Xu Qi'an: Erlang, your big brother will teach you the tricks of keeping fish

The godfather initially proposed to fight the Witch God Cult after Xu Qi'an died in Yunzhou.

Nangong Qianrou guessed that her adoptive father's feelings at the time included the heartache of losing a trusted confidant, as well as the idea that the Witch God Cult was growing too fast and needed to be suppressed.

Later, Xu Qi'an returned to the capital and was resurrected, and the Witch God Cult remained law-abiding. Since that was the case, there was no need for a major conflict.

The Witch God Cult only needs to be suppressed.

But my godfather's intention is to start a massive national war.

"Godfather, isn't this too radical?" Nangong Qianrou spoke her mind.

With the Great Feng Kingdom weakened to this day, a large-scale national war lasting several years would be an unbearable burden.

"Yang Yan sent back an urgent report from the north: the Witch God Cult is attacking the northern demons and barbarians. Zhu Jiu is unable to withstand the attack alone and has withdrawn from his original territory. He is leading the Demon Race and barbarians to join forces and prepare to retreat to the northwest."

Wei Yuan lowered his head to study the geomantic map, his tone calm. "Although the Prince of Huai's plan failed, the Witch God Cult achieved its goal. The death of either Zhu Jiu or Jili Zhigu will plunge the northern barbarians into an unprecedented weakness."

"But Chu Prefecture also suffered heavy losses, losing a third-rank official and becoming unable to launch a northern expedition, thus benefiting the Witch God Sect in vain."

Nangong Qianrou was startled, then suddenly realized. "So, that's why your godfather doesn't concern himself with court affairs, because His Majesty is very likely to send you to the Northern Border?"

At the same time, he surmised that His Majesty's suppression of Chief Minister Wang at this time, which at first glance seemed to disregard the balance, was actually precisely the way to maintain balance.

Without Wei Yuan, wouldn't Chief Minister Wang be all-powerful in the court?

"Even if our godfather's focus isn't on the court, the end of the war is still far off. Why not seize this opportunity presented by the Wang faction's crisis to gain advantages, so that we'll have fewer worries when we go to war in the future?"

Nangong Qianrou offered her opinion.

Wei Yuan laughed and asked, "Do you think it's better that the Wang faction has fallen, or that it hasn't?"

Nangong Qianrou said without hesitation, "It's best if it falls."

Wei Yuan nodded. "Yes, it's best if he falls, but it's also good if he doesn't. If it weren't for the start of the war, I would have taken advantage of his misfortune. With Wang Zhenwen down, I have at least five years to do my job. His Majesty wants to support a new faction to oppose me, but that won't happen overnight."

"In the current situation, it has its advantages that the Wang faction remains standing. Wang Zhenwen and I have been fighting for so many years, so we know each other inside and out. Having a familiar opponent in the court is better than having an unfamiliar stranger."

At this moment, an official came to report, respectfully saying, "Duke Wei, Grand Secretary Qian Qingshu of the Wuying Hall requests an audience."

Qian Qingshu was Wang Zhenwen's confidant. Nangong Qianrou looked at Wei Yuan.

Wei Yuan waved his hand. "I won't see him. Let him go back."

The clerk bowed and said, "Yes."

"Godfather?" Nangong Qianrou thought to herself, "Did Godfather ultimately choose to stand by and watch?"

"It would be pointless if I took action."

Wei Yuan smiled and said, "This favor should be reserved for the right person."

Nangong Qianrou didn't understand, but she didn't ask. After so many years together, she was used to her godfather's way of speaking.

"You can go out now," Wei Yuan suddenly said.

After Nangong Qianrou left, he took out several envelopes, picked up a pen, and began to write.

Inside the Imperial Palace, Jingxiu Palace.

His Highness the Crown Prince ate chilled plums, a basin of ice beside his feet, enjoying the cool breeze fanned by a palace maid. Yet, his expression showed no sign of relief as he said:

"I advised Chief Minister Wang back then not to contend with the Emperor, and not to associate with Wei Yuan, but he wouldn't listen. Now look what's happened, the Emperor is going to punish him."

