Li Jingde had always believed that the civil officials of the court were all delicate and frail. Forget leading troops into battle on horseback; even a gust of cold wind on a winter night could give them a cold, leaving them bedridden.

At first, Li Jingde didn’t understand Su Wenyun’s purpose for coming and thought it was nothing important, so he casually dismissed him. Now that he knew it was related to the Liao State, Li Jingde was immediately energized. He ordered the kitchen to prepare a fresh lamb and turned to Su Wenyun, saying, “It’s freezing outside. Those Liao people might not know many characters and seem like rough men, but when it comes to roasting meat, they know far more than we do.”

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Su Wenyun glanced at him sideways and snorted coldly, feigning indifference, “Oh?”

Li Jingde smiled apologetically, “On a cold day, eating a piece of roasted lamb is truly a delicacy. But roasting outside in the cold is too harsh. Roasting inside our house isn’t suitable either. It has to be done in their tents to bring out the flavor.”

Who would have thought that the Marshal of the Western Expedition’s residence would have a tent?

The two roasted lamb in the tent. Although Li Jingde claimed he would personally roast the lamb for Su Wenyun, most of the work was done by the chef.

When it came to serious matters, both were extremely solemn.

Su Wenyun said, “Now that the Liao Emperor is getting older, he’s gradually losing his grip on the affairs of the Liao State. The struggle for the throne is inevitable. The Liao Emperor has four sons, but only two remain.”

Li Jingde’s thick beard was stained with grease from the roasted meat. He frowned, “You mean that Yelü Shege and Yelü Han?”

Su Wenyun, noticing the grease on Li Jingde’s beard, widened his eyes in disgust. He moved slightly away and continued, “Everyone has weaknesses, and the Liao State will inevitably fall due to internal strife. The weaknesses of these two are quite simple. Yelü Shege is arrogant but lustful; Yelü Han is crude and boastful. By exploiting these weaknesses, we can destabilize the Liao State. Only when the Liao State is in chaos will our Great Song have the opportunity to send our cavalry north and reclaim our lost territories.”

Hearing this, Li Jingde was initially overjoyed, but then he sighed, “It’s not that easy.”

Su Wenyun smiled, “Who said it’s easy? The pieces we’ve placed in the Liao State over the past two years aren’t just for gathering information. Two years have passed, and it’s time for them to play their part. I’m a civil official and a capital official, with little influence in the Northwest. But you, Li Jingde, are different. His Majesty has never said that the plan to conquer Liao should be kept secret from the Northwest army.”

Hearing this, Li Jingde’s heart tightened, but he maintained his rough demeanor. He said, “Are you saying you’re willing to join forces with me?”

“It’s not about willingness… Tang Jingze once mentioned to me that half a year ago, he promised you that when the time came, he would not let you down.” Su Wenyun paused, then said, “So, the time has come, General Li.”

Li Jingde was stunned for a moment, then laughed heartily and called for a servant, “I remember we have a calf in the residence.”

The servant was puzzled.

Li Jingde waved his hand, “Bring it here and roast it for Minister Su to taste.”

Su Wenyun thought to himself: Do you think the Su family is some poor household? Do you think I, Su Wenyun, have never eaten beef before?

But this time, seeing Li Jingde’s barely contained joy, he refrained from mocking him and silently took a bite of the roasted lamb.

As fellow confidants of the emperor, Su Wenyun and Li Jingde had known each other for eight years.

Gui zheng ren could not enter the top two ranks of the imperial examination, nor could they hold positions above the fourth rank.

But Li Jingde had never taken the imperial examination. He had fought his way up from the battlefield to become the second-rank Marshal of the Western Expedition.

The first time they met wasn’t really a meeting. Su Wenyun had only seen Li Jingde from a distance outside Shengjing City. It was when Grand Preceptor Zhou returned victorious from resisting the Liao State, and Emperor Zhao Fu led the civil and military officials out of the city to welcome him. At that time, Su Wenyun was just a fifth-rank Hanlin compiler, blending into the crowd of officials, unnoticed.

Li Jingde was a young general under Grand Preceptor Zhou, full of vigor and vitality. However, he had a black cloth tied around his forehead. When the Hanlin officials saw it, they said, “What a pity, he’s a gui zheng ren.”

Everyone has their own struggles, and no one is free from them.

On the twenty-sixth day of the twelfth lunar month, officials began their holiday.

This year, Tang Huang, Yao San, and Aunt Yao had returned to Jiangnan early to manage their shops and celebrate the New Year in Gusu. Tang Shen simply stayed at the Minister Residence. The night before New Year’s Eve, the two went to the palace for a banquet.

In the Yanchun Pavilion, the three princes still had not returned to the capital this year. Emperor Zhao Fu, however, was in high spirits. Coinciding with the imperial examination year, he specially invited the top three scholars to the banquet and spoke with them for a while.

The next day, on New Year’s Eve, Tang Shen and Wang Zhen went to Liuqi Courtyard.

In the past, they always wrote and played chess. The ancient ways of entertainment were too limited, and Tang Shen found them dull. He said, “Let’s play cards instead.”

Wang Zhen raised an eyebrow, “So, I can play cards?”

Tang Shen, “I know you can’t, so I’ll teach you a new game.”

“I can’t?” Wang Zhen asked in surprise.

Tang Shen was puzzled, “Huh?”

Wang Zhen smiled slightly, “That sentence wasn’t a negation, little Junior Brother. What I just said was… so, I can play madiao (a traditional card game).”

Tang Shen: “…”

Just tell me, is there anything you can’t do?

Wang Zhen indeed knew how to play cards, but he didn’t enjoy it much. Tang Shen wanted to try something new, so Wang Zhen thought for a moment, “How about adding some stakes?”

“What kind of stakes?”

“How about betting on tonight’s… ahem, haha, you made me say it, don’t blame me.”

Tang Shen elbowed Wang Zhen in the shoulder. It didn’t hurt much, but it made him smile broadly.

In the end, they didn’t get to play cards as Tang Shen had hoped.

During the New Year holiday, while officials were on break, it didn’t necessarily mean they were completely off duty. After just two days at home, on the second day of the New Year, Wang Zhen went to the office to handle official business. The matter of the Silver Pull Division couldn’t be delayed. The emperor had issued the decree in November, but due to the New Year, it wasn’t immediately implemented. Once the New Year began, the Great Song Silver Bank would be established with great fanfare.

Wang Zhen was so busy he barely had time to sit down. Tang Shen, originally resting at home, also found it boring and went to the Ministry of Works.

Officials had holidays, but the craftsmen did not.

The government officer took Tang Shen to inspect various storerooms. When the craftsmen saw Tang Shen, they all stood up in fear and knelt to pay their respects. Tang Shen immediately helped up the craftsman nearest to him. The man, trembling with fear, kept his head down and couldn’t speak. Tang Shen paused, then looked around and saw that the other craftsmen were equally terrified of him.

Tang Shen’s lips moved, but in the end, he only said, “Next time you see me, there’s no need for this,” before turning and leaving.

By the tenth day of the first lunar month, Tang Shen wrote a memorial and sent it to the palace. The next day, he was summoned by Emperor Zhao Fu.

When Tang Shen arrived at Chuigong Hall, Emperor Zhao Fu was writing. After finishing, he examined it carefully and nodded in satisfaction. Then he looked up at Tang Shen and beckoned, “Jing Ze, come closer.”

Tang Shen walked over respectfully.

“Take a look at these characters.”

Tang Shen focused and read, “Where beauty lies.”

Emperor Zhao Fu laughed heartily, “What do you think?”

Tang Shen remained calm and analyzed seriously, “Where beauty lies, even if insulted, the world cannot demean it; where evil lies, even if exalted, the world cannot honor it. This saying comes from ‘Huainanzi,’ emphasizing holding to one’s principles and not conforming to others’ manipulations. Your Majesty’s calligraphy flows freely, like a dragon wandering through clouds, embodying the unrestrained style of the King of Huainan.”

Emperor Zhao Fu laughed for a while, then said to Ji Fu, “Tang Jingze always knows how to please me. You should learn from him.”

Ji Fu smiled apologetically, “This servant could never compare to Tang daren.”

Emperor Zhao Fu said to Tang Shen, “I’ve seen your memorial. Why did you suddenly bring up such matters?”

Tang Shen hesitated for a moment, then suddenly took three steps back and bowed deeply, his back parallel to the ground. He said solemnly, “Your subject has something to say and begs Your Majesty’s forgiveness.”

Emperor Zhao Fu’s eyebrows twitched. He put down his brush and said kindly, “Speak freely.”

“Why did Your Majesty transfer me to the Ministry of Works and appoint me as Right Vice Minister?”

Hearing this, Ji Fu thought to himself, “This Tang Jingze is out of his mind. How dare he question the emperor’s decisions? All officials under heaven are subjects of Emperor Zhao Fu. The emperor can do as he pleases; there’s no room for doubt.”

But Ji Fu was just a eunuch. Despite serving Emperor Zhao Fu for so many years, he only understood petty schemes, not grand strategies.

Emperor Zhao Fu, upon hearing Tang Shen’s words, was not angered. He quietly looked at Tang Shen for a long time, then smiled, “What do you think, Jing Ze?”

