Xingzhou, located in the southwest of the Great Song Dynasty, borders Pugan.

During the morning court session, Censor Fang Weitong listed seven charges against Liu Ji, the governor of Xingzhou, with a forceful and shocking delivery. Immediately, Zhao Fu ordered a thorough investigation into the matter and dispatched officials to Xingzhou to arrest Liu Ji.

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For a moment, the entire court fell silent, and no one dared to speak.

Only after the morning court session ended and the officials dispersed did they dare to discuss what had just happened. Li Yude, the Left Vice Minister of Works, walked alongside Tang Shen but did not mention the events in Zichen Hall. Instead, he said, “I heard that a few days ago, Tang daren summoned Ji Mengwen back to Shengjing?”

“That is correct.”

Li Yude smiled, “As fellow officials of the Ministry of Works, if there is anything Tang daren needs assistance with, please feel free to ask.”

Tang Shen saluted, “Thank you, Li daren.”

“You are too kind, Tang daren.”

After the morning court session, in Qinzheng Hall, Yu Chaosheng, the Minister of Justice, pondered for a long time before knocking on his teacher’s door.

Xu Bi softly said, “Come in,” and Yu Chaosheng entered the room. He bowed deeply and said, “Your student pays his respects to Sir.”

Xu Bi gestured for him to sit and personally poured him a cup of tea. Yu Chaosheng immediately accepted the teacup with both hands, feeling both honored and apprehensive.

Xu Bi smiled gently, “Are you worried about Liu Ji’s situation?”

Yu Chaosheng replied, “Of course, I cannot hide anything from you. Over a decade ago, when I was posted outside the capital, I served in Xingzhou for a year and had some interactions with Liu Ji. Xingzhou is located in the Southwest, bordering Pugan to the south. Earlier in Zichen Hall, Fang Weitong accused Liu Ji of corruption and bribery. I fear these accusations are true. In border regions between two countries, there are too many opportunities for profit.”

“Then why are you concerned about him?”

Yu Chaosheng fell silent for a moment before saying, “I am wondering why Liu Ji, after serving as the governor of Xingzhou for so many years, was suddenly impeached with a single memorial?”

Xu Bi said, “There are no coincidences in this world. Your concern is not unfounded. Then think about it—who stands to benefit from removing Liu Ji?”

After a long pause, Yu Chaosheng exclaimed in realization, “Their target is Xingzhou?”

Xu Bi nodded, “Exactly. In the Northwest, there is the Youzhou Silver Pull Division; in the Northeast, the Shengjing Silver Pull Division; and in the Southeast, the Jiangnan Silver Pull Division. And in the Southwest? Xingzhou is an unavoidable key point!”

Yu Chaosheng suddenly understood, feeling as if the clouds had parted to reveal the clear sky. “Your student thanks Sir for your guidance.”

The teacher and student drank tea together for a while longer, and then Xu Bi asked, “Are you certain that you have no connection to Liu Ji?”

Yu Chaosheng replied, “Of course not. When I served in Xingzhou, Liu Ji was only a minor sixth-rank official. I remember his name because I happened to meet him a few times at banquets. His unusual appearance left an impression on me. How could I be connected to him?”

Xu Bi smiled leisurely, “Then you can simply observe from the sidelines and let them do as they please.”

Not only Yu Chaosheng but many officials in the court were puzzled. Why had Liu Ji, who had been far from the emperor’s reach in Xingzhou for over a decade, suddenly been impeached and charged with serious crimes?

What was the reason behind this?

Most people could not guess who Liu Ji had offended to end up in such a situation.

A very few high-ranking officials turned their attention to the Xu and Wang factions. Without a doubt, it was the work of one of these two factions, but who had done it and why remained a mystery.

Two months later, in the eighth month of the thirty-fifth year of Kaiping, the Imperial Guards escorted Liu Ji from Xingzhou back to Shengjing.

Liu Ji had been a fat man, standing less than five feet tall but as wide as three people. Yu Chaosheng remembered him precisely because of his astonishing obesity—he looked more like a wealthy merchant than a scholar. However, over the past two months, Liu Ji had been unable to sleep or eat, and he had lost over forty pounds. His eyes were sunken, making him look like a wandering refugee, lost and destitute.

Upon arriving in Shengjing, he was immediately imprisoned in the Court of Judicial Review’s dungeon.

Soon after, the Junior Minister of the Court of Judicial Review was ordered to investigate the case. Since the case involved a large amount of money, Zhao Fu, who had ruled for many years, did not expect his officials to be entirely incorruptible and poor. However, Liu Ji’s actions had crossed a line. Zhao Fu ordered a thorough investigation, and the officials of the Court of Judicial Review dared not delay. Within a month, Liu Ji had been tortured into confessing, and the case was resolved.

In the tenth month, Liu Ji was imprisoned in the dungeon, his family’s property was confiscated, and his children and relatives were reduced to slavery.

However, half a month later, another official from the Censorate submitted a memorial to the emperor, impeaching another person.

This person was named Sun Shangde, who currently served as a dispatcher in the Jiangnan Weaving Bureau. The censor accused him of bribing Liu Ji, who was then the Vice Governor of Xingzhou, in the eighth month of the nineteenth year of Kaiping. The two had colluded to embezzle funds from the Xingzhou treasury, leading to a severe drought the following year. With no grain reserves in the treasury, over a hundred thousand people died in three regions of Xingzhou.

When this memorial was presented, the entire court was shocked.

In Zichen Hall, Left Prime Minister Xu Bi tightly gripped his jade tablet, his cloudy, aged eyes flickering uncertainly. He slowly raised his head and looked at Right Prime Minister Wang Quan, who stood to his right, as if trying to discern the thoughts behind Wang Quan’s calm expression. Zhao Fu was also stunned.

The drought in Xingzhou was no small matter.

In the twentieth year of Kaiping, Zhao Fu had been obsessed with cultivating immortality and was building the Immortal Ascension Platform. Suddenly, the Southwest experienced three months without rain, causing severe droughts in Xingzhou, Cangzhou, and Mengzhou. At the time, Zhao Fu had been terrified, and rumors spread both in the court and among the people that his extravagant construction of the Immortal Ascension Platform, which had drained the people’s resources, had provoked divine retribution.

To address this, Zhao Fu had even gone to the Altar of Heaven to pray for a month, fasting and seeking heaven’s protection.

Natural disasters inevitably caused deaths, but the question was how many. That year, the drought in the three regions of Xingzhou had killed over a hundred thousand people. Zhao Fu had thought the death toll was too high, but given the severity of the drought, he had dismissed the matter after removing the officials involved. But now, someone was claiming that before the drought, the Xingzhou treasury had already been empty!

Zhao Fu’s heart was in turmoil, but at the same time, he looked down in a daze at the officials standing in Zichen Hall, beneath him.

After a long while, Zhao Fu picked up the impeachment memorial and slammed it onto the ground.

“Investigate! Investigate thoroughly! I want to see how many corrupt officials are still running amok in my court!”

In the winter of the thirty-fifth year of Kaiping, Zhao Fu did not suffer from headaches again. He was full of energy, but the entire court was as silent as a cicada in cold weather.

In the first month of the following year, Sun Shangde was imprisoned in the Court of Judicial Review’s dungeon, and his case was postponed for further investigation.

In the Left Prime Minister’s residence, Xu Bi stood in his study. Behind him, an incense burner emitted wisps of white smoke, while outside the window, snow fell like goose feathers in the north. The core members of the Xu faction were all gathered in the room.

Xu Bi silently gazed out the window, while the officials in the room all lowered their heads, unsure of what to say.

After a long while, Xu Bi said, “Using Liu Ji as a starting point, they implicated Sun Shangde, and then all the officials of Xingzhou from the nineteenth year of Kaiping. This move was far-sighted and meticulously planned. I am in awe and admit defeat. At this point, Xian Zhi, do you understand why all of this happened?”

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Yu Chaosheng’s face flushed red. He stood up and said, “When the drought struck Xingzhou, I had already been transferred away to Jinling. But in the nineteenth year of Kaiping, I was still in Xingzhou. However, I truly had no idea that the officials of Xingzhou had colluded to embezzle funds from the treasury! All these twists and turns—it turns out everything was aimed at me! It’s easy to dodge an open attack, but hard to guard against a hidden arrow. This time, I, Yu Xianzhi, was too careless!”

