(Two in one, thanks to: zp Ambiguous Happiness for the reward, thanks to: Book Friends 28206578, Le Xingyun, Magical Golden Beetle, moshaog and other brothers for their votes.)
"Yes, opportunity. Do you still remember what I just said to you? I said that backing is very important. If you choose the wrong backer and stand on the wrong team, you may die without a burial place. But if you choose the right backer, you will be on the right team.
If you get the right position? Then you will advance all the way and become famous. There is such a huge difference between the two." Wu Chunlai said slowly.
"But, didn't Lord Wu already say that I can't escape? I've done so many things for Prince Liang, haven't I been able to let go of it already?" Lin Jue frowned.
"Haha, here's the problem. You are considered to be a person of King Liang. If King Liang is unlucky, you will naturally be involved. But what if you are only a person of King Liang on the surface, but actually have someone else to support you? Then when the time comes
The truth is revealed. Even if Prince Liang’s Mansion falls, you will not be implicated because your relationship with Prince Liang’s Mansion is false. As long as your real backer proves this for you, and the power of this backer is strong enough, you will not be implicated.
will suffer any disadvantage."
"...Why am I so confused when I hear what you are saying? I forgive you for not understanding what this means?" Lin Jue asked with confusion on his face.
By this time, Lin Jue's heart had actually become a little brighter. The purpose of Wu Chunlai calling him here for a talk today was already vague. He was probably trying to instigate rebellion against him today. If this was really the case, Lin Jue not only had to admire Yan Zhengsu
Not long ago, the words he solemnly warned himself were still ringing in his ears. He warned himself to prevent anyone from using him as a breakthrough point, and warned himself not to follow Wu Chunlai's example of betraying human relations and committing despicable acts. But now,
All this seems to be coming true.
"It's very simple. Find another backer to protect you. Even if you are implicated in the palace's affairs in the future, as long as you have a backer to protect you, you can sit back and relax." Wu Chunlai said quietly.
Lin Jue frowned and said: "So that's what my lord means, but...who can I find as a backer? This person must be powerful and talented, otherwise who dares to excuse me? After all, once the incident comes to light, Liang will be involved.
It’s a serious case in the palace. If you want to protect me from such a serious case, I’m afraid only the Holy One has to speak out. And I am a mere commoner. How can the Holy One care about me, a simple and insignificant person?”
"Haha, junior brother, what did I say? I said you are still very young and don't understand the inner secrets at all. You probably think that Prince Liang is the most powerful person besides the current Holy Emperor. No wonder you are working so hard
You flatter Prince Liang and want to hug the prince's lap. Your knowledge is really too shallow. Your second uncle is also the deputy envoy of the third department. Didn't he tell you about the structure of the court?
Hey, it's really ridiculous." Wu Chunlai shook his head and sighed.
Lin Jue frowned and shook his head in confusion: "My second uncle didn't tell me anything about the affairs of the court. Am I wrong to think so? Is there anyone more noble than the King of Liang besides the Holy One?"
Wu Chunlai chuckled and said: "In terms of noble status, no one in the whole dynasty can compare with Prince Liang. After all, Prince Liang is the younger brother of the current emperor and the most respected prince. But noble status does not mean that he has the greatest power.
In the current dynasty, there are many more people who have the word than Prince Liang. The heads of the two governments are much more powerful than Prince Liang. Today, Prime Minister Lu, Privy Yang, and even the heads of important departments in the court are all more powerful than Prince Liang.
Prince Liang always keeps his word. You are confusing things."
Lin Jue seemed to have some sudden realization, and smacked his lips and said: "I understand, what you mean is that a truly powerful person must hold real power. Although Prince Liang is a prince, he does not have much real power."
Wu Chunlai smiled and said: "Don't you understand very well in your heart? That's exactly the case. Of course, what Prince Liang said is not without effect. People who came from Prince Liang's house also served in the court, so these people still listened to what Prince Liang said.
He can exert influence through these people. Even Prime Minister Lu and Privy Yang cannot completely ignore King Liang's words. They have to give some face. But in real terms, Prime Minister Lu and Privy Yang are more powerful than Liang Liang.
The palace is much bigger."
Lin Jue said: "Master Wu, you mean that as long as I ask Prime Minister Lu and Privy Yang to protect me, I can sit back and relax?"