The Crown Prince and the Grand Secretary Wang did not have much interaction, but there were many staunch supporters of the Crown Prince within the Wang faction.

If Wang Zhenwen falls from power, these people will also be implicated, which will indirectly weaken the Crown Prince's influence in the court.

Consort Chen and Lin'an listened with some worry. Ever since the year of the Capital Evaluation, the position of the crown prince had been constantly swaying and he could never sit still.

Consort Chen frowned and asked, "What is Wei Yuan's attitude?"

The Crown Prince said in a deep voice, "Grand Secretary Qian Qingshu of the Wuying Hall went to pay a visit to Wei Yuan this morning, but he didn't see him."

Consort Chen looked worried. "Wei Yuan and Chief Minister Wang are political enemies; I'm afraid they're just waiting to kick us when we're down."

The Crown Prince looked at his younger sister and said, "Lin'an, isn't Xu Qi'an your confidant? He's someone Wei Yuan relies on. Why don't you try to break through from him?"

Lin'an sat on a soft couch, her long, bright red dress elaborate and beautiful, adorned with a glittering golden headdress. Her round, oval face had graceful lines, and her peach-blossom eyes were charming and bright.

When silent, she resembles a delicate and flawless jade beauty.

He hasn't come to see me in a long time.

Lin'an's face darkened, and he said softly.

More than half a month has passed since the massacre in Chuzhou, Xu Ningyan has never sought her out. Lin'an didn't say anything, but the sensitive Lin'an always felt that Xu Ningyan had completely come to hate the royal family because of that incident.

He also disliked her, so he deliberately distanced himself from her.

Thinking of their happy times together, Lin'an felt a pang of sadness.

"That's easy. You can secretly send someone to the Xu Residence to deliver a letter, asking him to meet. If he agrees, it means his heart is still with you," the Crown Prince suggested with a smile.

Consort Chen added, "Remember to keep it secret. Have the servants from Lin'an Prefecture do it; don't send palace guards. Don't let your father know that you have any dealings with Xu Qi'an."

Lin'an nodded vigorously, a mixture of trepidation and anticipation on his face. "I'll have someone take care of it right away."

At lunchtime, Yuan Xiong, the Left Censor-in-Chief, and Qin Yuandao, the Vice Minister of War, entered a restaurant in the inner city.

Several officials from the same camp were also traveling with them.

There is a one-hour break for lunch. The canteens of government offices in the capital are notoriously bad. They are not exactly bland and watery, but don't expect any meat or fish dishes.

Aside from lower-ranking officials dining in the canteen, high-ranking officials ate at restaurants.

Yuan Xiong raised his teacup and said with a smile, "Congratulations, Vice Minister Qin, on your promising entry into the cabinet."

Qin Yuandao raised his cup in response, saying, "Lord Yuan's monopoly of the Censorate is just around the corner. When that time comes, don't forget to look after us."

The Censorate wielded immense power, responsible for overseeing all officials. Yuan Xiong had always desired to seize sole control of the Censorate and oust Wei Yuan's cronies.

Since Qin Yuandao had no hope of becoming Minister of War, he thought of taking another route to enter the Grand Secretariat.

The two conspired to commit cheating in the imperial examinations, but their scheme ultimately failed. Now they're trying again. Unlike last time, when His Majesty watched coldly from the sidelines, this time he's offering his full support.

"Even if Wang Zhenwen doesn't fall this time, he'll be severely damaged. He's controlled the cabinet for many years, and previously, Wei Yuan was kept in check. Now, His Majesty intends to appoint Wei Yuan as the General of Chuzhou, sending him far away to Chuzhou. So, Wang Zhenwen will have to be removed from his post."

"Furthermore, I heard that Qian Qingshu visited Wei Yuan this morning but was turned away."

"If it weren't for that little bastard surnamed Xu last time, we would have moved to a different spot long ago," Qin Yuandao said through gritted teeth.

An official raised his cup and laughed, "Minister Qin, there's no need to be angry. Xu Qi'an is in dire straits himself. He has offended His Majesty and will be dealt with sooner or later. Let's deal with the big ones first, then the small ones. He's not far from death."