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In the study, a single candle flickered.

Tang Shen had never liked reading or writing at night because the poor lighting strained his eyes and could even affect his vision. After developing glass, he had Yao San and the workshop workers use glass-blowing techniques to create glass lampshades. Although the light from these kerosene lamps was still not as bright as in the modern world, it was much better than before.

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At this moment, he was carefully reading a letter under the kerosene lamp. After finishing the letter, he opened the glass lampshade and held a corner of the letter close to the flame. With a soft snap, the letter began to burn from the bottom. The dim candlelight cast shadows on Tang Shen’s face, making his expression unreadable.

Before long, the steward came to report, “Gongzi, daren has returned.”

Tang Shen calmly cleaned up the ashes that had fallen on the table, but halfway through, he stopped, leaving a small pile of ashes on the table. He walked out and happened to meet Wang Zhen as he entered the courtyard. The two faced each other under the moonlight, both pausing for a moment, each with a hint of guilt.

Wang Zhen stepped forward and took Tang Shen’s hand, “It’s so late, and you’re still up waiting for me, little Junior Brother?”

Tang Shen countered, “It’s so late, and you’re only just returning. Who else would I wait for if not you?”

Wang Zhen smiled leisurely and led his junior brother into the study.

As soon as they entered, Wang Zhen caught a faint whiff of burnt paper. His mind stirred, and he noticed the half-pile of ashes on the table. Tang Shen’s act was too clever—the ashes were scattered unevenly on one side but formed a straight line on the other. Clearly, someone had started cleaning but stopped halfway.

How could Wang Zhen not understand Tang Shen’s intention? His gaze shifted, and he said, “Little Junior Brother, have you ever seen a rooster crow at dawn?”

Tang Shen, “…Huh?”

“I haven’t seen it, but back in Zhao Family Village, I heard the neighbor’s rooster crow a couple of times.” Tang Shen grew curious, “Why are you asking this?” This wasn’t following the script!

Wang Zhen meaningfully uttered one word, “Guess.”

Tang Shen: “…”

Guess my foot!

Tang Shen said irritably, “Always spouting sweet nothings and speaking in riddles. Is teasing me that fun?”

This time, Wang Zhen felt genuinely wronged, “It was you who started being cryptic, making me guess your intentions.”

At first, Tang Shen didn’t understand, but when he did, Wang Zhen pulled him into an embrace, pointing at the half-pile of ashes on the table, “Since you didn’t mean to hide it from me, just say it directly. But if you think this is a game and insist on making me guess, I won’t spoil your fun. I guess this is a letter.”

Tang Shen snorted, “And then?”

“A letter from the Northwest.”

“And?”

Wang Zhen paused for a moment, then said, “Written by Wang Daiyue?”

Tang Shen, “You guessed right, but no reward.”

Wang Zhen suddenly laughed. He had only been thinking about how to keep Tang Shen from finding out about his visit to the Right Prime Minister’s residence and what he had discussed with Wang Quan. Feeling guilty, he had forgotten to ask for a reward in advance. Minister Wang felt he had suffered a great loss. In his thirty-plus years of life, he had never been so thoroughly outplayed.

However, Wang Zifeng would never let his emotions show. He said calmly, “It’s all because I love you too much. You see, the moment I see you, I forget everything else.”

Tang Shen ignored him.

Although Tang Shen now held real power due to his control over the Ministry of Works, the emperor had removed his position as the Right Vice Imperial Censor of the Silver Pull Division to balance the court. But Tang Shen had been laying the groundwork in the Silver Pull Division for two years. How could his influence be so easily stripped away? He was no longer the Right Vice Imperial Censor, but his trusted subordinates, Wang Xiao and Mei Shengze, were still stationed at the Youzhou Silver Pull Division. On the surface, they acted as officials of the Silver Pull Division, but behind the scenes, they were engaged in “collaborating with Liao.”

Both of them now reported to Su Wenyun, but they were firmly part of Tang Shen’s faction.

Over the past six months, whenever something happened in the Silver Pull Division or Su Wenyun ordered them to do something, they wouldn’t report every detail to Tang Shen. But when it came to major events, Wang Xiao would still write a letter and secretly send it to Shengjing.

“The Liao Emperor was injured during a hunt. Now, the second prince, Yelü Shege, and the third prince, Yelü Han, are at each other’s throats, ready to explode at any moment.” Tang Shen’s expression was serious, “This is what Wang Xiao wrote to me about. In the past six months, besides the agent we planted near Yelü Shege, Su Wenyun and Li Jingde have also bribed a guard close to Yelü Han. Originally, the struggle for the throne had already set the two brothers against each other. Now, with an extra push, things are about to boil over. It won’t be long before the perfect opportunity to counterattack Liao arises.”

As the head of the Silver Pull Division, Wang Zhen didn’t know everything Su Wenyun and Li Jingde were planning, but he had a general idea.

Hearing this, he was slightly surprised, but after some thought, he asked, “What about Yelü Ding?”

Tang Shen sighed, “That’s exactly what worries me.”

Grand Preceptor Yelü Ding, the true power behind the throne in the Liao court. With the Liao Emperor injured, Yelü Ding now controlled the government. He came from a noble tribe and supported the third prince, Yelü Han. Yelü Shege’s only support in this struggle was the Liao Emperor himself.

Now that the Liao Emperor was injured, the most worried person wasn’t someone else—it was the second prince, Yelü Shege.

If the Liao Emperor were to suddenly pass away, the throne would likely never fall to Yelü Shege. So, in this critical moment, Yelü Shege couldn’t afford to sit still. Whether the Liao Emperor lived or died, before his death or recovery, the Liao State would inevitably face internal turmoil.

To secure the outside, one must first stabilize the inside.

The internal strife in Liao wouldn’t last long; it would be resolved quickly.

Perhaps, just like the palace coup during the New Year in the Great Song, a storm would rise overnight, and by the next morning, everything would be calm again.

How to seize this opportunity, how to take advantage of it to attack Liao—that was what Su Wenyun and Li Jingde were working on.

Wang Zhen suddenly asked, “The Liao Emperor was injured during a hunt?”

Tang Shen blinked, “That was truly an accident.”

Wang Zhen suddenly smiled.

How had the Liao Emperor been injured?

Aside from the still-unconscious Liao Emperor, no one knew the full story!

But there were many who wished for the Liao Emperor’s death. The most obvious were the third prince, Yelü Han, and his supporter, Grand Preceptor Yelü Ding. And if we look further, Su Wenyun and Li Jingde—who wouldn’t want the Liao Emperor to die immediately and for the Liao State to descend into chaos?

It was getting late, and after talking for a while longer, the two prepared to rest.

Tang Shen propped his chin on his hand, leaning on the table, watching as Wang Zhen closed the two windows in the bedroom. When Wang Zhen turned around, he saw Tang Shen staring at him unblinkingly under the candlelight. His heart stirred, and a wave of arousal arose. Wang Zhen didn’t move, just stood by the window, smiling at him.

The two gazed at each other for a long time, and the atmosphere in the room grew warm.

Then Tang Shen suddenly spoke, “Senior Brother, what did you discuss at the Right Prime Minister’s residence today? You were there for so long.”

All the feelings of arousal in Wang Zhen’s heart vanished instantly, but on the surface, he remained composed. He strode forward, stopping by the table, and reached out to pull Tang Shen into his arms, smiling as he said, “Just some family matters about Jinling Prefecture.” But Tang Shen dodged his hand.

Wang Zhen’s hand hung in mid-air.

Tang Shen, “Senior Brother, you once told me that you would never deceive me in this lifetime. If you did…”

Wang Zhen looked at him helplessly, leaned down, and gently kissed his lips. His gaze was deep, filled with utmost tenderness, “Yes, I will never deceive you in this lifetime.”

Tang Shen: “…”

Could you not suddenly kiss me before saying that?!

Tang Shen was speechless for a long time. He snorted lightly, “In that case, I’ll ask, and you answer.”

Wang Zhen picked him up, “Alright.”

Tang Shen, “When you went to the Right Prime Minister’s residence today, were you discussing political matters?”

Wang Zhen kissed him, then said, “Of course not.”

Tang Shen, “Was it related to the Silver Pull Division?”

“Not related.” Another kiss.

“Did something go wrong with the Silver Pull Division?”

