Chapter Five Conspiracy

  He turned around to see a middle-aged scholar standing at the door of the study, about forty years old, tall and slender, with a clear face, three long beards, and if he held a white feather fan in his hand, he would have a bit of Zhuge Kongming's demeanor.

  Gao Qiang searched his mind, but couldn't recall the identity of this person. However, judging from how he could enter Gao Qiang's study directly, he must not be an ordinary person. So he asked: "Sir looks familiar, may I ask how should I address you?"

  That scholar walked into the room, twirling his long mustache, and smiled slightly: "Your humble servant has heard that you, General Commander-in-Chief, have not rejected me, but rather appointed me as a secretary, allowing me to come and go in the study every day. Many people are inside the mansion, yet none of them have ever seen your humble servant."

  Gao's face turned red, and he knew that Wen Rengan was just being polite. Who can recognize themselves by looking at someone's back? It's not like they have any impression of the person. It seems that the former official was ignorant and incompetent, only surrounded by sycophants who flattered him, and everyone he met was just a fleeting glance, without leaving any impression on his mind. However, Wen Rengan's name did seem somewhat familiar, could it be another character from Water Margin?

  He put down the book in his hand and smiled: "Oh, it's Mr. Wen, my father has often mentioned your good writing skills, but unfortunately I have not had the chance to meet you before, today is really a great fortune." After flipping through several ancient books, his speech also became more elegant.

  Wen Ruan Zhang's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise, clearly unexpected that Gao Nei spoke so politely. He casually responded with a few courteous words and walked to the desk to pick up the book that Gao Qiang had left behind. After taking a look, he smiled and said: "How did you think of reading Ouyang Xiu's article?"

  Gao said with a casual tone, "Wen Zhong Gong is the giant of the literary world in our dynasty. I, Gao Shan, can only look up to him in admiration. Coincidentally, I happened to be reading this particular piece and was able to recite a few lines, which must have amused you, sir." As he spoke, he broke out in cold sweat; speaking in such an ornate manner was really quite stressful.

  Wen Yan Zhang was indeed astute, noticing Gao's awkwardness and diverting the conversation from Ouyang Xiu to some anecdotes about literary figures of their time. With his vast knowledge and exceptional eloquence, he spoke fluently, weaving a tapestry of witty remarks that left Gao enthralled. Occasionally, Gao would interject with comments on things he had read before, such as Feng Yansi's line "A gust of wind ruffles the spring water" which was ridiculed by the emperor as "What's the point of this?" or the Liao envoy's upper couplet "Three lights: sun, moon, and stars" to which Su Shi responded with the lower couplet "Four virtues: benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom", cleverly using the emperor's taboo words.

  Just as they were chatting enthusiastically, Wen Yan suddenly said: "Your Excellency, your respected father is a high-ranking official in the imperial court, handling major military and national affairs. What ambitions do you have?"

  Gao Qiang was also thinking about this issue. In fact, he came to the Huizong era and said that it was not entirely correct to say that he had fallen into a strange land. After all, he had seen so many fantasy stories and rarely had the opportunity to return himself. Moreover, he happened to know that the great disaster of the fall of the country was just around the corner. How could he not have any ideas? It's just that this Huizong dynasty is corrupt to the core, the emperor is muddle-headed, and the ministers are flattering. The party struggle is more intense than in previous dynasties. He has no soldiers or power at his disposal. Don't mention anything about cutting-edge technology; he can't even talk about self-preservation. If it weren't for Lu Qian pulling him through during the day, he would have been beaten to death by now. What else could he think of?

  Also chatting about the trend, I spoke hastily and said: "My dynasty values literature over military affairs, my father is in charge of the army but only holds a position. I don't know the Four Books, nor can I ride or shoot, what aspirations can I talk about?"

  Unexpectedly, Wen Ruan Zhang smiled and said: "I want to advise you, don't be so self-deprecating. Your respected father also didn't rise through literature or martial arts. As long as you gain the favor of the current emperor and get the protection of the prime minister, getting high office and great wealth will be easy," he stretched out his hand and flipped it over, "it's as simple as turning your palm."

