Chapter 50

After changing into a set of casual clothes, it was already close to evening.

Zhao Junchen did not delay, and brought Xu Qingyan to Tianhai Tower, where they waited for Wen Guanliang to arrive.

To Tianhai Tower, Zhao Junchen was a big shot, and naturally needed to be courted with all efforts. Upon learning that Zhao Junchen was going to hold a banquet here, and that the guest of honor was the Deputy Chief Cabinet Minister Wen Guanliang, they pulled out all the stops, preparing a sumptuous feast well in advance.

However, the awkward thing was that although the feast was set up early and Zhao Junchen arrived early, Wen Guanliang was nowhere to be seen.

Sitting in the most luxurious private room on the top floor of Tianhai Tower, looking out at the gradually darkening sky, Zhao Junchen, after waiting for a long time, finally became somewhat impatient and asked Xu Qingyan, "Did the Secretary Wen really agree to come?"

Xu Qingyan, who was also getting impatient, frowned and replied, "Young Master, when the invitation was delivered, Wen Guanliang immediately agreed."

Zhao Junchen nodded and asked again, "Is the time correct?"

Xu Qingyan shook his head and said, "How could it be wrong? The time on the invitation is clearly stated, it's this evening at the hour of You."

Zhao Junchen smiled slightly and said, "If that's the case, then it's probably because this Deputy Chief Cabinet Minister has already learned about my visit to the palace this afternoon. Now that the three-province autumn examination cheating case has been suddenly concluded and I have protected Zhan Shanchang, he feels that his dignity has been damaged, and he is showing his displeasure to me."

After a pause, Zhao Junchen added with a smile, "But, his information is quite reliable."

Xu Qingyan said resentfully, "This is called not knowing one's place. Just who does he think he is, Wen Guanliang, to put on airs for you, Young Master?"

Zhao Junchen raised his hand to interrupt Xu Qingyan and said calmly, "We can't say that. After all, Secretary Wen is the Deputy Chief Cabinet Minister. In the current court, apart from His Majesty and the Chief Cabinet Minister Zhou Shangjing, he is the most powerful. In terms of reputation and influence, he is far greater than us. Now that we have made him lose face, how can he not show his displeasure? In the political arena, every slight is avenged, it's nothing to get angry about."

Xu Qingyan looked at the gradually cooling dishes and asked, "Young Master, are we going to keep waiting like this? If Wen Guanliang is putting on airs for you, why should you cater to him? We have already protected Zhan Shanchang and lured Tong Huan away, making it difficult to turn enemies into friends. There's no need to go through the motions of saving face."

Zhao Junchen shook his head and said softly, "He broke the rules, but we can't. Secretary Wen's rank is higher than mine, and he is older, a superior and a senior. It's only right to wait. Besides, in the political arena, enemies and friends are not always clear. Today's enemy might be tomorrow's ally, and yesterday's ally might be today's opponent. Everything should be done with some leeway. Today he lost face, and we gained reputation. Since we have already reaped the benefits, why not give him some face?"

As he spoke, Zhao Junchen glanced at the sky outside and said slowly, "However, although he is showing his displeasure, it's already this late, so he should be here soon."

Xu Qingyan pursed his lips but did not say anything more.

...

Zhao Junchen appeared quite calm and unperturbed, but in fact, he was also somewhat unhappy with Wen Guanliang's tardiness and no-show, though he did not show it on his face like Xu Qingyan.

Since coming to this era, Zhao Junchen has always adhered to the principle of making more friends than enemies, and when dealing with various forces, he has mostly intended to maintain good relations.

Today's meeting with Wen Guanliang was also for this purpose. Although he intended to confront Wen Guanliang, he also hoped to turn enemies into friends.

"Yuerong Workshop" has been not only manufacturing soap but also fully researching perfume. The process of making perfume is more complex than soap, but it's not particularly difficult. It is almost ready.

