Word Number：411 Author：闲穿径竹 Translator： Release Time：2025-06-27

　　Yang Muzhi stroked his chin thoughtfully and said, “In my humble opinion, it would be prudent to petition His Majesty to abolish the outdated practice whereby remonstrating officials must first defer to the Grand Chancellor before presenting counsel. Let the path of honest dissent be restored. Furthermore, I would suggest that His Majesty decree all chancellors take turns, in ten-day rotations, to record the affairs of state in the Hall of Government, and to relay imperial orders directly. In this way, we may guard against the resurgence of autocratic tendencies in high office.” Li Mi submitted the proposal. Emperor Suzong, after due consideration, gave his assent.　　When Abbess Jiayan heard that Liu Chengyuan had once aided Yan Zhenqing in delivering a crushing blow to the rebels at Guokou, she gave no outward sign of surprise. Nearby, Shang Xiangxian—a young disciple of the Mohist Guild—had recently assisted Zhang Xun in repelling Linghu Chao at Yongqiu. He spoke to Xuanmiao with thinly veiled contempt. “So the heretical sect feigns righteousness and lends its hand to the imperial cause? Xiangxian is but a boy, with little more than a surface knowledge of Mohist defence tactics—yet even that seems enough for him to claim merit.” She paused, then added with quiet pride, “Chongfu Convent was founded by the Duke of E, General Yuchi himself. When it comes to matters of war, who among them could match one of the twenty-four honoured in the Lingyan Pavilion? Let us show them the strength and legacy of our house.”　　Not long after, Abbess Jiayan came to seek out Li Mi and Yang Muzhi. Her eyes were alight, her voice brisk with enthusiasm. “This humble nun is willing to lead three thousand as the vanguard, and drive the rebels from Xianyang.”　　Yang Muzhi, well aware of the abbess’s fondness for lofty talk and her lack of practical knowledge in matters of war, offered a polite smile. “May I ask,” he said mildly, “how many of your troops will be infantry, and how many cavalry? Where do you intend to station them? By what means do you plan to break the enemy line? What is the estimated strength of the rebel forces? Who shall command your vanguard? Where are supplies kept, both ours and theirs? What is the lay of the land around Xianyang? Where might fresh water be found? Where would you choose to engage the enemy? And where, if I may ask, would you