Chapter 77

I want to be a good person, but I can never find the opportunity...

This sentence was a joke often repeated by one of Zhao Junchen's friends in his previous life.

At the time, Zhao Junchen found it amusing, but now, he could somewhat empathize.

Since coming to this world, Zhao Junchen had deceived the people, misled the emperor, accepted bribes, vied for power, plotted, and corrupted hearts. He had done everything a competent corrupt official should do, and he had done it excellently.

However, what a corrupt official should do and what a person should do are two entirely different concepts.

When Zhao Junchen was at "Heaven and Earth," he initially found it gratifying to see Fan Binqi's gradual transformation, even feeling a bit proud.

But suddenly, Zhao Junchen was startled to realize that at some point, he had actually felt proud and satisfied for successfully corrupting a clean official.

Such actions had already crossed the line of conscience. Although sometimes they might be unavoidable, should one feel proud and satisfied about them?

Zhao Junchen still remembered the conflicting and self-reproaching feelings in his heart when he first came to this world and had to deceive the people.

However, after returning to the capital for just over a month, Zhao Junchen had already taken such actions for granted and become accustomed to them. Such feelings no longer appeared.

Perhaps, when Zhao Junchen was changing Fan Binqi's mindset, his own mindset was changing even faster.

Sometimes, the transformation of a person's character is the most terrifying thing in the world. It happens without one's awareness, and only when one suddenly looks back does one realize that from the past to the present, one has become a completely different person.

At that moment, people suddenly realize that while they have gained much, they have also lost much, and they no longer recognize themselves!

This was why Zhao Junchen was in a bad mood at "Heaven and Earth."

He suddenly realized that he had already turned the pursuit of power into an instinct, and the thing called "conscience" had gradually become less important.

When did this transformation happen? Zhao Junchen tried to recall, but he could not find the answer.

"Remember your duty. Those who forget their duty will have no good end."

This sentence was a warning Zhao Junchen gave to Xiao Shancai before leaving "Heaven and Earth," but it also had the meaning of convincing himself.

His current duty was to be a competent corrupt official. Only by doing so could he protect himself, expand his power, and satisfy and reassure Emperor Deqing.

......

On the way back to his residence, Zhao Junchen sat in the carriage, reflecting on his recent changes with a self-mocking smile.

"But, isn't this what I've always wanted to achieve? To become a competent politician, I just didn't expect to change so quickly..." Zhao Junchen muttered to himself, "The environment really can change a person. Was it the immense pressure after returning to the capital that forced me to change my nature? Or was it just the environment here that finally exposed my hypocritical nature?"

"Master, what are you saying?"

Zhao Junchen's voice was very soft, but it still reached Xu Qingyan's ears. As soon as Zhao Junchen finished speaking, Xu Qingyan lifted the curtain and asked him.

"Selling tofu pudding, smooth and tender tofu pudding..."

Just as Zhao Junchen was about to say something, he heard a vendor's cry from outside the carriage.

"Qingyan, tell the driver to stop the carriage." Zhao Junchen did not want to explain and said, "We haven't had tofu pudding for a long time. We're hungry, so let's have a bowl of tofu pudding before going back to the residence."

......

While Zhao Junchen and Xu Qingyan were enjoying the smoothness of the tofu pudding, many people were also feeling complex about Zhao Junchen's various changes.

Zhao Junchen himself was somewhat late in realizing his changes, but to others, they were very obvious.

In Scholar Lane, at the residence of the Chief Minister Zhou Shangjing.

In the main hall, Zhou Shangjing once again summoned the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, Xue Gui.

However, despite being summoned by Zhou Shangjing several times in recent days, Xue Gui showed no signs of pride. Standing in front of Zhou Shangjing, his face was pale, and he looked worried and fearful.

Zhou Shangjing leisurely sipped his tea. After summoning Xue Gui, he let him stand there without saying a word, sipping his tea on his own.

After a long time, after giving Xue Gui enough pressure, Zhou Shangjing finally spoke.

"It's been a month. Have you not yet told Zhao Junchen's concubine, Fang Ru, about those matters?"

Xue Gui's face turned even paler, and he quickly explained, "Your Excellency, you don't know. For some reason, since Zhao Junchen returned to the capital this time, Fang Ru has been secluded in the Zhao residence, never going out, and is extremely low-key, which is completely different from before. In the past, Fang Ru often helped Zhao Junchen with secret matters and was easy to approach, but now, I can't even meet her..."

Before Xue Gui finished speaking, he saw Zhou Shangjing frown and quickly assured him, "But please rest assured, Your Excellency. I will continue to find ways and will not disappoint you."

The Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture was in charge of all kinds of affairs in the capital, had the most reliable information, and was the most convenient to work with. In Zhou Shangjing's eyes, its status and importance were second only to the Ministry of Personnel, so he always kept it firmly in his control, sending capable and trusted subordinates to take charge.

Xue Gui naturally understood this, so he was even more aware that if he did not perform well, Zhou Shangjing would certainly find someone else to replace him.

On the other side, seeing Xue Gui's determined attitude, Zhou Shangjing nodded slightly and slowly said, "I'll give you one last chance. Within half a month, you must inform Fang Ru about those matters and incite her to seek revenge against Zhao Junchen, making her willing to work for us. This matter is crucial to my grand plan. If you fail..."

Zhou Shangjing did not finish his sentence, leaving Xue Gui to imagine the consequences.

Xue Gui was clearly frightened by the scenario he imagined and repeatedly assured, "I will definitely succeed, I will definitely succeed."

Zhou Shangjing sighed and continued, "The Deputy Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, Wei Ping, tried to defect to Zhao Junchen a few days ago, but Zhao Junchen didn't want him. Such behavior cannot be tolerated. I have already expelled him from my door, and this matter is already known throughout the court."

Xue Gui was slightly stunned and looked up at Zhou Shangjing, not understanding why he suddenly mentioned this.

Zhou Shangjing ignored Xue Gui's confusion and continued in a somber tone, "What a pity for my old friend Wei Ran, to have such an unambitious son. Since I expelled him from my door, he has been coming to me every day to plead for mercy, which is very annoying. However, you might as well entrust this matter to him. Tell him that if he can handle this matter well, I will take him back and promote him further. But before he completely controls Fang Ru, he must not reveal my existence. You must make this clear to him."

Xue Gui was slightly stunned but quickly understood Zhou Shangjing's meaning.

Wei Ping was no longer Zhou Shangjing's disciple. No one would think that Zhou Shangjing would take him back. If Wei Ping handled this matter, even if it was eventually exposed, Zhao Junchen would only think that Wei Ping was seeking revenge for being rejected, and it would be hard to associate it with Zhou Shangjing.

However, although Xue Gui understood Zhou Shangjing's meaning, he was somewhat shocked. Could it be that with Zhou Shangjing's power and status, he was still wary of Zhao Junchen?

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PS: First update of the day!

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