  "Oh?" With great interest, he asked: "May I ask, sir, which official is currently in power?" If someone else had asked this question, they would have been laughed at, but since it was "Flower-like Taisheng" who asked, it was perfectly fine.

  Wen Ruan Zhang nodded and said, "This question from the official is quite to the point. This year in January, on the day of Wuxu, a comet appeared in the western sky, passing through the Quyi constellation to the Mao constellation and the Bi constellation. Also, the planet Venus appeared during the daytime, and everyone in the court and the countryside was talking about it as an omen. Last month, Chancellor Cai resigned due to this omen, and now Chancellor Zhao Ting is in power."

  Zhao Ting? I've heard that name before. Gao Gang hastily asked, "Sir, does this Mr. Zhao have a son named Zhao Mingcheng?"

  Wen Ruan Chang said in surprise: "That's right, he is the only son of Prime Minister Zhao. Could it be that you are familiar with him?"

  Gao shook his head: "No, I don't know him, but I do know that his wife's name is Li Qingzhao." He was extremely familiar with the "Yu Ci" (Jade Character) poem, so as soon as he heard Zhao Tingzhi, he thought of Li Qingzhao.

  But when he saw Wen Ruan Zhang's strange eyes, Gao Qiang suddenly remembered his current reputation. Hua Hua was still obsessed with someone else's wife, what good things could happen?

  He forced a smile and said, "I was momentarily curious and interrupted your train of thought, please continue." But in his heart, he couldn't help but feel a little curious - why had Xun Yan come here at midnight, surely not just to chat with him?

  Wen Yan Zhang coughed and said, "This Zhao Xiang Gong's political views are at odds with Cai Xiang Gong. Since taking office, he has abolished all of Cai Xiang Gong's laws and reinstated the Yuanyou Party members. Even Lu Huiqing, who had already retired, was reinstated. The officials who used to rely on Cai Xiang Gong are now anxious and trying to figure out a way to turn things around."

  The intensity of the party struggle at the end of the Song Dynasty was something that Gao Qiu had some understanding of from his previous studies. Cai Jing divided the officials who had served the imperial court into orthodox and heterodox parties, and even asked Emperor Huizong to write it twice in his own handwriting, carving it onto stone stele to be promulgated throughout the empire - truly a wicked act. However, when it came down to it, he felt differently. His own father, Gao Fu, had risen to power by relying on Cai Jing, and now that old Cai had fallen from power, if his father were to fall with him, he himself would have no way to make a living - was he supposed to go begging for food like Su Qi'er?

  Hurriedly asking: "In your opinion, sir, should my father take advantage of the current situation where he holds military power to show goodwill to Prime Minister Zhao?"

  Wen Ruan Zhang did not answer, but instead asked a question: "In your opinion, can such actions be carried out smoothly?"

  Gao Jian thought for a moment, then shook his head and said: "I'm afraid it won't be very effective. Everyone knows that my father relied on Chancellor Cai in the past. Although he has gained the favor of the current emperor, he hasn't been demoted because of Chancellor Cai's dismissal. However, if he were to switch allegiance to Chancellor Zhao, first, he wouldn't be able to gain the trust of the other side, and second, I'm afraid the current emperor would also harbor doubts, thinking that my father is currying favor with those in power and worrying about his military authority being transferred."

  Wen Ruan Zhang was surprised again, this official although somewhat lecherous, especially fond of other people's wives, but his mind was clear and his thoughts were quite thorough, he was not a fool at all. However, to determine the depth of the situation, he still needed to probe further: "According to your idea, now should we take a wait-and-see approach as the best strategy?"

  Gao Jian was deep in thought, completely unaware of Wen Ruan Zhang's probing intentions: "It's not suitable, to use stillness to control movement, appearing to be neutral but actually waiting for an opportunity to strike. Chancellor Zhao has just taken office, busy clearing up the imperial court and planting his own faction, no time to bother with military affairs for now, that's why he's being friendly with my father, but I'm afraid later on he'll definitely make a move against this Commander of the Imperial Guard." Suddenly unable to think clearly, he raised his head to see Wen Ruan Zhang's eyes fixed intently on him, his heart skipped a beat, and immediately realized: "This person came here in the middle of the night, it must be for this matter!"

