“You mean to say?”
“We should prepare for both eventualities. This Han fellow is cunning and unpredictable. Who knows if he has any more ingenious schemes up his sleeve? If he can indeed hold Mingzhou City, we might be able to get a piece of the pie!”
Compared to Xin Xingzong, Chu Jianfeng was clearly the more calculating one.
Although he was not well-known and held no official position, he was one of Wang Xiang’s trusted confidants.
As Wang Xiang’s confidant, he naturally saw and heard far more than Xin Xingzong.
Outsiders might not know Han Mo’s background, but as Zhao Zhen’s most favored minister, Wang Xiang knew a great deal more!
A significant portion of the reason Han Mo was exiled to Mingzhou was Wang Xiang’s idea.
Compared to the overly idealistic Han Mo, Wang Xiang was undoubtedly far more cunning. The art of maintaining balance had almost permeated the very souls of the Zhao family’s emperors and princes.
Wang Xiang might not have had outstanding talents in military or politics, but his grasp of Zhao Zhen’s mindset and his precise timing were truly impeccable.
It was precisely this ability that allowed him to replace Han Mo and become Zhao Zhen’s most trusted minister within a mere month.
And as his most trusted aide, Chu Jianfeng’s talents were naturally considerable.
“Mr. is indeed brilliant. It seems I have misjudged you!”
“Your Excellency is too kind. I also feel uneasy about this matter. I should have shared this intelligence with you earlier!”
Since Xin Xingzong had backed down, Chu Jianfeng did not mind offering him a way out at this moment.
“Then we shall proceed as Mr. suggests. Tomorrow morning, we will advance another twenty li. This way, if anything unexpected happens in Mingzhou City, we will have enough time to react!”
“Matters of warfare are still up to Your Excellency. Since you deem this plan sound, let us proceed as such!”
“It is getting late, so I shall not disturb Mr.’s rest. I bid you farewell!”
Having obtained what he desired, Xin Xingzong felt quite elated.
After casting a glance towards Mingzhou City through the thick veil of night, Xin Xingzong contentedly returned to his tent.
————————————————————————
“My Lord, Li Bangyan has submitted his resignation!”
The next morning, in Bianliang City, as soon as Wang Fu returned to his office, Zhang Bangchang quietly entered.
“And what did the Emperor say?”
Although Wang Fu’s body trembled uncontrollably upon hearing this news, he quickly regained his composure.
After all, the matter revealed by Xu Churen was too significant. With the growing voices of impeachment in court, even the Emperor could no longer withstand the pressure.
Li Bangyan’s downfall was only a matter of time. Compared to this, he was more concerned about the Emperor’s attitude towards the matter and the Emperor’s attitude towards Prince Yun.
“His Majesty said nothing directly, but after the morning court today, he has again sent someone to summon Lin Ling Su into the palace!”
Zhang Bangchang opened the doors and windows, carefully observed the surroundings to ensure no one was eavesdropping, and then lowered his voice, speaking softly.
“Good! Excellent!”
Although no news from the palace had yet emerged, Wang Fu understood that he and Lin Ling Su had formed a temporary alliance of interests. As long as Lin Ling Su entered the palace, it was beneficial to him!
“My Lord, this is indeed a precursor to imperial appointment. In these trying times, I doubt His Majesty will prolong this charade of three resignations and three acceptances for too long.”
As Zhang Bangchang said this, the smile on his face could no longer be contained.
He and Wang Fu were now in the same boat. If Wang Fu were to be promoted, it was likely that he would soon occupy Wang Fu’s current position.
After all, he was the minister with the longest tenure by Wang Fu’s side.
“My Lord, should we perhaps…”
“No rush. Tell our people to wait a little longer. Attacking directly at this moment would not be a wise choice!”
Regardless, Li Bangyan was, after all, the current Prime Minister. Even if his tenure was short and he was considered one of the lowest-ranked prime ministers in history, as long as he was the Prime Minister, even the Emperor had to show him some respect.
At the very least, he should not appear so disheveled upon his departure.
If Wang Fu were to be aggressive at this time, it might leave a bad impression on the Emperor.
In the past, he would not have considered such a matter, but these were extraordinary times, and he had to meticulously consider every detail.
“My Lord means…”
“Let the people of the Underworld handle the frontal assault. We will simply observe from behind. Not everything requires us to fight to the death. After all, once blood is on one’s hands, it is difficult to maintain a detached demeanor before His Majesty.”
Wang Fu, true to his nature as someone skilled in intrigue, quickly regained his usual rhythm after stabilizing his emotions.
He had already served almost a full term in the position of Junior Grand Tutor.
Whether it was his familiarity with the national situation or his understanding of other matters, he was truly the most suitable candidate!
Of course, he also understood that if he were to take on the position of Grand Tutor, the first thing that would greet him would be the task of raising funds and provisions.
With the ongoing wars on both the northern and southern fronts, and the Tianning Festival approaching, the construction work at Genyue was nearing completion. However, the meager funds Zhao Zhen had managed to procure were now completely depleted.
Under such circumstances, even Wang Fu's resolve began to waver, and he was no longer entirely certain if he possessed the capability.
“My Lord, while that may be true, are we to simply stand by and watch? Can Lin Ling Su alone truly bring down Prince Yun?”
Zhang Bangchang spoke while carefully observing Wang Fu’s expression.
“Do not concern yourself with this matter anymore. Recently, help me investigate which families in Bianliang City can still provide substantial financial resources…”