Chapter 4, Doubt

For many years, the Second Great King has been leading the fight against the Liao Kingdom in the northern frontier, achieving remarkable military accomplishments. My family, the Xiao clan, has a deep-rooted foundation in the military, and naturally, we gravitated towards the Second Great King, being regarded as a core figure within his faction. Xiao Cheng said, "I once mentioned to my father that given the current strength and status of the Xiao family, why should we express our stance so early? Regardless of which Great King it is, they all want to bring our family along. However, I was reprimanded by my father for this."

In the beginning, Han Zhang believed that Erlang was seeking to secure a backup for himself due to his somewhat special background, looking for a financial path independent of the Xiao family. However, after observing over the past few years, it seems that the reality diverges somewhat from his initial expectations

At this point, Xiao Cheng suddenly laughed and said, "Even if it has no effect, in a few years, once I have arranged everything, at least I can make these people do fewer bad things and more good things. Isn't that quite good?"

From this perspective, Xiao Yu's regard for this illegitimate son indeed surpasses that of his legitimate eldest son, Xiao Ding.

The master is a person of the Second King

The Xiao family, known for their martial prowess, excels in the grand and open tactics of the battlefield, often referred to as the art of facing a hundred foes. However, the short dagger techniques that Xiao Cheng just demonstrated are in stark contrast to the straightforward and honorable methods of the Xiao family. They reveal an essence of cunning and ruthlessness, which is not suited for battlefield combat, but rather seems tailor-made for close-quarters, face-to-face fighting.

Xiao Cheng smiled faintly, picked up a jar, took a sip, and said: "Given the current status of my Xiao family, how much benefit can we gain by offering this method? It is merely adding flowers to the brocade. Moreover, once this method is presented, I fear we ourselves will no longer be able to utilize it."

That can only happen if Sun Guizi is dead

The old man does not understand! Han Zheng shook his head

In Han Zheng's view, it is ultimately just a layer of separation.

"When it is time for him to die, he will naturally die," Xiao Cheng said sternly. "Sun Guizi has become somewhat complacent, truly believing that he has become a notable figure among the lower echelons of the capital these past few years, and that I would give him face? It seems he needs to be taught a lesson, to let him know to keep his tail tucked in and behave. He doesn't even consider who has been supporting him all this time while he has been thriving in everything he does. I can raise him up, and I can also bring him down.

Indeed, without the background of a successful candidate, it would be exceedingly difficult to reach the highest echelons of the court in the future, regardless of how extravagant one's family background may be

Han Zheng hesitated for a while before saying: "Er Lang, in these past few years, the actual net profit of Tiangong Workshop has exceeded ten thousand guan each year. Your share amounts to sixty percent, which is around seven to eight thousand guan. You must have spent it all. Although I dare not ask and have never inquired, I still know a little bit about it. With so much money invested in those places, what exactly do you intend to achieve?"

I know that Sun Guizi is well acquainted with you. It was he who came to inquire about me, wasn't it?" Xiao Cheng suddenly burst into laughter

I know! Xiao Cheng put down the teacup in his hand and said calmly: "It's just that snakes have their own paths, and mice have theirs. This person is useful to me at the moment. You can rest assured, old man, I have made some arrangements. In a few years, I will be able to control everything, and by then, Sun Guizi will naturally no longer need to exist. For now, let's tolerate him for a while."

"How did you come up here?" Han Zheng asked in surprise

Xiao Cheng let out a cold smile: "Old man, in the realm of officialdom, if someone is praised for being straightforward, it essentially means that they are being called a big fool."

From the current state of Tiangong Workshop, it is evident that Erlang has concealed quite a few things in front of the master. When Xiao Cheng initially arranged this situation, Han Zheng truly found it somewhat incomprehensible.

How can one not think about it? Xiao Cheng sighed: "The atmosphere in the capital has been strange for the past two years. It appears calm and uneventful on the surface, like a still pond, but beneath it lies a turbulent undercurrent, filled with inexplicable complexities!"

Taking a 10% share for oneself is already quite satisfying

Indeed! Han Zheng laughed and said, "Nowadays, the officials, whenever they come across something good, always have to pull it into the imperial city and hide it away."

They sheathed the short dagger and resumed their seats.

Although Erlang and Sun Guizi were once subordinates of the old master, this person is indeed thoroughly corrupt. In the past, when he committed a crime, it was the old master who showed him leniency and spared his life. However, I do not believe he feels any gratitude, and over the years, he has not done anything commendable. Han Zheng said cautiously. If he were to commit a crime one day, even beheading him ten times would be too lenient. Since you are involved with him, it is likely that you will also suffer consequences in the future. Although I am not afraid, it would ultimately tarnish your reputation, which could pose significant obstacles for you.

The master is a straightforward person said Han Zheng

Moreover, once it is known that this method was conceived by me, it is likely to hinder my future prospects. Do you understand this, sir?

It is very likely that I understand Erlang better than the master does

Next year, after obtaining the degree of juren, with the background and abilities of the Xiao family, as long as Xiao Cheng performs normally, securing the status of jinshi is absolutely within reach. Without mentioning the top scholar, the second place, or the third place, as long as he firmly occupies a spot on the jinshi list, the path ahead will be much easier.