"Let's drink, let's drink."

They clinked glasses, exchanged toasts, and chatted loudly.

"Dalang, someone has delivered a message for you outside."

In the front hall, the doorman, Old Zhang, presented a secret letter.

Xu Lingyin, who was kicking Xu Qi'an around like a shuttlecock, put down his younger sister, reached out to take the letter, and asked, "Who sent the letter?"

Old Zhang, the gatekeeper, shook his head. "He's out there. He didn't say who he was delivering it for. He also said he's waiting for your reply."

"Big brother, keep playing!"

Having experienced the feeling of flying, Xu Lingyin was no longer content to be a foolish child living on the ground.

It clung to Xu Qi'an's leg like an octopus, refusing to let go.

Xu Qi'an kicked it, but it didn't fly away. He thought to himself that this silly kid's strength was getting stronger and stronger.

Peace!

He shouted.

With a whooshing sound, the Taiping Blade flew out of the room, scabbard and all, and hovered in front of Xu Qi'an.

Xu Lingyin was stunned, her little face tilted up, looking completely dumbfounded.

Xu Qi'an picked her up and let her ride on the Taiping Blade like a witch riding a magic broomstick, then slapped Xu Lingyin's little bottom and shouted:

"Go, little magical girl!"

The Taiping sword carried her out of the front hall, and the carefree laughter of the little boy echoed in the air.

Xu Qi'an unfolded the letter and read it. The letter was sent from Lin'an and described the situation of the court struggle in recent days. It subtly requested that he be asked to sound out Wei Yuan's opinion.

This doesn't seem like Lin'an's style. Was it Consort Chen or the Crown Prince who instigated this? I remember Duke Wei saying that there are quite a few supporters of the Crown Prince in the royal party. Speaking of which, I haven't visited Lin'an since I executed two dukes.

Sigh, there were just too many things to do, one after another, and I neglected her.

Lin'an is different from Huaiqing. Huaiqing doesn't need to be coaxed, but Lin'an is a girl who really wants to be with someone.

"Have him tell his master that I understand."

After dismissing the gatekeeper, Old Zhang, Xu Qi'an sat down at the round table and couldn't help but recall what Wei Yuan had said that morning:

I won't get involved in this matter.

Yesterday, when Xu Erlang returned home after his shift, he told him about the affairs of the court. Xu Qi'an was wary and Nightwatchers's office this morning to sound out Wei Yuan, only to find out that this was no ordinary struggle.

Emperor Yuanjing wanted to take action against the chief minister.

"It's actually an opportunity for me. Although Erlang and Miss Wang are exchanging glances, he hasn't caught the eye of Chief Minister Wang. Moreover, given his status as a student of the Cloud Deer Academy and because of me, it will be difficult for him to advance further in his official career unless he sides with Chief Minister Wang."

"But Chief Imperial Academy and is naturally resistant to the students of the Cloud Deer Academy. Now, isn't this an opportunity? I have a lot of evidence of corruption and embezzlement by officials and Duke Cao. These political bargaining chips were originally intended to be given partly to Duke Wei and partly to Erlang."

"Isn't this the perfect opportunity to put my skills to use? Moreover, if I can gain favor with Chief Minister Wang, it will greatly help me investigate Emperor Yuanjing. I just happen to want to access the archives of the Ministry of Personnel to check the files."

"I have already confessed to Duke Wei about the Duke of Cao's secret letter, and he said he wouldn't get involved. The implication is quite clear. Duke Wei seems rather passive about court affairs lately? What is he plotting now?"

Xu Erlang returned to the mansion for his meal with a dejected look on his face. As soon as he crossed the front yard, he saw his younger sister riding on a knife, circling and dancing in the small courtyard, and he burst into laughter like a pig.

Mother and Lingyue watched anxiously from below, occasionally letting out a scream and repeatedly saying, "Be careful! Be careful!"

The aunt said angrily, "Xu Ningyan, you better put your broken knife down right now. If Lingyin gets hurt, see how I teach you a lesson."

My aunt stood in the yard with her hands on her hips and called out towards the front hall.

