Chapter 398: Mouse Eating Grain

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A gentle "All clear, court adjourned."While nothing happened in the hall, the entire dynasty was already in turmoil. Any single promotion today would have been the talk of the capital for months, but such a sudden wave of promotions easily bewildered people. Hundreds of officials rose and slowly walked out of the hall. Most of the older officials congratulated Elder Huan Wen, who had been transferred to the position of Left Servant of the Menxia Province. His multiple-rank promotion was universally welcomed, with no one showing jealousy or envy. The younger, popular officials flocked to Jin Lanting, calling him "brother" and creating a lively scene. They had expected Jin Lanting to serve as the Emperor's close attendant, the Imperial Diarist, for a few more years before returning to a key position. Unexpectedly, he leaped to become the Right Libationer of the Imperial Academy, a position left vacant by Master Song Er. At just over thirty, he held a respectable third-rank official title and became the leader of tens of thousands of imperial students. His reputation spread far and wide, and everyone knew that Jin Lanting, an outsider, was destined for a meteoric rise in officialdom. They couldn't help but wonder if he was truly the next Grand Chancellor Zhang in the making.

After returning greetings to everyone, Jin Lanting quickened his pace and approached Elder Huan and the Yao family patriarch, the newly appointed Left Libationer. He respectfully bowed. The two elders smiled and simultaneously helped up the young man, who could no longer be described simply as a "new elite." The three had connections through the Imperial Academy, forming an inherent bond, and their relationship was subtly closer. Furthermore, Jin Lanting had long been a semi-disciple of Yao Baifeng. Outside the circle of officials leaving the hall, these three formed one core group. Another core group consisted of Zhang Julu, Gu Jiantang, and Chen Zhibao; no one dared to approach them for even a polite greeting. Then there were the "Three Lus"—Lu Daolin, Lu Baijie, and Lu Shenxiang—brothers who would later create an interesting dynamic in the Ministry of War with two Lus serving as vice-ministers.

The various feudal lords dispersed, and any conversations they had with capital officials were superficial and non-committal. After Jiaodong Prince Zhao Sui found his heir Zhao Yi, he glanced back at the solitary white-haired man, but did not go forward to speak a few words. Yet, when this prince, whose influence in Liangliao was steadily diminishing, cast his gaze, the Beiliang heir, with a saber at his waist, quietly clasped his fists, bowed his head, and respectfully offered a silent salute. Zhao Sui's expression remained unchanged as he turned and walked on. Zhao Yi, also a princely heir but an unknown figure, was somewhat lost in thought until he heard his father's light cough and quickly caught up. Xu Fengnian walked with a clear mind, glancing at Jin Lanting, who was surrounded by people ahead. The small county official who had once been terrified by him was now truly riding the wave of success, advancing so quickly that his promotion speed was almost comparable to that of Grand Chancellor Zhang Julu. Xu Fengnian had no fondness for this highly shrewd opportunist. He thought, "You're pulling up the ladder after climbing it; I'm afraid that when you want to come down later, you won't be able to, and will only fall straight down."

Besides Jin Lanting, there was also Yan Jiexie, who became a royal relative after defecting from Beiliang. He married off a daughter and gained the status of an imperial in-law along with a concrete position as a Grand Academician of the Palace Hall. This was an extremely profitable deal. This old man filled the position in the Dongyuan Pavilion among the Grand Academicians of the Three Halls and Three Pavilions. After Huan Wen was appointed Grand Academician of the Wenting Pavilion, which was the foremost of the three pavilions, only the Wuying Hall, reserved for Zhang Julu after his death, remained vacant. Moreover, Yao Baifeng, whose family roots were close to Beiliang, was also drawn into the capital, enjoying high office and generous emoluments. This move would likely stir up the civilian officials in Beiliang. Xu Fengnian had originally intended to return to Beiliang this time via the Yao family, hoping to "entice and persuade" Yao family members to join the Beiliang administration, which urgently needed a large number of mid-level civil officials. In the past, the Yao family had adopted a coy stance, only flirting with Beiliang but never fully committing. Now, they had openly entered the Emperor Zhao's imperial bedchamber, which, for Xu Fengnian, simplified matters.

Unconsciously, Xu Fengnian fell behind everyone. After stepping out of the main hall's threshold, he stood at the top of the steps and paused. He saw Yan Chiji, the newly appointed Imperial Steward, walking beside his father. Several times, Yan Chiji tried to turn back, but Yan Jiexie subtly held him back. Xu Fengnian smiled. It was a good thing his sister was about to become the Crown Princess, backing him up. Otherwise, with this boy's timid and gentle nature, the young nobles of the capital would have long since devoured him whole.