“Your subject does not know. But last year, when I went to Jizhou to manage the flood disaster, I realized that officials in the Ministry of Works are not craftsmen. What Your Majesty truly needs is not my experience in flood control but the expertise of the Water Bureau Director under me. So, I began to wonder, as Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, what can I truly do for Your Majesty and for our Great Song?”

Emperor Zhao Fu’s eyes lit up. He leaned closer to the desk, stretching his neck, “What do you want to do?”

Tang Shen raised his cupped hands high and said earnestly, “I want to create a new vision for Your Majesty and for our Great Song.”

“How?” Emperor Zhao Fu’s voice became urgent.

Tang Shen remained composed, “Promote those who deserve promotion and do what needs to be done.”

“Is this what you wrote in your memorial? But there’s a distinction between officials and commoners. For one person to lower their status is your own affair. To expect all officials to do the same is no easy task. Moreover, would this truly be effective? Can you achieve what you claim? How can I trust you?”

Tang Shen looked up, his gaze firm, “Everyone has faith. I have only been an official for eight years, but I have met many people with strong faith. I know that Minister Su Wenyun went to Youzhou before the New Year because he has faith. He is wholeheartedly devoted to serving Your Majesty, unafraid of thorns on the road ahead. I also know that General Li Jingde has held onto faith for over twenty years without wavering, which is why he has earned Your Majesty’s trust.”

Emperor Zhao Fu stared at him intently.

Tang Shen continued, “Doesn’t Wang Zhen, Wang daren also have faith? I know I cannot hide this from Your Majesty. I was the first to see the memorial from Shu and the one who informed Wang daren. However, saying it is easy; doing it is incredibly difficult. But after six years, Wang daren has achieved what he has today. He does it for Your Majesty and for the millions of people of our Great Song. He, too, has faith.”

“I have no soldiers, no certainty, but my faith remains unwavering. I only know to press forward.”

Emperor Zhao Fu stared fixedly at Tang Shen.

Tang Shen lowered his head and saluted, his body straight as a pine tree standing firm among rocks.

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After a long while, Emperor Zhao Fu laughed heartily. He stood up, walked around the desk, and took Tang Shen’s hand. Tang Shen looked up and saw Emperor Zhao Fu’s aged but bright eyes gazing at him calmly, his voice gentle, “I have said this to Zi Feng, to Fei Ran, and to Jing De. These are words Grand Preceptor Zhou once said to me, and now I shall tell them to you.”

“Jing Ze, before you lies a vast ocean, and I will always be the small boat behind you all.”

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Tang Shen immediately stepped forward and helped the man up.

Tang Shen said to the government officer, “You may go now.”

The government officer saluted and turned to leave. Those who could work in the six ministries were all seasoned veterans. After exiting, the government officer closed the door behind him, leaving only Tang Shen and Xu Hui in the room.

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Tang Shen said, “Cousin Xu, please sit.”

Xu Hui hesitated for a moment, then sat down.

Looking at the travel-worn Xu Hui, Tang Shen felt a surge of emotions.

Nine years ago, when Tang Shen had just arrived in this world, he was still making a living by selling fruit juice in a small mountain village. He had never imagined that one day he would come to Shengjing and become a high-ranking third-rank official. His dream had always been to run a small business, support his family, and live a life free from worries about food and shelter, without seeking to rise above others.

However, that day at the tea shop at the entrance of Zhao Family Village, Liang Song appeared. Liang Song was old and needed someone to take care of him wherever he went. At that time, the person by his side was his nephew, Xu Hui.

Tang Shen said, “I remember Cousin Xu used to like wearing a blue robe.”

Xu Hui quickly replied, “Now that you are the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, you can just call me Xu Hui.”

Tang Shen felt a lump in his throat, then smiled and said, “Why be so formal?”

Xu Hui cautiously observed Tang Shen for a while, seeing that he genuinely meant what he said, and finally relaxed. He smiled with relief, “It’s been a long time, Jing Ze. I never thought that at just twenty-two, you would already be a third-rank official. If Sir knew of your achievements, he would surely be comforted.”

“I remember that Cousin Xu was appointed as a county magistrate back then. How did you end up becoming a cavalry captain?”

Xu Hui sighed, “The world is unpredictable. You know I only barely passed the xiangshi and failed the huishi. Normally, I wouldn’t be qualified to be a seventh-rank county magistrate. But thanks to Sir’s efforts before his passing, I was able to get this position. But how could I compare to you? After I went to Lingnan as a county magistrate, I was soon overwhelmed by the intrigues in the county office. So, after nine years, I barely managed to become a cavalry captain. And even this position was only because I befriended the regional military commander, Feng daren, who took me with him when he was promoted to governor of Qinzhou.”

Tang Shen pondered for a moment, then comforted him, “Success depends on effort.”

Xu Hui was indeed a mediocre scholar who only knew how to study in the most pedantic of ways. He had studied under Liang Song, one of the four great Confucian scholars of the time, for many years, yet he barely managed to pass the provincial exam. Hearing Tang Shen’s words, he didn’t think much of it and simply nodded, “Feng daren befriended me because he saw that I was honest. I owe him a lot for this.”

Tang Shen smiled and said no more.

Even if Xu Hui were now a fifth-rank official, let alone a sixth-rank one, Tang Shen could still find a way to help him rise to a fourth-rank position.

Success depends on effort, but it wasn’t Feng daren who would help Xu Hui—it was Tang Shen who planned to give him a hand.

However, it seemed that Xu Hui hadn’t come to him for a promotion.

Tang Shen subtly probed, “The New Year is approaching, and the capital officials are about to go on holiday. Why have you suddenly come to Shengjing, Cousin Xu? You’re already thirty-four, with a family. Shouldn’t you be spending the New Year with your wife and children?”

Xu Hui replied, “I came to Shengjing for a matter. The governor of Qinzhou is a fourth-rank official and is required to attend the grand court assembly next spring to meet the emperor. Feng daren, as the governor, came to Shengjing early and decided to spend the New Year here. He gave me this opportunity to lead the escort to the capital to ensure his safety.”

Tang Shen was no stranger to Qinzhou.

Five years ago, after the bloodshed in the Revenue And Expenditure Department, Zhao Jing, a close student of the former Left Prime Minister Ji Wengji and then a high-ranking official in Qinzheng Hall, was demoted by Emperor Zhao Fu to Qinzhou as a governor. At the beginning of this year, Left Prime Minister Ji was stripped of his position due to the palace coup during the New Year and sent back to his hometown to live out his remaining years in peace. At the same time, the emperor remembered Zhao Jing, who was far away in Qinzhou, and recalled him to Shengjing.

Unexpectedly, after Zhao Jing left Qinzhou, it was Feng daren, the regional military commander of Quanzhou, who took over his position, and Xu Hui benefited from this.

Tang Shen asked, “Have you found a place to stay?”

“I’m staying with Feng daren in a rented manor. Jing Ze, you don’t need to worry about me.” Xu Hui hesitated for a moment, his expression uncertain, but finally said, “Today, I came to visit you because there’s something I want to discuss.”

“What is it?”

“Do you still remember Sir?”

Tang Shen paused, then after a moment of silence, he countered, “Why bring up Sir suddenly?”

Xu Hui looked at him deeply and said, “Because I believe you are not an ungrateful person. If you had truly forgotten Sir, you wouldn’t have met me today. I’m already past thirty, set in my ways, and likely to spend the rest of my life idling away in Qinzhou. But you’re different. I always remember what Sir once said about you—that you were good in every way, except for your lack of ambition! But now, you don’t seem lacking in ambition at all.”

Tang Shen laughed heartily, picked up the teapot, and poured Xu Hui a cup of tea.

“Have some tea.”

Xu Hui was momentarily at a loss for words.

Although he was twelve years older than Tang Shen, in terms of officialdom and interpersonal skills, he was no match for Tang Shen. He couldn’t discern the underlying meaning in Tang Shen’s words and had come to see him purely out of a sense of duty. But faced with Tang Shen’s demeanor, he couldn’t quite grasp the situation.

However, having grown up under Liang Song’s guidance, Xu Hui’s feelings for Liang Song were even deeper than Tang Shen’s. He gritted his teeth and said, “Today, I came to tell you about what Sir actually did back then. At that time, he didn’t let you know everything. You only knew a fraction of it.”

Tang Shen thought to himself: Back then, I could only guess a fraction, but now I probably know more than you do.

But he said, “Please, tell me in detail.”

Xu Hui began to recount.

As Tang Shen had guessed, Liang Song had not wanted to implicate his old friends, so he had never sought help from people like Chen Linghai or Fu Wei. He went to Jinling Prefecture alone, trying to uncover why the emperor had suddenly taken an interest in Zhong Taisheng, who had been imprisoned for twenty-five years. He wanted to save Zhong Taisheng.

Liang Song sought many avenues and eventually uncovered the truth.

This truth was almost identical to what Wang Zhen had told Tang Shen the previous year—it was all because of a falling meteor and the deceitful words of a Taoist priest that the emperor decided to take Zhong Wei’s life.

Xu Hui spoke with great certainty, but as Tang Shen listened, his gaze gradually grew distant.

