Hearing the coachman’s words, Yuan Xingchi indeed became interested. In his youth, he spent his days buried in official documents, reading nothing but the classics and the interpretations of great scholars.
But now, nearing middle age, he found himself unable to muster any interest in these scriptures.
Instead, the popular storybooks circulating in the entertainment districts offered a different kind of flavor.
However, he was an exceptionally fast reader. This thin booklet, only a dozen chapters in total, was finished in less than an hour, leaving him feeling a touch of longing for more.
"This book is quite interesting…"
Although it told tales of the supernatural, it managed to explain the origins of all the gods and Buddhas.
"Sir, Grand Commandant Liang sent over a food box!"
As the two were chatting, a servant from the manor quietly approached and said with a smile.
"Leave it there!"
Yuan Xingchi returned the smile and signaled the coachman to give the servant some reward money before sending them away.
"Sir!"
After the servant left, the coachman skillfully stepped forward. He removed the contents of the food box and then, from a hidden compartment below, produced an envelope.
"My lord is truly blessed. Even heaven is helping our son-in-law!"
After reading the contents of the envelope, Yuan Xingchi’s face lit up with joy.
"Is there any good news?"
The coachman quickly asked.
"Zhao Liangsi has just sent back news from the Jin kingdom. The Jin Emperor has agreed to a joint attack on Liao. The date is set for the ninth day of the eighth month!"
"The ninth day of the eighth month?"
Hearing this, the coachman’s eyes widened.
"That’s right. It’s less than a month away. For the imperial court to successfully dispatch troops, a stable Hebei is needed. Then, everything our lord has planned in Hebei can be put into effect. Any dissenting voices must disappear now!"
As he spoke, Yuan Xingchi couldn't help but sigh.
It seemed that regardless of who came to power, at least Han Mo's position in Hebei could be secured.
After all, if the court was preparing to launch an attack, Hebei, as the most crucial location for grain and fodder transport, would require someone familiar with the region to serve as the Commissioner of Hebei Military Affairs.
Xu Churen had been in Hebei for several months, and despite expending so much effort, he had only managed to establish a tenuous foothold. Even if all the officials in Hebei now opposed him, the court would not remove him.
After all, changing generals on the eve of battle would require even a divine being months to get familiar with the situation.
"Then what about our plans…"
"Don't worry. I believe Wang Fu and Bai Shizhong have already received the news. At this critical juncture, the court needs a prime minister to oversee all matters. Therefore, no matter what, the Emperor will not delay any longer. If my guess is correct, the next grand court assembly will settle everything!"
After so much effort, seeing that his plans were finally coming to fruition, Yuan Xingchi himself began to anticipate the arrival of that day.
"And after the results are out…"
"Once the results are out, we can finally rest for a while. Our lord's affairs in Hebei should not require our involvement. We can stay here in Bianliang. When you have free time, you can go and meet your girlfriends…"
Yuan Xingchi said this with a playful smile.
"You mustn't joke with me. How could I possibly have any girlfriends…"
At this, the coachman’s face showed a rare hint of shyness.
"There's nothing wrong with having a girlfriend. However, you must know what can be said and what cannot be said. If you delay our lord's affairs, then…"
Yuan Xingchi merely glanced at him. Though he didn't continue, the coachman felt a chill run down his spine.
"Sir, rest assured, this will never happen again!"
"Alright, get up!"
Yuan Xingchi spoke as he patted him on the shoulder.
"Alright, I didn't say anything untoward, did I? By the way, how did the matter I asked you to handle last time go? Have you established contact with Geng Nanzhong?"
"Everything is in order. The materials have been given to him, and I'm sure he won't be idle!"
"In that case, it seems our esteemed Minister Li will soon be freshly minted…"
Upon hearing this, Yuan Xingchi’s face immediately showed a strange smile.
At this moment, both the Wang clan and Bai Shizhong believed they were sure to win. Holding incriminating evidence against others, they must be feeling quite triumphant.
He wondered what would happen when, suddenly, both were impeached.
Amidst everyone's eager anticipation, the grand court assembly that would decide the fate of the prime minister’s position was finally about to begin.
"Where is the Crown Prince?"
After receiving the news from Zhao Liangsi, Zhao Ji's mood improved considerably.
After a brief handling of trivial court matters, he suddenly remembered his grandson, who was about to turn three.
"Your humble servant is here!"
Upon hearing the Emperor call his name, Zhao Huan stepped forward.
"Chen'er is about to turn three. As the legitimate eldest grandson, he still doesn't have a formal title. As his father, why haven't you reminded me?"
Listening to Zhao Ji's affectionate tone and the faint smile on his face, Zhao Huan felt an inexplicable urge to cry.
"Father, your son… your son…"
"Alright, alright, why are you crying on such a joyous occasion? My legitimate eldest grandson is lacking a formal title. Chancellor Cai has submitted a memorial suggesting that Chen'er, as the legitimate eldest grandson, be appointed as Acting Junior Guardian, Military Governor of Changde, and Duke of Chong. What do you all think, my lords?"
With his good mood today, Zhao Ji decided to resolve the issue of his legitimate eldest grandson's title directly.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, as the legitimate eldest grandson, His Highness the young prince should naturally receive certain honors. I believe Chancellor Cai's proposal is very appropriate!"
Although Cai Jing had already resigned from his chancellorship, his influence in court had lasted for many years. Even though he was gone, his faction still had members in the court.
Cai Jing's memorial was intended to show loyalty to the Crown Prince and, at the same time, subtly express his intention to align with him.
At this moment, the remnants of the Cai faction naturally wanted to act with great fanfare.
"This minister also believes this proposal is very appropriate. I second the motion!"
In any case, this was an easy favor. Moreover, Li Bangyan had always had a good relationship with the Crown Prince, so he immediately stood up and voted in favor without a second thought.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, this minister believes this proposal is greatly inappropriate!"