At this time, Lu Ting couldn’t help but feel glad that he had noticed Wang Chong at the Vast Crane Pavilion and that he had invited Wang Chong over.
Otherwise, who knows when they would wake up from this.
Just by thinking about how half of the officials of the royal court would be implicated by the matter, Lu Ting couldn’t help but shudder in fear.
In an instant, the hall fell completely silent. Only the sound of agitated breathing could be heard.
Seeing this sight, Wang Chong nodded slightly. Given that King Song and the others could realize the severity of this matter, Wang Chong’s effort at the Four Quarters Embassy wasn’t in vain.
“… Has Your Highness thought about the consequences when half of the court officials are demoted or exiled, and King Qi and the Yao Clan start taking charge of the royal court?”
“Old Master Yao is concerned about his reputation, so the Yao Clan might not do anything extreme, but what about King Qi? Given King Qi’s personality and his way of doing things, does Your Highness think that King Qi would give up this kind of opportunity? If the decision making of the royal court and the military were to fall into the hands of the Yao Clan and King Qi, who valued their personal interest above that of others, what does Your Highness think will happen to Great Tang?”
Wang Chong advised earnestly.
At this moment, Wang Chong finally spoke all of the words he had bottled up inside.
Back then, in the Four Quarters Embassy, there were many words that Wang Chong didn’t say and couldn’t say either. However, the weight of these words was different, especially after King Song had received five imperial edicts.
King Song’s complexion gradually grew more and more awful. The old butler and Lu Ting didn’t look any better either. They had never considered the matter from Wang Chong’s perspective.
“Then, what do you think that I should do?”
King Song finally raised his head and stared at Wang Chong. King Song no longer dared to underestimate him because of his youth or his outer appearance.
At this moment, King Song had already thought of Wang Chong as a young strategist, an extremely important one at that.
“Hehe, that is a choice Your Highness will have to make. Private affairs or national affairs, which one does Your Highness value more?”
Wang Chong smiled, knowing that King Song’s determination was already wavering.
“You are saying that we should neglect the teachings of the past sages, and the responsibility of a subordinate?”
King Song refuted.
“Then, the honor of a subordinate or Great Tang’s national affair, which one does Your Highness deem more important?”
Wang Chong replied fearlessly.
“Ah!”
King Song sighed deeply, and a deep feeling of defeat welled up in him. He knew what he had to do!
“Actually, Your Highness shouldn’t blame yourself for this matter. In this matter, King Shou wasn’t hurt, Consort Taizhen wasn’t hurt, and His Majesty wasn’t hurt. Isn’t this sufficient? If it is a matter regarding the welfare of the nation, then the interests of an individual should be shelved aside. As long as it is beneficial for Great Tang, why should Your Highness be concerned with the loss of honor?”
Wang Chong consoled.
In truth, Wang Chong felt deep respect for King Song. If it was any other person placed in King Song’s situation, he would have already given up long ago. Only a person as upright as King Song would be tortured by this matter.
“If it is a matter regarding the welfare of the nation, then the interests of an individual should be shelved aside! Well said! Well said!”
King Song sighed deeply, and he regained a little of his previous imposing self.
“But even if I want to do anything now, it’s already too late!”
Chapter 121: Convincing King Song!
King Song sighed deeply.
Spilled water couldn’t be taken back. The current circumstances had already evolved beyond his means. The five imperial edicts of the Sage Emperor had already expelled him from the political scene.
On top of that, he was the leader behind the officials opposing to Consort Taizhen. His Majesty and Consort Taizhen would surely pin the blame on him.
Regardless of what he did, it was already impossible to reverse the situation.
The entire hall was silent, and the atmosphere was heavy. Everyone here knew very well what kind of plight King Song plight was in.
‘The emperor never speaks lightly’, even if King Song were to change his attitude now, it would be extremely difficult for him to return back to where he used to be in the royal court.
King Qi and the Yao Clan had already won.
“Right now, I fear for the other subordinates in the royal court. I just hope that His Majesty won’t demote and exile them because of this matter.”
King Song’s tone was filled with worry.
“Your Highness, do you have any way to meet the Sage Emperor? Given his trust in you, there might still be grounds for reconciliation.”
The old butler, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up.
“It’s impossible. His Majesty is currently at the peak of his rage. We have all underestimated His Majesty’s determination on this matter. Right now, it’s impossible for me to meet His Majesty. Furthermore, King Qi and the Yao Clan would think of all kinds of means to deprive me of the opportunity as well.”
King Song said.
Helplessness flashed across the depths of the old butler’s eyes. Even though he possessed unparalleled cultivation, he was helpless in this kind of royal court politics.
“Furthermore, if I were to suddenly change my attitude, how would the other officials view me? How would His Majesty view me? How would the entire royal court view me? Even if I were to support His Majesty now, the situation might not be as good as what you all think it out to be!”
King Song sighed.
Lu Ting couldn’t find any words to say as well. An arrow fired couldn’t be taken back, this was the situation King Song was in. No matter what he did, he had no choice but to take responsibility for this entire matter.
