Chapter 359: The Second Day in the Struggle for Supremacy World

Chapter 359: The Second Day After Entering the Hegemony-Building Novel

Finally, An Zheng sighed and leaned back in his chair: "What are you planning to do?"

"Prepare in advance."

An Yi walked back to the desk and sat down again: "In Tongzhou, where our ancestral home Si Que is located, the An clan owns forty-eight estates and eight hundred private soldiers. I began secretly expanding our forces four years ago, and now we have five thousand, all of whom are trained."

"Si Que is situated in the Lingding mountain region—easily defended, difficult to attack. I've had eight hidden granaries built in the mountains, with enough grain to last seven years."

An Zheng stared at his son in shock: "You... you started preparing four years ago? You were only twelve at the time!"

"Twelve is old enough." An Yi smiled slightly: "Father, when surviving troubled times, one cannot wait until the blade is at one's throat to think of sharpening the sword."

"Does your grandfather know about all this?"

"Grandfather is in Yuncang, surrounded by many eyes and ears; every move he makes is watched." An Yi shook his head: "Some things are better left unknown."

An Zheng closed his eyes and remained silent for a long time.

When he opened his eyes again, there was no hesitation left—only resolve: "What do you need?"

"Nothing." An Yi's eyes crinkled in a smile: "Father..."

An Zheng fell silent. He understood—this was a demand for power. From now on, the An family would be led by An Yi.

He thought for a moment, then asked: "You say you need nothing—what about funds, provisions, and talented people?"

"Money and grain are not a concern." An Yi said slowly: "As for talent... strategists, generals, capable officials—when the world is about to descend into chaos, there will surely be brilliant minds underappreciated in their time. This is precisely the moment for the An clan to recruit them."

Isn't Tongzhou named Tongzhou precisely because of its abundant copper mines?

Not to mention iron mines, plus the smelting techniques he had brought...

His five thousand men weren't just five thousand foot soldiers.

"You're..." An Zheng's voice was dry.

"Finding a way for the An clan to survive." An Yi picked up the thread: "And also finding a way for the world to survive."

Of course, he could simply kill those imperial families, nobles, and high officials.

But what good would killing them directly do?

Their ghosts would just rise again in their place.

He could also suppress them himself, but he couldn't stay in this world forever, making gradual changes.

Better to endure the sharp pain and cut through the tangle with a swift blade.

Let the people of this world change their own fate!

He spoke these words with a calm tone and no change in expression, but An Zheng, looking at his son's unnaturally calm eyes, suddenly felt a chill.

That was not a look a young man should have. There was no passion, no anger, not even fear—only a nearly divine calm, gazing down upon all living things.

But the next instant, An Yi blinked, and that coldness faded away, replaced by the gentle, refined demeanor of a noble scion.

"If Father agrees, I will return to Si Que next month—on the surface to avoid trouble and study, but in truth to make covert arrangements. As for Yuncang, please be careful, Father and Grandfather. If necessary..."

He paused: "Know when to let go."

An Zheng understood what "know when to let go" meant—when necessary, abandon the estates, properties, and even official positions in Yuncang, and save their lives by returning to Si Que.

"I understand." An Zheng let out a long breath: "Go. Do what you think is best."

"Thank you, Father." An Yi bowed, then stood up. When he reached the door, he stopped and turned back: "Oh, Father—if a scholar surnamed Bai comes to visit in the near future, no matter what he looks like, please treat him with utmost courtesy and keep him as a guest in the residence."

"Bai? Who's that?"

"A... man of talent." An Yi smiled and pushed the door open.

As he left the study courtyard, the setting sun had already painted the sky golden red.

An Yi walked slowly along the corridor, his fingertips absentmindedly brushing the pillars.

Bai Ji, courtesy name Bai Ruzhi—this talented scholar who had reached out to him because of his reputation.

After they had corresponded for three years, he had finally decided to come meet him.

His letters were filled with forward-thinking ideas, pulling out all the stops to display his talents.

A... time traveler?

Could he be the protagonist of this novel?

An Yi cast his eyes down. He would know once he met the man.

"Young master, dinner is ready." A maidservant approached and said softly.

"I'll bathe first." An Yi said: "I'm a bit tired today."

"Yes."

As warm water enveloped his body, An Yi leaned back against the edge of the tub and closed his eyes.

In the hazy steam, his thoughts drifted.

Five thousand private soldiers, eight hidden grain depots, weapons and armor being forged... These were not enough.

In troubled times, more trump cards were needed.

And Bai Ruzhi.

If he truly was the protagonist, then approaching him, understanding him, even—using him, were all necessary. An Yi had no qualms about it.

After all, he had walked right into it.

"Young master, should I add more hot water?" A maidservant's voice came from beyond the screen.

"No need." An Yi opened his eyes: "You may go."

He stood up, water droplets dripping off his body.

The bronze mirror reflected a face still bearing youthful tenderness—delicate brows, skin pale as snow, eyes like autumn waters, carrying an effortless charm in their glance.

This face was beautiful to the point of being almost otherworldly, forming a subtle contrast with his gentle demeanor, exuding an ethereal refinement.

An Yi smiled at his reflection.

Changing into plain moon-white robes, An Yi went to have his evening meal.

That night, he made his way to the study.

He still had several letters to write—to the clan elders of Sique, to old friends in Tongzhou, and to like-minded companions at the Imperial Academy.

With chaos looming, it was time to tighten his network.

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Over the next few days, the An household appeared calm on the surface, yet letters moved in secret like a spider's web, silently spreading in all directions.

An Yi sat before his desk, plain letter paper spread before him.

The brush tip slid across the paper, producing a faint, soft scratching sound.

The wording, tone, and depth of information revealed in each letter were all carefully measured.

An Yi set down his brush and waved a hand, and the letter paper was already dry.

Candlelight flickered across his composed profile, and those strikingly beautiful eyes held not a trace of emotion.

He examined each letter's phrasing, ensuring it could stir the recipient without revealing too much of his hand, and leaving no hard evidence for outsiders to exploit.

Even if a letter were to leak by accident, it would read as nothing more than an ordinary exchange among aristocratic youths—shared concerns and some clever musings—at most making him seem "thoughtful" and "eclectic."

An Zheng acted just as quickly.

The next day, word quietly circulated within the family and among close friends that An Yi, "due to studying too diligently of late, had fallen slightly ill and needed quiet recuperation away from the clamor of Yuncang."

An Zheng personally explained to several elders of the clan who came to inquire, his words filled with a father's helplessness and affection: "That boy Chuwei is far too stubborn by nature—he refuses to slacken even a little in his studies or affairs. He caught a chill some days ago, and the physician said he must rest and avoid taxing his mind. Yuncang is ultimately too busy with social obligations; returning to the old estate in Sique, with its peaceful mountains and streams, would be better for his recovery, and he can also tutor his younger siblings in their studies while there."

The reasoning was sound and perfectly plausible.

A month later, the arrangement was set: An Yi would take his younger siblings back to Sique to "recuperate and pay respects to the ancestors."