Chapter 94 As If Blessed by the Gods

Chapter 94: As If With Divine Aid

Chu Jiubian rolled over to face Qin Xiao.

The two were very close, with Chu Jiubian almost entirely nestled in Qin Xiao's embrace. Even in the dim room, he could discern the faint glimmer in the man's eyes.

"You..." Chu Jiubian started to speak, but the words caught in his throat.

Qin Xiao's hand settled on his waist, tightening slightly, bringing their bodies fully flush against each other.

A warm palm lingered at the small of his back. Chu Jiubian remained still, and the hand ventured lower.

"Qin Xiao," Chu Jiubian murmured, his voice low and husky, "I know what you're thinking."

"Oh?" Qin Xiao chuckled. "And what might that be?"

Chu Jiubian offered no reply.

What Qin Xiao was thinking was simply that Chu Jiubian trusted others more than he trusted Qin Xiao.

His secrecy, his enigmatic nature, had become a chasm between them.

But Chu Jiubian wasn’t yet ready to reveal all his secrets to Qin Xiao. He needed to be certain Qin Xiao would fully accept him; otherwise, if he later exposed his true self and Qin Xiao recoiled, his deepest secrets would become weapons turned against him.

However, the fear of betrayal was merely a convenient excuse. Chu Jiubian knew that his true concern lay elsewhere.

Qin Xiao was, to him, distinctly different from anyone else.

If they were merely business partners, Qin Xiao could perceive him however he wished. As long as their shared interests remained, their collaboration could continue.

But their relationship had long since transcended that.

Chu Jiubian could endure others disliking or rejecting him, but the mere thought of Qin Xiao also distancing himself because of his true nature filled him with vexation.

He seemed unwilling to countenance such an outcome.

"Give me a little more time," Chu Jiubian whispered.

Qin Xiao froze, gazing intently at the person in his arms. Even with only a blurred outline, his heart suddenly raced.

The next moment, the young man leaned in, placing a fleeting, almost imperceptible kiss on his lips, before turning his back to Qin Xiao and burrowing into the covers.

Qin Xiao's Adam's apple bobbed, and his eyes were tinged with red.

Chu Jiubian's heart pounded. In the unseen darkness, his ears quietly flushed.

His mind was a blank, filled with a persistent ringing.

But this time, it wasn't accompanied by dizziness or confusion. Instead, it was a surge of complex, overwhelming emotions he struggled to process.

Feeling somewhat bewildered, he allowed Qin Xiao to pull him from the covers and pin him beneath him.

The other's fervent, impatient kisses soon stole his breath.

He was even more disoriented.

Chu Jiubian could only instinctively reach out, wrapping his arms tightly around the man's neck.

The clouds parted, and moonlight, like flowing water, spilled into the room.

Qin Xiao saw the young man’s dazed eyes and crimson lips.

The young man’s strained moans tugged at his heart, making Qin Xiao tremble with a deepening desire.

***

A few nights later, Chu Jiubian entered the Divine Realm.

Lately, he hadn’t been frequenting the Divine Realm. It wasn't for lack of desire, but ever since that one time he had initiated a kiss with Qin Xiao, the latter had become somewhat "unhinged," leaving him no opportunity to enter the Divine Realm.

Qin Xiao seemed to possess an inexhaustible supply of energy. During the day, he attended court, reviewed memorials, and drilled troops, yet by night, he still found ways to exhaust Chu Jiubian.

Initially inexperienced, he would often bring Chu Jiubian to climax two or three times a night, while he himself would only find release once after a long while.

Later, perhaps after heeding the imperial physician's advice, he no longer pushed Chu Jiubian to such extremes.

Now it was only once a night, but that one time lasted the entire night. Chu Jiubian truly couldn’t endure it any longer, which was why he had forced Qin Xiao to behave these past few days.

Only then did he have the chance to enter the Divine Realm at night.

Coincidentally, Jiang Shuoye also happened to contact him that very night.

