Chapter 10, Zheng Tingshi

Although Lu Jingwu is merely a martial man, he is also an official of rank and a trusted confidant of the Grand Commandant Gao. In this matter presented before Her Majesty, it is likely that Grand Commandant Gao will argue based on 'reason.' If you draw your sword in the inn, it would be unreasonable. If Chief Zheng were to side with Grand Commandant Gao, your uncle's words would carry little weight. What do you think?

Turning his head, Zheng Shiyuan focused his gaze on the composed and dignified An Jing, feeling a sense of comfort within. He slightly nodded, realizing that this young man was indeed different from before. After more than a year of not seeing him, he seemed to have transformed entirely, especially with the frivolity in his demeanor completely gone, replaced by an air of tranquility. Reflecting on the scene where he confronted the Imperial Guard's Lu Jingwu in the inn, it must have been quite remarkable. I never imagined that my younger sister would have such a son. His father, An Zheng, is courageous and strategic, possessing both bravery and insight, and An Jing is certainly no less impressive. A tiger father does not raise a dog son. His earlier words were not only heartfelt but also reasonable, revealing nuances that even I had not anticipated. This young man is no ordinary person!

... ...

In fact, Zheng Juzhong was quite jealous of Zheng Shiyuan, especially worried that Zheng Shiyuan would surpass him in the future. It is worth mentioning that the two Zhengs had no real connection; whether it was Zheng Juzhong or Zheng Shiyuan, neither of them was a true relative of Empress Zheng. Their association was based on mutual interests, which both were well aware of, yet neither dared to speak it out loud. At this moment, Zheng Shiyuan mentioned Zheng Juzhong, also out of concern that his actions might exacerbate the conflict between the Zhou and An families and Zheng Juzhong. They were not true relatives of Empress Zheng; their connection was purely one of interests, which both understood, yet neither would openly acknowledge it. At this moment, Zheng Shiyuan mentioned Zheng Juzhong, also out of concern that his actions might exacerbate the conflict between the Zhou and An families and Zheng Juzhong.

An Jingxin's thoughts are not as simple as they appear. He is particularly well-versed in the events of the Song Huizong era. There are no records of Zheng Shiyuan in historical texts, but Zheng Juzhong is a well-known figure. This person also sought to gain favor when Empress Zheng was a concubine, and they mutually benefited from each other. In this incident, Grand Minister Gao Taiwei managed to drive Zheng Juzhong away, causing him to lose face in front of Empress Zheng, to the point where he felt ashamed to face her. Ultimately, he had no choice but to tacitly accept Gao Taiwei's approach of finding a scapegoat.

A single word awakens the dreamer, and Zheng Shiyuan's eyes suddenly brighten, inwardly exclaiming how perilous it is. The guards cannot bear this responsibility; the Hejian Prefecture cannot escape its blame. After all, the source of the turmoil lies within the jurisdiction of Hejian Prefecture. On the surface, it seems that Gao Qiao is using Le Shou and An Zhen as scapegoats, but in reality, he intends to implicate the entire Hejian Prefecture. His intentions are truly malicious

Zheng Shiyuan is naturally well aware of this matter. What he is concerned about is that Zheng Juzhong, in order to absolve himself of responsibility, would support Gao Qiu's arguments. In this case, the An family would find themselves in a difficult position. After all, Zheng Juzhong is currently the head of the Privy Council, a prominent official of the court. From the perspective of Empress Zheng, he is still a person she can rely on. What are the An family members in comparison? Even if he were to single-handedly protect the two of them, how could he expect Empress Zheng to step down? This would also offend Zheng Juzhong.

Cai Jing, having resumed his position as Prime Minister, did not spare any effort, colluding with Liu Zhengfu to attack and slander Chancellor Zhang Shangying. Now, he has secretly developed a rift with Cai Jing, causing a momentary shift in the expectations of both the court and the public

