Even Zhe Wanchun himself never expected to be dining with Liang Shicheng, and in the very Ministry of Revenue of the Great Song Dynasty at that.
The esteemed Vice Minister of Revenue found himself serving dishes to the two of them throughout the meal.
One could only imagine how excited he was at this moment.
The term "overwhelmed with gratitude" was insufficient to describe his current feelings.
"Manager Zhe, please don't be shy. It's the Vice Minister of Revenue treating us today. If you don't eat your fill, people will say our Lord Yuwen can't even afford a meal!"
Given Liang Shicheng's status, it wasn't unheard of for even Wang Fu to serve him dishes. He wasn't restrained at all, instead continuously encouraging Zhe Wanchun.
"Your Excellency the Grand Marshal jokes. This humble servant is only benefiting from Your Excellency's presence today..."
Despite Liang Shicheng's polite words, Zhe Wanchun wasn't so foolish as to not understand the gravity of the situation. If not for Liang Shicheng's presence, he wouldn't even have the right to stand there, let alone sit and eat.
"Manager Zhe, there's no need for such formality. Speaking of which, General Zhe and I are colleagues in the same court. Although we haven't interacted much, our few conversations have been very pleasant. Since you are his relative, we are naturally not outsiders. If you continue to speak like this, you'll be slapping my face. From now on, if you encounter any difficulties in Bianliang City, don't bother bothering the Grand Marshal, just come find me!"
Yuwen Cuizhong didn't understand why Liang Shicheng insisted on coming here today to support a merchant, but he had to show Liang Shicheng due respect. Unlike others, he was a confidant of Wang Fu and had witnessed firsthand Wang Fu's meteoric rise. From an obscure capital official, in just a few years, he had been promoted to Prime Minister at a staggering pace, surpassing even Cai Jing in his ascent.
"Thank you, my lord, for your kindness!"
"Hahaha, come, come. It's a rare fortune for the three of us to be together today. Let's all drink this cup!"
Regardless of Yuwen Cuizhong's performance, his words were indeed eloquent, leaving no room for criticism even from Liang Shicheng. Since Yuwen Cuizhong was showing him so much respect, Liang Shicheng was happy to give him an opportunity. After all, since Wang Fu had parted ways with him, he no longer had much influence over the Ministry of Revenue. If he could use this opportunity to bring Yuwen Cuizhong to his side, it would be a worthwhile endeavor. After all, he knew precisely what Han Mo was plotting. There were only two Vice Ministers in the Ministry of Revenue, and if Tang Ke were to be removed, Yuwen Cuizhong would have a free hand in the ministry for a considerable period.
Officials at the level of Vice Minister were never fools. Yuwen Cuizhong quickly grasped the underlying meaning of Liang Shicheng's words. Although his relationship with Wang Fu was good, if he had to choose between Wang Fu and Liang Shicheng, he would undoubtedly choose Liang Shicheng. After all, the Prime Ministers of the Great Song Dynasty had been changing like a revolving door in recent years, but Liang Shicheng, as the Grand Marshal, had remained firmly in his position all these years. One was the steadfast Liang Shicheng, and the other a succession of rotating Prime Ministers. For a political opportunist like him, such a choice required no hesitation. As for integrity, it was indeed important for minor officials, but at his level, such things were merely for show. If you took them seriously, you were bound to suffer.
However, with an outsider present, he couldn't say anything specific. Still, he very excitedly raised his wine cup, earnestly clasped his hands towards Liang Shicheng, and then drank it dry. With his biggest worry set aside, the remaining matters became much simpler. Throughout the meal, Zhe Wanchun remained focused on eating, but the relationship between Liang Shicheng and Yuwen Cuizhong had silently grown much closer. They chatted and ate, discussing trivial matters, but Zhe Wanchun showed no inclination to join in. Only when Yuwen Cuizhong looked at him did he smile and nod. Liang Shicheng was very pleased with his discretion. After finishing his last cup of wine, a hint of admiration flickered in Liang Shicheng's eyes as he looked at Zhe Wanchun. He truly was from a prestigious family; even a distant relative displayed commendable qualities.
"Lord Yuwen, we have eaten and drunk our fill. Why don't you send someone to check if Vice Minister Tang has returned? Otherwise, I fear our Manager Zhe might not be able to sit still! Hahahaha!"
"Your Excellency the Grand Marshal, you jest. I am but a humble commoner, my eyes filled with copper coins, truly not fit for elegant company!"
"Hahaha, Manager Zhe is now earning a fortune every day. In Bianliang City, other merchants are eager to pay less tax or no tax at all. Only your Zhe family's shops, every month, without waiting for officials to come knocking, drag their carts to the government offices to pay. If all merchants in the realm were like you, how much easier it would be for the officials of the Great Song Dynasty!"
Upon hearing Zhe Wanchun's words, Yuwen Cuizhong quickly interjected.
"Is there such a thing?"
Liang Shicheng was genuinely surprised by this. However, it was understandable. He held a high position now. Such trivial matters would naturally not be reported to him, so his ignorance was inevitable.
"This is all my son-in-law's idea. My son-in-law says that taxation is the lifeblood of the court and the duty of us merchants. In these difficult times for the nation, if we merchants forget this foundation of our existence, our businesses will not prosper!"
Seeing Liang Shicheng's curious expression, Zhe Wanchun quickly explained with a smile.
"Indeed, a profound theory. Well said, 'the duty of a merchant'! A Zhuangyuan is truly a Zhuangyuan. It seems I must have a good chat with our Zhuangyuan when I have the time!"
In front of Yuwen Cuizhong, Liang Shicheng did not hesitate to express his admiration for Han Mo. In just a few words, he had made Yuwen Cuizhong understand why Liang Shicheng was so interested in a merchant. Thinking about Tang Ke's boasts and his current actions, Yuwen Cuizhong couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. Others pick the soft persimmons to crush, but why does this old fellow insist on picking the hard ones?