Chapter 606 Hunter and Prey

In the dim lantern shop, Jiang Wangsun smiled and asked this question slowly.

The candles in the room flickered, and the shadows of the two people cast on the pink wall became distorted.

Zhao Duan smiled, but his eyes narrowed. "Master Jiang, can you explain this?"

This is asking a question even though you already know the answer.

Jiang Wangsun’s meaning was very simple: If Zhao Duan was really confident enough, there would be no need for him to win him over and incite him to rebellion.

Of course, Zhao Duan also understood this truth.

What he understood even more clearly was that the reason the two of them took the risk and sat together was because both sides had something to ask for.

Therefore, today's conversation is not only an act of subversion, but also a business deal.

Jiang Wangsun asked to meet him before he would completely surrender because he needed to meet someone who could afford the price.

In other words, Jiang Wangsun's purpose from the beginning to the end was simple, which was to sell himself at a high price.

Before discussing business, one must first praise one's own wealth and belittle the other party.

"Haha, I've heard a lot of news while I was at Huting, such as the failure of the peace talks, the governor's military orders, and... the unrest in the Western Regions."

Jiang Wangsun was composed, with a gentle smile on his well-maintained face:

"Of course, even in this situation, I still believe in Your Majesty's side. However... I'm in a business that carries a lifeline. If I'm caught, how can I survive? Therefore, it all depends on how sincere the governor is."

Zhao Duan said calmly:

"Master Jiang participated in the rebellion, isn't that punishable by death?"

Jiang Wangsun choked.

Then, Zhao Duan continued to say lightly:

“To be honest, when I first heard that Lord Jiang was interested in joining my army, I was also surprised.

After all, Lord Jiang had served as the prefect of Jiancheng Dao. After Prince Jing raised the rebel army, Lord Jiang's qualifications and abilities made him an important official that Xuwen relied on.

Oh, to be honest, I even doubt whether Lord Jiang's surrender is sincere or just a pretense.

After all, Zhao Shixiong's matter is right before our eyes, so this governor has to be careful."

The smile on Jiang Wangsun's face gradually disappeared, and beads of sweat appeared on his temples.

"Commander, this old man..."

Zhao Duan raised his hand playfully to interrupt him, chuckling:

"However, when I learned that Lord Jiang's power had been reduced and he was gradually being squeezed out of Xu Wen's core circle, and even his actual power in Hu Ting was less than that of a newly emerged military advisor, I suddenly understood."

Jiang Wangsun didn't know whether to feel relieved or ashamed and angry.

But he had no way to refute it.

In fact, the reason why he had the idea of ​​rebellion was, first of all, because of the changes in the overall situation.

In fact, ever since the empress achieved transcendence and returned to the capital, he had believed that the hope of supporting Prince Jing to ascend the throne was slim.

No matter how strong you are, even with the help of Xuan Yin, who is also a celestial being, can you really break into the capital?

But at that time, the plans of the various princes to unite and blockade the imperial court were still tempting. As long as the capital was turned into an isolated island, the empress would be in name only.

However, with the deaths of King Heng of Qingzhou and King Mu of Yunfu, the blockade plan was shattered.

Jiang Wangsun has already understood that unless the Western Regions cause trouble and major changes occur, the best outcome will be that Prince Jing will secede from the south and establish a small court.

But the position of the small court was not enough to satisfy Jiang Wangsun's ambition.

But if it were just this, it would not be enough to make him decide to betray.

However, the emergence of military advisor Xu and the fact that he was gradually squeezed out of the group's power center were the last straw that broke the camel's back for Jiang Wangsun.

Why? A "military advisor" with no connections can take away his power as soon as he takes office?

Did he think the man's surname was Xu? Perhaps he was a descendant of a royal family related to Prince Jing?

"If Lord Jiang continues to stay under Xu Wen's command, he will eventually become a marginalized person."

Zhao Duan pointed out his predicament and said:

"There's no need for you and me to test each other, let's just be frank and honest.

This Governor has come here on behalf of the Emperor, so his words carry some weight. As long as Lord Jiang is willing to work for the court, I can promise on behalf of His Majesty that when the rebellion is settled, Lord Jiang and his family will be forgiven for their past misdeeds."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wangsun shook his head and said:

"I believe the governor's promise. But if you want me to serve you, there are a few conditions."

"Tell me first."

"It's not enough to pardon me and my family. You must also reward me."

"What reward do you want?"

“First, my Jiang family was once the largest family in Jianchengdao, but later declined and is now suppressed by the Shen family.

If your majesty's royal army marches south, the many noble families who participated in the rebellion will be liquidated. My Jiang family is willing to protect this Jianchengdao territory for your majesty."

The implication was that the empress was asking the Jiang family to support the Jiang family and replace the Shen family to become the largest family in Jiancheng.

Zhao Duan was not surprised at all and nodded.

"Can."

In the current era, it is difficult for imperial power to reach the countryside. Even if he regains Jiancheng Road, he still needs to support local families.

Just like after he defeated King Heng, he supported the Xiao family of Qingzhou to help the court stabilize Qingzhou.

The Shen family must be destroyed, but supporting the Jiang family is also an option.

