Protect Our Patriarch

……

Emperor Longchang leaned back in his chair, watching Prince Deshun's passionate performance with a sense of bewilderment.

In the past, this young Prince Deshun was known for his honesty and straightforwardness.

Years ago, due to significant differences in political ideals and ambitions with Prince Dexin, he had retreated in anger to a manor by the Western Sea, spending his days fishing and drinking tea, ignoring political and military affairs.

How is it that after hundreds of years of self-cultivation, he's become even more shameless?

Whether the Wang's Clan is guilty or not is beside the point; even if they are, they haven't wronged your Commandery Prince An... How can you immediately distance yourself and burn bridges at the first sign of trouble? That's just too shameless!

"This matter is already being handled by the Three Talents Office, with Meng Yuanbai leading the investigation. I trust that Meng Yuanbai will not act unjustly or unfairly, and no matter who is involved, there will be no leniency," Emperor Longchang said impatiently, waving his hand. "Deshun, if you're tired of fishing in the Western Sea, go to the East Sea and try catching a Dragon Whale or something. Stop causing trouble in Shangjing City."

"If Your Majesty wants me to stay out of it, then I will," Prince Deshun replied obediently, "But since it's rare for me to visit Shangjing City, I'll spend some time serving the Ancestor."

Before Emperor Longchang could object, Prince Deshun put on a tearful expression, "I haven't seen the Ancestor in a long time, and I miss him dearly. I often reminisce about the days of following the Ancestor, conquering the Western Jin and subduing the Southern Qin, those were such glorious times."

"Yet in the blink of an eye, both the Ancestor and I have grown old."

Hearing this, a glimmer of nostalgia appeared in Emperor Longchang's somewhat clouded eyes, and he couldn't help but recall the bits and pieces of the time when Prince Deshun was by his side.

The older one gets, the more nostalgic they become, and the more they tend to remember old friendships.

"Very well, in light of your filial piety, accompany me for a while," Emperor Longchang said, then turned to Zhao Hongbo, showing a hint of kindness, "Minister Zhao, what brings you to see me today?"

"Your Majesty, I indeed have important matters to report," Zhao Hongbo said, bowing, casting an unwilling glance at Prince Deshun. With Deshun here, how could he plead for forgiveness?

Originally, he intended to sacrifice Zhao Zhikun, plead with His Majesty, and then quietly suppress the whole matter.

But now, with the situation as it is, as soon as he pleads guilty to His Majesty, Prince Deshun would surely blow the matter out of proportion, greatly damaging the Zhao Clan's prestige.

Having served as the chief minister of the cabinet for many years, Zhao Hongbo was naturally a smart man. He understood that the other side had already guessed the Zhao Clan's plan to plead guilty. Prince Deshun's visit was clearly to disrupt the situation.

He knew the Zhao Clan couldn't afford a public trial. If a dramatic reversal occurred during a public trial under the spotlight, the entire Zhao Clan would be dragged into the mire.

The Zhao Clan couldn't afford that.

Since the other side wanted to expand their victory, he decided to give them another head.

Zhao Hongbo was a decisive man. He made up his mind, took a deep breath, and reported, "Your Majesty, I unexpectedly discovered that the smuggling and treason case has nothing to do with the Wang's Clan. It was actually our Zhao Clan's Zhao Zhikun, driven by greed, who made a grave mistake in a moment of confusion."

"The root cause was his massive gambling losses in the Celestial Dynasty, which led him to evil thoughts. Upon learning of this, I dared not let the loyal Wang's Clan be wronged, so I immediately brought Zhao Zhikun, this disgrace, to plead guilty."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Longchang was initially stunned, then his expression gradually darkened. Clearly, Zhao Hongbo's words were far beyond his expectations.

Previously, he only suspected that someone wanted to frame the Wang's Clan with a huge crime. Whether it was true or false, with Old Yao around, it would be easy to investigate. If it was false, he could conveniently do Wang Shouzhe a favor. Who would have thought that someone was indeed smuggling and committing treason, and it was the Zhao Clan's brat!

Smuggling and treason are serious crimes. How dare the Zhao Clan! How dare they?

Due to geographical issues, both the Southern Qin and Western Jin lack metal ores, especially iron, making their military equipment inferior to the Great Qian. Combined with other factors, the Great Qian could hold its own against both.

Thus, one of the Great Qian's military policies was to cut off most of the trade of metal ores, including iron, refined salt, and high-end grain seeds between the Great Qian and the Southern Qin and Western Jin. The former is military, the latter two are for the people!

