"You're finally here. It's much earlier than I expected! "
Hearing Shen Hai and Meng Long's words, Wang Chong's eyes lit up. He smiled as he retracted his cultivation and walked out slowly.
Even though Lu Ting didn't say why he was looking for him, Wang Chong knew that it was most likely to Consort Tai Zhen. Even though Wang Chong didn't pay much attention to the affairs of the royal court, he knew that it had been a few days since The King of Song attended the morning court assembly.
Wang Chong thought that The King of Song would need at least ten more days before he would wake up. Yet, he came so quickly. It was much earlier than he expected.
Wang Chong met Lu Ting in the main hall of the Wang Family Residence.
Lu Ting sat by the tea table with a porcelain Tea Gu in his hand. He seemed to have been waiting for a moment. Upon seeing Wang Chong enter, Lu Ting's eyes flashed.
The fifteen-year-old Wang Chong walked in wearing a loose gray training robe. His belt was tied casually, and his black hair, sharp eyebrows, and bright eyes made him look extremely handsome.
He didn't notice it in the past, but upon seeing Wang Chong this time, Lu Ting suddenly realized that this youngster had a calmness and confidence that none of his peers possessed.
It was as though he had a motive for everything he did. Regardless of whether it was the Vast Crane Pavilion or the Four Quarters Embassy, no one could treat him as a teenager.
In fact, there were times when Lu Ting felt that he was ignorant and unknowingly treated him as a peer whom he could seek guidance from.
In the past, this would have been unimaginable for Lu Ting.
"Gongzi, Lu Ting pays his respects!"
Lu Ting abruptly stood up and bowed deeply.
"Lord Lu, why are you bowing? I'm not worthy of it!"
Wang Chong stood at the entrance and chuckled.
This Lu Ting gave him a playful feeling. He thought that he had carried out the matter at the Vast Crane Pavilion discreetly, but this Lu Ting seemed to have seen through his plans.
Furthermore, regarding the matter of Consort Tai Zhen, Wang Chong was willing to bet that Lu Ting was involved. He was certain that Lu Ting had connections in this matter.
"Hehe, Young Master is truly a godly person. Consort Tai Zhen's matter had been guessed correctly by Young Master! I can accept this gift, I can accept it! "
Lu Ting could not help but laugh in his heart.
Just a moment ago, she had thought that he was mature and steady, like an adult. But at this moment, Wang Chong asked a question he already knew the answer to, like a child.
"What? I don't remember saying anything. "
Wang Chong pretended not to understand.
"Hehe! At the Four Quarters Embassy, didn't you want to dissuade The King of Song from Consort Tai Zhen? "
Lu Ting bowed and cooperated.
"Lord Lu, you must be mistaken. I don't remember dissuading The King of Song. I only asked The King of Song to visit Prince Shou and catch up with him. "
The smile on Wang Chong's face grew wider.
"Young Master, don't tease me. I was in the wrong previously, I was in the wrong, alright? If gongzi has any opinions in the future, feel free to voice them. I will try my best to persuade The King of Song! … "
Lu Ting shrugged and admitted defeat with a bitter smile.
"Hahaha! … "
Wang Chong laughed.
Lu Ting couldn't help but laugh along with him.
Some matters were better left untouched. Back at the Four Quarters Embassy, Lu Ting shared the same thoughts as The King of Song. They thought that Wang Chong's persuasion was an act of treason. This was the first trust crisis between them.
If there was no trust between them, it would be impossible for them to work together. This was the reason why Wang Chong feigned ignorance and Lu Ting admitted defeat.
Only by breaking through the barrier in their hearts could they truly continue to cooperate.
"Lord Lu, remember what you said."
Wang Chong pointed a finger at Lu Ting with a smile.
"Of course, a gentleman's words cannot be taken back. Chong gongzi has already proven himself with your capabilities. How could Lu Ting dare to say anything else? "
Lu Ting said.
This wasn't a compliment, but Lu Ting's heartfelt words. Regardless of whether it was the matter at the Vast Crane Pavilion or the matter regarding Consort Tai Zhen, they weren't small matters.
Even though Wang Chong was young, the wisdom and insight he displayed on such a huge matter left even Lu Ting in awe.
Yao Guang Yi's defeat was the best proof of this.
"Chong gongzi, due to the matter regarding Consort Tai Zhen, The King of Song has been ordered by the Holy Emperor to recuperate at home. This matter is of utmost importance, so I'll have to trouble gongzi to accompany me to The King of Song's residence. His Highness has been waiting for a long time. "
Lu Ting said sincerely.
"I'll be troubling Lord Lu then."
Seeing the severity of Lu Ting's words, Wang Chong didn't turn down the offer.
The two of them entered the carriage, and from the King's Residence, they headed straight for The King of Song's Residence.
Wang Chong met The King of Song in the main hall of The King of Song's Residence. The King of Song, Lu Ting, the old butler, and Wang Chong made up everyone in the main hall.
Other than them, there wasn't a single person in the main hall.
