Chapter 402: Wang Xiangqian

Hearing Shen Tingyun's doubt, Xu Guangqi simply shook his head and said, "Naturally there's no connection—we haven't even met face to face. It's just that I think he's a suitable person, so I brought him up."

Shen Tingyun raised his head to look at Xu Guangqi, his gaze deep as he said, "What are you thinking?"

The meaning of these words was clear: since Wang Xiangqian isn't one of our people, you have no connection with him, and you haven't even met him—why recommend him? You should know, this isn't exactly the best of choices.

"Because he's suitable." Xu Guangqi smiled, picked up his wine cup and took a sip, saying, "Those two words are enough."

Having known Xu Guangqi for many years, the two could be said to understand each other deeply, so Shen Tingyun naturally understood what Xu Guangqi meant by saying this.

Then he smiled and said, "You're still you, still carrying this sense of loyalty. I thought you'd long since set it aside."

"If it weren't for this sense of loyalty, I'm afraid I couldn't hold this office either." Xu Guangqi said nonchalantly.

The two exchanged smiles, simultaneously raising their wine cups to clink against each other's, and drank together.

After the wine went down, Xu Guangqi set down his cup, picked up the wine pot beside him, and poured a cup for Shen Tingyun.

Then Xu Guangqi spoke in a grave tone: "The Liaodong matter is a great matter. Within the next few years, the court will inevitably make a move. His Majesty is not the sort of person who has the patience to wait—once a decision is reached, His Majesty will inevitably send troops to Liaodong. If things really go as you say, the Ministry of War will inevitably play a very important role. At that time, if the Minister of War is unsuitable, then it will certainly stir up a great many problems."

"So for the selection of the Minister of War, what we need is someone who can get things done. Originally Li Zhizao was quite suitable, and he could be counted as one of our people. But now he's already gone to the Staff Office—he's no longer someone we can scheme over."

Shen Tingyun nodded and said, "What you say makes sense. You decide."

"Then Wang Xiangqian it is." Xu Guangqi said directly. "But there's no rush—let's see what Han Kuang and the others do first. Presumably they'll have a candidate of their own; I just don't know who they'll choose."

"That's hard to say." Shen Tingyun shook his head and said, "Do you think there's any chance they'll push Huang Kezuan up?"

The Ministry of Justice's standing isn't as high as the Ministry of War's—if one moved from the position of Minister of Justice to the position of Minister of War, that would count as a step forward, and if one could even angle for a Grand Secretary position in the Grand Secretariat, that would be an even greater leap forward.

But Xu Guangqi shook his head and said, "Not very likely. Even if they had that intention, they'd have to consider His Majesty's thoughts. Huang Kezuan does have a certain amount of ability, but for managing the Ministry of War—he's not up to it, His Majesty won't agree, and Han Kuang certainly won't recommend him either. This position is extremely important; what they seek is to hit the mark in one strike—they absolutely won't drag their feet."

Shen Tingyun nodded and said, "Then let's wait and see how things develop."

Xu Guangqi and Shen Tingyun were deliberating, and Han Kuang and Huang Kezuan were deliberating as well.

At Han Kuang's residence.

Han Kuang and Huang Kezuan were also drinking and chatting on the side. Of course, though it was called chatting, it really wasn't chatting at all.

Setting down his wine cup, Huang Kezuan said, "Grand Secretary, have you settled on a candidate?"

Han Kuang pondered for a moment before saying, "As for the Grand Secretary position in the Grand Secretariat, let's not think about it. Right now there are the two of us in the Grand Secretariat—after Sun Chengzong left, only Xu Guangqi remains. That position probably won't fall to us."

Hearing Han Kuang's words, Huang Kezuan said hesitantly, "Then what should we do?"

"We still have to fight for it." Han Kuang smiled and said, "Not only must we fight, we must also stir up a commotion. Let Feng Congwu do the contending, and make a big scene so everyone knows about it."

"You're planning to feint east and strike west." Huang Kezuan smiled and said.

"Exactly." Han Kuang nodded and said, "Barring any surprises, this Grand Secretary position should still go to Xu Guangqi and his people. That way, our chances of securing the Minister of War position become much greater."

"But anything can happen—who knows what the final result will be? Having Feng Congwu contend for Grand Secretary is also a good thing for Feng Congwu himself. Even if he fails this time, he'll have an advantage next time, and it can also put him a notch above Xu Guangqi. I think Xu Guangqi will push Shen Tingyun—those two are just right to be rivals."

Huang Kezuan nodded and said, "You've arranged things well—this matter should be handled just so. But regarding the candidate for Minister of War, do you have anyone suitable in mind?"

This point was crucial, and the position of Minister of War was equally crucial. If they could secure the position of Minister of War, then among the Six Ministries, they would have taken the Ministry of War. In this way, their strength would be greatly enhanced.

Han Kuang and Huang Kezuan appeared strong right now, but that was because Han Kuang was the Chief Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat. Yet in terms of actual power, Huang Kezuan merely controlled a single Ministry of Justice.