Smuggling contraband to the Southern Qin is akin to aiding in strengthening the Southern Qin's national power, which in turn poses a threat to the Great Qian. If left unchecked, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"Audacious! This is treasonous behavior!" As expected, Prince Deshun immediately jumped out to scold, "Is your Zhao Clan planning a rebellion?"

"Your Majesty, Prince Deshun," Zhao Hongbo bowed deeply to Emperor Longchang, his face full of guilt, "This behavior is indeed extremely vile and unforgivable. I cannot defend it, nor do I wish to. Although this crime was committed by Zhao Zhikun alone, as the Ancestor of the Zhao Clan and the chief minister of the cabinet, I am indeed guilty of failing to properly educate my descendants. I cannot shirk responsibility for Zhao Zhikun's crime."

"Therefore, I humbly request to resign from the position of chief minister of the cabinet, and I ask for Your Majesty's approval."

Resign as chief minister of the cabinet?

Prince Deshun was taken aback.

Zhao Hongbo was truly decisive and ruthless.

For thousands of years, the greatest prestige and power of the Zhao Clan of the second grade came from having a Duke and a chief minister within the family.

The position of Duke was a legacy from their ancestors, representing the Zhao Clan's prestige, while the chief minister was the real power. It was under this real power that the Zhao Clan could thrive and reach its current peak.

Emperor Longchang also frowned slightly.

Even though he had been somewhat displeased with the Zhao Clan recently, and a bit annoyed with Zhao Hongbo, he had never truly considered stripping Zhao Hongbo of his position as chief minister of the cabinet.

After all, the Zhao Clan was also a founding hero of the Great Qian, having made countless sacrifices and shed much blood.

A country cannot be supported by the royal family alone. The royal family is merely the strongest, most contributing, and largest "shareholder" among the families, not a "family world" where one voice dominates.

Therefore, as an emperor, he must balance the relationships between the royal family and the noble families, and among the noble families themselves.

"Hongbo, how much did Zhao Zhikun smuggle?" Emperor Longchang's expression was extremely grave, "How many years has it been going on?"

Zhao Hongbo also looked sternly at Zhao Zhikun, "Disgrace, quickly answer His Majesty's question."

"Your, Your Majesty," Zhao Zhikun was already somewhat weak, trembling as he spoke, "It's been going on for ninety years. Initially, it was a few million a year as a trial, but later it developed into ten to twenty million, thirty million a year, and in recent years, it's been over fifty million annually."

"After deducting the costs and various expenses, the total profit was eight hundred and thirty million Top Gold." As he spoke, Zhao Zhikun took out the account book and presented it honestly, clearly prepared in advance.

Old Yao took the account book and handed it to Emperor Longchang.

This scale is not small, but it's not out of control!

With a dark expression, Emperor Longchang casually flipped through it, then set it aside, "Where's the profit?"

"I spent part of it. The rest, I used to pay off debts..." Zhao Zhikun said with a stiff face, "Your Majesty, I was set up in that gambling incident!"

Zhao Zhikun naturally couldn't openly give money to Commandery Prince Kang, so he took a detour through the Celestial Dynasty.

"Your Majesty, I don't believe Zhao Zhikun acted alone. The Zhao Clan must be behind it," Prince Deshun said, "I ask Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly."

"Your Majesty," Zhao Hongbo bowed and said loudly, "Our An Guogong's Mansion is a pillar of the Great Qian, loyal and unwavering. How could we sell out the country for such profit? The eight hundred and thirty million Top Gold involved with the Celestial Dynasty nobles is already difficult to recover. But our Zhao Clan is willing to gather ten billion Top Gold to return to the national treasury. However, the amount is too large for the Zhao Clan to gather at once, so I ask Your Majesty to allow the Zhao Clan to repay one million annually, to be cleared within a hundred years."

"Your Majesty, it's not that Hongbo is shirking responsibility. It's just that as the chief minister of the cabinet, Hongbo holds considerable power. If he truly wanted to engage in such vile smuggling and treason, he might not be able to do it flawlessly, but it wouldn't be so crudely done, and the scale would be several times larger."

To this, Emperor Longchang remained noncommittal, instead looking at Zhao Zhikun again, "Was Yingji involved?"

"Your Majesty, Cousin Yingji was not aware," Zhao Zhikun answered honestly, "Your Majesty knows Cousin Yingji's nature; he couldn't do such a thing. So, I had to place two heads in the Flood Dragon Gang to dominate the An River..."

The reason for his honesty was knowing that this matter couldn't withstand scrutiny.

Emperor Longchang's expression slightly relaxed, then he looked at Zhao Hongbo and said, "Hongbo, since you came here, you must have a plan for how to handle this. Let's hear it."

