Chapter 688: Turning Coats

"Then what does Minister Kim think we should do?" Zhao Chenqi asked, looking at Kim Jeong-min with narrowed eyes.

The meaning was obvious—if you remain greedy and insatiable, then we'll just go our separate ways.

The atmosphere in the room immediately grew tense.

The several men exchanged glances, their expressions also turning tense. No one knew whether Kim Jeong-min and Zhao Chenqi would end up going their separate ways.

At this moment, if these two started fighting, it would spell trouble.

Kim Jeong-min glanced at Zhao Chenqi and said slowly, "The matters before us are all trivial, and they are all things of uncertainty. After all, His Majesty is still in good health, and I believe there won't be any problems in the short term. There's really no great need for us to discuss these things."

"If Grand Prince Bongnim is willing to support us, then he should put more effort into the matters at hand. After all, he and His Majesty are father and son—there are some things we cannot say, but Grand Prince Bongnim can say them without issue. I believe that Grand Prince Bongnim, being so principled and righteous, will be willing to do so."

Everyone narrowed their eyes and turned to look at Zhao Chenqi, unable to help feeling secret admiration.

Kim Jeong-min truly lived up to being an old hand—the things he had in mind really made everyone dare not underestimate him. This was making Grand Prince Bongnim take the lead, rather than sitting back and reaping the benefits.

If you want us to support you, that's no problem—you obediently do the work, at the very least you must handle these matters before us for us.

In plain terms, it was making Grand Prince Bongnim move against Zheng Xuhong and Zhang Fu, while also dragging those young hardliners into it.

Let Grand Prince Bongnim take the lead—you can't just enjoy the benefits from behind; you need to raise a banner out front. We are all following you, and the things we do are all things you support. And if change comes in the future, you cannot abandon us.

Doing this would also completely break with the young hardliners—this was meant to cut off Grand Prince Bongnim's retreat, making him advance and retreat together with us. We support you, but you cannot rely on others.

Hearing this, Zhao Chenqi's expression turned somewhat unpleasant.

In fact, before coming here, Grand Prince Bongnim and he had already met several times, and the two had agreed that they could support Kim Jeong-min and his faction, but would not participate in the matters at hand.

The situation right now was very critical—the Great Ming's attitude was unclear, and Joseon was in complete chaos from top to bottom. If one wanted to inherit the position of King of Joseon, the best course was to gain everyone's support.

After all, once Grand Prince Bongnim ascended the throne, he would certainly govern with vigor and ambition—not for the sake of these trivial matters before them, but to be able to withstand the Ming in the future.

In this regard, Grand Prince Bongnim had his plans—he absolutely could not offend too many people. But Kim Jeong-min before him was trying to push Grand Prince Bongnim to the forefront—the two sides were simply not on the same page.

Seeing Zhao Chenqi's expression darken and waver, Kim Jeong-min smiled, then said with an unhurried air, "Is there some problem with this matter? This is something done for the good of the nation—Grand Prince Bongnim should not refuse."

After hearing these words, everyone present also turned to look at Zhao Chenqi.

The meaning of these words was already quite clear: We support Grand Prince Bongnim in undertaking such a great matter—you cannot show no response at all. Hiding in the back the whole time simply won't do.

Zhao Chenqi's expression grew even uglier—this Kim Jeong-min was essentially forcing his hand.

If he agreed to this matter, then there would be a great deal of trouble in the future; but if he didn't agree, then the trouble was right before his eyes. These people would not only refuse to support Grand Prince Bongnim, they would turn around and cause trouble.

Not to mention anything else, they would certainly go looking for another prince—one more willing to listen and more willing to be controlled by them. When that happened, Grand Prince Bongnim would have no hope at all.

Zhao Chenqi smiled and said, "Of course there's no problem. For the good of the nation, Grand Prince Bongnim will not shirk his duty! It's just that as for how exactly this matter should be handled, I still need to return and discuss it carefully with Grand Prince Bongnim. Everyone need not be anxious—I believe there will be results within the next couple of days."

At this moment, someone suddenly ran in from outside.

Kim Jeong-min glanced at the newcomer, then his expression darkened as he rebuked, "How dare you! Don't you know we are in council? Why have you barged in at this time?"

The newcomer said nothing, directly circling around to Kim Jeong-min's side and whispering a few words into his ear.

Kim Jeong-min's expression changed instantly. He gently waved his hand, signaling the man to withdraw.

After the man had left, Kim Jeong-min's gaze swept over everyone as he said, "News has just arrived—the war with Japan has ended. The allied forces breached Edo in Japan, captured the Japanese Emperor, and slew the Shogun."

