Wang Xiang's original plan had been to cast Cao Mao aside, find a dependable leader among the great clans, and then contend with the Sima Family for benefits through an alliance made up purely of aristocratic families.
Unfortunately, Lu Yu's attitude had left him deeply disappointed.
He had clearly realized that if these leaders encountered real danger, they would mercilessly push him forward to take responsibility, while if any real benefits were reaped, they would still take the first share.
Wang Xiang found this extremely hard to accept.
Only then had he thought of allying with the emperor. As it turned out, the emperor had given him an even greater surprise: the Empress Dowager had entered the game.
Wang Xiang had immediately made his decision. An alliance formed by the Empress Dowager, the emperor, and the aristocratic families was absolutely not something any single great clan could contend with.
This three-in-one alliance lacked nothing. Legitimacy, issuing orders, carrying them out-it had everything. There was no need whatsoever to serve as a dog for those great clans.
Thus, Wang Xiang had changed his thinking and begun seeking ministers like himself: men of outstanding ability who did not come from the very greatest clans.
The first person he had thought of was this Chief Imperial Censor, Chen Qian.
First, the man's ability was undeniable. His administrative achievements were outstanding, and he was extremely astute. Even Sima Shi and the others praised him highly.
Second, his ambition was equally considerable. He was constantly thinking of climbing higher. In history, he had been the one constantly running about to bring Sima Yan to power, urging the emperor to abdicate. To advance another step, he could be said to have spared no thought for his reputation or integrity.
Finally, and most importantly, this was a