Shang Rong dared not ask any more. As an old minister who had held the reins of government for three years, he knew his position very well.
After King Zhou reclaimed his power, he had not dismissed Shang Rong from office. His benevolence, unrivaled through the ages, was one reason; the other was that he wanted Shang Rong to obey.
Shang Rong had no other particular strengths. As a veteran of three reigns and the current chief minister, the one thing he possessed was prestige. Everyone had to show him some respect.
Thus, King Zhou needed him to maneuver at court, maintaining a balance among the veterans of three reigns, the royal relatives, and the younger ministers.
If he threw down his burden now, perhaps someone would poison his drinking water, perhaps someone would suddenly slip a sack over his head in the street, perhaps...
Shang Rong dared not think about it.
This was an exchange. If he wanted a peaceful end after the mistakes he had made while controlling the government, he had to handle all of this as well as he possibly could.
The feudal lords and nobles were not to be trifled with, but King Zhou, who had proclaimed himself the First Emperor, was even less so!
Shang Rong withdrew with a grave expression. Chentang Pass was the first challenge brought on by the Fengshan Sacrifice. If they weathered it safely, everything would be manageable. If not, they would not only make enemies of the feudal lords, but also have the common people cursing the king as a foolish ruler.
He knew perfectly well that, given his status and position, he could afford to offend anyone except King Zhou.
King Zhou was generous, a benevolent ruler who always repaid what others did for him.
Shang Rong had