Chapter 910: Gentlemen, Rolling Yellow Sand (Part 2)

Thank you all for your support for me and for *Sword Snow Stride* during the year-end review!

Upon hearing that His Majesty the Emperor intended to return the title of Grand Pillar State to the Xu family, Wen Shouren, the Grand Academician of the Wuying Hall, immediately looked extremely distraught. This stern old minister, once renowned for his daring act of carrying a coffin to remonstrate Xu Xiao to the death, began to tremble uncontrollably. The leader of the upright faction in officialdom, who usually gave the impression of being robust despite his age, finally showed signs of his twilight years.

In the Liyang Dynasty, while the Zhang and Gu factions were things of the past, their legacies continued. For example, Wang Xionggui, the former Minister of Revenue, became Zhang's successor; even after being posted to Guangling Dao, he still gathered a large group of civil officials from the "Eternal Grace Spring" era around him. Generals like Tang Tieshuang, Dong Gonghuang, and others entered the capital from the frontiers and various regions. The Qing faction was similar, with the promotions of Vice Minister of Personnel Wen Taiyi and Hong Lingxu—all these were part of a continuous lineage. In fact, besides these three factions, there was an even more covert one with a more complex background: the anti-Xu party, led by Wen Shouren, with Vice Minister of Rites Jin Lanting as his implicit successor, and officials like Gao Tingshu from the Ministry of War as its core members. These individuals came from all corners of the land, without ties of hometown or shared examination year. Their generations varied greatly, and their backgrounds were disparate. The former Grand General of the North, Ma Lulang, was once one of their covert masterminds.

These individuals might have disagreements on many military and state affairs, but on one matter, they always maintained a telepathic understanding: they spared no effort to suppress the reputation of the Xu family of Northern Liang in the Liyang court and the Central Plains. Simply put, this group held a deep-seated obsession with ostracizing the Xu father and son. When the former Senior Grand Secretary Zhang Julu was alive, they still had reservations and dared not let personal grudges interfere with public duty. However, after the passing of the green-eyed man, who once overshadowed the Liyang court, and after Tan Tanweng had long since broken ties with him, this group of officials seemed to act with increasing abandon, as if they had finally seen the light after the clouds parted.

For instance, the court's established plan for a million piculs of tax grain to reach Liang before autumn was disrupted by the extensive roots of these entrenched powerful families in Tai'an City. They sent numerous reassuring rumors and tacit insider information to Jing'an Dao, especially Qingzhou and Xiangfan, leading to less than half of the tax grain slowly making its way to Northern Liang to this day. As for when it would reach the granaries in Lingzhou, the grain transport officials, who had enjoyed a comfortable life on the waterways for twenty years, naturally had various skilled excuses to offer the Ministry of Revenue. Moreover, apart from sending a few seemingly stern reprimands every now and then, how could the Ministry of Revenue genuinely pursue officials for dereliction of duty? Who didn't know that the Ministry of Revenue had always been considered the Zhang faction's last stronghold? Almost all the officials holding real power in the Ministry of Revenue were scholars who had emerged during the "Eternal Grace Spring" era, each considering themselves a disciple of the former Senior Grand Secretary. And while the former Minister, Wang Xionggui, was not particularly close to the renowned Wen Shouren during his time in the capital, Wang Xionggui himself harbored a strong dislike for frontier affairs in the northwest. Furthermore, his son, Wang Youling, later developed a deep resentment towards the new King of Liang, Xu Fengnian, a well-known topic of gossip in the capital.

Most importantly, the redirection of the grain tribute from the capital to the northwest, a matter concerning the nation's destiny, had technically been separated from the Ministry of Revenue. Yet, how could the Ministry of Revenue, nominally responsible for all national taxes, truly be uninvolved? To be precise, the Ministry of Revenue's overt dealings were clean, but many high-ranking and influential Ministry officials might not have been. The movement of a million piculs of tax grain, deviating from familiar official channels, would inevitably lead to the loss of countless vested interests. Once the nation's grain transport, previously flowing into the capital and the two Liao regions, became a three-way split with the addition of Northern Liang as a regular route, it would mean that the annual million-picul profit from grain transport would be gone. The large group of powerful families in Tai'an City behind the grain transport officials, including the Duke of Yan, Gao Shizhi, and the Marquis of Huaiyang, Song Daoning, had profited from this. When the old Liyang Emperor bestowed honors upon meritorious officials, following Yuan Benxi's plan, it was roughly "power to civil officials, money to military generals," emphasizing civil authority over military in court. Prince Zhao Yang of Changshan Commandery was also among them. And it was families like those of Gao Shizhi and Song Daoning who gained access to the lucrative grain transport business. However, Gao and Song were more discreet in their dealings and had smaller shares. Over the years, they had also implicitly warned their family members involved in grain transport to act with a low profile. The gradual withdrawal of these two dukes and marquises also led to the arrogance of many other families growing rampant, to the point where "insatiably greedy" would not be an exaggeration. When Zhang Julu attempted to reform grain transport and the bureaucracy, why was it so difficult? Because these two matters offended officials at both high and low levels throughout Liyang officialdom. While there was no strong backlash, the reforms also achieved little, as no one in officialdom was truly independent; who wasn't connected by kinship or old ties? After Zhang Julu was imprisoned, the entire court was struck silent. While this was partly due to the green-eyed man's crony, Huan Wen, standing by, and partly due to Zhang Julu allowing his faction to fall apart, wasn't it also due to the selfish motives of those Liyang civil and military officials who felt they had suffered under him?

Who would think that dealing with the Xu family of the northwest was an easy and pleasant matter? And who would dare to rigidly apply the rules of Liyang officialdom to the Northern Liang frontier army? Who possessed the courage to go to the northwest and demand kickbacks from Xu family officials? Weren't they afraid of having their heads chopped off by those Northern Liang barbarians?

