Chapter 008: No Deception Is Without Strategy

Zhang Ju was sitting in the sedan chair, listening, and suddenly felt a slight fondness for the person lifting the curtain. The day before, when carrying him in the sedan, this person had recited the official titles so clearly and without any omissions. It seems that Feng Bao truly has many capable individuals under his command

Upon exiting Kun Ning Palace, Zhang Juzheng discovered that the attentive Feng Bao had already changed the sedan chair. The yellow and white sedan chair, used by palace personnel, was replaced with a red and black one for officials. However, the bearers of the sedan chair remained the same; they simply changed their clothing, each one lean and fit, clearly trained practitioners of martial arts.

Once he finished speaking, he no longer exchanged a word with Gao Gong's steward and began to move his body back and forth.

Zhang Juzheng laughed as he grabbed Gao Gong's arm: "Brother Suqing, I haven't had a chance to exercise for a long time. It's just right to take advantage of the spacious area in front of your residence to stretch a bit. So, don't blame your chief steward, haha!"

Lifting the curtain, the man could hardly believe his ears, but he was quick-witted and immediately understood Zhang Juzheng's intention to act contrary to expectations. He swiftly responded with "Yes!", lowered the curtain, glanced at the several bearers beside him, and commanded, "Lift the sedan chair!"

In less than the time it takes to smoke a cigarette, he had already paid his respects to Empress Chen, offering his condolences and briefly explaining the preparations for the ascension. Empress Chen trusted him greatly, nodding in agreement, and specifically urged him to take good care of the young master

Zhang Juzheng completed the final move, performing a gesture reminiscent of a white crane spreading its wings. He gently raised his head and happened to see the tall sedan chair. With a slight motion of his hands, he stepped forward to the front of the chair and slightly leaned forward, saying: "How do you do, esteemed Chief Minister?"

She briefly expressed her condolences. She inquired about how we were preparing for the ascension ceremony of the young emperor, as well as what era name we would use. For what we had agreed upon, she basically consented, but reminded us that we must work together diligently to support the young emperor's ascension.

Gao Gong could never have imagined that his thoughts and actions had already been meticulously calculated

Oh? Empress Chen? What did she say? Gao Gong clearly did not take this weak-willed Empress Chen, who held little real power, seriously.

Gao Gong's steward was left with a bright red face, unable to return home and unable to move forward to make further requests. He could only lower his head, stand with his hands tied, and wear a forced smile, timidly standing at the entrance.

Five Animal Play

Feng Bao not only possesses unparalleled martial arts skills, but also has a wide-ranging literary talent. What the young master just mentioned, "the path of no interval," is the last of the eight heavy hells in Buddhism, which is truly unbearable to witness. Could he be using the path of no interval as a metaphor for the cruelty and viciousness of his Eastern Depot's torture chamber? Yet the young master has never been there.

At this moment, his top "spy" Liu Yiming is being dragged from the Eastern Factory's torture chamber onto a cart, on the way to the Eastern Palace

Zhang Juzheng readily agreed, "Sure, I haven't had a drink with the Grand Chancellor for a long time. Shall we also invite Gao Yi, who is also a regent minister?"

Upon a closer look, I was even more taken aback! What is this fellow doing here? Performing for money? I must say, his performance of the Five Animal Play is quite impressive.

He was sitting comfortably in the palanquin, feeling an immense sense of self-satisfaction as he recalled the flattering remarks and criticisms from the young master and Consort Li. He hummed a little tune, feeling quite pleased with himself. Just as he was nearing his home, he suddenly caught sight of Zhang Juzheng through a small side window, and his eyes widened in surprise

Feng Bao had no idea that Zhu Yijun was merely reciting a phrase that Zhang Juzheng had recently told him. As for Consort Li, she was even less aware of the allusion to the "Way of No Intervals." What she was most concerned about now was simply the outcome, so she anxiously asked Feng Bao for more details: "Is it already under investigation? When will the results be out? Should we go to the place of inquiry to take a look?"

I recalled that I had only a brief conversation with the Crown Prince and Consort Li in the Eastern Palace, while Zhang Juzheng was already waiting for me here. Moreover, the informant Liu Yiming has yet to respond, indicating that there should be no unusual circumstances. It seems I have indeed overthought the matter!

