Luo Min, you have finally returned. If you had been any later, this mansion of yours might have been torn down by someone. This old fox always enjoys playing mysterious games. Lin Wanrong wiped the sweat from his forehead, pondering.
"Make way!" Gao Shou walked ahead, shouting loudly. He kicked a soldier blocking his way. As a personal guard with a sword in front of the emperor, walking arrogantly was justified. Anyone blocking his path was seeking death.
Although Cheng De brought many soldiers, when it came to arrogance, they couldn't compare to the sword-wielding guards. Seeing Gao Shou's identity and aura, they felt a hint of fear.
Gao Shou was surrounded by palace guards, never fearing anyone. They walked with a powerful presence, protecting Luo Min as they reached the front of the mansion.
Luo Min, with a large belly, looked at Cheng De coldly. "Lord Cheng, you're in full armor, leading soldiers, and surrounding my mansion with clear hostility. What is your intention?"
Cheng De, seeing Luo Min's return, quickly stood up from his chair and clasped his fists. "Reporting to Lord Luo, I have urgent military matters to discuss. I rushed here and forgot to remove my armor. I hope Lord can forgive me."
"Forgive?" Luo Min's anger flared, "I am the Governor of Jiangsu, appointed directly by the emperor, responsible for various military and political matters in Jiangsu. You, Cheng De, are the commander of Jiangsu, subordinate to the rear. Without permission, you cannot mobilize troops on your own. Now, as a subordinate, disobeying orders, you lead your troops, swords and spears drawn, to surround my governor's office. The people of Jiangsu and the officials of Jiangsu can witness this. Where do you place me, where do you place the officials of Jiangsu, and where do you place the emperor?"
Luo Min's voice thundered, showcasing his authority as the governor. The soldiers under Cheng De couldn't help but reveal a hint of fear.
Although Luo Min's words were stern, there was wisdom beneath the surface. Lin Wanrong listened and laughed inwardly, thinking this old fox is good at playing his part, intentionally showing such anger to dispel suspicions.
"Where is Gao Shou?" Luo Min shouted.
"Present!" Gao Shou stepped forward and answered.
"Take the yamen staff to confiscate the weapons of these soldiers, return the horses to their stables. After reporting to the emperor, we will decide how to proceed." Luo Min ordered loudly, instructing Gao Shou to lead the confiscation of weapons from the soldiers.
Seeing Luo Min's fiery temper, Cheng De felt somewhat relieved. He quickly clasped his fists, "Governor, please calm down. I indeed have urgent military intelligence, and I ask for your understanding."
Luo Min sneered, "Rules are rules. Even if you have reasons, you should not act recklessly. If we don't handle it today, how can we face the officials of Jiangsu? What credibility do we have? Gao Shou, why are you still standing there? Act quickly!"
"Yes, sir!" Gao Shou shouted, leading his men to carry out Luo Min's orders. They were palace guards, not afraid of anyone. The soldiers under Cheng De, seeing the aggressive approach, hesitated. Gao Shou and his men did not care, kicking a few soldiers, and soon, there was no one left to resist.
The sound of weapons hitting the ground echoed, and Luo Min's face remained gloomy. Being surrounded by his subordinates was an unprecedented chaos in his province. If news of this reached his colleagues, it would be embarrassing.
Cheng De glanced at Luo Min's expression and saw his clenched fists, realizing that this time, the governor was truly angry.
After the weapons were confiscated, Cheng De hurriedly clasped his fists, "Governor, today's matter will be truthfully reported to the Ministry of War and the emperor for their decision. Now, what urgent military affairs do you have, please report quickly."
Luo Min, in a fit of anger, refused to let Cheng De enter the mansion. Instead, he instructed him to report on the spot. Cheng De, competing with Luo Min for many years, was not surprised by his actions. He respectfully said, "Governor, I have received information that the White Lotus Cult, currently stationed in Jining, is showing signs of activity. It is highly likely that they will enter the territory of Jiangsu. Last time, the White Lotus Cult caused turmoil among the people of Jiangsu, and the impact was significant. This time, upon receiving information, I rushed here without delay to discuss countermeasures with the governor."
Luo Min's face slightly improved. "White Lotus showing signs again? This is strange. In the cold winter, they usually hide in their nests to recover. Why would they actively go out this time? Lord Cheng, is your information accurate?"
Cheng De nodded, "Absolutely accurate, based on reliable intelligence I personally obtained. According to my estimation, they are forced to move due to insufficient provisions in the harsh winter. Therefore, they intend to enter Jiangsu again to seize resources."
