In her past life, everyone around Song Chuyi either met a tragic end or suffered immensely—none had a good fate. The only person who had any connection to her was entirely different; they lived a life free from worries and eventually achieved great honor and prosperity.

  Of course, this wasn't the most important part. What truly mattered was the person she married.

  Her mother's close friend, the legitimate daughter of the Shen family from Shangqiu, Shen Yang, married a seventh-rank inspector who eventually soared through the ranks to become the governor of Zhejiang and even attained the title of marquis and minister.

  Calcuting the time in this life, it was about that time for Shen Yang's husband, Guo Huaiying, to rise to prominence. The reason for his ascent was that he was recognized as an ally by Prince Duan and considered a prodigy in the eyes of Cen Biliang, who also happened to be his uncle.

  His background was substantial; his ancestors had fought alongside the founding emperor, and he grew up mingling with princes, feudal lords, and heirs. His uncle was Cen Biliang, his mentor was the Prime Minister Chang, and his wife was the legitimate daughter of the Shen family.

  But Song Chuyi asked Ye Jingchuan to join him not only because of his status and his impending success but also because although this man is able to get along with everyone, he is actually a good official and a good person.

  He would take over Cui Shaoting's position and become another figure who struck fear into the hearts of the pirates.

  Zhou Weizhao, with his head down, pondered for a moment before suddenly stopping in his tracks. He turned to stare at Song Chuyi and slowly uttered the name, "You mean Guo Huaiying?"

  Song Chuyi was a bit taken aback; at this point, Guo Huaiying was merely a Zhejiang inspector and hardly noteworthy. Yet Zhou Weizhao had guessed it instantly...

  Her curiosity about Zhou Weizhao deepened—where did he come from? Could he, like her, also be someone who had lived another life? But then she thought she was overthinking it. In her previous life, Zhou Weizhao had died before turning twelve, so even if he had been reborn, there was no reason he would know so much. Unlike herself, who had struggled and drifted in the world for decades, many events were etched in her heart, moments she could never forget.

  Seeing Ye Jingchuan's genuinely confused expression, Song Chuyi widened her eyes, while Zhou Weizhao smiled slightly, a bit shyly looking at Song Chuyi as he said, "I'm just making a wild guess. But I thought about it, and the situation in Fujian and Zhejiang is crucial. Cui Shaoting has been reassigned to the north, so there can't be a gap in the south. After considering it, the only person who has direct ties to the cabinet in the capital and significant influence in the south is Guo Huaiying."

  As the Prime Minister, Lord Chang was quite capable. Naturally, he had simirities with previous Prime Ministers—such as being able to recognize and employ talented individuals but also being unable to avoid fostering his own power. Guo Huaiying had both ability and connections with him, so it was only natural that he would be promoted.

  Song Chuyi nodded in agreement with Zhou Weizhao's guess and seriously told Ye Jingchuan, "I'm not joking with you. After you return, tell your father and brother what I've said. I believe they will understand my intentions."

  Fujian was not a safe pce, and the pirates were not those easily defeated mountain bandits. Small teams could put up resistance, while rger groups had formidable combat capabilities and were difficult to handle. Until her death in her past life, the pirate threat had never completely subsided, demonstrating how resilient these Japanese invaders were.

  Ye Jingchuan was unfamiliar with the area and, most importantly, was somewhat impulsive and quick to anger. Even if he were under the governor's command, the governor would likely just keep him around out of respect for the King of Zhennan, merely watching him. If things continued this way, it was bound to lead to trouble sooner or ter.

  It would be better for him to follow Guo Huaiying; at least he is someone who gets things done. By being around him, he can learn practical skills and gain experience. Once he becomes acquainted with Lord Guo, who is likely to become a governor in the future, it would be beneficial, wouldn't it?

  "I'm not afraid of you joking with me, but who is Guo Huaiying?" Ye Jingchuan looked at her in confusion, completely ignoring Song Qi, who had rushed over and nearly slipped. "I can't just follow a nameless nobody around, can I?"

  Zhou Weizhao couldn't help but ugh. Seeing Song Chuyi turn to greet Song Qi, he leaned closer and whispered in Ye Jingchuan's ear, "If you want to fight the pirates, you have to follow him. Besides him, I doubt anyone else will take you out to sea to fight pirates. Moreover, whether he's a nobody or not, just ask your father or elder brother when you get back, and you'll find out."

  Though he was currently just a seventh-rank inspector overseeing Zhejiang, who could say what the future holds? Wasn't Cen Biliang once just a supervisor in Jiangxi? Yet now, he was securely sitting in the position of Minister of War. People like Guo Huaiying, with both background and capability, would rise through the ranks eventually. With Cui Shaoting's reassignment and the reshuffling of power in the south, it was the best time for Prime Minister Chang and the others to act. They had already promoted Cui Shaoting to the Commander of the Three Frontiers, so how could they possibly give up the lucrative southern territories?

  Although Ye Jingchuan often felt a bit rebellious against Zhou Weizhao, he was always sensible. Hearing Zhou Weizhao say this, he understood that there must be some wisdom in it. However, he was afraid of embarrassing himself, and knowing Zhou Weizhao was aware of things he didn't would likely lead to Song Chuyi ughing at him. So, he decided to drop the topic; anyway, after returning home, his father and Ye Jingkuan would surely expin it to him.

  After Song Qi arranged the banquet, he realized he couldn't find anyone. After some effort, he heard that they were by the ke in the backyard. He hurried over and saw Ye Jingchuan, feeling uncharacteristically angry. "Although our families have a close retionship, there are no proper elders here. It's not appropriate for you to keep running over to Xiao Yi's side!"

  Ye Jingchuan felt a bit intimidated. Compared to the two Song brothers, he was more wary of the straightforward Song Xi. He chuckled awkwardly and said, "I'm not here to see her; I'm here to check on An An. Besides, if it weren't for me, you probably wouldn't even be holding the full-month banquet right now."

  Song Chuyi softly expined the situation to Song Qi, concluding, "Second Brother, we really owe it to the young master and the others this time. Otherwise, An An might have been in danger."

  Song Qi furrowed his brows and took a long time to suppress his anger. "Although this is a private estate, it still has its rules. Moreover, you keep coming over; if you're not careful, it could lead to trouble in the future." Seeing that Song Chuyi was fine, he sighed in relief, but then his concern returned, and he lowered his voice. "Besides, Miss Chen from the Su family and Fourth Sister are also staying in the backyard..."

  Song Chuyi couldn't help but be surprised, and hurriedly looked at Song Qi and said, "Second brother, send someone to check it out!"

  If the Li woman took An An away just now just to lure the tiger away from the mountain, and the real purpose was that someone was coveting Song Chumi or Chen Jinxin, then it's over!