Thus, the Ministry of Revenue's true attitude towards the grain shipment to Liang was predictable: delay it as much as possible. In fact, this strategy perfectly aligned with the advice Wen Taiyi presented to His Majesty during the smaller court session.

Suddenly, the young emperor smiled and asked, "Cai Nan, Han Lin, your jurisdictions are closest to Northern Liang. What do you think of the prospects for the second Northern Liang-Mang battle?"

Han Lin, a pure civil official not skilled in military affairs, naturally would not speak first on such a question. Military Governor Cai Nan, who had been urgently summoned to the capital, also did not equivocate. Having prepared his thoughts, he cleared his throat slightly, showing no nervousness, and soon spoke loudly, "Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, this engagement, for both Northern Liang and Northern Mang, will be a protracted and arduous battle. A victory will be bleak, and a defeat will drain even more vitality. Northern Liang initially had a military disadvantage, but they hold the momentum from winning the first Northern Liang-Mang war. The northwest frontier army possesses an extremely strong desire to fight. In battles with comparable numbers, Northern Liang's combat power is definitely superior. Moreover, in the first conflict, Northern Liang's elite cavalry suffered very few casualties. The Great Snow Dragon Cavalry remains fully intact, not to mention the two heavy cavalry units that were previously kept secret are also poised for action. Furthermore, the cavalry units of He Zhonghu and Zhou Kang did not participate in the first major battle at all. On the other hand, for Northern Mang, Yang Yuanzan's entire army was annihilated inside Hulu Pass in Youzhou, and at that time, Liu Gui's direct forces in Xizhou on the western front also suffered heavy casualties, with nearly ten thousand Qiang cavalry completely wiped out. Now, the second major battle has not even officially begun. In the Battle of Longyan Plain, not only were Northern Mang's elite 'Horse Stall Troops' largely killed or wounded, but Hong Jingyan's Rouran Iron Cavalry was also dispersed, and Dong Zhuo's personal cavalry suffered significant damage. This is definitely a major hidden danger despite Northern Mang's surface numerical superiority. I believe both Northern Liang and Northern Mang are now re-evaluating their strategies based on this."

The young emperor softly sighed with emotion, "Truly worthy of the Northern Liang Iron Cavalry, unmatched under heaven!"

The Northern Liang Iron Cavalry, unmatched under heaven.

This phrase, not unfamiliar in the Central Plains but not necessarily recognized, was perhaps publicly uttered for the first time in Liyang officialdom today, and from the lips of a Zhao Emperor at that.

Military Commissioner Han Lin, now darker-skinned compared to his refined scholarly demeanor when serving in the capital, had also become much more composed and restrained in his bearing, exuding a rugged frontier air. Compared to the graceful and leisurely civil officials who had long resided in the court, like Wen Shouren and Jin Lanting, a subtle sense of distance had emerged between them. Among the dozen or so Military Commissioners who left Tai'an City to govern various regions, Han Lin was a truly significant promotion, placed with high hopes by the court, rather than being demoted from a central position. Liyang truly held this former Vice Minister of Justice in high regard.

The Zhao Emperor looked at this Military Commissioner, who sent secret dispatches to the capital via Zhao Gou's spies every ten days, with a gentle gaze. "Han Lin, you've worked hard this past year."

Han Lin bowed respectfully, saying with trepidation, "Your humble servant has failed to live up to Your Majesty's grace!"

The young emperor smiled, "You have done very well. If not for Cai Nan... you might have become the first Liyang Military Commissioner to die on the battlefield, and I would have lost an arm. Han Lin, never act so recklessly again. A civil official's loyalty to the country is never displayed on the battlefield. I have never doubted your loyalty, otherwise I would not have made you a frontier Military Commissioner."

Aside from Tang Tieshuang, who remained the de facto head of the Ministry of War as Minister Wu Zhongxuan was still familiarizing himself with departmental affairs, all the civil officials in the Hall of Cultivating Spirit were utterly bewildered. Even veterans like Zhao Yang, Gao Shizhi, and Song Daoning, who had gradually emerged from behind the scenes to regain military authority, did not understand why His Majesty had said such a thing.

However, for Han Lin to receive such direct verbal commendation meant that he was destined to return to the central government in the future, and might even successfully take charge of one of the three departments. This was truly unexpected, as Han Lin was a disciple of the Zhang faction in his early years. Yet, compared to Zhao Youling and Yin Maochun, he seemed slightly less talented, and compared to Yuan Guo, he was inferior in terms of learning and character. Even when compared to Wang Xionggui, he had many disadvantages. Perhaps this was the so-called "late blooming of a great talent." In officialdom, there are countless examples of people who are in high favor one day and face reckoning the next. Instead, stable characters like Han Lin tend to have more staying power.

After a seemingly casual exchange between monarch and subject, the young emperor again brought up the matter of formally conferring the young vassal king Xu Fengnian with the title of Grand Pillar State, the highest military honor. This time, the hall was again silent, but compared to the earlier undercurrents, many officials' eyes now clearly held a sense of resignation.

The young emperor lightly traced the imperial decree on his knee. "Regarding the grain tribute, the Ministry of Revenue shall draft another proposal and send it to the Hall of Cultivating Spirit. If there is any local resistance, the Ministry of Revenue can consult with Vice Minister Tang of the Ministry of War. We must ensure that the grain tribute arrives in Liang before the imperial decree reaches Northern Liang."

