Chapter 1524: Friction Between Zhao and Lu

Though the sparrow is small, it has all five organs—that is exactly what Daiyue Town was like. Though a newly established market town, its administrative structure was complete, with fully staffed officials and clerks, comprehensive infrastructure, and even an underground drainage system built with special care.

Though this was a face project, all its attributes were maxed out. It could be said that with such a foundation, even without the Fengshan sacrifices, centered on Daiyue Town, the Wen River plain in northern Yanzhou would usher in a new round of development opportunities.

At the town's southern end, facing the Wen River at the town gate, beside the long street running through the town, stood a somewhat cramped little building. This had originally been the station for the town's patrol guards, but for now, it had become the temporary lodging of Wang Yinwu, Commissioner of the Wude Office.

As Commissioner of the Wude Office, the Great Han's number-one intelligence chief, when Emperor Liu performed the Fengshan sacrifices at Mount Tai, Wang Yinwu naturally accompanied the imperial entourage, bringing the Wude Office's "elite troops and strong generals" to attend diligently.

Of course, security was handled by the imperial guards; Wang Yinwu's role was merely auxiliary, coordinating with oversight of the field headquarters. His main work was still gathering all sorts of intelligence and stories, to be ready for Emperor Liu's inquiries at any time.

Choosing his lodging at the town gate was also to facilitate his subordinate agents and investigators coming and going to report, keeping a low profile so as not to disturb the dignitaries in town. This could only demonstrate an attitude, of course.

The setting sun hung low in the west, swaying as if about to fall, its dim yellow light reaching only half the building. Inside, Wang Yinwu sat in the shadows, head buried in sorting through reports from various places.

He had received a secret directive from Emperor Liu to investigate whether any malpractices had occurred during Yanzhou's preparations for the Fengshan sacrifices—whether there was embezzlement or dereliction of duty, whether excessive conscription of labor had stirred popular resentment, and the like.

This matter actually put Wang Yinwu in a difficult position, because he didn't know whether Emperor Liu wanted to hear that there were problems or that there were none. This point was crucial, as it would allow him to gauge the scope and measure of his investigation.

He had been Commissioner of the Wude Office for nearly a year now, and had had audiences with Emperor Liu more than once or twice. Yet to Wang Yinwu, Emperor Liu remained as shrouded in mist and clouds, unfathomable and hard to divine.

This was probably also the difference between Wang Yinwu and Li Chongju. If it were Li Chongju, he wouldn't have so many complicated thoughts—he would simply report the facts as they were.

Wang Yinwu was different. Having climbed up from the bottom, he cherished this extraordinary promotion all the more. His hawk-and-hound nature was more pronounced, and he was more unscrupulous, with everything subordinate to Emperor Liu's will. Not being able to understand Emperor Liu's intentions, not being able to satisfy Emperor Liu, truly made him anxious, almost frantic.

The furrow of his brow seemed to embody his conflicted heart, when a subordinate walked to the door and reported: "Governor, Lu Duoxun, Administration Commissioner of Liangzhe, has come to call and requests an audience!"

Hearing this, Wang Yinwu was slightly surprised, but his worried expression quickly gave way to a smile as he extended his hand: "Quickly, invite him in!"

With that he rose, intending to go greet him in person. Just as he reached the door, he heard a voice first: "Brother Wang, over a year since we parted—have you been well?"

Looking up, he saw a middle-aged man with an arrogant bearing, in a purple robe and jade crown, smiling as he looked at him. The visitor was none other than Lu Duoxun, Administration Commissioner of Liangzhe.

Wang Yinwu cupped his hands and replied with a smile: "Chancellor Lu has graced us with your presence, and I failed to welcome you from afar. Please forgive my negligence."

"I wouldn't dare!" said Lu Duoxun. "I just paid my respects to the Crown Prince, and having a moment of leisure, I recalled that Brother Wang was here, so I came especially to visit! You now hold authority over the Wude Office, a weighty responsibility. I am but a wanderer outside the capital, and truly dare not presume!"

"Chancellor Lu is being modest! As the chief official of a circuit, with high position and great power, how many in the realm can match you? And in a prosperous place like Liangzhe in the southeast—how many envy you and cannot attain it!"

"Haha!" Lu Duoxun couldn't help but laugh, looking to be in excellent spirits.

Between Lu Duoxun and Wang Yinwu, there was no need for much explanation—they were old acquaintances, with a history tracing back to their mission to the Western Regions, returning after enduring great hardships.

Later, the two had served together in the northwestern prefectures, and over more than a decade, their relationship had grown increasingly close. Within that northwestern military-political clique centered on Lu Duoxun, Wang Yinwu counted as a key figure. Despite the special nature of his duties, their secret exchanges were frequent.

After being led to their seats, Wang Yinwu asked: "I've been wondering lately—with so many high officials from various prefectures gathering at Mount Tai, how could there be no news of Chancellor Lu? It seems you've arrived late!"

Attendants served tea and withdrew, leaving the two space to converse. With a hint of a sneer at the corner of his mouth, Lu Duoxun said: "Some people don't want to come to the capital, so I had no choice but to invite myself!"

His words carried obvious resentment. Of course, Lu Duoxun had still submitted a request to come, and had obtained the Crown Prince's approval.

Seeing his indignant expression, Wang Yinwu was slightly surprised and said: "The 'someone' Chancellor Lu speaks of—could it be Chancellor Zhao?"

