Minister of War!
The position that Zhangchou Jianqiong was intending to take on was an extremely important one. No matter which faction it was, it was impossible to bypass the orders of the Minister of War.
Unlike the previous Minister of War, Zhangchou Jianqiong was currently at the prime of his life, brimming with ambition. If he were to become the Minister of War, he would never allow himself to be a puppet that others could manipulate.
This was also the reason why Zhangchou Jianqiong's decision in the royal court had dragged on for so long. Even Wang Chong's big uncle, Wang Gen, had only agreed to it after hearing that Zhangchou Jianqiong's appointment was inevitable.
Zhangchou Jianqiong was a true 'outsider'. His appearance would throw the entire royal court into chaos, forcefully throwing an uncontrollable variable into the mix.
This was precisely what the bigwigs of the royal court feared.
It was no small matter for the Southern Protector-General to become the Minister of War.
These thoughts flashed across Wang Chong's mind, but he soon regained his composure and stood quietly beside Big Uncle Wang Gen.
"Brother Zhangchou, I have kept you waiting. Please! "
At the same time, Wang Chong's big uncle, Wang Gen, also extended his hand to welcome Zhangchou Jianqiong. In the entire Wang Clan, there was only one person who could stand on the same level as the Southern Protector-General, Wang Gen.
The only difference was that Zhangchou Jianqiong was a military official while Wang Gen was a civil official.
Even though they were in different fields, Wang Gen's experience in the royal court was in no way inferior to Zhangchou Jianqiong. In fact, due to the fact that the Wang Clan was a clan of ministers and generals, they were able to participate in the political discussions of the royal court and decide Zhangchou Jianqiong's promotion.
This was also the reason why Zhangchou Jianqiong had always wanted to enter the royal court.
"Haha, you must be the famous Qilin son of the Wang Clan, Wang Chong!"
After exchanging pleasantries with Wang Gen, Zhangchou Jianqiong didn't take a seat. Instead, he turned to look at Wang Chong, who had retracted his aura.
"Lord, you flatter me. I am indeed Wang Chong. Regarding the matter of the regional commanders, I still have to thank Milord for your help! "
Since Zhangchou Jianqiong had taken the initiative to pay attention to him, Wang Chong didn't bother hiding anymore. He stepped out from his big uncle's side and bowed respectfully.
"Haha, there's no need to thank me."
Zhangchou Jianqiong waved his hands casually. "I'm helping you out of righteousness and national affairs, so you don't have to think too much about it. On the other hand, Young Master Wang has such foresight and magnanimity at such a young age. It is truly commendable that he is able to worry about the affairs of the country. Your future achievements will definitely be limitless. "
He had noticed Wang Chong the moment he stepped onto the stairs. Perhaps Wang Chong himself thought that as long as he kept a low profile, he would not attract attention, but this was basically impossible.
One of the reasons why he invited the Wang Clan to the Ten Sun Tavern was to meet the influential figure of the Wang Clan, Wang Genzhe. The other reason was to meet the Qilin son of the Wang Clan who had caused a huge uproar in the Goguryeon Ten Sun Tavern.
"When it's time to restrain oneself, when it's time to stand out, when it's time to stand out, when it's time to speak, when it's time to speak, when it's time to act, when it's time to speak, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it's time to act, when it It was said that with Wang Jiuling's death, the Wang Clan would surely decline. But from the looks of it, that might not be the case. I'm afraid that the fortune of the Wang Clan will continue for another generation! "
Countless thoughts flashed through Zhangchou Jianqiong's mind, and in the blink of an eye, he had an accurate assessment of the Wang Clan.
Duke Jiu was already old, and Wang Gen had reached the end of his career in the royal court. The future of the Wang clan still rested on the younger generation of the third generation.
And of all the descendants of the Wang Clan, Wang Chong was Zhangchou Jianqiong. To be able to enter the royal palace to meet the emperor at such a young age and survive even after being sent to the imperial prison, Wang Chong's grace was truly astounding.
Be it Wang Gen back then or the young Zhangchou Jianqiong, neither of them had ever received such grace! If nothing unexpected happened, this person would surely become an influential figure in the royal court in the future.
With a rough gauge of the Wang Clan's' pulse ', Zhangchou Jianqiong knew what he should do in the capital.
"Hahaha …"
At this moment, a burst of laughter suddenly sounded, drawing everyone's attention. Wang Chong turned around and saw a figure pushing open the door of another suite on the third floor and walking out 'at the perfect moment'.
This person was dressed in a white robe and a black scarf. His demeanor was reminiscent of a scholarly official.
"Yang Zhao!"
Wang Chong's eyes blinked as he recognized that figure, and he immediately understood what was going on. Yang Zhao had clearly arrived long ago, but he chose to stay in a suite by the side. It was only after Wang Chong and his big uncle appeared and met with Zhangchou Jianqiong that he made use of this opportunity to butt in.
Clearly, this was the result of Zhangchou Jianqiong and Yang Zhao's arrangement.
"… Lord Zhangchou, how is it? Am I right?"
Yang Zhao laughed heartily.
"Hehe, not bad, not bad! Wang gongzi is a young hero, a dragon among men. How can your background be lacking? "
Zhangchou Jianqiong said with a smile.
The way Zhangchou Jianqiong spoke to Yang Zhao was much more amicable and amiable, as though they were brothers. With a single glance, one could tell that his relationship with Yang Zhao wasn't ordinary.
"Hahaha, we're all family. Come, come, come, Lord Wang, this way please! "
Yang Zhao laughed heartily as he walked over with his head held high. Raising his right hand, he invited Wang Gen to take a seat on behalf of Zhangchou Jianqiong.
