Wang Ze and Liu Xinyan are similar in age, in their early thirties, but they have a good-looking appearance.
Wang Ze's face is as white as jade, his eyebrows are like swords, and he is handsome. He is also wearing a dark green official uniform, but he has a nobility that Liu Xinyan does not have.
At the same time, as a Yuanwailang, Wang Ze has been dealing with poetry, books and articles all year round. Although he is not as talented as Liu Xinyan, he still has a bit of bookishness.
All of the above make Wang Ze a fatal temptation for the women of the imperial capital.
And unlike Liu Xinyan, who was born into a poor family, Wang Ze was born into a noble family and had been exposed to all kinds of officialdom since childhood, and his scheming skills were incomparable to a young man like Liu Xinyan.
Wang Shangshu sent Sun Shangshu away and returned to the hall. He sat on the main seat, took a sip from the teacup in his hand, and said, "What other ideas do you have, kid?"
Wang Ze has a flexible mind and sharp eyesight, but his image is not bad, so he is deeply appreciated by Wang Shangshu.
If not, Wang Ze wouldn't have had the chance to accompany him in the hall just now.
It was after Wang Ze heard what Sun Shangshu said that another plan emerged in his mind.
Of course, this plan can only benefit oneself at the expense of others.
At this stage, the most important thing for Wang Ze is to win the position of Si Feng Langzhong.
Therefore, the person targeted by this plan was Liu Xinyan.
"Sun Shangshu is troubled by the transformation of Long Chaan. Why don't we give him a favor and recommend someone for him." Wang Ze said.
Wang Shangshu knew Wang Ze very well and knew that this boy was very clever and not very serious, so he continued to drink tea and just asked casually.
"Oh? Do you know a spirit master who can engrave the suspended bridge formation?"
"My lord, how can I get to know someone whom you, my lord, cannot even invite?"
"Then who can you recommend?" Wang Shangshu asked, putting down his tea cup.
"Liu Xinyan!"
"absurd!"
When Wang Shangshu heard this, he slapped the table. Of course he knew what Wang Ze had in mind. He just wanted to take this opportunity to trick Liu Xinyan.
Liu Xinyan was indeed more talented than Wang Ze, but Wang Shangshu also knew very well about his subordinates that Liu Xinyan would never be able to handle this matter.
"What's the difference between doing this and shooting yourself in the foot?!"
Although Wang Shangshu has been constantly making trouble for Liu Xinyan during this period, this can only be regarded as teaching "his own people" behind closed doors.
But if he is recommended, the matter will not get done, and the official’s name will be damaged. Moreover, this matter involves the eldest princess. If it is not handled well, Wang Shangshu will also be implicated.
Wang Ze did not panic. Instead, he sat next to Wang Shangshu and said, "Sir, please don't be impatient. Listen to what I have to say."
"Of course you can't recommend Liu Xinyan to Sun Shangshu. We can arrange for Liu Xinyan to go to the Ministry of Rites to "recommend himself." When the time comes, if Liu Xinyan fails to transform the dragon chariot successfully, and the eldest princess blames it, just say that it was Liu Xinyan who recommended himself, and it has nothing to do with the staff. "
"If Liu Xinyan really succeeds, then Sun Shangshu will definitely accept your love and be able to show off in front of the eldest princess."
Wang Shangshu's face softened a little after hearing this, but he still said: "How can it be so simple? If Liu Chengyan doesn't succeed, do you think you can fool him with just my words? Besides, how should Sun Shangshu explain it? This is not equivalent to Are you tricking him in disguise? They are all colleagues and this is inappropriate."
Wang Ze was not discouraged, he already had an idea in his mind, and continued: "If Liu Xinyan fails, if you only mention that Liu Xinyan recommended himself, the eldest princess and Sun Shangshu will certainly think that you are trying to shirk."
"Then what else can I do?"
"If you offer another idea, the eldest princess and Sun Shangshu will naturally not think that you are trying to shirk."
"If you keep showing off like this, get out!" Wang Shangshu was a little annoyed.
Wang Ze chuckled and said immediately: "My lord, please explain to the eldest princess and Sun Shangshu that you went to the Ministry of Industry to ask for help but were unable to find a soul-imbuing master, so you can only turn your attention from the dragon chariot to the road."
"On the way?"
「
Yes, the bumpy car is because the road is bumpy. When the time comes, ask the Ministry of Rites to send people to smooth out the route for the autumn hunting. If it doesn't work, pave it with stone slabs. "
This idea is not a good idea, it is time-consuming and labor-intensive, but it is a solution that has no other solution.
Wang Shangshu nodded, but there was still a trace of hesitation on his face.
Wang Ze saw this and added another fire.
"The most important thing is that if Liu Xinyan fails to do this, he will offend the eldest princess, and then he will use this to make him resign. Isn't the vacant Yuanwailang a good place for the number one scholar? "
When Wang Ze said this, Wang Shangshu's eyes lit up.
Of course he knew that the number one scholar Wang Ze was talking about was not Yun Xuezhi, but the illegitimate son of Lord Shangshu Ling.
The position of Wailang, a member of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, has no real power. In the subconscious mind of all civil and military officials, it is just an iron rice bowl.
But for Shangshu Ling, it was the best position to arrange his illegitimate son. It would not make the emperor feel that he had touched the bottom line, and at the same time, he would still be by his side and be able to take care of him.
When Wang Shangshu thought of this, he immediately felt that this plan was too late.
In Wang Shangshu's view, it is more necessary to hold Shangshu Ling's thigh tightly than the eldest princess.
Wang Shangshu remained calm on the surface, but he was already a little happy inside.
It just so happened that I was planning to beat Liu Xinyan at this time. This plan could be called killing two birds with one stone at this time.
