My reborn husband and son are thinking about how to kill me every day.

Fu Zhe became even more anxious.

If he says he hasn't thought it through, wouldn't that make him seem incompetent?

But to be honest, he really hadn't figured out how to deal with the plague.

He was filled with resentment.

There is simply no way to control plagues in this world.

But he insisted on telling him about methods for controlling the plague. Wasn't that deliberately trying to embarrass him?

But he dared not show the slightest resentment on his face.

He tried to remain calm, and finally, as if he had made up his mind, he said quickly: "Your subject believes that no one in history has been able to control a plague. If we want to minimize the losses and bring the situation under control as soon as possible, we should first deal with the people who have already been infected with the plague."

Prince Rui, his face expressionless, continued, "Then what do you think should be done with the people who have already contracted the plague?"

Fu Zhe involuntarily raised his hand to wipe the fine sweat from his forehead with his sleeve and said, "According to historical records, fire can be used to control the plague. As long as the infected villagers and villages are burned, the plague can be controlled. Your subject believes that we can follow this method."

This time, a rare hint of disappointment appeared in Prince Rui's eyes.

However, he did not reprimand or scold him. Instead, he continued to ask, "If such brutal methods are used to control the plague, it will surely cause panic and resentment among the people. Afterward, how will you quell their anger? And how will you clear my name?"

Fu Zhe said, "Your subject believes... the rumors that Ningxing Prefecture is unfavorable to Father are deliberately spread. As long as we find the perpetrator and thwart their conspiracy, we can resolve the issue."

As for quelling public resentment... it can be appeased through methods such as tax reductions. The people's resentment is temporary; in time, they'll forget everything.

His handling of the plague could be described as ruthless and heartless. But the management did not show sentimentality; they focused on the bigger picture.

Both Chief Clerk Wei and Commander Gu felt that Fu Zhe's approach was the one that considered the overall situation.

The two men clasped their hands in a fist salute again, earnestly requesting Prince Rui to send Fu Zhe to Ningxing Prefecture to take charge of the overall situation and restore the prince's reputation.

Prince Rui looked at Fu Zhe, "Do you also think that the handling of General Ji was inappropriate? Incompetent and unfit to govern Ningxing Prefecture?"

Fu Zhe had just been cursing Fu Ci in his heart, thinking that he was trying to frame him. But with the opportunity right in front of him, he was also tempted.

If he were to take over Ningxing Prefecture, then all the military forces in Ningxing Prefecture would be under his control.

How could an ambitious person not want to command troops?

He just didn't dare to answer easily, fearing it might be a trap.

His mind raced. "General Ji was able to take Ningxing Prefecture with very few troops without making a sound. He is by no means incompetent."

After acknowledging Ji Yunshuang's achievements, he changed the subject and said, "But as the saying goes, every inch has its advantages and every foot its disadvantages."

Perhaps, as the two gentlemen have said, General Ji's talent lies in military strategy, not in governing a prefecture or county.

Prince Rui neither said he was right nor wrong. He simply looked at the people below him.

Fu Zhe broke out in a cold sweat again. Just as he was wondering what his father was thinking and whether he should say something more, Li Dequan hurriedly came to Prince Rui's side and whispered a few words in his ear.

Then, a smile appeared on Prince Rui's face, who had been expressionless, and he said, "Call him in, it's a good opportunity for him to hear it."

Not long after Li Dequan left, Fu Ci followed him into the main hall.

Upon seeing Fu Ci, Fu Zhe immediately became wary.

Why is he back?

What a coincidence!

Prince Rui said, "Since you've returned today, tell me your thoughts."

Without the Prince Rui saying anything more, the eunuch serving him recounted the whole story.

Upon hearing this, Fu Ci immediately clasped his hands in a fist salute to Prince Rui and said, "Father, I believe what you said is inappropriate."

Prince Rui asked, "What's wrong with it?"

Fu Ci said, "First of all, the successful capture of Ningxing Prefecture was entirely due to the efforts of General Ji. If we remove her from her post and hold her accountable after she takes Ningxing Prefecture, it might seem like we are discarding her after she has served her purpose."

As soon as he finished speaking, Chief Secretary Gu disagreed, saying, "The successful capture of Ningxing Prefecture was not solely due to her abilities."

"This is all thanks to the Prince's wisdom and his well-trained soldiers, each one capable of taking on ten men. Otherwise, how could she, a mere woman, have possibly captured Ningxing Prefecture?"

Fu Ci said with a serious expression, "I urge Chief Secretary Gu to be careful with his words. General Ji's abilities and contributions are evident to all. Please do not deliberately belittle her just because she is a woman."

Gu Changshi's cheeks twitched. He felt that Fu Ci was completely infatuated with Ji Yunshuang. The dignified heir had forgotten his identity and responsibilities, and forgotten his great cause...

It really shouldn't be.

He still remembered that Prince Rui sat at the head of the table, suppressing his anger and only flicking his sleeves.

"Does Chief Secretary Gu know who designed the crossbows currently used in our army? It was the woman you look down upon who designed them, allowing us to train a group of archers in a short time to crush the Qi army."

Besides, her contributions are countless; though she was a woman, she far surpassed countless men. She was a rare talent.

As Fu Ci spoke, he bowed to Prince Rui again and said, "Father, please make your decision carefully and do not discourage the soldiers!"

Prince Rui said, “Zigu is right. Although General Ji is a woman, her achievements since joining the army surpass those of thousands of men.”

Although some troubles have arisen in Ningxing Prefecture, affecting my reputation, she deserves undeniable credit for the smooth capture of Ningxing Prefecture, which is beyond reproach.

Fu Ci clasped his hands and said, "Father is wise!"

Fu Zhe looked at the two of them, furious. He thought to himself that his father was indeed biased towards his elder brother.

My older brother is always right.

"Then, in your opinion, what should be done about Ningxing Prefecture now?" Prince Rui said, "If the plague in Ningxing Prefecture is not controlled, the harm may spread to the entire Great Zhou."

Moreover, in addition to the plague, his reputation was also ruined.

This is clearly someone stirring up trouble in the shadows, manipulating public opinion to pressure him.

Fu Ci also saw through the conspiracy.

He bowed and clasped his hands, saying, "Your subject believes that the fire in Ningcheng has nothing to do with General Ji Can. Someone is secretly stirring up trouble and manipulating public opinion."

Your subject is willing to personally travel to Ningxing Prefecture to apprehend the mastermind behind this, in order to restore the reputation of Father and General Ji.

Fu Zhe almost lost control of his expression.

Here it comes, here it comes, this was indeed his conspiracy. First, he had people join forces to promote him, making his father suspect that he was secretly colluding with others to develop his power.

This made his father unhappy with him...

Only then did he step forward, putting on a show of great benevolence and righteousness to win favor with his father and snatch the coveted job in Ningxing Prefecture.

He suppressed his anger and stepped forward, bowing to Prince Rui and saying, "Father, my elder brother is very busy with important military affairs. How can he leave? It would be better to send me to handle this matter."