Was it really just because of a falling meteor and a few deceitful words?

Perhaps in Emperor Zhao Fu’s heart, Zhong Taisheng was always destined to die. It was only after a delay of twenty-five years that his death could highlight the emperor’s magnanimity and benevolence. To the emperor, those twenty-five years were already an extraordinary act of grace.

But Tang Shen didn’t say any of this to Xu Hui.

After Xu Hui finished speaking, he brought up another matter that truly caught Tang Shen’s attention.

“…Thirty-three years ago, Sir was one of the leaders of the Songqing Literary Society and a close friend of Zhong Taisheng. Over the years, he had repeatedly expressed his confusion about why the palace coup had happened. He absolutely refused to believe that Zhong daru would stage a coup, but he also couldn’t understand why Zhong daru had led troops to the palace that night, following the Crown Prince. Zhong daru shouldn’t have been so reckless, yet he did it. Sir often said that there must have been some trickery, that someone close to Zhong daru, someone he trusted deeply, must have done something to betray him.”

Tang Shen’s attention sharpened, and he urgently asked, “What else did Sir say?”

Xu Hui shook his head, “He only mentioned it occasionally. Sir was reluctant to talk about the events of that year.”

Tang Shen subtly asked a few more questions, but Xu Hui knew nothing more. Sighing inwardly, Tang Shen stood up and saw Xu Hui out.

As Xu Hui left, another heavy snow began to fall in Shengjing.

Pale snowflakes drifted down from the sky. Xu Hui didn’t carry an umbrella, saying that his residence was close to the Ministry of Works and that Tang Shen didn’t need to send anyone to accompany him.

He bowed deeply to Tang Shen, “After this parting, I don’t know when we’ll meet again.”

Tang Shen smiled, “If you need anything, just come to Shengjing.”

Xu Hui glanced at Tang Shen surreptitiously, not daring to say more, and then turned to leave.

Many years had passed, and Xu Hui no longer wore the blue robe, but his figure was still thin and gaunt, like a bamboo pole standing in the heavy snow. Meeting an old acquaintance, Tang Shen suddenly realized how much he had changed.

No matter how well Xu Hui tried to hide it, and even though Tang Shen had told him not to be so formal, he couldn’t fool Tang Shen. His clumsy acting was full of holes; clearly nervous, he tried to appear familiar.

Tang Shen didn’t know if Xu Hui had come purely to talk about Liang Song, or if he had deliberately brought up the matter in hopes that Tang Shen would clear Liang Song’s name and restore his reputation. Or perhaps, most simply, he wanted Tang Shen to give him a boost and help him get promoted.

Tang Shen felt that many of the beautiful things from his past memories were like illusions, now gone.

Tang Shen laughed at himself, “You really are like Wang Zifeng.”

After a moment, he thought, “Is being like Wang Zifeng a bad thing?”

No, it’s not bad at all.

Tang Shen suddenly felt much happier.

That evening, he went to the Minister Residence, intending to tell Wang Zhen about his meeting with Xu Hui. But before he could speak, Wang Zhen pressed a finger to his lips and whispered, “You met that Xu Yuzhi, didn’t you?”

Tang Shen was stunned.

Xu Hui, courtesy name Yu Zhi.

Wang Zhen sighed deeply, “I wasn’t supposed to tell you, but I made a vow long ago that we would walk through life together, and I would never hide anything from you. After Zhao Jing was recalled to Shengjing at the beginning of the year, the position of governor of Qinzhou became vacant. How could I not know about your relationship with Liang Bowen? Liang Bowen’s only remaining relative in this world is his nephew. That Xu Yuzhi… is a bit too upright for the position of governor of Qinzhou, so I had one of his friends promoted instead.”

Tang Shen: …Damn!

Wang Zhen looked at him solemnly, “I will never lie to you, Jing Ze. I have already pledged all my lifetimes to you, and only to you.”

Tang Shen was moved for a moment, then suddenly realized something. He looked Wang Zhen up and down, mimicking his gesture by pressing a finger to Wang Zhen’s lips. Tang Shen said with deep affection, “A bit too upright? Senior Brother, why give me face? Just say that Xu Hui is an inflexible, foolish scholar. I believe you, of course I believe you. I believe that you knew about the person I met this afternoon within four hours. You took the initiative to tell me, and I’m deeply moved. This is something I could easily find out with a little inquiry, but you told me yourself. I’m touched, I’m really touched!”

Tang Shen’s tone suddenly turned cold, “Wang Zifeng, your sweet talk is quite good. Say a few more lines, won’t you?”

Wang Zhen laughed heartily and pulled Tang Shen into an embrace.

“Look at you, I went through all this trouble to make you happy. It would have been better if you hadn’t exposed me. There’s no moonlit night today, but there’s plum blossoms after the snow. Let’s go to the garden to admire the flowers, and you’ll be deeply moved…”

“And then throw myself into your arms, hopelessly devoted to you?”

Wang Zhen suddenly looked disappointed and released Tang Shen, “So you still haven’t fallen hopelessly for me yet?”

Tang Shen didn’t believe him, but seeing him like this, he feared that Wang Zhen might truly be hurt.

Tang Shen could only take the initiative and hug him while saying helplessly, “Talking to you is exhausting. I never know when you’re being sincere or when you’re lying to me. Next time, could you warn me before you start acting? Didn’t you promise you’d never lie to me?”

Wang Zhen was utterly enchanted by Tang Shen’s saying of one thing but meaning another. He leaned down and kissed Tang Shen, then laughed out loud, “Then from now on, whenever I’m about to lie to you, I’ll kiss you first. How about that?”

“…Then are you lying to me now, or are you serious?”

“Hahahaha.” Wang Zhen laughed so hard he nearly fell over, “I truly love you so much!”

Tang Shen  “Wang Zifeng! If you keep ruining your image like this, one day I really will change my feelings for you, and it’ll be all your fault!”

In the depths of winter, Minister Wang held his beloved, feeling warm and content.

While engaged in certain activities, he even had the presence of mind to think: The saying that love makes even drinking water filling and cold weather warm must refer to this.

Meanwhile, the “heartless” one had already quietly mounted a fast horse and was racing toward the Northwest under the stars.

On the twenty-fourth day of the twelfth lunar month, Li Jingde, the Marshal of the Western Expedition, made a rare return to Youzhou City. As soon as he arrived home, his steward informed him that a guest had come to visit.

Li Jingde muttered, “Who’s so well-informed? I only come back once every ten days or so, and they manage to catch me?” He asked the steward, “Who is it?”

The steward looked troubled, “It’s a high official, holding a token from Qinzheng Hall. I don’t recognize him.”

Li Jingde’s eyes widened, “Qinzheng Hall? When did I mess up so badly that someone from Qinzheng Hall is coming to arrest me? Maybe I shouldn’t let him in… No, running away won’t solve anything. You’d better bring him in. After all, Youzhou is my territory. What can he do to me here?”

The steward, “Yes.”

The steward quickly ushered in a person cloaked in black. From a distance, Li Jingde saw the black-cloaked figure and was startled, thinking to himself: This guy looks even less like a good person than I do.

When the visitor entered and removed his cloak, Li Jingde’s mouth twitched, and he snorted disdainfully.

Su Wenyun: “…”

“Surnamed Li, what do you mean by that? I am now Assistant Minister of the Privy Council in Qinzheng Hall, a second-rank official, the same rank as you. Don’t be disrespectful!”

General Li sat in his chair, one foot propped on the table, lazily picking his ear with a finger, “It’s the middle of the night, and we’re not in the office. So, Minister Su, are you here to execute me on the spot, or have you caught some dirt on me and come to blackmail me in the middle of the night? Or… oh ho, are you here to bribe me? I’m an upright man, impervious to wealth and beauty. Don’t even think about it.”

Su Wenyun was so angry that his eyes glared venomously, and he almost aimed a kick at Li Jingde.

Fortunately, Su Wenyun was a scholar, and a clever one at that. He knew that in terms of martial prowess, ten of him couldn’t match one Li Jingde. He sneered coldly, his voice icy, “Since General Li holds me in such contempt, I shall take my leave. I only came to discuss a matter of great importance with you.”

Li Jingde laughed uproariously, “Hahaha, a matter of great importance? What kind of nonsense can a pansy boy like you have? Can’t carry a load, can’t lift a weight. What, you want to join the army?”

Su Wenyun calmly uttered two words, “Conquering Liao.”

Li Jingde immediately knelt down.

Su Wenyun turned and ran.

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

Li Jingde quickly chased after him, stopping him, and said with an apologetic smile, “It’s freezing cold, and Youzhou isn’t like Shengjing. At night, the streets are full of robbers and thieves. What if something happened to you, Minister Su? Why have you come to Youzhou so suddenly? Has anyone properly received you? Come, come, my residence has a whole lamb. Tonight, we’ll have a roast lamb to welcome you and discuss the matter of Liao.”

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In the eleventh month of the thirty-third year of Kaiping, a heavy winter snow fell in Shengjing.

Thick, dense snowflakes, like goose feathers, drifted down from the sky, blanketing the capital in a silvery-white coat. The snow continued for three days, and by the final day, the roads had become nearly impassable. The government mandated that every citizen clear the snow from their rooftops to prevent collapses.

