"The Ziliujin tribute from the Western Regions has almost arrived in the capital, we can take a solid rest for a year or two. The barbarians do not know how to produce and do business, we can afford to delay, but Jia Lai Ying Huo cannot afford to be delayed. The Northern War situation will change after a long period of time, leaving only Jiangnan... After all, foreigners came thousands of miles across the sea, costing them many resources. Strong dragons cannot overwhelm the local snakes. Don't we have an upper hand compared to them?"

Chang Geng laid in his arms and lightly closed his eyes. Gu Yun's callus-covered fingers unconsciously shifted between his head and neck, making his scalp feel both itchy and numb.

"The reform of the official management has just begun," Gu Yun whispered. "Although you initiated this matter, I do not think the ministers reacted that strongly, basically they all had an acquiescent attitude towards it. If you quit at this time, whether it be contributions or errors, they are all in the hands of others. If we will not strive for merits, we will not make mistakes either... Whatever happens, you and I will both return home and rest for a few years, alright?"

Shen Yi spoke a thousand words, but Gu Yun could only hear one sentence in his heart, "How will it end in the future?"

The Gu family had been feudal for generations and was also the relative of royalty. He had seen many ups and downs of the nobles and officials. He also understood the fate of powerful generals to heart. Even if they were descendants of nobility, standing out too much, would they be able to avoid the current person in power or the pen of judgment of the later generations?

"There is no way out," Chang Geng whispered after a while. "The first blade of the reform of official administration has slashed down, which is an equivalent to scraping down to the bones to cure the poisons. The skin and flesh have been cut open... At this time, to back away, is it to let one's skin open and wait, or to sew it back together again?"

The reform of official administration was only the first step. If only regarded as a means to carry out the Feng Huo ticket, the reform would fail to advance. There would be a situation in which everyone would compete for the Feng Huo ticket. At that time, corruption would prevail. If there were no upright individuals who knew how to control it, perhaps the Feng Huo ticket would end up being worthless and Great Liang would meet its end faster.