“Not that I know of…” Before he could finish, Wang Zhen quickly corrected himself, “No, something did go wrong.” Then he leaned down and kissed Tang Shen again.

Tang Shen: “Wang Zifeng!”

Wang Zhen laughed heartily, “Haha, as agreed, if I lie to you, I’ll kiss you first. Jing Ze, I didn’t break my promise.”

Tang Shen: “…”

Fine, I can’t outtalk you!

Tang Shen pondered for a long time, then looked up and asked, “Then one last question. Are you planning to do something… to make the Silver Pull Division go wrong?”

Wang Zhen’s joyful smile gradually faded. He looked at Tang Shen quietly, his gaze deep as water.

“You have no idea how much I adore your cleverness, but sometimes I wish you could be a little more dull!”

Tang Shen immediately understood, but after a long silence, his question was, “Why did you hide it from me?”

Wang Zhen scolded sternly, “How could I tell you about such filthy matters? If you knew, how would you see me?” With that, he put on a heartbroken expression, covering his face and falling silent.

Tang Shen pulled Wang Zhen’s hand away from his face, and the two locked eyes. Wang Zhen’s gaze was clear, filled with unconcealed amusement.

Tang Shen said expressionlessly, “Although it seems like I’m at a disadvantage, Senior Brother, as agreed, you’re supposed to kiss me before lying.”

Wang Zhen’s eyes widened in surprise. The next moment, he burst into laughter, leaned over, and kissed those eloquent lips. After a passionate kiss, Tang Shen was left breathless, and Wang Zhen finally spoke the truth, asking, “In your heart, shouldn’t I be a noble and upright gentleman?”

Tang Shen looked at him in surprise, “What gave you that impression?”

Wang Zhen said seriously, “But I still need toipay attention.”

Tang Shen, “You hid it from me because you didn’t want me to know you were about to engage in corruption and harm loyal officials again?”

Wang Zhen held him and sighed, “How could I ever want to do such a thing!”

Three days later, during the morning court in Zichen Hall.

A fourth-rank censor in official robes stepped forward from the crowd, holding a jade tablet high and pulling a memorial from his sleeve.

“Your subject, Fang Weitong, has a matter to report.”

Zhao Fu looked at him, waved his hand, and signaled Ji Fu to bring the memorial to him. He asked, “What is it?”

Censor Fang lowered his head and remained silent, holding the memorial high above his head. When Ji Fu took the memorial and presented it to Zhao Fu, the emperor’s expression shifted as he read it, his anger barely contained.

Zhao Fu’s voice, heavy with suppressed rage, commanded, “Speak.”

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Only then did Fang Weitong loudly declare, “As a censor, it is my duty to oversee the court. I impeach Liu Ji, the governor of Xingzhou, for his grave crimes! Liu Ji’s offenses are too numerous to list. I have hastily outlined seven major crimes. First, his conduct does not match his virtue; he abused his scholarly achievements, gaining fame at a young age, but there are suspicions of hidden misdeeds! Second, Xingzhou’s lands lie barren…”

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Wang Zhen and Tang Shen immediately stepped closer.

Zhao Fu spoke slowly, “All of you, leave now.”

Ji Fu and the divine doctor, who had been standing by, responded with a “Yes,” bowed, and then left.

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Zhao Fu looked up at Tang Shen and Wang Zhen, his gaze finally settling on Wang Zhen. He smiled weakly, his voice frail, “Zi Feng, it seems you’ve been in Jiangnan for half a year this time.”

“Answering Your Majesty, I left for Jiangnan in October last year. It has been over five months now.”

“How did it go?”

Wang Zhen recounted the affairs of the Jiangnan Silver Bank in detail.

Zhao Fu listened and nodded gently. Finally, he said, “Do you resent me for giving the Jiangnan Silver Bank to Yu Chaosheng? If not for that, your work in Jiangnan would have been much smoother.”

Wang Zhen’s eyes flickered slightly. In the past, Zhao Fu would never have spoken to him about such matters of court politics. But this time, he brought it up. Wang Zhen bowed respectfully, his voice calm and gentle, “Your Majesty has your reasons. Among the thirty-six provinces of the Great Song, the Northern and Southern Zhili and the three provinces of Jiangnan are the most prosperous. The affairs of the Great Song Silver Bank are the most difficult to manage in these regions. With Your Majesty overseeing the two Zhili regions, I have no worries. If even Jiangnan were managed by Your Majesty on my behalf, I would be far too incompetent.”

“Oh, you.” Zhao Fu laughed heartily, but after a while, he seemed to run out of breath and stopped.

Then, Zhao Fu no longer spoke of court matters. Instead, he began to talk about his health. “During this bout of serious illness, I found myself in a grand and majestic hall amidst a chaotic fog. A stern-faced official sat there, slamming his gavel and asking me my name and why I had come.”

Tang Shen thought to himself: Did he see the King of Hell?

However, Zhao Fu’s words often carried deeper meanings.

The two continued to listen.

Zhao Fu said, “I answered him one by one. Then the official asked me if I had any merits. I was stumped. I pondered deeply and asked him, ‘What are merits, daren? Could you enlighten me?’ The stern-faced official told me that to answer for the lives of the common people and to achieve great deeds for future generations—these are the supreme merits.”

Zhao Fu sighed deeply, “But I have lived over sixty years in vain and have accomplished none of these!”

Wang Zhen and Tang Shen almost simultaneously bowed, speaking in unison.

“Your Majesty, please forgive our offense.”

“Your Majesty, please forgive our offense.”

Zhao Fu was taken aback. He looked at them, and after a moment, he smiled, “Truly, hearts that beat as one understand each other without words.”

Tang Shen said, “Your subject is guilty and begs Your Majesty’s forgiveness. But I also have something to say, and I beg Your Majesty’s permission to speak.”

“Go ahead.”

“Last year, when I went to Jinzhou on official business for the Ministry of Works to build a road, I heard a poem about Jinzhou. The poem went like this: ‘In Jinzhou, there is a fierce tiger, gluttonous for human flesh. In ten households, only one woman remains, weeping and asking where her family has gone.’ Jinzhou is located in the southwest, with rugged mountain paths that make communication with the outside world difficult. The poem speaks of a man-eating tiger in Jinzhou, causing the people to suffer, with nine out of ten households wiped out. Yet the outside world remains unaware.” Tang Shen clasped his hands and continued, “But when I went to Jinzhou this time, I did not see a desolate and impoverished land ravaged by tigers and wolves. Instead, I saw a prosperous and happy people, all because the nation is at peace and the people are secure.”

“Is this not the greatest merit of all?”

Zhao Fu’s smile deepened. He pointed at Tang Shen for a while, then finally laughed, “You, you always know how to make me happy. I’ve slept through the new year. Jing Ze, you must be twenty-three now.”

“Your subject is indeed twenty-three this year.”

“In the past, I could say it was just a young man sweet-talking me. But if you keep flattering me like this in the future, I’ll have to consider you a sycophant.”

Though he spoke of a crime punishable by the extermination of one’s clan, there was not a hint of reproach in Zhao Fu’s tone.

Tang Shen slowly raised his head and looked at the emperor on the bed. He saw a man weakened by illness, yet the majestic aura around him remained undiminished. But at this moment, he no longer seemed like a ruler but more like an elder. Tang Shen suddenly felt a pang of sorrow in his heart. He silently lowered his head and said nothing.

Zhao Fu spoke with Wang Zhen and Tang Shen for a while longer, but as he had just recovered from a serious illness, he was still weak and needed to rest. He called Ji Fu back in. Before the two left, he sighed and said to Wang Zhen and Tang Shen, “I wish to achieve great merits!”

Who in this world does not wish to leave a legacy that lasts for millennia?

Tang Shen solemnly replied to the emperor, “Your subject will not fail in this task.”

Wang Zhen and Tang Shen left the palace together. They did not speak much along the way, but when they reached the palace gates, they saw Grand Preceptor Zhou’s carriage. The carriage stopped in front of them, and Grand Preceptor Zhou lifted the curtain. He sat upright inside. Seeing Wang Zhen and Tang Shen, the old marshal nodded slightly.

“Lower officials Wang Zhen and Tang Shen greet the Grand Preceptor.”

“No need for formalities. Minister Wang is now the Senior Grand Secretary of the Left overseeing the Department of State Affairs, a first-rank official, the same as myself. There is no need to bow.”