Wu Chunlai said with a smile: "Exactly. It's a pity that Privy Yang can't protect you. He doesn't sell anyone's face in the court. It's very difficult to gain a relationship with him."
Lin Jue smiled bitterly and said: "That's natural. I seem to have heard from my second uncle that Privy Yang doesn't even pay attention to Prime Minister Lu. How can I get involved with him? Isn't this wishful thinking?"
Wu Chunlai chuckled and said: "Junior brother, of course I can't recommend you to Privy Yang, but maybe I can help with Prime Minister Lu. You also know my relationship with Prime Minister Lu. To be honest, I
Mr. Wu still has some status in Prime Minister Lu's heart. If I introduce my younger brother to Prime Minister Lu, Prime Minister Lu may give me some face."
Lin Jue pretended to be surprised and said: "Is it true? Mr. Wu is really willing to introduce Prime Minister Lu to me? That's great. If Prime Minister Lu is willing to excuse me, what do I have to fear?"
Wu Chunlai stroked his beard and smiled, looking at the surprised Lin Jue and said: "That's natural. Lu Xiangruo is willing to protect you. Even if you commit a heinous crime, you can still save the day. However, things are not as easy as you think, Lu Xiangruo.
Even though they will give me some thin noodles, I can’t recommend them to everyone.”
Lin Jue said in astonishment: "Your Excellency, you don't intend to introduce me to me? What else can you say? Mr. Lu doesn't know who I am, Lin Jue. But I don't blame you, Your Excellency. You really don't need to bother about me. After all, I have nothing to do with you."
Friendship. On the contrary, I offended you with my rude words just now."
Wu Chunlai laughed and said: "Junior brother, you think that I am too stingy. How can I hold a grudge in my heart just because of your few words? Besides, I have always looked at you, junior brother, even if you
You are rude to me because of your husband, but I don’t intend to blame you. What I mean is that there are absolutely no useless people under Prime Minister Lu. The mediocre people are recommended by the Holy Father himself, and with Prime Minister Lu’s temper, they will never be used.
.So if I recommend you to Prime Minister Lu, I need to have a reason for the recommendation. I can’t say that you are my junior brother, and I recommend you for personal gain, which will also make Prime Minister Lu have an opinion on me."
Lin Juewu said with relief: "I see, I was wrong to blame you sir. But this matter still can't be done. I don't think I, Lin Jue, a commoner, can be capable. Is there anything that can make Lu Xiang value him? Baiwu
Just use it."
Wu Chunlai laughed and said: "You look down on yourself, how can you be so arrogant? Junior brother, of course you are not without merit, you still have talents and abilities, I can see it with my own eyes. What you have done for Prince Liang's Mansion
Things, birthday gifts, plans to suppress bandits, and even things like the Oiran Competition not long ago, are these things that ordinary people can do? These things are enough to prove your ability. But these are not enough, after all, the things you did before are also
It is not for Prime Minister Lu's use. If you want Prime Minister Lu to value you, you must have something to repay Prime Minister Lu. This is the key point."
Lin Jue spread his hands and smiled bitterly: "With my current status, what can I repay to Prime Minister Lu? I have nothing, does Prime Minister Lu want money? I can give some silver gifts or something."
Wu Chunlai burst out laughing and scolded: "Childish, do you think Prime Minister Lu is interested in money? How many people lined up to send gold and silver, but Prime Minister Lu didn't even give them a chance to give money. You merchants, you always think that money is
Almighty. Money is indeed a good thing, but to a certain extent, money is the most useless thing. If Lu Xiangruo nodded, his family would be a mountain of gold and silver in an instant. Money is nothing more than dung in the eyes of Lu Xiang!"
Lin Jue scratched his head and said, "Then I can't think of anything else to repay."
Wu Chunlai said quietly: "Of course you do, you can repay your loyalty to Prime Minister Lu."
Lin Jue smiled and said: "Prime Minister Lu is willing to support you, so I am naturally loyal to Prime Minister Lu. Do you need to ask?"
Wu Chunlai chuckled and said, "You can't just say it with words. Prime Minister Lu looks at people's actual actions rather than verbal promises. Those are all unreliable."
Lin Jue smacked his lips and said: "I am nothing now, just a commoner. How can I prove myself with any actions? Unless I win the imperial examination in the future, I can naturally show my loyalty with practical actions."
Wu Chunlai smiled and said: "Who knows what will happen in the future? Besides, you can express your loyalty now, why wait until the future? If you really want me to introduce Prime Minister Lu to you and let Prime Minister Lu support you, you can do it now
Just show your worth."