Wen Guanliang, after all, is the Deputy Chief Cabinet Minister. Although Zhao Junchen protected Zhan Shanchang and lured away the Chief of the Board of Public Grievances, Tong Huan, and made Wen Guanliang lose face, Zhao Junchen did not intend to completely offend Wen Guanliang. If there was still a possibility of turning enemies into friends, Zhao Junchen was willing to share the perfume business with Wen Guanliang. Although perfume is not a daily necessity like soap and has low costs and high sales, if managed well, it can be a very profitable business.

However, after this incident, Zhao Junchen completely gave up on this idea.

There was no other reason; during the three-province autumn examination cheating case, Wen Guanliang's narrow-mindedness and mediocre political skills were too evident. Such a person is not the best choice for an alliance.

Just by looking at how Wen Guanliang and the other two cabinet ministers put on airs by getting out of their carriages at the last minute during the morning court sessions, one can tell what kind of people they are.

Actually, this is a natural thing.

The cabinet ministers, including Wen Guanliang, have their current reputation and influence only because the Chief Cabinet Minister Zhou Shangjing does not want to form a monopoly in the court, which would cause Emperor Deqing to be suspicious. Therefore, he deliberately holds back.

Although this is the case, with Zhou Shangjing's deep planning, he would not tolerate the rise of anyone who could truly threaten him. Therefore, whether it's the Deputy Chief Cabinet Minister Wen Guanliang or the other two cabinet ministers, Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong, their ability to enter the cabinet and gain influence under Zhou Shangjing's watch is already a sign of their mediocrity.

For such people, although it's best not to offend them, if they are truly offended, Zhao Junchen is not afraid of them.

...

Just as Zhao Junchen was deep in thought, a commotion suddenly came from outside the private room. Then, the manager of Tianhai Tower stumbled to the door of the private room and quickly said, "Minister, the Deputy Chief Cabinet Minister has arrived."

Zhao Junchen nodded and went out with Xu Qingyan to greet him.

Then, he saw Wen Guanliang, surrounded by a group of attendants, slowly walking towards Zhao Junchen. Although he was nearly an hour late, he did not look the least bit hurried.

Wen Guanliang was nearly sixty years old, with a kind face and a gentle demeanor, giving the impression of a very approachable old man.

Of course, this was just a facade.

Seeing Zhao Junchen personally welcoming him, a trace of resentment flashed in Wen Guanliang's eyes, but the next moment, he put on a kind smile, walked towards Zhao Junchen, and said with a bow, "Oh, Minister Zhao, I have kept you waiting. Something came up at my residence, which delayed me. I apologize, I apologize."

Zhao Junchen smiled and returned the bow, saying, "Secretary Wen, you are a senior and I am a junior. It's only right to wait."

As he spoke, Zhao Junchen led Wen Guanliang into the private room and had him seated.

After sitting down, Wen Guanliang glanced at Zhao Junchen and sighed, "Minister Zhao, you may not know, but the reason I am late is that I had to calm down my disciples and students. The Vice Minister of Rites, Zhan Shanchang, was originally promoted by me. However, with the recent three-province autumn examination cheating case, all the evidence points to him. I am dedicated to the country, and at such a time, I should naturally avoid suspicion. Although I did not help him, I did not intend to harm him. But I did not expect him to spread the word everywhere, saying that I am cold and hypocritical, using him as a scapegoat, causing unrest. The Chief of the Board of Public Grievances, Tong Huan, was also promoted by me, but under his influence, he has become increasingly distant from me these days."

Hearing Wen Guanliang's pointed sigh, Zhao Junchen smiled slightly, personally filled Wen Guanliang's cup with wine, and said, "Secretary Wen is kind and always treats others well. All the officials in the court can see this. How could you be cold and hypocritical? Secretary Wen is overthinking it. However, I have met Zhan Shanchang, and he is not the type to repay kindness with ingratitude. I have not heard of him defaming Secretary Wen. In the political arena, there are too many baseless rumors. There might be some misunderstanding here."

