"How is it? How did it go?"
As soon as Han Mo stepped out of Xu Churen's room, Zong Ying rushed to meet him.
"What else? I'm telling you, kid, you're really something else. You left me alone in there, didn't even help me beat the drum a little?"
Seeing Zong Ying's eager expression, Han Mo said grumpily.
"I was just afraid there were some things you couldn't say easily!"
Zong Ying chuckled.
"It's done. Don't worry, Lord Xu will likely be able to establish a foothold in Hebei soon!"
Upon hearing this, Zong Ying was overjoyed.
Compared to Xu Churen's important position in Daming, Zhao Zhen's appointment as the Nan Jing Liushou seemed much more relaxed.
For one thing, although the southeast was in turmoil, it hadn't reached the severity of Hebei.
Secondly, his status as a prince was enough to suppress most arrogant generals.
As long as Xu Churen could establish a foothold in Hebei, both the Crown Prince and Prince Yun would have to show some respect to Zhao Zhen.
At least for now, neither the Crown Prince nor Prince Yun would want to push Prince Xin into the opposing camp.
As long as Prince Yun maintained fairness and judged matters objectively, both the Crown Prince and Prince Yun would have to grudgingly accept the bitter consequences.
"Alright, I've done what I needed to do. Don't look for me tomorrow, I'm going to sleep! Oh, and five days from now, I'm preparing to take up my post!"
Han Mo stretched lazily as he spoke.
Although many people knew that Han Mo had visited Xu Churen, just as Zong Ying had initially considered, no one had taken the matter seriously.
Han Mo was the county magistrate of Neihuang, and Xu Churen was about to become his direct superior.
A subordinate visiting a superior was a simple matter of social etiquette, extremely common in official circles.
Even the eunuchs from the Imperial City Directorate didn't take it seriously, merely noting it down casually in their daily records.
Xu Churen's arrival naturally attracted everyone's attention, as he was a rising star in the officialdom.
Amidst everyone's eager anticipation, Xu Churen finally emerged from the imperial palace once more.
His assignment had been decided: Liushou of Daming, and Commissioner of Hebei Western Circuit and Hedong Eastern Circuit.
Although this was expected, it still made many people's hearts flutter.
In these times, who didn't have a few nephews or younger relatives? Even if they were all scholars' families, there would always be a few black sheep.
These individuals were neither accomplished in literature nor martial arts, but ultimately, they were still their own flesh and blood. To simply abandon them seemed truly heartless.
Now, the opportunity had arrived.
The entire Daming Prefecture was bound to undergo a thorough cleansing, creating numerous vacancies. Since they couldn't secure positions through Prince Xin, some naturally turned their attention to Xu Churen.
However, to everyone's surprise, the newly appointed Liushou of Daming, as soon as he exited the imperial palace, headed straight for Prime Minister Tong's residence.
Moreover, his grand procession showed no intention of secrecy.
Everyone knew that old fellow was like a rock in a privy – both foul and stubborn.
How Tong Guan had risen was already an open secret.
As soon as this news spread, it made countless people widen their eyes and perk up their ears.
Could it be that on his first day in office, this new Liushou of Daming was going to directly confront the Grand Councilor?
"Lord Xu, you are a distinguished guest. At a time like this when you are in the spotlight, why would you come to my humble abode?"
Upon hearing of Xu Churen's arrival, even the experienced Tong Guan was bewildered.
Upon reflection, they didn't seem to have any prior dealings. What could possibly cause the Liushou of Daming, who was currently in the limelight, to suddenly appear at his residence?
"Prime Minister, I have something to discuss with you today!"
Xu Churen said with a slight smile, appearing relaxed.
"Since that is the case, let's discuss it in the study!"
Although Tong Guan didn't know what he was up to, his residence was full of people, and after a moment of thought, he directly suggested.
"Everything is as Prime Minister arranges!"
Despite not knowing the reason for his visit, just these few calls of "Prime Minister" made Tong Guan's heart bloom with joy.
This was a genuine old scholar, and in the past, even when he held the esteemed position of Grand Councilor, such scholars would never look highly upon him.
"Lord Xu, if you have something to say, please speak freely. There are no outsiders here!"
After the maid served tea, Tong Guan dismissed all the servants.
"I've come today to make a deal with Prime Minister!"
Xu Churen said with a smile.
"A deal?"
Tong Guan was startled, somewhat confused.
"That's right, a deal! I can help Prime Minister vent his anger, but I ask Prime Minister to give me some convenience in return!"
After taking a sip of tea, Xu Churen said with a smile.
"Help me vent my anger?"
Tong Guan looked at Xu Churen with confusion, unable to grasp what this old man intended to do.
"That's right. If I recall correctly, the day after tomorrow should be His Majesty's appointment of a Prime Minister, right?"
Hearing Xu Churen's words, Tong Guan was momentarily stunned, but then he immediately stood up.
"Lord Xu, this joke is not funny at all!"
Although Tong Guan now detested Wang Fu to the bone and wouldn't hesitate to crush him if given the chance, this was his deepest secret.
He certainly didn't want to share this with Xu Churen!
"Prime Minister Tong, if I had a way to prevent Prime Minister Wang from taking the position of Grand Minister at the court session three days from now, would that demonstrate my sincerity?"
Xu Churen smiled and said casually.
"What exactly do you want to do?"
"To trade Prime Minister Wang missing the opportunity to become Grand Minister for the Prime Minister's support on the Hebei issue, without any obstruction!"
"Just this?"
Tong Guan's brow furrowed immediately. This reason was rather hard for him to believe.
"Of course, and the 'Qingliang San' after my retirement!"
Upon hearing this, Tong Guan's expression relaxed.
If that were the case, then the matter could be understood.
Civil officials, after all, had only such aspirations.
"Lord Xu, forgive my bluntness, but if you had possessed such magnanimity ten years ago, you might already be one of the Grand Councilors of the Two Offices!"
"But what could be done? Shall we meet in three days then?"
"See you in three days!"
Tong Guan smiled and cupped his hands towards Xu Churen.
"That kid's idea is truly wicked! I wonder how the old Han family managed to raise such a shameless scoundrel!"
After leaving Tong's residence, Xu Churen muttered to himself as he got into his carriage.
"Ah—choo—"
"Ah—choo—"
"Mo-ge'er, are you alright?"
Seeing Han Mo sneeze suddenly, Chun Tao asked with concern.
"It's nothing, nothing. Why do my ears feel so itchy?"