Chapter 1033: Chapter 255: Chen Jie: Brother Ni, We Meet Again
Following closely are:
Jingmen Prefecture: Sai Zhuge Xiang Pulu
Jingzhou Prefecture: General Fu Ou Puxiang
Suizhou Prefecture: Louse Mother Immortal Zou Pusheng
Xiao Gan Prefecture: Little Overlord Ding Pulang
Then comes the core area of Tianmen Prefecture, Qianjiang Prefecture, along with Chen Jie’s Huangzhou Prefecture, all under Ni Wenjun’s responsibility.
By then, as long as the northern battles ignite, the nine prefectures will react simultaneously, and they will promptly capture Hubei Road.
Ni Wenjun explained his strategic plan with Old Peng to Chen Jie.
Chen Jie nodded frequently and said, “Brother Ni, your plan is indeed feasible, but, Hubei Road consists of thirteen prefectures. Apart from the aforementioned ones, what about Ezhou, Shiyan, Xianning, and Yellow Stone four prefectures?”
Upon hearing this, Ni Wenjun furrowed his brows and asked, “Jiu Si, what do you mean?”
Chen Jie said, “Brother Ni, governing a region is not merely about armed uprising. I listened to Brother Ni’s and Brother Peng’s words; you intend to make Hubei Road the base camp?”
Ni Wenjun replied, “That’s right, we want to make it the base camp!”
Chen Jie said, “If you wish to make this the base camp, Brother Ni, you need to consider not just conquering a prefecture but also how to govern after capturing it.”
Ni Wenjun, looking confused, asked, “How to consider?”
Chen Jie said, “This matter is easy. Currently, conquering Hubei Road should not be a problem; the next step is governing it. For governance, population is foremost; only with people can governance be possible.”
“Therefore, we should reduce the casualties from the uprising as much as possible, to see if we can seize a city at the least cost.”
“Let our people live more, let fewer civilians die, then it will be easier to govern.”
“Secondly, I feel the timing of the uprising is wrong.”
Ni Wenjun turned to Chen Jie and asked, “What do you mean?”
Chen Jie said, “The uprising shouldn’t take place during the Central Plains war, or else the court will definitely see you as remnants of the Zoroastrian Sect. By then, whether the court wins or the Zoroastrian Sect wins, it won’t benefit us.”
Ni Wenjun frowned and looked at Chen Jie asking, “Then what’s your suggestion?”
Chen Jie said, “Wait until the dust settles from the Central Plains war to consider the uprising, and also don’t make the uprising too conspicuous.”
“Why?”
Ni Wenjun asked.
Chen Jie said, “The Central Plains war is a focal point of all nations; regardless of winning or losing, Daqian’s national prestige will suffer severely. By then, heroes across the world will rise, and those with troops will be crowned as kings. At this time, the court will surely exert high pressure, suppressing whoever is the most noticeable.”
“If we start a high-profile rebellion, we’ll surely face relentless suppression by the court. It’s better to be cautious and delay the uprising.”
Ni Wenjun, hearing this, was puzzled; in terms of martial arts, he was far superior to Chen Jiusi, but when it came to politics, he was ignorant.
His thinking was still at the level of killing officials and rebelling.
Chen Jie looked at Ni Wenjun and said, “Brother, remember my nine-character strategy, stockpile grain, build high walls, delay proclaiming king!”
“Stockpile grain, build high walls, delay proclaiming king?”
Ni Wenjun murmured the phrase, not quite understanding, yet sensing great wisdom within these nine words.
Ni Wenjun thought for a moment and said, “Jiu Si, we’ve prepared for so long; suddenly not uprising, I fear others might have opinions!”
Chen Jie said, “Brother Ni, if uprising is necessary, it’s okay, but don’t adopt other banners, just occupy, don’t proclaim kingship, and avoid publicly declaring oppositional court discourse. Recuperate and await opportune timing!”
Upon hearing this, Ni Wenjun thought for a moment and said, “Hm, Jiu Si, I understand what you’re saying.”
Chen Jie said, “So, Brother Ni, as soon as Wang Baobao leaves Huangzhou Prefecture, I can surely bring it under our control, while superficially complying with the court, but actually supporting our Maitreya Sect. This way, I can find a way to expand towards Xianning, and we can silently consume Hubei Road!”
Ni Wenjun said, “I understand now, Jiu Si. I’ll inform Master Peng of your ideas.”
Chen Jie said, “Brother Ni, I’m speaking these words to you. I don’t know what Master Peng thinks, though if he insists on uprising, I, Chen Jiusi, will accompany you even if it costs my life, and we will immediately raise the rebel banner!”
Ni Wenjun said, “Jiu Si, that won’t be necessary; I understand your intention. I will handle this matter, don’t worry. Even if others don’t heed my opinion, your Huangzhou Prefecture can choose not to revolt.”
Chen Jie, hearing these words, said, “Ah, Brother Ni, would that be a problem?”
Ni Wenjun said, “We are brothers, what’s the problem? Don’t worry; I still have some reputation within Maitreya Sect.”
Chen Jie hearing this said, “Thank you, Brother Ni.”
Ni Wenjun waved his hand and said, “It’s nothing, it’s nothing, drink, drink~”
“Stockpile grain, build high walls, delay proclaiming king, haha, Jiu Si, this strategy, only you could think of it. Reading it, its potential seems boundless!”
Chen Jie smiled but remained silent.
This nine-character maxim is indeed infinitely useful; back then, Zhu Yuanzhang could successfully ascend because he strictly adhered to this nine-character maxim, without deviation. Thus, when he evaded the initial wave of court suppression, and later gradually amassed power, he eventually managed to stand out among numerous heroes.
Now, Chen Jie imparts this nine-character maxim to Ni Wenjun, certainly, it’s of infinite utility.
Moreover, Chen Jie isn’t worried about this nine-character maxim being disclosed.
In the world, outstanding talents are common, whereas excellent judges of character are scarce. Not everyone can overcome their inner self to fulfill these nine words.
Among the numerous heroes, many are knowledgeable, and individuals with strategies are not few. Chen Jie doesn’t believe that no one ever proposed a similar strategic advice to Chen Youliang or Zhang Shicheng.