"First, I am ashamed to continue serving as chief minister of the cabinet, and I ask Your Majesty to appoint someone else. Second, our Zhao Clan is willing to make up the embezzled funds to fill the national treasury. Third, Zhao Zhikun's smuggling and treason are unforgivable, and he should be severely punished. However, I hope Your Majesty will allow him, as a Divine Realm seed, to go to the outer region battlefield, join the cannon fodder camp, and atone for his crimes until they are fully redeemed."

Zhao Hongbo took full responsibility, speaking firmly, then pleaded, "I also ask Your Majesty to consider the Zhao Clan's status as founding heroes and a noble family of ten thousand years, and leave us some dignity."

These three conditions for handling the matter each inflicted significant harm on the Zhao Clan, making it difficult to recover in the short term. However, compared to complete disgrace, it was still much better.

The original conditions the Zhao Clan intended to offer were only the second and third. The first condition was Zhao Hongbo's impromptu decision to silence Prince Deshun.

"I do believe the Zhao Clan didn't collectively participate in the smuggling and treason case. Such a plea is indeed sincere enough," Emperor Longchang's expression was calm, "But Minister Zhao, don't forget that all the blame now points directly at the Changning Wang's Clan, directly at Wang Shouzhe. How do you plan to resolve this under the public eye?"

"Don't think that just because I stay in the palace all day, I'm blind and deaf, unaware of how this matter started and why it has become so difficult to handle."

"Your Majesty," Zhao Hongbo bowed, "The investigation into the Wang's Clan's taxes was indeed initiated by me after receiving a report. But now it seems someone was secretly targeting the Wang's Clan."

Although the plan was proposed by Zhao Zhikun, since Zhao Hongbo agreed and implemented it, he naturally wouldn't shirk responsibility.

"It was my recklessness that led to the Wang's Clan's reputation being damaged. I can only shamelessly ask Your Majesty to mediate. Our Zhao Clan is willing to offer compensation and have the Three Talents Office officially announce that the Wang's Clan is not guilty of tax evasion or smuggling and treason."

"Your Majesty, in my view, this is clearly a case of the Zhao Clan going for wool and coming back shorn, falling into their own trap. How can we easily let them off for such slander against loyal subjects?" Prince Deshun once again stirred the pot, expressing righteous indignation, "I speak up for the Wang's Clan, for Shouzhe's innocence~~~"

"Bah!"

Emperor Longchang really wanted to spit in Deshun's face.

Just a moment ago, who was it that insisted on severely punishing the Wang's Clan? And now, in the blink of an eye, he's accusing the Zhao Clan of framing loyal subjects? When did Deshun become so shameless?

"Enough, enough, the Zhao Clan is still a Duke's Mansion," Emperor Longchang said irritably, waving his hand, "Their ancestors fought alongside ours. This time, they indeed used some underhanded tactics for the Imperial Heir Struggle. But to say they committed treason, I don't believe it."

"However, if this matter becomes widely known, neither the royal family nor the Zhao Clan will have any face left. Hongbo, since you want me to mediate, you must show some sincerity so I can negotiate with Shouzhe."

"Your Majesty, we Zhao Clan will follow Your Majesty's instructions," Zhao Hongbo said, relieved to see Emperor Longchang relent, "Whatever Your Majesty says, we will do."

"Alright, let me think. First, the position of chief minister of the cabinet is of great importance. Although your Zhao Clan's virtue is tarnished and you feel unworthy, we can't just let anyone take over, right? Hongbo, at the next court meeting, you will recommend Duke of Dingguo, Ancestor Yinda, to temporarily serve as chief minister. Do you have any objections?" Emperor Longchang said after some thought.

Zhao Hongbo's pupils contracted, but he quickly calmed down, saying calmly, "I have no objections. Ancestor Yinda is a man of great learning and virtue, and it is only fitting for him to serve as chief minister."

"Second, to appease public anger, the Zhao Clan's failure to properly educate its descendants, leading to the emergence of a family disgrace, should be publicly announced. Do you have any objections?" Emperor Longchang continued.

"I have no objections. Since it is the Zhao Clan's fault, we must bear all the consequences."

Zhao Hongbo bowed again.

This way, although it would lower the Zhao Clan's prestige, with Prince Deshun present and many external affairs, it was impossible to hide the matter. An official announcement of punishment was the best solution, at least making it sound better.

"At least you know your place. Since that's settled, I'll negotiate with Shouzhe on how to compensate him," Emperor Longchang's expression finally softened slightly, "Besides the three self-imposed penalties by your Zhao Clan, you should reflect on your family conduct. If such a disgrace appears again in the future, I may not be as lenient as I am today."