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In previous years, this task had been the responsibility of the Ministry of Works, which collaborated with the Shengjing government to oversee the snow-clearing efforts.

This year, Tang Shen had become the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works. He summoned the official in charge of the task and asked, “How many households are there in Shengjing?”

The official replied smoothly, “There are ninety-six thousand registered households.”

Shengjing was the capital of the Song Dynasty. Although the official referred to “registered households,” in such a large city, unregistered households were impossible to hide. The ancients favored large families, and assuming an average of five people per household, this would amount to half a million people. In reality, Shengjing had over a million inhabitants.

Tang Shen carefully instructed the official to ensure that this year’s snow-clearing task was thoroughly carried out. By the time he returned to the Ministry of Works’ residence, the snow had stopped. Tang Shen arrived home but did not find Wang Zhen there.

The Ministry of Works had recently been busy with the construction of Chengqing Palace, and Tang Shen was swamped with work. However, everyone knew that the busiest person in the entire court at the moment was Wang Zhen, the Department of State Affairs’ Senior Grand Secretary of the Left.

Wang Zhen oversaw the Silver Pull Division in both Youzhou and Shengjing. Recently, the emperor had issued a decree to convert the Ministry of War’s Military Silver Exchange Bank in thirty-six provinces into the Great Song Silver Banks. From then on, they would no longer serve only the military but also the common people.

Towards all worldly affairs, the emperor only needed to issue a decree, which might seem simple and effortless. However, implementing the few words on that decree was an incredibly difficult task.

The bloodshed that occurred in the Revenue And Expenditure Department five years ago served as a cautionary tale. Now, the Silver Pull Division had to avoid repeating past mistakes while striving for perfection. Even with the support of all the officials, it still required a great deal of effort from Wang Zhen.

It was the depths of winter, and as the officials prepared to take their New Year’s break, most of the Silver Pull Division’s tasks were postponed until the following year.

Yu Chaosheng, the Left Deputy Imperial Censor of the Silver Pull Division, was currently working in the Ministry of Justice. As the Minister of Justice, he was responsible for overseeing the submission of all criminal cases from across the country to Shengjing by the end of the year, to be stored and reviewed in the Ministry of Justice’s archives.

Yu Chaosheng was busy with internal affairs when an official hurried into the room, holding his official hat. Yu Chaosheng stopped speaking and looked up. The official knelt and reported, “The Senior Grand Secretary of the Left from the Department of State Affairs has arrived.”

Everyone in the room was startled.

Yu Chaosheng was momentarily stunned, then quickly stood up and went out to greet Wang Zhen, who was entering the Ministry of Justice.

Yu Chaosheng approached and bowed, “This lower official, Yu Chaosheng, greets Wang daren.”

Wang Zhen was dressed in the official robes of a first-rank official, holding a white folding fan in his right hand. Although it hadn’t snowed in the past few days, carrying a fan in such weather might seem like an affectation. For anyone else, it would have appeared pretentious, but for Wang Zhen, it seemed perfectly natural, without any hint of incongruity.

The officials of the Ministry of Justice inwardly remarked, “Wang daren is truly extraordinary,” but none of them showed it outwardly.

Wang Zhen closed the fan with a snap, his slender fingers twirling the fan’s ribs before pointing the handle toward Yu Chaosheng.

Wang Zhen’s voice was gentle, “Last year in Youzhou, you mentioned that you liked the fan I was carrying. I’ve brought it for you today. Do you like it?”

Yu Chaosheng was completely taken aback. He quickly searched his memory and recalled the incident.

Last year, Wang Zhen and Yu Chaosheng had traveled to Youzhou on official business. Although they each had their own carriages, there were times when they had to be alone together. The journey from Shengjing to Youzhou was long, and Yu Chaosheng and Wang Zhen had known each other for a long time. This so-called knowing each other often refers to having heard of the other’s great reputation for a long time but never actually meeting them in person. Yu Chaosheng felt somewhat awkward, so one day, when the two were dining at a relay station, he casually complimented Wang Zhen, saying, “Wang daren, this fan is exquisite. The calligraphy on it seems to be your own work. The characters are strong and clear, with a natural elegance. Truly excellent.”

To think that Wang Zhen had remembered this! Yu Chaosheng had no choice but to reach out and accept the fan, inscribed with Wang Zhen’s own calligraphy. He even had to express his gratitude, “I never expected you to remember this, Wang daren. I am deeply grateful.”

Wang Zhen smiled, “Shall we go inside to talk?”

Yu Chaosheng stepped aside, “Please.”

The two entered Yu Chaosheng’s office, while the other officials of the Ministry of Justice exchanged glances but dared not follow. Shortly after, the Vice Ministers of Justice heard that Wang Zhen had arrived and hurried over to pay their respects.

Soon, only the three highest-ranking officials of the Ministry of Justice, Wang Zhen, and an obscure fourth-rank official from the Silver Pull Division, Lin Xu, remained in the room.

Yu Chaosheng personally prepared tea for Wang Zhen. He had many speculations in his mind and had already guessed Wang Zhen’s purpose for visiting.

But Wang Zhen did not mention any other matters. Instead, he spoke about calligraphy and the tea in his hand. Yu Chaosheng’s thoughts began to waver. He even started to wonder if Wang Zhen’s visit was truly just to socialize.

Wang Zhen gently stirred the tea with the lid, his tone calm, “It has been fourteen years, hasn’t it?”

Yu Chaosheng thought for a moment, “Indeed, it has been fourteen years.”

Wang Zhen sighed, “How time flies.”

Yu Chaosheng sipped his tea in silence.

Wang Zhen continued, “Do you remember the day we rode through the streets after being named on the imperial examination honor roll?”

Yu Chaosheng smiled, “It has been fourteen years. My memory is hazy.”

Wang Zhen looked at him deeply and smiled slightly.

As Yu Chaosheng observed Wang Zhen’s calm and composed demeanor, a wave of helpless resentment surged within him. But it was a futile resentment, powerless and fleeting, quickly discarded by its owner.

For jealousy is the most useless of emotions.

Fourteen years ago, in the fourth month of the nineteenth year of Kaiping, he had been named the second-place scholar in the imperial examination, riding through the streets alongside the top scholar and the third-place scholar.

A hazy memory?

How could it be hazy!

That year, after leaving Jiying Hall, the three of them followed the white jade dragon vein all the way to the palace gates. It should have been the most glorious moment of his life, yet from the emperor who had named him the second-place scholar to the citizens of Shengjing waiting outside the palace gates, not a single person’s eyes reflected his presence.

Everyone only saw the top scholar standing at the forefront. Yu Chaosheng engraved that person’s name deep in his heart.

Wang Zhen, Wang Zifeng.

Now he had reached forty, but every scene from that year was still vividly etched in his mind. How could he ever forget!

Yu Chaosheng smiled and said, “Speaking of which, daren and I were once fellow classmates. It’s just a pity that shortly after the procession, only a year later, I left Shengjing and did not return for many years.”

Wang Zhen replied, “I remember, you went to Jiangnan as a military commander.”

“You still remember that? Yes, I first went to Qiantang as a commander for half a year, and later I was transferred to Xingzhou.”

“How long has it been since you last visited Jiangnan?”

“It’s been about three years.”

“Next year might be a good time to visit again.”

Yu Chaosheng was stunned and looked up at Wang Zhen.

Wang Zhen’s expression was calm. He smiled at Yu Chaosheng with a deep gaze and said composedly, “The Jiangnan Silver Pull Division is probably still waiting for you to take charge.”

Yu Chaosheng opened his mouth but remained silent for a long time before finally saying, “I am well aware, but the Ministry of Justice is extremely busy. Next spring might be a bit rushed.”

“Rushed?” Wang Zhen glanced at the Vice Ministers of Justice sitting below and asked with concern, “Has the Ministry of Justice been very busy lately?”

The Left Vice Minister, a close confidant of Yu Chaosheng, immediately chimed in, “Reporting to daren, all the cases from the entire year have been submitted to the Ministry of Justice. We are currently swamped with work.”

Wang Zhen asked, “Is it because you are rushing to archive everything before the end of the year that you are so busy?”

At this point, both Yu Chaosheng and the Left Vice Minister realized they had fallen into Wang Zifeng’s trap, but neither could refute it. They could only widen their eyes and honestly reply, “…Yes.”

Wang Zhen smiled, “It has been a long time since you last visited Jiangnan. You must miss it dearly. I have been to Qiantang a few times myself. Why not visit Jinling this time? Jinling and Qiantang each have their own unique charm.”

With that, Wang Zhen stood up, ready to leave with Lin Xu.

Yu Chaosheng had originally not planned to get involved with the Jiangnan Silver Pull Division. At the very least, he intended to delay matters to make things difficult for Wang Zhen. This was something he had long agreed upon with his mentor, Xu Bi. Since they could not change the inevitable establishment of the Great Song Silver Bank, they would drag it out as long as possible.

Xu Bi had told him, “Delays breed complications. There will always be those who do not wish to see the Great Song Silver Bank come to fruition.”