So, after entering the Divine Realm, Chu Jiubian brought Jiang Shuoye in.

"High Priest, I have something to report," Jiang Shuoye stated without preamble after taking his seat.

The political landscape was shifting daily, and he had grown accustomed to acting decisively and seizing every moment.

"What is it?" Chu Jiubian asked.

Jiang Shuoye: "Today, I received letters from Prince Huguang, Baili Yue, and Prince Dongjiang, Baili He. They wish for me to join them in rebelling against the court. I have no connections in the capital and am unsure how to proceed."

He was aware of the High Priest’s relationship with Senior Tutor Chu and surmised they were in communication. Therefore, contacting the High Priest was tantamount to contacting Senior Tutor Chu.

The Northern Desert Army was reluctant to engage in conflict, but if everyone were to unite against the court, he couldn’t simply stand by.

After all, in the nearly year since Baili Hong ascended the throne, the actions he, Qin Xiao, and Chu Jiubian had taken had all been beneficial to the nation and its people.

Jiang Shuoye didn’t believe any other emperor could have managed the situation better.

Back when Chu Jiubian had instructed Jiang Shuoye to privately recruit soldiers, he had already anticipated that these individuals would target the Northern Desert Army.

"Just refuse them," he said.

"Understood," Jiang Shuoye replied.

He, too, felt it was better to refuse outright. After all, the relationship between the Northern Desert Army and the Qin Family Army was well-known. Even if he "agreed" to cooperate with the vassal princes, they likely wouldn’t trust him. It was better to openly declare allegiance to the court.

But Chu Jiubian foresaw a deeper implication.

If the Northern Desert Army refused to cooperate with the vassal princes and openly sided with the court, they would become a formidable and unavoidable adversary. The vassal princes would undoubtedly seek to undermine the Northern Desert Army's power before marching on the capital.

To cripple the Northern Desert Army, the vassal princes wouldn’t act without cause; they would surely ally with the Tatars and reenact the tragedy of Qin Xiao’s parents.

This time, however, the target would not be the Qin family, but Jiang Shuoye.

Chu Jiubian said, "Within six months at most, the Tatars will make a move. Keep a close watch on the people in your army."

There were traitors within the Northern Desert Army, just as there had been in the Qin Family Army. This was an open secret.

Moreover, this "traitor" held a high position and was likely someone Jiang Shuoye trusted deeply. It was unclear whether this hidden operative had been planted by the Lu family.

If so, perhaps that person was also connected to the deaths of Qin Jingzhao and his wife.

Qin Xiao hadn’t been able to find this person all these years, but this might be the perfect opportunity to uncover them.

"I understand," Jiang Shuoye nodded, his gaze resolute.

The High Priest had previously stated they should wait for the Tatars to make the first move, allowing them to claim the moral high ground for their military actions. Now, that opportunity was finally at hand.

Having spent so many years in the Northern Desert, his hatred for the Tatar royalty and army was no less intense than that of the borderland populace.

If he could eradicate the Tatars in his lifetime, he would die without regret.

Chu Jiubian glanced at the system inventory, which was filled with a variety of items.

After a moment’s thought, he retrieved a handgun along with a small box of bullets and handed them to Jiang Shuoye, also providing written instructions on its use.

In the Divine Realm, a target appeared in the distant view.

Jiang Shuoye was unaware of the power of such a small weapon, but his cautious nature prevented him from being careless. He followed the instructions precisely and squeezed the trigger.

"Bang!"

A loud report echoed, and Jiang Shuoye was startled by the recoil in his hand.

When he looked up again, he saw that the bullseye in the distance had been completely perforated. As an expert in weaponry, he immediately recognized the difference between this weapon and a bow and arrow.

No one could fail to appreciate such a handy and powerful weapon. His eyes gleaming, he looked up at the High Priest's phantom form and said, "Thank you for the gift, High Priest."

Chu Jiubian replied, "Keep it for when needed. If it truly comes to a critical moment, call upon me."