  He smiled and said: "I am ignorant, but I don't understand politics, I hope you can teach me."

  Wen Ruan Zhang saw his expression and knew that his intentions had been seen through. Since the timing was ripe, he no longer concealed it: "Your Honor's insight is clear and far-reaching, seeing ten thousand miles ahead. I, your humble subordinate, admire you to the utmost. As for today's situation, I believe that secretly supporting Cai Xiang Gong's return to power would be the best strategy."

  With a frown, based on his understanding and analysis of the current court situation, this was indeed the best strategy. Cai Jing had been appointed prime minister four times during Huizong's reign, holding power for 17 years, showing his cunning and smoothness, dominating the imperial court, and following him would naturally bring benefits. However, Cai Jing was extremely greedy, often using treacherous officials, oppressing the people, to the point where he was petitioned by students to be executed as a traitor, making it emotionally unbearable for Gao Gang to accept his premiership.

  Wen Ruan Zhang saw him frowning, thinking that the official inside couldn't understand for a while. He was hoping to persuade Gao Yun's attendants first and then present his plan to Gao Yun, using this as a stepping stone for advancement. Why wasn't he in a hurry? Continuing on, he said: "Official, although Cai Xianggong has been dismissed from office, his followers are everywhere in the court and the countryside. It's like the saying 'a hundred-legged insect dies but doesn't stiffen'. If it weren't for the unfavorable timing, Zhao Xianggong would have no choice but to rely on Cai Xianggong. Moreover, Cai Xianggong is very close to the current emperor and will surely be reappointed in time. As the saying goes, 'adding flowers to brocade is not as good as sending charcoal in snowy weather'. If Cai Xianggong becomes prime minister again one day, he will surely repay your esteemed father's kindness tenfold. This is truly the best strategy."

  Gao Qiu let out a deep sigh, thinking that everything now depends on Gao Qiu, how can he not think of ways to keep him? It seems that the only way is to rely on Cai Jing's power to gradually establish his own position, and then see what purpose heaven has for bringing him to this ancient era.

  Bian turned to Wen Ruan and cupped his hands in respect, saying: "Hearing your words is better than reading books for ten years. I am enlightened. Tomorrow, I will report Mr.'s golden words to my father. If our family becomes prosperous in the future, it will all be thanks to Mr.'s blessing."

  Wen Ruan Zhang was overjoyed and couldn't contain himself, hastily thanked him repeatedly, and seeing that the sky was getting late, he bid farewell and left.

  Gao Fang turned over the book again, his eyes were already a bit hard to open, thinking of the lovely little girl Xiao Huan in the house, he couldn't help but feel a warmth in his heart, and he stumbled towards his own small courtyard.

  The path is winding and secluded, the courtyard is deep, just a new moon hanging in the sky. The gentle spring breeze carries a hint of willow catkins dancing in the air. Gao Feng walks alone on the small path, his mood swaying with the wind. Can it be known whether this crescent moon in the sky also shines on the earth 900 years later? What kind of mark will the step he takes now leave in time and space?

  Just as he walked to the gate of the small courtyard, a figure suddenly appeared from the shadows, and under the dim moonlight, an extremely humble face peeked out with a sly smile. Gao Qiang was startled and kicked out his foot, only to hear a cry of "Ah!" A dark shadow flew up into the air and fell to the ground, wailing: "Sir, it's me!"

  "Fu An, what are you doing sneaking into the courtyard of our mansion so late?" Gao Qiang immediately recognized the voice of this scoundrel and thought to himself that it was him who had ruined the reputation of their mansion. If he had known it was him earlier, he would have gone up and kicked him a few more times.

  Fu An slowly got up from the ground, crying and said: "Sir, I have some good news, I rushed to tell you." He didn't dare to complain, having been kicked by Sir, which was also a blessing.

  He snorted loudly and ignored him, walking straight into the courtyard. Fu An didn't dare to enter, but stood at the door and shouted: "Sir, I've helped you get Lin Chong's wife!"