Through towering mountains and across massive rivers.
In the early evening, when Pei Xuanjing was ten days at most and five days at least from Tiandu, a person, coming from Tiandu, entered the inn where they were staying. This person had come specifically for Pei Xuanjing.
"Your arrival is quite unexpected," Pei Xuanjing said to the visitor.
Yu Zhenzi and Pang Hong's eyes were also filled with surprise and confusion, not disguising the astonishment in their faces.
They didn't know why this person would come here to find Pei Xuanjing.
Wang Boan's eyes were as calm as water. He indifferently asked, "Is it really a surprise? I get the sense you've been waiting for me to come."
Pei Xuanjing smiled. He neither agreed nor disagreed. He asked, "What is your intention in leaving the
Ministry of War, font color-casting aside Minister wang•s commission?"
"Ha, you knew I left Tiandu, but you don't know why I'm here?" Wang Boan caught the ambiguity in Pei Xuanjing's words and retorted.
This time when he left Tiandu, he was entrusted by Minister Wang Qiong of the Ministry of War to protect someone.
However, when he heard that Pei Xuanjing had left Dragon Tiger Mountain and seemed heading to Tiandu, Wang Boan put that task aside for a moment and came to see Pei Xuanjing.
"Surely the Minister of War doesn't want to discuss something with me, a wanted criminal of the imperial court? News of this would certainly unsettle the officials of the Imperial Censorate," Pei Xuanjing casually said.
It should be noted that even today, departments like the Six Gates had already stopped the pursuit of
Pei Xuanjing
However, to uphold the dignity and reputation of the Great Ming imperial court, his bounty had not only been retained but also increased significantly.
Therefore, even as high-ranking as Minister Wang Qiong, the officials of the Imperial Censorate would swarm like blood-thirsty hyenas upon news of any connections with Pei Xuanjing.
"My visit here was my own decision, it has nothing to do with Minister Wang," Wang Boan couldn't admit. He said to Pei Xuanjing, "I would like to discuss something with you. Would you give me the honor?"
Pei Xuanjing agreed, "I can't refuse an invitation from you."
Hence, the two men proceeded to the top floor of the inn.
Seeing Yu Zhenzi purposely or inadvertently blocking the path, many people in the shadows regretted the missed opportunity.
"Please!"
Pei Xuanjing picked up the teapot and poured tea for both of them.
"Please forgive my earlier rudeness,"
Wang Boan regained his usual calm and elegant demeanor, a stark contrast to his previous fiery attitude.
No matter what, the man in front was a known powerful figure. Before figuring out his intention, Wang Boan didn't want to make him an enemy during this special period.
"It seems many people are interested in your journey," Pei Xuanjing commented as he put down the teapot.
From Wang Boan's unusual tone earlier, he conjectured that there must be quite a few people keeping tabs on him, hence the ruse.
"Alas, let's not mention those people!" Wang Boan was extremely irritated by these people.
However, he was not one to act recklessly and kill these people.
After all, even if these people were killed, more would undoubtedly follow persistently.
In the end, concluding that these people pose no hindrance to him, he let them be, detaching from them only at critical times.
He paid no more attention to these pursuers. Instead, he turned his attention to Pei Xuanjing and said slowly, "Are you really going to Tiandu?"
Xuanjing laughed, saying, "Why shouldn't I?"
"You should be clear of the current situation in Tiandu. Your arrival will just add fuel to the fire," Wang Boan stated.
Tiandu is currently a muddy pool, with all kinds of ambitious people plotting something.
The entry of Pei Xuanjing would undoubtedly make the already chaotic Tiandu even more chaotic; no one knows where the situation would end up.
Looking at Pei Xuanjing, who was laughing silently and neither confirming nor denying, Wang Boan couldn't help but ask, "Can you tell me why you want to go to Tiandu?"
He had some doubts in his heart, but still found it hard to believe. Xuanjing laughed and said, "I wanted to join the grand event of the new emperor's ascension."
A chill sank into Wang Boan's heart as he thought, "So it is."
His previous guess was correct. Pei Xuanjing was indeed here for the new emperor's ascension.
However, he is uncertain of what Pei Xuanjing intended, what his plans were, or what he wants to do.
For Pei Xuanjing, he had done some research and knew that he was a man who disliked trouble.
If someone else said they were going to Tiandu for the excitement, Wang Boan might believe it. But he didn't believe Pei Xuanjing would do so.
Not to mention other things, his current identity and the influence of his subordinates can never be as simple as he said.
While contemplating, he heard Pei Xuanjing say, "I've heard the successor to the new emperor hasn't been decided. The Elder Lord Wang and the Prime Minister are arguing hard, aren't they?"