If you don't listen, you will be destroyed in a few years.

Jiang Wangsun raised his second finger:

"Secondly, my Jiang family has many talented children, but they have been suppressed in recent years, and many of them have found it difficult to enter the government or serve as county officials... As the head of the clan, I should also find a way out for the children of the clan."

Zhao Duan glanced at him, thought for a moment, and nodded:

"Five members of the Jiang family may be allowed to enter Beijing and serve as officials. Their rank must not be lower than the fifth rank. However, any higher rank will depend on their own abilities."

Jiang Wangsun Weiwei frowned:

"Only the fifth rank?"

Zhao Duan said calmly:

"If you want a higher rank, the maximum number is two."

Jiang Wangsun was silent for a moment, and did not continue to bargain on this condition. Instead, he smiled and said:

"Okay."

So easily satisfied? Zhao Duan raised his eyebrows.

But Jiang Wangsun raised his third finger:

"One last condition. I'm already quite old, but the highest I've ever held is a prefect. I have great ambitions, but it's difficult for me to realize them. To be honest, Governor, I was inspired by Xu Wen and wanted a chance to showcase all I've learned..."

"So?" Zhao Duan interrupted him.

Jiang Wangsun stared at him deeply, his body leaning forward slightly, his eyes revealing a burning desire:

"If I could enter Xiuwen Hall and become its headmaster, I would have no regrets in my life."

Join the cabinet!

The real purpose is revealed!

The two conditions before were just appetizers. Jiang Wangsun’s real purpose was to enter the cabinet and become a cabinet elder.

Zhao Duan looked at him expressionlessly. After a moment of silence, he sneered faintly, picked up the lantern on the ground again, and said lightly:

"Send Master Jiang back."

"yes."

The door creaked open, and Song Jinxi floated in like a ghost, making a "please" gesture towards Jiang Wangsun.

Jiang Wangsun was stunned for a moment, realizing that he was rejected. He did not give up and said:

"Commander-in-Chief, you should know that Prince Jing is different from Prince Mu. He has an inner fortress of iron and steel. Without help, it would be difficult to break through. I am no less capable than Zhao Shixiong..."

"Show the guests away." Zhao Duan lowered his head and concentrated on pasting lanterns again.

Jiang Wangsun's face darkened and he stopped talking. He snorted coldly, stood up, flicked his sleeves, turned around and walked out.

But when he walked out of the door, he paused, but he didn't wait for anyone to call him, so he had to bite the bullet and walk out.

…

The door is closed.

Song Jinxi led Jiang Wangsun away seriously. Not long after, the sound of a carriage starting to move again was heard outside the courtyard.

"Is he really gone?"

At this moment, the light and shadow on the beams in the house twisted, and a young priestess wearing a priest robe embroidered with gold thread and glasses floated down in surprise.

Jin Jian's tone was full of surprise.

Zhao Duan lowered his head to paste the lanterns, without looking up he said:

"Didn't you see everything?"

Jin Jian turned his head to look at him curiously and asked doubtfully:

"What kind of position is a museum owner? Is it so important?"

"The head of the cabinet is naturally important. Oh, if he really gave it to him, not to mention how the Jiang family would rise to prominence, what would those imperial party officials in the court think? It would cause problems."

"Can't you just promise him first and then find a reason not to give it to him later?" Jin Jian said as a matter of course:

"Or maybe we can arrange for someone to kill him when the time comes. He's already that old..."

The girl pretended to be fierce and made a gesture of wiping her neck.

Zhao Duan made her laugh:

"How could such an old fox really believe in empty promises?

It must be written down. Given my status, if I make a promise and then break it, it will truly embarrass Your Majesty and ruin his credibility. This will be recorded in history books. Killing someone is easy, but the aftermath will be troublesome.”

This is not okay, that is not okay either... Jin Jian puffed up his face:

"It's really troublesome. I don't understand you. But if this happens, won't all my efforts be in vain? This old man is really brave. Aren't you afraid that if he angers you, you won't let him go back?"

Zhao Duan actually nodded in agreement:

"Yeah, I think he's brave. Even if it's to save his life, he should be humble and go back safely first. So, is there a possibility that he didn't plan to go back?"

"Ah?" Jin Jian was confused and didn't understand.

Fortunately, she understood the next moment.

Because the carriage that had already driven away actually backed up into the street again, and then there was the sound of approaching footsteps.

"Bang!"

The door was pushed open.

Jiang Wangsun walked in with a stern face, said nothing, and sat down directly opposite Zhao Duan.

The golden tablet had disappeared again.

"Why did Lord Jiang leave and come back?" Zhao Duan raised his head in puzzlement.

Jiang Wangsun's expression was uncertain. He gritted his teeth and sighed:

"The governor is very composed, and I admire him. Let's forget about the cabinet appointment. Just the first two points will suffice."

Zhao Duan smiled and said:

"The price has changed this time. Only three members of the Jiang family can enter Beijing to serve as officials."

Jiang Wangsun's eyes widened: "How could the governor go back on his word?"

Zhao Duan asked doubtfully:

"Didn't Lord Jiang reject the previous offer first?"

