Protect Our Clan Leader
Chapter 1104 - 77: Stirring Up Storms with a Single Hand! Lord Meng Surrenders (Seeking Monthly Pass)_4

"That still depends on whether he can truly be reborn from the ashes when faced with adversity. If not, he will simply be eliminated," Emperor Longchang said calmly, "The struggle between the Emperor's sons allows no negligence, for it concerns the fate of our great Da Qian for thousands of years."

"Your Majesty, that Wang Shouzhe is defying the imperial decree under the guise of righteousness. Should this old servant personally go and bring him here to see Your Majesty?"

"Hmph! There's no need for that. What is my status? Am I someone he can see whenever he wishes, or not see if he chooses not to? Let him be. Sooner or later, he will come begging to me."

Master and servant, each saying their piece, gradually moved away.

...

Almost at the same time.

After leaving the court, Meng Yuanbai immediately gathered a few trusted officials from the Three Talents Section and rushed to Ding Duke's Mansion under the guise of inspecting the taxes.

Upon entering Ding Duke's Mansion.

Meng Yuanbai sent his trusted officials away and then grabbed Wang Yuchang, the Family Head of the Wang family now responsible for receiving him, "Master Yuchang, is Wang Shouzhe still in the Wang family? Please take me to see him immediately."

"Master Meng, please calm yourself," Wang Yuchang calmly persuaded him, prying himself away, "At this hour, Shouzhe is probably still taking his midday nap. There's no rush, no rush. Let us have some tea and chat first."

A midday nap?

Meng Yuanbai's expression stiffened. He couldn't believe it; Wang Shouzhe had turned Dingqian Hall upside down, dragging the whole empire into chaos.

And he still had the leisure to take a midday nap?

"Master Yuchang," Meng Yuanbai suppressed the urge to curse and took a deep breath before bowing, "This is a matter of life and death, I beseech you."

Wang Yuchang showed a troubled expression, "Shouzhe dislikes being disturbed during his nap."

After a pause, he then nodded solemnly, "But since Master Meng requests it, I will take the risk. Please, follow me."

"Thank you, Master Yuchang," Meng Yuanbai bowed again gratefully, though he inwardly felt as if he owed a huge favor just for a single meeting with Wang Shouzhe.

Wang Yuchang led Meng Yuanbai to the Four Seasons Garden.

And there, he "forcefully disturbed" Wang Shouzhe's midday nap.

Before long, Wang Shouzhe received Meng Yuanbai in the study, smiling as he personally brewed tea, "Master Meng honors us with his visit. Shouzhe has failed in receiving you from afar. Forgive me, forgive me."

Unexpectedly.

Meng Yuanbai stood up first, his face solemn as he deeply bowed, "Master Shouzhe, Meng Yuanbai had previously offended you, please be forgiving."

"By no means, by no means," Wang Shouzhe returned the bow, "Master Meng has always acted for the public good. How could Shouzhe bear any grudge? Besides, it was Master Meng who proved the Wang family's innocence. Master Meng, this wild tea is a casual find by my great-grandson. Crude though it may be, it has a unique flavor."

The best tea in his possession, of course, was from the leaves shed by the Life Tree Wang Lixian. However, those were too precious to share except with those truly close to him.

"Great-grandson, is it that Anye child? I've heard he is now residing in Emperor's Wangxian Pavilion, greatly favored by His Majesty," Meng Yuanbai took a sip and continually praised, "Excellent tea, excellent tea. Master Shouzhe truly is a man of deep fortune; all his children are outstanding."

"The Meng family of this generation is also full of talents," Wang Shouzhe smiled and returned the compliment, "Third Grade is within reach."

After mutually flattering each other for a while, they gradually grew more familiar.

Only then did Meng Yuanbai reveal his true feelings, somewhat bitterly, "Master Shouzhe, I have witnessed your formidable counter-strategies. However, you have indeed dragged me into this quagmire. Now, the Zhao Clan despises me to the bone. The line of Prince Dexin sees me as a thorn in their side."

"Even, in the future, every small and large prominent family across the nation will curse Meng Yuanbai in secret. Oh, Master Shouzhe, where does that leave Meng Yuanbai?"

"Congratulations Master Meng, you are bound to make a mark on history," Wang Shouzhe bowed.

Make a mark on history!

Hell, I want to make a mark! Meng Yuanbai's mouth twitched, "Master Shouzhe, please stop joking and provide some guidance."

"Guidance? Does Master Meng still entertain thoughts of defecting to Kang Commandery Prince?" Wang Shouzhe asked curiously.

"How could I? Kang Commandery Prince hates me to the bone now. And he is of a narrow and cold nature, I dare not turn to him," Meng Yuanbai shook his head emphatically, his eyes filled with hope, "Thus, in my remaining years, I ask for Master Shouzhe's protection."

"Master Meng, you're too polite; we support each other, just that," Wang Shouzhe smiled and returned the courtesy, "After this matter concludes, I will introduce you to An Commandery Prince."

"Good, good, good~ since I and Master Shouzhe are now in the same boat," Meng Yuanbai, having just aligned himself with Wang Shouzhe, knew he needed to show his merit, he rolled up his sleeves excitedly, "This time, as you say, Master Shouzhe. From what I see of Master Shouzhe's past strategies, this tax investigation is surely not so straightforward."

"Brother Yuanbai truly deserves to be Chief of the Three Talents Section," Wang Shouzhe smiled lightly, "Just proceed as normal with the tax investigation, but Brother Yuanbai should pay extra attention to any large unexplained financial transactions…"

Unexplained financial sources?

Meng Yuanbai staggered slightly, incredulously looking at Wang Shouzhe, "Could Master Shouzhe be implying…"

But in a split second, he was invigorated again, "Master Shouzhe indeed has brilliant strategies, Meng admires them. Rest assured, if there's a trace from reckless actions, there are many sharp-minded talents under Meng."

He hadn't expected that, just by boarding this ship, he would be thrown into a significant role.

...

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