"Cai Zhong? Where is this person? Minister Zhang, as the Shao Yin of Kaifeng Fu, it falls to you to find him!"
Under everyone's curious gazes, Zhao Ji directly tasked Zhang Shaoyou with the search.
"Your will be done!"
After a slight frown, Zhang Shaoyou readily agreed.
"Since that is the case, this matter will be discussed again later. Once the person is found, we will make a decision!"
Seeing Zhang Shaoyou agree, Zhao Ji spoke again.
As the Emperor prepared to play favorites, Zhang Bangchang finally felt relieved.
Although he had clearly been at a disadvantage today, judging by Zhao Ji's attitude, even if he were completely incompetent, the Emperor would still elevate him to challenge Prince Xin!
With this thought, Zhang Bangchang became excited. He never imagined that he would benefit from misfortune today!
"Reporting to Your Majesty, I believe this proposal is inappropriate!"
Just as Zhang Bangchang was basking in self-satisfaction, Fan Zhengguo suddenly stepped forward.
"Prime Minister Fan, His Majesty has already said this matter can be discussed later. Why are you still clinging to it? What is your intention?"
As soon as Fan Zhengguo finished speaking, Zhang Bangchang, eager to distinguish himself, immediately stepped forward.
"What is my intention? Zhang Bangchang, do you not find this statement absurd? Cai Xiang is, after all, the Prime Minister of the nation. Since Lord Yuwen has already proven that the handwriting on this letter is authentic, should his suicide note not be made public in the court?"
Fan Zhengguo had a fiery temper, and with the situation escalating to such a point, he was certainly not going to back down!
"Coercing the ruler and acting against the natural order, is this the family tradition of the Fan family?"
Since the Emperor was on their side, the worst that could happen was a reprimand for both sides. Zhang Bangchang was naturally willing to engage in such unreasonable quibbling.
"Prime Minister Zhang is indeed well-versed in sophistry. I never expected that court discussions would devolve into coercing the ruler and acting against the natural order! According to Prime Minister Zhang's logic, should all officials in the court remain silent and act like mute gourds to be considered loyal and patriotic? Do you not find this absurd? As Prime Minister, instead of assisting His Majesty and serving the country, you constantly engage in unreasonable arguments and deceive the imperial ear. Fan Mou must ask you, what is your intention!"
After this barrage of sharp words, even the Crown Prince, who had been standing by like a clay Buddha, couldn't help but steal glances at Fan Zhengguo.
No one had expected that Fan Zhengguo, who usually kept to himself and focused on his work, would possess such formidable eloquence when provoked!
With just a few simple sentences, he had cornered Zhang Bangchang. His combat effectiveness was truly astonishing.
"You, you..."
Faced with his relentless pressure, Zhang Bangchang was momentarily speechless.
"What 'you'? As Prime Minister, instead of repaying the imperial grace and offering constant advice to share the ruler's burdens, you are always obsequious. If His Majesty only needs a messenger, a eunuch would suffice; what use is there for you? You scoundrel, Fan Mou is ashamed to associate with you!"
Having completely torn off the pretense, Fan Zhengguo decided to let loose.
With Cai Jing absent from the court and Tong Guan, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs, far away in Hebei, their current status was second only to the princes. With the two of them now engaged in a fierce argument, who among the officials below dared to step into this conflict?
"Enough!"
Seeing Zhang Bangchang looking like a defeated rooster, Zhao Ji was utterly disgusted.
He had initially thought that this fellow, even if he stumbled, would at least be able to hold on for a while and buy him some time. Yet, he had managed to reach this point of defeat within the span of a few well-rehearsed sentences.
Seeing the Emperor's furious expression, Zhang Bangchang involuntarily flinched.
"Imperial Father, since this letter is genuine, I also believe it should be made public!"
Fan Zhengguo had already laid a strong foundation, and Zhao Zhen was happy to add to the momentum.
Zhang Bangchang, who had been leading the charge earlier, was now in disarray. Zhao Kai, with some reservations, was about to speak, but after taking half a step forward and glancing at the sternly watchful Zhong Shidao, he hesitated and retracted his foot.
"Why is it so quiet at the palace gate?"
Looking towards the distance, where the imperial palace was already in sight, Yue Fei asked with a troubled expression.
"Pengju, this doesn't sound like you! You've always been very patient. What's wrong today?"
Seeing his nervous demeanor, Han Mo chuckled and poured himself a drink.
"I, I am just..."
Hearing this, a somewhat embarrassed smile appeared on Yue Fei's still youthful face.
Han Mo had kept most of his recent activities from Yue Fei, with the exception of his romantic affairs with Li Shishi.
Although he did not want Yue Fei to witness this dark side of things, his actions this time had opened a new door in Yue Fei's heart.
"I know you dislike these political machinations. You are so nervous now because you want to know the final outcome. However, I must say, you don't have to participate in these things, but you must be vigilant! You may disdain to do them, but if someone uses the same methods against you, you must know how to retaliate! Only by preserving your life and your usefulness can you accomplish more!"
"Thank you, sir!"
Although this was old news, and not the first time Han Mo had spoken on this topic, Yue Fei still bowed deeply to Han Mo once more.
"Alright, relax. Take a good look at the customs and traditions of Bianliang. Who knows when you'll be able to see them again..."
Seeing Yue Fei lost in thought, Han Mo spoke with a double meaning.
"Yes!"
"Look, look! People are coming out, people are coming out!"
As soon as their conversation ended, they suddenly saw a large number of officials filing out of the imperial palace.
Shortly after, the students who had been waiting for a long time at the palace gates erupted in cheers.
Listening to the excited voices of the students, a cold smile appeared on Han Mo's lips. Tong Guan, Tong Guan, when you used these methods to climb to prominence back then, did you ever imagine that one day someone would use the same methods to kick you from the clouds?"