Lin Jue frowned, looked at Wu Chunlai's shining eyes, and said solemnly: "Master Wu, please make it clear. I really don't know where I can help Prime Minister Lu."
Wu Chunlai smiled and said: "Okay, I'll make it clear. Your current status is very special. You are not only a guest of Prince Liang's Mansion, but also a person of great importance to Yan Zhengsheng. You should have heard the news that Yan Zhengsun will be transferred to the capital to serve as a political official.
Tang worships him as the deputy prime minister. This person... is a bit incompatible with Prime Minister Lu. After he is transferred to the political affairs hall, he may do something unpredictable. If you can find out some of Yan Zhengshen's ideas or measures in advance,
And if we can tell Prime Minister Lu in time, perhaps this can make Prime Minister Lu somewhat mentally prepared to avoid unnecessary conflicts in the future. This is a good thing for the stability of the government and for Prime Minister Lu and Yan Zhengsu."
Lin Jue's face was calm, but his heart could not calm down. It was one thing to speculate, but it was another thing when the speculation became reality. Sure enough, after spending a long time in circles, the truth finally came to light and he learned Wu Chunlai's true intention.
"Hmm... Also, the relationship between King Liang and Prime Minister Lu has always been at odds. If you can take advantage of the convenience of visiting King Liang, find out some things about King Liang and report to Prime Minister Lu, you may be able to avoid the conflict between Prime Minister Lu and King Liang.
It is also a good thing to cause conflicts due to dissatisfaction between people. In short... you have to find out what their behaviors and measures are and report them in advance so that Prime Minister Lu can respond in advance to reduce some misunderstandings with Yan Zhengsu, King Liang and others, and avoid
Conflict. This should be something that makes Prime Minister Lu very happy, and Prime Minister Lu will definitely take a high look at you."
After Wu Chun said that, he quietly watched Lin Jue's reaction. He had been thinking about this matter in the past few days. He wanted to put a nail in the relationship between Yan Zhengsun and Prince Liang's palace, because Yan Zhengsun was about to be transferred to the capital as deputy prime minister.
, this is worrying news for Lu Zhongtian. What is even more uncomfortable is that this is an appointment from the Holy Spirit himself, which shows that Yan Zhengsheng’s appointment definitely has some meaning. How can others sleep peacefully next to the bed?
Rong Erhu, how can there be two people who want to call the shots in the political hall? Therefore, if we can place an eye and an ear next to Yan Zhengshen, it will be a very valuable thing.
Yan Zhengsu is very cautious in hiring people, and it is not easy for people around him to instigate rebellion. This candidate must be able to detect inside information and be difficult to detect. After thinking about it, Wu Chunlai believes that Lin Jue is the best candidate. Not only because of Lin Jue
I feel that Yan Zhengsheng is highly valued, especially because Lin Jue is Fang Dunru's disciple. Fang Dunru will also be transferred to the capital, and he will obviously be Yan Zhengsheng's best friend. Through Fang Dunru, he can obtain Yan Zhengsheng's secrets, and Fang Dunru will also be transferred to the capital.
Lin Jue is the only best person who can learn the secret from Fang Dunru. This echoes the characteristics of being far and near, not easy to be detected, but the information can be detected. It can be said that Lin Jue's identity is precisely for
This choice is tailor-made.
What's more valuable is that Lin Jue is actually a guest of Prince Liang. Knowing the inside information of Prince Liang's mansion is obviously what Lu Zhongtian wants to do most. If he can get more information from Prince Liang, Lu Zhongtian will have more information.
The opportunity to completely eliminate this political enemy who has been hostile to him for decades. Therefore, Lin Jue is almost a living treasure in Wu Chunlai's eyes. That's why he stayed in Hangzhou and refused to leave, just to find out something.
, in order to find something that could persuade or coerce Lin Jue into submission. He did gain a lot. He learned a lot about Lin Jue's actions in Hangzhou and the details of his interactions with Prince Liang's Yan Zhengsu and others.
Among them, Zhang Yi, the general judge of Hangzhou, contributed the most.
Lin Jue was silent, the matter was already in front of him. Although he was aware of it beforehand, the short time was not enough for Lin Jue to respond. He needed to think carefully about how to deal with it.