Wen Guanliang's eyes narrowed when he heard Zhao Junchen's words, but he did not respond, only saying slowly, "According to the information I have, His Majesty has already announced the conclusion of the three-province autumn examination cheating case based on Minister Zhao's suggestion today?"

Zhao Junchen shook his head and said, "Secretary Wen, you are flattering me. I have no control over such matters. His Majesty made the decision, and there must be His Majesty's considerations."

Wen Guanliang sighed, "I know Zhan Shanchang. Although he is not lacking in ability, he is somewhat greedy. Considering the various doubts in the three-province autumn examination cheating case, he is probably not innocent. His Majesty's early conclusion of the case, in my view, is somewhat hasty. The imperial examination is a matter of great importance. If there is cheating, it should be thoroughly investigated. Although Zhan Shanchang was promoted by me, if he is really involved, as the Deputy Chief Cabinet Minister, I will not let him off!"

After a pause, Wen Guanliang added, "As a cabinet minister, I should help His Majesty fill in the gaps. Although the three-province autumn examination cheating case has been concluded, I plan to continue the strict investigation of Zhan Shanchang! As for the Chief of the Board of Public Grievances, Tong Huan, who has always been in and out with Zhan Shanchang, the fact that he, as the head of the Board of Public Grievances, responsible for handling complaints from all over the country, did not receive any information about the three-province autumn examination cheating case, is also suspicious. He is probably not innocent either."

As he spoke, Wen Guanliang's tone and expression became more meaningful, "I know that these two have been close to you, Minister Zhao, recently. I believe that the three-province autumn examination cheating case has nothing to do with you, but for your own sake, you should promptly distance yourself from them. Do not be swayed by them."

Hearing Wen Guanliang's words, Zhao Junchen's brows furrowed slightly, and he understood.

Although Wen Guanliang's words were grand, his meaning was clear: Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan switching to Zhao Junchen's side, regardless of the reason, was a betrayal to Wen Guanliang. Moreover, due to the three-province autumn examination cheating case, Wen Guanliang's reputation has been greatly damaged. Therefore, he plans to deal with Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan to set an example and stabilize his internal faction.

If Zhao Junchen does not oppose this, then the previous matters can be forgiven, and there is even a possibility of an alliance. But if Zhao Junchen opposes it, then they will be enemies, and it will be a matter of life and death.

For this, Zhao Junchen naturally has no intention of agreeing. After protecting Zhan Shanchang, Zhao Junchen has finally established his reputation. Now, everyone knows that Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan are Zhao Junchen's people. If he watches Wen Guanliang deal with them, not only will his previous efforts be in vain, but no one will dare to join him in the future.

Therefore, Zhao Junchen smiled slightly and said calmly, "Since His Majesty has already ordered the conclusion of the three-province autumn examination cheating case, it is concluded. Why must you pursue it relentlessly? If you investigate Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan just because of suspicion, won't it make the officials lose heart? Secretary Wen is dedicated to the country, and I have always admired you, but some things should be let go."

Hearing Zhao Junchen's words, Wen Guanliang seemed to hum lightly and said sternly, "Minister Zhao, you are now favored by His Majesty and are in a favorable position. It is rare for you to be so polite to an old minister like me. This reminds me of the former Minister of Works, Guo Cheng."

Zhao Junchen was slightly taken aback and asked, "Oh? The former Minister of Works, Guo Cheng? I don't know much about him. Could you tell me more, Secretary Wen?"

