When Foster Father initially proposed attacking the Witch God Cult, it was because Xu Qi An had died in Yun Province.
Nangong Qianrou guessed that Foster Father’s feelings at the time were a mix of pain from losing a trusted confidant and the idea that the Witch God Cult had grown too powerful too quickly and needed to be suppressed.
Later, when Xu Qi An returned to the capital and was revived, and the Witch God Cult continued to behave, there was no need for drastic action. The Witch God Cult only needed to be suppressed a bit.
However, Foster Father’s intention now seemed to be to spark a large-scale war between nations.
“Foster Father, isn’t this too aggressive?” Nangong Qianrou spoke her mind directly.
With the current weakened state of Great Feng, a large-scale war lasting several years would be an unbearable burden.
“Yang Yan sent an urgent report from the north. The Witch God Cult is attacking the northern beast tribes. Zhu Jiu couldn’t hold out alone and retreated from his original territory, gathering the beast and barbarian tribes to prepare for a withdrawal to the northwest,” Marquis Wei said, studying the terrain map with a calm tone. “Although the Huai Prince’s plan failed, the Witch God Cult achieved its goal. If either Zhu Jiu or Ji Li Zhi Gu dies, it will leave the northern beast tribes unprecedentedly vulnerable.”
“But Chu Province has also suffered heavy losses, losing a Third-Rank cultivator. They lack the strength to march north, which only benefits the Witch God Cult.”
Nangong Qianrou was startled, suddenly realizing, “So that’s why Foster Father isn’t concerned with court affairs. Is it because His Majesty is likely to send you to the northern border?”
At the same time, she speculated inwardly that His Majesty’s suppression of Prime Minister Wang at this time, while seemingly upsetting the balance, was a balancing act. Without Marquis Wei in court, wouldn’t Prime Minister Wang’s faction dominate?
“Even if Foster Father’s focus isn’t on the court, it’s still far from autumn. Why not take advantage of the Wang faction’s crisis to gain benefits, making the future expedition free of worries?” Nangong Qianrou offered her opinion.
Marquis Wei smiled, “Do you think it’s better for the Wang faction to fall or not?”
Without hesitation, Nangong Qianrou said, “It’s best if they fall.”
Marquis Wei nodded, “Indeed, it’s best if they fall, but it’s also good if they don’t. If war wasn’t imminent, I would strike while the iron is hot. If Wang Zhenwen falls, I’d have at least five years to act. It wouldn’t be easy for His Majesty to support a new faction to oppose me.”
“In the current situation, there are benefits to the Wang faction not falling. Wang Zhenwen and I have been rivals for many years; we know each other well. Having a familiar opponent in court is better than an unfamiliar stranger.”
At this moment, a clerk came to report, “Marquis Wei, Grand Secretary of Wuying Hall, Qian Qingshu, requests an audience.”
Qian Qingshu was Wang Zhenwen’s confidant… Nangong Qianrou looked at Marquis Wei.
Marquis Wei waved his hand, “Don’t see him. Tell him to go back.”
The clerk bowed, “Yes, sir.”
“Foster Father?” Nangong Qianrou thought, has the Foster Father ultimately chosen to be a bystander?
“It wouldn’t be interesting if I intervened,” Marquis Wei smiled. “This favor should be saved for the right person.”
Nangong Qianrou didn’t understand but didn’t ask. After so many years together, she was accustomed to Foster Father’s way of speaking.
“You may leave now,” Marquis Wei suddenly said.
After Nangong Qianrou left, he took out several envelopes and began writing.
…
In the Jingxiu Palace of the Imperial Palace.
The Crown Prince was eating iced plums with a bucket of ice at his feet, enjoying the cool breeze from the palace maids’ fans. However, his expression showed no trace of relaxation as he said:
“I advised Prime Minister Wang that day not to contend with Father Emperor, not to be like Marquis Wei, but he wouldn’t listen. Now look what’s happened, Father Emperor is going to deal with him.”
The Crown Prince had no significant connection with Prime Minister Wang, but within the Wang faction, there were many unwavering supporters of the Crown Prince. If Wang Zhenwen were to fall, these people would also be implicated, indirectly weakening the Crown Prince’s influence in court.