At this point, the young emperor glanced at Gao Shizhi and Song Daoning. Both men simultaneously felt a tremor in their hearts. After the emperor's gaze moved away, they exchanged bitter smiles—unwarranted misfortune. The income of the Duke of Yan's mansion and the Marquis of Huaiyang's mansion from grain transport had long been diluted to a negligible extent. The true "national granary rats" now were none other than three members of the Zhao imperial clan who shared the same surname as the nation. Two of them were elderly Zhao family members who had long been uninterested in court affairs. The last was a newly ascendant imperial clan noble who recently plunged into this murky water, supposedly a result of the former's strenuous efforts to win over the latter. And the latter, after suddenly gaining power during the Xiangfu era through a son-in-law, had clearly become somewhat carried away, feeling several pounds lighter in his bones. Upon hearing of such a risk-free and profitable business, he plunged in decisively after just one night of drinking and merriment. In the past six months, the minimum dividend was 2.5 million taels of silver. Gao Shizhi and Song Daoning, even at their peak of extended reach, never exceeded 500,000 taels. It should be noted that the successful son-in-law of that prince was currently standing in the Hall of Cultivating Spirit, positioned only after Qi Yanglong and Huan Wen, and on par with Zhao Youling, Yin Maochun, and Wu Zhongxuan! So why did His Majesty not look at him, but instead admonish the Duke of Yan and the Marquis of Huaiyang? It was simple: that young man, unknowingly wronged by his father-in-law yet remaining unscathed, was named Chen Wang. In Liyang officialdom, he was always respectfully addressed as "Young Protector Chen." He was a crucial central minister and even a close confidant of the emperor. In terms of trustworthiness, even the Yan Jixi and Yan Chiji father-son duo, who were imperial relatives, probably couldn't compare.

At this moment, Chen Wang, the Regular Attendant to the Imperial Censorate from the Secretariat Bureau, stood expressionless, holding his breath, showing no abnormality.

Jin Lanting narrowed his eyes, carefully scrutinizing Chen Wang's back in front of him, his gaze shadowed.

At today's small court assembly, Grand Academician Wen Shouren was uncomfortable, and he, the Vice Minister of Rites who aspired to control Liyang's scholarly lineage, was also greatly disappointed. Earlier, His Majesty mentioned appointing a person of high virtue and reputation as the chief examiner for the spring imperial examination. This meant that Jin Sanlang, whose official career was still relatively short, had missed a great opportunity to become the shared "seat master" for all scholars participating in next spring's examination. And the titles "seat master" (座师) and "room master" (房师), though differing by one character, represented a world of difference. During the Eternal Grace era, when Zhang Julu and Tan Tanweng jointly controlled the imperial examinations, why did everyone prefer to refer to themselves as "disciples of the Zhang faction, junior students of the Senior Grand Secretary"? It wasn't merely because Zhang Julu held a higher official position than Huan Wen, nor solely the difference between chief and deputy examiners. The key lay in the fact that Huan Wen was only responsible for dividing rooms and reviewing papers; even those personally selected by Huan Wen needed Zhang Julu's approval to pass.

Jin Lanting had originally thought that after Qi Yanglong explicitly stated he wouldn't get involved in the spring examination and Yao Baifeng voluntarily packed up and left the Imperial Academy, he would at least secure one of the three chief or deputy examiner positions. As for whether he could take overall charge as the chief examiner, Jin Lanting was not without ambition. But he never expected such a dismal outcome.

The subsequent small court assembly primarily discussed the deployment of troops in Guangling Dao. Lu Shengxiang emerged as the biggest winner. Vice Minister of War Xu Gong remained stationed in Jizhou, while Lu Shengxiang was reappointed as the main commander for the southern campaign. Compared to the previous time, when he was constrained at every turn, this time His Majesty the Emperor personally granted Lu Shengxiang discretionary powers in the Hall of Cultivating Spirit. Half of the Ministry of War and the entire京畿 (Jingji, capital region) forces were aligned to him, and he was also granted control over the vast territory of the Central Plains' fourteen prefectures, including Jing'an Dao. Furthermore, he half-jokingly uttered, "When a great general is outside, he may not be bound by all imperial commands." Thus, Lu Shengxiang seemed to leap to a position above that of a Military Governor, and from the moment he stepped out of the Hall of Cultivating Spirit today, he virtually commanded half of the Liyang Dynasty's military forces.

Wu Zhongxuan's face remained impassive, but even a fool would understand that this Minister of War, who hailed from a remote region, was likely cursing under his breath.

After the small court assembly concluded, the young emperor looked fatigued and did not detain any official for further private discussions.

These officials, considered pillars of Liyang, left in an orderly procession.

Lu Shengxiang, who had been a laughingstock in the capital's official circles just the day before, was now surrounded by incessant congratulations.

Gao Shizhi and Song Daoning, as expected, walked together. However, Chen Wang, who usually had little interaction with them, suddenly joined them. He didn't speak, merely offered an apologetic smile.

Everything was understood without words.

After Young Protector Chen departed, Gao Shizhi and Song Daoning exchanged smiles, the bitterness from the Hall of Cultivating Spirit gone.

When intelligent people deal with intelligent people, some matters are best left unsaid. It's more reassuring than explicit promises.

Working alongside scholars like Chen Wang, no matter how high-ranking and influential the other party might be, was ultimately a comfortable and pleasant experience; it was hard to dislike them.

Gao Shizhi joked, "To be stuck with a father-in-law who only knows how to hinder things, our Young Protector Chen is truly wronged."

Song Daoning glared and whispered, "This is a sensitive palace area. Don't you even know to guard your words? And how much better are you?"

Gao Shizhi merely smiled it off.

