The Three Kingdoms of Farming and War began with the incorporation of the Baiyue

The harem, where Concubine Qiao lives.

Except for the first day when Jin Bing came here to visit his mother, he has been fooling around outside.

This is the second time I come here.

"My son, I pay my respects to my mother and concubine."

Da Qiao was over 40 years old, still charming. She sat on the chair without getting up and said lazily, "No need to be polite."

Jin Bing extended his hand and introduced: "These are some new things that I brought from southern Xinjiang. Please accept them, mother."

Da Qiao raised her hand slightly, and a maid beside her quickly stepped forward and respectfully took the rare treasures from southern Xinjiang from the hands of the Jin soldiers. Da Qiao's eyes swept over these gifts, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of her mouth, but she did not seem overly happy.

"You are thoughtful. Things from southern Xinjiang are indeed unique. But, your return to Beijing this time is not just to bring me some gifts, right?" Da Qiao's voice was soft and deep, with a sharp insight into people's hearts.

Upon hearing this, Jin Bing's expression slightly restrained, and he replied respectfully: "Mother, please understand. I do have something important to discuss with you. The situation on the border has been turbulent recently. I have been training in southern Xinjiang for several years and have a deep understanding of the local customs, topography and landforms. I am willing to share your worries and volunteer to go to the border to guard it to ensure the peace of Xinhan."

When Da Qiao heard this, a hint of imperceptible approval flashed across her eyes. She nodded slightly, with a tone of relief in her voice: "You are so kind, it is a blessing for the new Han. However, the border affairs are of great importance. You need to have a perfect plan to live up to the grace of the emperor and to live up to your mother's years of cultivation for you."

As she spoke, Da Qiao slowly stood up from her chair, walked to the front of Jin Bing, straightened his collar with her own hands, and said earnestly: "Remember, no matter where you are, you must be careful in what you say and do, and don't forget your roots. You are not only my son, but also the prince of the new Han Dynasty. Every decision you make is related to the future of the country."

The Jin soldier bowed his head, his eyes gleaming with determination, and he solemnly promised: "I will remember your teachings and live up to your expectations."

Da Qiao nodded with satisfaction, and then ordered the maid to prepare a dinner to welcome the Jin soldiers.

At the dinner, the flickering candlelight, the dazzling array of delicacies, and the melodious music created a warm and solemn atmosphere. Da Qiao and Jin Bing sat opposite each other, chatting and laughing, revealing the warmth between mother and son, as well as far-reaching plans for the future. She asked Jin Bing about his experiences abroad in detail, and every nod and every smile was a recognition of Jin Bing's growth and maturity.

Jin Bing narrated the stories one by one, from the customs and practices of the frontier to the heroic deeds in the army, and then to the thinking and practice of the concept of governing the country, revealing maturity and wisdom beyond his age. He especially mentioned the loyalty and wisdom of several frontier generals, as well as their key role in safeguarding the peace of the country, and expressed his desire to contribute to the country like them.

After hearing this, Da Qiao's eyes flashed with relief and pride. She gently stroked the back of Jin Bing's hand and said softly, "Your growth is my greatest comfort. But remember, a true leader must not only be good at fighting, but also know how to rally people's hearts and use your wisdom and benevolence to inspire all quarters. The future of the New Han requires not only the strength of military force, but also the loyalty of people's hearts."

Jin Bing felt a warm current in his heart when he heard this. He knew that his mother's expectations were far more than personal achievements, but also whether he could become a responsible and wise monarch. He secretly vowed to prove his worth with practical actions, live up to his mother's expectations, and live up to the expectations of all the people on this land.

At the end of the banquet, the night sky was already dotted with stars. Da Qiao personally escorted Jin Bing to the palace gate and watched him go away, with both reluctance and expectation in her eyes. She knew that Jin Bing would embark on a road full of challenges and glory, and she would always be here, silently waiting, until he returned and brought a more glorious future to the new Han.

The next day.

There was a rumor circulating in the palace that Emperor Jin Mao summoned the four older princes this time in order to select a crown prince in the near future.

Da Qiao believed it to be true and hurriedly summoned the Jin soldiers into the palace.

"Son." Ever since Da Qiao learned about what the Jin soldiers had gained in southern Xinjiang, she once again thought of letting her son compete for the throne.

