Chapter 606 Hunter and Prey

Chapter 606 Hunter and Prey

Chapter 606 Hunter and Prey

In the dim lantern shop, Jiang Wangsun smiled and asked this question slowly.

The lights in the room flickered, and the shadows of the two people cast on the pink wall also distorted.

Zhao Duan smiled, but his eyes narrowed: "Master Jiang, can you explain this?"

This is asking knowingly.

Jiang Wangsun’s meaning was very simple: If Zhao Duan was really confident enough, there would be no need for him to try to win him over and incite him to defect.

Of course, Zhao Duan also understood this truth.

What he understood even more clearly was that the reason the two of them took the risk and sat together was because both sides had something to ask for.

Therefore, today's conversation is not only an act of subversion, but also a business deal.

Jiang Wangsun asked to meet him before he would surrender completely because he needed to meet someone who could afford the price.

In other words, Jiang Wangsun's purpose from beginning to end was very simple, which was to sell himself at a high price.

Before discussing business, one must first praise oneself and belittle the other party.

"Haha, I have heard a lot of news in Huting, such as the failure of the peace talks, the military orders of the governor, and... the unrest in the Western Regions."

Jiang Wangsun was calm and composed, with a gentle smile on his well-maintained face:

"Of course, even in this situation, I am still optimistic about your majesty, but... I am doing a business that can lead to death. If it is exposed, how can I survive? Therefore, it depends on how sincere the governor is willing to be."

Zhao Duan said calmly:
"Mr. Jiang participated in the rebellion, isn't that punishable by death?"

Jiang Wangsun choked.

Then, Zhao Duan continued to say lightly:

“To be honest, when I first heard that Lord Jiang was interested in joining the army, I was also surprised.

After all, Lord Jiang had served as the prefect of Jiancheng Dao. After Prince Jing raised the rebels, with Lord Jiang's qualifications and abilities, he became an important official that Xuwen relied on.

Oh, to be honest, I even doubt whether Lord Jiang’s surrender is sincere or just a pretense.

After all, Zhao Shixiong's matter is right before our eyes, so this governor has to be careful."

The smile on Jiang Wangsun's face gradually disappeared, and beads of sweat appeared on his temples:
"Commander-in-chief, this old man..."

Zhao Duan raised his hand playfully to interrupt him and chuckled:
"However, when I learned that Lord Jiang's power had been reduced and he was gradually squeezed out of Xu Wen's core circle, and even his actual power in Hu Ting was not as good as that of a newly emerged military advisor, I suddenly realized it."

For a moment, Jiang Wangsun didn't know whether he should feel relieved or ashamed and angry.

But he had no way to refute it.

In fact, one of the reasons why he had the idea of ​​rebellion was due to changes in the overall situation.

In fact, ever since the empress broke through the heavenly realm and returned to the capital, he thought that the hope of supporting Prince Jing to ascend the throne was slim.

No matter how strong you are, even with the help of Xuan Yin, who is also a celestial being, can you break into the capital?
But at that time, the plans of the various princes to unite and blockade the imperial court were still tempting. As long as the capital was turned into an isolated island, the empress would be in name only.

However, with the deaths of King Heng of Qingzhou and King Mu of Yunfu, the blockade plan was shattered.

Jiang Wangsun has already understood that unless there is trouble in the Western Regions and a major change occurs, the best outcome would be for Prince Jing to secede from the south and establish a small court.

But the position in the small court was not enough to satisfy Jiang Wangsun's ambition.

But if it were just this, it would not be enough to make him decide to betray.

However, the emergence of Military Advisor Xu and the fact that he was gradually squeezed out of the group's power center were the last straw that broke the camel's back for Jiang Wangsun.

Why? A "military advisor" with no connections could take away his power as soon as he came to power?

I thought that person's last name was Xu? A descendant of a royal family that was related to Prince Jing?
"If Lord Jiang continues to stay under Xu Wen, he will sooner or later end up as a marginal figure."

Zhao Duan pointed out his predicament and said:
"There's no need for you and me to test each other, let's just be frank and speak frankly.

This governor has come here on behalf of the emperor, so his words still carry some weight. As long as Lord Jiang is willing to work for the court, this official can promise on behalf of His Majesty that when the rebellion is settled, Lord Jiang and his relatives will be forgiven for their past. "

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wangsun shook his head and said:
"I believe the governor's promise. But if you want me to serve you, there are a few conditions."

"Let's talk about it first."

"It is not enough to pardon me and my family. You must also reward me."

"What reward do you want?"

“First, my Jiang family was once the largest family in Jianchengdao, but later declined and is now suppressed by the Shen family.

If your majesty's royal army marches south, the many nobles who participated in the rebellion will be liquidated. My Jiang family is willing to protect this Jianchengdao area for your majesty."

The implication was that the empress was asking her to support the Jiang family and replace the Shen family to become the largest family in Jiancheng.

Zhao Duan nodded without any surprise:
"can."

In the current era, it is difficult for the imperial power to reach the countryside. Even if he recovered Jiancheng Road, he still needed to support local families.