Just then, Prince Zhao Yang of Changshan Commandery suddenly let out a soft exclamation, startling civil officials like Wen Shouren. They looked up to see a child of seven or eight years old appear at the corner. Officials familiar with the Prince of Changshan's mansion recognized the little one as Zhao Yang's eldest legitimate grandson, currently studying in the Diligence Chamber within the imperial palace, where numerous imperial descendants gathered. All Liyang imperial clan youths considered it an honor to enter the Diligence Chamber. The Hall of Cultivating Spirit was located at the intersection of the outer and inner courts, and was a top-tier military secrets area. Logically, even if the old prince's beloved grandson was playful and got lost, he absolutely should not have appeared in everyone's sight. The rule of immediate execution for anyone approaching within one hundred paces of the Hall of Cultivating Spirit without reason was not just for show. No wonder Zhao Yang was so furious; the old man, who had navigated officialdom his entire life, was genuinely terrified.

The child, studying in the Diligence Chamber, was scared pale by his grandfather. His little face crumpled, a pitiful sight, wanting to cry but daring not.

However, a young man in white quickly appeared beside the child. His eyes were closed, his expression serene, with a slight smile. He reached out and patted the child's head, then "looked" in the direction of Prince Zhao Yang, following the sound. "Old Prince, please don't be angry. I asked Zhao Yuan to guide me. I had already informed the Directorate of Palace Attendants beforehand, so I did not overstep any palace prohibitions."

The old prince was stunned, unable to grasp the reason for a moment. After much thought, he recalled that his grandson had recently mentioned that the Diligence Chamber had a new blind chief master, surnamed Lu, who possessed immense knowledge, knew everything from astronomy to geography, and had an excellent temper, never hitting students with a rod. At the time, the old prince wondered how a blind man could become one of the chief masters of the Diligence Chamber. Although Liyang was not like the Dafeng Dynasty, which judged officials by their appearance, it was still uncommon for a blind man to become an official. Serving as an advisor in a local capacity would be acceptable. Later, the old prince inquired and learned that this blind scholar had once been an advisor to Prince Zhao Xuan of Jing'an and had ghostwritten the influential "Four Remonstrances and Thirteen Strategies" for the Prince of Jing'an's mansion in the late Yonghui era. Later, for some unknown reason, he settled in Tai'an City. Zhao Yang was somewhat dismissive of this, figuring he was just another scholar like Jin Lanting, a fence-sitter who swayed with the wind.

After listening to the explanation from this young man, who held the esteemed position of chief master of the Diligence Chamber, the old prince still snorted with a stern face and said testily to his grandson, "What are you wandering about for? Get back to your studies!"

The child, who at home and among his elders was terrified of the old prince, this time uncharacteristically disobeyed the "military order," gritting his teeth and trembling, "Grandpa, I still need to guide Master Lu. Master told us, 'He who walks a hundred li considers ninety as half-way,' and the last ten li reveal one's true character and disposition. I've only walked half-way..."

The old prince, accustomed to everyone in his mansion obeying his every command, immediately flew into a rage. The imposing aura he had accumulated over half a lifetime of military service surged. "You brat, half-way my foot! How dare you argue with me? If you're so capable, don't come back to the Prince of Changshan's mansion tonight; sleep on the street outside!"

The blind young man smiled gently. "Isn't the purpose of a scholar's studies to understand and practice propriety, and thus act according to reason? Why can't one reason with elders?"

The kind and amiable master of the Diligence Chamber contrasted sharply with the aggressive Prince of the Zhao clan.

Even many Liyang dignitaries walking ahead couldn't help but stop and turn around, watching with anticipation.

The old prince glanced at the smooth-faced young master, disdaining to say more. Then he continued to glare fiercely at the child. "Are you rebelling? How many 'sheath meals' do you want to eat tonight, hm?!"

Most high-ranking officials in Tai'an City had heard of "sheath meals"—it was Prince Zhao Yang's ultimate method for disciplining his family's younger generation. In fact, even the Duke of Yan and the Marquis of Huaiyang, whose mansions were close to the old prince's, had mostly endured Zhao Yang's unceremonious sheath beatings in their youth. He would facetiously say, "If your elders can't manage you, I'll take the trouble to manage you for them. It's no trouble at all, no need to thank me, Zhao Yang."

Upon hearing the words "sheath meals," the child's legs trembled even more.

The young man squatted down and whispered a few words to the child. The child nodded vigorously, then, as if greased, quickly scurried away from the contentious spot. Only then did the blind scholar from Qingzhou stand up and smile. "'Sticks produce filial sons,' this is not false. But if a family only has sticks and no poetry or books, it will only produce foolish filial piety. Even if there is loyalty and righteousness to one's family, it's hard to have loyalty and righteousness to the nation, which benefits neither the monarch nor the state, nor bestows grace upon the common people."

The old prince sneered, "You're quite good at spouting grand principles, worthy of being a chief master of the Diligence Chamber. It's just a pity I'm not interested in your nonsense today. To be honest, I killed many like you, corrupt scholars full of benevolence and righteousness, during the Spring and Autumn Wars! Now that you're working in the Diligence Chamber, I don't have the means to bother you. You're lucky you were born twenty years later!"

The older generation of officials from the Eternal Grace era actually knew that this Prince of Changshan Commandery was notoriously outspoken. Even the revered teachers of Zhang Julu and Huan Wen had unfortunately experienced Zhao Yang's verbal assaults.

The young scholar's smile remained, and he no longer engaged in verbal sparring with Prince Zhao Yang.

Wu Zhongxuan, observing with a cool eye, smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with this old prince, who despite his remarkable military achievements, seemed born at the wrong time.

Jin Lanting harbored some well-hidden schadenfreude.

The former mad scholar of the Imperial Academy, Sun Yin; the current fledgling phoenix of the Hanlin Academy, Song Keli; the ten-dan chess master, Fan Changhou; and this sudden emergence of the white-clad commoner, Lu Xu – the Vice Minister of Rites regarded all of them as future formidable threats in officialdom.

And Qi Yanglong, Huan Wen, and Chen Wang all frowned in unison. Especially Young Protector Chen, who this year once again became the Autumn Greeting Official, subtly showed a rare hint of anger.