"I will obey Your Majesty's decree," Zhao Hongbo agreed to everything.

Prince Deshun, hearing this, sighed deeply. In the end, everything still couldn't escape Wang Shouzhe's calculations.

Shouzhe had told him through Mingyuan that His Majesty's intention was to balance power, to suppress the Zhao Clan but never to destroy them.

His purpose in coming to stir things up was mainly to cause trouble and expand the original victory. Today, he had already achieved more than expected, with the change in the chief minister's position being the greatest gain.

Next, Wang Shouzhe would naturally have a way to handle it.

As for whether Zhao Zhikun would enter the cannon fodder camp, it was secondary. After all, he was just a Divine Realm seed. Without becoming a Divine Realm, his influence would ultimately be limited.

"Old Yao, find some time to give Wang Shouzhe a hint," Emperor Longchang was quite satisfied with An Guogong's Mansion's respectful and submissive attitude, so he said to Old Yao, "Facilitate a meeting between him and me as soon as possible."

"Is Your Majesty going to summon Wang Shouzhe?" Old Yao's eyes lit up, "I've long wanted to meet Wang Shouzhe."

"Bah, what is my status, and what is his status?" Emperor Longchang said arrogantly, "How can I casually summon him?"

After a pause, he muttered in a low voice, "Hint, hint, do you understand?"

"I understand, hint, hint," Old Yao said with a smile.

"Alright, that's settled then," Emperor Longchang waved his hand, "Hongbo, you may return and await further instructions. Deshun, you come with me, let's see who's better at fishing."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Everyone responded in unison.

……

A few days later.

The investigation team led by the Three Talents Office quietly posted the investigation notice.

The smuggling case involving the Changning Wang's Clan had already caused a stir in Guilong City, with the heat remaining high. More and more people were paying attention to this case.

Now, with the investigation results out, the emotions accumulated over the days were immediately "ignited" by those with ulterior motives.

The effect was like throwing a bomb into a crowd.

No one expected that in a case that seemed to have reached a conclusion, such a shocking reversal could occur.

The smuggler and traitor turned out not to be the Changning Wang's Clan, but the Zhao Clan's great prodigy Zhao Zhikun! Even the current chief minister, Elder Zhao of the cabinet, resigned because of it.

For a time, there was an uproar, shaking both the court and the public.

In the streets and alleys, over tea and meals, almost everyone was discussing this matter.

At first, everyone's attention was focused on Zhao Zhikun's smuggling and treason, secretly cursing him for enjoying the treatment of a Divine Realm seed while engaging in such disgraceful acts, calling him a parasite and disgrace to the noble families, deserving severe punishment!

But soon, the direction of the discussion took a subtle turn.

Someone pointed out that Zhao Zhikun, as a great prodigy carefully nurtured by the Zhao Clan, and with the potential to inherit Zhao Hongbo's position as chief minister, had a bright future ahead. Why would he take such a risk to smuggle?

What was he after? What did he need so much money for?

This was indeed a point of doubt.

The public has sharp eyes.

Although public opinion can easily be swayed once a storm forms, leading to collective irrationality, there are always smart people among the crowd.

"Could it be that Zhao Zhikun wasn't the mastermind, and there's someone else behind this?"

When the first voice of doubt appeared, many quickly realized.

Of course~ everyone knew Zhao Zhikun was a staunch supporter of Commandery Prince Kang. If he didn't really need the money, then who was he smuggling for? Isn't it obvious?

Only Commandery Prince Kang, for the Imperial Heir Struggle, would need massive funds to win support.

Under normal circumstances, even if someone realized this, such statements wouldn't spread. After all, the Imperial Heir Struggle was all about winning hearts and reputation. Commandery Prince Kang surely understood the importance of controlling public opinion.

The "Dawn" organization wasn't just sitting idle.

In fact, as soon as they noticed the direction of the discussion going awry, "Dawn" had already begun to act secretly, trying to steer public opinion away from Commandery Prince Kang.

However, this time, "Dawn" faced the combined forces of "Tianque" and "Falling Immortal Palace."

Even though "Dawn" tried its best, it couldn't turn the tide, and public opinion continued to shift in the intended direction.

More and more small and medium-sized noble families and ordinary people realized that this matter was likely connected to Commandery Prince Kang. Zhao Zhikun might just be the unlucky scapegoat.

Those third and fourth-grade noble families had already guessed most of the truth, perhaps even realizing that one or more forces were behind the scenes guiding public opinion.

They just didn't say anything.