Thinking of this, Yu Chaosheng stood up and said urgently, “Daren…”

“Yu daren.” Wang Zhen suddenly stopped and turned around, his gaze slightly cold. “Is there something else?”

Yu Chaosheng’s lips moved, but in the end, not a single word came out.

Wang Zhen smiled, “Xian Zhi, you and I are fellow scholars from the same examination year. We haven’t had a proper conversation in all these years. How about we share a meal together after you return from Jiangnan next spring?”

“Yes.”

Wang Zhen left the Ministry of Justice almost having single-handedly charged in.

Soon, it was the twelfth lunar month.

On the ninth day of the twelfth month, as the officials’ holiday approached, Tang Shen was busy trying to complete the tasks for Chengqing Palace before the New Year while also overseeing the snow-clearing efforts. However, Wang Zhen was even busier than him, often returning home in the dead of night or simply staying overnight at the office.

By the sixteenth day of the twelfth month, after four days apart, Tang Shen finally saw his senior brother again.

Tang Shen’s heart stirred, but before he could speak, Wang Zhen pulled him into a tight embrace.

“Don’t speak. It’s late. Let’s rest together.”

“…Alright.”

As soon as he touched the bed, Wang Zhen fell into a deep sleep. Tang Shen gazed at his elegant and refined features, feeling a pang of sympathy. Five years ago, when he had told Wang Zifeng about the contents of that memorial, he had never imagined things would turn out like this.

His senior brother had exhausted himself for the Silver Pull Division. This was the greatest task he had undertaken for the emperor and the most significant contribution he had made to the Great Song Dynasty. He did it for the sake of future generations and the long-lasting prosperity of the people.

Tang Shen let out a long sigh and also fell asleep.

The next day, after the morning court session, Wang Zhen was busy again, and Tang Shen went to the Ministry of Works. Shortly after arriving, a government officer came to report that an old acquaintance had come to visit.

Tang Shen raised an eyebrow, “An old acquaintance? From where?”

The government officer replied, “Reporting to daren, the person is from Qinzhou and seems to be a cavalry captain.”

Tang Shen was surprised: A cavalry captain from Qinzhou? He knew someone like that?

A cavalry captain was a sixth-rank military officer, a local military official.

Tang Shen said, “Bring him in.”

“Yes.”

Before long, the government officer led a middle-aged man in. The man kept his head down, his eyes fixed on the ground, making it difficult for Tang Shen to see his face. Tang Shen found his figure somewhat familiar and said, “Who are you? Look up.”

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Only then did the cavalry captain dare to raise his head.

Their eyes met, and Tang Shen exclaimed in surprise, “Xu Hui?”

Xu Hui forced a bitter smile and said, “This lower official, Xu Hui, Cavalry Captain of Qinzhou, pays his respects to Tang daren.”

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As Xu Bi’s voice fell, an uproar erupted within Zichen Hall.

Seated on the dragon throne, Zhao Fu leaned slightly to the side, gazing down at the powerful ministers assembled beneath the jade steps. After a long pause, he spoke in a slow, measured tone, “Minister Xu, why do you believe this should not be done?”

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Xu Bi remained as composed as ever. He was always detached, untouched by joy or sorrow. When Left Prime Minister Ji was still in office, Xu Bi was the most well-liked among the four prime ministers. Tang Shen had once worked under him for a year and had to admit that Prime Minister Xu was courteous and magnanimous, never making things difficult for him.

Not just Tang Shen—even Zhao Fu had not expected Xu Bi to be the first to stand in opposition.

Of all people, it should not have been Xu Bi. He was never one to contend, never one to take center stage.

Wang Zhen lowered his gaze to the golden bricks of the hall. Beside him, Prime Minister Xu spoke in a calm voice, “The Silver Pull Division has been established for over three years, yet the Military Silver Exchange Bank under the Ministry of War has only been implemented across thirty-six prefectures since last year. The flood in Jizhou this past August has just passed—natural disasters have left the people displaced, struggling to survive. At such a time, our priority should be to resettle the refugees.

“Our Great Song is like a fierce tiger with its belly carved open. If the Military Silver Exchange Bank serve solely the Ministry of War, it is undoubtedly beneficial, gladdening the hearts of the troops and easing the needs of the people. But if they are to serve the millions of common folk, how could the expenditure be merely a trifle? This would be an undue burden on the people and a waste of resources. Your Majesty, please reconsider!”

Wang Zhen’s tone was gentle. “If Prime Minister Xu is worried about the state treasury’s funds, then you need not concern yourself. As Minister of Revenue, I assure you that since the tenth year of Kaiping, the treasury has been plentiful each year. Utilizing it for disaster relief would not weaken the nation in the slightest.”

Xu Bi chuckled. “And what of manpower?”

Wang Zhen turned his head, his clear eyes meeting Xu Bi’s.

Before he could respond, another figure stepped forward from the front ranks of the civil officials.

Left Vice Prime Minister Chen Linghai raised his jade tablet high and declared in a loud voice, “I, too, believe this should not be done.”

Tang Shen abruptly turned his head, his gaze locking onto Chen Linghai.

He hadn’t expected the next to speak out would be Vice Prime Minister Chen. If Xu Bi opposed the measure because he came from an aristocratic family and the establishment of the Great Song Silver Bank threatened the interests of the nobility, then what of Chen Linghai? He was born into poverty, and the Great Song Silver Bank was undeniably a great reform for the people. Why would he oppose it?

Then, realization struck him—four years ago, when Right Prime Minister Wang Quan proposed and ultimately established the Revenue And Expenditure Department, Chen Linghai had also voiced opposition.

With two prime ministers now openly objecting, Wang Zhen stood at the forefront of the ministers. He lifted his head and looked toward Zhao Fu.

Zhao Fu met his gaze, silent and inscrutable.

No one knew what passed between ruler and minister in that brief exchange—what they realized, what they understood.

Then, Zhao Fu raised his hand. “In that case, we shall discuss this matter again tomorrow.”

Ji Fu immediately announced in his sharp voice, “Court is dismissed!”

Inside Zichen Hall, the officials bowed their heads, holding their jade tablets, waiting for the emperor to leave the hall step by step.

Tang Shen stood among the third-rank officials. After the emperor left, it was the turn of the first-rank ministers. From the corner of his eye, he saw one official robe after another pass by him—new, identical garments. Yet amidst the sea of officials, Tang Shen recognized Wang Zhen at a glance.

As Wang Zhen passed him, he did not slow his pace. His expression remained composed, his stride steady as he walked out of Zichen Hall.

The moment he stepped beyond the hall’s threshold, the harsh sunlight struck down upon him. Wang Zifeng squinted slightly, as if unaccustomed to the sudden brightness. When his eyes adjusted, he saw Xu Bi standing a short distance away, his hands clasped before him, smiling up at him from the foot of the steps.

Their gazes met for a brief moment before Wang Zhen descended the steps and saluted slightly. “Prime Minister Xu.”

Xu Bi returned the salute. “Minister Wang.”

It was as if they had never been at odds in Zichen Hall, as if the sharp confrontation had never occurred. Now, the two men walked side by side toward the palace gates.

Xu Bi, being older, had a slightly hunched back. Standing beside Wang Zifeng, he appeared noticeably shorter. With a kindly smile, he sighed softly and said, “Minister Wang, do you truly believe I am unwilling to see the Great Song Silver Bank established?”

Wang Zhen raised an eyebrow. “Why would Prime Minister Xu think so? Your reasoning was not without merit.”

Xu Bi chuckled. “I once heard Xian Zhi speak of the Military Silver Exchange Banks. Xian Zhi is the head of the Jiangnan Silver Pull Division, how could I not know this is a great undertaking for the nation and its people?” He looked at Wang Zhen intently, his expression solemn. “But, Minister Wang, you are still too young—too impatient! In another five years, the Great Song Silver Bank will surely thrive and benefit the people. But look at the current time—has it come yet? The bloodshed from the Revenue And Expenditure Department case is still fresh! You are young—why can’t you wait just five more years?”

Wang Zhen bowed deeply. “I will take Prime Minister Xu’s words to heart.”

They shared a smile and left the palace together.

First-rank officials were allowed to take carriages once outside the palace. Standing beside their respective carriages, Wang Zhen and Xu Bi spoke a little longer, their conversation carrying the air of old friends meeting late in life. Only after repeated farewells did they finally board their carriages—one heading toward the Ministry of Revenue, the other toward Qinzheng Hall.

Inside his carriage, Xu Bi still wore a gentle smile, his gaze deep and wise.

In another carriage, Wang Zhen picked up a book as soon as he sat down. It was Collected Writings of Wenxun, the last book compiled by Fu Wei before he retired to his hometown. He read quietly, his slender fingers tapping lightly against the window frame. After a long moment, he instructed the driver, “To Qinzheng Hall.”

The driver responded, and the carriage changed direction.

Upon arriving, Wang Zhen had barely reached his office when he encountered someone in the corridor.

Left Vice Prime Minister Chen Linghai had just returned from court as well. He paused upon seeing Wang Zhen.

Wang Zhen saluted first, and Chen Linghai returned the gesture.

