The three ministers of the Cabinet came before Chen Tang. Xia Canghai offered a greeting, and said, "Lord Chen, the Xia family has no wish to make an enemy of Your Excellency. It is simply that our estate is vast, and there are inevitably matters where discipline falls short. We ask that Your Elder Brother kindly excuse this."
Chen Tang remained unperturbed, returning the bow as he said, "I wouldn't dare."
Gao Quan walked over, laughing heartily as he said, "Lord Chen has managed the Ministry of Revenue with exemplary skill, and your instruction of your son is equally impressive. A tiger father has no dog sons, a tiger father has no dog sons!"
Chen Tang bowed slightly, saying, "Lord Gao flatters me too much."
Uncle Yan came to his side, saying, "As for what happened today, with your great magnanimity, do not take it to heart. As for those within our clan, I shall naturally restrain them."
Chen Tang said, "This subordinate is filled with trepidation."
The three ministers departed.
Chen Tang watched them go, rather puzzled, just as he was about to question Chen Shi when a voice spoke up, "Lord Chen, shall we walk together?"
Following the sound, he saw a carriage parked not far away. The carriage window was open, revealing the profile of Zhang Fuzheng, the Head Minister of the Cabinet.
Chen Tang walked over, and a servant had already opened the carriage door. Zhang Fuzheng did not come out. Hesitating for a moment, Chen Tang entered the carriage.
Zhang Fuzheng invited him to be seated, and the carriage set off.
The carriage rumbled along, driving from Guangji Treasury to the Ministry of Revenue. Throughout the entire journey, Zhang Fuzheng did not speak a single word, simply sitting quietly.
Chen Tang sat opposite him, looking