The Jin soldier hurried over and saw his mother's serious expression, and guessed something in his heart. "Mother, is there something urgent?" He asked softly, with a hint of subtle nervousness in his words.

Da Qiao took Jin Bing's hand and slowly walked into the inner room. After dismissing the attendants, she whispered, "There are rumors in the palace that His Majesty intends to select a crown prince in the near future. I am very anxious. As one of the princes, how can you sit back and do nothing?"

Jin Bing frowned when he heard this, and after thinking for a moment, he said, "Mother, I know that I have a heavy responsibility, but my trip to southern Xinjiang has made me realize that true glory does not come from power struggles, but from practical things done for the country and the people. If I really want to compete for the throne, I would like to speak with actual achievements, rather than relying on the support of mother and the forces in the court."

After hearing this, Da Qiao's eyes flashed with mixed emotions, both gratified and worried. "My son, I am proud but also worried that you have such insight. However, the situation in the palace is complicated, and I am afraid it will be difficult for you to handle it alone."

Jin Bing nodded firmly and said, "Don't worry, mother. I know what to do. I will be more diligent. Not only will I make achievements in military affairs, but I will also work hard to learn how to govern a country and win the recognition of my father and the court officials with practical actions."

Da Qiao looked at her son's determined eyes, and a warm current surged in her heart. She knew that Jin Bing was no longer the boy who only knew how to wield a spear and a stick. He had grown up and had his own beliefs and pursuits. So, she patted Jin Bing's shoulder and said softly: "Okay, mother believes in you. No matter what the result is, you will always be mother's pride." Jin Bing looked at his mother gratefully, then saluted respectfully and turned away. He knew that he was about to embark on a more difficult road, but for the ideal in his heart and for the future of Xinhan, he was willing to give it a try.

After leaving his mother's house, Jin Bing went straight to the study, which was filled with books on state governance and military strategies from past dynasties. He knew that passion alone was not enough, and he must have solid knowledge and far-reaching strategies to support it. It was late at night, the candlelight was swaying, and Jin Bing's figure jumped between the pages of the book. He sometimes pondered, sometimes annotated, integrating what he learned with his own insights, and striving to find new ideas for governing the country in ancient wisdom.

A few days later, Jin Bing began to secretly visit several respected old officials in the court, humbly asking for advice and listening to their views on the current situation and suggestions for governance. These old officials were moved by Jin Bing's sincerity and determination, and they all taught him everything they knew. Some told him about the way the previous emperor governed the country, and some shared their own experiences and lessons as officials. Jin Bing recorded everything one by one, carefully experienced it, and gradually built a grand blueprint for the future of the new Han Dynasty in his mind.

At the same time, he did not neglect the preparation of military forces. Jin Bing knew that the prosperity of a country could not be separated from the strong military force as a backing. He personally went to the military camp, ate and lived with the soldiers, deeply understood the actual situation of the army, and started to carry out training reforms to improve the combat effectiveness and discipline of the soldiers. Under his leadership, the morale of the army was high and the combat effectiveness was significantly improved, laying a solid military foundation for the future of Xinhan.

As time went by, Jin Bing's efforts gradually showed results. More and more people in the court and the public began to notice the changes in the young prince and looked at him with new eyes. However, Jin Bing himself remained humble and cautious. He knew that the real test was still to come. Only by continuous efforts could he truly realize his ideals and let the new Han Dynasty shine with new vitality in his hands.

All of this was seen by those who were interested.

In fact, the person who leaked the news was Jin Zhe.

As the fourth prince, Jin Zhe knew very well that it would be difficult for him to gain an advantage over the eldest prince, and the most important thing was to seek help from others.

So, that day Jin Zhe invited Jin Bing to dinner.

At the same time, Jin Lin also received the news and sent an invitation to Jin Bing.

For a moment, the Jin soldiers were in a dilemma and didn't know what to do.

He returned to the palace and asked Da Qiao for advice: "Mother, the Fourth Prince Jin Zhe and the Second Prince Jin Lin have both invited me to a dinner. I know there must be a hidden meaning behind this, and I dare not make a decision rashly, fearing that one wrong move will lead to a complete failure. I hope you can give me some advice."

Hearing this, Da Qiao looked deeply at the stars outside the window and said slowly, "Don't be too anxious. The two princes are just trying to win you over to strengthen their respective forces. You need to understand that no matter which side you choose, it means taking sides, so you need to be cautious."