Xu Fengnian looked around but did not see Kong Wuchi, whom he hadn't met in many years. Presumably, his official rank was still insufficient, and he lacked the qualifications to participate in court meetings. Xu Fengnian leaned one hand on the carved dragon railing. He knew that the fact that seven people did not kneel in the imperial court this time was mostly thanks to him, or more precisely, the Emperor giving immense face to Xu Xiao. However, after the sweet treat came the firm blows: prying the Yao family from Beiliang and incorporating them into the capital, and promoting Jin Lanting exceptionally to vex and disgust Beiliang. As for Chen Zhibao temporarily taking charge of the Ministry of War, it wouldn't delay his ennoblement as the Prince of Shu. It was merely that Emperor Zhao held Chen in such high regard, leading to this 'icing on the cake' gesture. This behavior was like a man who, after much effort, finally wins over a long-admired woman, eager to lavish all his finest cosmetics, hairpins, and splendid robes upon her to show his sincerity. Furthermore, the imperial court absolutely could not miss this rare opportunity. Having Chen Zhibao take over the Ministry of War—a tightly controlled and vital department—would not only command respect and suppress the habitually unruly officials there, but also provide an honorable way out for both the court and Gu Jiantang. Otherwise, even if Gu Jiantang were granted the unique title of Grand Pillar of the State, handing over the powerful and crucial position of Minister of War without anyone to take on such a "hot potato" would still be a great blow to Gu Jiantang's prestige. Calculations in court have always been about intricate interconnectedness.

Xu Fengnian placed a hand on the Beiliang saber at his waist and chuckled to himself, "Master, no wonder you said that court calculations have two magic weapons: the hidden blade in the sleeve, and the honeyed words with a sword in the heart."

Xu Fengnian walked down the steps, glancing back at the main hall's eaves. Years ago, three people had once drunk and sung on that very rooftop. In the plaza, several eunuchs moved back and forth, cleaning the ground. Among them, they picked up lost jade pendants from careless officials. When they saw the white-robed man, the last to exit the imperial city gate, they felt a degree of awe. Regardless of his notoriety, he was, after all, a figure who carried a saber to court, not someone petty eunuchs could provoke or ridicule. Moreover, even a fool knew that after Chen Zhibao left Beiliang, the fate of the non-imperial Prince of Beiliang was no longer a mystery. After Xu Fengnian exited the gate, he saw a figure in a vibrant red python robe, clearly waiting for him. Many officials intentionally stopped far away, eager to witness an interesting spectacle.

Chen Zhibao, who had traveled alone to Shu and then entered the capital by himself, was perceived by everyone as someone whose significant power as the new Minister of War was perfectly fitting, not presumptuous. As for Xu Fengnian, whom not even the Human Butcher combined with 300,000 iron cavalry could elevate, everyone largely assumed that if he simply became a leisurely imperial son-in-law, all would be well.

As Xu Fengnian approached, the two walked side-by-side along the base of the wall. Xu Fengnian asked with a soft chuckle, "Last time you went to Shu, I didn't get to see you off. You don't mind, do you?"Chen Zhibao gently replied, "It's fine. When you become the King of Beiliang someday, I might not be able to attend the ceremony either. We owe each other nothing."Xu Fengnian simply smiled.

Chen Zhibao was no longer in white robes; instead, the white-haired man beside him wore a splendid white python robe, a testament to unpredictable circumstances. Chen Zhibao, who had transformed like a dragon when facing trials after leaving the isolated Beiliang, calmly asked, "You've done well as the Beiliang heir. Do you have the confidence to do well as the King of Beiliang?"Xu Fengnian retorted, "If I can't do it well, are you going to do it instead?"Chen Zhibao turned to look at the Beiliang heir, with whom he had few interactions, and smiled, "Your temperament is indeed like the Grand General's."Xu Fengnian asked directly, "How many years will you serve as Minister of War before being ennobled as Prince in Shu? Will you still remotely command the Ministry of War then?"Although they were mortal enemies, Chen Zhibao was remarkably straightforward. He calmly stated, "First, I'll be ennobled as prince but won't take up residence in Shu for a year or two. Then, after taking up residence, I'll irregularly remotely command the Ministry of War for another year or two. So, you have a few more years to accumulate strength. However, when my patience runs out, Northern Mang will likely launch a large-scale invasion southward. At that point, you'll be attacked from both front and back. If you still haven't opened up the Western Regions, then be prepared to deplete all the resources the Grand General accumulated. But I can tell you clearly: if you fail to preserve the family legacy and the Xu family is forced to flee to the Western Regions, I will definitely be the first to intercept and kill you. Dying by plum wine would at least befit your status; it's better than being secretly assassinated by the court."Xu Fengnian's hand glided over the city wall; he remained silent.

