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.

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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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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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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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