Zheng Shiyuan wore a heavy expression, which An Jing naturally observed clearly. At that moment, upon hearing him mention the name 'Zheng Shumi' with evident concern, An Jing understood what was troubling him. Suddenly, a plan formed in his mind, and he spoke softly: "... Uncle, you are well aware that the matter of the ambush at Xiaofengkou will inevitably be pursued for accountability by the current Emperor. The elite Longwu Imperial Guard suffered heavy casualties, and the Empress Dowager narrowly escaped disaster. Without a proper explanation, how can the Grand Minister Gao, who escorted the imperial carriage out of the capital, justify himself? Wen Gong believes that Grand Minister Gao's inquiry into County Magistrate Leshou is indeed harboring ill intentions. Consider this: Leshou is under the jurisdiction of Hejian, and since County Magistrate Leshou bears the blame, how can the Hejian Prefecture justify its position? The position of a seventh-rank county magistrate is lowly and insignificant, making it seem reasonable to use him as a scapegoat. However, if the blame is placed entirely on the local level, then the Imperial Guards would be completely absolved of responsibility. Since the Imperial Guards bear no guilt or blame, Grand Minister Gao would have no reason to be held accountable. Instead, it is Leshou who bears the blame, and thus the Hejian Prefecture would indirectly assume the responsibility. Based on this conclusion, even if my father cannot escape great calamity, I fear that Uncle will also find it difficult to defend himself. Meanwhile, the cowardly Grand Minister Gao would remain unscathed. This scheme to shift blame is indeed insidious."

An Jing also knew how to ingratiate himself. Although he was aware that Zheng Shiyuan was not his actual uncle, he referred to him as 'uncle' at that moment, which inadvertently brought the two closer together. Zheng Shiyuan noticed this in his heart; not only did he not look down on him, but he also secretly praised his cleverness. It seems that the rumors about him in Xiaofengkou were indeed true.

Therefore, Zheng Shiyuan sighed softly, and he did not hold much hope for this nephew An Jing. Previously, An Zheng had brought him to the residence several times, and in fact, Zheng Shiyuan had a poor impression of the frivolous young man. Apart from being overly handsome, there seemed to be nothing commendable about him. As for composing poetry and prose, who in this day and age cannot do that?

In the main hall of the Prince's residence, Prince Zheng Shen of Hejian and Zheng Juzhong were conversing over tea when a servant from the residence entered to report, "... ... Governor Zheng requests an audience with the Prince ... ..."

Zheng Juzhong nodded slightly, furrowing his brows and gazing with his triangular eyes, saying: "Your Highness, please refrain from your wrath, as this matter pertains to the fortunes of the Zheng family. We shall strive with all our might and will not yield in the slightest."

The performance of An Jing in this journey through the Xiaofeng Pass also reached Zheng Shiyuan's ears, and even the Empress and Madam Jingguo praised him endlessly. Previously, he had never thought that this child possessed such abilities. After more than a year of absence, could it be that the once frivolous young man has changed his ways? These opinions are secondary; what troubles him now is how to handle the aftermath of the Guan Yi incident. The people he is about to offend are not just the esteemed Grand Marshal Gao, but also Zheng Juzhong, and even the Empress Zheng who holds the world in her grace.

In the midst of the conversation, Zheng Shiyuan stepped into the hall, "... ... Zheng Tingshi has met with the Duke and Zheng Shixiang ... ..." In front of these two individuals, Zheng Shiyuan could only show respect

Wen Gong, you are being too frivolous. Do you not know that Lu Jingwu is a trusted general of the esteemed General Gao? The matter of the wind and the mouth does not only involve General Gao; even Zheng Shumi has a connection to it... On the way to the Duke's residence, Zheng Shiyuan quietly expressed his concerns to An Jing, who was riding alongside him.

Lu Jingwu was still behind, and although he was also on horseback, he appeared dejected. If it were not for Ye Ziqia revealing his identity, he would have been mistaken for a thief or a prisoner.

Zheng Juzhong, styled Dafu, hailing from Kaifeng, was the son-in-law of the esteemed Wang Gui, a high-ranking official. In his fifties, Zheng Dafu was of fair complexion and affluent background, having been raised in luxury for an extended period, which indeed contributed to his radiant appearance. Following the ascension of Emperor Huizong, he experienced a decline in status before rising to prominence again, attracting the attention of many in the court. In the early third year of the Zhenghe era, he was once again conferred the title of Duke of Shangguo and further promoted to the position of head of the Privy Council.

