The Treacherous Minister Who Helps the People 6

“Do you want Zhao Song to go to the border city and find the North Frontier General?”

The Emperor looked at Shen Qi with some confusion. “Zhao Song… might not be suitable.”

Zhao Song was Zhao Baiyue’s only older brother and the sole male heir of the Zhao family. He was always protected and cherished.

However, even with such protection, it was known that Zhao Song lacked both literary and martial talents.

If he were sent to the border city, there might be unforeseen circumstances, and Zhao Baiyue would surely be devastated. In the end, it would be him who suffered the heartache.

“What is Emperor thinking of?” Shen Qi shook her head lightly.

“Have you not heard the words spoken by the courtiers? They claim that General Zhao lacks experience and is unfit for such a significant role. By appointing him as the deputy commander against all odds, you have already faced extreme opposition from the courtiers.”

“Furthermore, he suffered a defeat in his first battle. If you were to consider employing him again, it would be even more challenging. I suggest sending him to the border city, where the North Frontier General can personally guide him.”

“The border city has been relatively stable in recent years, and you are well aware of the General’s capabilities. If you command him to take special care of Zhao Song, he will not encounter any hardships.”

With Shen Qi’s persuasion, coupled with a few grand promises to the Emperor, such as removing the North Frontier General Zhao Song became proficient.

The Emperor began to see the potential in this plan.

“You are right. I shall issue the order for Zhao Song to go to the border city.”

Shen Qi smiled lightly. “Emperor is wise.”

Hah!

She was really good at playing a cunning minister!

After advising the Emperor, Shen Qi had to appease Zhao Baiyue as well. She presented a different argument to the Emperor than she did to Zhao Baiyue.

“Niangniang, I’m sorry for demanding Gu Qing and causing trouble for you. After careful consideration, I have decided to assist you.”

Shen Qi smiled knowingly, “If you have control over the military power, Niangniang, why worry about those matters? Sending General Zhao to the border city is not for battle but to subdue the North Frontier General.”

“If the North Frontier General refuses to comply, we can simply eliminate him. At that time, the entire Northern Army belonged to the Zhao family.”

While Zhao Baiyue contemplated, Shen Qi carefully observed her and tested her with a few more remarks, leading to a conclusion: Zhao Baiyue lacked a strong sense of right and wrong in her mind.

In other words, she couldn’t fully grasp the intricacies of the court, her eyes only able to discern shallow interests.

That made things even easier.

What better way to start than with a formidable teammate and a stupid opponent?

As expected, Zhao Baiyue agreed and reminded Shen Qi to quickly handle Zhou Ce’s affairs. Shen Qi naturally responded with a respectful smile.

The Emperor was likely anxious about the military power held by the General who guarded the North. Even before Shen Qi left the palace, an imperial decree was sent to the Zhao Residence, casting a gloomy cloud over the household.

The Zhao family was already prominent, and with Zhao Song as their only son, no one wanted to send him to the border city.

Madam Zhao hurriedly went to the palace to plead with Zhao Baiyue, asking her to persuade the Emperor to revoke the order.

However, Zhao Baiyue had already been captivated by the grand promises made by Shen Qi. Not only did she ignore Madam Zhao’s pleas, but she also firmly stood by the Emperor’s side, even trying to persuade Madam Zhao in return.

Madam Zhao claimed that she couldn’t see clearly.

But Zhao Baiyue believed that no one could see clearer than her. The future Emperor, her son, was undoubtedly more reliable than her natal family.

As a result, mother and daughter found themselves in a heated argument, ending the discussion on a sour note.

Upon learning the news, Shen Qi remained silent, but a smile played on his lips as he sent a letter to Grand Preceptor Shen.

At that moment, Grand Preceptor Shen was having tea with his old friend, Zhou Li, the Minister of War.

Today, Zhou Li had also come to persuade Grand Preceptor Shen.