The doors to the main hall were tightly shut, and the surroundings, corners, and roofs were filled with experts from the King's Residence. Even though this was the first time Wang Chong had entered The King of Song's Residence, he could sense the heavy atmosphere.
"Chong gongzi, are you going to tell us now?"
In the main hall, The King of Song, the old butler, Lu Ting, and everyone's gazes were gathered on Wang Chong. The matter regarding King Shou and Consort Tai Zhen had been bothering The King of Song for a very long time.
In The King of Song's opinion, there was only one person who knew the secret behind it. That person must be Wang Chong.
If not for Wang Chong's reminder, The King of Song would never have thought of meeting King Shou, nor would he have realized that his Consort Tai Zhen, whom he had been married to for several years, was still a virgin!
When they first met at the Four Quarters Embassy, The King of Song still blamed Wang Chong for his lack of propriety. But now, he no longer dared to harbor such thoughts.
"Your Highness, do you think that I know the truth?"
Just as everyone was anticipating Wang Chong's answer, Wang Chong's reply surprised everyone.
"You don't know?"
The King of Song was taken aback. The reason why he invited Wang Chong over was because he was certain that Wang Chong knew the answer. He didn't expect Wang Chong to say that he didn't know either.
"Your Highness, you overestimate Wang Chong. I would like to know the truth, but I don't know the truth either. "
Wang Chong shook his head with a bitter smile.
The matter of Consort Tai Zhen was a mystery to Wang Chong, be it in his previous life or his current one. In fact, on the way here, when Wang Chong learned from Lu Ting that Consort Tai Zhen was a virgin, Wang Chong was even more shocked than Lu Ting.
Regardless of which time-space continuum he was in, it would only mean that Consort Tai Zhen and King Shou didn't have any offspring. However, there was no mention of Consort Tai Zhen being a virgin when she married into the royal palace.
How could Wang Chong not be surprised by this outcome?
The King of Song was looking forward to hearing an answer from him, but Wang Chong probably didn't know much more than him.
"Chong gongzi, that's not what you said on the way here. If you don't know the answer, why would you advise Your Highness to meet King Shou? "
Lu Ting frowned as well.
As he was in a hurry to bring Wang Chong to meet the King of Song, he didn't pursue the truth along the way. On the other hand, Wang Chong asked him about King Shou and Consort Tai Zhen.
"Your Highness and Lord Lu have misunderstood."
Wang Chong didn't hide anything and revealed the matter of him seeing King Shou. However, Wang Chong changed the matter from his previous life to this life.
"So, you grew suspicious because you saw King Shou?"
The disappointment in the King of Song's eyes couldn't be concealed. The greater the hope, the greater the disappointment. He thought that Wang Chong would know the answer, but he didn't expect it to be the case.
"Hehe, Your Highness, I thought that this isn't what you are worried about."
Wang Chong looked at the King of Song and smiled.
"Is the truth really important? I just want to know, regardless of what the truth is, has Your Highness thought of what you should do next? "
Hearing Wang Chong's words, the faces of the King of Song and Lu Ting immediately darkened. The old butler looked at Wang Chong with a solemn gaze.
"Your Highness, regardless of what the truth is. There are only two possibilities. The first is that Your Majesty has indeed snatched King Shou's wife, and this is against the moral principles. There's no need to elaborate on this. "
"The second is that there's more to it than meets the eye. This matter isn't what the outside world thinks, where a group snatches the wife of a subject, or a father snatches the wife of his son. If this is the case, has Your Highness thought of how you should deal with it? "
Wang Chong met the gaze of the King of Song and said calmly.
These words were extremely bold. In the past, Wang Chong would never dare to say such words. But times had changed.
Now, the King of Song had taken the initiative to invite him over.
Moreover, the matter of Consort Tai Zhen was of great importance. Not only did it concern the King of Song, but it also concerned Big Uncle and the Wang Clan. Wang Chong couldn't just ignore it.
Wang Chong was well aware that The King of Song didn't have much time left.
"Wang Chong, how can you speak to the King of Song in such a manner?"
Lu Ting reprimanded.
"It doesn't matter!"
The King of Song waved his hand, a contemplative look on his face. In the past, if Wang Chong dared to speak to him in such a manner, he would definitely fly into a rage.
But now, the five imperial edicts had given him a wake-up call and calmed him down.
The King of Song wouldn't be the same as he was in the past.
"Wang Chong, what are you trying to say?"
The King of Song let out a long sigh, and his figure revealed a sense of exhaustion.
"Your Highness, the matter of Consort Tai Zhen will be settled in a few days. Your Highness really doesn't have much time left! "
Wang Chong sighed and changed his tone. His voice was much gentler. It was actually very strange for a teenager to say such words.
But whether it was the King of Song, Lu Ting, or the old butler who hadn't spoken much, none of them thought much of it. They seemed to have naturally accepted Wang Chong's attitude.
