But still, as they’d said before, whom to send remained a problem.

Back in the day, it was Song Chengru who went to handle this matter. With the advantages of being old, cunning, and thick-skinned, Song Chengru had managed the affair exceptionally well. In the end, he even returned intact and went to Yangzhou on the side to deal with Zhang Run’s embezzlement case.

But now Song Chengru was so old himself—sending him again was clearly inappropriate. At his age, what if he died on the road? Moreover, he had already become the second chief minister. There was absolutely no reason to send a second chief minister to collect grain, was there? The court relied on the cabinet to make decisions about so many matters.

Chief Minister Chang first thought of Cen Biliang, but Song Chengru immediately shook his head. “How can the Ministry of War spare anyone right now? This absolutely won’t do.”

That was true. Zijing Pass was in critical danger. Once Zijing Pass fell, wouldn’t they fight all the way to the capital? If the Minister of War wasn’t even in the capital at that time, how could the capital have any backbone?

But since Cen Biliang, the person who had proposed this matter, wouldn’t do, who else could? Chief Minister Chang frowned tightly. The rest were either insufficient in official rank, inadequate in status, or too young to command respect. It was truly difficult to decide.

Song Chengru thought of another person. “How about the Prince Consort? The Prince Consort once went to Longhu Mountain, and later to Yangquan. His experience and perspective are sufficient, and his status is entirely adequate.”

His status and position were indeed suitable, but Chief Minister Chang still shook his head. “Others can all go, but the Prince Consort absolutely cannot.”

Just now he’d said anyone could go, but now he was saying the Prince Consort couldn’t. Song Chengru raised an eyebrow, quite puzzled.

“Back then, the Zhang family affair implicated many people. Later, because the Zhang family also colluded with people to smuggle salt, didn’t the Prince Consort submit a memorial suggesting the court lock down the seas?” Chief Minister Chang sighed with mature composure. “If others go, it might still work. But if the Prince Consort really goes, those salt merchants would probably rather die than part with a single hair.”

That was indeed true. Song Chengru fell silent.

After talking in circles, how had they returned to square one again? Emperor Jianzhang frowned, extremely displeased. “This one won’t do, that one won’t do either—someone workable must be thought of.”

Just a moment ago they’d been happy about Cen Biliang’s suggestion for so long, and now what? Another bucket of cold water had been poured down. He was running out of patience. “This matter should be done sooner rather than later. The battlefield situation changes in an instant—who knows what will happen next?”

Chief Minister Chang and Song Chengru both lowered their heads, while the other several people remained even more silent, eyes watching their noses, noses watching their hearts, saying nothing at all.

This troublemaker Cen Biliang had opened and closed his mouth and settled the matter, but everyone knew this wasn’t a light assignment. Those salt merchants weren’t so easy to deal with—it was difficult! If this matter succeeded, that was naturally good, but if it failed, one would offend both the court and the Emperor, and be called useless by others. Perhaps in the future, the reasons for military defeat would all be attributed to their inability to raise funds in time. Who could bear such responsibility?

Emperor Jianzhang glared at them, about to scold them a few more times for not helping him share his burdens, when Cen Biliang frowned and stepped forward. “This old minister does have a candidate.”

A smile appeared on Emperor Jianzhang’s face. “Minister Cen, please speak freely.” At critical moments, it was still these forthright troublemakers who were reliable. The others would just shirk and play tricks. Even his teacher, Chief Minister Chang, was no exception—now was not the time to avoid suspicion.

Cen Biliang didn’t hesitate. He crisply acknowledged and then stated plainly, “This old minister believes His Highness is the best candidate.”

His Highness? Which Highness? Emperor Jianzhang didn’t react for a moment.

Chief Minister Chang and Song Chengru, however, exchanged glances, both frowning in unprecedented unison. This forthright troublemaker!

Song Chengru inwardly couldn’t help but want to curse. He had painstakingly had Song Jue leak the information to Zhou Weizhao, wasn’t it precisely to have Zhou Weizhao push someone forward as a scapegoat? With great difficulty, Ye Jingkuan had caught on and pushed forward Cen Biliang to take the blade. But now, that was just wonderful—this troublemaker Cen Biliang had singled out Zhou Weizhao again in one stroke!

Sure enough, Emperor Jianzhang asked, “Who?”

Cen Biliang spoke bluntly. “The Grand Sun is very suitable.” He was completely oblivious to the hints from Chief Minister Chang and Song Chengru, still sticking his neck out stubbornly. “The Grand Sun evaluated and settled the Yangquan rebellion—he has both courage and strategy. Moreover, he is the future heir apparent. At this juncture, only if he acts on behalf of the Son of Heaven and personally makes a trip to Jiangnan can he represent the Son of Heaven’s importance.”

Emperor Jianzhang hadn’t expected these people to ultimately set their sights on his grandson. He widened his eyes wanting to curse, but immediately held back. Cen Biliang’s words might be crude but the reasoning wasn’t—at this time, Zhou Weizhao going was undoubtedly most appropriate. Whose status could compare to his?

But to actually let Zhou Weizhao go—he absolutely couldn’t feel at ease about it. Things were chaotic right now. Once outside the capital, who knew what might happen?

Cen Biliang, however, didn’t understand reading people’s expressions and struck while the iron was hot. “Your Majesty’s sagely brilliance illuminates all. His Highness is also both intelligent and brave. With His Highness making this trip, success will certainly be swift!”

Having said this much, and Emperor Jianzhang being in front of his important ministers, how could he flatly refuse?

If Zhou Weizhao couldn’t go, then why force other ministers to go? Weren’t they all also born of parents?

Emperor Jianzhang lowered his eyes, pondering for quite a while before saying, “Let me consider it.”

After leaving the imperial study, Cen Biliang was quite puzzled and sighed. “What is there to consider? It’s just that I can’t go. If only I could go, shedding blood and sacrificing my life would be no regret!”

Chief Minister Chang glanced at him. “His Majesty naturally has His Majesty’s concerns. His Highness’s investiture ceremony is coming up very soon. If he goes at this time, won’t the investiture ceremony be unable to proceed as scheduled? Moreover, if the candidate for this trip to Jiangnan is His Highness, it will be enough to stir up a storm of blood and carnage!”

Those with grievances against the court, those harboring ulterior motives, and even those salt merchants—upon learning of Zhou Weizhao’s whereabouts and destination, wouldn’t they think of every means to devour him alive!

Song Chengru kept his head down and said nothing. Since Emperor Jianzhang had said he would consider it, it meant he thought this suggestion was feasible. And in fact, what Cen Biliang said indeed made sense. At this time, if Zhou Weizhao could go, his rallying power would truly be far greater than anyone else’s. It was just…

It was just that this was harming someone, wasn’t it!

When Ye Jingkuan heard the news, he was completely stunned. He never imagined this troublemaker Cen Biliang would actually push Zhou Weizhao forward again. This really was…

The joy he’d originally felt upon learning of Princess Rongcheng’s pregnancy immediately dissipated considerably. After a long while, he couldn’t help but curse inwardly, clenched his fists and frowned. “How can His Highness go? If anyone has ulterior motives, it’ll be another difficult battle to fight!”

He knew Cen Biliang was honest, but he hadn’t expected him to be honest to this degree…