"Mother, how can the knife fly?" Xu Lingyue, somewhat surprised and frightened.

"Who knows? It must be your older brother's sorcery," Auntie said.

The mother and son had seen Li Miaozhen soaring high on her flying sword before, and thought it was nothing special. But when Xu Erlang saw this scene, he was completely stunned and speechless.

"Absolutely, an unparalleled divine weapon," Xu Erlang murmured.

At this moment, Xu Qi'an came out from the front hall and called out, "Taiping, come down."

The katana lowered its height and hovered motionless. The aunt immediately snatched her precious daughter away, spitting out, "What a piece of junk!"

After she finished speaking, she saw Xu Xinnian take three steps at a time, stop in front of the Taiping sword, his eyes wide open as he reached out his hand, as if he wanted to grasp the sword, but dared not, his whole being was extremely excited.

As a scholar from the Confucian School system, Xu Erlang naturally recognized the peerless divine weapon.

Seeing her son's attitude, the aunt asked suspiciously, "Erlang, is there something wrong with this knife?"

Xu Erlang murmured, "This sword is extremely rare and priceless, no, it's a priceless treasure."

A priceless treasure?! Auntie's heart skipped a beat. She examined the Taiping Knife in astonishment and tentatively asked, "How much silver is it worth?"

My aunt needs a specific number to measure its value.

"To put it this way, if my elder brother were to exchange it for a title, he could at least get an earl, and possibly even a marquis."

Marquis is second only to Duke, and the Duke of Great Feng is almost the pinnacle of non-royal titles.

The aunt opened her mouth slightly, and when she looked at the Taiping Knife again, it was as if she were looking at her own son, no, even more passionately than if she were looking at her own son.

"I want to play more." Xu Lingyin climbed the Taiping Knife.

"Go away, you brat! This is such a precious thing, if you break it I'll beat you to death!" Auntie slapped the little bean away.

Xu Qi'an watched this scene with a smile and called out, "Erlang, come in, I have something to tell you."

Xu Erlang entered the front hall and sat at the table. Then, his gaze was drawn to a stack of secret letters on the table. They were not secret letters sent by someone from Lin'an, but secret letters found in the private residence of Duke Cao.

"I already know about Prime Minister Wang's predicament, Erlang. If you have the ability to help him through this difficult time, will you lend a helping hand or stand by and watch coldly?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Xinnian frowned slightly and said frankly, "I am worried about Simu, but I don't feel much sympathy or anxiety about what happened to the Prime Minister Wang. And if it weren't for Simu, I would probably be enjoying a drink with my elder brother right now."

"What a fine son-in-law of the Great Feng," Xu Qi'an thought to himself, then chuckled, "But if you can help, I believe Chief Minister Wang will be willing to accept you, or at least won't be resistant to you."

As he spoke, he pointed to the secret letter on the table.

Filled with doubt, Xu Erlang opened the secret letters and read them one by one. His pupils first contracted slightly, revealing a look of shock, and then he became excited, his hands trembling slightly.

If these secret letters were to fall into the hands of someone with power, they would become a weapon in their hands. Countless officials in the capital would be implicated, and the entire officialdom of Beijing would be thrown into turmoil.

Of course, there is another possibility: these secret letters will all be destroyed, because too many people are involved.

"I can only give you a small portion of these secret letters. We need to select a few people who are useful to Chief Minister Wang." Xu Qi'an laid out the secret letters one by one.

The so-called useful people cannot be Wang's cronies, nor can they be like Yuan Xiong. The latter have the emperor's backing, so these secret letters cannot have a fatal effect on them, at least not in the current situation.

Soon, the two brothers selected eight individuals who held high positions of power but did not fall into either of the former two categories.

"After your shift ends, go to the Prince's residence and personally deliver these secret letters to Chief Minister Wang. Remember, you must first go to Miss Wang and have her introduce you."

My elder brother meant for me to hint to Chief Minister Wang about my relationship with Si Mu. Xu Xinnian hummed in agreement, and just as he tucked the secret letter away, he saw his elder brother roll up his sleeves.

"What is my brother doing?"

I'll beat you up!

