The Kingdom That Never Sleeps CH 163 Compared to Wang Daren, Xian Zhi Is Lacking
The Liao Emperor passed away, and the emperor swiftly summoned his trusted aides to Chuigong Hall to discuss state affairs.
The Liao Emperor had long passed the prime of life. Due to his years of battle in his youth, his body bore numerous injuries, and he had been bedridden in recent years. Yet, no one expected him to suddenly die at this critical moment.
If the Song and Liao were still at war, the sudden death of the Liao Emperor would plunge the Liao State into chaos—an opportune moment for the Song to strike.
Zhao Fu anxiously asked, "My loyal subjects, do you have any good strategies?"
The Left Prime Minister, Xu Bi, stepped forward and saluted. "With the two nations already at war, our Great Song has not been at a disadvantage. I believe that our Song is no longer the same weak nation it was twenty-six years ago. Even in a direct battle against Liao, we need not fear. Now that Liao is in turmoil, it is the perfect time to press our advantage. Reclaiming our lost lands is within reach."
Zhao Fu understood this well—it was indeed a golden opportunity to attack the Liao. Xu Bi had merely voiced his own thoughts with certainty. Pleased, the emperor exclaimed "Good!" three times, laughing heartily. He stood up, walked among his ministers, and declared excitedly, "How our Great Song asserts dominance in the Central Plains will be determined by this battle!"
That very night, the emperor issued an urgent decree, mobilizing the entire nation for a swift war against Liao.
After returning from Chuigong Hall, Yu Chaosheng sat in his office in the Ministry of Justice, lost in thought for a long time.
As the sun set and dusk fell, a government worker quietly entered and asked if he should light the lamps. Yu Chaosheng snapped back to reality. Looking up at the gray-haired government worker he remained silent for a long time. When the man asked again, Yu Chaosheng suddenly stood up and said, "No need."
The old government worker was puzzled as he watched Yu Chaosheng hastily leave, as if fleeing from some unseen calamity.
The war against Liao was imminent.
Yu Chaosheng never expected that when he brought Wang Xiao and the others back from Youzhou, he would face such a situation.
At that time, Yu Chaosheng had secretly investigated Youzhou's Silver Pull Division and discovered that Wang Zifeng had extended his influence into the Northwest army, using the bureau to meddle with the military. It was a golden opportunity. Without giving Wang Zifeng any chance to react, Yu Chaosheng captured his men and returned to the capital, ensuring that even if Wang Zifeng realized it, it would be too late.
Yu Chaosheng had long suspected Wang Zifeng of colluding with Li Jingde and others to dominate the court. However, he had not known that Wang Xiao and the other three were secretly infiltrating Liao to gather intelligence for the Northwest army.
Now, Wang Xiao and his team were imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice. They had already confessed everything.
As the pieces of the puzzle fell into place, Yu Chaosheng finally saw the full picture of this grand scheme.
Three years ago, the emperor had sent Su Wenyun and Tang Shen to Youzhou, all for the purpose of plotting against Liao. They had used the Silver Pull Division to plant spies within Liao. This scheme was deeply entangled with the Silver Pull Division, and even the emperor himself must have known that Wang Zifeng would not be easily kept in the dark. But Wang Zifeng knowing was one thing—his excessive interference was another.
This was an excellent opportunity.
Yu Chaosheng could report Wang Zifeng to the emperor, feigning ignorance of the plot against Liao while accusing Wang Zifeng of abusing his power and overstepping his authority.
A sharp call from the night watch suddenly rang out, piercing through the thick courtyard walls and into Yu Chaosheng’s ears. He jolted awake, looking down at his palm, which was damp with cold sweat.
It was already the third watch. Dawn was near.
Yu Chaosheng had not slept the entire night. His eyes were bloodshot as he walked to his desk, picked up his brush, and prepared to draft an impeachment memorial against Wang Zifeng. But just as his brush was about to touch the paper, he hesitated.
The next day, as Tang Shen left the Qinzheng Hall, he ran into Yu Chaosheng at the entrance.
Tang Shen startled slightly, then saluted, "This lower official greets the Minister of Justice."
Yu Chaosheng seemed slightly startled as well. He waved his hand and said, "No need for formalities."
