When he learned that he was to serve as the emperor's teacher and come to the Imperial Palace to teach,
Wang Xiang was very excited.
He considered it a fine opportunity to win himself a reputation, as well as a fine opportunity to take part in all manner of "great events."
Wang Xiang was not a man afraid of trouble. He did not fear that getting involved in these great events might cost him his life; he feared only that he might have no chance to get involved.
In that respect, his thinking was rather similar to Cao Mao's.
Taking action might not bring advancement, but doing nothing certainly would not.
Excited though he was, Wang Xiang had not actually paid Cao Mao much mind.
This was an enormous chessboard. The player with the greatest advantage at present was Sima Shi, with countless pieces in his hands. Though the emperor had climbed onto the board through a series of farces, he had far too few pieces. In plain sight, there was only Guanqiu Jian, whom he could not even command directly. He was a player in name only.
Wang Xiang had never thought of becoming entangled with Cao Mao, either. He had merely wondered whether the emperor might become an opportunity in his hands.
But when Cao Mao began explaining his ideas, Wang Xiang was somewhat bewildered.
What kind of selfless sage ruler was this??
This was a true sage Son of Heaven!!
Sima Shi!!
Take a look at him!!
Sometimes, when you cannot win the support of the ministers and powerful clans, you ought to look harder at yourself for the reasons. Is the grand pie you have drawn for them not big enough? Have you not been friendly enough to the great clans?
Cao Mao clearly saw the