Chapter 246.2: Hello Chang’an
Chapter 246.2: Across the Mountains of Difference... Where Is the Mountain?
She still had many things to do in the days ahead. Since they had already formed such a fated bond, if they could maintain contact and help one another, what harm could there be?
Speaking of the word “future,” Yun Hui took out a folded memorial and handed it over to Chang Kuo with both hands.
With the words spoken by the Grand Princess of Xuan’an that day, Xu Zheng had already withdrawn and fortified Jiangning. The battle of Hezhou had temporarily come to an end, and it was now necessary to report the details of the battle—its losses, casualties, and every particular—to the capital and present them before the Holy Emperor.
“…This is a draft prepared by me and officer Peng. Please, Grand General Chang, take a look. If there is anything inappropriate or missing, I will make the necessary corrections.”
Chang Kuo instinctively said, “Let Suining take a look.”
To make it sound more natural, he added with a smile, “Let Suining look it over for me!”
Yun Hui responded with a “yes,” and handed the memorial to Chang Suining.
Chang Suining accepted it and sat down on the drum stool behind her.
She was of the build and frame of an ordinary young woman. Sitting upon the low drum stool, holding the memorial carefully in her hands, she looked unexpectedly well-behaved.
Yun Hui, for some reason, drifted into distraction for a moment, wondering what she would look like if she changed into a woman’s ruqun. Yet, he found he couldn’t picture it at all.
Before long, he saw the young girl hand the memorial back to him with a gentle smile. “It’s very good. Thank you.”
“It’s very good” because its contents were fair and objective, written with integrity and without exaggeration for the sake of securing more compensation from the court.
“Thank you,” because the document repeatedly detailed her and Chang Kuo’s actions and emphasized the difficulty of Chang Kuo’s position, the preciousness of his decision to send troops to aid Hezhou, and Li Yi’s contribution.
In the list of those who had rendered meritorious service in defending the city, the names of Chang Suining and Chang Kuo were written at the very top.
From this, one could see Yun Hui’s sincerity and that of the Hezhou officials involved in drafting the memorial.
In the face of such sincerity, Chang Suining did not refuse. When she and Chang Kuo chose to rush to Hezhou, it had not been for fame or gain—but what was rightfully theirs, there was no need to reject.
Moreover, she now needed “reputation.” With that word, “reputation,” many things could be accomplished.
The girl’s words were concise and straightforward, calm and open. Yun Hui nodded. “So it should be. No need to thank me.”
Seeing that Chang Kuo also nodded without even looking at the document, Yun Hui put the memorial away, ready to have it sent to the capital upon his return.
He then said, “Yun Hui is unworthy, but there are still matters I wish to consult the Grand General about.”
Chang Kuo gestured for him to speak.
The youth’s expression showed faint embarrassment. “After the battle, many matters in the city require decision-making. Affairs of the Prefect’s office were previously handled by my father and brother… and as for postwar administration, the officials here lack experience. There are differing opinions, constant disputes and noise—I truly don’t know how to discern the proper course.”
Chang Kuo understood and turned to his daughter.
Shamelessly, he said, “Over the years, I’ve already taught Suining everything I know. If you’re ever uncertain about something, you can ask her—it’s all the same.”
Thinking of his daughter’s abilities, Chang Kuo felt both guilty and proud—yes, this was exactly the kind of vain glory that made him willing to risk the wrath of his ancestors!
Chang Suining understood his meaning and turned to Yun Hui. “Where are you holding the discussions? If you need an additional advisor, I can go with you.”
With Chang Kuo’s words in mind, Yun Hui had no doubts at all. He nodded his thanks and immediately sent someone to summon the officials to the front hall for the meeting.
On the way there, Chang Suining encountered the Jicai Niangzi.