Tang Shen observed him carefully. "Daren, your complexion looks unwell. Are you feeling ill?"
Yu Chaosheng replied, "I have been busy with official duties lately. Thank you for your concern, Tang daren."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they parted ways.
As Tang Shen turned back, he saw Yu Chaosheng enter Qinzheng Hall, heading toward the Left Prime Minister’s office.
He was probably going to see Xu Bi.
Tang Shen's gaze darkened as he turned away.
Yu Chaosheng entered Xu Bi’s office. Xu Bi was reading a military report from the Northwest. Seeing Yu Chaosheng, he smiled and said, "Xian Zhi, what brings you here? Have a seat. It’s been a busy day. With the Liao Emperor’s death and the war intensifying, every military report is crucial."
Yu Chaosheng sat down. "How is the Northwest front?"
Xu Bi chuckled. "The Liao Second Prince, Yelü Shege, is leading the Black Wolf Army in Datong. But now that the Liao Emperor has died, what do you think will happen? He has to fight a war and compete with his brother for the throne. We don’t know the exact situation yet, but it won’t be long before Liao falls into civil strife."
Yu Chaosheng remained silent, struggling internally.
Seeing this, Xu Bi immediately understood that his student had come with a heavy burden. Instead of pressing him, he said gently, "Xian Zhi, how long have we been teacher and student?"
Yu Chaosheng replied, "After ranking second in the imperial examination, I was fortunate to earn Sir’s favor. It has been eighteen years since then."
"Whenever you are troubled, you become taciturn."
Yu Chaosheng was stunned.
"Just like now. What is troubling you?"
After a moment of hesitation, Yu Chaosheng finally said, "Sir, I came for an important matter. Before I went to Youzhou, you told me that only I could save myself. Last month, I brought some people back, and you know about this. But what you do not know is that these men were imperial spies embedded in Liao!"
Xu Bi paused, setting his teacup down with a sigh. "So, it’s true. I had my suspicions, but I was never certain. Now, it seems my guess was correct. So, do you fear that capturing these men will affect the war?"
Yu Chaosheng said nothing.
Xu Bi frowned. "Nonsense! If those four were truly indispensable, would Li Jingde have let you take them? Would Grand Preceptor Zhou have allowed it? Even His Majesty wouldn’t have permitted it! They may be important, but they are not crucial. Without them, the war may be affected, but it will not fail."
Yu Chaosheng sighed. "I understand now. But if I accuse Wang Zifeng, the court will undoubtedly suspect His Majesty’s operations in the Northwest."
Xu Bi suddenly understood his student’s true dilemma. He gazed at Yu Chaosheng and said, "Xian Zhi, sometimes, one must choose what not to do in order to achieve what must be done."
Yu Chaosheng stood in silence for a long time.
That day, an urgent military report arrived from Youzhou, galloping to the capital.
That same day, Wang Zifeng formally requested an audience with the emperor, requesting the release of the four men detained by the Ministry of Justice.
The emperor, sensing the undercurrents at play, smiled and asked Wang Zifeng, "Zi Feng, are these four men truly that important?"
Wang Zifeng replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, as the commander of the Silver Pull Division, nothing in the bureau escapes my notice. I believe these four men are, indeed, quite important—especially now."
The emperor chuckled and issued a casual decree for Yu Chaosheng to investigate thoroughly, then release them promptly.
This is the emperor.
Zhao Fu knew that Wang Zhen was aware of his deployments in the Northwest, but what he wanted was for Wang Zhen to know, not to intervene. If he had truly wanted Wang Zhen to handle the matter, he would not have needed to send Su Wenyun and Tang Shen in the first place. Sending Tang Shen was an opportunity for Wang Zhen to gain favor, but sending him alone without informing Wang Zhen was also a strong warning.
That night, as he cultivated immortality, Zhao Fu was in high spirits, feeling particularly pleased with himself.
Feeling inspired, he climbed the Xuji Tower in the middle of the night, gazing upon the grand scenery of Shengjing. He turned to his close eunuch, Ji Fu, and said, "Though I dwell in but one corner of the world, the entire realm is in my grasp!"
Ji Fu flattered him, "The nine provinces of this divine land all belong to Your Majesty."