If the Tatars collaborated with the spies within the Northern Desert Army, there was a real possibility that Jiang Shuoye could be harmed. So, if it truly came to a life-or-death situation, Chu Jiubian wouldn’t hesitate to act, regardless of points.

"Understood," Jiang Shuoye responded earnestly, his reverence deepening.

Just then, Chu Jiubian heard Situ Zhaoling and Wang Qichen requesting to enter the Divine Realm one after another.

Today was likely the day they had agreed to make their delivery.

Chu Jiubian admitted them as well.

Both of them had met Jiang Shuoye before, though it had been a while since their last encounter. They were momentarily surprised but quickly exchanged greetings.

Situ Zhaoling, noticing Jiang Shuoye’s patched uniform, said warmly, "Brother Chifeng, let me take your measurements. Next time I come to the Divine Realm, I’ll bring you new clothes."

Jiang Shuoye glanced down at his tattered clothes, then looked at the impeccably dressed Situ Zhaoling and Wang Qichen. Without any embarrassment, he said, "I’m exposed to wind and rain all day. Good clothes would be wasted on me."

"Alright then," Situ Zhaoling conceded.

Wang Qichen, however, remarked, "As a general, you should project more authority."

"Dignity isn’t bestowed by clothing," Jiang Shuoye replied. "My soldiers respect me for my true capabilities."

Wang Qichen countered, "...Is that your excuse for not dressing properly?"

Jiang Shuoye answered seriously, "Training troops wears out clothes quickly. No matter how nice they are, they’ll be torn in a few days."

"Then just change into new ones."

Situ Zhaoling added, "Exactly, we can all earn money. Making a few sets of clothes for you won’t be a problem."

"Rather than spending money on clothes, it’s better to buy food and supplies so the soldiers can eat well and build stronger bodies," Jiang Shuoye said.

Situ Zhaoling fell silent.

She didn’t understand military matters, so she decided not to press further.

Wang Qichen looked him over for a moment, a mischievous glint in his eyes, and deliberately said, "But you smell."

Jiang Shuoye was taken aback and instinctively sniffed himself.

Since he had entered the Divine Realm in a mental form, he couldn’t actually perceive any scent. But given his daily training and limited access to bathing facilities, he was indeed not as clean as the city nobles.

He felt a bit embarrassed and thought that perhaps he should clean himself up properly before entering the Divine Realm next time.

Seeing his reaction, Situ Zhaoling quickly said, "Brother Chifeng, don’t overthink it. There’s no smell. He’s just teasing you."

Wang Qichen was also surprised by Jiang Shuoye’s reaction and felt somewhat awkward.

He was used to bantering with his carefree friends, and no one ever took such jokes seriously.

But Jiang Shuoye had taken it to heart.

"Sorry," Wang Qichen said, with a slight bow. "I was just joking."

Jiang Shuoye returned the bow and said, "You’re not wrong. I should indeed clean myself up properly before entering next time."

Doing so would also show respect to Chu Jiubian.

Chu Jiubian watched as Jiang Shuoye, an honest man, was teased by the socially adept "siblings" and couldn’t help but smile.

Then he paused.

It seemed that Baili Hong’s words had indeed influenced him. Not only was he now more concerned about Xiao Xiangzi and others in the palace, but he also felt a newfound connection for these followers.

He didn’t know if this could be called "friendship," as he had never experienced it before.

Of course, there were many emotions he had never experienced. Whether it was friendship, familial love, or romantic love, they all seemed foreign to him.

But now, they seemed to be drawing closer.

Just then, Lu Yao and Qin Chuan, who were still outside surveying land and searching for iron ore, also requested to enter the Divine Realm.

Chu Jiubian hesitated and looked at the three below, who were still chatting about their recent experiences.

They all knew other followers existed but had never met Lu Yao and Qin Chuan.

Similarly, Lu Yao and Qin Chuan had never met the other three.

Should he let them meet?

Chu Jiubian was uncertain.

