Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 826 - 662: Vanguard

Victory or defeat, if the endeavor succeeds it’s certainly good, but if it fails, aren’t they all doomed to lose their heads?

Receiving a nod of approval from Xia Qing, You Shaofeng couldn’t help but perk up.

"If you don’t want the princes to kill each other over Silver, why not sit back and watch the tigers fight, and when they do, we can fish in troubled waters?"

You Shaofeng smiled indifferently, believing his suggestion would resonate with the Minister.

Others felt they could barely hold back, who didn’t understand sitting back and watching the tigers fight? But the problem is, are you the only one with this idea; are the others all fools?

"You Tongzheng, we all know your strategy, but many are waiting to take advantage. If we too follow suit, eventually we must make a life-and-death gamble, right?"

Li Wei rolled his eyes discreetly and voiced his objection with a hint of helplessness.

"We can pull all those hiding in the shadows into the fray! It’s not easy to sit steady in the fishing boat!"

You Shaofeng secretly resolved not to let these people hog all the glory; otherwise, if Chief Minister Xia calls on him for a meeting next time, that would be uncertain.

"Oh? I would love to hear details!" Xia Qing finally showed interest, a slight smile appearing on his face.

"Sir! There are three prominent families in the area. Choose one to take the lead, while we hide in the dark; who could foresee our involvement? Spot anyone lurking in the shadows, and we will drag them in; we simply need to gather the net afterward."

This plan is sure to satisfy the Grand Secretary; after all, it was devised by a skilled adviser he had recruited, who offered this strategy as a gesture of submission.

"This plan is indeed ingenious. If those families know it’s for your service, would they dare not to comply? The opportunity to join your ranks is surely a long-desired chance for them!"

Li Wei, unwilling to fall behind, stepped in and added.

You Shaofeng’s face froze upon seeing Li Wei rejoin; it filled him with disdain.

This Mr. Li always likes post hoc analysis, yet the Grand Secretary values him highly, a source of long-held dissatisfaction for You Shaofeng.

This fellow is not as competent as adviser He Zhongkuan, who is indeed a person with genuine skills.

He Zhongkuan was greatly startled noticing Xia Qing’s enthusiasm.

"So, which of those three families should we choose to take the lead?" Xia Qing pondered, then asked the group.

"Sir! I think the Qu Family is most suitable. Qu Family may not have many officials stationed in the Capital, but their external appointments include the Magistrate Qu You’en in Sunan Prefecture, who holds some power."

You Shaofeng first recommended the Qu Family, considering their shallow roots in the Capital, perfectly suited to act as a vanguard.

The Qu Family is one of the three main families in Hejian Prefecture, albeit a longstanding aristocratic family from years past.

The Qu Family has been a notable aristocratic family since the former dynasty; otherwise, they couldn’t hold the title in their present state.

Among the other two families, the Yi Family is on the verge of decline, unable to even enter official circles. Even if they start now, it would be too late.

The fourth generation of Yi’s offspring is only recently grown, and it’s not that easy to enter officialdom through study and examinations.

As for the remaining Yan Family, they are inferior to the Qu Family; the Qu Family appears the strongest among them.

Xia Qing continued contemplating, unimpressed by the three families of Hejian Prefecture, yet they are old aristocratic families.

These prominent families, despite having few officials in court, have a complex web of connections, exhibiting some resilience in the end.

A weathered ship still has some nails; the ability of these three families to stand tall speaks of their capabilities.

Choosing new wealthy families would mean shallow foundations and narrow vision.

If intending for them to act as the vanguard, some strength is surely necessary, particularly when planning to eventually incorporate them under one’s banner, as the nouveaux riches are relatively less appealing.

Xia Qing thoughtfully stroked his chin, then decisively chose, "Let’s go with the Qu Family!"

"Sir! This cannot be done! It’s too dangerous, you..." He Zhongkuan quickly attempted to stop Xia Qing upon realizing his decision.

"Ah~ Mr. He, you’re still too cautious this time. Fortune comes with danger. Being overly careful means missing opportunities."

Xia Qing waved his hand, firm in his decision.

This time, he did not heed He Zhongkuan’s advice. Ultimately, driven by greed, he stepped into the fray of a fierce power struggle.

Knowing Xia Qing’s resolve, He Zhongkuan realized no amount of persuasion would change his mind. He sighed, remaining silent. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

You Shaofeng’s lips curled into a smile, finally feeling triumphant.

"Then I wish you a swift success, Sir!" He Zhongkuan glanced at You Shaofeng, then offered a congratulatory remark.

The night was as cool as water, with a bright moon high in the sky. He Zhongkuan was led by a servant walked toward his quarters.

The servant ahead held a lantern, pacing slowly, while He Zhongkuan walked slightly to the left behind him.

Upon reaching the courtyard, He Zhongkuan stopped the servant, "You may leave me here!"

Walking past the servant, he whispered, "Tomorrow at 5:45 AM, the item will be in the chrysanthemum bushes beside the lake."

This muttering seemed carried away by the gentle breeze, transforming into the autumn night’s whisper.

Without waiting for a reply, He Zhongkuan strode into the courtyard.

The servant showed no reaction, merely bowed politely and said, "I’ll leave you here then!"

He turned back on his original path, moving neither fast nor slow, while the lantern swayed in the breeze.

The following day was sunny and pleasant. Gu Chengyu, who was supposed to be compiling the official records by the window, appeared in the Emperor’s Imperial Study Room.

"Gu Aiqing! It’s been several months since you returned home; we haven’t met in all this time."

The Emperor set aside the memorial in his hand, happily looking at Gu Chengyu.

"Thanks to the Emperor’s grace, you’re ever so busy, yet still remembered me, your humble servant is most honored!"

Gu Chengyu feigned surprise, his face breaking into a wide smile.

The Emperor couldn’t help but laugh, pointing at Gu Chengyu, "You sly fox, are you insinuating I should have summoned you to the palace sooner?"

"By heaven’s and earth’s fairness, I dare not! What I said is indeed true!"

Gu Chengyu truthfully thought nothing of it; he had been back for half a month without expecting the Emperor to remember him so quickly.

He genuinely expressed sincere feelings, though the Emperor clearly took it differently.

"You’re often too glib for my belief. How’s the progress on the official compilation?"

The Emperor walked to the window, gazing at the bright sunshine outside, brightening his mood.

Gu Chengyu was momentarily confused; isn’t this a question for Zhang Hai?

As an Assistant Reader, it’s Zhang Hai’s role to report the entire progress; he shouldn’t overstep.

"The Ministry of Justice volume in my hands is still incomplete, requiring more time for completion!" Gu Chengyu considered it best not to speak truthfully.

It has become a habit for the Hanlin Academy officials to procrastinate, and indeed, they are quite busy.