Chapter 67

With Wen Guanliang's abandonment, when all the officials in the court thought the matter was over, the situation suddenly changed.

Just then, the senior official Shen Changmao stepped forward and accused Wen Guanliang, saying, "Minister Wen, I must say, how could you report such unverified rumors to His Majesty without investigation? If it disturbs the morale of the people and causes chaos in the court, what will you do? Minister Wen, you are an old minister of the court, how can you act so rashly and jump to conclusions?"

As soon as Shen Changmao finished speaking, another senior official, Huang Yourong, also stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, this matter is not entirely the fault of Minister Wen. Minister Wen has always been in poor health and is now old and lacking in energy. It's understandable that he might have been momentarily confused and made a mistake. Although his actions were somewhat rash this time, fortunately, they did not cause any adverse effects. I hope Your Majesty will consider Minister Wen's loyalty to the country and punish him leniently."

With Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong stepping forward to speak, officials from both factions also followed suit, either supporting Shen Changmao or Huang Yourong. The previously silent and strange atmosphere in the court suddenly became quite lively.

Shen Changmao's faction was openly accusing Wen Guanliang, but Huang Yourong's faction, while seemingly defending Wen Guanliang, was actually more ruthless. Their underlying message was that Wen Guanliang was old and no longer capable, and should retire!

Moreover, whether Emperor Deqing intended to punish Wen Guanliang was originally uncertain, but after Huang Yourong's plea, it seemed that Emperor Deqing was determined to punish Wen Guanliang!

Seeing Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong, who had previously reached an understanding with him, act in such a manner, Wen Guanliang's body trembled again, and his face became even paler.

Previously, he had always hoped that Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong would betray him today, and in the end, these two old foxes did indeed betray him. However, Wen Guanliang never expected that their target would not be Zhao Junchen, but himself!

Wen Guanliang, Shen Changmao, and Huang Yourong, though they often had friction and competed for power and interests in the central government, more often than not, they united to oppose Zhou Shangjing.

But now, his former allies were becoming the vanguard in opposing Wen Guanliang, while Zhou Shangjing's faction remained silent, merely acting as observers.

In fact, in recent times, Zhou Shangjing's originally active and powerful faction often acted in this manner for some unknown reason.

...

Seeing the sudden change in the court, Zhao Junchen was also surprised, but he quickly understood Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong's intentions.

After Zuo Lanshan, Gu Quan, and others betrayed Wen Guanliang, his decline was evident, and in a short time, no one in the court had enough standing to speak on his behalf.

Although Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong often cooperated with Wen Guanliang, they were ultimately competitors. At this moment, with such a rare opportunity, how could they not take advantage of it?

Moreover, if Wen Guanliang fell from power, the position of Deputy Chief Cabinet Minister would be vacant, and both Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong would have a chance.

Most importantly, Wen Guanliang had operated in the bureaucracy for many years, and his followers and disciples were not limited to just Zuo Lanshan and Gu Quan. There were many officials in lucrative positions like the Salt Commissioner, local government offices, and some important officials in the capital who, though not yet qualified to be part of the court, had significant power. If Wen Guanliang fell, these forces would also be up for grabs by Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong.

Thus, it was natural for Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong to take advantage of the situation. Although their original plan was to target Zhao Junchen, in the political arena, the shift between enemies and friends often happens faster and more easily than a blink.

Seeing Wen Guanliang standing alone, facing countless attacks, occasionally defending himself but unable to withstand the tide, and with no one in the court speaking up for him, even some of his former disciples like Zhan Shanchang and Chen Dongxiang taking the opportunity to betray him, Zhao Junchen felt a bit sorry for Wen Guanliang.

As Zhao Junchen sighed inwardly, Emperor Deqing finally spoke.

"Minister Wen's words today were solely for the good of the country. How can I blame him? However, Minister Wen has been busy with state affairs for many years and is indeed tired. Moreover, he is not young anymore. If Minister Wen wishes, he can take some time to rest. Of course, this is up to Minister Wen himself, and I will not force him."

Emperor Deqing's tone was gentle, but Zhao Junchen always felt that his words seemed to have another meaning.

...

After the court session, the officials dispersed. Today's morning court session had seen many events: the confrontation between Zhao Junchen and Crown Prince Zhu Heyu, the sudden shift in power and influence in the central government, and the four-sided attack on Cabinet Minister Wen Guanliang. These events would take a long time to digest, so the officials left with strange expressions.

Among them, Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong, as they left, warmly congratulated Zhao Junchen on his promotion to Minister of Revenue, showing genuine friendliness.

As the officials dispersed, the number of people in the Taihe Hall gradually decreased. Wen Guanliang, who had been standing there for a long time, finally moved.

His face was pale, and he seemed to have aged by more than ten years, losing his former authority and confidence. He walked out of the Taihe Hall as if he had lost his soul.

Clearly, he knew very well what the four-sided attack, the various open and hidden attacks, and Emperor Deqing's meaningful "comfort" meant.

"A single misstep, and the whole game is lost." This phrase seemed too mild to describe Wen Guanliang's current situation.

Zhao Junchen did not leave but quietly watched Wen Guanliang. However, Wen Guanliang did not pay attention to Zhao Junchen's gaze.

However, as Wen Guanliang passed by Zhao Junchen, Zhan Shanchang, who was standing next to Zhao Junchen, suddenly sneered, "Minister Wen, as you said, cold dishes can be reheated, but once a person makes a wrong decision, they cannot start over."

Wen Guanliang slowly turned his head, looked at Zhan Shanchang, then at Zhao Junchen, his gaze calm, but he did not say much, just left on his own.

It seemed he did not want Zhao Junchen and the others to look down on him. After Zhan Shanchang's words, Wen Guanliang's posture became straighter, and he had more pride, his steps more steady.

After Wen Guanliang left, Zhao Junchen glared at Zhan Shanchang and softly rebuked, "Since he has already fallen and cannot get up, anyone with eyes can see it. Why do you need to kick him when he's down? Is there any point?"

"Hehe, Junchen, do you think why Wen Guanliang fell?"

Before Zhan Shanchang could say anything, Zhou Shangjing's voice suddenly sounded from Zhao Junchen's side.

Zhao Junchen turned his head and saw that Zhou Shangjing had already come to his side, also watching Wen Guanliang leave.

"Please enlighten me, Chief Minister."

Zhao Junchen respectfully bowed.

Zhou Shangjing did not speak but looked at Zhan Shanchang.

Zhan Shanchang, being sensible, hesitated for a moment and then bid farewell to the two and left.

For a moment, only Zhao Junchen and Zhou Shangjing were left in the Taihe Hall.

"Junchen, do you think why so many people suddenly attacked Wen Guanliang in the court today, and why Wen Guanliang is in such a difficult situation?"

After Zhan Shanchang left, Zhou Shangjing asked another question.

"Please enlighten me, Chief Minister."

Zhao Junchen still did not answer.

Zhou Shangjing smiled slightly, his aged face showing the weight of years, and slowly said, "It's not because of Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong's betrayal, nor because he was abandoned by everyone. It's because after Zuo Lanshan and Gu Quan joined you, His Majesty suddenly felt that Wen Guanliang was no longer of any use."

As he spoke, Zhou Shangjing patted Zhao Junchen's shoulder and also walked out of the Taihe Hall.

"Remember Wen Guanliang's current state to avoid falling into the same situation... Also, to celebrate your promotion to Minister of Revenue, I have sent a gift to your residence..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ps: Three updates today, please give me recommendations. Also, there will be five updates tomorrow, another burst.