Previously, he had prevented them from meeting out of caution regarding Qin Chuan’s identity.

He was not only worried that Qin Chuan might try to leak information about the followers to Qin Xiao but also concerned that the others might suspect Qin Chuan’s identity.

In the Divine Realm, followers had to appear as their true selves, rendering Qin Chuan’s usual disguise useless.

Of course, Chu Jiubian could still alter his appearance, but if he had decided to let the followers meet, there was no need for that.

So, should he allow them to meet or not?

Could Qin Chuan and Qin Xiao accept having their secrets revealed to others?

After turning it over in his mind, Chu Jiubian still decided not to let them meet.

Better to wait until later. It wouldn't be too late to let them meet once Qin Chuan could appear openly in public.

Thus, Chu Jiubian temporarily held off on letting Qin Chuan and Lu Yao enter.

Only after Jiang Shuoye and the other two had left did he call in the other two.

Lu Yao and Qin Chuan were entering the Divine Realm together for the first time and found it quite intriguing.

Especially Lu Yao, who, upon seeing Qin Chuan's true face, blurted out, "You really do look a lot like Prince Ning."

Qin Chuan: *"..."*

So when did Lu Yao learn about his connection with Qin Xiao?

Why wasn't he surprised at all?

But for someone like Lu Yao, nothing could escape his keen mind.

Chu Jiubian watched Qin Chuan's indifferent expression and couldn't help but find it funny.

That kid Lu Yao was really something else.

"High Priest, I discovered another mine yesterday," Lu Yao said, looking up at the divine projection with bright eyes. "Guess what kind of mine it is?"

He rarely was this cryptic.

Chu Jiubian thought seriously.

If it were an iron mine, Lu Yao wouldn’t have reacted this way or specifically sought an audience in the Divine Realm.

So it must be a rare ore deposit.

But if it were something like coal, although Lu Yao knew its uses, he wouldn’t be behaving this way.

So...

"A gold mine?" Chu Jiubian’s tone was questioning but confident.

Lu Yao nodded emphatically. "Exactly, a gold mine!"

Chu Jiubian’s heart skipped a beat.

They had truly struck gold.

Lu Yao explained how he'd found the gold mine and talked about his recent work, saying he would likely return to the capital in about six months.

Six months later would be late September or early October.

The weather would be cool and clear by then—a perfect time, though by then, any semblance of peace would probably be gone.

Chu Jiubian exited the Divine Realm and opened his eyes to see Qin Xiao’s sharply defined, model-like profile.

The man lay on his back, eyes closed, as though in deep sleep.

But Chu Jiubian knew he wasn't asleep.

"Lu Yao found a gold mine," he whispered.

Qin Xiao opened his eyes and turned to look at him.

The room was unlit, but the moonlight was bright enough for them to see each other clearly.

"Where?" Qin Xiao asked.

Chu Jiubian told him the location and added, "Dispatch someone there tomorrow."

"Mm."

Qin Xiao smiled at him. "Just what we needed shows up. It’s like divine assistance."

His words carried a deeper meaning.

Chu Jiubian smiled back. "It is divine assistance, after all."

But the smile on Qin Xiao’s face faded.

"What’s wrong?" Chu Jiubian asked.

Qin Xiao was silent for a moment before replying casually, "You came to the mortal world to face tribulations, but someday you’ll have to return, right?"

Chu Jiubian wasn’t sure if he would stay here forever—what if the system malfunctioned...

"Host, the system will not glitch."

Chu Jiubian paused.

"Because your body in the original world has already died. After this world's causality is resolved, you will remain here and not leave."

Hearing this, Chu Jiubian felt a wave of relief, and a smile touched his lips.

"What are you smiling about?" Qin Xiao turned to face him, gently stroking his cheek.

Chu Jiubian let him continue and said, "Whether I return or not depends on how well you treat me."

Qin Xiao smiled too.

He rarely spoke sweet words or made empty promises—he was a man of few words but many actions.

"How else can I treat you well?" Qin Xiao asked softly.