The Beiliang heir, normally known for his smooth talk, was silent, while Chen Zhibao, usually grim and taciturn, spoke more. "I've waited for so many years and didn't see you die by accident, nor do I mind waiting a few more years for you to die in the great struggle between the two dynasties. The 300,000 iron cavalry of Beiliang—they belong to adoptive father, they are his. As his former adopted son, it's not proper for me to contend for them, nor do I dare to seize them. But you, someone who hasn't even experienced the Spring and Autumn Wars, cannot simply gain control of them, no matter how skilled you are at feigning weakness and biding your time, or how you appear outwardly simple but are inwardly brilliant. There are many things in this world that are self-evident truths, but unfortunately, this is not one of them."Xu Fengnian's fingers touched the cool wall. He calmly said, "I'll wait for you."Chen Zhibao smiled faintly and turned to leave.Neither a quarrel nor a fight broke out, much to the disappointment of the onlookers. They quickly dispersed, fearing that they might be remembered with resentment by the new Minister of War.

Xu Fengnian continued walking along the base of the wall, then encountered Princess Suizhu, who was disguised. She had been waiting there for him, and without any surprise, she sneered, "It's true that comparison highlights differences. When two people stand together, the gap is like heaven and earth. I'm embarrassed for you."Xu Fengnian retorted bluntly, "You're truly incorrigible."Princess Suizhu flew into a rage, "Xu! Do you dare to say that again?!"Xu Fengnian suddenly pointed to the top of the wall. "Look, there's another sparrow."Princess Suizhu walked over and kicked Xu Fengnian, but she was the one who ended up hurting herself. On the way back to the palace from Xiamawei Post Station, Zhang Huan, a member of the exiled royal family of Dongyue, admitted that the Beiliang heir had impressive martial skills. However, Zhao Fengya, with her stubborn nature that refused to believe until faced with undeniable proof, was unwilling to accept it.

Xu Fengnian boldly reached out and pinched her delicate nose, covering her playful freckles. He teased, "Now you finally look a bit better."Zhao Fengya flailed her arms and struck wildly. After Xu Fengnian let go, he foolishly said, "Stop trying to use your undeserving 'honey trap' on me repeatedly. It's not like I can marry you as an imperial son-in-law. Do you want to marry into Beiliang and become a princess?"Zhao Fengya spat, then aggressively said, "Look in a mirror and see your own virtue!"Xu Fengnian squinted and smiled, "Be careful, you might be married off to Chen Zhibao."Princess Suizhu froze for a moment, then her clear eyes filled with unconcealed fear and panic.

Xu Fengnian turned and walked forward, saying, "I just said it casually. But I'm always a jinx."Zhao Fengya chased after him and landed a hard punch on Xu Fengnian's back.Xu Fengnian didn't react, turning towards his carriage.Princess Suizhu gritted her teeth and said, "Do you know about the six-character prophecy from the Imperial Observatory? 'Rats eat grain! Shu eats Liang!'"Xu Fengnian turned his head and chuckled, "Then why don't you hurry up and become the Princess of Shu?"Zhao Fengya scoffed, "Can you really let something like that happen? Once Chen Zhibao becomes a royal relative, even if you become King of Beiliang, will you have a single day of peace?"

Xu Fengnian blinked, then turned back and whispered in her ear, "Xu Xiao also asked me to pass on a message to you: if you are truly forced to go to Western Shu, tell him."Uncharacteristically, Princess Suizhu didn't retort. She blinked in response and whispered, "You're not lying to me?"Xu Fengnian stated solemnly, "Of course I am lying to you."Zhao Fengya nearly fainted from anger, shouting that she would kill him. Her elegant white python robe was now covered in countless footprints and dust.She leaned weakly against the wall, watching helplessly as the scoundrel walked further and further away, cursing, "'Rats eat grain, eat you all up! The King of Shu kills the King of Liang, kills you!'"To her surprise, the bastard hadn't walked far when he turned, opened his mouth, and silently mouthed three words."It's true."Zhao Fengya found that she had never felt so little aversion towards her nemesis.She told herself it was pity for him, for his hair had turned white at such a young age.And after his hair turned white, he wasn't unsightly; on the contrary, he looked even better.Zhao Fengya wrinkled her nose, squatted by the wall, lost in thought, feeling both like crying and laughing.

Collapse repliesPre-deletion commentI also think White Fox Face is a girl...I just crossed the road and heard a bang. I looked back to see someone hit and mangled. Me and my buddy... Oh crap! Where's my buddy?I can sayAnd 19 more replies,Total: 1 pageReplies: 1Don't have a Baidu account yet?Then view recently played games.Today's Top 10 Hot Posts