On the other hand, Zhangchou Jianqiong simply smiled, not minding the gesture at all.
"What's going on?"
Wang Gen saw all of this, and his eyebrows shot up in astonishment. He knew of the relationship between Yang Zhao and Zhangchou Jianqiong, but from the looks of it, the relationship between the two seemed to be even more intimate than what he had imagined.
On the other hand, Wang Chong was well aware of the matter, so he wasn't surprised at all.
Zhangchou Jianqiong was the 'financial backer' behind Yang Zhao.
Back then, before Consort Tai Zhen ascended to the throne, everything had yet to be decided. Back then, Zhangchou Jianqiong supported Yang Zhao in Annan, giving him a huge sum of money and sending him to the capital.
One must know that back then, Yang Zhao was just a lowly scoundrel who was addicted to gambling. In name, he was only Consort Tai Zhen's cousin.
However, there was no guarantee that he would succeed.
Under such circumstances, Zhangchou Jianqiong still dared to invest a huge sum in Yang Zhao and treat him with respect. From this, it could be seen how daring he was.
However, Zhangchou Jianqiong probably didn't expect that Yang Zhao would lose all the money he had given him the moment he arrived in the capital, and eventually, he met Wang Gen.
Now that Consort Tai Zhen had ascended to the throne, and Yang Zhao had returned the favor, it went without saying that the two of them were on good terms.
Wang Chong wasn't too surprised to learn of this relationship. On the other hand, Yang Zhao was winking at him as a signal, causing Wang Chong to chuckle inside.
"Please!"
On the other hand, Wang Gen didn't think too much into it. He stretched out his right hand and gestured for the host and guest to take their seats.
The Goguryeons' chairs were exquisite, and for the sake of earning money, they were extravagant.
As soon as Wang Chong sat down, he began surveying the surroundings.
Zhangchou Jianqiong didn't just invite the Wang Clan's uncle and nephew to this banquet. There were quite a few other guests on the third floor as well. Most of them were Zhangchou Jianqiong's subordinates, and the rest were probably his own men in the capital.
Having been the Southern Protector-General for so many years, it was impossible for Zhangchou Jianqiong to not have any spies in the royal court.
"I wonder which of these people is Xianyu Zhongtong? Which one is Zhang Wentuo? "
Wang Chong thought.
The men that Zhangchou Jianqiong brought this time were all tall and well-built, and they exuded a powerful killing intent. With a single look, it was clear that they were important generals in the military.
Of these people, there were only two that Wang Chong was concerned about. One was Xianyu Zhongtong, and the other was Zhang Wentuo.
To Wang Chong, these two people held extraordinary significance. Just that, even though Wang Chong knew their names, he had never met either of them before.
Logically speaking, Zhangchou Jianqiong should have brought his closest kin with him. But even Wang Chong wasn't confident that he would be able to do so.
Logically speaking, he should have been able to tell from the seating arrangement. However, the one on Zhangchou Jianqiong's left was Yang Zhao, and on his right was a sharp-looking man with a mustache. He seemed more like a military advisor than a soldier.
Thus, Wang Chong was unable to determine which one was Xianyu Zhongtong and which one was Zhang Wentuo. Or perhaps, they weren't here at all?
"Innkeeper, serve the dishes!"
Zhangchou Jianqiong sat down, and with a wave of his hand, he beckoned for the innkeeper to serve the dishes. The Southern Protector-General had the air of a military officer around him, and his every action was straightforward and magnanimous.
On the other side, even though the Goguryeons were feeling a little awkward, upon receiving the signal, they quickly got busy. A few exquisite appetizers were immediately served. A plate of Jade Capital Crispy Fish, a plate of Shiishi Tongue in Sauce, a plate of grade-5 Dragon Phoenix Exuberance, and a plate of Jadeite Consort Chicken. At the center of the banquet was a crispy roasted suckling pig, and the atmosphere of the banquet was immediately livened up.
Even though he didn't have a good impression of the Goguryeons, Wang Chong had to admit that they had put in a lot of effort into this tavern.
The appearance, aroma, and taste of these dishes were perfect, and it was clear that they would be able to whet one's appetite with a single look. They were far superior to the dishes of the Vast Crane Pavilion.
"I heard that the Goguryeons worship the Three-legged Golden Crow, and it's a symbol of extreme yang. Thus, they built this Ten Sun Tavern. Since Zhangchou Jianqiong has entered the capital today, I borrowed these ten days to host this banquet for everyone. I hope that everyone will enjoy themselves to the fullest today. "
Zhangchou Jianqiong said.
"General, you're being too polite."
The crowd hurriedly replied.
In the entire tavern, the only one who could stand on equal footing with Zhangchou Jianqiong was Big Uncle Wang Gen. How could anyone else dare to accept his words?
"Haha, there's no need to stand on ceremony. Jiexin, I've been looking forward to meeting you for a long time back in the capital, and I've always wanted to have a chat with you. However, it's a pity that I've never had the chance to do so. Now, I'm finally able to fulfill my wish. "
"Brother Zhangchou, you're being too polite. Brother Zhangchou, you'll have plenty of opportunities to do so in the future. "
Wang Gen replied respectfully, a rare sight to behold.
Such was the way of the bureaucracy. Zhangchou Jianqiong was a general in the past, but once he became the Minister of War, he would no longer be the same.
The two of them would have many opportunities to interact in the future.
"I'll be counting on your auspicious words then!"
Hearing those words, Zhangchou Jianqiong's eyes lit up, and his mood lifted.
"Come, let's toast to your auspicious words!"
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