The emperor posed his question, but Wei Zi did not answer.
For the emperor was not asking for a plan, but for his heart.
What he sought was not a written strategy, but someone he could entrust with the task.
The faction of Upright Officials dared not take up this blade; the Feng Family's faction was ill-placed to take it up; the Shen faction was even less willing.
Did Wei Zi dare?
"Your Majesty." Wei Nisheng raised his head and met the emperor's gaze.
"There is something I would first like to ask Your Majesty."
Emperor Jing of Zhou's brow lifted slightly. "Ask."
"Does Your Majesty seek men, or silver?"
The Eastern Warm Pavilion fell silent.
Wang Cheng stood attending to one side. At those words, his eyelid twitched, and he glanced sidelong at Wei Zi.
The question was too direct-so direct it scarcely sounded like a subject addressing his sovereign.
Yet Emperor Jing of Zhou did not grow angry. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.
"What do you think?"
"'Light and Heavy' in the Guanzi says:
'A state of ten thousand chariots must have merchants worth ten thousand chariots; a state of a thousand chariots must have merchants worth a thousand chariots.'"
Unhurried and unflustered, Wei Nisheng continued slowly.
"What makes a state a state is not merely its land and people. It must accumulate goods and wealth as its foundation.
Your Majesty sent me to investigate Suzhou's arrears. Ostensibly, it was to audit the accounts; in truth, you needed silver."
He paused there, then lowered his voice a little further.
"Thus, I believe what Your Majesty seeks is not silver alone."
Emperor Jing of Zhou remained silent, merely watching him.
At his side, Wang Cheng held his breath, not