strictlysupreme Chapter 260: The Capital's Situation and Strategy
Chapter 260: The Capital's Situation and Strategy
Since stepping into the prosperous yet mysterious world of the capital, Shen Li has felt like she is at the center of a chess game with ever-changing situations. One difficult and complicated matter after another is like a turbulent undercurrent, one wave after another rising.
Whether it is the open and covert struggles among the powerful in the court that affect her life, or the quiet infiltration of the underworld forces that pose a threat to her safety.
Relying on his innate intelligence, quick wit, courage and perseverance, Shen Lijie skillfully resolved crises time and time again, just like a captain who steered the ship steadily in the stormy sea, and never let his boat be swallowed by the huge waves.
However, she knew clearly in her mind that the capital city was like an unfathomable vortex, with various forces intertwined and complicated, and right and wrong and grudges entangled like a tangled mess.
Since the torrent of fate has swept her here, it is like rowing against the current. If she does not move forward, she will move backward. Now she has no room for retreat. The only way to make a way out on this thorny road is to move forward bravely.
Shen Li knew very well that in this capital city where every step is so dangerous, she must not have any weaknesses.
Her thoughts involuntarily drifted back to the Shen family in Qingshan Village. Those familiar faces and warm smiles appeared in her mind one by one.
That is her root, the thing she cherishes most in this world. Even though she is in the bustling and noisy capital, her longing and worry for her loved ones never stops for a moment.
She clearly realized that only by cultivating and expanding her power in the capital could she have enough strength to protect her relatives far away in Qingshan Village, allowing them to stay away from the disputes in the capital and live safely in that peaceful land.
After several days of careful consideration, Shen Li resolutely decided to build up his own power in the capital.
Like a far-sighted chess player, he began to carefully arrange his chess pieces, using them as the foundation for gaining a firm foothold in this dangerous capital city, and possessing the solid strength to protect himself and his family and close friends.
She called Zhao Lin to her with a serious expression, looked at him firmly, and said slowly: "Zhao Lin, there are many talented people hidden in the streets and alleys of the capital. Now you should go to those inconspicuous corners and find some smart and clever little beggars. Both men and women are welcome, and the number does not need to be too large, but you must choose those with lively eyes, kind hearts, and a bit of cleverness.
These children have been through life's hardships since childhood, often possessing extraordinary resilience and keen insight into the world. With nurturing and development, they will surely become our pillars of support in the future."
Zhao Lin stood tall and straight, his eyes revealing loyalty and competence. He knew very well that the young lady's action must have a far-reaching plan. He immediately clasped his fists and accepted the order, turned around and strode out of the room, blending into the night of the capital, to look for those unpolished gems left behind by fate on the street corners.
Not long after, Zhao Lin returned to the county lord's mansion with a group of little beggars who were dressed in rags but had bright eyes.
Shen Li looked at these children without any disdain in her eyes, but instead was full of pity and expectation.
She personally distributed the potion she had carefully prepared using spiritual spring water to everyone, saying softly, "Children, drink this potion. It will make your bodies stronger. From now on, you will follow me and will no longer suffer from hunger and cold. I will teach you skills so that you can survive well in this capital."
This spiritual spring water is a godsend from the system space. It has a wonderful and gentle effect. It can nourish people's bodies silently, improve physical fitness, and lay a solid foundation for subsequent arduous training.
In addition to these children, Shen Li did not neglect the capable assistants around him.
Zhao Lin, the loyal and brave man who has always been guarding her, is like Shen Li's right-hand man. He has demonstrated extraordinary skills and a calm mind in many crises. The several secret guards who came with him, Wang Meng, Chen Xuan and others are also loyal to Shen Li.
Shen Yu, though young, is extremely intelligent, full of passion and sincerity;
Chuqiu and Chuchun are thoughtful and careful, and they are always able to give Shen Li the most thoughtful help at critical moments.
Even the servants in the County Lady's Mansion who knew her well and were loyal to her secretly drank the undiluted spiritual spring water under Shen Li's arrangement.