Chu Jiubian didn’t know.

He didn’t know what it meant to be treated well.

When he was younger, he couldn’t even recognize kindness from others, though he was acutely sensitive to malice.

Now, he still wasn’t entirely sure what "good" meant, but he knew Qin Xiao had already been very good to him.

A tingling sensation spread across his waist, pulling Chu Jiubian from his thoughts. He reached down and grasped the man’s wrist.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

Qin Xiao chuckled softly, pinned him down, and in a few swift motions, removed his own inner garment and used it to bind Chu Jiubian’s hands to the bed frame, leaving him trapped and unable to escape.

In just a few moments, Chu Jiubian was down to just his inner robe, with the front hanging open.

Qin Xiao knelt between his legs, pausing just before climax and leaning in to lightly kiss Chu Jiubian’s lips, seemingly unintentionally.

Chu Jiubian’s eyelashes were glistening with moisture, trembling slightly.

"Get on with it," he urged softly.

But Qin Xiao merely leaned over, gazing at him while teasing him off and on.

Suddenly, Chu Jiubian heard the man ask in a husky voice, "How did you know Lu Yao discovered the gold mine? Who told you?"

Chu Jiubian's brow furrowed.

Was this really the time for that?

"You were awake earlier—did you 'see' someone?" Qin Xiao studied intently the young man’s expression. "Was it the High Priest?"

"Did he tell you?"

Chu Jiubian’s brow twitched. "You first—"

Qin Xiao cut him off with a kiss. Qin Xiao persisted relentlessly, "Do you 'see' each other often?"

"Qin Xiao." Chu Jiubian tilted his chin up slightly, his neck forming an exceptionally elegant line that prompted the man to lick it gently.

"If you don't stop this—" Chu Jiubian’s voice trembled, "I’ll really go find him."

His Adam’s apple was bitten lightly but firmly, and Chu Jiubian let out a stifled moan.

His ability to perceive emotions might be somewhat impaired, but his mind was clear. He had gradually come to understand Qin Xiao’s jealousy toward the "High Priest."

Perhaps, in Qin Xiao’s eyes, the mysterious "High Priest" shared a closer bond with Chu Jiubian than he, an ordinary mortal, did.

But Qin Xiao never said it outright, and Chu Jiubian pretended not to notice.

In a secret part of his heart, however, Chu Jiubian actually enjoyed the possessiveness Qin Xiao occasionally displayed. It made him feel truly cherished and needed—not like a disposable object, insignificant and worthless.

But half an hour later, he came to regret deeply what he had said earlier.

Qin Xiao was indeed a man with great self-control, but when he lost that restraint, he was truly unbearable.

Even before reaching the final step, Qin Xiao had nearly exhausted him. Chu Jiubian couldn't bear to imagine how it would be when they finally crossed that line.

***

Meanwhile, at the Lu residence, Lu Youwei had also received letters from the vassal princes.

Despite the late hour, the powerful elders of the Lu family had gathered, along with the family head, Lu Jinfeng, and the Minister of War, Lu Youwei—more than ten people in total.

They had been arguing for hours, each with their own opinions.

Some argued that the spies within the Northern Desert Army should not be activated, while others insisted that if they didn’t act now, they might never get another chance.

Some still held out hope that the court would not completely eradicate the noble families.

But most saw clearly that the court was determined to uproot the noble families entirely.

After listening for a long time, Lu Jinfeng, seeing that the group was leaning toward acceptance of the vassal princes’ proposal, spoke up: "I disagree."

All eyes turned to him.

Even Lu Youwei, seated beside him in the main seat, cast a cold glance his way.

"We already made one mistake regarding the Qin Family Army," Lu Jinfeng said gravely. "This time, we must not repeat the same treachery and harm to loyal subjects."

"Fine words indeed—'treachery and harm to loyal subjects,'" Lu Youwei sneered coldly. "You, the Lu family head, are so righteous. Do you have any wonderful plan to protect the Lu family?"

