With new life
"No need for formalities," Fu Qinxiang said as she stepped down, surrounded by her maids.
The five officers rose, brushed the dust off their clothes, and took their seats according to rank. The main hall was magnificent, but it had no windows; sunlight could only filter through the cracks in the doors.
"Remember this: anyone who mentions Jiang Zhong's name in court should think twice before they do so," Fu Qinxiang said sternly, startling Xie Yihang.
Fu Qinxiang stopped in front of a bonsai tree, spread her hands, and a maid respectfully presented her with silver scissors. She took them, stretched out her slender fingers, pinched the withered leaves, and trimmed them away little by little.
"By the way, does Jiang Zhong have a good-for-nothing son?" Fu Qinxiang asked casually.
Xu Liaoxiang spoke first: "No—"
“Yes,” Liu Guanhua glared at Xu Liaoxiang, cupped his hands and moved closer to within about five steps. Fu Qinxiang noticed his approach and put down the scissors to look at him. He quickly smiled and continued, “Hey, this kid is just good for nothing, nothing at all.”
Fu Qinxiang looked on with interest and gestured for him to continue.
Liu Guanhua rolled up one sleeve in a theatrical manner, held up three fingers, and said, "Three years without passing the imperial examination."
"Oh? Don't try to fool me." Fu Qinxiang picked up the scissors again.
Upon hearing this, Liu Guanhua became anxious and hurriedly said, "Every word I said is true. This Jiang Zhong is cunning and adept at bewitching the Emperor, and his son is no better."
"Why didn't you get rid of them?" Fu Qinxiang began to trim the wilted flowers.
The other four exchanged glances but remained silent.
"I deserve to die. I thought he was young and naive and posed no threat, so I kept this child alive," Liu Guanhua said somewhat guiltily.
"You've suddenly become kind-hearted now, huh?" Fu Qinxiang turned around, raised her scissors, and slowly traced Liu Guanhua's outline with the scissors.
"Grand Preceptor, don't worry. I've already exiled this man to Bantianhua. Within three months, he'll surely be crushed under the iron hooves of some army and disappear forever from Tiansong—or even Dazhao." Liu Guanhua wasn't sure if Jiang Heng was really going, but he said this to convince himself.
Fu Qinxiang nodded. Then she asked, "How old are you?"
"I will be officially recognized next year in the month of Huaihe," Liu Guanhua replied.
"What's your personality like?" Fu Qinxiang continued to ask.
“Cunning and treacherous,” Liu Guanhua replied.
Fu Qinxiang pondered for a moment, thinking that if this boy were to be used by her, he would definitely be a sharp sword, but whether he would be suitable for her still needed to be considered.
"You should spare him for now, lest he really die." Fu Qinxiang pointed to Liu Guanhua's forehead.
"Yes, yes, I knew he was clever and would be able to avoid conflict. I'll also send someone to keep a close watch on him, and we'll be absolutely certain of success," Liu Guanhua said with a fawning smile.
"Some people have only been in office for a few days and they've already started to claim ancestral roots," Guo Zheng said dismissively.
Liu Guanhua just gave a wicked laugh and didn't reply.
Unable to contain himself, Xu Liaoxiang stood up, bowed, and asked, "May I ask, Grand Preceptor, why is it so necessary to eliminate the Jiang clan?"
Upon hearing this, Fu Qinxiang pointed the scissors at Xu Liaoxiang and waved them lightly above his head, saying, "What, is Jiang Zhong your father?" Xu Liaoxiang stopped being polite and looked up, daring not to speak out despite his anger.
“They were classmates and close friends,” Liu Guanhua said proudly.
"Oh, I see." Fu Qinxiang opened the scissors and snipped away, the eerie sound of silver metal scraping against metal echoing in the hall, the sound of wild beasts gnawing on bones.
Fu Qinxiang then slung the scissors behind her back, walked slowly to Xu Liaoxiang, and said, "You and he are worlds apart. From now on, you will live in a high position, while he will be buried in the grass. You will never see each other again. Why bother thinking of your classmates?"
Xu Liaoxiang hesitated for a moment, and Fu Qinxiang pressed her advantage, saying, "Come with me and enjoy wealth and glory. With just a snap of your fingers, everything will be accomplished."
"Imperial Advisor, you're so eager to win over your subordinates. What are your plans for the future?" Guo Zheng asked without getting up, remaining seated.
"I... I will never mention him again," Xu Liaoxiang finally spoke up.
Fu Qinxiang smiled at him, then said to Guo Zheng, "My plans? For the country and the people, the grand plan for the common people is my plan."
“This humble official cannot agree. The court is already rife with factional strife, and forming cliques is not a long-term solution,” Guo Zhengdao said.
"Then tell me, what does 'lasting' mean?" Fu Qinxiang asked.
"Coordinating all parties and bringing blessings to all people is the way to lasting prosperity." Guo Zheng was somewhat excited and tried to get up several times.
Fu Qinxiang covered her mouth and laughed, muttering to herself, "Jiang Zhong, you're like a persistent ghost."
Then her smile faded, and she approached him, looking down at him and saying, "Lord Guo Zheng, I remember that your whole family depends on you for their support. Why don't you come with me? When the time comes, I will bestow rewards upon you first, and help you support your old age and raise your children, how about that?"
Guo Zheng broke out in a cold sweat, took the tea offered by the maid, and drank it all in one gulp.
Fu Qinxiang looked at him, then glanced around; the rest of the people avoided her gaze.
Liu Guanhua was secretly pleased. He was glad he had the foresight to submit to the powerful figure early on; otherwise, if they had a handle against him, he would have been nothing more than a pawn to be slaughtered at will.
Fu Qinxiang looked at the several obedient faces in front of her and left with satisfaction.
"Follow the Imperial Advisor and learn some clever skills, don't try to follow the old path of treacherous officials!" Liu Guanhua did gain some prestige.
"You scoundrel who relies on his master's power!" Guo Zheng gritted his teeth in hatred. Xu Liaoxiang quickly stepped forward, pulled him aside, and whispered for him to keep quiet.
Xie Yihang pursed his lips and remained silent, looking worried. He exchanged glances with the other two, sighed a few times, and then they dispersed.
The door was pushed open completely, and all the gold and silver decorations shone brightly. Equally eye-catching were the wisps of dust floating in the air.
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