While everyone started taking the potion, Shen Li also carefully formulated a strict and comprehensive training plan.
From martial arts moves that are both fierce and flexible, to contingency plans for dealing with various emergencies;
From the cultivation of cultural knowledge such as classics, history, and literature to the etiquette standards required in the mansions of wealthy families, nothing is left out, and their abilities and qualities are improved in all aspects.
She often supervised the training herself, arriving at the training ground at dawn and returning exhausted only at nightfall.
Watching these people growing and transforming through sweat and exhaustion, Shen Li's eyes were full of determination and expectation, as if she had already seen their future shining in the capital.
Shen Li's thoughts are like the deep night sky, with deeper plans hidden beneath the twinkling stars.
In her hand, she held tightly the more precious "Bone Purifying Pill", a rare treasure that she had obtained by chance through signing in and drawing a lottery in the space. It had the magical effect of cleansing the marrow and bones, and enhancing one's strength like a complete transformation, which was enough to allow the user to achieve a qualitative leap in strength in a short period of time.
She planned to give this "Bone Purifying Pill" to her subordinates after their physical fitness was significantly improved by the spiritual spring water, so that they could become an unstoppable elite force in her hands, like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath, to cut through the thorns and thorns for her in the ever-changing stage of the capital.
As the night deepened, the watery moonlight sprinkled on the courtyard of the county lord's mansion. Everything was silent, and the entire capital seemed to be immersed in a quiet dream.
Chuchun brought a steaming hot midnight snack and gently pushed open Shen Li's door. She saw Shen Li still sitting at the desk, the flickering candlelight illuminating her slightly tired but still focused face.
She held the pen tightly in her hand and kept writing something on the paper. Her brows were sometimes slightly furrowed, sometimes relaxed, as if she was outlining a grand blueprint.
Chuchun's heart was filled with heartache. She walked forward lightly, put the midnight snack on the table, then walked to Shen Li's side and advised softly, "Miss, look at the night, it's already as dark as water, you should rest.
Ever since we entered the capital, you have been working day and night, doing everything yourself. Your chin has become pointed and you look much more haggard.
What if you exhaust yourself? Even if you don’t think about yourself, you should at least think about us who care about you.”
As she spoke, Utsuna's eyes reddened slightly, filled with concern and worry.
Shen Li raised her head and smiled slightly. That smile was like fireworks blooming in the night sky, short but brilliant, dispelling some fatigue.
She gently held Chuchun's hand and whispered, "Chuchun, how could I not know your feelings? I know in my heart that you really love me.
But now the situation in the capital is like a taut bowstring, ready to explode at any moment. We must plan ahead and make preparations early.
Only by possessing sufficient strength can we secure a secure foothold in this treacherous capital and protect everyone we care about. Don't worry, I will take good care of myself, and I look forward to seeing the future we will create together."
Chuchun nodded slightly, tears of emotion flashing in her eyes. She knew that once the young lady made up her mind, no one could pull her back.
She raised her hand and gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, saying, "Miss, I understand your feelings. But you should also pay attention to the balance between work and rest, and don't push yourself too hard. If you collapse, we will lose our backbone and don't know what to do."
Shen Li patted Chuchun's hand gently, her eyes showing tenderness and determination: "Don't worry, I know what's going on. You should also go to bed early, there are still many things waiting for us to do tomorrow."
After Chuchun left, Shen Li fell into deep thought again.
She knew very well that building up power was only the first step in this long game of chess, and she would inevitably face many unpredictable challenges in the future.
How can we make this force work together more harmoniously in a short period of time and play its greatest role?
How can one cleverly conceal one's strength and avoid being noticed by others under the intricate spies and informants of various forces?
How can we use this power to unravel the secrets hidden in the capital and explore the unknown truths?
These problems stood before her like thorns and needed to be solved urgently.
But Shen Li was not afraid at all. Her eyes revealed an innate stubbornness and tenacity. She firmly believed that as long as she was cautious and wise enough, she would be able to carve out a place for herself in the capital and write her own legendary chapter in this ever-changing situation.