Chapter 7, Dark Chess

I would not dare to belittle myself; as long as I am given enough time to grow, I will surely stand at the pinnacle of this era," Xiao Cheng said proudly. "Grandpa Xu, isn't that Sun guy a bit arrogant now? Then I will first give him a taste of his own medicine. On your side, prepare a bit more manpower to mix in, and gradually undermine this fellow.

It is unexpected that Erlang has such high expectations of him; no wonder you are still forcing Wei San to learn to read and write, study military books, and write reflections on his reading every day

It is certainly better than the present! Xu Wuyan said

"How could it be possible to have complete control? Being able to grasp a part of it is already remarkable," Xiao Cheng said. "We intervened in these forces too late; the territories had already been delineated, so we had to resort to some extreme measures. This is also the reason why, after much contemplation, I ultimately had to choose Sun Guai Zi. This person has a strong inclination for violence, a heavy gambling nature, and is willing to take risks. If there were enough time, I would prefer to proceed step by step, steadily and cautiously, but now we have taken some reckless steps, and the foundation is unstable!" This is also the reason why, after much contemplation, I ultimately had to choose Sun Guai Zi. This person has a strong inclination for violence, a heavy gambling nature, and is willing to take risks. If there were enough time, I would prefer to proceed step by step, steadily and cautiously, but now we have taken some reckless steps, and the foundation is unstable!

At this point, Xiao Cheng couldn't help but smile: "In the beginning, I had no idea that Grandpa Xu was so deep and inscrutable. I just felt that the situation was somewhat unfavorable, but due to my age, I couldn't do much, so I could only do what I could. Establishing the Tiangong Ironworks was merely a way to earn some money, and at the same time, it was also a means to verify certain things. As for getting involved with the lower-tier forces, it was to create more channels for information. After all, these people are a mixed bag, and their sources of information are complex, yet they are extremely well-informed. Establishing the Tiangong Ironworks was merely a way to earn some money, and at the same time, it was also a means to verify certain things. As for getting involved with the lower-tier forces, it was to create more channels for information. After all, these people are a mixed bag, and their sources of information are complex, yet they are extremely well-informed. Although I have little influence on the overall situation, knowing some information in advance always provides more options for response."

However, as time goes by and as the age of this official increases, his health is no longer as robust as it once was, and this condition has begun to show gradual changes.

Even those who engage in petty theft can, at certain special times, play an unexpectedly significant role. Xu Wuyan nodded and said: "Er Lang is deeply strategic; although the lower-tier forces may not be fit for the stage, their actual influence is not insignificant. If they can be brought under control, they would indeed provide tremendous support."

I am only afraid that there is not enough time

Xiao Cheng smiled and said: "I hope that my efforts will be rewarded. To be honest, reading Wei San's reflections on his studies is truly a painful experience."

"This is gambling with the entire fortune and life of the Xiao family!" Xiao Cheng sneered, "What if we win the gamble? Even if the Second King ascends to power, the Xiao family will only be granted the title of a Duke at most. However, if we lose the gamble, it will result in death and the extinction of our clan. Things are no longer as they were in the past."

Xiao Cheng shook his head and said: "Wei Wu excels in the art of battle formations, but his temperament is not suited for this path. I look forward to the day when he can return to the battlefield and shine brilliantly! He must not be tainted by the murky depths of the lower echelons."

This also indicates from one perspective that the conflict between the two factions is nearing the point where the truth will be revealed in its entirety

However, from the perspective of the Xiao family itself, such actions would be exceedingly unwise

In Xiao Cheng's view, the Xiao family is exceptionally fortunate, and they can completely emulate the current official, comfortably waiting for the outcome, regardless of which great king ultimately ascends to power, the Xiao family will inevitably enjoy their share of wealth and nobility

Given the current status of the Xiao family, if Xiao Yu does not wish to take sides, he can still maintain his own integrity

In Xiao Cheng's view, this person is not confused at all; he is quite shrewd!

The Grand Prince's strength in the military is inferior to that of the Second Prince, thus a person like Xiao Yu is someone he needs to earnestly strive to win over. Even if he cannot secure Xiao Yu's allegiance, he is unwilling to offend him and force the Xiao family to align with the Second Prince

Xiao Cheng sighed, saying: "Master Xu has overestimated me. On the level of the court, a person like me is no different from a small fry like Sun Guizi. In the face of the national machinery, no matter how much an individual may dance and show off, it only serves to invite laughter in the end"

Xiao Cheng chuckled softly: "Even if everything goes smoothly for me next year, if I pass the imperial examination and become a jinshi to be appointed to an official position, in my father's eyes, I will still be just a child. He would not take what I say seriously as a significant matter. Moreover, in the court, new jinshi, apart from the top three, must go to the localities for practical experience, which is merely a position of trivial importance. What influence could that possibly have on the grand plans of the court?"

In this cycle that repeats time and again, all officials, whether consciously or unconsciously, have taken sides. Even many who do not wish to take sides ultimately find themselves swept along, either reluctantly boarding the carriage of the great prince or the war chariot of the second prince

As for the two great kings, they not only require the influence of the Xiao family within the military but also need a civil official like Xiao Yu to ensure that there is a response from the civil officials in the court.

After a few years of being in charge of the two great kings, they immediately replaced them with personnel from the prince's faction.