Xiao Cheng smiled, while Han Zheng, a blacksmith, had limited sources of information and his own knowledge was also limited, so naturally he could not see or understand these matters. However, for Xiao Cheng, whose life and fortune were at stake, how could he not take it seriously

Although Han Zheng was merely a craftsman in the military before, he had seen enough to be able to distinguish things at a glance

It is merely a desire to prepare a fallback plan, or to have a few more sources of information, after all said and done, Xiao Cheng said gloomily

Han Zheng blinked his eyes; although he could not understand, he still listened attentively. He was well aware that Xiao Cheng was merely in need of a listener, and whether he understood or not was of no importance.

After all, whether one is the top scholar or the three hundredth among the same degree holders, there is little difference in their subsequent decades-long official careers aside from the distinction made at the time of ranking. In the future, the success or failure of one's official path will depend significantly on personal ability and circumstances, but family background will also play a crucial role.

The master is not wrong in his thoughts

Han Zheng thought for a moment, nodded, indicating that he understood the key to the matter

Han Zheng was taken aback, looking at Xiao Cheng, and was speechless for a long time

At this point, Han Zhang began to understand somewhat

However, the actions of the officials have led the several princes below to each develop their own thoughts. Xiao Cheng said coldly, "Without mentioning those who are younger or those born of concubines, the open and covert struggles between the eldest and second princes have become increasingly evident over the past few years.

Old Master, a person without long-term concerns will surely face immediate troubles. The Xiao family currently appears to be flourishing, but all of this is merely a building constructed on sand; if anything goes wrong, it could lead to disaster

The current sovereign is very protective of his power, fearing that it may slip from his grasp. For this reason, he has not even established the Eastern Palace. Heh, the mere establishment of the Eastern Palace would mean that the Crown Prince would have his own independent officials and a separate team. Moreover, the court officials, considering future prospects, would certainly rush to curry favor with the Crown Prince, inevitably diluting the sovereign's power.

The current head of the Xiao family, Xiao Yu, who is a scholar of the Longtu Pavilion and the deputy envoy of the Three Departments, has two sons and one daughter. His eldest son, Xiao Ding, and youngest daughter, Xiao Yi, are both born of his legitimate wife, Han. However, Xiao Cheng is the son of Han's maid. Unfortunately, Xiao Cheng's mother was of poor fortune and died from excessive bleeding during childbirth, so Xiao Cheng was raised by Han since childhood, and thus he is treated almost like her own child.

Xiao Cheng stared intently at Han Zheng for a long while, causing the latter to feel somewhat guilty. Only then did he lower his eyelids, holding the tea bowl and appearing lost in thought

It is important to note that when Erlang first approached me, our family's blacksmith shop was barely enough to keep us fed, just managing to survive in the city of Tokyo. However, now our family has enough to eat, drink, use, and enjoy, and we even have over 1,000 guan in savings. Among the ordinary citizens of Bianliang, we have already become a prominent family.

Indeed, you are not wrong. My father is such a person. Xiao Cheng sighed, saying: "The current dynasty itself places great emphasis on civil affairs while neglecting military matters, severely suppressing military generals. Moreover, the Grand Prince is particularly close to the civil officials, assisting them in suppressing the military generals. My father cannot tolerate this, believing that with the current financial resources of the dynasty, if military affairs were prioritized, we would have long succeeded in the northern expedition, defeating the Liao state utterly. It is precisely because of the suppression of military generals that we can only maintain a standoff situation today. The Second Grand Prince, however, is a rare leader within the royal family who is well-versed in military affairs and personally leads troops against Liao. If he were to ascend to power one day, he would at least be able to balance civil and military matters. In this way, the military strength of the dynasty would inevitably experience a qualitative leap, making the northern expedition a hopeful prospect.

Han Zhengdao said: "Er Lang, from the perspective of an old man's experience, the method you mentioned has a significant impact on improving the quality of iron smelting. If this method were to be presented to the court, it would be a great achievement. But why do you want us to keep it hidden? Not to mention anything else, if you allowed us to forge those custom swords and knives for others, we could earn much more than we do now"

"Er Lang, I have no such intention," Han Zheng said, waving his hands in a flurry, repeatedly defending himself.

Han Zheng fell silent for a moment and said: "Erlang, you have always been confident and composed, so the old man has been worrying for nothing. However, I just don't understand, why would someone like you, a person of high standing, get entangled with someone like Sun Guizi, who is just a lowly scoundrel?"

However, this would mean making oneself a target! Xiao Cheng said: "The prince's faction will find ways to deal with us. I have no other options, so I can only think of unconventional methods. In case something happens, it would be good to have an additional route to take. Even if it is just to know a little bit of information in advance, that would be beneficial."

However, the relationship among the three siblings of the Xiao family has always been extremely good. Now it appears that Xiao Yu places even greater importance on Xiao Cheng. After all, the current dynasty values literature over martial prowess, and it is evident from Xiao Yu's vigorous support for Xiao Cheng's education since childhood. In casual conversations with Han Zheng, Xiao Yu has also indicated that the future prosperity and elevation of the Xiao family depend on Xiao Cheng.

Look at those high-ranking officials and nobles in power today; how many of them come from humble origins? More than 90% are from wealthy families that have been established for generations.

"Er Lang, I truly am not inquiring out of genuine interest, it is merely that..."

Xiao Cheng is indeed very talented in his studies

Moreover, I need money right now!" Xiao Cheng sighed

Do not praise me too much; this is just the beginning! I truly wish to make a difference, but that can only happen a few years from now when I genuinely possess my own strength. However, it would only be a small contribution at best

Er Lang is deeply strategic and thoughtful

The Erlang in his eyes is likely to be entirely different from the Erlang in the eyes of the average person