Chapter 230: The Unchangeable Tides! (1/2)
Chapter 230: The Unchangeable Tides!
Even if Zhangchou Jianqiong were to fail, he would still remain a great power in military circles. His standing as the Protector-General of the Southern Protectorate Manor was in particular not something one could simply overlook.
Even though the Wang Clan didn't fear Zhangchou Jianqiong, making such a powerful enemy would be an unwise decision. Going a step further, if he were to be pulled into the sphere of influence of King Qi and the Yao Clan, that would be truly disastrous.
”What is King Qi and Yao Guang Yi's stance on this matter? Has Zhangchou Jianqiong approached them yet?” Wang Chong asked.
”Unknown.” Wang Gen shook his head but, at the same time, commended his nephew with his eyes. Wang Chong's nose for politics was impressive, and he could arrive at the crux of the problem with little having been said.
Indeed! Zhangchou Jianqiong hadn’t had much contact with the powers in the capital, be it Wang Clan or Yao Clan.
In other words, no grudges had been created with any faction here yet, and his moves would be unfettered by past history. While he could approach the Wang Clan, nothing was holding him back from doing the same with the Yao Clan.
”The Yao Clan hasn't expressed their stance yet. This is what has made the entire matter even more troublesome. We cannot determine whether Zhangchou Jianqiong has come into contact with our rivals yet or not.”
“If we were to express our support for Zhangchou Jianqiong, given our relationship with the Yao Clan, there is a high chance that they would oppose him. On the other hand, if we were to oppose Zhangchou Jianqiong, even if the Yao Clan also intended to oppose him initially, they would still then at least show slight support. This way, regardless of how the matter goes, the Yao Clan would likely stand to win.”
Wang Gen frowned deeply as he expressed his musings on the matter. If the issue wasn’t so difficult, he would never have come to look for Wang Chong. In politics, even the calmest winds could easily generate the strongest waves.
Who knew how many prestigious clans had fallen due to a single misstep?
There was no other viable option for the Wang Clan but to move cautiously.
Meanwhile, very few people in the Wang Clan were qualified to know and discuss this matter, but Wang Chong was one of them.
”So, big uncle is unsure whether Zhangchou Jianqiong will succeed or not?” After a moment of contemplation, Wang Chong sought confirmation from his uncle.
”That's right!” Wang Gen nodded his head grimly. There was nothing for him to hide before this nephew of his. In truth, he had considered this matter for a very long time already.
”Big uncle, rest assured. Zhangchou Jianqiong will definitely be able to step into the capital's political scene!” Wang Chong said deeply.
”What?!” Wang Gen exclaimed in shock. He quickly shifted to get a better look at Wang Chong, only to see the latter's tranquil expression and composed gaze. The boy appeared to be very confident of this matter, as though everything was within his grasp.
While Wang Gen did intend to seek Wang Chong's opinion, he didn't expect the latter's reply to be so decisive.
”Chong-er, what makes you so certain?” Wang Gen asked gravely. It was inconceivable to him how Wang Chong could be so confident about such a huge variable. At the very least, Wang Gen would never be able to decide on this matter so quickly.
”Big uncle, do you trust me?” Wang Chong chuckled.
”Child.” Wang Gen couldn't help but chuckle dotingly after hearing those words. If he couldn't even trust this nephew of his, he wouldn't have come here in the first place.
”Zhangchou Jianqiong will surely become the new Minister of War.” Wang Chong pressed on seriously.
”It’s just that, even if he becomes the Minister of War, that doesn't mean that things are in our favor. Zhangchou Jianqiong would never ally himself with the Wang Clan or the Yao Clan, but clearly, rejecting him outright isn't a wise decision either.
”Since he openly expressed his intentions for the position, there must be something he’s after. With the situation still uncertain, many others will be hesitating, just like big uncle. Knowing it's just a matter of time before Zhangchou Jianqiong becomes the new Minister of War, why doesn't big uncle write a letter at this moment to express support for him? This way, Zhangchou Jianqiong would know of our goodwill toward him.
”Given his personality and his goal, he would surely go around publicizing the matter; he’s determined to obtain the position, after all. However, you mustn't admit to this matter verbally or express a stance, especially not in the royal court.
”We’ll use this to find out whom Zhangchou Jianqiong is liaising with. Plus, when things become desperate for him, he will certainly send someone to big uncle. It wouldn't be too late for big uncle to express your support for him officially then.
“We can win Zhangchou Jianqiong's goodwill while simultaneously avoiding painting a target on the Wang Clan!”
Cupping his lower jaw, Wang Chong analyzed this with a lowered head. Normally, he would not involve himself in court politics, but the matter regarding Zhangchou Jianqiong was too critical.
It would affect the Wang Clan's future. He had no choice but to take it seriously.
”Chong-er, you mean that the reason Zhangchou Jianqiong is publicizing his intent is because he’s confident? Other than the Wang Clan, he must have contacted many more factions—perhaps the Yao Clan, King Qi, or even the prime minister. This is the main reason you want me to send a letter to express my support; am I right?”, Wang Gen replied deeply after realizing something.
”Un.” Wang Chong nodded his head. However, at the same time, he was thinking about something else.
The reason why Wang Chong knew Zhangchou Jianqiong would be able to overcome the precedent of failures and rise up to the position of Minister of War had nothing to do with his analysis. It was simply the path of history!
It was a form of destiny that events would unfold in this manner.