An alliance of shared interests was the most brittle of all; partners in conspiracy were the hardest to fathom.
The tea was still warm, but the clash in the Main Hall had already begun.
"Fuan, you spoke of joining hands just now." Shen Duan slowly blew the foam floating on his tea.
"But there is one thing I must first ask plainly..." Shen Duan raised his eyes. "What is it you want?"
"You jest, Chancellor Shen. All I need is help with the Court Examination and a share in the Gansu affair."
"Help with the Court Examination is easily arranged." Shen Duan lowered his eyes and sipped his tea.
"But how does Fuan propose to divide the Gansu affair?"
Rather than answer, Kou Yuan asked, "How does Chancellor Shen think it should be divided?"
"In my view..." Shen Duan set down his cup and held up two fingers.
"Affairs in the Northwest come down to two things: troops and money.
Zhou Quan's troops are in Ningxia; Zhang Zai's money is in Shaanxi.
Neither I nor Fuan can get a hand into the military side."
"But as for the money..."
He stopped there and merely looked at Kou Yuan with a smile.
"Of course, I am not asking for Fuan's money." Shen Duan continued, "I want only one thing!"
"What?"
"The Grand Secretariat's draft endorsements."
"Draft endorsements?" Kou Yuan's gaze shifted slightly.
"The military farmland policy [Veteran soldiers shall be provided for; new recruits shall receive land].
It requires money, grain, and a long-term plan.
If Fuan will stand with me in memorial drafting, without turning against me or obstructing me...
Why should I not help Fuan bring the Court Examination case fully into the light?"
Kou Yuan did not answer. He lifted his teacup and took an equally leisurely