"Expose the vassal princes," Lu Jinfeng replied. "Cooperate with the court and atone for our mistakes with merit."

Lu Youwei burst out laughing this time.

"Lu Jinfeng, how old are you?" He didn't even use his title.

Lu Jinfeng turned to him, his expression stern. "Our Lu family also descended from military marquises who defended the nation. During Emperor Wu’s reign, we earned many honors. Who wouldn’t call us loyal and righteous?"

"But what about now?" His gaze swept over those present. "Engaging in political scheming, harming the loyal—we keep making one mistake after another!"

His words left everyone with dark expressions.

"Enough!" Lu Youwei interrupted him angrily. "You talk so nobly, but if not for our political scheming, would you, Lu Jinfeng, be living such a comfortable life?!"

"I want no part of such a life!"

"You don’t want it? Fine." Lu Youwei pointed outside. "Go tell the three hundred Lu family members in the capital, go tell the thousands of Lu clan branches and proteges across the land, that you, Lu Jinfeng, want to die—and you want to drag them down with you!"

Lu Jinfeng clenched his fists, his eyes bloodshot.

"You think you can atone with merit?" Lu Youwei’s teeth were chattering with anger. "It was us—we were the ones who caused the deaths of Qin Jingzhao and his wife. It was our noble families and the former emperor who drove Qin Feng to her death. The murder of his father, mother, and sister—such a blood feud. Do you think Qin Xiao would let us atone with merit?"

"You think if you swear allegiance to the court and fight for them, they’ll spare us?"

"Don’t be naive," Lu Youwei said. "Lu Jinfeng, you’re no child anymore. Open your eyes and look at the position you hold. Behind you, the Lu family head, stand thousands of Lu disciples and followers."

"Do you think the life and death you hold in your hands are yours alone?"

"Those uncles and aunts who watched you grow up, those brothers who drank with you, those children who begged you for candy and followed you to learn martial arts—they’re all watching you!"

Lu Jinfeng gritted his teeth tightly.

"Don’t talk to me about your code of honor," Lu Youwei continued. "Now that you’re the Lu family head, even if you die, it should be for the sake of the Lu family!"

Lu Jinfeng gripped the armrests of his chair, crushing the high-quality rosewood into dust.

He stood up abruptly and stormed out of the room.

The hall fell into complete silence.

Lu Youwei looked at the scattered wood dust on the floor and slowly closed his eyes.

Lu Jinfeng might not be the most clever, but his martial skills were nearly on par with Qiu Xuanzheng, the head of the Qiu family.

And when it came to leading troops in battle, Lu Jinfeng was almost as capable as Qin Xiao.

With such a person guarding the Lu family, their chances of victory were high.

But he was too straightforward, too fixated on so-called honor, believing that Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian’s actions were for the benefit of the nation and its people—and thus must not be opposed.

Everyone knew that the world these two defended must not be opposed.

However, if they did not rebel, the Lu family would never regain its former glory and would only gradually decline.

Lu Youwei was unwilling and unable to let the Lu family decline during his generation. He had to take a gamble; otherwise, the only thing awaiting them would be Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian’s final reckoning.

“Dismissed,” he said hoarsely.

After everyone had left, he summoned a subordinate and handed him a secret letter, instructing him to deliver it to Mobei.

Six months passed in a flash.

By the end of September, Lu Yao and Qin Chuan returned to the capital along with the students specializing in mathematics from the Imperial College.

They had completed land surveys in all regions except the fiefdoms of the vassal princes. The common people, having received their land, were deeply grateful to the court.

The wealthy households, wary of the court’s military power and vaguely sensing the impending war, kept a low profile and dared not cause trouble.

After all, once the war began, the world might descend into chaos. Compared to land, gold, silver, and valuables were safer to rely on.

Thus, Lu Yao and Qin Chuan’s journey was relatively smooth. Had it not been for delays along the way, they would have returned to the capital sooner.