Wang Zhen smiled slightly, “The respect I offer is not for the Grand Marshal of the Realm’s Military Forces, but for the Grand Preceptor.”

Grand Preceptor Zhou rarely showed a smile, but he nodded in approval. The carriage soon continued on its way into the palace.

Tang Shen thought to himself: Zhao Fu says I know how to flatter and sweet-talk, but compared to Wang Zifeng, I probably can’t even match one of his toes! Look at how effortlessly he delivers those compliments, without even batting an eye.

“Eh?” Suddenly, someone flicked his forehead. Tang Shen turned, “Senior Brother?”

Wang Zhen looked down at him, raising an eyebrow, “Are you secretly mocking me in your heart?”

Tang Shen replied righteously, “Of course not. Do you have any proof?”

Wang Zhen was amused by him, “Where did you learn this skill of being so righteous and utterly unashamed?”

“From you, of course.”

Wang Zhen sighed, placing a hand on his forehead, his voice filled with mock tragedy, “Such a misfortune for the family! The century-old reputation of the Langya Wang family might be ruined by the wife of its eleventh-generation direct descendant… hehehe, don’t fuss. We’re still in the palace.”

Tang Shen widened his eyes. So you do remember we’re still in the palace?!

The two walked out of the palace together. At the same time, Grand Preceptor Zhou entered Funing Palace.

In the second month of the thirty-fifth year of Kaiping, Zhao Fu woke up, but no one believed he would live much longer. Everyone knew it was the emperor’s final flicker of life. Zhao Fu had fought battles in his youth and suffered many injuries. Now, in his old age, even the Liao Emperor, who was a dozen years younger, was in declining health. That Zhao Fu had woken up at all was already unexpected.

Yet, against all odds, Zhao Fu not only woke up but, with the care of the divine doctor and the imperial physicians, his health gradually improved.

Even Tang Shen found it miraculous. Every winter, Zhao Fu seemed on the verge of death, as if he could pass at any moment. But as soon as spring arrived, he became lively again, as if he could live another hundred years.

Among the officials, some felt they had wasted their emotions, having grieved prematurely for the emperor’s impending death.

Who could have thought that the emperor would bounce back to life!

On the sixth day of the fourth month of the thirty-fifth year of Kaiping, the morning court resumed, and all officials paid their respects.

Standing at the front of the civil officials on the left was still Left Prime Minister Xu Bi. But this time, standing at the front of the military officials on the right was the Grand Marshal of the Realm’s Military Forces, Grand Preceptor Zhou!

This grand morning court should have been held in the first month, but it was delayed until now due to Zhao Fu’s unconsciousness. The officials reported on the achievements of the past year. After two full hours, the grand morning court finally concluded.

However, the very next day, Grand Preceptor Zhou left the capital and returned to Youzhou. But no one expected that Zhao Fu would have him take the Second Prince, Zhao Shang, with him!

When the imperial edict arrived at the Second Prince’s residence, Zhao Shang was also confused. He hastily received the edict and immediately summoned his advisors, “Mr. Meng, what is the meaning of this? I have never been to a military camp, let alone Youzhou. Why would His Majesty suddenly issue such an edict?”

The advisor, Mr. Meng, had no idea what Zhao Fu intended. He pondered deeply, “Your Highness, don’t panic. This might not be a bad thing. Since the edict has been issued, we cannot defy it. We must go to Youzhou. But for now, only you have received the edict, not the Fourth or Fifth Princes. This shows that His Majesty has special plans for you. Grand Preceptor Zhou is His Majesty’s most trusted person. Since you are accompanying the Grand Preceptor, perhaps great opportunities await you in Youzhou!”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Shang’s eyes lit up.

“Your words are wise. Please accompany me to Youzhou and assist me!”

“I will follow you to the death!”

Within a few days, Grand Preceptor Zhou set off for Youzhou with the Second Prince, Zhao Shang.

By the fifth month, the Department of Construction and Reform had achieved some results. Ji Mengwen, the director of the Department, wrote three memorials and sent them to Tang Shen’s desk. After reading them, Tang Shen immediately summoned him back from Southern Zhili.

That night, at the residence of the Right Prime Minister.

As the fifth month drew to a close, the pond was filled with blooming lotuses. The moonlight, like a veil, fell on the red lotuses, resembling a misty, ethereal fog.

The Right Prime Minister, Wang Quan, raised his cup to the moon, feeling inspired to recite poetry. He recited a poem about the moon by a past poet, then turned and said, “Zi Feng, why not compose a poem to add to the elegance of the moment?”

Wang Zhen swirled the white jade cup in his hand, his gaze clear and fluid, “Jing Ze once said something.”

“Oh? What did he say? Tell me.”

Wang Zhen, “He said, ‘You high officials are spending taxpayers’ money on lavish pleasures and carefree enjoyment.'”

“…En?”

Wang Zhen smiled, “He explained it to me like this: this phrase roughly means that while lost territories have not been recovered and the people are not yet prosperous, we high officials should not indulge in luxury and pleasure. Instead, we should work diligently, dedicating ourselves to the welfare of the people, even to the point of sacrificing our lives.”

“…”

The Right Prime Minister suddenly felt that his own fierce wife was quite lovely.

Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Wang Quan had no understanding of the intimate dynamics between other lovers, nor did he know under what circumstances Tang Shen had said those words.

Wang Quan finished a pot of wine and turned to serious matters, “Why didn’t you bring Tang Jingze with you today?”

Wang Zhen paused, then calmly lowered his gaze, “The matters to be discussed today are not suitable for him.”

Wang Quan laughed, “What could it be? It’s just the usual scheming and framing. You’re already a treacherous official. It’s not your first time doing this, and it won’t be your last.”

Wang Zhen looked up at him, “I believe that this time, Uncle will play the leading role.”

Wang Quan coughed twice, pretending not to hear.

Wang Zhen raised his wine cup, intending to drink another round, but remembering that he had already drunk quite a bit tonight, he decided against it. If he drank too much, he might reveal something when he returned home. Ordinary women, scholars, or officials might not notice anything amiss in his words or actions, but his junior brother was different. The slightest slip, and Tang Shen would become suspicious.

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Wang Zhen suddenly asked, “Am I a good person?”

Wang Quan, already somewhat drunk, was helped by a servant to the inner courtyard. Before leaving, he said to Wang Zhen, “You handle things as you see fit!”

Wang Zhen couldn’t help but laugh. Losing interest, he also prepared to leave.

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When Grand Preceptor Zhou entered Funing Palace, no one else was allowed in. Even Ji Fu stood beside Tang Shen, waiting outside for a quarter of an hour before the palace doors opened from within.

Ji Fu hurried forward, smiling ingratiatingly, “Grand Preceptor, has His Majesty awakened?”

“Not yet.”

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Of course not. Grand Preceptor Zhou was just a man, not a god. Zhao Fu had been unconscious for so many days; how could he wake up just because he had returned? It was unclear why Ji Fu asked such a question, but he wore a concerned and troubled expression, “His Majesty has been unconscious for over twenty days, Grand Preceptor. What should we do? This servant is just a eunuch and has no ideas. But this servant always believes that His Majesty, as the true dragon Son of Heaven, will surely be fine.”

Grand Preceptor Zhou glanced at him, his voice firm and resolute, “Naturally.”

Ji Fu had been smiling so much that his face was almost stiff. Finally, Grand Preceptor Zhou shifted his gaze away from Ji Fu and looked at Tang Shen, who was standing nearby.

Tang Shen had already prepared himself. He bowed respectfully and said, “This lower official, Tang Shen, Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, greets the Grand Preceptor.” Without waiting for Grand Preceptor Zhou to ask, Tang Shen directly explained why he was there, “His Majesty has been unconscious for many days. Every day, Qinzheng Hall sends an official to stand guard outside Funing Palace. Today, it is my turn.”

Grand Preceptor Zhou, with one hand resting on the sword at his waist, stood tall and imposing. He said, “I have heard Jing De mention you before.”

Tang Shen replied, “This lower official has met General Li a few times.”

Grand Preceptor Zhou exchanged a few more words with Tang Shen, mostly questions from an elder to a junior, without showing any particular favor or disfavor. Just as suddenly as he had arrived, the Grand Marshal of the Realm’s Military Forces stepped into the snow, his boots leaving deep footprints behind.

