Free Web NovelChapter 1212: Chapter 1194: Persuasion (Part 1)
Wang Dao originally wanted to repair his relationship with King Langya, hoping that when they returned to their affectionate terms, he could discuss with him the pros and cons of returning to Jiangbei or continuing to consolidate power in Jiangnan. However, he did not expect Wang Dun’s actions to be so swift and intense.
While changing his clothes to head to the palace, Wang Dao contemplated the events that had occurred during this time. The changing tides of current events truly could not follow one’s wishes, but rather moved with the great flow.
As the Minister of Justice, Liu Kui had already learned about a serious criminal case that occurred in a mansion. It was rumored that Wang Dao’s servant had sent people inside and even took away a severely injured person.
He immediately sensed something unusual and personally led people to investigate.
When he arrived at the private mansion, Wang Dao happened to be at the palace gates. He glanced briefly at the plaque before entering slowly.
King Langya met him in a pavilion in the back garden. The pavilion was hung with straw curtains that could block cold winds when lowered. Upon his arrival, King Langya ordered the curtains to be rolled up and pushed the stove towards him, saying with a smile, "I know you’re afraid of the cold, but the room is too stuffy. I dislike speaking indoors, so let’s warm ourselves by the fire."
Wang Dao tidied his robe and knelt on the mat beside him.
Wang Dao initiated the conversation, "Liu Yueshi has submitted a letter requesting an audience with the Great King. Should the Great King grant it?"
King Langya paused while brewing tea, for ever since the tea-drinking custom from Jiangbei spread here, it had become very popular, leading even King Langya to unknowingly change his diet.
Brewing tea could calm the mind. Though he utilized the action to conceal his thoughts, at this moment, he couldn’t help expressing dissatisfaction, "I only just received the letter, yet Chi Long already knows?"
Chi Long was Wang Dao’s nickname, and there were few who called him that; King Langya was one among them, though he hadn’t done so for a long while.
Wang Dao, after entering, finally relaxed his tense demeanor and shed his disguise, slumping his shoulders as he said, "Since the letter came from Jiangbei and traveled via official routes, it first reached the Inspector Mansion and was then delivered to the palace."
King Langya had a gentle disposition; when he stayed with people for a long time, he naturally attracted their goodwill, causing them to lower their guard. Wang Dao was certainly aware that he and King Langya had numerous conflicts at present and that their friendship had long ceased to be like before.
But looking at the friend sitting opposite, Wang Dao decided to speak sincerely.
"Has the Great King considered why Liu Yueshi is coming here?"
King Langya: "Probably regarding the tax grain case?"
"Though the tax grain case is yet unresolved, everyone understands the truth of the matter. Jiangbei’s intentions have long been clear, and having Imperial Censor Lu and others here should suffice. Why send Liu Yueshi over?"
King Langya furrowed his brow and said nothing.
Wang Dao straightforwardly revealed, "I think he’s here to persuade the Great King to return to Luoyang."
King Langya’s face changed.
Wang Dao directly asked him, "If Liu Yueshi requests the Great King’s return to the capital, or back to the Langya fiefdom, how will the Great King respond?"
King Langya had not formally rebelled against the Great Jin, thus he lacked legitimate reason to refuse Liu Kun.
If he were to refuse, Zhao Hanzhang could easily initiate conflict under the Little Emperor’s name, and a war between Jiangbei and Jiangnan would be inevitable.
King Langya clenched his fist, tentatively stating, "With the emperor young and held by Zhao Hanzhang, resulting in the court’s power falling into the Zhao Family’s hands, if I issue a proclamation, rallying all wise men..."
Wang Dao lowered his eyes, hiding the pain in his heart, "Jiangnan would certainly lose without doubt."
If these words were spoken two years ago, or even one year ago, he would seriously consider the feasibility, because trusting others wasn’t as reliable as trusting himself.
He believed more in himself and the Sima Rui he personally selected.
But now...