The two immediately finalized the plan.
In the official office, Wang Shangshu sat on the main seat, and three foreign ministers stood in front of him.
Wang Shangshu told the three people about the whole process of transforming the gold-lacquered heavy-armored dragon chariot, then he bowed his head and drank tea, leaving the three of them time to think.
Wang Ze stood on the far right, bowing his head and saying nothing, while Li Dong and Liu Xinyan looked at each other in confusion.
What does this matter of the Ministry of Rites have to do with us?
Both Li Dong and Liu Xinyan were a little confused as to what Wang Shangshu meant by this statement.
In the end, Li Dong had the courage to ask: "Master Shangshu, this matter of the Ministry of Rites has nothing to do with us, right? And we, the people like us, don't know how to transform the dragon chariot. Did Master Sun ask the wrong person?"
Wang Shangshu didn't say anything. At this time, Wang Ze needed to step forward.
"Master Shangshu, I think what Master Li said makes sense. However, the transformation of the dragon chariot not only involves the Ministry of Rites, but also involves the eldest princess. If it can be handled properly, it will be appreciated by the eldest princess."
When Li Dong heard this, he smiled on the surface, but in his heart he was extremely contemptuous of Wang Ze's blatant tendency to follow others' influence.
Liu Xinyan on the side said unceremoniously: "If you want to be appreciated by the eldest princess, you also need to have the ability. How can we transform the dragon chariot?"
Wang Ze was not annoyed, but said with a smile: "Everything depends on human effort, there is a way for everything."
Liu Xinyan disliked Wang Ze's pretentiousness the most, and was about to argue with Wang Ze, but was stopped by Wang Shangshu who was sitting in the chair.
"Okay, what Wang Ze said makes sense."
Li Dong and Liu Xinyan were not surprised that Wang Shangshu would favor Wang Ze.
Wang Shangshu continued: "Autumn hunting is a major event for the imperial court during this period. The minister ordered the six departments to jointly plan it, and the other five departments spared no effort. On the contrary, we, the official department, made little contribution from beginning to end."
"This is an opportunity for the officials, and even more for you. An opportunity to show your talents in front of Lord Shangshu Ling and the eldest princess. Although this matter is indeed beyond your capabilities, what Wang Ze said is absolutely correct. It all depends on human effort. .”
Wang Shangshu's words were his final statement. We, the officials, must participate in this matter.
According to Liu Xinyan's past character, he would definitely "struggle with reason" with Wang Shangshu at this time. But thinking that he was registered with Wang Shangshu during this period, Liu Xinyan finally held back.
Wang Shangshu was very satisfied when he saw that Li Dong and Liu Xinyan did not object, and then winked at Wang Ze.
After Wang Ze received the signal, he stepped forward and said, "Sir, I am a low-ranking official and want to give it a try."
Li Dong once again sneered at Wang Ze's performance. He is really a villain.
Never let go of any opportunity to perform in front of leaders.
"Wang Ze, your attitude is good, but I also know that you have a lot of work at hand recently and your energy and ability are limited. You should not get involved in this matter." Wang Shangshu said tactfully.
Wang Zesan smiled and stepped back.
Li Dong smiled secretly in his heart. This was a beautiful thing to say, but in fact, it just meant that you were not good at it, kid.
But before Li Dong finished laughing, Wang Shangshu glanced at him and then jumped over him.
"Xinyan, I leave this matter to you."
Wang Shangshu said to Liu Xinyan with a smile.
Liu Xinyan frowned. He couldn't imagine why this matter would happen to him.
It stands to reason that no matter it is Wang Ze or Li Dong, either one of them is more suitable than himself. At least these two people have a much wider social circle than themselves, and they naturally have more methods than themselves.
"The lower official is not qualified for the job."
Liu Xinyan acted decisively as always, directly preventing Wang Shangshu from stepping down again.
However, this time Wang Shangshu had expected it, so he did not give up immediately. Instead, he said: "Xinyan, this is a good opportunity. There is no need to say more about the eldest princess. If you do it well, Lord Shangshu will order you to do this." I can also put in a nice word for you. After all, you know that Lord Shangshu Ling is not very satisfied with your recent work, so this is an opportunity to make amends."
Liu Xinyan was obviously even more disgusted with such persuasion. He frowned and said something unpleasant.
Li Dong on the side knew Liu Xinyan well and knew that he was going to offend Wang Shangshu again, so he hurriedly checked him.
"Master Shangshu, what Liu Xinyan means is that he is afraid of living up to your expectations, sir. If he fails, it will bring disgrace to your face."
Wang Shangshu glanced at Li Dong and said coldly: "If Liu Xinyan can't do it, then you will do it?"
Li Dong suddenly panicked. He knew this was a hot potato.
Seeing that Li Dong had nothing to say, Wang Shangshu snorted, then turned to Liu Xinyan and said in a kind tone: "Xinyan, I am doing this for your own good. Don't feel pressured. I won't blame you if you can't do it." As for you, I will inform Mr. Sun in advance, and I believe he will also understand your thoughts."
After hearing these words, even the eldest grandson who had been watching couldn't help complaining. This was done under the banner of "for your own good" and was not a human matter.
In the end, under Wang Shangshu's coercion and inducement, the matter fell on Liu Xinyan without any accident.
Before resigning, Wang Shangshu did not forget to tell Liu Xinyan to go to the Yamen of the Ministry of Rites to recommend himself now, so he did not accompany him.
Liu Xinyan and Li Dong, who were full of opinions, didn't know that Wang Shangshu's last confession was to clear the air if things failed in the future.
The most important thing is that the two of them don't know that Wang Shangshu and Wang Ze intend to take this opportunity to get rid of Liu Xinyan.
