Su Ran knew deep down that the old aristocratic forces were deeply entrenched in the Great Qing, like a gnarled, ancient tree with roots spreading intricately through both the imperial court and the common people. To impulsively resort to harsh suppression would likely trigger civil unrest, plunging the Great Qing into chaos. After careful deliberation, he decided to employ a strategy of divide and conquer to break the barriers of these stubborn factions from within.
Su Ran secretly dispatched his most trusted confidants—men of meticulous mind and cautious action. Like shadows concealed in the darkness, they waded into the ranks of the old aristocracy, acting as keen hunters to probe for their respective grievances and contradictions. After a difficult and detailed investigation, it was finally discovered that the old aristocracy was not as unified or impregnable as it appeared. A segment among them was relatively enlightened; while they harbored concerns about the military reforms Su Ran was pushing, they also possessed a certain foresight, understanding that for the Great Qing to survive and thrive amidst the shifting tides of the world, reform was the only path forward.
Upon learning this, Su Ran stepped forward personally to summon these enlightened aristocrats. He hosted a banquet for them, where the atmosphere was harmonious and sincere. Su Ran spoke heart-to-heart with them, clearly and earnestly articulating the profound significance of military reform for the futur…
Chapter 75