Knowing defeat lies ahead, he is unwilling to cause calamity to the nation and people, yet he cannot speak openly, only able to analyze for King Langya based on the situation: "Zhao Hanzhang holds the public’s favor, not mentioning Yu State, just Si Province, Jizhou, and Yan State. Because she personally led forces to pacify them, implementing light taxation to stabilize people, the public knows only Zhao Hanzhang, not the Little Emperor."
"In terms of military force, Yu State’s Zhao Ming, Yan State’s Zhao Ju, Yongzhou’s Zhao Yong, Qingzhou’s Zhao Kuan, Guangzhou’s Sun Linghui, all belong to the Zhao Family. These individuals absolutely won’t betray Zhao Hanzhang," Wang Dao said, "Besides them, there are Beigong Chun in Bingzhou and Zu Ti in Jizhou."
"Beigong Chun is loyal and brave. He won’t help Zhao Hanzhang to rebel, yet he won’t send troops for the Great King either; Zhao Hanzhang placed him in Bingzhou because of absolute trust in him, with Xianbei from Dai Country present, even if Zhao Hanzhang proclaimed herself empress, he wouldn’t return to assist." Because in Beigong Chun’s mind, defending against external enemies is certainly more important than quelling Zhao Hanzhang’s rebellion.
"As for Zu Ti," Wang Dao shook his head, "he certainly won’t support the Great King."
Zu Ti has long espoused the belief that all calamities stem from the Jin Dynasty; years ago, he wished he could lead a banner to oppose Jin, but fearing further chaos he endured and worked tirelessly despite his disdain.
He would definitely never assist the so-called legitimate King Langya.
"Only Youzhou’s Shi Le and Shu’s Li Xiong remain..." Wang Dao paused before saying, "These two can only be driven by interest."
Others are no longer motivated by interests as they’re receiving more from Zhao Hanzhang.
But the interests for Shi Le and Li Xiong.
King Langya took a deep breath, remaining silent.
Wang Dao couldn’t help but feel alarmed by Zhao Hanzhang’s arrangements: "Yet unknown is whether this setup was unintentional or deliberate."
Wang Dao glanced at King Langya before saying, "Should it be unintentional, then it’s fate; if deliberate, with such deep-seated strategy and foresight, holding great military power, how do we compete with her?"
Wang Dao hinted: "Since Guo Pu fled to Luoyang, he has never left and bears multiple responsibilities for Zhao Hanzhang."
King Langya’s heart suffered another blow; if Guo Pu were here, he’d shake his shoulders asking, "Wasn’t destiny supposed to favor me? Why did you flee to Luoyang and serve under Zhao Hanzhang? Why, why?"
But at this moment, sitting across from him was Wang Dao, who was already distant from him. He could only suppress the bitterness and resentment, asking Wang Dao, "The Zhao Family refuses to be swayed by interest, steadfastly supporting Zhao Hanzhang alone; has Chi Long remained the same? Or has the closeness with Chuzhong made you choose Chuzhong?"
Upon hearing this, Wang Dao couldn’t help but kneel around the low table between them, grabbed his sleeve in distress, and sorrowfully said, "I lack the ability, once the lofty plans I created for you have failed, yet my loyalty to you has never changed. I would never do such betrayal, should Chuzhong insist, I would remove him from the clan."
"Jing Wen, most of the Wang Family’s offspring are in Jiankang City; were I determined to rebel, how dared I leave them in the city?" Wang Dao’s eyes reddened, clutching his sleeve, "I haven’t hidden from you, ever since I withdrew from politics on pretense of illness, I began considering retiring back to my old Langya hometown, ceasing public service. But due to the Jiangzhou tax grain case, I... I had no choice but to act. I cannot bear to watch Jiangnan and Jiangbei being embroiled in warfare again."
"Jing Wen, you and I once deeply despised this chaotic world, privately often resented the Eight Kings’ rebellion. So now, should we replicate the actions of the Eight Kings?"