Hearing that Chang Suining was going to discuss city affairs with those officials, the JicaibLady volunteered to come along—most of those officials were civil officials, full of sour and pompous talk. Some were shameless, treating women soldiers with a double face—respectful during battle, disdainful afterward. And Young Miss Chang, after all, was still a young girl with little experience dealing with such people; she might be bullied!
Chang Suining first looked at Yun Hui. Seeing him nod, she allowed the lady to come along.
When they arrived at the council hall, everyone was already present. Yun Hui invited Chang Suining to sit at the chief seat.
Just as murmurs began to rise below, the Lady Jicai, standing beside Chang Suining, seemed to find the brazier burning too fiercely. She unfastened her cloak, revealing the wood-cutting knife strapped to her sturdy waist.
“…”
That single motion was very effective—the hall instantly became much cooler.
The rest of the meeting went much more smoothly. Compared to previous sessions, everyone was far more polite and accommodating.
But the reason for this newfound civility was not entirely the wood-cutting knife.
At first, upon seeing Chang Suining, many had still harbored doubts. Over these days, they had seen or heard of this young girl—how she had given countless strategies for training troops and defending the city, and how even Ge Zong had died at her hands. Though she was a girl, she was by no means to be underestimated.
They were grateful to her.
But a girl born into a military household—being skilled in the arts of war was understandable, a matter of family tradition and exposure.
Yet today’s meeting concerned city governance—an area handled by civil officials. What could a young girl like her contribute here?
Gratitude was one thing, but as the saying went, different trades are like separate mountains!
The young girl sat there quietly at first, saying nothing, occasionally sipping her tea. It was unclear how much she was listening.
After everyone had expressed their opinions, she finally spoke. First, she summarized what had been said, identifying the points that required resolution and the areas of dispute—without missing a single one.
The room fell silent without anyone realizing.
Then, she proceeded to sort through the issues one by one, highlighting each difficulty for collective discussion. Combining everyone’s ideas with the current situation in the city, she determined the most suitable solutions.
Her words were neither domineering nor offensive. She respected everyone’s opinions—when she refuted something, she first acknowledged its merits before pointing out where it was flawed.
Her manner of conduct bore none of the roughness or arrogance typical of a soldier, according to their prejudices.
Moreover, she seemed very familiar with city affairs and well-versed in the principles of governance—not indulging in fanciful theory, nor blindly clinging to procedure, but diagnosing problems precisely and applying practical, flexible solutions.
After two hours of discussion, the hall was free of disputes.
The only doubt lingering in everyone’s minds was—Different trades are like separate mountains… but where was the mountain?
After the meeting, as the crowd dispersed, some officials left together, whispering among themselves. “Tell me, what exactly does the Grand General intend, raising such a daughter?”
If he had taught her so much, surely he had plans for her talents?
If she were only to marry and bear children, wouldn’t that be a waste?
Should she be sent to war? That too would be beneath her abilities.
Their chatter faded as they departed.
Chang Suining and Yun Hui left the council hall together.
Outside, dusk had fallen. Most of the snow had melted, and a chill lingered in the air.
As they walked, they continued talking.
Yun Hui looked at the young girl beside him differently now. “...If I encounter problems again, may I come to consult you?”
“It’s not really ‘consulting.’ What I say might not always be right,” said Chang Suining. “But the more people, the more perspectives. Many answers are born from collision. Before I leave Hezhou, you can come find me anytime.”
Yun Hui paused, then asked, “You and the Grand General are leaving?”
“Yes, likely within these few days.”
Chang Suining turned her head to him and said at last, “You need not be so uncertain. Just remember this: at a time like this, the city’s circumstances are special. Rules are dead things—the city is alive. Govern with that thought, and Hezhou will thrive again.”
Yun Hui looked at her, nodding deeply, feeling enlightened.
…
That night, Yun Hui kept vigil in the mourning hall for his father and brother.
Chang Kuo and Chang Suining came to offer incense.
When they had finished paying their respects and were about to leave, they suddenly heard a servant announce that the Grand Princess of Xuan’an had arrived
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