The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 183 - Bad Luck

Prime Minister Chang looked straight ahead without looking away, still looking upright and incorruptible.

However, Lord Zhang's eyes rolled around and he collapsed to the ground in a cold sweat - he had taken every precaution, but he never expected that there would be no movement at all. He thought the secret letter that had disappeared would appear at this juncture, and was even delivered directly to the emperor, leaving them no room for maneuver!

Now, it was Xingfu who was crying uncontrollably. No matter how much power one has, he is still a mortal; mortals fear death. Losing something after having it is a thousand times more painful than never having it at all.

Kneeling before Emperor Jianzhang, Xingfu knocked his head against the floor desperately, soon reddening his forehead until blood began to seep out.

Yet everyone knew that even if he died right there in the hall, it wouldn't matter. Treason and selling out the country were the emperor's most hated crimes. Xingfu had committed them all, and now, in front of so many people, he was being exposed. If Emperor Jianzhang spared him, wouldn't that send the message to the world that treason was permissible?

"Take him down and hand him over to the three judicial officials for trial," Emperor Jianzhang sneered. Though his face showed little emotion, everyone could detect the anger in his words. "Make sure the trial is thorough. Root out these traitors who enjoy the salaries and military payments of our Great Zhou while committing acts of treason!"

Tears still clung to the corners of Cen Biliang's eyes. He had never anticipated that the situation would turn around so dramatically. He thought it was over, that Xingfu would escape unscathed while the Ministry of War would take the blame, but now Prime Minister Chang had an ace up his sleeve.

Xingfu still wanted to rush forward and grab the emperor's leg but was kicked down the steps by Emperor Jianzhang.

"I wish I could tear you apart and execute you slowly!" Emperor Jianzhang exploded in fury, pointing at Xingfu and speaking harshly, before turning to the cabinet members: "The matter with Tongzhou has reached a conclusion; you will draft a record of merits and demerits to submit to me. Although Yuan Hong was wronged, he indeed failed to manage his territory properly. Transfer him from Zijing Pass. You must also recommend a few people to guard Zijing Pass."

Cen Biliang wanted to say something about Chen Xiang, but Prime Minister Chang, having anticipated this, tugged at him, leaving him stunned in place.

While he hesitated, Emperor Jianzhang had already moved on. Looking at Prime Minister Chang, he saw him and the others standing up from the ground.

The older foxes in the officialdom, those with good backgrounds, were less likely to display their emotions openly. The political arena is a fickle place; no one knows if the person who has just hit rock bottom will rise to power again. Therefore, they all maintained a courteous demeanor.

Prime Minister Chang was especially skilled in this regard. Even in the face of the doomed Xingfu, he showed no arrogance. Instead, he sighed and patted Cen Biliang on the shoulder.

At this moment, the situation could be said to be nearly settled. However, Cen Biliang was filled with confusion. He hurried to catch up with Prime Minister Chang, whispering so only they could hear: "Did you prepare for this from the beginning...?"

Prime Minister Chang glanced around, seemingly coughed into his hand, and shook his head to signal him not to bring it up again.

Speaking of this matter, even more people were implicated, such as Song Chengru, who appeared to be entirely uninvolved yet provided the critical letter that sealed Xingfu's fate.

Cen Biliang thought he had managed to navigate the political intrigue without a hitch, only to find that someone had surpassed him and done it better. He glanced back at Song Chengru, who was looking at him, smiling and nodding, maintaining his calm demeanor.

Cen Biliang, not wanting to be left in the dark, ordered his sedan chairbearers to follow Prime Minister Chang as soon as he exited the palace. Grand Secretary Chen, puzzled and unable to grasp the situation, contemplated following them but refrained, knowing some matters remained confidential between in-laws.

Outside the palace, Song Chengru noticed Chen Xiang leading a group of Jinyiwei in haste. After observing briefly, he bid farewell to Lord Du. Lord Du, the youngest and most recently appointed member of the cabinet, was known for his placid demeanor and adeptness at smoothing conflicts and maintaining good relations with everyone.

Coughing a few times, Lord Du patted Song Chengru's shoulder during their farewells, "Brother Ren, your meticulous planning is beyond my capabilities." Song Chengru realized he was referring to his recent transfer from Minister of Revenue to the Ministry of Personnel and his swift entry into the cabinet. Reflecting on today's interactions with Chief Minister Chang, a flash of realization crossed his eyes.

Lord Du, releasing his shoulder, glanced at the departing Chen Xiang, "Who knows how many will face misfortune this time, but with your solid position, it seems you'll remain untouched."

Song Chengru was well-versed in the backgrounds of the cabinet members. He recalled that Lord Du had previously served as an instructor at the Imperial Academy, later becoming the Dean, and was appointed as a tutor to Prince Gong. Emperor Jianzhang had few children: the Empress had two sons and a daughter (the Crown Prince, Prince Gong, and Princess Rongcheng), while Noble Consort Xian bore Prince Duan, Consort Liang bore Prince Su and Prince Lu, and other concubines only had daughters. Having suffered under his brothers' control, Emperor Jianzhang had early on sent his sons to different regions, allowing them to return to the capital only during festivals.

Lord Du had risen through the ranks after Prince Gong was sent to Hongdu, eventually joining the Ministry of Rites and then the cabinet. Although Prince Gong and the Crown Prince were brothers and theoretically allies, they had a strained relationship since childhood. Song Chengru pondered the implications of Lord Du's words and realized that Lord Du might have seen him exchanging secret letters with Prime Minister Chang, causing a sense of foreboding.

Having just escaped Prince Duan's schemes, Song Chengru feared becoming a pawn between Prince Gong and the Crown Prince. He steadied himself and replied sincerely, "Fangping, your ability to navigate through such turbulent times is truly impressive. Next year, you will likely be the chief examiner for the imperial exams, a heavy responsibility indeed."