Concubine Chen and Lin’an listened with concern. Since the year of the Imperial Examination, the Crown Prince’s position had been constantly shaky, never stable.
Concubine Chen frowned, “What’s Marquis Wei’s attitude?”
The Crown Prince said gravely, “Grand Secretary of Wuying Hall, Qian Qingshu, went to visit Marquis Wei this morning but wasn’t received.”
Concubine Chen looked worried, “Marquis Wei and Prime Minister Wang are political enemies. He’s probably waiting to kick them while they’re down.”
The Crown Prince turned to his sister and said, “Lin’an, isn’t that Xu Qi An your confidant? He’s a trusted aide of Marquis Wei. Why don’t you try to make a breakthrough through him?”
Lin’an sat on a soft couch, wearing an elaborate and beautiful red dress with a dazzling gold headdress. Her oval face had beautiful lines, and her peach blossom eyes were charming and lively. When silent, she looked like a flawless jade beauty.
“He hasn’t come to see me for a long time…” Lin’an said softly, her face dimming.
More than half a month had passed since the Chu Province massacre, and Xu Ning Yan had never sought her out. Lin’an didn’t say it, but her sensitive heart always felt that Xu Ning Yan had completely despised the royal family because of that incident. This extended to hating her, so he deliberately distanced himself from her. Thinking of their happy times before, Lin’an felt a wave of sourness in her heart.
“That’s simple. You can secretly send someone to the Xu mansion to deliver a letter, asking to meet him. If he agrees, it means his heart is still with you,” the Crown Prince suggested with a smile.
Concubine Chen added, “Remember to be discreet. Send someone from Lin’an’s household to do it, not palace guards. Don’t let your father know you have any contact with Xu Qi An.”
Lin’an nodded vigorously, her face showing a mix of nervousness and anticipation, “I’ll have someone do it right away.”
…
At lunchtime, Left Censor-in-chief Yuan Xiong and Vice Minister of War Qin Yuandao entered a restaurant in the inner city. Several officials from the same faction accompanied them.
There was a one-hour break for lunch, and the canteen in the capital’s yamen was famously bad. While not exactly tasteless, one couldn’t expect lavish meals. Except for low-ranking officials who ate in the canteen, high-ranking officials all dined at restaurants.
Yuan Xiong raised his teacup and smiled, “First, congratulations to Vice Minister Qin on his prospects of entering the Cabinet.”
Qin Yuandao raised his cup in response, “Mr. Yuan’s sole control of the Censorate is imminent. When the time comes, don’t forget to look after us.”
The Censorate held great power, responsible for monitoring all officials. Yuan Xiong had always wanted to control the Censorate alone, kicking out Marquis Wei’s faction.
Qin Yuandao, having no hope for the position of Minister of War, was looking for another path into the Cabinet.
The two had jointly planned the Imperial Examination fraud case, which failed. Now they were making a comeback. Unlike last time when His Majesty was a bystander, this time he was offering strong support behind the scenes.
“Even if Wang Zhenwen doesn’t fall this time, he’ll be severely wounded. He’s controlled the Cabinet for years, and previously we needed him to balance Marquis Wei. Now, His Majesty intends to appoint Marquis Wei as the Commander-in-chief of Chu Province, sending him far away to Chu. So Wang Zhenwen will have to make a move.”
“And I heard that Qian Qingshu visited Marquis Wei this morning but was turned away.”
“If it weren’t for that little bastard Xu last time, we would have moved up in position long ago,” Qin Yuandao said through gritted teeth.
An official raised his cup and smiled, “Vice Minister Qin, no need to be angry. That Xu Qi An can barely protect himself. He’s offended His Majesty and will be dealt with sooner or later. We’ll take care of the big fish first, then the small fry. His death isn’t far off.”
“Let’s drink, let’s drink.”
They clinked glasses and laughed loudly.
…
“Young Master, someone outside has delivered a letter for you,” Old Zhang, the doorkeeper, presented a sealed letter in the front hall.