Immediately, he slowly put down the lantern, stared at the other person with a dim gaze, and said:

“Going and coming back, the price is two different things.

If Lord Jiang is dissatisfied, he can go back and think about it again. However, I must remind you that the scene of Lord Jiang coming to see me today has been secretly recorded by me on a recording scroll, which can be sent to Ye Xin at any time.

"you!!"

Jiang Wangsun was so shocked that he suddenly stood up, and the movement was so big that the bench under his butt was overturned!

He breathed heavily, staring intently at Zhao Duan. After a while, Jiang Wangsun suddenly collapsed like a deflated ball, and said dejectedly and bitterly:

"It's all up to the governor."

Wouldn't it be fine if you just cooperated earlier? Why did you have to make such a fuss...

Zhao Duan smiled brightly, stood up enthusiastically, shook his hand, and personally lifted the stool on the ground, inviting him to sit down:

"In that case, that couldn't be better. I'm new here, and I have something I want to ask Lord Jiang."

Jiang Wangsun, who had been completely convinced, shook his head and smiled bitterly:

"The Commander-in-Chief wants to know the origins of that military advisor named Xu, right? Unfortunately, I don't know.

This person never even revealed his true face. All I know is that on the day when the news of Xu Jingtang's death came, this person came to the tent with two subordinates whose true faces were also not revealed, and met Xu Wen alone.

The two met privately for two hours, after which Xu Wen appointed him as his military advisor. Ye Xin also obeyed his every word.

Zhao Duan frowned:

"If this is the only answer Lord Jiang can give, I'm afraid your sincerity is lacking."

Jiang Wangsun took out a document from his sleeve:

"This is the details of the rebels' current deployment in Huting. In addition, I have a gift for Governor Zhao."

"What gift?" Zhao Duan was curious.

"Feng Ju." Jiang Wangsun said:

"Doctor Feng and a group of officials stationed at Huting are now under house arrest. If the governor needs them, I can arrange for them to be rescued."

Feng Ju... Zhao Duan was stunned.

When Huting was first opened for business, Feng Ju was appointed as the "person in charge" and was responsible for related matters in Huting. Later, the princes rebelled and the place fell. He and a group of officials disappeared and were no longer found alive.

Since Jiang Wangsun had made up his mind to surrender, he obviously wanted to show his sincerity and loyalty.

Zhao Duan thought about it and nodded, "Okay."

Feng Ju was the first "direct official" he accepted after entering Dayu, and he bore the heavy imprint of Zhao Duan.

If we can save him, that would be great.

Soon, the two discussed the details again, and then Jiang Wangsun said goodbye and left again.

"what's on your mind?"

Jin Jian slowly emerged from the darkness, looking at him curiously while holding the one-eyed staff.

Zhao Duan stood at the door of the lantern shop, staring at the scattered stars in the sky outside in a daze.

Hearing this, he whispered:

"I just think it went a little too smoothly."

"Ah? Is there?" Jin Jian was confused. After thinking for a while, he changed the subject:

"Why did this old man give in so quickly? Just because you threatened him? He doesn't seem very smart."

Zhao Duan shook his head and said:

"My threat is completely unimportant. It was just a way out for him. The real reason is simple. When he chose to come here today, he already had no way back. Many things, once done, cannot be reversed."

"Oh." Jin Jian pretended to understand and handed him a recording scroll:

"If it's useless, why bother wasting the scroll to actually record it?"

Zhao Duan said: "Because I don't like this person."

"Why? Because he bargained with you?" Jin Jian asked cautiously.

"No," Zhao Duan shook his head.

"I don't like traitors. Even traitors who betray the enemy."

…

…

Dafeng Tower.

Xu Jianwen was sitting alone on the rooftop on a winter night.

He sat casually and lazily, with his legs stretched out and his hands supported behind his back. He squinted his eyes and looked at the dark clouds above his head that had split open, revealing a little moonlight.

There was a sound of footsteps on tiles behind him. Ren Kun, wrapped in a khaki robe, slowly walked over and said with a bow:

"Your Highness, Prince Jiang has returned to his residence."

Xu Jianwen: "You haven't been exposed, have you?"

Ren Kun said, "As you instructed, I didn't follow them. I just stayed near the tunnel to avoid alerting the enemy."

"Very good." Xu Jianwen said:

"If my guess is correct, Jiang Wangsun has surrendered.

Then, we must offer our loyalty. Our army's deployment map is definitely one of them, but Zhao Duan will not believe it rashly. He will definitely slowly verify the authenticity of the information first. Don't do anything yet, let him verify it."

Ren Kun asked, "Are we just going to let Jiang Wangsun sell the information? We're not going to do anything?"

Xu Jianwen smiled and said:

"You can't rush a game of chess. You have to lure the enemy deeper before you can strike. Also, go and slightly reduce the surveillance on Feng Ju and the others. Jiang Wangsun might try to rescue them. If Zhao Duan wants them, then give them to him."

"yes."

…

In a government office, Feng Ju woke up from his sleep and couldn't help sneezing.

——

Typos and typos will be corrected first and then edited

(End of this chapter)