"Brother Wang, why ask what you already know?" said Lu Duoxun.

Hearing this, Wang Yinwu frowned slightly, and after deliberating, said with confusion: "Chancellor Lu, forgive my ignorance, but you and Chancellor Zhao have had little interaction in the past. Where does this grudge come from, and why would he target you so?"

The arrogance on Lu Duoxun's face grew, and he said: "Perhaps my standing and reputation are too shallow, my talents unremarkable, not worthy of the regard of such court heavyweights as Li Fang and Wang Qiwu."

Sensing the resentment in Lu Duoxun's words, Wang Yinwu made no comment, only smiling and pouring him a cup of hot tea to soothe his mood.

In fact, Lu Duoxun's spirits had indeed been somewhat depressed over the past year or so, probably starting from his transfer to Liangzhe. Comparing Liangzhe with Hexi—one was prosperous in the southeast, the other poor and remote in the northwest. In others' eyes, going from Hexi to Liangzhe, even as a lateral transfer, was a step up.

However, Lu Duoxun clearly didn't see it that way. No matter how remote Hexi was, it was a place for military achievement, where he could build his career and leave his name. More importantly, he had operated in Hexi and the entire northwest for a long time, with deep roots. Liangzhe, however prosperous, was to him a place without foundation, hard to gain a foothold.

Moreover, no matter how one looked at it, the northwest was a place where political achievements came more easily, which was extremely important to Lu Duoxun, who had always harbored political ambitions.

Therefore, in Lu Duoxun's eyes, his transfer from Hexi to Liangzhe was unquestionably a major setback in his official career. And based on later inquiries from various sources, he had figured out that the cause lay with Zhao Pu—it was he who had advised Emperor Liu, leading to the transfer.

And the reason Zhao Pu had given was precisely that Lu Duoxun had served long in the northwest, with suspicion of forming cliques and factionalism—a point that struck exactly at Lu Duoxun's sore spot.

This made Lu Duoxun feel as though he'd been shot from behind. Not to mention whether he had actually formed factions or abused power in the northwest back then, just the fact that Zhao Pu had made the recommendation and Emperor Liu had agreed—did it mean his impression in Emperor Liu's eyes had been damaged, that he was now stained in Emperor Liu's view?

Cutting off a man's livelihood is like killing his parents, and Zhao Pu had nearly cut off Lu Duoxun's career—how could he not gnash his teeth? Wang Yinwu might not feel the matter as deeply, but he understood it well enough, and could sympathize with Lu Duoxun's indignation.

"This tea isn't much good!" Steam rose lazily from the teacup as Lu Duoxun took a sip and remarked to Wang Yinwu.

"That was my oversight. Chancellor Lu has always enjoyed fine tea—I should have served something better!" Wang Yinwu slapped his forehead, apologizing while sending someone to fetch better tea.

Lu Duoxun raised a hand to stop him, then called out to the door. A waiting attendant entered, holding a brocade box presented respectfully. Under Wang Yinwu's astonished gaze, he smiled: "I couldn't very well come empty-handed. A small gift, please accept it."

Wang Yinwu hurriedly made gestures of refusal, but Lu Duoxun said: "Between us, a friendship of gentlemen—it's merely some 'White Cloud Tea' produced in Hangzhou!"

Wang Yinwu was no fool when it came to valuables, and remarked with feeling: "This is tribute tea!"

Unable to refuse such kindness, he accepted it. Of course, though this tea was of tribute grade, it was not actually tribute goods—Lu Duoxun didn't have the nerve to do anything that overstepped propriety.

"I see worry on Brother Wang's face—what matter troubles you?" Lu Duoxun asked casually.

Hearing this, Wang Yinwu's face showed hesitation. Seeing this, Lu Duoxun chuckled lightly: "If it involves confidential matters, there's no need to be troubled."

"It's nothing major!" Wang Yinwu was instead a bit embarrassed, and after considering for a moment, said: "Perhaps I should indeed seek Chancellor Lu's counsel!"

With that, Wang Yinwu briefly explained the investigation task Emperor Liu had assigned, and voiced his hesitation.

Hearing this, Lu Duoxun burst into laughter and said: "This matter is not difficult to handle! Brother Wang should know—the Fengshan sacrifices are an event of such magnitude, how could any mistake be permitted?

If problems arose, how would things be settled then? I can assure you, neither His Majesty nor the officials responsible for preparing the ceremony would want any accident or complication.

Therefore, if you truly investigated and found problems, you would instead incur the wrath of everyone!"

Hearing Lu Duoxun's words, Wang Yinwu was suddenly enlightened, as if a great problem had been solved. With a relaxed expression, he said: "Chancellor Lu has enlightened me! Thank you for the guidance!"

"No need for thanks!"

Lu Duoxun acknowledged verbally, but inwardly he couldn't help pondering—the preparations for the Fengshan sacrifices were all led by Zhao Pu. If any malpractice or oversight truly emerged, wouldn't Zhao Pu have to bear responsibility? If so...

Soon, Lu Duoxun forcibly reined in his wandering thoughts. As he had said himself, the Fengshan ceremony was best served by everyone being happy—no mistakes could be tolerated, and even if there were any, they should be covered up.

Lu Duoxun likewise didn't dare do anything that would incur the wrath of all. Though he resented Zhao Pu and wanted to deal with him, he still needed to be careful about methods. If he acted rashly and got himself caught in the trap, it would not be worth the loss.