Seeing Lin Jue's silence, Wu Chunlai further persuaded him with earnest words: "Junior brother, this is an excellent opportunity. I can guarantee that if you can do these things for Mr. Lu, Mr. Lu will give you a lot of support. In this way
, you have the promotion of Prince Yan Zhengsu Liang, secretly the support of Prime Minister Lu, your rise to the top is a sure thing. No one can have both sides, and get the help of so many powerful people. Think about it, even I am jealous.
Very. Don’t miss this opportunity. I can tell you something. Do you know who is the most favored prince of the Holy Emperor today? It is the second prince Huai Wang Guo Xu. Guo Xu was born to Concubine Mei.
The concubine is the daughter of Prime Minister Lu. Do you understand this relationship? The Holy Emperor likes King Huai the most, and King Huai will inherit the throne in the future. So, do you understand this truth? In today's court, only Prime Minister Lu will stand firm.
, no matter who he is, no matter who gains power for a while, he will always fall in the future. In fact, I don’t need to explain the truth. You are so young, and if you can make great achievements, it will only be a matter of time before you become the prime minister and take power in the future.
It’s just a question. Do you think I’m right?”
Wu Chunlai looked at Lin Jue with piercing eyes, piercing like a sword, making Lin Jue feel a huge sense of oppression and discomfort. He was waiting for Lin Jue's answer. When the matter reached this point, Wu Chunlai could not tolerate it.
Lin Jue refused because he told Lin Jue a lot of secrets, and this was entirely to convince Lin Jue. These secrets cannot be leaked, otherwise they will leave clues to backfire on him.
Lin Jue's mind was very clear, and he had already sorted out the key points of the matter. He could almost immediately understand the basic starting point and basic context of all this. Why Wu Chunlai wanted to instigate himself to inform them, naturally it was for
Politics and the need for struggle. Yan Zhengsheng is about to enter the capital. Prince Liang has always been Lu Zhongtian's political enemy, and Privy Councilor Yang Jun is not something Lu Zhongtian can control. Therefore, in the near future, the forces in the Great Zhou court will become extremely chaotic. And
This kind of chaos will produce unpredictable results in the important matter of establishing the crown prince. In order to win the final crown prince, Lu Zhongtian must find out the details of each party one by one. He must severely purge his enemies or seize the excuse to intimidate them. In this way
First of all, placing important informants around the other party is the most important and necessary thing.
Unfortunately, he was targeted by them. Wu Chunlai found him just to play this role.
Lin Jue knew that the current situation was actually very tricky. Since Wu Chunlai brought him semi-forced to meet here today in this way, it meant that he was actually ready. Obviously he was the king of Liang and a serious person, but Wu Chunlai
Chunlai actually revealed a lot of things today that he shouldn't tell himself. These secrets seemed like they shouldn't be told to him at all, which shows Wu Chunlai's determination to rebel against him.
However, the more this happens, the more he cannot refuse easily. Just imagine, since Wu Chunlai has told himself so many secrets, how can Wu Chunlai allow himself to easily refuse his proposal. To a certain extent, today's situation
In fact, it is very dangerous. Lin Jue can imagine that once he rejects Wu Chunlai's proposal and chooses a non-cooperative attitude, he is very likely to die today. It is impossible for Wu Chunlai to allow himself to tell Yan Zhengshu what happened today.
Or it was reported by Liang Wangfu.
However, Lin Jue would never accept it if he had to agree to Wu Chunlai's request, become Lu Zhongtian and Wu Chunlai's spy around Liang Wang and Yan Zhengsu, and inform them of secrets. Wu Chunlai had done it himself back then.
It's despicable that now he actually wants to force himself to follow the same path he did and commit the same betrayal as he did, but he made a wrong calculation.
Because of this, at this moment, things actually fell into an awkward situation that was difficult to solve. Wu Chunlai was waiting for his answer. Once he refused, the next moment Wu Chunlai would call someone in to silence him. Although he was not afraid of death, he
I've done so many things that bother my head and I haven't died yet, but to die here for no reason. Isn't it too unfair? And I don't want to die. Although this life is still bumpy, I live a positive and nourishing life. How can I do it?
Reluctant to give up a great life, give up your own life.
"Junior brother, what are you hesitating about? This matter will be of great benefit to you, and it can even be said to be an excellent opportunity for you in life. I have made the truth very clear, what are you still hesitating about?"
There was a hint of coldness in Wu Chunlai's voice.