Snowflakes settled on his cloak, and the wind howled, making the fabric snap and flutter.

Ji Fu patted his chest, still shaken, and exchanged a few pleasantries with Tang Shen before re-entering Funing Palace.

A snowflake drifted down from the eaves. Tang Shen reached out and caught it in his palm. His hand was warm, and the snowflake quickly melted. When Tang Shen looked up again, Grand Preceptor Zhou’s figure had already disappeared into the vast snowfall, no longer visible.

Grand Preceptor Zhou’s sudden return to the capital was no small matter and immediately drew widespread attention.

Tang Shen was also very curious, but with Wang Zhen still far away in Jinling and not yet returned to the capital, he had no one to ask. It wasn’t until the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth lunar month, when Wang Quan’s wife celebrated her birthday, that Tang Shen was invited to the Wang residence for a meal. After the meal, Wang Quan summoned several of his trusted confidants to his study.

Almost all the key members of the Wang faction had gathered in this small study.

Tang Shen didn’t quite count, as he wasn’t officially part of the Wang faction, but due to his special status, Wang Quan had invited him as well.

Once everyone had gathered, Wang Quan sipped his hot tea and began, “Grand Preceptor Zhou has returned to the capital. What are your thoughts on this?”

Everyone voiced their opinions.

“Grand Preceptor Zhou has been with His Majesty for many years. When His Majesty was still a prince, he studied under Li Mohe, the Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion. However, Grand Secretary Li passed away thirty years ago. For His Majesty, Grand Preceptor Zhou is his true mentor and friend. This time, His Majesty’s headache came on so fiercely that it must truly be a critical moment for Grand Preceptor Zhou to return to the capital.”

“I also think so. This time, His Majesty might really…”

The speaker trailed off, but everyone understood the implication.

Wang Quan turned to Tang Shen, “I heard that on the day Grand Preceptor Zhou returned to the capital, it was your turn to be on duty in the palace?”

Everyone turned to look at Tang Shen.

Tang Shen stood up and saluted slightly, “Yes. That day, it was my turn to stand guard outside Funing Palace, and I happened to run into the Grand Preceptor.”

“Did you notice anything unusual, Tang daren?”

Tang Shen replied, “Nothing unusual. After the Grand Preceptor entered Funing Palace, he only stayed for a quarter of an hour before leaving.”

An official sighed, “That’s only natural. His Majesty is unconscious. What could the Grand Preceptor do even if he stayed? Sit by the bed and wait?”

Tang Shen added, “But the Grand Preceptor didn’t show any signs of extreme grief either.”

Wang Quan’s eyes lit up, “How do you mean?”

Tang Shen carefully analyzed the situation from that day and speculated, “The Grand Preceptor’s return to the capital couldn’t have been just to see His Majesty. The Grand Preceptor has been away fighting battles for years, and he and His Majesty have always understood each other as ruler and subject, with no rift between them. If His Majesty’s condition is truly as dire as you all say, beyond the help of medicine, the Grand Preceptor would surely be deeply distressed. But from the Grand Preceptor’s demeanor and words… it seems there might still be hope.”

Wang Quan asked, “What kind of hope?”

Tang Shen was at a loss for words. He truly couldn’t say!

Fortunately, Grand Preceptor Zhou didn’t keep them waiting for long. The next day, a renowned divine doctor was summoned to the palace to diagnose and treat Zhao Fu.

In the past, Tang Shen had also believed in the idea of great talents hiding among the common folk. Novels and TV shows often portrayed divine doctors who lived in seclusion in the mountains, only to descend and effortlessly solve problems that even imperial physicians couldn’t handle. But now, having seen more of the world and truly entered the inner circles, he realized that in this era, imperial authority was supreme!

If the emperor wanted something, there was nothing he couldn’t obtain.

Could some random “divine doctor” from who-knows-where really surpass the imperial physicians? That was pure fantasy. The imperial physicians in the Imperial Hospital were, in the eyes of the common folk, each a divine doctor in their own right.

But this divine doctor had been brought in by Grand Preceptor Zhou.

The officials were filled with doubt: Could this divine doctor truly be a hidden gem, capable of curing the emperor’s illness?

Everyone watched and waited. Soon, another New Year passed, and Zhao Fu still hadn’t awakened. The three princes remaining in the capital were like ants on a hot pan. Their hearts burned with anxiety, and many thoughts they had once entertained but later suppressed crept back into their minds like clinging parasites. They tried their best not to think about it, but how could they forget?

After the New Year, the three princes took turns entering the palace to attend to the emperor.

As it became clear that the emperor might not wake up, and with the state unable to function without a ruler for even a day, the officials in the court gradually began to form their own opinions.

On the second day of the second lunar month in the thirty-fifth year of Kaiping, the Spring Dragon Festival.

Tang Shen, dressed in a brand-new official robe, braved a cold spring rain to arrive at Qinzheng Hall. Spring rain was always silent and fine. Tang Shen had brought an umbrella, but it was of little use. The light rain dampened the hem of his robe. He tidied himself up slightly, and soon after, Xu Linghou, the Left Vice Minister of Revenue, arrived.

Seeing Tang Shen’s damp robe, Xu Linghou smiled and said, “Since there’s nothing urgent today, Tang daren, why don’t you head back to the Ministry of Works first?”

By “returning to the Ministry of Works,” he was essentially telling Tang Shen he could go home and have the day off.

In the past, Wang Zhen had often used the excuse of “returning to the Ministry of Revenue” during his duties to disappear to who-knows-where. For example, when Tang Shen first met Wang Zhen, the Minister of Revenue should have been on duty at the Ministry of Revenue, but instead, he had appeared at Fu Wei’s residence.

Xu Linghou was one of Wang Zhen’s most trusted confidants, even more favored than Qin Si. Tang Shen teased, “The officials of the Ministry of Revenue are all well-versed in this art!”

Unexpectedly, Xu Linghou looked surprised, “Is there someone else who often goes to the Ministry of Works?”

Tang Shen replied, “Your Minister, Wang daren.”

Xu Linghou laughed, “Isn’t he Tang daren‘s partner?”

Tang Shen: “…”

When it came to thick skin, he was no match for the officials of the Ministry of Revenue!

However, Xu Linghou was mistaken about one thing. Wang Zhen was hardly Tang Shen’s partner! Not only had they not shared a bed in a while, but they hadn’t even seen each other in nearly half a year! Wang Zhen had gone to Jinling and had been unable to leave, staying there for a full three months.

The two exchanged a few more words when a messenger hurried into the room.

Xu Linghou asked, “What’s the matter? Why the rush?”

The messenger replied, “Reporting to both daren, His Majesty has awakened! Prime Minister Xu has ordered us to inform all the officials in their offices to immediately go to Funing Palace.”

Tang Shen and Xu Linghou both opened their mouths slightly, equally stunned.

No one had expected that after being unconscious for two months, Zhao Fu would actually wake up!

Qinzheng Hall was located within the palace, so when the emperor awoke, the officials of Qinzheng Hall were the first to arrive at Funing Palace. However, no one was allowed inside because Grand Preceptor Zhou was speaking with the emperor inside. After nearly an hour, the chief eunuch Ji Fu came out to announce, “His Majesty summons Prime Ministers Xu, Wang, Chen, and Geng to enter the hall.”

The four prime ministers immediately entered the hall, and this time, they stayed for just over an hour before emerging.

The four of them had complex expressions on their faces. Xu Bi looked up at the more than twenty high-ranking officials from Qinzheng Hall waiting outside, among them his proud student Yu Chaosheng. Xu Bi waved his hand and said, “Everyone may return today. His Majesty has just awakened and is still unwell. Starting tomorrow, Qinzheng Hall will send two officials each day to stand duty at Funing Palace.”

Everyone responded in unison, “Yes.”

The officials all left, but Grand Preceptor Zhou remained in Funing Palace.

Although Zhao Fu had awakened, he was still bedridden and needed time to recover. However, the next day, an imperial edict was sent to Jiangnan: Zhao Fu summoned Wang Zhen back to the capital.

Four days later, Wang Zhen, the Senior Grand Secretary of the Left, returned to Shengjing, covered in dust.

Wang Zhen had returned to Shengjing in the morning, and that afternoon, Tang Shen received an edict summoning him to the palace for an audience with the emperor.