Call Gao Yi? His personality is neither warm nor cold, so we can't really enjoy ourselves together! It's better not to invite him! Just the two of us! As long as we agree on something, that's all that matters! Come on, come on! Uncle Da! Steward! Hurry up and serve the dishes!

Outside the Eastern Palace, Zhang Juzheng quickened his pace

Such a high-ranking official of the first class is actually performing the Five Animal Play in front of someone else's door

Gao Gong stepped down from the sedan chair, adjusted his belt, and bowed to Zhang Juzheng, saying: "Uncle Da! Why are you standing outside? Why don't you come in and sit?" Before Zhang Juzheng could respond, he turned his face to the steward and gave him a scolding, saying, "How do you treat your guests? If I am not at home, can’t you at least let the Deputy Minister sit inside for a while?"

The man gently lowered the curtain, took two steps at a time to the gate, and bowed to the guard standing outside the gate, saying, "I kindly request you to announce! The Deputy Minister of the Cabinet, the Minister of Personnel, the Grand Scholar of the Jianji Hall, and the Crown Prince's Tutor, Zhang Juzheng, seeks an audience with the Chief Minister!"

Feng Bao glanced at the young master, paused for a moment, and then bowed to Concubine Li: "Your Highness, the torture instruments in the Eastern Factory's interrogation hall are quite complete and rather intimidating. Moreover, there are quite a number of detainees, making it unsuitable for us to go there. How about I bring the person here to the Eastern Palace for questioning? However, after being subjected to torture, the individual will undoubtedly look quite unappealing, so it would be better for the young master not to see it. Please, first have your meal, take a bath, and rest."

At this moment, Gao Gong's steward rushed over like a rabbit and lifted the curtain for Gao Gong, saying, "My lord! The Deputy Minister has been waiting here for quite some time!"

Is it not a metaphor, but rather a discussion of Buddhist principles

Consort Li nodded, and Zhu Yijun also understood Feng Bao's meaning; they were concerned that they were too young and feared that the scenes they would witness would be too bloody

The sedan chair had just come to a stop when Zhang Juzheng swiftly lifted the curtain, and the leading figure hurriedly stepped forward, "My lord!"

Gao Gong nodded slightly, quietly calculating in his heart the possible times when Zhang Juzheng might come and go from the Eastern Palace

In a flash, with moments of balancing both front and back, and at times engaging in mutual combat from left to right. The experts from the Eastern Depot, who were raised by Zhang Juzheng, noticed that this esteemed official was quite adept at the art, displaying a commendable level of skill.

In that case, he felt embarrassed to insist on seeing, but he truly wanted to know how they treated these "agents"

The nearby Consort Li was startled upon hearing this. Had they captured the "spy" so quickly? Was it Jun'er’s scheme? How could this young man be so uncanny today? How did he know who the other party's "spy" was, and how did he manage to capture him so swiftly? It seemed he was certain of his success, as he was smiling so happily!

At this thought, Gao Gong felt a surge of happiness, and his sense of pride returned: "Steward! Prepare some fine wine and dishes. Uncle Da and I have been busy with state affairs lately and haven't had the chance to enjoy a couple of drinks. Come, come! Uncle Da! Today, let us brothers indulge in a hearty drink! We shall not stop until we are thoroughly intoxicated!"

Zhang Juzheng completely ignored him, as if there were no one around, stretching his arms and kicking his legs, performing a set of boxing techniques

The two individuals took their seats in the reception room, with the host and guest positioned accordingly. Gao Gong instructed for tea to be served

The steward wore a troubled expression, spreading his palms, unable to articulate his grievances

Zhang Juzheng first cupped his hands and said: "My friend! I will not stand on ceremony with you! To make a long story short, after today's dispersal from the Qianqing Palace, Empress Chen summoned me."

Who knows Zhang Juzheng but does not acknowledge his kindness? Supporting his waist with both hands, he swayed his body and said, "These past few days have been exhausting with various trivial matters, leaving me quite fatigued. It is just right to stretch my body outside for a bit, so I will not go in to sit just yet! I will wait here for Lord Gao. You all carry on with your tasks, do not mind me!"