Just like after he defeated King Heng, he supported the Xiao family of Qingzhou to help the court stabilize Qingzhou.

The Shen family must be destroyed, so it is okay to support the Jiang family.

If you don't listen, you will be abolished in a few years.

Jiang Wangsun raised his second finger:

"Secondly, there are many talented people in my Jiang family, but they have been suppressed in recent years, and many of them have difficulty in becoming officials or serving as county officials in local areas... As the head of the family, I should also find a way out for the children of the family."

Zhao Duan glanced at him, thought for a moment, and nodded:

"Five members of the Jiang family can be allowed to enter Beijing and serve as officials. The rank should not be lower than the fifth rank. However, how high it can be depends on their own ability."

King Jiang Sun Weiwei frowned:
"Only the fifth rank?"

Zhao Duan said calmly:

"If you want a higher rank, then the maximum number is two."

Jiang Wangsun was silent for a moment, and did not continue to bargain on this condition. Instead, he smiled and said:
"Alright."

So easily satisfied? Zhao Duan raised his eyebrows.

But Jiang Wangsun raised his third finger:
"The last condition is that I am already quite old, but the highest I have ever been is a prefect. I have great ambitions, but it is difficult for me to realize them. To be honest with you, Governor, I was inspired by Xu Wen, and I also wanted to have a chance to show what I have learned in my life..."

"So?" Zhao Duan interrupted him.

Jiang Wangsun stared at him deeply, leaning forward slightly, his eyes revealing a burning desire:
"If I could enter Xiuwen Hall and become its master, I would have no regrets in my life."

Enter the cabinet!

See you in the picture!

The two conditions before were just appetizers. Jiang Wangsun’s real purpose was to enter the cabinet and become a cabinet elder.

Zhao Duan looked at him expressionlessly. After a moment of silence, he sneered faintly, picked up the lantern on the ground again, and said lightly:
"Send Master Jiang back."

"Yes."

The door was pushed open with a creaky sound, and Song Jinxi floated in like a ghost and made a "please" gesture to Jiang Wangsun.

Jiang Wangsun was stunned for a moment, realizing that he was rejected. He did not give up and said:

"Commander-in-chief, you should know that Prince Jing is different from Prince Mu. He has an iron wall inside. Without help, it would be difficult to break through. I am no less capable than Zhao Shixiong..."

"Show you away." Zhao Duan had already lowered his head and concentrated on making lanterns again.

Jiang Wangsun's face darkened and he stopped talking. He snorted coldly, stood up, flicked his sleeves, turned around and walked out.

But when he walked out of the door, he paused, but he didn't wait for anyone to call him, so he had to bite the bullet and walk out.

……

The door is closed.

Song Jinxi led Jiang Wangsun away seriously. Not long after, the sound of a carriage starting to move again was heard outside the courtyard.

"He's really gone?"

At this moment, the light and shadow on the beams in the house twisted, and a young priestess wearing a priest robe embroidered with gold thread and glasses floated down in surprise.

Jin Jian's tone was full of surprise.

Zhao Duan lowered his head to paste the lanterns, and said without raising his head: "Didn't you see everything?"

Jin Jian turned his head to look at him curiously and asked doubtfully:
"What kind of position is a museum owner? Is it so important?"

"The head of the cabinet is naturally important. Oh, if he really gave it to him, let alone how his Jiang family would rise to prominence, what would those imperial party officials in the court think? There would be problems."

"Can't you promise him first, and then find an excuse not to give it to him later?" Jin Jian said as a matter of course:
"Or when the time comes, we can arrange for someone to kill him. After all, he's already that old..."

The girl pretended to be fierce and made a gesture of wiping her neck.

Zhao Duan made her laugh:
"How could such an old fox really believe in empty promises?

It must be written down. With my status, if I make a promise and then break it, it will really make your Majesty lose face and credibility. This will be recorded in history books. Killing people is easy, but the follow-up will be troublesome."

This won't work, and that won't work either... Jin Jian puffed up his cheeks:

"It's really troublesome. I don't understand you. But if this happens, wouldn't it be a waste of time? This old man is really brave. Aren't you afraid that he will anger you and not let him go back?"

Zhao Duan actually nodded in agreement:
"Yes, I also think he is very brave. Even if it is to save his life, he should be brave enough to go back safely. So, is there a possibility that he has no intention of going back?"

"Ah?" Jin Jian was confused and didn't understand.

Fortunately, she understood the next moment.

Because the carriage that had already driven away actually backed up onto the street again, and then there was the sound of approaching footsteps.

"boom!"

The door was pushed open.

Jiang Wangsun walked in with a stern face, said nothing, and sat down directly opposite Zhao Duan.

However, the golden tablet had disappeared again.

"Why did Lord Jiang leave and come back?" Zhao Duan raised his head in puzzlement.

Jiang Wangsun's face was uncertain, he gritted his teeth and sighed:

"The governor is very determined, I admire him. Let's forget about the cabinet. Just the first two points will do."

Zhao Duan smiled and said:

"The price has changed this time. Only three members of the Jiang family can enter Beijing to serve as officials."

Jiang Wangsun's eyes widened: "How can the governor go back on his word?"