The two met again, this time in front of Funing Palace. Tang Shen looked at his senior brother, whom he hadn’t seen in half a year, with mixed emotions. The longing they felt couldn’t be conveyed through letters alone. Both of them gazed deeply at each other. Wang Zhen raised a finger to his lips and softly said, “Shh.”

Tang Shen’s lips curved into a smile, “Let’s go, Wang daren.”

The two exchanged a smile and stepped into Funing Palace together.

As soon as they entered the hall, Tang Shen was hit by a strong scent of medicinal herbs. Grand Preceptor Zhou was not in the hall. Ji Fu led Wang Zhen and Tang Shen into the bedchamber, where an elderly man with graying hair stood guard by the dragon bed.

“Your subjects Wang Zhen and Tang Shen pay our respects to Your Majesty.”

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Zhao Fu’s condition was not as weak as outsiders might have imagined. At this moment, he was lying in bed, propped up by pillows, reading a memorial. Hearing their voices, he looked up. When Tang Shen saw his face, he was shocked: the emperor had become so thin!

Zhao Fu had never been this thin before. His cheeks were sunken, and his face was lined with more wrinkles. But his eyes were clear and bright. Seeing Tang Shen and Wang Zhen, he set the memorial aside and waved them closer, “Come closer. I don’t have the strength to speak loudly with you now.”

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In the tenth month of the thirty-fourth year of Kaiping.

Jinzhou, located in the southwestern corner of the Great Song Dynasty.

Jinzhou is mountainous, with many famous peaks immortalized in poetry and paintings by literati. Not to mention, just two years ago, Fu Wei, one of the four great scholars of the realm, resigned from his official position and traveled to Jinzhou. After ascending Mount Lu, he wrote a line of poetry: “Long mists bid farewell to the returning traveler, dawn mists sever the smoky waves.”

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Surrounded by mountains, Jinzhou has always been inconvenient for travel. Half a year ago, the emperor ordered the construction of an official road connecting Shuzhou and Jinzhou. The difficulty of building this road was no less than that of the three official roads added together built north of Shengjing years ago. Thus, officials from the Ministry of Works and craftsmen from across the realm flocked to Jinzhou, busy constructing the road, determined to complete it within two years.

Outside the walls of Jinzhou, a carriage slowly made its way along a mountain path and arrived at the city gate. A guard stepped forward to inspect it. The coachman handed something to the guard, who, upon seeing it, was visibly shaken and immediately knelt to pay his respects. A calm and gentle voice came from inside the carriage, “No need for formalities. May we enter the city?”

The guard, trembling with fear, nodded repeatedly, “Please, please.”

After the carriage entered the city, it headed straight for the governor’s office. About an hour later, a handsome young man dressed in a blue brocade robe emerged from the office. Accompanied by his page boy, he made his way to the site where the Ministry of Works was constructing the official road. Along the way, they happened to pass by the Great Song Silver Bank in Jinzhou.

Tang Shen stopped and looked at the bank.

Two men dressed in coarse linen walked out, chatting and laughing, holding receipts from the bank.

“This Silver Bank is really convenient. It’s so much easier to deposit and withdraw money. After selling my grain, I don’t have to carry heavy strings of coins back to the village. I can deposit most of it here and withdraw it when needed.”

As they spoke, the two men slowly walked away.

Seeing Tang Shen staring at the two men, Feng Bi, who had followed him for many years and understood his thoughts well, said, “Wang daren‘s work is truly excellent, young master. Wherever we go, we see the Great Song Silver Bank. Over the past year, more and more common people have started using it, and they all praise it.”

Tang Shen asked, “Do you think it’s well done?”

Feng Bi replied, “Of course.”

Tang Shen shook his head with a smile, “It’s not enough. This isn’t what my senior brother wants.”

“Huh?”

Feng Bi scratched his head in confusion. He was just a young servant who knew a few characters but couldn’t grasp the deeper meaning.

Since the beginning of the year, Wang Zhen had been busy with the affairs of the Great Song Silver Bank. Over the past year, he had traveled across all thirty-six prefectures. Gradually, branches of the Great Song Silver Bank had sprung up in every prefecture. At first, the common people had no understanding of the bank and were afraid to approach it. This was something Wang Zhen didn’t need to worry about. Xu Linghou, the Left Vice Minister of Revenue, devised a plan: on the same day, all branches of the Silver Bank across the realm would distribute military salaries.

Families with soldiers could go to the Great Song Silver Bank to collect their loved ones’ salaries. The goal was not to force people to use the bank but to ensure they would at least step inside.

Soon, the common people began to accept this strange governmental office, realizing that it was indeed a place where ordinary people could conduct business.

As the common people started depositing their money in the Great Song Silver Bank, it inevitably caused ripples among the aristocratic families.

However, no matter how much money the common people had, it couldn’t compare to the wealth of the great families. At any time, ninety percent of the wealth in the world is concentrated in the hands of the top ten percent. The aristocratic families were unwilling to see the success of the Great Song Silver Bank, but they couldn’t repeat the bloodshed of the Revenue And Expenditure Department incident from years ago. Then, one day, thousands of common people in Qinzhou suddenly demanded to withdraw their money from the Silver Bank.

The Great Song Silver Bank wasn’t just a simple warehouse where people deposited money and left it untouched. Naturally, the bank operated with the funds, keeping only what was needed for daily operations.

When this incident occurred, Feng Guangcai, the prefect of Qinzhou, was so worried that his hair turned white, because the Great Song Silver Bank couldn’t immediately provide the funds!

Qinzhou was thrown into chaos. The matter reached Shengjing, and Emperor Zhao Fu angrily threw the memorial at Wang Zhen.

“Is this the good work you’ve done for me?”

Last month, Wang Zhen specifically went to Qinzhou to resolve the matter. Then he headed south to Jinling, returning to the Langya Wang family.

By the time Wang Zhen left, it was already three days later.

Wang Hui, the fourth master of the Wang family, personally saw him off. Watching his nephew’s graceful figure, Wang Hui smiled bitterly and bowed, “Common people become officials to accumulate wealth for their families, to bring prosperity, and to allow their families to act arrogantly with borrowed influence. But you and my second brother are something else—you’re digging at the very foundations of the aristocratic families!”

Wang Zhen returned the bow, his voice clear and resonant, as if echoing through the ages, “When I was young, Fourth Uncle once told me why the Langya Wang family has endured for three hundred years, remaining on this divine land, unlike the Xie family, which has declined over time.”

Wang Hui laughed heartily, “In this world, there is no eternal giant! Moving with the times, like a door hinge that never rusts—this is the ancestral motto of our Wang family.”

Wang Zhen bowed deeply, “Thank you, Fourth Uncle.”

“You and my second brother are truly the biggest spendthrifts the Wang family has seen in three hundred years!”

Despite the scolding words, Wang Hui’s face was filled with a smile.

What Wang Zhen was doing, Tang Shen naturally didn’t know. But he knew that what Wang Zhen truly wanted wasn’t just to create a place that made it convenient for common people to deposit and withdraw money. He wanted to “replace currency with paper”!

The Great Song’s currency shortage was due to two main reasons.

First, precious metals were scarce, and raw materials were insufficient, so coins couldn’t be minted in large quantities.

Second, the aristocratic families monopolized wealth. They hoarded vast amounts of gold and silver, leading to a vicious cycle where the rich grew richer and the poor grew poorer.

What Wang Zhen wanted to do was to reclaim wealth from the aristocratic families and, through years of accumulation, fill the national treasury with sufficient reserves. After that, he aimed to truly replace currency with paper. The common people wouldn’t just recognize copper coins but also the paper currency issued by the Great Song Silver Bank.

However, this goal was still a long way off.

Now, seeing the Great Song Silver Bank in Jinzhou, Tang Shen felt both gratified and distressed.

“My senior brother truly has it tough!”

Reflecting on this, Tang Shen thought to himself: And how is it any easier for me?

He smiled and said no more, heading to the Ministry of Works.

In the twelfth lunar month, Tang Shen returned to the capital. Unlike the south, Shengjing was already blanketed in snow. For the past few days, the officials hadn’t attended the morning court because Emperor Zhao Fu’s headache had flared up. In recent years, every winter, Zhao Fu often suffered from headaches, and in severe cases, he would even lose consciousness.

But no one could have expected that this time it would be so severe.