Right now, even Lu Ting was at a loss.
Treading the royal court was similar to treading around quicksand; a single mistake would leave one sinking until one hit rock bottom! Even if King Song could see that half of the officials in the royal court would be implicated, and that King Qi and the Yao Clan would gain power in the royal court, there was nothing that he could do.
“Is there really no solution to this matter?”
Lu Ting spoke indignantly.
“Actually, on this matter… Your Highness doesn’t necessarily have to express your approval for Consort Taizhen!”
After a long moment of silence, just when everyone felt lost, Wang Chong’s voice suddenly sounded. His voice was clear and confident, and it felt as though it was parting the gloomy clouds to bring them the sun.
The trio’s attention was piqued, and they immediately turned to look at Wang Chong.
“Wang Chong, you have an idea in mind?”
King Song asked.
“Chong gongzi, there’s no need to hold back before King Song. Feel free to speak your mind!”
Lu Ting encouraged.
“Hehe, Your Highness, not opposing is already equivalent to supporting.”
Wang Chong said. It was often the bystanders who managed to assess the situation clearly. This world didn’t just consist of two colors, black and white.
“But even so, that is far from sufficient!”
Lu Ting hesitated for a moment before replying.
“Hehe, Lord Lu, are you still unable to understand? The reason why His Majesty is angry isn’t because of King Song’s opposition, but because King Song’s opposition had put him in a difficult position by becoming the main force opposing to Consort Taizhen’s induction into the royal palace.”
“If Consort Taizhen is able to be successfully i
nducted into the palace, if the voices of opposition were to become softer… Do you all think that His Majesty will still be bothered about those opposing voices?”
Wang Chong smiled.
Everyone’s eyes abruptly lit up. King Song was also surprised by Wang Chong’s words. He suddenly realized that his greatest mistake on the Consort Taizhen incident was to not summon Wang Chong in to discuss this matter with him earlier.
This child’s insights seemed to be very different from the others. He was always able to notice things that others weren’t able to.
If it was just that, King Song wouldn’t have valued him so highly. But the thing was that when he contemplated over the other party’s words, he would find his words to be surprisingly logical and rational, and he often felt enlightened by them even.
“Continue!”
King Song suddenly felt spirited, and he looked at Wang Chong expectantly. He was growing more and more curious about this offspring of the Wang Clan.
“Yes, Your Highness!”
Wang Chong bowed and continued. His composure seemed to be contagious, and the others couldn’t help but flow along with his thoughts.
“Your Highness possesses immense influence in the royal court, and a single word of yours was capable of rallying many officials. This is also the main reason why His Majesty is displeased with you. However, if Your Highness were to suddenly change your attitude and fall silent instead, the officials in the royal court would surely be bewildered. At that moment, Your Highness just has to say that there’s a deeper story to the Consort Taizhen incident, and given Your Highness’s influence, it would surely cause a huge uproar in the royal court.”
“With hesitance, the opposition of the others wouldn’t be able to be as intense and fervent as it was. As long as half of those opposing to Consort Taizhen hesitates, then Consort Taizhen would surely be able to be inducted into the palace.”
“As long as the voices of opposition in the royal court quietens, the obstruction His Majesty faced in the matter wouldn’t be as great. If so, it is highly likely that he wouldn’t pursue the matter anymore. Even if someone were to continue objecting to Consort Taizhen, he could just disregard it. In this way, the honor of the subordinates would be upheld, and at the same time, none of the officials in the royal court would be harmed as well.”
Wang Chong said.
In the hall, King Song and the old butler glanced at one another, astonished by Wang Chong’s words.
The matters of the royal court were complicated, and a single misstep could result in one’s fall into the abyss. As such, King Song thought that Wang Chong would be foreign to the affairs of the royal court.
However, Wang Chong’s words didn’t seem like one that had come from a child, but from a veteran who had immersed himself in the royal court for dozens of years. Furthermore, Wang Chong’s plan had taken all aspects into consideration. King Song couldn’t help but admit that this was the best course of action at the moment.
“This child is truly surprising!”
If King Song hadn’t heard Wang Chong say these words personally, he would have never believed that a fifteen-year-old child was capable of coming up with such a detailed plan.
In the past, when King Song heard from the Wang Clan that Yao Guang Yi’s setback was Wang Chong’s merit, he thought that the Wang Clan was intentionally exaggerating the matter to promote their offspring.
But now, King Song could confidently declare that a true genius had appeared in the Wang Clan.
The impression that Wang Chong gave him was much deeper and striking than that of his elder brothers.
These thoughts flashed through King Song’s mind. Swiftly recovering from his astonishment, King Song turned to Lu Ting.
“Lord Lu, what do you think of this matter?”
“Your Highness, pardon my frankness, but I think that this is the best plan we can come up with at the moment.”
After contemplating for a moment, Lu Ting continued with a grim tone.
“However, it’s a pity that even if we manage to protect all of the officials, it will be difficult for Your Highness to make a comeback to the royal court. At the very least, it would be impossible within half a year, and by then, King Qi and the Yao Clan would already be done taking over the Bureau of Military Personnel and Bureau of Punishments.”
