Chapter 91

Just, although Chen Dongxiang is known to have the "white wolf" trait, and often makes small moves behind the scenes, Zhao Junchen doesn't know how to deal with him. (Novel Network)

If he rashly takes action, Zuo Lanshan, Gu Quan, and others might feel a sense of兔死狐悲 (fear and sorrow at the death of a fellow creature), which could easily cause unrest. Initially, the entire Ministry of Works abandoned Wen Guanliang and switched allegiance to Zhao Junchen, and Chen Dongxiang's contribution was significant. Now, although he has shown signs of disloyalty, there is no evidence of rebellion, so Zhao Junchen cannot act rashly, as it would certainly affect his reputation.

As Zhao Junchen was pondering how to deal with Chen Dongxiang, Chen Dongxiang became increasingly uneasy under Zhao Junchen's scrutiny, feeling some unease in his heart.

He is a smart person and has already figured out Zhao Junchen's purpose for traveling with him. He wants to say something but doesn't know how to start.

Now, due to the Wen Guanliang incident, Chen Dongxiang's life or death is entirely in Zhao Junchen's hands, so he cannot muster the courage to face Zhao Junchen.

"Lord Chen." As Zhao Junchen suddenly spoke, Chen Dongxiang's body trembled slightly: "I heard that after Wen Guanliang and I had a falling out, you strongly opposed his confrontation with me, showing great foresight. In your opinion, why did Wen Guanliang lose to me?"

After a moment of contemplation, Chen Dongxiang cautiously replied: "Naturally, it is because of your superior skills, the support of the people, and the emperor's favor. Wen Guanliang acted rashly without considering his own strength, and his fate was predictable."

Zhao Junchen smiled and said: "Lord Chen said one thing correctly, which is that Wen Guanliang acted rashly. As the saying goes, 'know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.' However, although Wen Guanliang knew his enemy, he did not know himself. At the time, due to the Zhan Shan Chang incident, his subordinates were already uneasy, yet he still eagerly wanted to confront me. Despite having greater influence, he was ultimately outmaneuvered, and his subordinates abandoned him, leaving him isolated and betrayed by his allies."

With a sigh, Zhao Junchen continued: "However, ultimately, it was because he mistreated Lord Zhan, causing his subordinates to lose faith in him. Without the support of the people, how could he have won?"

Hearing Zhao Junchen's words, Chen Dongxiang forced a smile: "Your Excellency sees clearly."

Zhao Junchen shook his head lightly and said: "This is not because I see clearly, but because the cause and effect of this matter are clear. It would be hard not to see it. When I saw Wen Guanliang's fate, I told myself that one should know their own limits, understand their own weight, and act accordingly. If one acts rashly without considering the consequences, the outcome might be even more tragic than Wen Guanliang's. Lord Chen, do you think this is true?"

Chen Dongxiang's face turned slightly pale, and his smile became more forced: "Your Excellency is wise, and your words are very true."

This time, Zhao Junchen did not respond, seemingly deep in thought. He tapped his fingers on the carriage, the tapping sound clear and rhythmic, adding pressure to Chen Dongxiang.

Sweat gradually appeared on Chen Dongxiang's forehead and temples.

Suddenly, Zhao Junchen sighed—Chen Dongxiang's body trembled again—and continued: "When Wen Guanliang was abandoned by his subordinates, it also greatly affected me. These days, I have been constantly reminding myself to be kinder to my subordinates, so that they can be loyal. However, after reviewing historical records, I found that many benevolent rulers were often betrayed and abandoned. This shows that being overly benevolent is also not the solution. What advice do you have, Lord Chen?"

Chen Dongxiang maintained his composure, though Zhao Junchen could see his pale face in the dim carriage: "Your Excellency need not worry. With your benevolence and strategic skills, everyone can see it. How can you be compared to Wen Guanliang? Who would betray you? Who would dare to betray you? If there is anyone with such a heart, I will be the first to deal with them."

Zhao Junchen looked enlightened and said: "I understand, thank you for your advice."

Chen Dongxiang humbly replied that he did not deserve such praise.