Xu Qi An, who had been kicking his little sister Xu Ling Yin up and down like a shuttlecock, put her down and reached for the letter while asking, “Who sent it?”
Old Zhang shook his head, “The person is waiting outside. They didn’t say who it was from, but they said they’re waiting for your reply.”
“Big Brother, let’s keep playing!” Xu Ling Yin, having experienced the feeling of flying, was no longer content being a stupid kid living on the ground. She clung to Xu Qi An’s leg like an octopus, refusing to let go.
Xu Qi An tried to kick her off but failed. He thought to himself, this silly child is getting stronger and stronger.
“Taiping!” he called out.
With a whoosh, the Taiping Sword flew out from the room, sheath and all, hovering in front of Xu Qi An.
Xu Ling Yin was stunned, looking up with a silly expression.
Xu Qi An picked her up and sat her on the Taiping Sword like a witch riding a magic broom. Then he patted her little bottom and shouted:
“Go, Magic Girl Little Bean!”
The Taiping Sword carried her out of the front hall, and the carefree laughter of Little Bean echoed in the air.
Xu Qi An unfolded the letter and read it. The letter was from Lin’an, describing the recent court disputes and politely asking if he could probe Marquis Wei’s intentions.
This doesn’t seem like Lin’an’s style. Was it Concubine Chen or the Crown Prince who encouraged this? I remember Marquis Wei mentioning that there were many supporters of the Crown Prince in the Wang faction. Come to think of it, I haven’t visited Lin’an since the two Dukes were executed.
Sigh, mainly because there have been too many things happening one after another. I’ve neglected her…
Lin’an is different from Huai Qing. Huai Qing doesn’t need to be coddled, but Lin’an is a girl who hopes for companionship.
“Tell your master that I understand,” Xu Qi An dismissed Old Zhang and sat at the round table, recalling what Marquis Wei had said this morning:
I won’t interfere in this matter.
Yesterday, when Second Young Master Xu returned from his shift, he mentioned the court affairs to him. Xu Qi An kept it in mind and went to the Watchmen’s Office this morning to probe Marquis Wei’s intentions. Only then did he realize this wasn’t an ordinary dispute.
Emperor Yuan Jing wanted to move against Prime Minister Wang.
“For me, this is an opportunity. Although Second Brother has been exchanging glances with Miss Wang, he hasn’t entered Prime Minister Wang’s radar. Moreover, due to his identity as a Cloud Deer Academy student and because of me, it’s difficult for him to advance further in officialdom unless he allies with Prime Minister Wang.”
“But Prime Minister Wang, coming from the Imperial Academy, naturally resists Cloud Deer Academy students. Isn’t this the perfect opportunity now? I have evidence of corruption against many officials and Duke Cao. These political chips were originally meant to be split between Marquis Wei and Second Brother.”
“Now isn’t this the perfect time to use them? Moreover, if we can gain Prime Minister Wang’s favor, it would greatly help my investigation into Emperor Yuan Jing. I’ve been wanting to check the archives in the Ministry of Personnel.”
“I’ve already confessed to Marquis Wei about Duke Cao’s secret letter. He said he won’t interfere in this matter, which is a pretty clear hint. Marquis Wei seems to be quite passive about court affairs lately. What is he planning?”
Second Young Master Xu returned home for lunch, looking dejected. As soon as he crossed the front courtyard, he saw his little sister riding on a sword, circling and flying in the small courtyard, laughing like a little pig.
Mother and Ling Yue watched anxiously from below, occasionally screaming and repeatedly saying, “Be careful, be careful!”
Aunt angrily said, “Xu Ning Yan, quickly get your broken sword down. If Ling Yin gets hurt, see how I’ll teach you a lesson.” She stood in the courtyard with her hands on her hips, shouting towards the front hall.
“Mother, how can a sword fly?” Xu Ling Yue asked, both curious and afraid.
“Who knows? It must be some sorcery your big brother cast,” Aunt replied.
The mother and daughter had seen Li Miao Zhen riding high on a flying sword before, so they didn’t think much of it. But when Second Young Master Xu saw this scene, he was completely stunned.
