had dedicated 150 years of hard work to the Sword Tower, and his dedication and responsibility were qualities that deserved Zhou Qingfeng's respect and courtesy, because there were benefits to be gained from him.

Even if Luo Bingyi were to relinquish power and step down, Zhou Qingfeng would still respect him as a senior and take care of him in every way, putting on a show for others to see that he was a person who respected seniors.

In this way, as I continue to climb higher, I will also reduce the hostility of many of the veterans in the Sword Tower.

In order to build his own persona, Zhou Qingfeng would invite Luo Bingyi to give a speech at the Fifth Division every year and take Luo Bingyi as a role model for the Fifth Division's Plum Blossom Division.

That said, if Luo Bingyi refuses to relinquish power and step down, Zhou Qingfeng will take swift and decisive action to purge Luo Bingyi's cronies and preserve the dignity of this highly respected teacher.

Zhou Qingfeng had long been aware that from the moment he joined the first company, anyone who stood in his way, whether good or bad, old or weak, woman or child, was an enemy, and as such, he had to eliminate them decisively.

"Elder Luo, I hope you can make the right choice." Zhou Qingfeng walked out of the Imperial Medical Academy, glanced back, his expression indifferent, his eyes like a pool of dark spring, cold and chilling.

Then, Zhou Qingfeng turned and strode away, walking alone into the crowd. Dressed in ordinary clothes, he blended in quickly like an ordinary citizen, without causing a ripple.

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