Zhao Junchen, however, smiled and said: "However, the experience of Wen Guanliang's downfall not only serves as a warning but also provides some insights. In the political arena, as long as we have self-awareness and ensure unity, no one can easily bully us. Lord Chen, do you agree? Therefore, these days, I have been focusing on consolidating the power of my subordinates. Today, after discussing with Senior Cen and Senior Huang, I have the confidence to protect you and others. However, throughout history, it has always been easier to destroy than to build. Now that our group is stable and familiar with each other, it is very difficult to maintain, and we cannot allow anyone to disrupt it. I trust your insight and ability, and I need you to help me keep an eye on things, to prevent those small people from ruining our hard work."

Chen Dongxiang nodded repeatedly and said: "I understand, I will not let Your Excellency worry."

Zhao Junchen smiled faintly: "That's good."

As Zhao Junchen's words ended, the carriage suddenly stopped.

Outside the carriage, Xu Qingyan's voice sounded: "Your Excellency, Lord Chen, we have arrived at Lord Chen's residence."

...

After getting off the carriage, Chen Dongxiang waited respectfully by the side, awaiting Zhao Junchen's departure. His head was lowered, making it impossible for Zhao Junchen to see his current expression, whether it was fear or resentment.

However, after this conversation, Zhao Junchen's purpose was achieved.

After this warning, regardless of whether Chen Dongxiang had any ulterior motives, he would not dare to make any small moves in the short term.

After a period of buffer and preparation, Zhao Junchen's impact in dealing with Chen Dongxiang would be minimal.

"Make your own choice. Everyone has ambition and selfishness, and I can tolerate these to some extent, but the condition is that your ambition and selfishness do not negatively affect me..."

Looking at Chen Dongxiang, Zhao Junchen thought to himself.

Nodding to Chen Dongxiang, Zhao Junchen said to Xu Qingyan in front of the carriage: "Go to Tianhai Tower."

...

When Zhao Junchen arrived at Tianhai Tower, the innkeeper hurried over as he got off the carriage.

"Minister, you have finally arrived. Senior Wen has been waiting for you in the private room for a long time."

The innkeeper flatteringly said to Zhao Junchen.

Zhao Junchen was slightly surprised and asked Xu Qingyan beside him: "Qingyan, what time is it?"

Xu Qingyan replied: "Young Master, it's not yet the hour of You. The invitation clearly states that the banquet starts at the hour of You, so we are not late."

Zhao Junchen nodded and, while walking into Tianhai Tower, asked the innkeeper: "When did Senior Wen arrive?"

The innkeeper replied: "Minister, Senior Wen arrived just past the hour of Shen."

As they spoke, Zhao Junchen was escorted to the top floor of Tianhai Tower, where he found Wen Guanliang standing outside the private room, expressionless but with a hint of sorrow, personally welcoming Zhao Junchen.

Although Wen Guanliang had lost his power, he was still a senior official, and this gesture, whether out of necessity or not, showed great respect to Zhao Junchen.

Seeing the awkward expression on Wen Guanliang's face, Zhao Junchen recalled a month ago when he had invited Wen Guanliang to a banquet. Wen Guanliang made Zhao Junchen wait for over an hour before finally arriving, surrounded by a large entourage. After a short while, due to a lack of common ground, Wen Guanliang left abruptly.

At that time, how arrogant and powerful was Wen Guanliang?

But now, their roles were completely reversed.

As the saying goes, "poverty shortens one's spirit," which is quite fitting here.

With a sigh, Zhao Junchen quickened his steps and bowed: "Please forgive me, Senior Wen, I am late."

To be honest, Zhao Junchen saw little value in Wen Guanliang, but given his age and seniority, he still showed him respect and courtesy.

Wen Guanliang could feel Zhao Junchen's respect and courtesy, and a look of gratitude flashed in his eyes.

"It's not your fault, Minister Zhao, I came too early."

Wen Guanliang's voice was hoarse, and his face was aged, looking like a different person compared to a month ago.

As they spoke, the two entered the private room and took their seats.

Since Senior Shen and Senior Huang had not yet arrived, Tianhai Tower had only served some cold dishes, but the wine and cups were prepared.

Wen Guanliang poured himself a cup of wine, raised it, and said to Zhao Junchen: "Minister Zhao, you have invited me and Senior Shen and Senior Huang to this banquet. I have a rough idea of the purpose. Although I know you are not doing this for me, I have benefited from it. Regardless of whether this matter is successful, I will remember your kindness."

As he spoke, Wen Guanliang drank the wine in one gulp.

Zhao Junchen humbly replied and also drank the wine.