As soon as these words came out, joy appeared on the faces of everyone present.

They all knew that the time for harvest had come. What kind of spoils they could obtain would depend on each one's own ability.

But everyone also realized another thing: now that the war was over and it was time to divide the benefits, the Great Ming could no longer be offended. If they offended the Great Ming now, there would be trouble.

The Great Ming's army was still in Japan, and they had already won over many Japanese people. If Joseon dared to show any disrespect, they could dispatch troops from Japan and directly conquer Joseon.

Everyone's expressions varied.

Zhao Chenqi's face grew even uglier.

"Gentlemen, this truly is good news," Kim Jeong-min said with a smile. "But while everyone is rejoicing, we must also think about our current situation."

"The court is in turmoil right now, and the case of colluding with Japan has not yet been fully investigated. A few days ago, the old Prince Fu of the Great Ming entered the palace and spoke with our King, saying that this matter must be investigated as quickly as possible—the Great Ming is paying very close attention. I believe the Great Ming will be paying even closer attention this time."

Everyone fell silent—all of them understood what Kim Jeong-min meant.

Having won the war, the time had finally come to divide the spoils. The Great Ming had spoken nicely before, promising to give them ample benefits.

But now that the moment had arrived, once the benefits were at one's lips, getting them out was not easy. Even if the Great Ming Emperor was willing, the people below him might not be.

Now that this kind of incident had occurred in Joseon, there would certainly be those who would make difficulties, who would say that Joseon had handled matters incompetently, wanting to deduct a portion of the benefits.

"This might be an opportunity for us," someone below said excitedly. "If we join forces on this matter, then those young hardliners won't be worth fearing at all, and Zheng Xuhong will be finished as well. We can also take the chance to expand our influence—when that time comes, things will be simple."

As the man below said these words, the expression on his face was positively excited.

Zhao Chenqi's expression, however, was very grim.

If it really came to that, then there would be trouble. The plan on the Second Prince's side would be shattered before it could even be carried out.

Looking at these people, Zhao Chenqi was furious inside.

What do you people know?

You know nothing! You spout nonsense here, thinking only of yourselves—you are nothing but a pack of traitors to the nation!

Zhao Chenqi still wanted to tell them the truth of the matter, but he dared not. The people present were a mixed lot—though they were all of the same faction, no one knew what schemes lurked in anyone else's heart. Calling them each harboring their own agendas would not be an exaggeration.

Under such circumstances, if he revealed the information, it would very likely leak out.

Once the news leaked, it would certainly stir up a huge uproar, and it would thoroughly enrage the Great Ming side, causing the Great Ming to turn hostile outright—perhaps even investigating who was spreading rumors. When that happened, he would be put on the defensive.

He could not speak! However, there were indeed some matters that could begin to be handled urgently.

Zhao Chenqi said, "This is indeed a good thing. I believe Grand Prince Bongnim will also be willing to step forward."

Kim Jeong-min looked at Zhao Chenqi, his eyes narrowing slightly.

He felt that Zhao Chenqi's change of heart had come a bit too quickly—there seemed to be something in this that he did not know about.

But at this moment, Kim Jeong-min did not call it out. Stroking his beard, he nodded and said, "Minister Zhao speaks correctly. Everyone may leave—go back and make your preparations."

Kim Jeong-min swept his gaze over everyone once more and said again, "Minister Zhao may also return, and discuss carefully with the Grand Prince to see how this matter should be handled."

Everyone nodded together.

After everyone had risen to their feet, Kim Jeong-min looked at Zhao Chenqi and said, "Minister Zhao, stay a moment—I still have a few words to say to you."

The crowd exchanged a glance. Though somewhat surprised and wanting to stay, they could see from Kim Jeong-min's manner that he did not intend to keep them, so with some reluctance, they each took their leave.

"May I ask what business Your Excellency Kim has in keeping this subordinate behind?" Zhao Chenqi said, looking at Kim Jeong-min with an expressionless face, his tone neither humble nor overbearing.

"Judging by Your Excellency Zhao's attitude today, it seems there is something on your mind?" Kim Jeong-min stared at Zhao Chenqi and asked, "There is no one here now—why not speak frankly with this old man?"

"Your Excellency Kim is overthinking things. I have nothing on my mind." Zhao Chenqi raised his head and said with a smile.

"Is that so? Then all is well!" Kim Jeong-min nodded and said, "Since there is nothing, I shall not keep Your Excellency Zhao any longer. Your Excellency Zhao, please."