"Then according to your mother's opinion, what should I do?" The Jin soldier frowned, his heart full of confusion.

"We just need to assess the situation and analyze the strength and potential of the two princes. Although the fourth prince Jin Zhe is at a disadvantage, he is good at strategy and can take the initiative, which shows that he is quick-witted and unwilling to be outdone; the second prince Jin Lin has a deep foundation, many supporters, and acts steadily. However, the real key lies in what your highness wants in his heart? Is it to pursue temporary power or long-term national interests?" Da Qiao said earnestly.

After hearing this, Jin Bing fell into deep thought. After a long while, he looked up with a determined light in his eyes: "Although I am not extremely intelligent, I know how to be loyal to the emperor and love the country. I am willing to consider the future of the country rather than my personal honor and disgrace."

Da Qiao nodded approvingly upon hearing this: "It is a blessing for the country that you have such a heart. Since Your Highness has made up your mind, you must maneuver tactfully, not offending either side, while sticking to your heart. At the dinner, you might as well listen more and talk less, observe the words and deeds of the two princes, and find the most appropriate response strategy from them."

Jin Bing nodded in agreement, with a plan in mind. He knew that this night was not only a test for him, but also a critical moment that would determine his future. So, he dressed up, and with a firm and cautious heart, he set out on the road to the dinner, ready to forge his own path in this game of power.

The lights of the banquet were brilliant, reflecting the different thoughts of everyone in the hall. Jin Bing walked into the hall, his eyes were like torches, and he scanned the surroundings calmly. He first saluted the two princes, with proper manners, neither humble nor arrogant, but revealing just the right amount of respect. During the dinner, he skillfully guided the topic, so that the conversation would not be dull or touch on sensitive political disputes. Whenever controversial topics were about to emerge, he gently resolved them with humor or allusions, keeping the atmosphere in a delicate and harmonious balance.

As the two princes drank and chatted, the Jin soldiers carefully observed every subtle movement and expression of the two princes. One prince was sharp-tongued and sharp-edged, as if he was deliberately showing off his wisdom and decisiveness; while the other was gentle and elegant, revealing a deep and reserved tone in his conversation, making it difficult to guess his true thoughts. The Jin soldiers thought to themselves that each of these two princes had its own merits, and they had to be cautious in choosing to support either side, lest they regret it later.

As the dinner was drawing to a close, Jin Bing took the opportunity to express his vision for the country's future to the two princes. His words not only reflected his loyalty to the country, but also cleverly avoided the trap of directly taking sides. His words not only won the secret praise of the guests present, but also made the two princes look at him with new eyes, and they couldn't help but feel a little in awe of the young official's wit and shrewdness.

In the dead of night, when Jin Bing walked out of the palace alone and looked up at the starry sky, he had a clearer plan in his mind. He knew that tonight's performance was just the beginning, and there was still a long way to go, but he was ready to use wisdom and courage to step out his own glorious chapter in this complex political chess game.

After returning to the mansion, Jin Bing did not rest immediately, but lit the candle in the study, spread out the rice paper, and wrote quickly. He wanted to record what he saw, heard, thought, felt, and the challenges and opportunities he might face tonight, as a guide for his future actions. The tip of the pen jumped on the paper, sometimes heavy, sometimes light, as if telling of his inner waves and determination.

He knew that in this game of power, he had to act cautiously at every step, maintaining his position while being flexible, so that he could remain invincible in this turbulent court. Therefore, he began to prepare, not only strengthening his analysis and research on the current situation, but also secretly contacting some like-minded people, hoping to form his own think tank to jointly make plans for the future of the country.

At the same time, Jin Bing also realized that true power comes not only from power and wisdom, but also from the cohesion of people's hearts. Therefore, he began to pay more attention to people's livelihood, often visited incognito, listened to the voices of the people, and understood their sufferings and needs. He believed that only by truly standing on the side of the people could he win the broadest support and lay a solid foundation for the long-term stability of the country.

As time went by, Jin Bing gradually established his prestige in the court with his unremitting efforts and persistence. Every decision he made was full of careful consideration and foresight, winning more and more praise and trust. And all this started on that starry night. With extraordinary wisdom and courage, he paved a road to glory for himself. (End of this chapter)