Sure enough, before Yuan Xingchi had even reached the doorway, Cai Tao couldn't help but call out again.
Although Yuan Xingchi's final words had been that his statement held no threat, he understood it all too well himself.
If the person before him truly sided with Wang Fu, his Cai family would likely face a swift reckoning.
Cai You had already established his own household, and the fifth son, by marrying Princess Rou Fu, might even escape with his life.
But as for the remaining brothers, every single one of them was a target, and none would be spared!
"Does the scholar have any further instructions? This matter hinges on mutual consent. Scholar, please do not force the issue!"
Upon hearing this, Yuan Xingchi immediately turned back with a smile.
Looking at the amiable smile on his face, Cai Tao could only feel cold sweat breaking out on his back.
It was true, as the saying goes: If you don't want people to know, don't do it. There truly are no walls that are completely impenetrable.
However, for some reason, when he heard the phrase "mutual consent," Cai Tao suddenly felt a wave of nausea.
It was a simple sentence, yet it made him feel as though he had become a prostitute in a brothel, with the person before him acting as the wealthy patron who spent money lavishly.
"I agree to this!"
After taking a deep breath, Cai Tao finally forced down his disgust and spoke.
"The scholar is indeed a wise man. In that case, I shall return now to deliver the good news to the noble lords I represent!"
Hearing Cai Tao's words, a satisfied smile immediately spread across Yuan Xingchi's face.
"There is one more thing I do not understand, and I would ask for the gentleman's enlightenment!"
As Yuan Xingchi prepared to leave, Cai Tao spoke up again.
"Please, scholar, speak freely!"
"May I ask, sir, why did you choose my father over Wang Fu?"
After a moment of hesitation, Cai Tao finally voiced the question that puzzled him the most.
After all, in terms of seniority, Wang Fu was undoubtedly qualified.
What was more, Wang Fu was still young, while Cai Jing was old.
In fact, at this very moment, Cai Jing was already suffering from hearing and vision loss.
While outsiders might not know these things, how could his own son not be aware of them?
The Cai family did possess some influence, and they indeed had close business dealings with the Pu family.
However, with what Yuan Xingchi held in his hands, he could directly uproot both the Cai family and the Pu family. There was no need to seek cooperation with the Cai family at this juncture to strike at Wang Fu.
One must understand that in the officialdom of the Great Song Dynasty, especially during the Northern Song period, there were only capable officials and manipulative officials, but no powerful ministers!
Moreover, in the political struggles of civil officials, even complete failure would at most result in demotion and banishment to the provinces.
Even if Cai Jing succeeded this time and managed to have Wang Fu expelled from the capital once more, it would ultimately not cost him his life.
Cai Jing was already seventy-four years old; seventy was considered rare enough in life, and even if he could hold the position of Prime Minister, how much longer could he serve?
The position of Prime Minister was indeed the highest honor for a civil official, but it was also the heaviest stone of the entire Great Song Dynasty.
Having Cai Jing occupy this position at the advanced age of seventy-four, even Cai Tao, his son, could not guarantee how much longer his father would live.
Once Cai Jing stepped down, who in this world would be able to suppress Wang Fu?
At that time, would Yuan Xingchi and the people behind him not fear retaliation from Wang Fu?
"This matter is quite simple. Cai Xiangguo's rise to power is more natural, and Cai Xiangguo is also far more trustworthy than Wang Xiangguo."
As Yuan Xingchi spoke, he himself felt a chill run down his spine.
Just as Han Mo had said in his letter, the reason people like Cai Jing kept their promises was because the price of betrayal was not high enough.
"Thank you, sir, for the enlightenment!"
Although Cai Tao found this reason somewhat unconvincing, since Yuan Xingchi had said it, he knew that no matter how much he pressed, he would not receive a different answer.
"In that case, I shall take my leave!"
Yuan Xingchi smiled and then turned directly towards the exit.
"Someone!"
Not long after Yuan Xingchi had left, Cai Tao called out again.
"Fourth Master, is there something you need?"
The old butler quickly pushed open the door and asked.
"Immediately find someone trustworthy to follow him. I need to know where he goes after leaving here, who he meets, and what he says. No matter how much it costs, at any price!"
After taking a deep breath, Cai Tao said earnestly.
"Yes!"
Although the old butler did not know why Cai Tao was so interested in such a stranger, he still acknowledged the order and immediately turned to make arrangements.
"Sir, it seems someone is following us!"
Not long after leaving the Cai mansion, the coachman noticed that things were not quite right behind them.
"It's normal for someone to be following. It would be strange if no one was! It's fine, don't worry about it. Didn't we make preparations?"
Yuan Xingchi spoke while leaning back comfortably against the cushion of the carriage.
The weather was slowly turning cooler, and traveling by carriage at this time was truly quite pleasant.
"I just don't understand why our master would get involved with such a despicable character."
As they traveled, the coachman mumbled to himself.
"Didn't I already tell you? Don't ask about these things in the future. Knowing too much won't do you any good!"
Yuan Xingchi casually replied, chewing on dried fruit bought in Luoyang.
"I'm just worried about our young master!"
Hearing Yuan Xingchi's words, the coachman grumbled back.
"Worried about the young master? You should worry about yourself. I heard you've been causing quite a bit of romantic trouble lately?"
Yuan Xingchi shot him a look for his nonsensical remarks.
"I..."
Hearing Yuan Xingchi say this, the coachman immediately flinched, shrunk his neck, and quickly shut his mouth.
"Alright, I won't bother with you. But at your age, aren't you considering settling down?"
"Having lived a life on the edge for so long, I've lost the courage for that..."
"If you don't have the courage, then don't provoke decent women. You're not short of money now, anyway!"
"You'd better not talk about my affairs. That tail behind us is still following. Our next move..."
When the topic shifted, the coachman felt uneasy and quickly changed the subject again.
"Didn't I tell you? If he wants to follow, let him. We'll just head straight to Hebei. Once we enter Hebei territory, someone will naturally deal with him!"
Yuan Xingchi stretched lazily as he spoke.
"Alright, then hold on tight!"
Hearing Yuan Xingchi's words, the coachman chuckled, urged the horses forward, and accelerated the carriage, heading straight for Hebei along the official road.