The Ministry of War wasn't his, the Ministry of Works wasn't his, and the Ministry of Revenue wasn't his either. In the Ministry of Rites there was a Feng Congwu, who could at least respond in coordination.

As for the Ministry of Personnel, Zhou Jiamo was very independent—he didn't collude with anyone at all. If one insisted on saying who he was closest to, it would be Sun Chengzong.

Under such circumstances, how could Han Kuang not covet the position of Minister of War?

Only, wanting to get one's hands on it was one thing; whether one could actually get it was another matter entirely.

The person who could obtain the position of Minister of War would need sufficient official rank, sufficient merit, sufficient ability, and the capacity to command the respect of all—and he would need to make His Majesty see him as a talent. Only then could it work.

Huang Kezuan couldn't think of a suitable candidate for the moment either, which was why he had come to ask Han Kuang.

"We truly have no one available in our hands." Seeing Huang Kezuan's expression, Han Kuang also shook his head helplessly, then said, "But at this point, we can only do our best to pick a suitable person."

"What I want to recommend is Shandong Governor Zhao Yan." Han Kuang thought for a moment and said.

"Why do you want to recommend him?" Huang Kezuan asked hesitantly.

Huang Kezuan wasn't familiar with this man, and he believed Han Kuang wasn't familiar with him either. If Zhao Yan were pushed up to the position now, Huang Kezuan couldn't guarantee what the final result would be.

For a moment, Huang Kezuan was hesitant.

"This man pacified the Wenxiang sect's rebellion in Shandong—he has merit there." Han Kuang thought for a moment before saying, "On this point, whether it's His Majesty or the court officials, everyone knows. After His Majesty left Shandong, Zhao Yan stabilized the region and mopped up the remaining rebels. Now Shandong has settled down—that's enough to prove this man's ability."

"At the same time, Zhao Yan has also been drilling troops in Shandong, rectifying the naval forces, and reinforcing Jizhou—one could say he has considerable military talent. Moreover, looking at his entire career as an official, this man truly understands military affairs. So whether by seniority or ability, Zhao Yan is fully qualified to be promoted to Minister of War. Recommending this man will pass muster with His Majesty."

Hearing this, Huang Kezuan thought it over and said, "What you say makes sense. But can this man be of one mind with us?"

This was what Huang Kezuan cared about most. If this man was of one mind with them, then there was no problem in bringing him up; but if he wasn't of one mind with them, or even ended up leaning toward Xu Guangqi's side, then the result would be bad.

"This man is upright in his official conduct—even if he doesn't fully merge with us, I believe he won't seek out Xu Guangqi either. Moreover, if I recommend him, that counts as a favor of recognition and promotion, so in the end he'll have to show some consideration for us."

"The most critical issue is that we truly have no suitable people on hand. Aside from Zhao Yan, I can't think of anyone else suitable. And you know our His Majesty—recommending some unrelated person simply won't get anything done."

Hearing this, Huang Kezuan nodded and said, "What you say makes sense too—then let's do as you say. As for what happens afterward, we'll discuss it further."

Han Kuang raised his wine cup and said, "In that case, so be it."

These two had also reached an agreement.

At this time, in the imperial palace.

Zhu Youxiao lay in a rocking chair, swaying the chair while leisurely sipping his tea.

Noble Consort Tian beside him would from time to time feed a fruit into Zhu Youxiao's mouth.

Chen Hong stood at Zhu Youxiao's side, speaking slowly: "Your Majesty, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has already sent word over."

"Then let's hear it." Zhu Youxiao said.

Only, his eyes weren't even open, and his tone was very casual.

Seeing this, Noble Consort Tian stood up and said, "Then your consort will take her leave."

Zhu Youxiao grabbed her and said, "Sit down—no need to withdraw. It's not a big matter anyway. Attend to me properly."

After saying this, Zhu Youxiao said to Chen Hong, "Go on."

Chen Hong naturally dared not be negligent, and promptly recounted the intelligence the Embroidered Uniform Guard had gathered.

In fact, Zhu Youxiao had not asked him to probe for any particularly difficult information—just a simple check on the movements within officialdom.

The main focus was the direction of public opinion, something Zhu Youxiao had always been concerned about.

"Your Majesty, everyone is now focused on the position of Minister of War and the vacant Grand Secretary seat in the Grand Secretariat. As for the matter of the Staff Office, few are discussing it anymore." Chen Hong said directly.

Zhu Youxiao smiled, opened his eyes, and sat up straight before saying: "I expected as much. When it comes down to it, no matter how important this or that may be, nothing is more important than one's own official hat. With an official hat dangling before them, it saves them from stirring up trouble when they have nothing better to do."

Zhu Youxiao had transferred Sun Chengzong to the Staff Office precisely for the current situation. The Staff Office could now proceed with its work without worry, and he could take this opportunity to strengthen its power.

As for the Minister of War and the new Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat—that would require careful deliberation.

Although Zhu Youxiao would indeed make appointments, he absolutely would not do so within a short period of time.

"Just have someone keep an eye on that matter. How is the reform at the Imperial Academy progressing?" Zhu Youxiao looked at Chen Hong and asked.