Zhao Duan asked doubtfully:

"Didn't Lord Jiang reject the last offer first?"

Immediately, he slowly put down the lantern, stared at the other person with a dim gaze, and said:

“Going and coming back, the price is two different things.

If Lord Jiang is dissatisfied, he can go back and think about it again. However, I have to remind you that the scene of Lord Jiang coming to see me today has been secretly recorded by me with a recording scroll, and it can be sent to Ye Xin at any time. "

"you!!"

Jiang Wangsun was so shocked that he suddenly stood up, and the movement was so big that the bench under his butt was overturned!
He breathed heavily and stared at Zhao Duan. After a while, Jiang Wangsun suddenly collapsed like a deflated ball and said bitterly:
"It's all up to the governor."

Wouldn't it be fine if you just cooperated earlier? Why did you have to make such a fuss...

Zhao Duan smiled, stood up and shook his hand enthusiastically, then personally lifted up the bench on the ground and asked him to sit down:
"That's great. I'm new here, and I have something I want to ask you, Lord Jiang."

Jiang Wangsun, who had been completely convinced, shook his head and smiled bitterly:

"The governor wants to know the origin of the military advisor named Xu, right? Unfortunately, I don't know.

This person never even revealed his true face. All I know is that on the day when the news of Xu Jingtang's death came, this person came to the tent with two of his subordinates, whose true faces were also not revealed, and met Xu Wen alone.

The two met privately for two hours, after which Xu Wen appointed him as his military advisor. Ye Xin also obeyed his orders. "

Zhao Duan frowned:
"If this is the only answer Lord Jiang can give, I'm afraid your sincerity is lacking."

Jiang Wangsun took out a document from his sleeve:
"This is the details of the rebels' deployment in Huting. In addition, I have a gift for Governor Zhao."

"What gift?" Zhao Duan was curious.

"Feng Ju." Jiang Wangsun said:
"Doctor Feng and a group of officials stationed at Huting are now under house arrest. If the governor needs them, I can arrange for someone to rescue them."

Feng Ju...Zhao Duan was stunned.

When Huting was first opened for business, Feng Ju was appointed as the "person in charge" and was in charge of related matters in Huting. Later, the princes rebelled, the place fell, and he and a group of officials disappeared. It seems that they are still alive.

Since Jiang Wangsun had made up his mind to surrender, he obviously wanted to show his sincerity and loyalty.

Zhao Duan thought about it and nodded, "Okay."

Feng Ju was the first "direct official" he accepted after entering Dayu, and he bore a strong mark of Zhao Duan.

If we can save him, that would be great.

Soon, the two discussed the details again, and then Jiang Wangsun said goodbye and left again.

"What are you thinking?"

Jin Jian slowly emerged from the darkness, looking at him curiously while holding the one-eyed staff.

Zhao Duan stood at the door of the lantern shop, staring at the scattered stars in the sky outside.

Hearing this, he whispered:
“I just think it went a little too smoothly.”

"Ah? Is there?" Jin Jian was confused. After thinking for a while, he changed the subject:

"Why did this old man give in all of a sudden? Just because you threatened him? He doesn't seem very smart."

Zhao Duan shook his head and said:
"My threat is not important at all. It was just a way out for him. The real reason is very simple. When he chose to come here today, he had no way back. Many things, once done, cannot be turned back."

"Oh." Jin Jian pretended to understand and handed him a video reel:
"If it's useless, why waste the scroll to actually record it?"

Zhao Duan said: "Because I don't like this person."

"Why? Because he bargained with you?" Jin Jian asked cautiously.

"No," Zhao Duan shook his head.
"I don't like traitors. Even traitors who betray the enemy."

……

……

Dafeng Tower.

Xu Jianwen was sitting alone on the rooftop on a winter night.

He sat casually and lazily, with his legs stretched out, his hands supported behind his back, squinting at the dark clouds above his head that had split open, revealing a little moonlight.

There was a sound of footsteps on tiles behind him, and Ren Kun, wrapped in a khaki robe, walked slowly over and bowed, saying:

"Your Highness, Prince Jiang has returned to the mansion."

Xu Jianwen: "You haven't been exposed, have you?"

Ren Kun said: "As you instructed, I did not follow them. I just stayed near the tunnel to avoid alerting the enemy."

"Very good." Xu Jianwen said:

"If my guess is correct, Jiang Wangsun has surrendered.

Then, we must offer our loyalty. Our army's defense map must be one of them, but Zhao Duan will not believe it rashly. He will definitely confirm the authenticity of the intelligence slowly. Don't do anything yet, let him verify it."

Ren Kun said: "We just let Jiang Wangsun sell the information? We do nothing?"

Xu Jianwen smiled and said:
"You can't be impatient when playing chess. You have to lure the enemy deep into your territory before you can strike. Also, go and remove some of the surveillance on Feng Ju and the others. Jiang Wangsun might try to rescue them. If Zhao Duan wants someone, then give him to him."

"Yes."

……

In a government office, Feng Ju woke up from his sleep and couldn't help sneezing.

-

Typos and typos are corrected first and then revised

(End of this chapter)