“A… a peerless divine weapon…” Second Young Master Xu mumbled.
At this moment, Xu Qi An walked out from the front hall and called, “Taiping, come down.”
The Taiping Sword lowered its height and hovered motionlessly. Aunt immediately snatched her precious daughter away and spat, “What a broken sword.”
As she finished speaking, she saw Xu Xin Nian take two quick steps to stop in front of the Taiping Sword. His eyes were fixed straight ahead as he reached out his hand, seemingly wanting to grasp the sword but not daring to. His whole being was incredibly excited.
As a scholar from the orthodox Confucian system, Second Young Master Xu naturally recognized a peerless divine weapon.
Seeing her son’s demeanor, Aunt asked suspiciously, “Second Son, what’s wrong with this sword?”
Second Young Master Xu mumbled, “This sword is extremely rare and priceless. No, it’s an invaluable treasure.”
An invaluable treasure?! Aunt’s heart skipped a beat. She looked at the Taiping Sword in amazement and probed, “So how much silver is it worth exactly?”
Aunt needed a specific number to measure its value.
“Let me put it this way, if Big Brother were to exchange it for a noble title, he could at least get an Earl title, possibly even a Marquis title.”
A Marquis was second only to a Duke, and in Great Feng, a Duke was almost the peak of non-royal titles.
Aunt’s mouth gaped open. When she looked at the Taiping Sword again, it was like looking at her son. No, even more intensely than at her son.
“I want to play more,” Xu Ling Yin climbed onto the Taiping Sword.
“Get off, you little brat. If you damage something this precious, I’ll beat you to death,” Aunt slapped Little Bean’s hand away.
Xu Qi An smiled as he watched this scene and called out, “Second Brother, come in. I have something to discuss with you.”
Second Young Master Xu entered the front hall and sat at the table. Then, his gaze was drawn to a stack of secret letters placed on the table. These weren’t the secret letters sent by Lin’an, but the ones found in Duke Cao’s private residence.
“I already know about Prime Minister Wang’s situation. Second Brother, if you could help him through this crisis, would you lend a hand or stand by and watch?”
Hearing this, Xu Xin Nian frowned slightly and frankly said, “I worry about Si Mu, but I don’t feel much emotion or anxiety about Prime Minister Wang’s situation itself. If it weren’t for Si Mu, I’d probably be drinking and chatting happily with Big Brother now.”
Great Feng’s good son-in-law… Xu Qi An inwardly mocked, then smiled and said, “But if you could help, I believe Prime Minister Wang would be willing to accept you. At the very least, he wouldn’t resist you.”
As he spoke, he pointed to the secret letters on the table.
Puzzled, Second Young Master Xu opened the secret letters and looked through them one by one. His pupils first contracted, showing shock, then excitement, his hands trembling slightly.
If these secret letters fell into the hands of someone capable, of becoming a weapon in their hands, who knows how many officials in the capital would be implicated? The entire official circle in the capital would face a major earthquake.
Of course, there was another possibility: these secret letters could all be destroyed because they implicated too many people.
“I can only give you a small portion of these secret letters. We need to pick out a few people who would be useful to Prime Minister Wang,” Xu Qi An laid out the secret letters one by one.
The so-called useful people couldn’t be from the Wang faction, nor could they be like Yuan Xiong. The latter had the Emperor’s support, and these secret letters couldn’t cause fatal effects on them, at least not in the current situation. They couldn’t deliver a fatal blow.
Soon, the brothers picked out eight individuals who were both high-ranking and powerful, yet didn’t belong to either of the aforementioned groups.
“After your shift, go to the Wang mansion and hand these secret letters to Prime Minister Wang in person. Remember, you should first find Miss Wang and let her introduce you.”
Big Brother means for me to hint at my relationship with Si Mu to Prime Minister Wang… Xu Xin Nian nodded, and just as he tucked away the secret letters, he saw his big brother roll up his sleeves.
“What is Big Brother doing?”
“Beating you up!”
Bang!
Second Young Master Xu’s handsome face took a punch, and he fell with a scream. Big Brother Xu immediately straddled him and started swinging left and right.