During this time, only one person was truly terrified: the former General of Qingzhou, Hong Lingxu.

Back then, the Lu clan of Qingzhou's gentry met with disaster. Only one young boy, after blinding himself, survived by chance because his official career was definitively cut off. Afterward, it was said he earned a living by gambling at chess in Yongzi Lane and by being a zither player in a brothel—both lowly professions. Even though later, for some unknown reason, he became an aide in the mansion of the old Prince of Jing'an, Zhao Heng, and subsequently the chief strategist for the new Prince of Jing'an, Zhao Xuan, the Lu clan tragedy was never overturned. Certain anxious authorities had probed the Prince of Jing'an's mansion several times but received no answer. Previously, Hong Lingxu hadn't paid much attention to it. Firstly, he and the Hong family were not involved in that tragedy; if they had been, they would have eradicated the entire family, leaving not even a blind boy. Secondly, at that time, he was the General of Qingzhou, holding military power for many years. The small Lu clan was merely an insignificant gentry family, like ants. If Lu Xu had wanted to take revenge on his enemies back then, it would have been tantamount to challenging the entire Qing party, which was accustomed to banding together for warmth. Two generations of Prince of Jing'an's had not helped his Lu family clear its name, likely due to this consideration: the weight of a young, rootless aide versus the entire Qing party was obvious.

But when Hong Lingxu saw that young blind man in this crucial military-secret laden palace, especially his casual remark, "I had already informed the Directorate of Palace Attendants beforehand, so I did not overstep any palace prohibitions," which ordinary people might not have paid attention to, how could Hong Lingxu, now an official in the capital, not let his imagination run wild?

This blind man suddenly became a teacher to a large group of Tai'an City's most elite noble offspring. If he harbored resentment and had not forgiven the entire Qing party, even extending his anger to Hong Lingxu, a Liyang general with a "Ping" (平, pacified) rank, he might not be able to stir up too much trouble, but it certainly wouldn't be good. If Hong Lingxu had not come to the capital and remained in Qingzhou, a remote place far from the emperor's eye, continuing as his third-rank general, he might have had long-term worries, but certainly not the imminent dread he felt now.

Deep down, Hong Lingxu felt a surge of emotion. Ultimately, it was because the Qing party had too little voice in the court during the transition between the Yonghui and Xiangfu eras, and because Hong Lingxu himself was not as deeply entrenched in the capital as Wen Taiyi. If it were the old Vice Minister of Personnel, Wen Taiyi, who was more deeply implicated in the Lu family tragedy, even if he met this young blind man face to face, Hong Lingxu believed he certainly wouldn't be so restless.

At this moment, Hong Lingxu desperately yearned for the "Zheng" (征, campaign) title, which was higher than his own "Ping" title.

The four Grand Generals with "Zheng" in Liyang were Yang Shenxing, Yan Zhenchun, Ma Lulang, and Yang Kui. Among them, Yang Shenxing lost his title after being defeated in Guangling Dao and was sent by the court to Northern Liang to be a ludicrous deputy military governor. Yan Zhenchun even died on the battlefield in Guangling Dao; after his death, he received a highly laudatory posthumous title, which could be considered a blessing for his family and descendants. Ma Lulang, the most trusted and valued by the court, had also passed away. Yang Kui, after all, was advanced in years and would withdraw from the Liyang military within five years at most. And "Zheng," "Ping," and "Zhen" (镇, garrison) ranked generals were all officials with real power, not empty titles. So, when one retired, there was no situation of holding a position without fulfilling its duties; someone had to immediately replace them. For example, the current Minister of War, Wu Zhongxuan, precisely gained the title of Grand General of the South by replacing Yan Zhenchun.

During Hong Lingxu's journey into the capital and Wen Taiyi's journey out, after the death of Lu Feichi, the leader of the Qing party's "three-horse carriage," the two Qing party magnates, who increasingly found themselves in the same boat, corresponded secretly even without meeting. Wen Taiyi, familiar with the capital's inner workings, provided Hong Lingxu with a candid explanation of the situation. In Wen Taiyi's view at the time, besides the transcendent Grand Pillar State Gu Jiantang, Hong Lingxu's future rivals were Lu Shengxiang, Tang Tieshuang, Xu Gong, Ma Zhongxian, Han Fang (a deputy general from Jizhou and a descendant of a loyal martyr), Yang Huchen (son of Yang Shenxing), Song Li (who had astonishing luck), and Yuan Tingshan (Gu Jiantang's son-in-law). The number was neither too many nor too few.

Now, Song Li and Yuan Tingshan had ruined their own futures by colluding with the rebellious vassal kings Zhao Bing and Chen Zhipao, so they could be disregarded.

Tang Tieshuang, the Vice Minister of War, was a case of blessings and misfortunes intertwined; his success depended on Grand Pillar State Gu, and his failure would also be because of him. In the Ministry of War, he seemingly had unchallenged influence, even Minister Wu Zhongxuan had to yield to him. But in Wen Taiyi's eyes, Tang Tieshuang was less of a threat than Xu Gong. This Dragon Soaring General, hailing from Jiangnan Dao, possessed formidable staying power. As the political representative quickly promoted by the Jiangnan literati after Lu Baizuan's decline, Xu Gong's upward trajectory was hard to stop, no matter how difficult his current career path. As for Ma Zhongxian, who had both ancestral prestige and genuine military talent, if he were to leave the capital region, where his family roots lay, Wen Taiyi, though not elaborating in his secret letter, made it perfectly clear to Hong Lingxu that Jing'an Dao, where the Qing party was located, would be a "muddy ground" for this deputy military governor. They wouldn't overtly cause his downfall, as the Qing party lacked the strength and audacity for that. But to hinder Ma Zhongxian's ascent, to slow him down by three or four years, would not be difficult. As for the two younger figures, Han Fang and Yang Huchen, compared to Hong Lingxu, who had been a provincial general for nearly twenty years and now held a "Ping" title, their disadvantages were obvious. As long as these two rising stars didn't achieve great merits and Hong Lingxu didn't commit major errors, Hong Lingxu would surely reach the top before them.