Lin Jue breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Sir, I'm afraid I can't agree to this."
"What?" Wu Chunlai couldn't hide the disappointment in his eyes, and the smile on his face slowly turned a little ferocious. "I've been talking for a long time and analyzing the situation with you for a long time, but you still don't understand your situation? You don't want to
Are you going to prosper? Would you rather be buried with Prince Liang when the accounts are settled in the future? You have disappointed me so much."
Lin Jue cupped his hands and said: "Master Wu, it's not that I don't appreciate compliments. I've listened to everything you said, but I can't agree to you rashly. I'm not doing this for myself, but for your sake, Master Wu."
"What? For my sake?" Wu Chunlai pointed at his nose and almost laughed out loud.
"Yes, I do think about Lord Wu. Lin Jue is very grateful to Lord Wu for being so kind to me. Lord, you have pointed out a clear path for me, which can not only have a bright future, but also avoid future risks. I am so grateful."
Virtue is unforgettable. But the more this happens, the less I can deceive you, sir." Lin Jue said sincerely.
"What do you mean? Why am I getting more and more confused as you talk more and more. If you are grateful for my love for you, you should agree. Why did you say something to deceive me?" Wu Chunlai asked with a frown.
"Master Wu, you are willing to introduce me to Mr. Lu. How can I not be grateful? I am also willing to do things for Mr. Lu, and I will not hesitate to do anything to you. But the problem is that I can't fulfill your entrustment. What you said to me is required of me.
It's simply not possible at the moment. Think about it, Magistrate Yan is going to the capital soon, and my husband is also going to the capital to serve as an official. And I can't go with him. I'm just a commoner now. Although I aspire to take the imperial examination, can I
I'm afraid only God knows if I win the exam. If I lose my name and can only do business in Hangzhou, I can't go to the capital to be with Yan Zhifu and my husband. How can I fulfill Lord Wu's entrustment? Doesn't this mean Lord Wu breaks his promise in front of Prime Minister Lu?
Could it be that Jiao Lu is dissatisfied with Lord Wu? Isn’t this tricking Lord Wu?” Lin Jue said plausibly.
"This..." Wu Chunlai was speechless for a moment and had no words to reply.
"So, I can't agree to this just because I'm happy. If I can't complete what you asked me, wouldn't it be a scam? So I think it's better to wait until after the imperial examination to see if I can have this destiny.
I will make a decision when the time comes to pass the imperial examination. After all, if I am just a merchant doing business in Hangzhou, then Master Wu cannot be allowed to introduce me, a useless merchant, right? If there is smoke on the tomb of my ancestors of the Lin family, I will pass the exam.
If I pass the imperial examination, you don’t need to tell me when the time comes. I will ask your Excellency to recommend me. At that time, Your Excellency will ask Prime Minister Lu to do some activities for me and keep me as an official in the capital, so that I can serve Prime Minister Lu and His Majesty. You tell me.
Is this a correct consideration? Your Excellency, you won’t be scolded by Prime Minister Lu, right?”
Wu Chunlai was in a daze. He was not moved by what Lin Jue said about thinking about himself. Because there was nothing to worry about, and Prime Minister Lu would not blame himself at all. It was just his own fault.
It’s just a description of Lin Jue.
But what Lin Jue said was something he hadn't considered. Yes, if Lin Jue couldn't pass the imperial examination at all, how could he become a pawn around Yan Zhengsu and the others? This would only be possible if Lin Jue passed the imperial examination and became an official.
.Unless Lin Jue serves Fang Dunru in the name of his disciple, but he understands it himself, Lin Jue has worshiped Fang Dunru as his disciple and has not served the Fang family at all. This is a little deliberate, but it may attract people.
Suspicion. From this point of view, it seems that I was too anxious and should have thought carefully before clarifying the matter to Lin Jue.
But the current situation is that he has already shown his cards. Can he give up halfway? What if Lin Jue goes out and talks nonsense? And Lin Jue is really the best candidate. If he really fails to pass the imperial examination, he will just be a merchant in this life. Then
What to do?
"Sir, please don't do this. I will go back and study hard to prepare for the exam, and strive to be named on the gold medal list. Then your lord will recommend Prime Minister Lu for me, and I will have the qualifications and identity. Things can be done as you just said. This will not happen
Let your Excellency be scolded in front of Prime Minister Lu. What do you think?" Lin Jue said softly.
