Xie Jiayan heard that Song Wei had brought the person back, which was within his expectations. Yao Zhinian had underestimated Song Wei; he wasn't someone to be easily manipulated.
The Yao family only held sway in the capital. Outside the capital, their influence waned. Minister Qin and Censor Lu exploited this, playing a temporal game with him.
Yao Zhinian, enraged, smashed a teacup, but to what avail? He could command a few civil officials, but a seasoned general like Song Wei, with his own will, simply wouldn't listen.
As Yao Zhinian was in a fit of temper, an aide hurried in and whispered something in his ear.
Yao Zhinian frowned, "Why is he here?"
"Does Master wish to see him or not?"
Yao Zhinian hesitated for a moment. In the past, his status would have been insufficient. But now, Yao Zhinian's eyes flickered; he wanted to see what this person's intentions were.
...
Minister Mo feigned illness for three consecutive days. Being older, he caught a chill from a heavy rain.
With Minister Mo absent from the Zhongshu Province, Yao Zhinian became even more boisterous, his smugness unconcealed.
Previously, Xie Jiayan had spoken up for the Wang family, earning him Yao Zhinian's particular displeasure. If not for the Emperor's personal appointment for him to record the proceedings, granting him no power to speak, Yao Zhinian would have long since kicked him out.
However, he was still subjected to constant harassment. Xie Jiayan was an eyesore wherever he sat. He moved five times within an hour, the last move being even more egregious, relocating him to the outer covered walkway.
It was raining outside, and the wind was strong. Xie Jiayan had to shield the paper from getting wet, and his entire back was soaked.
Gu Bohao truly couldn't bear to watch, "These meeting minutes are to be presented to the Emperor. If they are wet, or if the records are incomplete, and the Emperor blames us, none of us will be able to explain."
Although Yao Zhinian was not yet satisfied, he did give Gu Bohao considerable face today, simply because he was in a good mood.
Xie Jiayan returned to his residence, drenched. The moment he entered, Kong rushed over, "Young Master, something has happened."
Cai Tao of the Qianniu Guard, dispatched by Yao Zhinian, had been intercepted by Song Wei. Everyone thought Yao Zhinian's show of power was over, but unexpectedly, he had turned to the Northern Army.
Feng Qirui, the new commander of the Northern Army, was looking for opportunities to earn merit. The Yao family's proactive overture was like finding a pillow when one was sleepy; the two hit it off immediately.
Feng Qirui also knew that his position as commander of the Northern Army wouldn't last long. This was a post the Emperor had reserved for the Seventh Prince to place his own people later.
Xiao Che had won his recent battles brilliantly, with many capable individuals around him. Both General Fan and Yu Mingjing had the potential to overshadow him.
He had finally regained military power and was unwilling to return to being a mere soldier under Song Wei. If he couldn't connect with the Seventh Prince, aligning with the Yao family was just as good.
Speaking of the Yao family, they were, in a way, his allies in enmity. Song Wei and the Yu family were their common enemies.
"Feng Qirui personally led five thousand Imperial Guards. They departed overnight yesterday. Judging by the time, they should have reached Liancheng by now," Kong said, panting, clearly having just received the news.
Xie Jiayan's face immediately turned pale. Feng Qirui was a man who wouldn't move without benefit; he feared the Wang family was in grave danger this time.
Liancheng
The Wang family was surrounded by five thousand Imperial Guards like an iron barrel. Although the Wang family's two thousand household soldiers were also well-trained, if they truly engaged the Imperial Guards, it would not only result in mutual destruction but also solidify the charge of rebellion.
"Master, rest assured, we will do our utmost to protect you and break through," said a Wang family strategist.
Since Wang Ningqing had left Liancheng, the Wang family strategists had been led by Wang Siniang. Now, at the critical juncture of the Wang family's survival, they could not allow the family line to be extinguished. As long as they lived, there was hope.