Bang!

Xu Erlang's handsome face was punched, and he fell down with a scream. Xu Dalang took the opportunity to mount him and began to attack from both sides.

"Big brother, don't hit my face!" Xu Erlang cried out in pain.

"If I don't slap you in the face, how can I show your sacrifice? How can I move Miss Wang? You're willing to turn against your elder brother to save your father-in-law."

"Isn't this... isn't this a bit despicable?"

"This isn't despicable, it's a routine. Come on, get in position, I'm going to punch you a few more times."

Jingxiu Palace.

A message quickly came back from Lin'an Prefecture: no reply, only the sentence, "I understand."

The Crown Prince glanced at Lin'an, touched his nose, and sighed, "Looks like we can't count on him anymore. That's true. Now that he's no longer an official, he knows he's angered Father Emperor, so he's too lazy to maintain the relationship between us siblings."

Lin'an's eyes reddened at what he said.

Consort Chen frowned and scolded, "Say less. It's normal that he won't help. Even if Wei Yuan relies on him, does that mean he'll listen to him?"

The crown prince said helplessly, "I know, but his attitude is unpleasant."

Lin'an pursed her lips and said sullenly, "I'm going back to Shaoyin Palace."

Prince's Mansion.

The atmosphere inside the hall was somewhat somber.

Wang Simu sat beside Madam Wang, chatting softly to ease his mother's anxiety.

The eldest son of the Wang family, who worked in the Ministry of Revenue, drank his tea in silence, while the second son, who was a businessman, was impatient and paced around the hall.

"Brother, I heard from some friends that His Majesty intends to wipe out our Wang family this time?" the Second Young Master Wang said hurriedly as he walked.

Madam Wang's eyes showed even greater worry as she looked at her eldest son with a questioning gaze.

Young Master Wang put down his teacup and said in a calm voice, "It is indeed a bit troublesome. Yuan Xiong and Qin Yuandao have listed a lot of evidence against them, the most troublesome of which is embezzlement of military funds."

"Remember Zhou Xianping, the former Ministry of Revenue? He was Father's man, and he did indeed embezzle military funds. When his Zhou Residence was searched, there were only a few thousand taels of silver left. Where did the money go? Everyone says it's in our Wang family."

"That's utter nonsense!" Young Master Wang gritted his teeth in anger.

Young Master Wang pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed wearily.

"In the past, it was fine because Father Jian was on the Emperor's side. But during the massacre in Chuzhou, Father offended His Majesty too much, and that is the crux of the problem."

Madam Wang said worriedly, "What should we do? What should we do?"

Wang Simu quickly comforted his mother, then frowned and said:

"You two should keep quiet. If you can't come up with a solution, don't complain here. What good will it do besides adding to your mother's worries?"

She then comforted her mother, saying softly, "Father has served as Grand Secretary for over ten years; he's seen it all. He knows what he's doing. Isn't he just discussing it with his uncles in his study?"

Young Master Wang glanced at his sister and shook his head. He had faced crises before, but never one as perilous as this. Was fighting political enemies the same as fighting His Majesty?

As they were talking, the butler rushed in to report, glancing at everyone in the hall before looking at Wang Simu: "Miss, Lord Xu is outside and wishes to see you."

Wang Erge sneered, "What time is it? You still have time to talk about love?"

Madam Wang and the eldest son of the Wang family both frowned.

They knew that Xu Erlang was close to their daughter. Wang Simu had a very strong personality and was exceptionally intelligent. Apart from Wang Zhenwen, no one in the family could control her.

So they just turned a blind eye and let her do as she pleased.

But now the Wang family is in crisis, and Xu Erlang keeps coming over, which is inexplicably annoying.

Wang Simu glanced at her second brother, then gracefully stood up and said, "Lead him to the outer hall."

She patted her mother's hand, left directly, crossed the inner courtyard, walked through the winding corridors, and met Xu Erlang in the reception room.

He sat in the chair, his face hidden behind his sleeve, trying to avoid eye contact.

"What's wrong with Erlang?" Wang Simu peeked in for a while, but Erlang dodged her every time.

It's alright.