Then, with a complex expression, Chen Linghai sighed, “After all these years, I have more or less discerned what you all intend to do. This is a grand endeavor—a legacy for the ages, something His Majesty wishes to be remembered for. But Wang daren, do you understand how difficult this is? The Revenue And Expenditure Department’s case—have you forgotten? You are challenging an immense force. Can you truly bear the weight of this?”

Wang Zhen widened his eyes in surprise. “Prime Minister Chen, you…”

Chen Linghai’s voice was heavy with meaning. “If it could be done, how could I not wish for it? But Zi Feng, I was once well acquainted with your teacher. How could I stand by and watch you plunge into an abyss? This is no mere matter of today or even the next hundred years. How can you possibly succeed? Do not go down the wrong path!”

When Tang Shen returned to Qinzheng Hall after court, he made his way directly to Wang Zhen’s office without hesitation.

As if expecting him, Wang Zhen was already brewing tea. Rolling up his white sleeves, he poured the clear tea into the teacup. Looking up, he smiled at Tang Shen and gestured for him to come closer.

Tang Shen instinctively stepped forward, intending to sit across from him.

But before he could, Wang Zifeng suddenly stood and pulled him into an embrace.

“Senior Brother?” Tang Shen asked in surprise.

Wang Zhen held onto him, drawing him to sit beside him, their shoulders pressed together.

“Coming to see me right after court—this must be about the Silver Pull Division?”

Tang Shen nodded. “Of course. Senior Brother, what do you think should be done now?”

Wang Zhen smiled. “As it happens, I wanted to discuss something with you. After leaving Zichen Hall, I met with two people—Prime Minister Xu and Prime Minister Chen. You know they both opposed the proposal this morning, but in private, they said something very different.”

“Prime Minister Xu said I was too hasty, suggesting that if I wait a few more years, I could achieve success and fame.”

“Prime Minister Chen said I was on a misguided path, fearing that I might end up with a reputation that would stink for millennia, and hoped I would extricate myself soon.”

“What do you think?”

Tang Shen’s eyes widened, “They said these things privately?”

Wang Zhen nodded, “Indeed.”

Tang Shen had a rough idea in his mind, but he didn’t voice it. Instead, he asked Wang Zhen, “Does the sudden decree from His Majesty today have anything to do with you, Senior Brother?”

Wang Zhen looked at him seriously and smiled, “Yes, the day before yesterday I submitted a memorial to His Majesty discussing this matter. That’s why His Majesty issued the decree.”

Tang Shen had no more doubts. He said confidently, “In that case, there’s no need to pay any more attention to what those two prime ministers said.”

“Why is that?”

“Because, Senior Brother, if you think the time is right to accomplish this, then it will surely be accomplished.”

Tang Shen spoke with absolute confidence, as if he had seen Wang Zhen’s memorial himself, as if he had submitted it. Wang Zhen stared at him in astonishment, his heart surging with joy and love that filled his entire being. But he suppressed his excitement and calmly asked, “Oh? You have so much confidence in me?”

Tang Shen replied as if it were the most natural thing, “Because you are Wang Zifeng!”

Unable to hold back his laughter, Wang Zhen laughed heartily, then leaned down and kissed the young man beside him.

My heart delights in you, simply because you are the most worthy person in this world for me to love!

The two prime ministers had voiced their opposition during the morning court session, and the matter of the Great Song Silver Bank had also drawn the attention of the court officials. The next day, as soon as the chief eunuch announced the start of the morning court, the officials began to voice their opinions and take sides. The previous day had been sudden, and they hadn’t known how to react. But after a day of private deliberation, they had formed their views and now argued like ants on a hot pan, their faces red with fervor, bickering incessantly.

In contrast, the three high-ranking officials who had spoken the day before now held their jade tablets and remained silent.

After a whole morning of arguing, Emperor Zhao Fu said in displeasure, “My ministers all have their own views. Are we now to decide based on who shouts the loudest?”

The officials immediately fell silent, not daring to make a sound.

Emperor Zhao Fu waved his hand, “Court is dismissed.”

Another day passed.

On the third day, the court continued to debate fiercely over the Great Song Silver Bank. After half a month of arguments, a military report arrived from Youzhou. Grand Marshal, Grand Preceptor Zhou submitted a memorial vigorously praising the role of the Ministry of War’s Military Silver Exchange Bank. In his memorial, he detailed the various benefits of the Military Silver Exchange Bank across thirty-six provinces.

When Emperor Zhao Fu ordered the memorial to be read aloud during the morning court, the officials were visibly surprised.

Left Prime Minister Xu Bi lowered his gaze to the ground, his fingers tightly gripping his white jade tablet.

Left Vice Prime Minister Chen Linghai couldn’t hide his astonishment and turned to look at Wang Zhen.

Even Wang Quan secretly glanced at his nephew several times, only to see Wang Zifeng with his eyes downcast, calm and composed, as if he had no idea that Grand Preceptor Zhou would suddenly submit such a memorial praising the Silver Pull Division.

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After the memorial was read, Emperor Zhao Fu waved his hand and asked, “Do my ministers still have any objections?”

No one spoke up.

Emperor Zhao Fu scanned the room, his gaze finally settling on Wang Zhen. He smiled and said, “Zi Feng.”

Wang Zhen stepped forward and bowed, “Your subject receives the decree.”

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When Tang Shen had once achieved top honors in the imperial examinations and paraded through the streets on horseback, he had thought to himself that his greatest aspiration was to serve in the Ministry of Works.

After that, he entered officialdom, spending six years moving through various positions. When he was promoted to Right Deputy Imperial Censor of the Silver Pull Division, he had even mentioned to Tang Huang, “What I truly want is to serve in the Ministry of Works.” But those were just passing words—he had never seriously believed that he would actually end up there.

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Yet, fate was unpredictable. Now, he found himself exactly where he had once dreamed of being.

Attaining a third-rank position at the age of twenty-two was not entirely unprecedented during the reign of the current emperor. Wang Zhen had become Minister of Revenue at twenty-three, which was an even more shocking achievement.

The position of Right Vice Minister of Works was an interesting one. His predecessor was none other than Su Wenyun, who had just been promoted. Su Wenyun had taken the post at twenty-four, but since he had also served concurrently as Junior Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, he primarily acted on imperial assignments and rarely visited the ministry.

Now that Tang Shen had taken over, the first thing he did was move back into Qinzheng Hall.

The place remained much as it had been in the past.

After two years away, little had changed. Among the four chief ministers, only Xu Bi had been promoted from Right Vice Prime Minister to Left Prime Minister, while former Minister of Justice Geng Shaoyun had become Right Vice Prime Minister. Many colleagues expressed their amazement at Tang Shen’s return, offering their congratulations. In just one day, his residence was overflowing with gifts.

The imperial court did not prohibit officials from exchanging gifts, as long as it was kept within acceptable bounds and did not attract the scrutiny of the Censorate.

Thus, the spring of the 33rd year of Kaiping passed in an atmosphere of quiet contentment.

By summer, however, disaster struck—the Yellow River flooded.

The Fourth Prince, Zhao Jing, sent word to the capital, requesting that the court dispatch officials for disaster relief.

Having served as Right Vice Prime Minister of Works for half a year, Tang Shen finally received his first major assignment. Zhao Fu ordered him to lead a team to Jizhou to manage the flood response, while the Ministries of Revenue and War handled relief efforts for the affected population.

Tang Shen immediately set out for Jizhou.

When Tang Huang learned that her elder brother was going to manage a flood crisis, she was astonished. “Brother, since when did you know anything about flood control?”

Tang Shen raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know either.”

“Huh?”

“What do you think officials in the Ministry of Works do?”

Tang Huang was confused.

Tang Shen chuckled. “I may only have a basic understanding of flood control, but I’m the Right Vice Minister of Works, not a laborer. On a chessboard, when have you ever seen the general charging into battle while the pawns remain behind?”

This was what it meant to be a high-ranking official. This was what it meant to wield power.

In his past life, Tang Shen had been an engineering student, but that didn’t mean he actually knew how to manage floods. His knowledge was limited to news reports of summer floods and the general principles of flood prevention—diversion was better than blockage, and a well-designed drainage system was key.

But in the ancient world, such solutions were far more difficult to implement. Fortunately, with a smaller population, simply relocating people from flood-prone areas often resulted in less severe disasters than in later eras.

In July, Tang Shen and his team departed for Jizhou. He did not return until September.

When he arrived back, Wang Zhen studied him for a long moment before pulling him into an embrace, distressed. “You’ve lost weight, and gotten darker.”

Tang Shen laughed, pushing him away. “Do you know who I met in Jizhou?”

“Who?”

“Sir.”

Wang Zhen’s expression showed genuine surprise.

Tang Shen had held back this revelation for so long, just to see that exact look on Wang Zhen’s face. Now that he was satisfied, he explained, “Sir spent the past year traveling through the southern provinces, exploring rivers and mountains. But since he’s getting older, he can no longer visit every place he wishes, so he finally decided to return to Changzhou. By chance, he passed near Jizhou and, upon hearing that I was there, came to see me. He was accompanied by his two page boys, Wen Shu and Fu Qin.”