As the saying goes, if it doesn't concern them, they stay out of it. Since it didn't involve them, they just watched the show.

Of course, they might have even added fuel to the fire.

After all, with Commandery Prince Kang's style of doing things, it was normal for some noble families to dislike him for trying to win hearts everywhere for the Imperial Heir Struggle.

"Tsk tsk tsk~ Poor Zhao Zhikun~" In a teahouse, while leisurely drinking tea, a noble family member from a small or medium-sized family couldn't help but sigh, "I thought he was highly valued after following that one for so many years and being a great prodigy. Who would've thought that one would abandon him so easily."

"This Commandery Prince Kang is truly cold-hearted."

"I really didn't expect Commandery Prince Kang to be like this. I used to think he was a good person, after all, he's been donating money for disaster relief and fighting in the outer regions for years, with a good reputation in the court and among the people. I guess I was wrong," some people felt they had misjudged him, feeling quite conflicted, "But Zhao Zhikun, although lacking principles, is quite loyal, taking all the blame himself."

"Yes, yes~ and he's really brave. The cannon fodder camp is terrifying just to think about, yet he agreed without hesitation, not even changing his expression. Truly courageous!"

"I heard he's still imprisoned, holding firm and not implicating Commandery Prince Kang. 'Iron-hearted loyalty' is not an exaggeration."

Such statements quietly spread in private, and for a time, the nickname "Iron-hearted Loyal Zhao Zhikun" strangely circulated in Shangjing City.

It's unclear whether these words were more sarcastic or complimentary.

These rumors were quickly conveyed to Commandery Prince Kang on the outer region battlefield.

Upon hearing them, Commandery Prince Kang nearly spat out a mouthful of blood.

Who, who was spreading these "rumors" behind his back?

At this moment, he couldn't stay on the outer region battlefield any longer and had to rush back to Guilong City as quickly as possible to personally quell the rumors.

……

At the same time.

In the Four Seasons Garden of the Daqian Wang's Clan.

Commandery Prince An was sitting opposite Wang Shouzhe.

Commandery Prince An exerted great effort to restrain himself from looking at the two women serving Wang Shouzhe... One of them was even the leader of "Tianque," his intelligence organization, Tianyan Fairy.

"Shouzhe, this battle was beautifully fought. Just as you predicted, Commandery Prince Kang can no longer sit still and will return to Guilong City as quickly as possible," Commandery Prince An said, sipping spiritual tea, full of admiration, "Now that the Zhao Clan is in the spotlight, they can only keep a low profile. If Commandery Prince Kang falls, the Imperial Heir Struggle will be without suspense."

"However, Mingyuan is puzzled. In the Zhao Clan's current situation, their only chance to turn the tables is to support Commandery Prince Kang," Commandery Prince An said, his eyes filled with doubt, "Even if Commandery Prince Kang returns to Guilong City, how do you plan to make the Zhao Clan and Commandery Prince Kang turn against each other?"

"Whether they turn against each other or not, let's not discuss for now. I just believe in the principle of every man for himself in times of crisis. The Grand Court Meeting is in a few days. Are you ready for the final blow?" Wang Shouzhe said, sipping spiritual tea.

"Rest assured, Shouzhe, Mingyuan will not hold you back," Commandery Prince An said seriously.

After a pause, he hesitated, "Shouzhe, I heard His Majesty has been quite angry... privately scolding you for being ungrateful. According to Eunuch Yao, His Majesty really wants to meet you, but you've ignored the hints several times, making His Majesty quite angry."

"Well..." Wang Shouzhe said innocently, "I've always been slow-witted and never caught on to such hints. How could I know His Majesty wants to see me? Why doesn't His Majesty issue a decree to summon me?"

Commandery Prince An held his forehead, feeling helpless towards Wang Shouzhe.

You dare to ignore even His Majesty's hints, no wonder His Majesty is always slamming the table and scolding you.

"Shouzhe, there's one thing I don't understand. How can you be so sure that Commandery Prince Kang is cold-hearted and ungrateful?" Commandery Prince An was puzzled. After all, Commandery Prince Kang seemed reliable on the surface.

Wang Shouzhe took a sip of spiritual tea and said leisurely, "The specific reasons are a bit complicated. To put it simply, if he weren't such a cold-hearted person, but rather someone who values emotions and righteousness, with ideals and beliefs..."

"I would have accepted his recruitment long ago. Where would there be room for you, Mingyuan?"

"Uh..."

Commandery Prince An broke into a cold sweat, feeling the precariousness of the situation.

If Commandery Prince Kang were reliable, would there be no place for him?