Reborn: The First Rank "Madam"

C178 – Sow Discord

Minister Lee gestured towards a chair nearby. “Please, have a seat.”

Zuo Shaoqing complied without hesitation, sitting attentively with a smile, ready to delve into the matter at hand as he faced the elderly gentleman.

“I’ve reviewed your report. It was quite well-written, as one would expect from someone with your scholarly background. However…” Minister Lee paused, “Isn’t it a bit too modest of you to attribute all the success to Vice Minister Liang?”

Zuo Shaoqing blinked, puzzled. “Are you referring to the imperial report on gunpowder development? Should I have shown more deference to him beyond our superiors?”

Reflecting on the situation, it should have been Liang Qi’s responsibility. However, Liang had abruptly left the arsenal, leaving the task to him.

“As you mentioned earlier, the accomplishments of the Ministry of Works were a collective effort. Given that Vice Minister Liang is you, it’s understandable that you hold him in high regard.”

“I must admit my oversight. I’ll be more mindful in the future.” Zuo Shaoqing expressed gratitude while internally musing, “Could this elder be trying to claim credit?”

“It’s a minor issue; there’s no need to dwell on it. I’ve always regarded you as an equal, just offering a few pointers.”

Were they treating him as an equal by distributing credit meant for Liang Qi, who hadn’t contributed anything? Was it like giving credit to Ke City or even to any passerby?

Zuo Shaoqing wasn’t deliberately trying to speculate about Minister Lee’s identity; rather, it was Ke Cheng, standing behind him, who made it hard not to harbor suspicions.

Ke Cheng likely sensed the conversation veering off track. He cleared his throat and interjected, “Director Zuo, Minister Lee’s intention is clear: all Ministry of Works officials involved in gunpowder development made significant contributions. You attributed it to Vice Minister Liang, which, while not incorrect, begs the question if you’re concerned for him.”

Ke Cheng nearly implied that Liang Qi was the main culprit.

After all the fuss, it seemed their purpose here was to sow discord.

Zuo Shaoqing smiled, “Vice Minister Ke, you’re too earnest. Why would I be concerned about Vice Minister Liang?”

Given his standing, he should be concerned about someone else.

“Excellent. Despite Vice Minister Liang’s lackadaisical demeanor, his talent in military equipment surpasses others’. Director Zuo, you too possess remarkable abilities. I foresee you surpassing Lan Lan in the future.”

“Thank you for your kind words, Vice Minister Ke. I still have much to learn.”

Ke Cheng adopted a look of high regard and encouraged, “Director Zuo, you’re too modest. Your talent is evident to all, and I believe you’ll soon surpass your mentor.”

Zuo Shaoqing blinked. Was he about to engage in an internal struggle with Liang Qi?

Unfortunately, he still derived amusement from watching others engage in internal conflicts.

Departing from the Ministry of Works, Zuo Shaoqing’s thoughts swirled with schemes to thwart Ke City’s ascension. Frankly, he harbored no desire to witness an undesired individual assume the presidency of the Ministry.

Exiting the premises, Duke Zhen Manor’s carriage awaited outside, where Lu Zheng reclined against it, beckoning to him.

“Master Lu, any insights on Minister Lee’s forthcoming duties?” In the gradual motion of the carriage, Zuo Shaoqing broached the question lingering in his mind.

“Are you curious?”

Zuo Shaoqing shook his head. “My credentials are sufficient, but the opportunity remains distant.”

“Minister Lee is advancing in years, and Zhan Yuanfeng prioritizes reputation. A shift in his role is inevitable. Likely within this year.”

Zuo Shaoqing nodded, a notion dawning upon him.

Deep into the nocturnal hours, Emperor Tianfeng’s chambers gleamed with illumination akin to daylight. Clad in a solitary robe, Zhan Yuanfeng sat at a table, pen in hand, amidst a stack of scrutinized memorials.

“Your Majesty… It’s time to retire,” the Minister of the Imperial Household reiterated, a nightly ritual.

Concluding his final decree, Zhan Yuanfeng set aside his pen. A palace attendant approached, relieving the tension in his strained neck.

Gesturing dismissively, he rose and stretched, glancing at the hour, confirming it was past midnight. Addressing the patiently waiting Minister of the Imperial Household, he inquired, “Is he here?”

Though the Minister considered further persuasion, he deemed it futile, dispatching an attendant to hasten the arrival.

Presently, two guards escorted a young man into Emperor Tianfeng’s chambers. They bowed in deference before withdrawing discreetly.

“Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!” The youth genuflected, executing a formal court obeisance.

“Look up!” A dignified yet subtly mocking voice resonated. The youth complied, meeting the gaze of Great Yang’s Emperor.

Meeting His Majesty for the first time was an awe-inspiring experience for him. Emperor Tianfeng’s presence exceeded all expectations, particularly his eyes, which radiated warmth and invited deep connection.

Cao Zongguan observed Emperor Tianfeng’s informal attire: a simple yellow pajama sans crown, with a hairband securing his hair, evoking an air of familiarity.

Aware of his intense focus, Cao Zongguan modestly lowered his gaze, awaiting Emperor Tianfeng’s judgment.

“Cao Zongguan, native of Changping County, hailed as the most exceptional disciple of the current Cao Family generation, the leading contender in this year’s top three examinations, formerly associated with the Zuo Family until the scandal involving their young miss’s indiscretions…”

Unable to contain himself, Cao Zongguan interjected, “Your Majesty, this humble subject has not acted against societal morals!”

“Ah, it matters little whether you did or not. Public opinion assumes you did. What’s your defense?” Zhan Yuanfeng quipped, a hint of mockery in his smile. “Do you understand where you erred?”

Cao Zongguan bowed his head calmly and responded, “This humble individual should have refrained from acting impulsively and sought counsel from Rui… The Fourth Prince’s influence led me to retaliate against the Zuo Family, branding myself a rebel.”

“Incorrect!” “Your failing was in not retaliating upon uncovering the Zuo Family’s motives. By succumbing to remorse, as they put it, you paved the way for vengeance.”

“But…”

“Yet, didn’t everyone witness you in the company of a Zuo Family concubine? Were you afraid of gossip or of being perceived as irresponsible?” Zhan Yuanfeng articulated his thoughts.

Cao Zongguan found himself momentarily perplexed. Had he erred? He harbored no desire to wed Zuo Shuqi, merely a concubine.

“Do you know how Lu Zheng would handle such a situation?”

Cao Zongguan responded reflexively, “How could Master Lu encounter such circumstances? Who would dare employ such unconventional means against him?”

“Hypothetically?”

Cao Zongguan reaffirmed, “Even if Master Lu…” For merely consorting with a concubine, would anyone dare hold him accountable?

“Haha…” Look at that, someone’s being pushed around! If it were Lu Zheng, they wouldn’t be fazed by such a petty scheme at all. In the end, Cao Zongguan’s tolerance was simply too low.

“I’ll offer you an opportunity. A chance for retribution. Are you interested?”

Cao Zongguan hung his head and replied listlessly, “As you’ve said, this doesn’t amount to a grudge. I’ve considered it thoroughly; it’s not worth the trouble.”

“Are you aware that even insincere words can constitute deceit?” Zhan Yuanfeng appeared jovial as he remarked, “Don’t fret, I’m not one to jest lightly.”

Cao Zongguan remained silent, his head bowed. Though this was their first encounter, he could discern that Emperor Tianfeng wasn’t particularly principled.

Naturally, integrity wasn’t a prerequisite for an emperor.

Zhan Yuanfeng stepped forward, bending down to lift Cao Zongguan’s chin. Glancing around, he noted that despite the youth’s worn appearance, his gaze remained steadfast, devoid of any fear of death.

“It seems you’ve been managing quite well lately.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for sparing my life!” Cao Zongguan expressed his gratitude meekly. If one disregarded the grim confines of his cell, he was living relatively comfortably, with ample time to reflect on his past and future.

“No need for thanks. Were it not for Lu Zheng’s recommendation, I wouldn’t have paid heed to an ordinary, nameless insurgent.”

Observing the perplexed expression on Cao Zongguan’s face, Zhan Yuanfeng even kindly elaborated, “Director Zuo showed considerable mercy toward someone who might harbor ill intentions… Oh, you’re probably unaware? Your dear comrade is now wedded to Lu Zheng.”

Recently incarcerated, Cao Zongguan naturally remained oblivious to events beyond prison walls. This marked the first occasion he displayed a shocked expression in the presence of Emperor Tianfeng, which pleased the typically ruthless monarch.

“Do you find it hard to believe?” Zhan Yuanfeng mused aloud, “They’re all genuine individuals, what’s there to fear?”

Indeed, Cao Zongguan found it incredulous. Despite being aware of their relationship, he hadn’t anticipated Master Lu’s capacity for such actions, nor Zuo Shaoqing’s… To tread such a challenging path without regrets—how much courage and perseverance must that demand?

Perhaps, he had erred right from the start…