The expression of supreme confidence on the face of Grand Secretary Zhang Fuzheng froze.
The scene unfolding before his eyes somewhat exceeded his expectations.
In this struggle for the top scholar, it seemed to be a contest between Chen Shi and Young Master, and a confrontation between Chen Tang and all the civil and military officials, but in reality, the person who swayed the situation was none other than Grand Secretary Zhang Fuzheng himself!
He was the one truly in control of the situation.
On the surface, he supported Chen Shi and Chen Tang in competing for the top scholar, arousing the courage of Young Master and Chen Shi to fight to the death and bringing about this duel. Chen Shi and Chen Tang would not be on guard against him, allowing him to approach the Nine Halls of True Kings at any time.
At the same time, he channeled the Nine Halls to stop Chen Shi from executing Young Master at the very last moment, fulfilling the interests of the Thirteen Noble Families.
As a result, whether it was Chen Shi's faction, Young Master's faction, or the Thirteen Noble Families, all would grow timid and hesitant because of his actions.
He was the backbone of this decisive battle, the pillar of Great Ming, and the cabinet elder who carried the fifty provinces of the Western Ox Continent on his shoulders!
Because of the arrival of Created Being Xiao Wu, former cabinet elder Yan Xianshi had resigned from his position as Grand Secretary, avoiding disaster while waiting for a comeback, and had been eyeing the Grand Secretary's seat with covetous eyes. Zhang Fuzheng had taken over this position in times of danger, but lacked seniority, connections, and the awe and prestige of Yan Xianshi. It was no trouble at all