The Kingdom That Never Sleeps CH 146 Because You Are Wang Zifeng!
As Xu Bi’s voice fell, an uproar erupted within Zichen Hall.
Seated on the dragon throne, Zhao Fu leaned slightly to the side, gazing down at the powerful ministers assembled beneath the jade steps. After a long pause, he spoke in a slow, measured tone, “Minister Xu, why do you believe this should not be done?”
Xu Bi remained as composed as ever. He was always detached, untouched by joy or sorrow. When Left Prime Minister Ji was still in office, Xu Bi was the most well-liked among the four prime ministers. Tang Shen had once worked under him for a year and had to admit that Prime Minister Xu was courteous and magnanimous, never making things difficult for him.
Not just Tang Shen—even Zhao Fu had not expected Xu Bi to be the first to stand in opposition.
Of all people, it should not have been Xu Bi. He was never one to contend, never one to take center stage.
Wang Zhen lowered his gaze to the golden bricks of the hall. Beside him, Prime Minister Xu spoke in a calm voice, “The Silver Pull Division has been established for over three years, yet the Military Silver Exchange Bank under the Ministry of War has only been implemented across thirty-six prefectures since last year. The flood in Jizhou this past August has just passed—natural disasters have left the people displaced, struggling to survive. At such a time, our priority should be to resettle the refugees.
“Our Great Song is like a fierce tiger with its belly carved open. If the Military Silver Exchange Bank serve solely the Ministry of War, it is undoubtedly beneficial, gladdening the hearts of the troops and easing the needs of the people. But if they are to serve the millions of common folk, how could the expenditure be merely a trifle? This would be an undue burden on the people and a waste of resources. Your Majesty, please reconsider!”
Wang Zhen’s tone was gentle. “If Prime Minister Xu is worried about the state treasury’s funds, then you need not concern yourself. As Minister of Revenue, I assure you that since the tenth year of Kaiping, the treasury has been plentiful each year. Utilizing it for disaster relief would not weaken the nation in the slightest.”
Xu Bi chuckled. “And what of manpower?”
Wang Zhen turned his head, his clear eyes meeting Xu Bi’s.
Before he could respond, another figure stepped forward from the front ranks of the civil officials.
Left Vice Prime Minister Chen Linghai raised his jade tablet high and declared in a loud voice, “I, too, believe this should not be done.”
Tang Shen abruptly turned his head, his gaze locking onto Chen Linghai.
He hadn’t expected the next to speak out would be Vice Prime Minister Chen. If Xu Bi opposed the measure because he came from an aristocratic family and the establishment of the Great Song Silver Bank threatened the interests of the nobility, then what of Chen Linghai? He was born into poverty, and the Great Song Silver Bank was undeniably a great reform for the people. Why would he oppose it?
Then, realization struck him—four years ago, when Right Prime Minister Wang Quan proposed and ultimately established the Revenue And Expenditure Department, Chen Linghai had also voiced opposition.
With two prime ministers now openly objecting, Wang Zhen stood at the forefront of the ministers. He lifted his head and looked toward Zhao Fu.
Zhao Fu met his gaze, silent and inscrutable.
No one knew what passed between ruler and minister in that brief exchange—what they realized, what they understood.
Then, Zhao Fu raised his hand. “In that case, we shall discuss this matter again tomorrow.”
Ji Fu immediately announced in his sharp voice, “Court is dismissed!”
Inside Zichen Hall, the officials bowed their heads, holding their jade tablets, waiting for the emperor to leave the hall step by step.
Tang Shen stood among the third-rank officials. After the emperor left, it was the turn of the first-rank ministers. From the corner of his eye, he saw one official robe after another pass by him—new, identical garments. Yet amidst the sea of officials, Tang Shen recognized Wang Zhen at a glance.
As Wang Zhen passed him, he did not slow his pace. His expression remained composed, his stride steady as he walked out of Zichen Hall.