Thus, Zheng Shiyuan found himself in a difficult position, but upon reflecting on An Zheng's years of loyal service and dedication, he could not bear to "watch him die without offering help"

Zheng Juzhong and Zheng Shiyuan both stood up to see Zheng Shen off. Afterward, the two returned to their seats. At this moment, Zheng Shiyuan's worries dissipated, and he secretly praised An Jing for his remarkable insight. This young man, not yet twenty, already possessed such unexpected wisdom and strategy. It is truly rare; if he were to be deliberately nurtured, in just a few years, he would surely achieve great success.

With a loud clap, Zheng Shen struck the table, causing the yellow water in the teacup to splash everywhere. "How can this be justified... this is too much bullying. Dafu, what do you think?"

Very well ... ... I believe that the esteemed General Gao is also on his way to the residence. You two may sit for now, I will go and explain everything to Her Majesty the Empress. That scoundrel Gao Qiu is truly detestable ... ...

Zheng Juzhong would not feel any sense of gloom, after all, the Prince of Hejian is the father-in-law of the current Emperor and the biological father of the Empress. It is not excessive for him to show some respect in front of him. However, when Zheng Shiyuan was mentioned, he could not help but sneer inwardly, while outwardly he still gave due respect to the national uncle, smilingly saying, "The prince need not worry..."

Zheng Shen and Zheng Juzhong rose one after the other, and after exchanging pleasantries, invited Zheng Shiyuan to sit down. Only then did Zheng Shiyuan recount the conflict at the inn. Upon hearing this, Zheng Shen and Zheng Juzhong's expressions changed dramatically. As Zheng Juzhong's face darkened and he seemed about to speak, Zheng Shiyuan preemptively quoted a statement from An Jing. This made Zheng Juzhong break into a cold sweat, and it was indeed not unfounded. If the responsibility were to fall on Zheng Shiyuan of Hejian Prefecture, what face would the Zheng family have left? Wouldn't Cai Yuanchang then have even more reason to attack? Even if Zheng Shiyuan were to be demoted because of this, he would fear for his own position as 'Prime Minister' at any moment. In the end, they heard Zheng Shiyuan say: "... Now, the commander of the Imperial Guard, Lu Jingwu, is falsely accusing An Zheng and his son, and even forcing the Longwu Army to harm people in front of them, completely disregarding the Zheng family of Hejian. The court officials are of low rank and insignificant, with nothing to say. I hope the prince and the Prime Minister will take charge of this matter..."

An Jing slightly nodded, yet his expression remained unchanged. Along the way, the sounds of people were noisy, with men, women, and children all gazing at the officials escorted by the guards of the government. Zheng Shiyuan and the others were quite accustomed to this and found nothing strange about it. However, An Jing, who was riding alongside them, was still a newcomer and wondered who this person was, to be riding in parallel with Lord Zheng.

Uncle, your concerns are indeed significant, but this matter has far-reaching implications, affecting the fortunes of Her Majesty the Empress, Zheng Shumi, and yourself. If the Hejian Prefecture were to bear the responsibility, it would be difficult for you to escape blame. If you were to take on the responsibility, what glory would that bring to Her Majesty? Zheng Shumi would also lose face. If the likes of Grand Minister Cai in the court were to use this as an excuse to further fan the flames, it is feared that both Zheng Shumi and you would face consequences. Please do not take offense at my words, Uncle; having served in officialdom for many years, you should be aware of the intricacies involved.

Oh... the courtier Ting Shi has arrived, ha... quickly bring him to meet this king... Although Zheng Shen holds no real power, he is indeed well-connected due to his daughter's noble status. He turned his head and smiled brightly at Zheng Ju Zhong, saying: "Da Fu and Ting Shi have not met many times yet; you two are of similar age and should grow closer in the future. The Zheng family is destined to prosper, and the two of you can serve as its banner, the focus of everyone's expectations... ha..." He is naturally open-minded and does not fear Zheng Ju Zhong's title of 'Prime Minister,' so he directly addressed him by name.

Zheng Shiyuan deeply agreed, twisting three strands of sparse beard, squinting his eyes and nodding, "Wen Gong's words are not false; Zheng Shumi indeed has a rift with Master Cai. Ha... you have indeed awakened my uncle. Before meeting the Empress, I will first go and meet Zheng Shumi, to express the severity of the situation, to discern what is light and what is heavy. I believe Zheng Shumi will have his own decisions to make."