Li Xiaoren, the Chief Astronomer of the Astronomical Bureau, led nine disciples in performing rituals and praying for the emperor’s health at the Immortal Ascension Platform.

On the ninth day of the twelfth lunar month, three fast horses left Shengjing, heading to Gusu, Jizhou, and Liangzhou. The three princes received the edicts at home, and all three were shocked.

Emperor Zhao Fu had actually written a decree long ago: if one day he remained unconscious for ten days, the three princes were to be recalled to Shengjing.

The first thought that came to the three princes wasn’t concern for Zhao Fu’s health but the realization: Could it be that they were about to become emperor?

The three princes returned to Shengjing and soon learned that their two brothers had also returned.

In the past, they would have each maneuvered to increase their chances of inheriting the throne. But the palace coup two years ago had truly frightened them. They were terrified that this was another one of Zhao Fu’s whims, another of their father’s schemes.

The palace coup two years ago during the New Year—they still didn’t know the full truth of what had happened. But they had learned one lesson from it:

Their father was truly cold-blooded and ruthless!

The three princes were both worried and excited. Worried that this might be another scheme, that one of their brothers might become crown prince or even emperor. Excited that… why couldn’t it be them who was to become emperor?

Twenty-three days passed in a flash. On the twenty-third day of the twelfth lunar month, by this time in previous years, officials would have been preparing for their holiday. But this year, with the emperor seriously ill and unconscious, all the officials went to the Altar of Heaven to pray for the emperor’s health. As the snow fell heavier and the weather grew colder, with no sign of the emperor waking, many officials began to sense that the emperor might not survive the winter.

On the twenty-fourth day of the twelfth lunar month, Tang Shen was on duty to enter the palace. Even though Zhao Fu was unconscious, every day a third-rank high official would go to Qinzheng Hall and wait outside Funing Palace.

Tang Shen, dressed in thick cotton, stood outside Funing Palace for an entire day.

The chief eunuch, Ji Fu, brought out a bowl of hot soup and personally handed it to Tang Shen, “Tang daren, you’ve worked hard. Have some hot soup.”

Tang Shen immediately accepted it with both hands, “Thank you, gonggong.”

Ji Fu said, “It started snowing this morning and hasn’t stopped all day. It’s much colder than yesterday.”

Tang Shen asked, “How is His Majesty’s condition?”

Ji Fu’s expression stiffened. He shook his head slightly at Tang Shen, signaling with his eyes: Don’t ask anymore.

That meant the situation was very bad.

Tang Shen fell silent. At first, he had also wondered whether Zhao Fu was truly ill or if this was another ruse. But as the days passed, it became clear that Zhao Fu was genuinely seriously ill.

Zhao Fu’s time was running out…

Tang Shen felt a deep sense of melancholy, unable to put his feelings into words.

Suddenly, in the midst of the heavy snow, a dark figure strode down the palace path from Chuigong Hall. A somber black cloak fluttered in the fierce wind. He wore a suit of armor, with an iron sword at his waist, one hand resting on the hilt as he walked with great strides. Though aged, he walked steadily and soon arrived before Funing Palace.

The man stood still, his hawk-like gaze sweeping the area. His eyes fell on Tang Shen for a moment before moving on. His presence was overwhelming, that single glance felt like suffocating under a sea of blood and bones, leaving everyone present breathless.

Tang Shen’s lips moved as he looked at the white-haired but imposing old general before him. Suddenly, he realized who this person was.

In the palace, aside from the Imperial Guards, no one was allowed to carry a sword.

However, there was one person who could.

Ji Fu, his voice shrill, said with a forced smile, “This servant greets the Grand Marshal of the Realm’s Military Forces, the Grand Preceptor. When did you return to the capital?”

Grand Preceptor Zhou spoke, his voice as cold as iron, “I rode day and night and just arrived in the capital. How is His Majesty?”

Ji Fu responded in a low voice.

Grand Preceptor Zhou was silent for a moment. His towering figure was like a massive mountain. “Take me inside.”

“Yes.”

Grand Preceptor Zhou strode into Funing Palace. As he passed Tang Shen, Tang Shen immediately bowed in respect. Grand Preceptor Zhou glanced at him but said nothing as he entered.

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The palace doors creaked shut. Tang Shen held the bowl of now-cold soup in both hands.

He looked up at the snow falling from the sky and thought to himself: Twenty-five days, and this is the first official to enter Funing Palace. Is Grand Preceptor Zhou an official?

Yes, probably so.

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The first lunar month had just passed, but Shengjing City was still blanketed in heavy snow. The officials of the Ministry of Works had just returned to their offices when an imperial edict was delivered to the office of Yuan Mu, the Minister of Works.

Yuan Mu received the edict and sat in his armchair for a long time without speaking. Half an hour later, he summoned his trusted confidant, Li Yude, the Left Vice Minister of Works. With only the two of them in the room, Yuan Mu didn’t hesitate and directly handed the edict to Li Yude, signaling him to open and read it.

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Li Yude solemnly accepted the small folded document. After opening it and reading its contents, his expression changed dramatically. He quickly looked up and said, “Daren.”

“You’ve seen it too.”

Li Yude whispered, “Why does His Majesty favor Wang Zifeng and his junior brother Tang Jingze so much?”

Yuan Mu glanced at him and smiled, “You still don’t see it clearly. As officials serving our emperor, there are only two ways to ensure our safety and prosperity. The first is to be like Prime Minister Xu and me—officials who feign ignorance. We never meddle in other affairs. Whatever His Majesty orders, we carry out wholeheartedly. We are the emperor’s most useful tools.”

Li Yude gradually understood. As the Left Vice Minister of Works, he was one of the “ignorant officials” Yuan Mu spoke of, but he wasn’t foolish. After some thought, he said, “The other type must be like Wang Zifeng and Tang Jingze, right?”

Yuan Mu nodded, “Exactly. The other type is the kind of official who wins the emperor’s favor. Look at what Wang Zifeng has done with the Silver Pull Division and the tasks Tang Jingze has taken on. And what about Su Feiran and Li Jingde? Why have they, despite their youth and one even as a gui zheng ren, become such influential high-ranking officials in the court? They excel at what they do. They act because they want to, not because the emperor orders them to. However, serving the emperor is like walking alongside a tiger. Dancing on the edge of a blade has its risks and rewards. The last official who enjoyed such favor from the emperor was Prime Minister Ji.”

Li Yude deeply agreed.

Prime Minister Ji Wengji was also a renowned pragmatist in the Great Song Dynasty.

Despite being a second-rank scholar in the imperial examination, he rose step by step to become the Left Prime Minister of the court. This was because, during his tenure as an official, he accomplished many significant tasks. After returning to the capital, he also used forceful measures to reform the court, bringing peace to the realm.

Emperor Zhao Fu once regarded him as his right-hand man. However, his downfall was also tragic. The only reason he was spared was due to Emperor Zhao Fu’s consideration of their long-standing relationship and the Great Song’s law against executing officials.

Thinking of this, Yuan Mu and Li Yude exchanged a knowing smile and said no more.

Tang Shen, at such a young age, had already risen to the third rank. He had gained much, but the threats behind him were equally numerous. Whether he would become the next Wang Zifeng or end up like Prime Minister Ji was a matter of fate, unknown to anyone.

In the second lunar month, Tang Shen, the Right Vice Minister of Works, began reforming the Ministry of Works, changing many long-standing regulations.

This move shocked the entire Ministry of Works. Immediately, some officials went to seek out Minister Yuan Mu and Left Vice Minister Li Yude. However, the two high-ranking officials remained silent, allowing Tang Shen to proceed as he wished. The officials were at a loss, but some began to realize, “Only one person in the world could make all  three daren act together.”

“Who?”

The official pointed a finger toward the sky.

The Ministry of Works had many officials. Besides the Minister and the two Vice Ministers, there were four departments: Agricultural Garrison, Department of Forestry, Department of Waterworks, and Institute of Literary and Artistic Works. Each department had directors, assistant directors, and various other officials. Additionally, there were lower-ranking officials not affiliated with any specific department.

As for the craftsmen under the Ministry of Works, they were countless.

If the Ministry of Works summoned them, all craftsmen from the thirty-six provinces of the Great Song had to respond.

The first thing Tang Shen did was directly promote Ji Mengwen, the judge of the Institute of Literary and Artistic Works.