The moment he stepped beyond the hall’s threshold, the harsh sunlight struck down upon him. Wang Zifeng squinted slightly, as if unaccustomed to the sudden brightness. When his eyes adjusted, he saw Xu Bi standing a short distance away, his hands clasped before him, smiling up at him from the foot of the steps.
Their gazes met for a brief moment before Wang Zhen descended the steps and saluted slightly. “Prime Minister Xu.”
Xu Bi returned the salute. “Minister Wang.”
It was as if they had never been at odds in Zichen Hall, as if the sharp confrontation had never occurred. Now, the two men walked side by side toward the palace gates.
Xu Bi, being older, had a slightly hunched back. Standing beside Wang Zifeng, he appeared noticeably shorter. With a kindly smile, he sighed softly and said, “Minister Wang, do you truly believe I am unwilling to see the Great Song Silver Bank established?”
Wang Zhen raised an eyebrow. “Why would Prime Minister Xu think so? Your reasoning was not without merit.”
Xu Bi chuckled. “I once heard Xian Zhi speak of the Military Silver Exchange Banks. Xian Zhi is the head of the Jiangnan Silver Pull Division, how could I not know this is a great undertaking for the nation and its people?” He looked at Wang Zhen intently, his expression solemn. “But, Minister Wang, you are still too young—too impatient! In another five years, the Great Song Silver Bank will surely thrive and benefit the people. But look at the current time—has it come yet? The bloodshed from the Revenue And Expenditure Department case is still fresh! You are young—why can’t you wait just five more years?”
Wang Zhen bowed deeply. “I will take Prime Minister Xu’s words to heart.”
They shared a smile and left the palace together.
First-rank officials were allowed to take carriages once outside the palace. Standing beside their respective carriages, Wang Zhen and Xu Bi spoke a little longer, their conversation carrying the air of old friends meeting late in life. Only after repeated farewells did they finally board their carriages—one heading toward the Ministry of Revenue, the other toward Qinzheng Hall.
Inside his carriage, Xu Bi still wore a gentle smile, his gaze deep and wise.
In another carriage, Wang Zhen picked up a book as soon as he sat down. It was Collected Writings of Wenxun, the last book compiled by Fu Wei before he retired to his hometown. He read quietly, his slender fingers tapping lightly against the window frame. After a long moment, he instructed the driver, “To Qinzheng Hall.”
The driver responded, and the carriage changed direction.
Upon arriving, Wang Zhen had barely reached his office when he encountered someone in the corridor.
Left Vice Prime Minister Chen Linghai had just returned from court as well. He paused upon seeing Wang Zhen.
Wang Zhen saluted first, and Chen Linghai returned the gesture.
Then, with a complex expression, Chen Linghai sighed, “After all these years, I have more or less discerned what you all intend to do. This is a grand endeavor—a legacy for the ages, something His Majesty wishes to be remembered for. But Wang daren, do you understand how difficult this is? The Revenue And Expenditure Department’s case—have you forgotten? You are challenging an immense force. Can you truly bear the weight of this?”
Wang Zhen widened his eyes in surprise. “Prime Minister Chen, you…”
Chen Linghai’s voice was heavy with meaning. “If it could be done, how could I not wish for it? But Zi Feng, I was once well acquainted with your teacher. How could I stand by and watch you plunge into an abyss? This is no mere matter of today or even the next hundred years. How can you possibly succeed? Do not go down the wrong path!”
When Tang Shen returned to Qinzheng Hall after court, he made his way directly to Wang Zhen’s office without hesitation.
As if expecting him, Wang Zhen was already brewing tea. Rolling up his white sleeves, he poured the clear tea into the teacup. Looking up, he smiled at Tang Shen and gestured for him to come closer.
Tang Shen instinctively stepped forward, intending to sit across from him.
But before he could, Wang Zifeng suddenly stood and pulled him into an embrace.
“Senior Brother?” Tang Shen asked in surprise.
Wang Zhen held onto him, drawing him to sit beside him, their shoulders pressed together.