Without betraying any emotion, Wang Zhen pulled him back into his arms. “Fu Qin? Am I not Fu Qin?” (TN: Fuqin means “playing the zither,” but also sounds like “father.”)

Tang Shen smirked. “You play the zither, but is your music as good as Wen Shu’s?”

It was well known that their teacher’s two page boys had ironic names—Wen Shu (Book Reader) was skilled at playing the zither, while Fu Qin (Zither Player) was skilled at reading.

Wang Zhen chuckled. “So, little Junior Brother wants me to play a tune for him?” As he spoke, he pulled Tang Shen toward the study. “What would you like to hear? Phoenix Seeks the Phoenix or Longing for Each Other?”

Tang Shen burst into laughter. “All you ever think about is playing chess and plucking strings. Can’t you say something more interesting?”

Wang Zhen sighed dramatically, feigning sorrow. “Alas, you must find me dull. It’s true—I have spent my life reading books and learning the arts, while you have seen and experienced so many fascinating things. I heard, for instance, that you once sold a kind of fruit juice—sweet, sour, and refreshing. Such a thought would never even have crossed my mind.”

Tang Shen’s eyes widened. “Where did you hear that?”

Wang Zhen merely blinked, offering no answer.

Tang Shen wasn’t about to let it slide. He resorted to every trick—coaxing, threatening, even playing the seduction card—until Wang Zhen finally surrendered. He pressed Tang Shen’s face against his chest and murmured, “Enough mischief. It’s still broad daylight—are you truly so shameless?”

Tang Shen immediately behaved. “Then tell me—where did you hear it?”

Wang Zhen sighed, knowing he was doomed to be at this man’s mercy for life. Smiling, he finally confessed, “From your servant, Yao San.”

Tang Shen’s eyes widened further.

Wait—how were Wang Zhen and Yao San even connected?!

Before he could process the revelation, Wang Zhen leaned in, pressing his lips to Tang Shen’s neck. Between feather-light kisses, he murmured pitifully, “When I heard about it, I realized how dull and meaningless my life has been. Look at me—I cannot wash clothes or sweep floors, nor can I cook a decent meal. I have lived over thirty years, and looking back, I have accomplished nothing.”

Tang Shen couldn’t shake the feeling that something about this was off. If Wang Zhen claimed to be an underachiever, anyone who heard it would have every right to scoff.

Wang Zhen continued, “So you see, I haven’t seen every mountain or tasted every herb. I didn’t even know what fruit juice was until I heard about yours.”

Tang Shen finally understood. “So… you want to try fruit juice?”

Wang Zhen’s eyes lit up. He beamed. “Jing Ze, are you saying you’ll make me some?”

“…Wait, I never said that.”

“I am overjoyed!”

Tang Shen: “…”

Fruit juice wasn’t anything special. Given the production methods of the era and Tang Shen’s half-baked knowledge of making fruit vinegar, the juice he had sold in the Tang Family Village had been popular simply because the villagers had never tasted anything better.

Wang Zhen, however, had been raised in luxury, accustomed to the finest wines and delicacies. Yet, after taking a sip of the juice, he sighed in admiration. “Sweet and refreshing, with a lingering fragrance—truly delightful.”

Tang Shen was skeptical. He took a sip himself.

“Is it really that good?”

Wang Zhen kissed his forehead and said, “Because it was made by you, for me.”

After returning to the capital, Tang Shen spent eight out of ten nights staying at the Minister Residence. Their relationship was passionate and affectionate, like honey dissolving in warm oil. Wang Zifeng was remarkably good at sweet-talking, leaving Tang Shen utterly captivated. At one point, he even started doubting himself: What kind of fortune did I stumble upon to earn Wang Zifeng’s favor?

He nearly felt unworthy of him.

When Wang Zhen learned of this, he regretted it deeply.

“Everything requires moderation,” he murmured, writing down the words ‘patience is key’ before sighing. “When will he take more initiative… at a certain time and place?”

Determined, Wang Zhen had the phrase carved onto a plaque and hung it in his study as a daily reminder.

Tang Shen’s career was smooth, and his love life was blissful—he was flourishing in both romance and politics.

However, on the twelfth day of the tenth month in the 33rd year of Kaiping, just days after the emperor’s birthday, something changed.

That morning, as they dressed in court robes, Wang Zhen casually adjusted Tang Shen’s collar and said, as if in passing, “A few days ago, Li Jingde sent a military report from Youzhou. He mentioned a minor skirmish between Song and Liao forces. In his words…”

Tang Shen, surprised by the sudden mention of Li Jingde and Youzhou’s military affairs, asked, “What did he say?”

“He wrote: ‘The sky burned with chaotic fire as Liao arrows rained down in a dense onslaught.’ Do you know how the Song army broke through the encirclement?”

“How?”

“They charged forward with unwavering resolve, seeing nothing but the path ahead.”

From the very first sentence, Tang Shen knew—this was no ordinary military report. Wang Zhen had a deeper meaning behind his words. Grasping his hand, Tang Shen looked up and asked, “Senior Brother, what’s really going on?”

Wang Zhen lowered his gaze. A few years ago, he might have told Tang Shen, ‘Don’t ask. This has nothing to do with you.’ But now, he thought of the plaque in his study, of things Wang Quan had said to him, and of things he had said in return.

The person he loved was never meant to be someone who lived under protection.

He pulled Tang Shen into an embrace and whispered three words: “The Silver Pull Division.”

Tang Shen’s eyes widened.

“Jing Ze, this time, do not act recklessly.”

Tang Shen understood, but the urgency in his heart spread like wildfire, consuming everything in its path.

By the time morning court began, everything appeared calm.

Standing among the third-rank civil officials, Tang Shen lifted his gaze and saw Wang Zhen at the very front, beside Wang Quan. As if nothing had happened. As if there was no pressing crisis that required them to charge forward with unwavering resolve.

But just as court was about to be dismissed, Zhao Fu raised his hand, signaling Ji Fu to read an imperial decree.

Ji Fu’s sharp, high-pitched voice echoed through the grand hall.

“…Starting next year, in consideration of the hardships of the people and the successful implementation of the Military Silver Exchange Bank under the Ministry of War, His Majesty seeks harmony and unity with the common people…”

“The thirty-six Military Silver Exchange Banks under the Ministry of War are to be abolished and replaced by the Great Song Silver Bank.”

“…His Majesty decrees that the Great Song Silver Bank shall serve the people and benefit the realm.”

As Ji Fu finished reading, his hands clenched tightly around the decree, his forehead glistening with sweat.

A deathly silence filled Zichen Hall.

Tang Shen’s body tensed, not daring to breathe. No one knew how much time passed before a faint sound of footsteps broke the silence.

Everyone lifted their heads.

From a distance, Tang Shen saw a tall, lean figure step forward, standing before the assembled officials. His posture was like an unyielding mountain—proud, unwavering, and resolute.

Wang Zifeng raised his jade tablet and spoke in a clear, warm voice.

“I accept the decree.”

Since Youzhou, Shengjing, and all Military Silver Exchange Banks fell under Wang Zhen’s jurisdiction, it was only natural that he stepped forward.

Now, only the Ministry of Justice’s jurisdiction over the Jiangnan Silver Pull Division remained.

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Yu Chaosheng stood frozen in place, visibly taken aback.

A moment later, another figure stepped forward from Wang Zhen’s left.

Left Prime Minister Xu Bi, holding his own jade tablet, spoke in a calm and steady voice, his expression as placid as a still lake.

“Your Majesty, I must object.”

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Tang Shen revealed Tang Huang’s true origins. After finishing, even he felt a bit unfamiliar with the story.

All these years, neither he nor Tang xiucai had ever treated Tang Huang as an outsider—they had always seen her as family. After clarifying the matter, Tang Shen was lost in thought for a moment before saying, “Honestly, this doesn’t matter anymore. Ah Huang is my real sister.” Pausing, he then looked up at Wang Zhen. “Senior Brother, you won’t spread this, will you?”

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As of now, only the two of them knew about this.

Wang Zhen raised an eyebrow. “Why would I?”

Tang Shen nodded. He had only asked casually—there was no reason for Wang Zhen to go around telling people.

What he didn’t expect was that, far from exposing the secret, Minister Wang was already contemplating how to find Tang Huang a good match. If she were merely Tang Shen’s sister, that would be one thing. But now, with the added status of a “child bride”… Minister Wang had never doubted his own charm, nor had he ever considered that Tang Shen might develop feelings for his so-called sister.

However… a child bride.

Minister Wang smiled faintly, saying nothing.

Since he was busy with official duties, he couldn’t handle this matter personally. Instead, he penned a letter to Jinling, addressed to the current head of the Langya Wang clan—his great-grandmother, the esteemed old Madam Wang.

The old matriarch had her own ways of handling such affairs. When she received Wang Zhen’s letter, the beginning was filled with words of longing for his family, making no mention of Tang Huang’s marriage. Instead, it was a lengthy outpouring of sentiment, expressing how much he missed his great-grandmother.

Tears welled up in the elderly woman’s eyes. “Zi Feng must be suffering in Shengjing. He was so thin when he returned last year—he must have been bullied terribly.”