"Yes, this subordinate takes his leave." Zhao Chenqi acknowledged, then turned and walked out.

Kim Jeong-min's eyes narrowed slightly.

He was not about to believe that there was truly nothing going on just because Zhao Chenqi had denied it.

In fact, he was now even more certain that something was indeed going on.

Zhao Chenqi left Kim Jeong-min's residence and, not daring to delay, went straight to Grand Prince Bongnim's house.

Grand Prince Bongnim had also been waiting for news.

When Zhao Chenqi returned, the urgency in Grand Prince Bongnim's eyes was plain to see. Though he did not ask directly, it was obvious enough.

Lin Dechang sat to the side, quietly watching the two of them.

After several days of investigation, they had basically confirmed that what Lin Dechang had said was true. So over the past two days, Grand Prince Bongnim had changed his attitude toward him, treating him as an honored guest and counting him as a trusted confidant, keeping nothing from him.

"Has Your Highness received any news?" Zhao Chenqi asked with some urgency in his voice after paying his respects to Grand Prince Bongnim.

Grand Prince Bongnim nodded and said, "Is it news concerning Japan?"

"Exactly." Zhao Chenqi nodded gravely with a solemn expression.

"I never expected the progress to be this fast. I originally thought it would take another year or so of fighting, but I never imagined it would be over so quickly. This is not good for our plans." Grand Prince Bongnim spoke with a note of helplessness in his voice.

"Kim Jeong-min and his people are already preparing to ally with the Great Ming," Zhao Chenqi said. "Though they did not say it outright, their words have already revealed such intentions. They hope the Great Ming will offer more benefits while also helping them eliminate Zheng Xuhong and his faction."

"After all, if Zheng Xuhong and his people are gone, there will be fewer people to share the benefits with. Whether it's the Great Ming or themselves, they'll each get a larger share. This is very disadvantageous for us." Zhao Chenqi said with a dark expression.

"Utterly shameless!" Grand Prince Bongnim said angrily.

"They are betraying Joseon! These people are traitors to the nation!" Lin Dechang said with some agitation from the side. "Your Highness, we cannot let them succeed. Otherwise they will gain the Great Ming's support, and things will become troublesome."

"Most critically, these people will become the Great Ming's dogs, just like Park Jeong-yang. When that time comes, whatever the Great Ming tells them to do, they will do. They will support the Grand Prince chosen by the Great Ming, and this Joseon will cease to be a nation!"

Zhao Chenqi nodded from the side and said, "Indeed! Moreover, they have put forward a demand—if they are to support Your Highness, then Your Highness must go speak before the King, asking him to severely punish Zheng Xuhong and the others. Through Your Highness and the Great Ming applying pressure on the King, they want to force him to abandon Zheng Xuhong."

"Truly despicable and shameless!" Grand Prince Bongnim said furiously. "I absolutely cannot let them have their way! We cannot wait any longer on this matter—we must quickly think of a solution."

"At this point, I'm afraid the only option is to ally with Zheng Xuhong and his people," Lin Dechang said from the side. "Now that they have become fish on the chopping block, if we reach out a hand to pull them up, they will certainly be moved to tears of gratitude."

"Moreover, by allying with them, we gain supporters as well. Though they are currently in a precarious position, they still possess all the strength they ought to have. Their strength combined with ours will make suppressing Kim Jeong-min and his ilk take no great effort. By that time, we can also respond with composure."

"But what about the Great Ming?" Zhao Chenqi said with a furrowed brow. "The Great Ming will likely side with them."

"That is not necessarily so." Lin Dechang shook his head and said, "What Kim Jeong-min and his people can do, we can do as well. Kim Jeong-min wants to persuade the Great Ming simply by offering to split the benefits meant for the young officials faction with the Great Ming."

"But we don't need to do that—we can directly hand over everything belonging to the elders faction to them. The young officials faction is itself in a precarious position; if they can preserve themselves and still obtain the benefits that were originally theirs, I imagine they won't raise much objection."

"Not only would we gain the support of the young officials faction, we could also eliminate vermin like Kim Jeong-min and his people. For us, this can be considered a deal that cannot possibly lose."

Grand Prince Bongnim's eyes lit up. He turned to look at Lin Dechang and asked, "Are you confident?"

"Yes," Lin Dechang nodded and said, "I still have some connections in the Great Ming. I can discuss matters with them and have them handle this task. I believe they can accomplish it. When the time comes, if Your Highness displays proper deference, they will certainly offer their support."