"… Your Highness, His Majesty's stance on this matter is clear. His Highness and my Big Uncle led the officials to join hands and oppose His Majesty and Consort Tai Zhen. In order to protect Consort Tai Zhen, His Majesty didn't hesitate to issue five imperial edicts to expel Your Highness from the royal court. Has Your Highness ever thought that if even Your Highness is like this, what would happen to the other officials? When this matter is settled, what will happen to Consort Tai Zhen? "
"If Consort Tai Zhen becomes the Empress one day, how do you think she will treat those who opposed her?"
Wang Chong's words were very gentle, but when they landed in the main hall, they were no less than a heavy bomb.
"You mean that this matter will implicate the other officials?"
The King of Song's expression finally changed. He had been hesitating about what to do about this matter. To oppose His Majesty or not.
But Wang Chong's words made his heart turn cold.
He had been focused on what he should do, but he had neglected what this matter would do to the royal court and the other officials.
"Impossible! His Majesty definitely wouldn't dare to do this. That's half of the officials! "
The King of Song's face paled.
"What do you think, Your Highness?"
Wang Chong let out a long sigh in his heart. If the King of Song didn't change his attitude, this wasn't a question of whether it would happen or not. It was something that would definitely happen.
No one understood why the Holy Emperor would be so protective of a woman, but this was the truth. Consort Tai Zhen's place in the Holy Emperor's heart was far more important than anyone could imagine.
As for the reason, it was destined to be a mystery, and there was no way to explain it to outsiders.
The main hall was quiet. The King of Song's eyes were wide open, and cold sweat was dripping from his forehead.
Lu Ting's expression was definitely not any better!
Looking at Wang Chong, Lu Ting looked like he had seen a ghost. This young man's insight into the affairs of the world was far beyond his imagination.
While he and the King of Song were still trying to figure out the secrets of King Shou and Consort Tai Zhen, Wang Chong had already considered the possible consequences of this matter.
At this moment, Lu Ting couldn't help but feel fortunate that he had noticed Wang Chong in the Vast Crane Pavilion and invited Wang Chong over.
Otherwise, no one knew when they would wake up to reality.
Just the thought of the consequences of having half of the officials involved in this matter left even Lu Ting feeling fearful.
At this moment, the main hall was deathly silent, and only heavy breathing could be heard.
Upon seeing this sight, Wang Chong nodded his head slightly. It was already impressive that the King of Song and the others were able to realize this point. At least his efforts in the Four Quarters Embassy weren't in vain.
"… Has Your Highness ever thought about it? If half of the officials were to be demoted or even exiled to other prefectures, with King Qi and the Yao Clan in charge of the royal court, what would happen next? "
"It's fine if it's the Yao Clan. Old Master Yao still wants to save face. But what about King Qi? Given King Qi's personality and style, do you think that he would let go of such an opportunity? If the military affairs of the royal court were to fall into the hands of selfish people like the Yao Clan and King Qi, what do you think will happen in the future? "
Wang Chong said earnestly.
Only at this moment did Wang Chong voice out the words of advice he had been harboring in his heart. In the Four Quarters Embassy, Wang Chong didn't say these words, and he couldn't say them.
But now, the King of Song had accepted five imperial edicts and was idling at home. The weight of his words was far greater than before.
The complexion of King of Song turned even more awful. The old butler and Lu Ting's complexion didn't look too good either. What Wang Chong said was something that they had never considered before.
"What do you think I should do?"
The King of Song finally raised his head and stared at Wang Chong. Looking at this upright third son of Wang Yan, the King of Song no longer dared to underestimate him due to his age and appearance.
At this moment, the King of Song had truly regarded Wang Chong as a little strategist. And one that carried a lot of weight.
"Hehe, I'll have to ask Your Highness about this. On one side is a private affair, and on the other side is a national affair. Which does Your Highness think is more important? "
Wang Chong smiled. He knew that the King of Song had already made up his mind.
"But are you going to disregard the relationship between an official and a ruler?"
The King of Song asked in return.
"Then, which does Your Highness think is more important, the reputation of an official or the national affairs of the Tang dynasty?"
Wang Chong said fearlessly.
"Sigh!"
The King of Song let out a long sigh. A deep sense of defeat suddenly welled up in his heart. He already knew what he should do!
"Your Highness, you don't have to blame yourself. In this matter, Prince Shou wasn't harmed, Consort Tai Zhen wasn't harmed, and His Majesty wasn't harmed either. Isn't that enough? To benefit the country, one's life and death is at stake. How can one avoid it because of misfortune or good fortune? As long as it's beneficial to the Tang dynasty and the country, why should Your Highness care about personal gains and losses? "
Wang Chong comforted him.
Wang Chong respected the King of Song from the bottom of his heart. If an ordinary person were to encounter the King of Song's situation, they would probably have surrendered long ago. Only an upright person like the King of Song would feel tormented and struggle for so long.
"To benefit the country, one's life and death is at stake. How can one avoid it because of misfortune or good fortune? Well said, well said! "
The King of Song let out a long sigh and returned to his original appearance.
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