Luo Min pondered for a moment and said, "In your opinion, how should we guard against them?"
Cheng De had a ready plan, "In my opinion, it would be wise for the governor and me to jointly submit a memorial to the court, informing them of the situation here. We can request military orders from the Ministry of War. I will then lead the majority of the infantry and cavalry to the border between Shandong and Jiangsu, strictly guarding and preventing White Lotus bandits from entering our territory."
Lin Wanrong understood Cheng De's intention. This was another test. By diverting Jiangsu's troops to the Shandong border, it seemed like a defensive move against the White Lotus, but in reality, it obstructed the path for Luo Min to eliminate the White Lotus. If Luo Min disagreed, it would alert the White Lotus and their backers. If he agreed, Cheng De would gain an advantage by blocking the border, allowing the White Lotus to infiltrate disguised among Cheng De's troops. It was indeed a clever plan, probably sensing something that led Cheng De to repeatedly test Luo Min.
Luo Min thought for a while and said, "You have a point. Tomorrow, I will submit a memorial, along with your report, to the Ministry of War and the emperor. Once they issue orders, we can move the troops accordingly."
Luo Min agreed promptly, surprising Cheng De. He also appreciated the courtesy, "Governor, I thank you for your understanding. It's already late today; I will take my leave and submit the military orders to you tomorrow at the yamen."
Cheng De was straightforward, leaving immediately without caring about the weapons left on the ground. Luo Yuan greeted his father, expressing concern about the situation. Luo Min patted Luo Yuan on the shoulder, praising his handling of the situation.
Lin Wanrong stepped out from the courtyard, and Luo Min, upon seeing him, was surprised. He then bowed deeply, saying, "So, Lin Gongzi is also here. I am grateful for your timely assistance in conveying information."
Lin Wanrong, amused by Luo Min's formal gesture, quickly helped him up,
saying, "Lord Luo, what are you doing? It's not even noon. Did you need something urgently?"
Luo Min sighed and spoke, "I am indeed a negligent father. My daughter, Luo Ning, is ill, and I was unaware. If not for Gongzi's message delivered by Lord Gao, I would still be in the dark."
"Are you here to visit Miss Luo?" Lin Wanrong was surprised. According to Gao Shou's assessment, Luo Min was not someone who would abandon national affairs for family matters. What had made him change his mind?
"In truth," Luo Min confessed, "I received a message from Scholar Wen Chang, who used pigeon post. He reported that Cheng De's troops showed unusual movements. I hurried back, never expecting to encounter his soldiers surrounding my governor's office. This Cheng person is becoming more and more audacious."
Lin Wanrong nodded, realizing that Luo Min did not prioritize family matters in this situation. Instead, he came back due to public affairs. It seemed that Luo Ning would still face some difficulties. He reassured Luo Min, "Rest assured, Lord Luo. I visited Miss Luo just now. Her fever has subsided, and her condition is gradually improving. She even had some lotus seed porridge. Judging by her spirit, she should recover in the next couple of days."
Luo Min's expression darkened, muttering to himself, "This girl, always strong since childhood. I have been too busy with official duties, and these years, I haven't taken good care of her." He sighed softly, "This time, I'm afraid she will have to endure hardships again."
Lin Wanrong didn't understand the meaning behind Luo Min's words. Luo Min smiled bitterly and continued, "I visited her today because I received news from Lord Cheng. I didn't return just for my daughter."
Lin Wanrong understood that despite Luo Min's personal concerns, his return was mainly due to the emergency military situation reported by Cheng De. Lin Wanrong pondered, "Lord Luo, it seems like you're not here solely for family matters. May I ask about your plans regarding the situation with Cheng De?"
Luo Min looked serious, "Indeed, this matter cannot be ignored. Cheng De's actions were blatant, and I must report them to the Ministry of War and the emperor. However, I have to handle it carefully to avoid unnecessary complications. After resolving the military orders, we can discuss this further."
Lin Wanrong nodded, realizing the delicate balance Luo Min had to maintain between family and political matters. He watched as Luo Min walked away, worried about the challenges that lay ahead for both Luo Ning and the province of Jiangsu.
As Lin Wanrong returned to the Xiao residence, he saw Xiao Feng anxiously pacing at the entrance. Xiao Feng rushed towards him, his face filled with worry, "Brother Lin, something major has happened. There's a fight, a big fight!"