This time, Lu Yao and the students were considered to have rendered great service. With Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao growing increasingly influential at court, they disregarded the opposition from the noble families and high-ranking officials and insisted on appointing these students to official positions, ensuring their entry into government service.

Lu Yao, in particular, stood out among them and was directly promoted by Chu Jiubian to the Ministry of Personnel, becoming a Vice Director, second only to Wang Yu, the Director.

Wang Yu, who by family affiliation should have belonged to the faction of the Wang family head, paid little attention to such struggles. No matter how intense the internal conflicts became, he remained unaffected.

In fact, over the past six months, thanks to Chu Jiubian’s support and the influence of Wang Zhiyuan, the Minister of Personnel, his allegiance had shifted toward the court.

Thus, within the Wang family, he aligned himself with whoever—the family head or the young master—was closer to the court.

It could be said that, aside from Minister Xiao Huaiguan, who was barely holding on, the Ministry of Personnel had become entirely dominated by Chu Jiubian, the "Vice Minister of Personnel."

This state of affairs lasted only a few days.

In early October, Tan Yuzhu also returned to the capital from the northeast.

She had successfully negotiated cooperation with the Jurchen tribe. The terms of the contract, the support of the northeastern people for the court, and the first batch of goods retrieved—120 fine horses—all testified to how excellently she had handled her mission.

Naturally, no one could question her qualification to serve as an official.

Cai Peng, the Vice Director of the Ministry of Rites, who had consistently cooperated with her and provided much assistance, also deserved a promotion.

But there was still one more person...

“Your Majesty,” Tan Yuzhu said after reporting her “achievements,” “I have one more matter to report.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Wang Wenyao, who had remained silent among the officials standing behind her, turned deathly pale.

“Speak, my subject,” Baili Hong said.

Tan Yuzhu replied, “I request Your Majesty to dismiss Wang Wenyao, the Vice Director of the Ministry of Rites, from his post!”

Her words fell, and the entire court fell into silence.

Wang Ruzhen, the Vice Minister of Justice, paled and suddenly turned to look at Wang Wenyao standing in the hall. Seeing the other’s trembling figure, his heart sank.

He belonged to the faction of the family head, but recently, the family head’s faction had been suppressed by the young master’s forces to the point of near helplessness.

Fortunately, Wang Zhiyuan was not entirely foolish and had helped Wang Wenyao enter government service, even giving him such a great opportunity to earn merit.

As long as Wang Wenyao completed this mission smoothly and returned to the capital, he would undoubtedly be promoted, and the influence of the family head’s faction both at court and within the family would rise further.

Although Wang Wenyao had already entered government service and would not return to become the family head, once the current family head passed away, even if Wang Qichen became the new head, he would still have to defer to Wang Wenyao, a high-ranking court official.

But now, as soon as Wang Wenyao returned, Tan Yuzhu had accused him, demanding his dismissal.

It was unclear what exactly he had done.

Wang Ruzhen could not understand how such a simple task had gone wrong.

For this mission, Wang Wenyao did not even need to do much; he only had to follow Tan Yuzhu and Cai Peng to reap the rewards.

Moreover, since the Prefect of the northeastern border city was also a member of the Wang family, Wang Wenyao’s stay there must have been comfortable. How could such an easy opportunity to earn merit have gone awry?!

Wang Ruzhen felt a headache coming on.

The main issue was that he had not received any hints from Wang Wenyao or the family head beforehand. Every time he asked, they assured him everything was going smoothly. Thus, he was completely unprepared for today’s court proceedings.

He could only hope to first hear the details and then find a way to protect Wang Wenyao’s position.

But to his surprise, Wang Wenyao had indeed committed a grave mistake.

He had secretly altered the agreement drafted by Tan Yuzhu, adding a clause in the mutual trade terms stating that "Great Ning must sell ironware to the Jurchen for making farming tools."

And he had done this after the agreement had already been signed!

Upon hearing this, Wang Ruzhen felt his vision go dark.

This fool!