Wen Guanliang said slowly, "Minister Zhao is young, so it's normal that you don't know about the past. When Guo Cheng was the Minister of Works, you were probably still studying in seclusion. However, Guo Cheng was not an ordinary person. His sister was the Empress Shun, who was deeply favored by His Majesty. As a result, Guo Cheng was also highly favored. For a time, he was unmatched in the court and the country. However, unlike you, Guo Cheng, relying on His Majesty's favor, acted without restraint, even opposing the Chief Cabinet Minister Zhou Shangjing. But His Majesty's favor is just favor. When the Chief Cabinet Minister could no longer tolerate him, within a few days, everyone in the court impeached Guo Cheng. Although His Majesty still favored Guo Cheng, he could not go against public opinion and had to put him in prison. Unexpectedly, after being imprisoned, Guo Cheng died of an epidemic disease after just two days. His end was truly pitiful."

As he spoke, Wen Guanliang looked at Zhao Junchen and smiled lightly, "This shows that His Majesty's favor is just favor. Although it can bring temporary glory, in the political arena, what matters is power and means. Even His Majesty must consider the opinions of the officials. Unfortunately, Guo Cheng did not see this clearly, did not know his limits, and offended those he should not, leaving him with no chance to turn things around."

Wen Guanliang's words were a threat to Zhao Junchen.

However, Zhao Junchen's expression did not change. He smiled slightly and said, "Guo Cheng indeed lacked foresight and did not know who he could offend and who he could not. The Chief Cabinet Minister Zhou Shangjing has operated in the political arena for decades and is very skilled. How could he be easily offended? I am different from him."

As he spoke, Zhao Junchen changed his tone and added, "However, in my view, only the Chief Cabinet Minister has such ability. If it were someone else, they might not be able to easily bring down Guo Cheng. They might not only fail to bring him down but also be bitten by him."

Hearing Zhao Junchen's words, Wen Guanliang finally reined in his smile, and his eyes turned cold.

Zhao Junchen's meaning was clear: he knew who he could offend and who he could not. In his eyes, Wen Guanliang was far inferior to the Chief Cabinet Minister Zhou Shangjing and belonged to the category of "even if offended, it doesn't matter."

Actually, Wen Guanliang also knew that his power and means were far inferior to Zhou Shangjing. Over the years, he had never gained any advantage in his struggles with Zhou Shangjing. He even knew that Zhou Shangjing could deal with him at any time but had kept him in the position of Deputy Chief Cabinet Minister for stability.

However, the political arena is a place of fame and profit. Although he did not want to struggle with Zhou Shangjing, he had no choice.

Now, Wen Guanliang did not want to struggle with Zhao Junchen either. He was not the Zhou Shangjing of old, and Zhao Junchen was not the Guo Cheng of old. He did not have the confidence to win.

However, in the political arena, one cannot always choose.

Thinking this, Wen Guanliang's eyes became even colder.

In the political arena, there is no room for helplessness. Wen Guanliang had long realized this.

Wen Guanliang touched the cold dishes on the table and said slowly, "I apologize for being late. The dishes are cold."

Zhao Junchen smiled and said, "If the dishes are cold, we can ask the staff to reheat them."

Wen Guanliang shook his head and said, "Although the dishes can be reheated, they lose their original flavor. However, this is still better than making a wrong decision, which cannot be undone."

As he spoke, Wen Guanliang slowly stood up and bowed to Zhao Junchen, "I am old and cannot eat cold food. I must take my leave."

Zhao Junchen also sighed and stood up, saying, "I apologize for not being a good host."

Wen Guanliang shook his head and did not say anything more, leading his attendants away.

"Spit! What a person!"

As soon as Wen Guanliang left, Xu Qingyan, who had been silent for a long time, spat and said.

Zhao Junchen frowned and said, "Qingyan, we are eating. Is it not disgusting to do this?"

Xu Qingyan was indignant and said, "Young Master, are you still eating? I am so angry I could burst. That old man is so insidious, and he even dared to threaten you!"

Zhao Junchen smiled slightly and did not say anything more, seemingly unconcerned.

The bottom lines of both sides were far apart, and their sincerity was lacking. After the confrontation, the negotiation broke down, and from now on, they would be enemies.