"This subordinate dares not speak carelessly, but his choice of timing is indeed very subtle. If the Han family enters the fray at this moment, the matters we are plotting may again encounter variables!"
No matter how one looks at it, Huang Qian Shan is now a Zhizhou of the fifth rank, while he, Qin Hui, is merely a minor Jishizhong of the sixth rank. At such a delicate juncture, he truly finds it difficult to make a definitive judgment.
"Send someone to investigate this for me. If this matter is indeed as I suspect, then do not blame me for acting ruthlessly!"
Wang Fu could tolerate his subordinates engaging in corrupt practices or plundering wealth, but he absolutely could not tolerate their betrayal.
Especially not at this moment, when he was but one step away from achieving his lifelong aspiration.
Anyone who dared to play any tricks behind his back, he would unhesitatingly eliminate them directly.
"My Lord, please calm your anger. Do you not wish to know who is playing tricks behind your back?"
Seeing his murderous demeanor, Qin Hui quickly spoke again.
"This old fellow was recommended by Bai Shi Zhong. Other than Cai You, who else could possibly command him?"
After a brief moment of contemplation, Wang Fu's expression turned grim once more.
"I have a feeling this matter may not be as simple as it seems. Why don't you send someone to investigate covertly first? We can make plans after we have the results!"
Although on the surface, Wang Fu's speculation seemed quite reasonable.
Cai Jing had already been cornered by their combined efforts, and his stepping down was merely a matter of time.
His alliance with Cai You was originally just a temporary measure.
Although Cai Jing had been outmaneuvered by them this time, he was still, after all, a Chancellor of the nation. If the old man were pushed to desperation, a deathbed counterattack would not be a trifling matter.
If Cai You were to deliver a fierce blow to Cai Jing using his hidden pawns at this moment, it might just cause Cai Jing to truly resent Wang Fu.
In such a scenario, the consequences that should have been shared by two people would likely have to be borne solely by Wang Fu.
Moreover, perhaps when Cai Jing was finally brought down, Cai You might even be readmitted into the Cai family's fold for the sake of the family's future.
If that were to happen, Cai You would truly become the ultimate winner.
However, for some unknown reason, Qin Hui’s heart kept telling him that this matter was definitely not that simple.
Although he couldn't pinpoint the exact reason, he had a strange confidence in his intuition.
"Then let's proceed according to your suggestion. However, do not show any mercy when it is time to act!"
After giving Qin Hui a deep look, Wang Fu finally agreed.
"My Lord, rest assured, I understand this principle!"
After cupping his hands towards Wang Fu, Qin Hui spoke again.
"This Bianliang city is truly becoming more and more interesting. If this matter is truly not Cai You's doing, then there will be another player in this game of chess in Bianliang city!"
Although Wang Fu was smiling, his eyes were filled with naked killing intent.
While they were busy fighting fiercely in the open, someone else was trying to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat from behind. It was not just Wang Fu, the Chancellor, but anyone in this situation would surely be displeased.
"Could it be the Crown Prince's people?"
"Impossible! If those old fellows under him possessed such a mind, do you think he would be in his current state?"
As soon as Qin Hui finished speaking, Wang Fu said dismissively.
"My Lord is brilliant!"
Although Qin Hui prided himself on his talent, he truly admired Wang Fu in this minor matter.
His assessment of the Crown Prince and the old ministers around him was indeed accurate and to the point. The old ministers around the Crown Prince were all arrogant and disdained political maneuvering. Not only did they disdain it themselves, but they also ostracized anyone who was skilled in such tactics.
It could be said that the Crown Prince's current listless state was entirely due to their presence.
"Alright, let's save the flattery for later. You go and attend to your matters first!"
"Yes!"
---
"My son-in-law, those people have essentially all arrived!"
"Since everyone is here, let's go!"
Han Mo spoke as he stretched his body with a long yawn.
Han Mo had a multitude of tasks to attend to, but he had no one capable of handling matters independently by his side. The past few days had been quite exhausting for him.
"The carriage is already waiting outside. Do you wish to change your attire?"
Jiang Yan spoke as he glanced at the official robes Han Mo was wearing.
"It matters not. This attire is perfectly fitting!"
Although this meeting today was an informal gathering, Han Mo intended to establish his authority. Wearing these official robes would be a good way to convey his stance.
"Yes!"
Since Han Mo had said so, Jiang Yan had no other choice but to agree. He then followed behind Han Mo, accompanying him all the way to the Zhuangyuan Tower.
"San Lang, Han Mo's carriage has arrived downstairs, but he hasn't alighted yet..."
As Han Mo's carriage stopped directly below the Zhuangyuan Tower, a servant from the Qian family scurried into a private room on the third floor.
"It seems that Minister Han is waiting for us to go and greet him. What do you all think?"
Qian Lang sneered and then looked towards Cai Si Tong beside him.
"Although Minister Han is young, he is, after all, from a prestigious family and currently serves as the Coastal Pacification Commissioner for the Liangzhe and Fujian Circuits, as well as concurrently holding the position of Grand Director of the Maritime Trade Office for all southeastern circuits. It is only natural for us to go down and greet him, wouldn't you agree?"
Cai Si Tong naturally understood that Qian Lang was not debating whether or not they should go down to greet him. This was clearly a test of everyone's attitude.
"Brother Cai is truly a distinguished talent of this generation!"
Upon hearing Cai Si Tong's words, Qian Lang immediately let out a cold laugh.
As he spoke, he deliberately scanned the remaining individuals around the table with his eyes.
Those seated at this table were naturally adept at calculating.
Qian Lang's actions at this moment were clearly intended to see who would oppose him.
Instantly, those who had been preparing to rise and go down to greet him fell silent once more.
"Everyone, business thrives on harmony. As the ancient saying goes, 'The common people do not contend with officials.' I, Huang, shall descend first!"
Just as the situation reached an impasse, Huang Linghe, the eldest grandson of the Huang family, suddenly stood up.