“Big Brother, don’t hit the face…” Second Young Master Xu cried out.
“If I don’t hit your face, how will it show your sacrifice? How will it move Miss Wang? You’re willing to become enemies with your big brother to save your future father-in-law.”
“Isn’t this a bit despicable?”
“This isn’t despicable, this is strategy. Come on, get in position, Big Brother will throw a few more punches.”
…
In Jingxiu Palace.
News quickly came back from Lin’an’s household: there was no reply, only one sentence: “I understand.”
The Crown Prince glanced at Lin’an, rubbed his nose, and sighed, “It seems we can’t count on him. It’s quite realistic though. Now that he’s not an official and knows he’s angered Father Emperor, he doesn’t bother maintaining relationships with us siblings.”
Lin’an’s eyes reddened at his words.
Concubine Chen frowned and scolded, “Say less. Normally, he doesn’t help. Even if Marquis Wei trusts him greatly, would he listen to him?”
The Crown Prince said helplessly, “I know, it’s just that his attitude is displeasing.”
Lin’an pressed her lips tightly together and said glumly, “I’m going back to Shaoyin Palace.”
…
At the Wang mansion.
The atmosphere in the inner hall was somewhat tense.
Wang Si Mu sat beside Madam Wang, speaking softly about trivial matters, trying to ease her mother’s anxiety.
The Wang family’s eldest son, who held a position in the Ministry of Revenue, drank tea without saying a word. The second son, who was in business, had a restless personality and paced back and forth in the hall.
“Big Brother, I heard from a close friend that His Majesty intends to eliminate our Wang family this time?” the second son said as he walked, his tone urgent.
Madam Wang’s eyes grew more worried, and she looked at her eldest son for confirmation.
The eldest son put down his teacup and said in a steady voice, “There is some trouble. Yuan Xiong and Qin Yuandao have listed many charges, the most troublesome of which is embezzling military funds.”
“Remember the former Vice Minister of Revenue, Zhou Xian Ping? He was Father’s man and did indeed embezzle military funds. When his house was searched, the entire Zhou household only had a few thousand taels. Where did the money go? They’re saying it’s all in our Wang family.”
“That’s complete nonsense,” the second son gritted his teeth in anger.
The eldest son pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed tiredly:
“In the past, Father was in the Emperor’s favor, so it wasn’t a problem. During the Chu Province massacre case, Father offended His Majesty too severely. That’s the root of the problem.”
Madam Wang said anxiously, “What should we do? What should we do?”
Wang Si Mu quickly comforted her mother, then frowned and said:
“You two, say less. If you can’t come up with a solution, don’t just pour out your grievances here. What good does it do except add to Mother’s worries?”
She then continued to comfort her mother, saying softly, “Father has been Prime Minister for over ten years. What storms hasn’t he weathered? He knows what he’s doing. Isn’t he in the study discussing with the uncles now?”
The eldest son looked at his sister and shook his head. There had been crises before, but never as dangerous as this one. Is fighting with political enemies the same as fighting with His Majesty?
As they were talking, the steward hurriedly came to report. He glanced at everyone in the hall and looked at Wang Si Mu: “Miss, Young Master Xu is outside and wishes to see you.”
The second brother sneered, “At a time like this, he still has the leisure for romance?”
Madam Wang and the eldest son both frowned.
They knew that Second Young Master Xu and their daughter were close. Wang Si Mu had a strong personality and was exceptionally intelligent. In the family, except for Wang Zhen Wen, no one could control her.
So they just turned a blind eye and let her be.
But now that the Wang family was in crisis, Second Young Master Xu’s frequent visits inexplicably annoyed them.
Wang Si Mu glanced sideways at her second brother, rose gracefully, and said, “Show him to the outer hall.”
She patted her mother’s hand and left directly, crossing the inner courtyard and walking through the winding corridors. Miss Wang met Second Young Master Xu in the reception hall.
He sat in a chair, covering his face with his sleeve, dodging and hiding.
“What’s wrong with Second Young Master?” Wang Si Mu peered at him for a while, but he kept dodging.