Wen Taiyi had originally held the least optimistic view of Lu Shengxiang. A grand and militarily successful campaign for the restoration of Southern Chu ultimately saw Lu Shengxiang, the main commander of the southern campaign, receive only an empty title like "Piaoyi General," similar to a civil official's Grand Pillar State, becoming a huge joke in capital officialdom. Looking back now, Lu Shengxiang's rapid rise and enduring success were undeniable. Hong Lingxu could secretly compete with Tang Tieshuang and Xu Gong, but he would certainly not try to contend with Lu Shengxiang.

In the end of his secret letter, Wen Taiyi candidly stated that on the battlefield, it's a matter of life and death. When it comes to court politics at a certain high level, there's a similar principle: you rise, I fall; it's never about compromising and achieving universal happiness.

Wen Taiyi had some words that he did not write in the letter, but instead had his trusted confidant, a member of the Wen family, convey them verbally to Hong Lingxu.

"Do not antagonize Chen Wang. Befriend Yan Chiji. Be very careful of Lu Xu."

Lu Xu's official identity in the capital was merely one of the chief masters of the Diligence Chamber. At this moment, he took a few steps forward, making a gesture as if "looking around," and asked with a smile, "I hear General Hong is also among those at today's small court assembly. As it happens, I, Lu Xu, am from Qingzhou. Might we have a chat?"

The capital's dignitaries, naturally unaware of the old Lu clan tragedy, merely took it as a normal reunion between fellow provincials. Moreover, it was well-known throughout the court and country that Qingzhou officials in Tai'an City maintained close ties. It was possible that two Qingzhou officials whose residences were in different parts of the city would still meet and exchange pleasantries every week. To other factions in officialdom, this was an incredibly strange phenomenon. Guildhalls from other provinces in the capital often had few visitors, but the four Qingzhou guildhalls were almost always bustling with guests. Regardless of their status—high officials, scholars, merchants, or vagrants—people from all walks of life mingled freely and contentedly, never caring about official or scholarly opinions, nor minding being ridiculed as opportunistic. So, when Lu Xu openly proposed "reminiscing" with Hong Lingxu, none of the capital's powerful figures found it strange.

Only Hong Lingxu felt an inexplicable chill and palpitation throughout his body.

If this "chance" encounter were to reach Qingzhou, would Wen Taiyi, that most suspicious old fox, truly continue to diligently pave the way for him without reservation?

However, Lu Xu's pleasant smile and easygoing manner left Hong Lingxu no room to openly refuse the invitation.

Hong Lingxu could only stiffen his resolve and walk alongside Lu Xu, gradually pulling away from the others. Hong Lingxu then noticed a middle-aged eunuch, dressed in a python robe with jade belt, quietly standing some distance behind them. The distance was appropriate; he could see Lu Xu but not hear their conversation. Judging solely by his attire, this palace eunuch was of no low rank. And the moment their eyes met, likely because of Lu Xu, the middle-aged eunuch offered Hong Lingxu a slight smile, conveying a hint of goodwill. This shocked Hong Lingxu even more. How many people in this dynasty could make a eunuch in a python robe treat them with such caution?

No wonder Wen Taiyi was so wary of Lu Xu, even willing to use a large network of Qingzhou connections to secretly obstruct Ma Zhongxian's career in exchange for Hong Lingxu keeping a close eye on Lu Xu.

Lu Xu, who could not see the world around him, walked slowly, stepping lightly on the bluestone path. Each time his foot touched the edge of the path, he would immediately adjust his direction in time to ensure his path remained clear.

Watching this scene, Hong Lingxu was filled with mixed emotions.

How could such a young blind man achieve what he had today? Was it due to luck and the times?

Lu Xu didn't speak, and Hong Lingxu also didn't wish to initiate conversation.

He and Wen Taiyi, as the leading figures of the Qing party who had stood firm in the Liyang court for over twenty years, were indeed wary of this person, but not to the extent of excessive fear.

This white-clad commoner, one of the chief masters of the Diligence Chamber, finally spoke calmly, "I, Lu Xu, am in my current position thanks in no small part to the Qing party."

Hong Lingxu remained silent.

Lu Xu suddenly stopped, turned to face General Hong Lingxu, who had also achieved great success, and said, "As for the past grievances, while Vice Minister Wen was not the primary instigator, he is not without blame. I will settle accounts with him myself. General Hong and Vice Minister Wen are old family friends; please convey this to him, word for word."

Hong Lingxu's imposing aura did not diminish. He retorted, "Since Master Lu and Wen Taiyi are now serving together in court, and Master Lu is even a chief master of the Diligence Chamber, instructing the meritorious descendants of our dynasty, does Master Lu intend to misuse state power to exact private revenge?"

Lu Xu gave an amused, then serious, laugh. "A gentleman can be deceived by his principles, but cannot be misled by improper means."

Hong Lingxu was momentarily stunned, unsure how to reply.

Lu Xu chuckled self-deprecatingly, "Besides, I am no gentleman. Otherwise, how could I have lingered on those years, to the extent that the wholesome family traditions of my Lu clan were utterly disgraced because of me alone?"

Hong Lingxu scoffed, "Master Lu's meaning, I, Hong, will certainly convey. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave!"

Lu Xu shook his head and chuckled softly, "If I merely wanted General Hong to relay a few insignificant words of resentment, why would I risk the considerable suspicion of forming factions and engaging in illicit activities to meet you right under His Majesty's nose?"