Zhao Fu shook his head. "Not just the land—the people on it are mine as well."
Xu Bi? Wang Quan? Chen Linghai? Geng Shaoyun?
Wang Zhen, Su Wenyun, Yu Chaosheng, Tang Shen…
Even Ji Wengji, who considered himself the one who understood Zhao Fu the most—who among them was not being played in the palm of his hand!
Ji Fu, of course, did not understand the emperor’s deeper meaning, but having lived for sixty years, he had once heard an older eunuch say: when people grow old, they become arrogant. No one is perfect; no one can always be the smartest person in the room. Perhaps being a fool forever is the only way to truly be wise.
Zhao Fu firmly believed he had complete control over Wang Zhen and Yu Chaosheng.
If Wang Zhen truly interfered in the Liao matter, Yu Chaosheng would certainly impeach him. Otherwise, Wang Zhen would never spare Yu Chaosheng—he would use the Xingzhou case to ruin him completely.
However, the most unpredictable thing in the world was the human heart.
On the 27th of August, just as Yu Chaosheng entered the Ministry of Justice, a government worker delivered an invitation.
Yu Chaosheng opened it and remained silent for a long time.
That evening, after court, he arrived at Qianli Tower. A private room on the fourth floor had already been reserved. Led by a servant, Yu Chaosheng entered the room and saw Wang Zhen standing by the window, gazing into the distance.
Yu Chaosheng saluted, "This lower official, Yu Chaosheng, greets the Left Senior Grand Secretary."
Wang Zhen turned, his eyes lighting up with joy. "Yu daren" He strode forward with a smile. "No need for formalities, please, have a seat."
Yu Chaosheng sat down, and the two began their meal.
Qianli Tower was owned by the Jing Prince's estate, often frequented by court officials. The private rooms on the fourth floor were all secluded and had discreet exits, ensuring privacy.
After finishing their meal, they engaged in small talk—mostly about court affairs. With the war in the Northwest intensifying, the conversation naturally drifted toward Youzhou.
Then, Wang Zhen suddenly changed the subject. "Yu daren, do you know where I was looking when you entered?"
Indeed, when Yu Chaosheng walked in, Wang Zhen had been gazing out over the city, but at what exactly, he did not know.
Yu Chaosheng replied, "I do not know."
Wang Zhen smiled. "Come with me."
The two walked to the window. Wang Zhen pushed it open and pointed. "Yu daren, does anything look familiar?"
Yu Chaosheng, now past forty, found it difficult to see clearly in the dim light of dusk. He squinted for a moment before realizing, "That is the Qionglin Park?"
Wang Zhen nodded. "Yes, Qionglin Park. Every three years, the palace examination is held, and His Majesty personally selects the top three scholars. After the triumphant parade, all successful candidates attend a banquet at Qionglin Park—a once-in-a-lifetime event. Thinking back, that night was eighteen years ago, wasn't it?"
Yu Chaosheng couldn't help but feel nostalgic. "They say one of life’s greatest joys is passing the imperial exam."
Wang Zhen said, "I remember something you said at that banquet, Yu daren."
Yu Chaosheng looked at him, puzzled. He no longer remembered what he had said eighteen years ago, but something in his mind told him exactly what Wang Zhen was about to say—how these words would lead him to the point of no return.
Wang Zhen gazed at him sincerely, his voice warm and steady, smiling as he said, "His Majesty asked the top three scholars why they had endured ten years of hardship to take the exam. Yu daren, you were too honest, and your answer left a lasting impression on me, as if it were just yesterday. You said you had not studied for ten years but twenty. And as for why you took the exam…"
Yu Chaosheng finished his sentence for him. "A scholar's pursuit of knowledge is, in part, a search for the reason behind that very pursuit."
Wang Zhen smiled faintly. "Yes. Now, eighteen years later, have you found that reason, Yu daren?"
Yu Chaosheng looked deeply into Wang Zhen’s eyes, then saluted. "Compared to Wang daren, Xian Zhi is lacking."
Wang Zhen's expression shifted—he, too, returned the salute. When he spoke again, every word was sincere, from the depths of his heart.
"Yu daren, you are a man of integrity and virtue. Today, Wang Zhen yields to you with utmost admiration."