Ever since Shen Qi had caused trouble and formed factions in the court, Grand Preceptor Shen felt that he had lost dignity and had little contact with his old friends.

He had been suppressing Shen Qi in the court, which left him feeling old and weary.

Zhou Li saw this and felt both sad and sympathetic: Isn’t it just raising a disobedient son? Which family doesn’t have one?

“If it really doesn’t work, just have another child and raise him carefully. It’s not worth worrying about for so many years over such a small matter.”

Zhou Li set down his teacup. “You and Shen Qi are not the same person. We can distinguish between the two.”

Grand Preceptor Shen laughed heartily. “I’m really fine.”

Zhou Li looked at the gleam in Grand Preceptor Shen’s eyes and suddenly realized that his bent back, which had been curved for years, straightened up today. “It seems you’ve truly come to terms with it.”

“Not exactly.”

Speaking of this, Grand Preceptor Shen let out a long sigh. “This matter is quite complicated. It weighs heavily on my heart, and you’re the only one I can trust with my words. There are some things I can only discuss with you.”

What he and Shen Qi were planning could be called treason in plain terms.

Relying solely on the two of them would be difficult to achieve success.

Therefore, he needed to win over a few more people. Even if they succeeded, both he and Shen Qi would resign from their positions, ensuring that the new Emperor would not be wary of them.

Zhou Li’s expression turned serious as he looked at Grand Preceptor Shen. “Brother Shen, we’ve been friends for so many years. Just tell me if there’s anything you need.”

After decades of friendship, please don’t deceive me!

Having too much knowledge in the political arena is not a good thing!

As Grand Preceptor Shen was about to speak, he noticed the steward entering the room. Upon seeing Zhou Li, the steward hesitated briefly before leaning in to whisper in Grand Preceptor Shen’s ear, “The young master has sent a letter.”

Grand Preceptor Shen responded with a nod, took the letter, and dismissed the steward. After skimming through its contents, he handed the letter to Zhou Li.

Zhou Li: … Can I really read it?

He had doubts in his mind, but since Grand Preceptor Shen had handed him the letter, it would be improper not to read it.

However, as he read, his eyes widened in astonishment, and he exclaimed in disbelief, “This person actually wants you to accuse Zhou Ce! Who sent you this letter?”

Upon seeing the signature ‘Qi’ at the end, Zhou Li coldly snorted, “It’s Shen Qi. It’s easy for him to deal with an officer in the Ministry of Revenue, so why drag you into it?”

Grand Preceptor Shen sighed deeply, “He’s also in a difficult position.”

“What’s difficult for him?”

Grand Preceptor Shen’s eyes flickered slightly, and he carefully recounted the words Shen Qi had said to him the previous night, one by one, to Zhou Li.

The more Zhou Li listened, the wider his eyes grew, until he was completely stunned and sunk into the chair, as if his soul had been struck by lightning on a clear day. He kept murmuring, “How is this possible? How can this be?”

After a while, Zhou Li’s face turned red from holding back his anger. He slammed the table, causing the teacups on it to momentarily fly into the air.

“What iron cavalry of the grasslands, a bunch of treacherous bastards! I knew they had ambitious motives…”

Grand Preceptor Shen calmly stroked his long beard, “Stay calm, stay calm.”

Then he took out the list that Shen Qi had given him and handed it to Zhou Li, “It’s difficult for me alone to discreetly save everyone.”

“Brother Shen, you don’t need to test me. Am I the kind of person who seeks personal gain and avoids danger?”

Zhou Li’s face darkened, “With the country facing a crisis, if Brother Shen needs my help, just say it. I will not refuse.”

“This matter only leaves my lips and enters your ears…”

“No one else will ever know.” Zhou Li pledged, patting his chest.

Grand Preceptor Shen nodded excitedly, “I knew it, Brother Zhou, you are the only person I can trust and rely on!”

Just as he finished speaking, the next day Grand Preceptor Shen met with his second old friend in private.