The Bureau of Military Personnel and Bureau of Punishments were the two most important and powerful organizations in the royal court. Of the two, the importance of the Bureau of Military Personnel to King Song couldn’t be emphasized any further. The reason why King Song possessed great say and influence in the royal court was due to his immense prestige in the military.
If the Bureau of Military Personnel were to fall into the hands of King Qi, King Song would have lost even if all of the officials in the royal court were protected. Furthermore, given King Qi’s personality, he wouldn’t stop right after gaining authority over the military.
He would definitely try to replace all of King Song’s men with those of his own in the shortest time possible.
‘Military, an important aspect of a nation, should be properly governed’. Once the Bureau of Military Personnel falls into the hands of a person like King Qi, the empire would truly be in dire straits.
“I am reluctant to give up as well but it is clear which consequences is lighter. We can only do it this way!”
Facing the sky, King Song sighed deeply. In truth, he felt indignant to give up just like that.
Looking at the duo, Wang Chong fell silent. He had already done far beyond his responsibility for the Consort Taizhen incident, and there was no need for him to interfere any further. However, after a moment of hesitation, he still said it.
“Your Highness, actually it isn’t necessarily King Qi’s victory. King Qi might not necessarily gain authority over the Bureau of Military Personnel.”
Wang Chong’s words caused King Song’s body to shudder violently.
He had been trying his hardest to maintain his composure, but Wang Chong’s words broke his final line of defense.
“How?”
King Song asked anxiously.
“It isn’t like there is no way to minimize the adverse consequences of this matter to the bare minimum. The key to this issue is a single person. As long as this person agrees to it, everything can be resolved easily.”
Wang Chong said.
“Who is it?”
King Song, the old butler, and Lu Ting asked almost simultaneously. The five imperial edicts already showed a lot about the Sage Emperor’s determination on this matter. The trio found it hard to believe that Wang Chong had a solution to bring King Song back to his former prestige despite the overwhelming circumstances.
“Consort Taizhen!”
With a bright smile, Wang Chong uttered a name.
“Everything depends on Consort Taizhen. The one who started it all should be the one to resolve it all. If Your Highness wishes to return to the royal court, Your Highness will have to gain Consort Taizhen’s help.”
The entire room fell silent. The trio’s eyes slowly widened, and it seemed as though they were looking at a lunatic.
Madness!
This was complete madness!
If not for Wang Chong’s previous performance, the trio would have immediately shouted out those words! Consort Taizhen’s greatest opposition came from King Song, and the two of them were mortal enemies.
If she could, she would have killed King Song at this very moment. How could she possibly help her own enemy!
To think that Wang Chong wanted Consort Taizhen to speak up for King Song… This was daydreaming! Even the most insane lunatic wouldn’t dare to utter such words.
“Hahaha…”
Seeing everyone’s gazes of disbelief, Wang Chong laughed heartily. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment.
At this very moment, in the entire Central Plains, there was only one person who could change Consort Taizhen’s attitude toward King
Song.
And that person was him, Wang Chong!
Chapter 122: Recruiting Experts!
“Wang Chong, if you really are able to do what you just said, I will concede to you!”
“It would already a great blessing if Consort Taizhen doesn’t hate us, how could she possibly help us?”
“Hehe, Wang Chong, if you’re able to do it, I will promise you anything you want. Regardless of what it is, as long as it is within my means, I will definitely fulfill your wish!”
…
The trio stared at Wang Chong in disbelief. It was clear to them that this matter was completely out of question. How could Wang Chong even think of getting one’s enemy to speak up for one? King Song had seen all kinds of people in the royal court; there were many people who begged their enemies for forgiveness, but to beg one’s enemy to help one on top of it… He hadn’t seen such a matter before.
Even the Yao Clan, which was famous for their ploys, wouldn’t dare to say such words.
To say such immature words, Wang Chong was indeed still too young.
“Hehe!”
Wang Chong smiled. He could clearly see the expression of the trio, and without a doubt, they didn’t think well of this matter. Even Lu Ting, who bore the most goodwill and trust toward him, thought that this matter was impossible to be realized.
Wang Chong didn’t bother trying to change their mind. In the end, actions speak louder than words.
“Hehe, Your Highness, there’s nothing in the world that can be guaranteed so I can’t assure you that I will succeed. However, if Your Highness doesn’t mind, I can give it a try. Just that, I will require Your Highness’s full assistance for this matter.”
Wang Chong said.
“No problem! Feel free to do as you like. If you have anything you need, feel free to tell me or Lord Lu, I will devote all of my resources to assisting you!”
King Song smiled casually. Clearly, he didn’t believe Wang Chong would succeed, and that was also the reason why he didn’t feel any burden allowing Wang Chong to do as he pleased on this matter.
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
Wang Chong bowed. He really couldn’t hold back on this matter. If he wanted to achieve his goals, King Song’s help was necessary.
The Human Emperor c1-2382 Page 63