After putting down the wine cup, Zhao Junchen said: "Since you understand my intentions, I can speak more openly. Senior Shen and Senior Huang have not yet arrived, so I will discuss some important matters with you, Senior Wen."

Wen Guanliang, seeing Zhao Junchen's serious expression, nodded and said: "Minister Zhao, please speak."

Zhao Junchen glanced at Wen Guanliang's attendant and then said to Xu Qingyan: "Qingyan, wait outside the tower. Senior Shen and Senior Huang should be arriving soon, go and welcome them."

Xu Qingyan was slightly surprised but nodded and left.

Seeing Zhao Junchen's actions, Wen Guanliang understood his intention and also dismissed his attendant.

For a moment, only Zhao Junchen and Wen Guanliang were left in the private room.

Under Wen Guanliang's gaze, Zhao Junchen played with his wine cup, organizing his thoughts.

Wen Guanliang waited quietly without urging.

After a long while, Zhao Junchen finally spoke: "Although Senior Wen, you want to retire and return to your hometown, and have been blocked by Senior Shen and Senior Huang, I have a way to persuade them."

Seeing Wen Guanliang's face light up with joy, Zhao Junchen changed the subject: "However, in my view, the main obstacle to your retirement is not Senior Shen and Senior Huang, but the current emperor!"

Hearing this, Wen Guanliang's body trembled, and he looked disbelieving.

Zhao Junchen explained seriously: "Think about it, Senior Wen. You want to retire, and the emperor has already hinted at it. But why, when Senior Shen and Senior Huang blocked you, did the emperor remain neutral and allow your retirement to be delayed?"

Wen Guanliang fell silent, a cold look flashing across his face.

He is experienced and has keen insight, but in recent days, just dealing with Senior Shen and Senior Huang has been enough to make him feel overwhelmed. He has not had the time or the courage to think about deeper issues.

Seeing Wen Guanliang's silence, Zhao Junchen sighed and continued: "I have heard that Senior Wen, you have managed your affairs well and have accumulated a fortune of millions of taels..."

Wen Guanliang gritted his teeth: "Minister Zhao, are you suggesting that the emperor is after my fortune?"

"It is the fortune you obtained through corruption!" Zhao Junchen corrected slowly: "If Senior Shen and Senior Huang continue to attack you, you will surely be imprisoned and your property confiscated. According to our dynasty's rules, the confiscated property goes to the emperor's treasury."

Wen Guanliang's face turned pale, but he did not refute Zhao Junchen's accusation of corruption.

Zhao Junchen smiled and continued: "However, if a cabinet minister is found to have embezzled millions of taels, it would have a significant impact on public morale. The emperor is aware of this and would not want to see it. Therefore, if you voluntarily give some of the silver to the emperor, you can not only protect your reputation and family but also keep some for your retirement. Of course, this might be a difficult decision for you, but since the silver was obtained through corruption, it was easy to come by and losing it would not be too painful. Compared to your life and family, using silver to buy peace is a good deal. Please consider it carefully."

Wen Guanliang remained silent for a long time, and Zhao Junchen did not rush him, continuing to play with his wine cup, giving him time to think.

"Minister Zhao." After much thought, Wen Guanliang finally spoke: "Are you willing to help me one more time and deliver the silver to the emperor on my behalf?"

Wen Guanliang had considered it carefully. Giving some silver to Emperor Deqing was inevitable, as Zhao Junchen had said, it was a necessary "peace silver." However, directly bribing the emperor made him uneasy, so he thought of Zhao Junchen, a favorite of Emperor Deqing.

"Of course." Zhao Junchen nodded, not refusing. Bribing the emperor was not a new thing for him. Although this time the amount was exceptionally large and the matter more serious, it was still Wen Guanliang's silver, and he could easily distance himself if anything went wrong: "How much silver are you willing to give to the emperor?"

Hearing Zhao Junchen's words, Wen Guanliang nodded in gratitude, hesitated for a moment, and then, with a determined look, raised one finger.

Ten million taels? This was almost all of Wen Guanliang's fortune! Was he planning to sell all his properties and lands?

Just as Zhao Junchen was amazed by Wen Guanliang's resolve, Wen Guanliang, with a pained expression, slowly said: "One million taels, how about that?"

As Wen Guanliang's words ended, Zhao Junchen almost choked on his saliva.

Wen Guanliang's reputation for being greedy was indeed well-deserved.