“Coming to see me right after court—this must be about the Silver Pull Division?”
Tang Shen nodded. “Of course. Senior Brother, what do you think should be done now?”
Wang Zhen smiled. “As it happens, I wanted to discuss something with you. After leaving Zichen Hall, I met with two people—Prime Minister Xu and Prime Minister Chen. You know they both opposed the proposal this morning, but in private, they said something very different.”
"Prime Minister Xu said I was too hasty, suggesting that if I wait a few more years, I could achieve success and fame."
"Prime Minister Chen said I was on a misguided path, fearing that I might end up with a reputation that would stink for millennia, and hoped I would extricate myself soon."
"What do you think?"
Tang Shen's eyes widened, "They said these things privately?"
Wang Zhen nodded, "Indeed."
Tang Shen had a rough idea in his mind, but he didn't voice it. Instead, he asked Wang Zhen, "Does the sudden decree from His Majesty today have anything to do with you, Senior Brother?"
Wang Zhen looked at him seriously and smiled, "Yes, the day before yesterday I submitted a memorial to His Majesty discussing this matter. That's why His Majesty issued the decree."
Tang Shen had no more doubts. He said confidently, "In that case, there's no need to pay any more attention to what those two prime ministers said."
"Why is that?"
"Because, Senior Brother, if you think the time is right to accomplish this, then it will surely be accomplished."
Tang Shen spoke with absolute confidence, as if he had seen Wang Zhen's memorial himself, as if he had submitted it. Wang Zhen stared at him in astonishment, his heart surging with joy and love that filled his entire being. But he suppressed his excitement and calmly asked, "Oh? You have so much confidence in me?"
Tang Shen replied as if it were the most natural thing, "Because you are Wang Zifeng!"
Unable to hold back his laughter, Wang Zhen laughed heartily, then leaned down and kissed the young man beside him.
My heart delights in you, simply because you are the most worthy person in this world for me to love!
The two prime ministers had voiced their opposition during the morning court session, and the matter of the Great Song Silver Bank had also drawn the attention of the court officials. The next day, as soon as the chief eunuch announced the start of the morning court, the officials began to voice their opinions and take sides. The previous day had been sudden, and they hadn't known how to react. But after a day of private deliberation, they had formed their views and now argued like ants on a hot pan, their faces red with fervor, bickering incessantly.
In contrast, the three high-ranking officials who had spoken the day before now held their jade tablets and remained silent.
After a whole morning of arguing, Emperor Zhao Fu said in displeasure, "My ministers all have their own views. Are we now to decide based on who shouts the loudest?"
The officials immediately fell silent, not daring to make a sound.
Emperor Zhao Fu waved his hand, "Court is dismissed."
Another day passed.
On the third day, the court continued to debate fiercely over the Great Song Silver Bank. After half a month of arguments, a military report arrived from Youzhou. Grand Marshal, Grand Preceptor Zhou submitted a memorial vigorously praising the role of the Ministry of War's Military Silver Exchange Bank. In his memorial, he detailed the various benefits of the Military Silver Exchange Bank across thirty-six provinces.
When Emperor Zhao Fu ordered the memorial to be read aloud during the morning court, the officials were visibly surprised.
Left Prime Minister Xu Bi lowered his gaze to the ground, his fingers tightly gripping his white jade tablet.
Left Vice Prime Minister Chen Linghai couldn't hide his astonishment and turned to look at Wang Zhen.
Even Wang Quan secretly glanced at his nephew several times, only to see Wang Zifeng with his eyes downcast, calm and composed, as if he had no idea that Grand Preceptor Zhou would suddenly submit such a memorial praising the Silver Pull Division.
After the memorial was read, Emperor Zhao Fu waved his hand and asked, "Do my ministers still have any objections?"
No one spoke up.
Emperor Zhao Fu scanned the room, his gaze finally settling on Wang Zhen. He smiled and said, "Zi Feng."
Wang Zhen stepped forward and bowed, "Your subject receives the decree."