Ji Mengwen was forty-five years old and had passed the xiangshi in the fifteenth year of Kaiping to become a juren. The Institute of Literary and Artistic Works was responsible for repairing gold and silver artifacts across the realm, and the judge was an insignificant seventh-rank position. Such positions were usually not assigned by the court but directly appointed by officials of the Ministry of Works and then reported to the Ministry of Personnel.

Ji Mengwen had been directly appointed by the former Right Vice Minister of Works, Su Wenyun.

After passing the xiangshi, Ji Mengwen repeatedly failed the huishi. In fact, when Tang Shen took the huishi in the Shengjing Examination Hall back then, Ji Mengwen was also among the ten thousand candidates. Unfortunately, he failed again. A few years later, he was appointed as the judge of the Institute of Literary and Artistic Works due to his skill in craftsmanship, abandoning the imperial examinations to become a seventh-rank official.

Tang Shen directly promoted Ji Mengwen from a seventh-rank judge to a sixth-rank director, which shocked Ji Mengwen.

A mere juren without a higher degree could only hold a position up to the seventh rank. Although the Great Song’s laws did not explicitly prohibit juren from holding sixth-rank positions, since the founding of the dynasty, no juren had ever held a sixth-rank position.

Ji Mengwen was filled with trepidation and fear as he followed the government officer to meet Tang Shen.

Who was Tang Shen? As an official of the Ministry of Works, Ji Mengwen naturally knew. He was well aware that Right Vice Minister Tang was a pillar of the Wang faction. At just twenty-three years old, he had already risen to the third rank. However, since Tang Shen’s relationship with Su Wenyun seemed strained, and Ji Mengwen had been promoted by Su Wenyun, Tang Shen’s sudden promotion of him naturally made Ji Mengwen suspect there was more to it.

Upon entering the Right Vice Minister’s office, Ji Mengwen kept his head down, not daring to speak.

Tang Shen’s voice was gentle, “Are you Ji Mengwen?”

Ji Mengwen bowed, “This lower official, Ji Mengwen, greets the Right Vice Minister.”

Tang Shen said, “You may look up when you speak.”

Ji Mengwen raised his head and finally saw Tang Shen’s face clearly. At this moment, he had no idea that his entire life’s fate would be completely altered by the young man before him.

Promoting talent and improving the wages of craftsmen were only the first steps Tang Shen took.

In the third month of the thirty-fourth year of Kaiping, Tang Shen submitted a memorial to the emperor, requesting the establishment of a new department within the Ministry of Works, the Department of Construction and Reform, in addition to the existing four departments. This time, even Emperor Zhao Fu hesitated. Once the proposal was made, officials voiced various criticisms. Most felt that Tang Shen had only become the Right Vice Minister of Works the previous year and was now attempting to add another department to the Ministry of Works.

“Our Great Song’s official system mostly follows that of the previous dynasty. The previous dynasty used it for hundreds of years, and our dynasty has used it for over a hundred years since its founding. How can it be changed just because he took office? This is simply absurd!”

Although Minister Yuan Mu was surprised, he did not voice any opposition.

Fortunately, the current dynasty’s governance was strict, unlike the previous dynasty where the Ministry of Works was a lucrative post. Being an official in the Ministry of Works was not a desirable position. While the officials had some objections to Tang Shen’s actions, they were not overly concerned. The final decision once again rested with Emperor Zhao Fu.

On the fourth day of the third lunar month, Wang Zhen set out for Jinling. Before leaving, he gently kissed Tang Shen’s forehead and said softly, “Jing Ze, have you ever felt worried?”

Tang Shen saw him off and asked in return, “Worried about what?”

“Do you know why His Majesty has always supported you but hesitated when you proposed establishing the Department of Construction and Reform?”

Tang Shen smiled, “His Majesty is concerned that my power is becoming too great. If I establish the Department of Construction and Reform, it will inevitably be filled with my trusted associates. His Majesty’s concern lies precisely in this. Senior Brother, am I right?”

Wang Zhen said, “Yes, yes, you are very clever. You’ve hit the nail on the head.”

Tang Shen sighed, “This time, I truly have no confidence. This touches on something His Majesty cannot tolerate.”

“Why worry?”

“Huh?”

“You are only twenty-three this year. Our Emperor has been balancing the court for longer than you’ve been alive. Other matters are manageable, but in this, no one in the world can compare to the current Emperor.”

Not long after, Wang Zhen left Shengjing and headed south to Jinling.

Three days later, Tang Shen finally learned how Emperor Zhao Fu intended to use him.

“By the decree of the heavens, the Ministry of Works shall rise, excelling in its craft. Above, there are pillars and supports; below, there are skilled artisans. Henceforth, a Department of Construction and Reform is established, expanding the Ministry of Works by thirty positions. This decree takes effect immediately.”

“Your subject Yuan Mu receives the decree.” Minister Yuan Mu, along with the other officials, accepted the decree.

From then on, the Department of Construction and Reform of the Ministry of Works fell into Tang Shen’s hands. The Department of Construction and Reform could expand by thirty people. Emperor Zhao Fu had truly given Tang Shen full authority. These thirty positions were not specifically assigned to Tang Shen but were left for him to choose. Even if he selected twenty craftsmen with only the rank of xiucai, the Ministry of Personnel might still approve them.

Such imperial favor made many officials view Tang Shen in a new light.

However, many others remained calm and did not harbor jealousy.

When Wang Zhen, far away in Jinling, received the news, he was having tea with his fourth uncle at the Langya Wang family’s estate. Although Wang Hui, the fourth master of the Wang family, was a merchant, he was well aware of the intricacies of officialdom. With two first-rank high-ranking officials in the family, Wang Hui had absorbed much through osmosis. He sighed, “Zi Feng, what do you think His Majesty will do?”

Wang Zhen gazed at the clear tea. Just moments ago, he had praised the tea for its refreshing taste and lingering aroma, but now he silently set down the cup.

After a long while, he smiled wryly, “Only the Silver Pull Division remains!”

Soon, Tang Shen received another imperial edict. The emperor appointed Tang Shen as the head of three departments within the Ministry of Works: Department of Forestry, Department of Waterworks, and the Department of Construction and Reform, overseeing all three. However, this was a promotion in name but a demotion in reality. His position as the Right Deputy Imperial Censor of the Silver Pull Division was revoked, and the additional position of Deputy Imperial Censor was abolished. At the same time, the position of the other Left Deputy Imperial Censor, Yu Chaosheng, was also removed, and he was given another role: Commander of the Jiangnan Silver Pull Division.

Tang Shen had anticipated this outcome, but he hadn’t expected it to affect Wang Zhen as well. Emperor Zhao Fu further divided some of Wang Zhen’s authority and gave it to Yu Chaosheng.

He immediately wrote a letter and sent it to Jiangnan.

Soon, Wang Zhen replied.

“Recently, I’ve been rising early and retiring late, occasionally thinking of this matter. It keeps me tossing and turning, unable to sleep. I once thought that our names would be written together in the annals of history, passed down for a thousand years because of the Silver Pull Division. Never did I expect that, instead of seeing my beloved, I would see Yu Xianzhi. At noon, I had no appetite and lost a pound.”

After reading this, Tang Shen laughed for a long time, as if he could see Wang Zifeng earnestly writing such nonsense.

He sent a reply, and seven days later, Wang Zhen received the letter and was stunned for a while.

Wang Hui, who was nearby, asked curiously, “Is it a letter from Tang Jingze?”

Wang Zhen clutched his chest and turned to Wang Hui, “Fourth Uncle, when you traveled for business, did Fourth Aunt ever write you letters?”

“…Of, of course she did.”

“Oh, so she didn’t.”

“…”

“The sentiments here are probably hard for Fourth Uncle to understand.”

Wang Hui: “…”

What nonsense is this!

Tang Shen had no idea that his simple reply would keep Wang Zifeng re-reading the letter for two nights, reluctant to put it away.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

The letter, written in elegant calligraphy, contained heartfelt words: “Before lying, you forgot to kiss me again. Senior Brother always breaks his promises, but I am different from you. Our names are already tightly intertwined, etched on the Stone of Three Lives. Even if history spans a thousand years, it is not impossible for us to be together. Do you believe that the Silver Pull Division may not surpass the Department of Construction and Reform…”

Wang Zhen didn’t pay much attention to the rest of the content; it wasn’t very important.

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