Upon hearing this, Hong Lingxu didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Your words, Lu Xu, are far from 'insignificant'! Old Fox Wen will surely have trouble sleeping and eating after hearing them."

Lu Xu slowly said, "General Hong and I share no old grudges or fatal animosity, and we are both from Qingzhou. Furthermore, the current court's support for the Qing party is an unstoppable trend, and I, Lu Xu, naturally will act in accordance with the times. Leaving aside civil officials, let's just talk about the military generals of this dynasty. The Jiangnan scholars have Vice Minister of War Xu Gong. The powerful families of Liaodong were originally indecisive, unsure whether to choose between Tang Tieshuang and Lu Shengxiang. But after today, Lu Shengxiang is no longer someone they can condescendingly bet on, so they can only choose Vice Minister of War Tang Tieshuang."

Hong Lingxu subconsciously nodded.

Lu Xu continued, "I presume General Hong has already heard that the true leader of the Jiangnan scholarly community is the old patriarch of the Gu Mu Xu clan, Grand Pillar State Yu Jiankang. This person not only has ultimate authority in Jiangnan officialdom but also deep connections in Tai'an City. Even a powerful figure like Tan Tanweng, capable of influencing the court's direction, has a close relationship with him. And Tang Tieshuang is now consciously or unconsciously distancing himself from Cai Nan, Dong Gonghuang, and others. The fundamental reason is that he wants to create distance from Gu Jiantang. To my knowledge, Prince Zhao Yang of Changshan Commandery and Old General Yang Kui both hold Tang Tieshuang in high regard. And recently, the Duke of Yan and the Marquis of Huaiyang have also become quite close to Tang Tieshuang. Among the four 'Zheng' generals, we already have Minister of War Wu Zhongxuan, and Lu Shengxiang, who is already in the bag. Add to that Xu Gong and Tang Tieshuang..."

That was already four people dividing four positions.

At this point, Lu Xu chuckled and lowered his voice, "May I ask General Hong, do you think it's difficult for Wu Zhongxuan, who possesses the physique of a first-rank martial artist, to live for another twenty years?"

The implication was that General Hong, who could only ascend after Grand General of the South Wu Zhongxuan died of old age or illness, would, barring accidents, have to patiently endure for at least twenty more years.

Hong Lingxu's face darkened.

Lu Xu then casually interjected, "The Military Commissioner of Jing'an Dao is not the Minister of Personnel of Tai'an City, after all."

Hong Lingxu also smiled, "But Master Lu, you are also just one of the respectable chief masters of the Diligence Chamber..."

Lu Xu simply hummed in response, saying nothing further.

Hong Lingxu only saw the young scholar with closed eyes, smiling charmingly.

The young man's last words, spoken in a very low voice, were like a thunderclap in Hong Lingxu's ears.

"A certain secret letter, totaling six hundred and eighty-two characters, I, Lu Xu, can now recite it backwards. As for that confidant who delivered the message for the old Vice Minister..."

Lu Xu did not reveal the secret, but as he turned to leave, this teacher raised his arm and extended a single finger, then gently curled it.

Upon understanding that gesture, Hong Lingxu instantly broke out in a cold sweat.

Sima Puhua and Jin Lanting, these two high officials of the Ministry of Rites, naturally walked together.

Sima Puhua didn't even need to look at Jin Sanlang to know that this deputy head of the department would not give him a good look. There was nothing he could do. According to the original discussion within the Ministry of Rites, behind closed doors, they had strongly recommended Jin Lanting as the chief examiner for next year's spring imperial examination. In return, Jin Lanting would ensure care for his two sons, the Minister's sons, ensuring at least one of them would eventually become the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy or a Vice Minister of Rites. However, as the Ministry of Rites grew increasingly high-ranking and influential, Sima Puhua's family status had risen, as had his aspirations. Not long ago, he even cultivated a friendship with Zhao Youling, the Vice Director of the Imperial Secretariat, who was famously arrogant. Since then, Sima Puhua seemed to have had an epiphany, intending to change the unclear situation where the Minister and Vice Minister of Rites were indistinguishable in authority. The event that truly made Sima Puhua determined was his unexpected failure to become the Autumn Reporting Official on the day of the autumnal equinox. Everyone at the time thought that honor would be contested between Jin Lanting and Yan Chiji, but almost no one expected Chen Wang to claim it again. If before this, Jin Lanting was merely slightly inferior, then after this, no one in the Liyang court believed Jin Sanlang could contend with Young Protector Chen for the future position of Senior Grand Secretary.

Today, the emperor's own mention of "high virtue and reputation" completely extinguished Jin Lanting's sole ambition for the spring imperial examination.

But no matter how Sima Puhua inwardly viewed Jin Lanting's predicament, as a Minister of Rites who would not serve many more years—and who was already considered an official who had largely completed his career successfully—he still dared not openly antagonize Jin Lanting.

After all, Jin Lanting's domineering posture towards Northern Liang over the years, when he was in power, naturally drew widespread praise and was lauded as incorruptible. When he lost favor, however, it was a different story. Such blatant disregard for one's origins was noted by all in the capital's officialdom.

Sima Puhua, with a look of regret, consoled him, "Sanlang, you understand His Majesty's intention this time. It's not that I don't want to help you, but I truly am powerless."

Jin Lanting smiled calmly. "His Majesty naturally possesses more profound insight than we, his subjects. If Your Excellency, the Minister, doesn't mind my overstepping, I do have a list of candidates."

Sima Puhua asked in surprise, "Oh? Sanlang, please tell me."