The steward quickly bowed and said, "Lord Zhang! Please come in, and take a seat in the front hall to enjoy some tea. The Chief Minister is expected to return shortly."

Zhang Juzheng lifted the curtain and stepped out, bowing slightly to the steward: "Oh, the Chief Minister is not here? Then I shall wait for him here for a while."

... ...

The steward wore a distressed expression, "He has been here for almost half an hour! Just think about it, he is about to finish a complete set of the Five Animal Play!"

The guards outside the Gao Gongfu did not dare to be negligent and hurried to report. Before long, a person resembling a steward rushed out from inside and saluted Zhang Juzheng's sedan chair, saying: "Master Zhang, the Chief Minister has just gone to the Eastern Palace"

Gao Gong laughed heartily, "Very well! We ministers have been working hard for the country, and our health is deteriorating day by day. We should indeed engage in more physical activity. Come, come! Uncle Tai! Please come in!"

The "Art of War" by Sun Tzu specifically mentions in the chapter on espionage that the extent to which both sides engage in battle largely hinges on the effective use of "espionage." Therefore, making full use of espionage, whether apparent or subtle, is the true path to victory

Esteemed Sir Suqing, please go ahead

Go to Gao Gong's place

That is natural! Gao Gongxin felt a sense of relief. Considering the time calculated earlier, it seemed that Zhang Juzheng was not lying. It appeared that he did not go to the Eastern Palace after leaving the Qianqing Palace, but was instead summoned by Empress Chen. It was reasonable for Empress Chen to call him, as she was concerned that the Prime Minister needed to assist the Young Emperor, so she first summoned the Deputy Prime Minister.

Gao Gong had his subordinate lead Zhang Juzheng ahead, deliberately slowing his pace, and quietly asked the steward: "When did this fellow arrive? How long has he been here?"

This "stinky and hard stone"—Zhang Juzheng, how could he be at his own doorstep

Though he thought this in his heart, Zhang Juzheng remained completely composed, merely nodding his head. Once he had settled into the carriage, he softly spoke to the person lifting the curtain: "Brother! Thank you for your hard work! Please take me to the residence of the Grand Minister Gao Gong, and do so quickly!"

When it came to the last segment of the crane play, Gao Gong returned

As Gao Gongcai left, Zhu Yijun anxiously asked Feng Bao: "Hurry and tell me, what happened?"

Zhu Yijun suddenly laughed: "Between and without, the Way and the absence of the Way! The Way of no separation!"

Feng Bao smiled: "Young Master, rest assured, the Grand Tutor has been safely sent out! The Grand Tutor is exceptionally wise; San Bao has already escorted him to Empress Chen's Kanning Palace. It is likely that the old man Gao Gong only suspects that the Grand Tutor has come to the palace, but does not know exactly where he is. Moreover, Young Master, you should feel pleased. According to the clever plan you just mentioned, we have made some arrangements and have already captured this 'spy'!"

This utterance of "Infernal Affairs" startled even Chief Steward Feng, causing the hairs on his neck to stand on end

The two individuals walked hand in hand, appearing closer than biological brothers, with no signs of any conflict whatsoever

The "spy" has already been captured! This is good news. It must be said that Gao Gong is quite impressive; with someone as meticulous and cautious as Feng Bao managing the inner palace, he still managed to insert himself in.

Quickly go and report, just say that Zhang Juzheng requests an audience

Zhang Juzheng walked to the front of the sedan chair. At that moment, a bearers lifted the curtain for him and said in a very soft voice, "My lord, Deputy Supervisor Sanbao has asked me to inform you that the 'spy' has already been captured! He is personally conducting the interrogation and will not accompany you. We must ensure your safety. Where are you planning to go? We will escort you there!"

The sedan chair moved both steadily and swiftly, soon arriving outside the grand archway of the mansion

is not

The concept of the "no-intermediate path" in Buddhist philosophy stands between the realms of good and evil, where individuals betray and fight against each other for power, survival, and money. However, the young master is currently only studying the Four Books and Five Classics with the Grand Tutor, and this has never been mentioned at all