Such a family is well-established within the circle of civil officials, yet holds significant influence in the military

A nation's grand strategy is most averse to inconsistency and frequent changes. Given the current strength of the Song Dynasty, if it is determined to maintain its existing territory, the power of the Northern Liao cannot shake the defenses of the northern frontier. Even with the superior mobility of the Northern Liao's stronger army, they can only conduct harassment in the border areas, which poses a limited threat. They fundamentally lack the capability to penetrate deeply. Once they attempt to advance, they are highly likely to be cut off by the numerous fortresses and military garrisons of the Song Dynasty scattered along the border, leading to their complete annihilation. They can conduct harassment in the border areas, but this only endangers a limited region, as they fundamentally lack the ability to penetrate deeply. Once they attempt to advance, they are highly likely to be cut off by the numerous fortresses and military garrisons of the Song Dynasty scattered along the border, leading to their complete annihilation

Both individuals burst into laughter

However, he values the position beneath himself more than anything else.

At this time, it is necessary to support the main offensive personnel of the Second King faction to take the stage immediately

If the Song Dynasty truly wished to launch a northern expedition against the Liao State and unify the world, it would not be impossible. After all, the financial resources of the Song Dynasty are unparalleled, having established a national strategy. With a decade of accumulation, nurturing troops, and training soldiers, and fully developing its armed forces, success is also a possibility

What Grandpa Xu said is absolutely correct. Over the past year, have we not already placed quite a few people in key positions?" Xiao Cheng replied with a smile, "In these past few years, I have invested considerable effort and resources, turning Sun Guizi, who was merely a small player in the lower echelons of society, into a highly sought-after figure among the lower echelons in the capital. He cannot simply betray me at will. A few years ago, his family committed numerous heinous acts, and I now hold evidence of these deeds in my hands. If he dares to betray me, once I present this evidence, no matter who becomes the governor of Kaifeng, they would not dare to let him off the hook. In that case, he will have no path to take other than death.

The conservative faction gained the upper hand, and the power of the Grand Prince immediately surged.

The problem lies in the fact that the current official is swaying between two completely opposing major strategies. When those advocating for a northern expedition gain the upper hand, the entire nation exerts itself to develop military capabilities. However, once the proponents of defense take the lead, all the efforts of the past few years are rendered futile, and everything returns to square one

People have already started to die

The Xiao family is different from ordinary ministers; they come from a military lineage. The elder Xiao Ding held the position of a deputy in the Privy Council. Although Xiao Yu followed the path of a civil servant from a young age, he did not pass the imperial examination and could only pursue the path of the Mingjing examination. He then managed logistics in the military for many years, where he also wielded considerable influence.

Is this official confused

Such incidents have occurred multiple times in the past

If he truly does not wish to take sides, neither group would genuinely want to offend such a person

Once one gains the upper hand, completely eliminating the opponent's backbone forces from the physical realm becomes a means of achieving a lasting resolution

Alas, my own father has hastily boarded the carriage of the Second King.

"So, did Erlang establish the Heavenly Craft Ironworks and the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion, and also intervene in the lower-tier forces in the capital, in order to make some advance preparations for contingencies?" Xu Wuyan said

Although Sun Guizi was a subordinate of the old master, he was not favored by him. Years ago, he violated military discipline and was originally sentenced to death. Although the old master intervened to save his life, this man ended up with a crippled leg. Later, when he sought to join the household, he was again rejected by the old master. Xu Wuyan said: "Therefore, the man's attitude towards the Xiao family is indeed something that Erlang needs to observe further."

In the beginning, the conflicts among everyone adhered to a fundamental principle, which was that the defeated would leave the court and retreat to distant places.

"Young Master, why not let Wei San go? It would be a good opportunity to hone his skills"

Standing on the grounds of righteousness, Xiao Cheng truly cannot bring himself to blame his own father. After all, the Northern Expedition to unify the realm has been a long-cherished aspiration of the Song Dynasty since its founding, and even at the moment of his death, the old man still held this matter in his thoughts

As long as Er Lang is given time, I believe that he will certainly grow into a remarkable individual of great stature

This has made oneself a target; if the prince does not regard the Xiao family as a thorn in his side, a source of irritation to be eliminated swiftly, then that would indeed be a strange matter

In any case, with the constant exchanges and conflicting opinions, everyone is engaged in a lively struggle, while he remains firmly seated on the fishing platform, watching the clouds rise with a smile

No one can pose any threat to his position, he is quite at ease, but the Song Dynasty as an empire has been thoroughly troubled, and the officials of the entire Song Dynasty have also been greatly distressed

As of today, the competition between the two factions has become increasingly intense and increasingly ruthless

Xu Wuyan smiled and said: "Er Lang always plans thoroughly before taking action. With Er Lang in the Xiao family, there should be no cause for concern"

The master is not unaware of the key issues at hand; he is merely taking a gamble! Xu Wuyan sighed, saying: "The emperor grows older by the day. Erlang, you know that none of the emperors of our Song dynasty have lived long lives. Although the current emperor appears healthy at the moment, no one can predict what may happen next. Surely, the emperor himself must be contemplating these matters. In the past, the emperor's actions were primarily driven by the fear of his position being threatened by the two capable young princes. However, now, such concerns must be gradually fading. At this point, the ambition to achieve great deeds will inevitably be rekindled. Even if we do not speak of a successful northern expedition or the eradication of the Northern Liao, simply reclaiming the territories of Youyan would suffice. The emperor's name would surely surpass that of his ancestors in the grand annals of history. Therefore, the master is betting on the emperor having such aspirations!

Xiao Cheng has already brought the matter to this point, yet Xu Wuyan no longer responded. After a long silence, Xu Wuyan continued: "Next year is the provincial examination, followed by the national examination. I only hope that Erlang can succeed in both examinations next year, enter the court as an official, and become a support for the master."

Those who can stand in the court and participate in the struggles are not fools; everyone knows the game that the officials play. Today, I may be able to drive you away, but tomorrow it might be my turn. Therefore, at this moment, it is wise to leave a way out, so that we may meet again favorably in the future