Jin Lanting, who no longer grew a beard to show his resolve, smiled, "The three chief and deputy examiners for the spring imperial examination could be His Excellency Minister Yin from the Ministry of Personnel, who has served as a Hanlin academician for many years; His Excellency Grand Academician Yan from the Dongyuan Pavilion; and His Excellency Attendant Chen from the Imperial Censorate. As for the officials who could be assigned to review papers, they could include Palace Attendant Yan Chiji, Song Keli, and the top three scholars from the first class of the Xiangfu first-year imperial examination: Li Jifu, Gao Tingshu, and Wu Congxian. These young talents are all suitable for the task."

Sima Puhua habitually stroked his beard with two fingers, carefully weighing the pros and cons, and finally nodded. "This list of candidates is flawless. Sanlang truly lives up to his name."

Jin Lanting merely smiled dismissively, light as a cloud.

Sima Puhua secretly glanced sideways at this influential figure in the capital—what a brilliant strategy of feigning retreat to advance!

The old Minister, who had originally grown less optimistic about Jin Lanting's prospects, suddenly gritted his teeth and lowered his voice. "Sanlang, rest assured. The day I retire and return home will be the day you advance further in the Ministry of Rites."

Jin Lanting smiled without speaking.

Sima Puhua softly said, "Sanlang, my two unpromising children at home, I'll entrust them to you from now on. Please take good care of them."

Upon reaching an open area, Jin Lanting looked up at the endlessly sprawling palace rooftops and calmly said, "If that day truly comes for me, it's not impossible for the Sima family to have two Ministers."

Sima Puhua, grasping the deeper meaning, smiled knowingly, though he didn't take it literally, he was nonetheless full of anticipation.

After Qi Yanglong and Huan Wen walked together for a distance, Qi Yanglong went towards Prince Zhao Yang, and Tan Tanweng parted ways, approaching Chen Wang.

Due to the blind scholar, the old prince was in a bad mood and evidently hadn't expected the Director of the Imperial Secretariat to approach him voluntarily. For a moment, he was caught off guard. This imperial noble, whose military merits in the Spring and Autumn periods were actually higher than Yan Zhenchun's and Yang Shenxing's, still held a certain reverence when facing an elder who was a generation senior to Zhang Julu and Huan Wen. The notion of civil and military officials looking down on each other couldn't be applied to everyone.

Qi Yanglong smiled. "Prince of Changshan, you shouldn't have said those things to Lu Xu earlier."

The mention of that young scholar immediately irritated Prince Zhao Yang. He said dismissively, "Could that person possibly go to the emperor and complain? Besides, for such a trivial matter, His Majesty surely doesn't have the leisure to preside over justice, does he?"

Qi Yanglong pointed to his own chest and sighed, "We scholars, our hearts are quite small."

Prince Zhao Yang laughed heartily. "Your Excellency Qi, what you said! There's no scholar in the world who degrades himself like that."

Qi Yanglong teased, "Otherwise, why does the old saying go, 'A gentleman's revenge is not too late in ten years'?"

Prince Zhao Yang was surprised, then enlightened. "Your Excellency Qi, now that you mention it, I understand. It's quite different from us military men. We, you see, settle today's grudges today. Never keep them overnight."

Qi Yanglong sighed without apparent reason. "In every dynasty since its founding, the court has been a balance of civil and military strength. But at the time of its downfall, it's always filled with civil officials shouting loudly, while military officials can only mumble nervously."

Prince Zhao Yang wondered, "Heh, I initially thought Your Excellency Qi was taking that fellow Lu's side. Now I'm a bit confused."

Qi Yanglong smiled. "Before coming to the capital, I didn't feel it, but now I increasingly feel that there are too few military men like Prince Zhao Yang in the court, truly too few."

The old prince's expression grew serious. "Your Excellency Qi, please speak plainly. If you continue to beat around the bush, my heart will truly not be at ease. It would be more straightforward to just curse me a few times."

Qi Yanglong shook his head and strode away.

The two high-ranking officials from the Secretariat Bureau, Huan Wen and Chen Wang, walked together. Aside from official business, they didn't have much personal connection.

Huan Wen spoke directly. "Chen Wang, don't be offended by what I'm about to say, but even though you and Sun Yin are both from Northern Liang, I, this old man, don't particularly like you."

Chen Wang seemed completely unsurprised, and chuckled softly. "Like attracts like. Tan Tanweng is a man of true character, so it's natural for him to associate with Sun Yin. Someone like me, who doesn't show his emotions, is too steeped in officialdom and artifice, lacking much genuine character. It's understandable that Tan Tanweng wouldn't feel a closeness to me."

Huan Wen looked ahead, where Yan Jixi and Han Lin were walking together, and Cai Nan was deliberately keeping his distance from Tang Tieshuang. These small observations were all significant lessons in officialdom.

Huan Wen gazed blankly, lost in thought.

Chen Wang asked, "What is Tan Tanweng thinking about?"

The old man's eyes were unfocused, and his voice was hoarse. "All these high officials, busy and bustling, everyone clever, calculating every scheme."

Chen Wang was speechless.

The old man turned his head and asked, "Does every dynasty inevitably face this calamity?"

Chen Wang nodded, but then shook his head.

What a shrewd old man! He merely hummed, not needing Chen Wang to explain anything.

The old man clasped his hands behind his back and smiled bitterly. "The smartest people in the world are all here. And yet, some fools and idiots have gone over there."

The old man was silent for a moment, then finally called Chen Wang's name.

Chen Wang softly said, "Please speak, Tan Tanweng."

The old man pursed his lips. "If, and I mean if, there comes a day when someone needs to stand up and speak for those fools, and I am already dead by then, will you say a few words?"

Chen Wang stopped, his lips tightly pressed, not immediately answering.

The old man did not wait patiently, walking slowly forward, muttering to himself, "How tragic it is when the whole world is only for us clever people."