Xu Erlang said, "I've come to deliver something to you."

As he spoke, he pointed to the coffee table with his other finger, and Wang Simu noticed a stack of letters on the table.

Wang Simu, filled with curiosity, unfolded the letter and glanced at it. Her delicate body trembled, and her beautiful eyes were filled with shock.

"Where did Erlang get these secret letters?" She opened her mouth slightly, her face pale.

"I got it from my elder brother," Xu Erlang replied.

Where did Xu Qi'an get it? He's Wei Yuan's confidant, how could he possibly help my father? Wang Simu's eyes darted around, then she looked at Xu Erlang's evasive manner.

Her heart sank, and she yanked open his sleeve.

"Ah"

Wang Simu cried out in surprise.

Xu Erlang's cheeks were swollen, his nose was bruised, and his lips had several cuts; he looked like he had been badly beaten.

"Was it your older brother who did this? Because of these secret letters?" Wang Simu's lips trembled.

"I fell down by myself," Xu Erlang denied outright.

Wang Simu's tears welled up instantly, falling like broken pearls.

"He... he actually beat you up like this." Miss Wang sobbed uncontrollably.

"My brother's tricks really work," Xu Erlang thought to himself, while explaining aloud, "I really did fall down on my own."

He wasted no time and said, "These secret letters were given to me by my elder brother, but he has conditions; I need to speak to the Grand Secretary in person."

Wang Simu took out a handkerchief from her sleeve, carefully wiped away her tears, and looked at Xu Erlang with eyes full of love.

She nodded. "I'll take you there now."

In the spacious study, the air was filled with the gentle fragrance of sandalwood incense. Chief Minister Wang held a cup of tea, his brows furrowed in silence.

Qian Qingshu, Grand Secretary of the Wuying Hall, Chen Qi, Grand Secretary of the Jianji Hall, and Minister Sun of Ministry of Justice, and other confidants gathered together, their expressions solemn.

"Judging from His Majesty's words, it will be our turn in a few days?" Qian Qingshu said in a deep voice.

Grand Secretary Chen Qi of the Jianji Hall, known for his volatile temper, slammed his fist on the table and roared, "The massacre of Chuzhou was a result of the Prince of Huai's utter depravity; how can it be tolerated? I'd rather retire than suffer any more!"

The Minister of Personnel scoffed, "If you were to retire, wouldn't that be exactly what that Qin fellow wants?"

Grand Secretary Wang sat in the main seat, sipping fragrant tea and silently listening to his colleagues' arguments. The old man had spent half his life navigating the ups and downs of officialdom, and had never once lost his temper.

Seeing that the arguing had subsided, Chief Minister Wang asked, "What is Wei Yuan's attitude?"

"I was turned away." Qian Qingshu said with a sullen face.

"Not surprising." Chief Minister Wang nodded. "His Majesty still needs him. Wei Yuan is far more useful than any of us."

The Minister of Personnel sneered, "Would His Majesty tolerate such a powerful family dominating the country?"

The Grand Secretary Wang took a sip of tea and said in a calm tone, "Many years ago, I felt that he was tired of the infighting in the court and wanted to regain control of the army. If I'm not mistaken, he played a part in the death of the Prince of Huai."

"Minister Sun, as you are in charge of the Ministry of Justice, you must be vigilant and ensure that the Court of Judicial Review and the Censorate do not convict you of any crimes."

Minister Sun of the Ministry of Justice nodded.

"Minister Xu, I know you support the Crown Prince. This is a good opportunity to make contact with other members of the Crown Prince's faction."

The Minister of Personnel nodded.

Then, the Grand Secretary Wang spoke calmly, looking around at everyone. "Retirement isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's better to retire gracefully than to end up in a dismal state. Besides, one can be reinstated after retirement. A wise man should learn to seek advantage and avoid harm; when it's time to retire, he should do so."

Just then, a knock came at the door, and Wang Simu's soft, melodious voice rang out. "Father, your daughter has something to ask of you."

P. S.: I'm back, continuing to write the next chapter. I typed half of this chapter on my phone, so there might be a lot of typos. Please help me fix them.