By the time she reached the end of the letter, she had already made up her mind. Summoning her daughters-in-law, they discussed the matter thoroughly before drafting two responses—one to Wang Zhen and another to the Right Prime Minister’s residence, addressed to the Right Prime Minister’s wife.

That evening, Right Prime Minister Wang Quan sought out Wang Zhen, pointing at him in exasperation. “You! For such a minor matter, you could have just spoken to me or your Second Aunt. Why go through such a roundabout way and write to Jinling first?”

Wang Zhen raised an eyebrow. “Uncle, would it be proper etiquette for me to speak directly to you about this?”

Wang Quan was momentarily speechless.

True, it wasn’t strictly proper etiquette. But knowing Wang Zifeng, could that really be the only reason? Surely, he had some hidden agenda!

Indeed, Wang Zhen had his reasons.

First, by omitting Tang Huang’s origins in his letter, he ensured that once the old matriarch acknowledged her, Tang Huang would be fully recognized as Tang Shen’s biological sister. Second, he deliberately wrote to his family in advance to give them a heads-up. Not all Wang clan members in Jinling knew about his relationship with Tang Shen—most only knew that he had no interest in women, but they weren’t yet aware that he had already found someone he cared for.

Minister Wang gazed at the moon, letting out a long sigh. He truly had to go to great lengths for his dear little junior brother.

Meanwhile, Tang Huang remained unaware that the Right Prime Minister’s wife had already begun scouting eligible young men for her—not to force a marriage upon her, but simply to give her more options, allowing her to meet more young men of good character. If she wasn’t interested, no one would pressure her.

As the year-end approached, the accounts from Xixia Tower and Zhenbao Pavilion were compiled, and the managers from Gusu made their way north to Shengjing.

This year, Tang Shen completely entrusted these matters to Tang Huang, without getting involved himself.

The young lady handled everything flawlessly. On the tenth day of the twelfth lunar month, when the managers were about to depart, she gathered them together and said, “Seven years ago, our Tang family established Tang’s Logistics in Gusu and began selling Golden Wisp and soap. Since then, business has flourished day by day.”

The managers praised, “It is all thanks to the boss’s wise leadership.”

Dressed in a simple yellow dress, Tang Huang remained composed despite their flattery. She took a sip of tea before continuing, “There’s no need to praise me. I only took over the family business in the past two years—before that, it was my brother handling everything. Over these years, I’ve seen a lot and have come to a realization. Do you know why our Tang family has succeeded in business? Why we have reached the scale we have today?”

The managers replied, “Please enlighten us, my lady.”

“Because we, above all else, value time.”

“Everyone knows about Tang’s Logistics. Initially, it was barely profitable. But my brother used it as an advertisement to spread awareness. Through Tang’s Logistics, the people of Gusu came to know about Golden Wisp and soap. The subsequent benefits of this move were immeasurable. And that was just the beginning.

“Xixia Tower benefits from Tang’s Logistics by always having fresher ingredients than other restaurants. Later, Baibao Pavilion was able to gather rare treasures from all over the country in a single store, all thanks to Tang’s Logistics.

“This is the time we have saved.”

She continued, “Two years ago, I implemented a system in our workshops where each worker focuses on a single task. Mastery leads to efficiency, allowing them to work faster and save more time. Over time, even if each worker saves just the time of one cup of tea, imagine the effect multiplied by a hundred workers.”

She set down her cup with a crisp clink on the wooden table. “Today, I will summarize the reasons behind our family’s success into three key points. First, the cultivation of skilled artisans and staff. Second, the keen eye to seize opportunities. And third, the optimization of time.”

She gazed intently at them. “The Tang family has come this far, but how we continue to grow from here depends on all of you. Next year, when we meet again, I hope to hear your own strategies for development. The Tang family is not just my brother’s and mine—it belongs to all of you as well.”

With a bright, confident smile, she asked, “Do you understand?”

The managers, stunned, stared at the young lady at the head of the table. For the first time, they dared not underestimate her.

Someone stepped forward and cupped his hands. “I understand.”

The next moment, all the managers echoed in unison, “We understand.”

After they left, Tang Huang leaned back in her chair, wiping the sweat from her palms.

“Brother, I hope, as you said, these men will come up with good ideas. You always say that strength lies in numbers. If we truly want to grow, we can’t do it alone.”

Much later, when Tang Shen learned of the speech she had given that day, he was astonished. He had merely told her to encourage the managers to innovate—after all, technological advancement was the true path to progress. But none of these words had come from him.

That, however, was a matter for another time.

On the eve of the 32nd year of Kaiping, New Year’s Eve passed quietly, even a little desolately.

The night before, Emperor Zhao Fu hosted a banquet at the palace for his ministers, as per tradition. However, on New Year’s Eve itself, none of the three princes returned to the capital.

Not that they didn’t want to return—though, in truth, they were indeed fearful. The staged coup in the previous year’s first lunar month was still fresh in their minds. Though the emperor had not punished them severely, instead making scapegoats of the monk Shanting and Prime Minister Ji, the lesson was clear.

After that terrifying precedent, none of the three princes dared to set foot before Zhao Fu again with any thoughts of the throne.

However, they did not dare to offend their unpredictable father either.

In mid-December, the three princes submitted petitions requesting to return to the capital, expressing their desire to do so.

Zhao Fu read their memorials with an unreadable expression. After a long silence, he let out a deep sigh and, as if joking, said to Ji Fu, “Look at them. Clearly, they don’t dare to return, yet they still have to ask for my permission, afraid I might be displeased. This is truly a case of being too clever for their own good—so clever they’ve become fools.”

Ji Fu dared not interfere in matters between the emperor and his sons. He only lowered his head in silence. Yet, as he secretly glanced at Zhao Fu out of the corner of his eye, he couldn’t help but think: Your Majesty, have you noticed that you, too, seem to have changed?

None of the three princes returned to the capital, and the imperial family banquet on New Year’s Eve was attended only by Prince Jing’s family. The occasion was cold and cheerless.

Throughout the banquet, Zhao Fu did not smile even once. After it ended, he immediately rose and left in a huff.

Ji Fu quickly followed behind him, but as he gazed at the emperor’s solitary figure, he suddenly understood the true meaning of a certain phrase.

The solitary and lonely ruler.

Perhaps, from the very beginning, he had always been alone.

On the nineteenth day of the first month in the 33rd year of Kaiping, barely ten days after officials had resumed court duties, Tang Shen received an imperial decree.

This year’s huishi in Shengjing would be overseen by Yu Chaosheng, the Minister of Justice and Assistant Minister of the Palace Secretariat. In addition, over twenty officials below the third rank were selected as deputy examiners. Among them, Tang Shen held one of the highest ranks.

He still remembered the first time he had met Yu Chaosheng at the Shengjing Examination Hall years ago, when Yu Chaosheng had just returned to the capital as the Right Vice Minister of Personnel. Back then, both of them had served as deputy examiners under the chief examiner, Minister of Personnel Shen Yun.

Now, years later, they found themselves in the same roles once again. Before the examination began, Yu Chaosheng led the officials in paying respects to the statue of Confucius.

Tang Shen followed behind him, bowing in reverence.

After the ritual, as the examinees entered the examination hall, Yu Chaosheng glanced at Tang Shen. Their eyes met, and both men exchanged a smile.

Under Yu Chaosheng’s competent oversight, the examination proceeded smoothly, with not a single issue arising. Among this year’s candidates, several were already well known for their literary talent.

While grading, Tang Shen came across an exceptionally well-written essay. When he finally lifted the seal covering the candidate’s name, he sighed in realization. “So it’s a scholar from the Su family of Northern Zhili.”

The Su family of Northern Zhili was a prestigious aristocratic clan. The highest-ranking official in the family was Su Wenyun, a third-rank official who currently served as the Right Vice Minister of Works and Junior Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.

Yet, within just half a month—before the dianshi even took place—Su Wenyun was smoothly promoted. He was elevated to Assistant Minister of the Privy Council and concurrently Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, attaining a second-rank position.

Su Wenyun’s promotion came as no surprise to anyone. Even Tang Shen sometimes wondered when the emperor would decide to promote him.

As expected, once Su Wenyun’s promotion was announced, the entire court offered their congratulations.

Yet, barely a month later, right after the dianshi concluded, another imperial decree was issued.

“Tang Shen, Court Gentleman Consultant and Right Deputy Imperial Censor of the Silver Pull Division, is diligent and meritorious, having presided over two rounds of imperial examinations and deeply understanding Our intentions. We hereby promote him to Right Vice Minister of Works and Right Deputy Imperial Censor of the Silver Pull Division, a third-rank official, effective immediately.”

The court was left in shock. Even Wang Zhen had not anticipated this.

Tang Shen himself was so taken aback that he hesitated to accept the decree. It wasn’t until the eunuch delivering the edict chuckled and reminded him, “Tang daren, don’t let your excitement get the best of you—accept the decree first,” that Tang Shen finally came to his senses and expressed his gratitude.

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The officials were stunned because Tang Shen was only twenty-two years old, yet the emperor had truly promoted him to a third-rank official.

Tang Shen was stunned because he had actually become the Right Vice Minister of Works.

Alone, he couldn’t help but laugh wryly.

“Fate really likes to play tricks on people.”

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