As Cai You's footsteps receded, Bai Shizhong's legs trembled.
"Chancellor Bai, you must understand that we are all thorns in others' eyes now. If we fall out amongst ourselves, what do you think will happen to us?"
Cai You's voice was low, but his simple words sent cold sweat down Bai Shizhong's back.
"Scholar, I..."
"I never cared for the position of Ceremonial Officer of Kaifeng Prefecture. If you wanted it, Chancellor, you only needed to send me a word. Why go through all these detours?"
As Cai You spoke, he clapped Bai Shizhong forcefully on the shoulder a few times.
Bai Shizhong's body jolted, nearly making him fall onto the ground.
Fortunately, just as he was about to fall, Cai You's lightning-fast hand steadied him.
"Chancellor, I can help you onto this chair, and I can also replace the person in it. Don't you agree?"
As Cai You spoke, the killing intent in his eyes made Bai Shizhong tremble.
In the midst of his panic, he accidentally knocked the imperial tea bowl from the small table onto the floor.
"Chancellor, are you alright?"
Hearing the sound of shattering porcelain from inside, the old housekeeper outside the door quickly knocked and asked.
"Get lost!"
"Get lost!"
Cai You and Bai Shizhong cursed in unison.
The old housekeeper, who had been preparing to enter, quickly retreated dozens of steps away.
"Scholar, this is all my fault. Wang Boyan is an old acquaintance, and he specifically came to request it. I was in a bit of a difficult situation..."
After hearing the old housekeeper retreat, Bai Shizhong hurriedly explained again.
"I don't want to hear this useless nonsense! Chancellor, you must remember that the reason we have our current status is because we are a faction! If you think you can replace me, you might as well say it directly!"
Cai You grabbed Bai Shizhong's shoulder, pressing him forcefully into the chair. He stared intently into Bai Shizhong's eyes and said word by word,
"I didn't mean that, I didn't mean that!"
Seeing the madness in Cai You's eyes, Bai Shizhong's voice trembled slightly as he spoke.
"Chancellor Bai, this is the first and last time. If there is a next time, then please resign!"
Seeing the dense sweat on Bai Shizhong's face, Cai You finally released his hand with satisfaction.
"Thank you, Scholar. Thank you, Scholar!"
"You jest, Chancellor. Jù Ān is but a junior. There are still many matters in the future that will require your support!"
After delivering his reprimand, Cai You sat down opposite Bai Shizhong with satisfaction.
At this moment, Bai Shizhong had lost all the dignity of a prime minister. Sitting opposite Cai You, he looked like a henpecked husband who had been wronged.
"S-Scholar, you jest. Of course, I should follow your lead in all matters!"
Bai Shizhong quickly stood up and replied.
"This is news from Hebei. Take a look first!"
Cai You waved for him to sit down, then took out a booklet from his sleeve.
"What is this?"
Cautiously accepting the booklet handed over by Cai You, Bai Shizhong asked softly.
"This young fellow named Han is truly slippery. Your connections at the Censorate are strong, Chancellor. You should understand what's going on, right?"
"Rest assured, Scholar. Since this fellow dares to play such a trick, he will definitely remember this for life!"
Bai Shizhong immediately declared his stance.
"The Prince's intention is that it would be best to recruit him. This young man is indeed a rare talent. If we can truly bring him into our fold, it would be a good thing for the Prince and for us. Of course, if this young fellow is truly uncooperative..."
As Cai You spoke, he made a throat-slitting gesture with his hand.
"Rest assured, Scholar, I will handle this first thing tomorrow!"
In terms of official matters, Bai Shizhong might not have had exceptional talent, but when it came to orchestrating such affairs, he was undoubtedly a true expert.
It was a matter he was already familiar with, and coupled with his desire to please Cai You at this moment, he naturally didn't hesitate to pat his chest and guarantee it.
"If that is the case, then I will await your good news. As for how to proceed with the rest of the matter, Chancellor, you should think carefully!"
When he reached the doorway, Cai You suddenly turned back, a smile on his face, and reminded Bai Shizhong again.
"Yes!"
Now, Bai Shizhong dared not put on airs. He quickly bowed with his hands clasped and paid his respects to Cai You.
"Alright, it's getting late. Chancellor, you should get some rest. There will be more matters to attend to tomorrow!"
After escorting Cai You to the door and watching him get into his sedan chair and disappear into the night, Bai Shizhong finally let out a long sigh of relief.
"Chancellor, should I prepare bathwater?"
The old housekeeper asked softly.
"Prepare a fart!"
Bai Shizhong glared at him irritably, then turned and strode back into his study.
Having his flattery fall flat made the old housekeeper feel inexplicably confused.
Despite being scolded, the old housekeeper still quickly instructed the servants to bring two more ice containers to the study.
After chasing all the servants out, Bai Shizhong directly blew out the candles in the room and sat alone in the darkness, meticulously recalling the events of the past few days.
Ever since he ascended to the position of Prime Minister, ambition had slowly begun to swell in his heart.
In order to gain more power and a greater voice within the Cai faction, he had secretly promoted several of his trusted confidants through various means.
Of course, having been in Li Bu for so many years, he understood that keeping a low profile and accumulating wealth was the true path to success.
Therefore, he chose positions for these individuals that were inconspicuous but held high rank and seniority.
For example, the position of Ceremonial Officer of Kaifeng Prefecture for Wang Boyan.
On the surface, it was a minor official position of the sixth rank, with little lucrative potential. In this era, if there were other positions of the same rank, this one would be utterly disregarded.
However, if one only considered seniority, having served as the Ceremonial Officer of Kaifeng Prefecture would qualify one for a direct promotion to Assistant Minister of Rites!
Yet, he never expected that even such an inconspicuous official position would be discovered by Cai You.
What he expected even less was that Cai You would show him absolutely no leniency, no hints or suggestions, but would instead choose the most decisive method of confronting him directly.
His ambition, which had just begun to swell, was thus shattered by Cai You in person.