“It’s nothing…”
Second Young Master Xu said, “I came to bring you something.”
As he spoke, he pointed with his other hand at the tea table. Only then did Wang Si Mu notice a stack of letters on the table.
Wang Si Mu curiously opened the letters and looked at them for a few moments. Her delicate body trembled, and her beautiful big eyes filled with shock.
“These… these secret letters, where did Second Young Master get them from?” she asked, her small mouth slightly open, her face pale.
“From my big brother,” Second Young Master Xu answered.
From Xu Qi An? He’s Marquis Wei’s confidant, how could he possibly help my father… Wang Si Mu’s eyes turned, and she looked again at Second Young Master Xu’s evasive manner.
Her heart sank, and she suddenly pulled away his sleeve.
“Ah…”
Wang Si Mu let out a cry of surprise.
She saw that Second Young Master Xu’s cheeks were swollen, his nose bridge was bruised, and his lips were split in several places, looking as if he had been severely beaten.
“Did your big brother do this? Because… because of these secret letters?” Wang Si Mu’s lips trembled.
“I fell by myself,” Second Young Master Xu flatly denied.
Wang Si Mu’s tears “whooshed” out, falling like broken strings of pearls.
“He… he beat you like this…” Miss Wang wept uncontrollably.
Big Brother’s strategy works… Second Young Master Xu inwardly marveled, while explaining aloud, “I fell by myself.”
He didn’t waste time and said, “These secret letters are from Big Brother, but he has a condition. I need to speak to Prime Minister Wang in person.”
Wang Si Mu took out a silk handkerchief from her sleeve and carefully wiped away her tears. Her gaze at Second Young Master Xu was full of love.
She nodded, “I’ll take you to him right away.”
…
In the spacious study, sandalwood incense wafted gently. Prime Minister Wang held a cup of tea, frowning silently.
Grand Secretary of Wuying Hall Qian Qingshu, Grand Secretary of Jianji Hall Chen Qi, Minister of Justice Sun, and other confidants were gathered, their expressions grave.
“From His Majesty’s intentions, will it be our turn in a few days?” Qian Qingshu said in a deep voice.
Grand Secretary of Jianji Hall Chen Qi had a hot temper. He slammed the table angrily and cursed, “The Chu Province massacre was entirely due to the Huai Prince’s insanity. How can it be tolerated? I might as well retire from office.”
The Minister of Personnel snorted coldly, “If you retire, wouldn’t that be exactly what the Qin fellow wants?”
Prime Minister Wang sat in the main seat, savoring his fragrant tea, silently listening to his colleagues argue. The old man had navigated the treacherous waters of officialdom for half his life and had never lost his composure.
Seeing the arguments subside slightly, Prime Minister Wang asked, “What’s Marquis Wei’s attitude?”
“He turned us away,” Qian Qingshu said with a grim face.
“Not surprising,” Prime Minister Wang nodded. “His Majesty still needs to use him. Marquis Wei’s usefulness far exceeds ours.”
The Minister of Personnel sneered, “Would His Majesty tolerate him dominating alone?”
Prime Minister Wang took a sip of tea and said steadily, “Many years ago, I felt he was tired of court struggles. He wants to command troops again. If I’m not mistaken, the Huai Prince’s death had something to do with him.”
“Minister Sun, you’re in charge of the Ministry of Justice. You must keep a tight rein and not let the Court of Judicial Review and the Censorate confirm the charges.”
Minister of Justice Sun nodded.
“Minister Xu, I know you support the Crown Prince. Take this opportunity to liaise with other Crown Prince supporters.”
The Minister of Personnel nodded.
Then, Prime Minister Wang spoke calmly, looking around at everyone: “Retiring from office isn’t so bad. Think of it as a bold retreat in the face of danger, better than a miserable end. Moreover, after retiring, one can be reinstated. A gentleman should know how to seek advantages and avoid disadvantages, to retreat when it’s time to retreat.”
At this moment, there was a knock on the door, and Wang Si Mu’s soft and melodious voice rang out: “Father, your daughter seeks an audience on an urgent matter.”