"That's correct!"
Wang Boan did not deny.
It did not surprise him that Xuanjing knew about this.
The issue of who the successor should be was now clear. Both sides had their owns views and neither would compromise.
Xuanjing chuckled, "I believe Elder Lord Wang is rooting for His Highness Prince Xing. Your departure from Tiandu is to protect His Highness Prince Xing, isn't it?"
The political wind in Tiandu is changing, the undercurrent is surging. Wang Boan left Tiandu instead of staying and protecting Minister Wang during this period. What else could it be besides this?
Wang Boan's eyes flashed and he sighed, "Even you are concerned about these things. This isn't something someone who just wants to get in on the excitement should worry about."
Pei Xuanjing didn't mind and said something that caused a sudden change in Wang Boan's expression: "What if I say, I can help Minister Wang?"
'You want to get involved in the royal succession!" Wang Boan changed color.
The first reaction after hearing these words from Pei Xuanjing was not joy, but unease.
Regardless of who would eventually succeed the throne, whether Prime Minister Yang Tinghe or Minister of War Wang Qiong, it was within the rules of the Great Ming imperial court.
However, if Pei Xuanjing were to intervene, to the many officials of the Great Ming imperial court, it would undoubtedly be breaking the rules.
"That's correct!" Pei Xuanjing did not deny it at all.
"You should know why the Shenxiao Sect fell. The cause would be clear to anyone." Wang Boan's face grew slightly angry, his tone icy..
Wang Bo'an struggled to hide his anger.
He never expected Pei Xuanjing to admit everything so plainly.
The demise of the Shenxiao Sect!
When placed in front of others, this might just be a topic for discussion.
But, when spoken in front of Pei Xuanjing, especially in light of what he had just proposed, it was undoubtedly a kind of admonition or perhaps a warning, a threat!
"If you know, what of it?" Pei Xuanjing's voice was still as calm as ever. But it was infused with a confidence that others would struggle to understand.
Of course, he understood Wang B0'an's implication, but he didn't care. He responded with a calm gaze to the man in front of him, who was almost as powerful as Zhao Baiyang, the leader of the Mire Sect. His demeanor wasn't oppressive, but simply confident.
Even Wang Bo'an was somewhat taken aback by the confidence in his eyes. He didn't understand why the other man was so self-assured.
"Today, I have finally understood the words said by Ning King just before his death!" said Wang Bo'an with an indescribable look in his eyes.
In the past when Pei Xuanjing assassinated Ning King Zhu Chenhao, Wang was there.
Pei Xuanjing had wanted to kill Zhu for the sake of ending his reign of chaos.
However, Zhu condemned Pei Xuanjing's insincerity. He argued that if Pei Xuanjing's ambitions ever clashed with the people's, then Pei Xuanjing would inevitably become a great thief, causing chaos in the world.
At that time, Wang B0'an thought Pei Xuanjing was ruthless, but he also pitied the Great Ming imperial court for not being able to utilize such a talented man.
Unexpectedly, Zhu's words turned out to be prophetic. Today, Pei Xuanjing was indeed taking the actions Zhu had predicted.
"Throwing the world into chaos? That's too grand a title; I don't see myself as being worthy of it," Pei Xuanjing said as he lightly shook his head.
He believed that his ambitions were different from Chenhao's. Outside of his own interests, his plans were partly to fight for opportunities for ordinary people.
If Ning King Zhu Chenhao had successfully seized power, for the common people and the martial artists, all that would have changed was the face of the emperor. Ultimately, it would make no real difference.
However, Pei Xuanjing was certain of one thing: if his plans were successful, he could at least give ordinary martial artists and people a fair opportunity.
Sometimes, people don't achieve much in life not because they lack ability, but because they never got a fair opportunity to fight for their goals.
The current officials were incapable of creating such opportunities.
Just for this reason alone, Pei Xuanjing firmly believed that he was significantly better than them.
Moreover, if his plan went smoothly, Pei Xuanjing had faith that it wouldn't cause too much upheaval. Everything would be completed quietly, without leading to much bloodshed.
"I don't understand why you are so confident!" Wang Bo'an shook his head.
The imperial succession has always been a significant matter. Given the precedent set by the Shenxiao Sect two hundred years ago, the Great Ming imperial court or the royal family would never allow such a situation to occur.
"At this point, no one can stop me," Pei Xuanjing spoke resolutely.
As for their planned takeover, it was already far beyond their prediction that they could keep it hidden until today.
After all, when it comes to a matter as significant as the succession of the throne, even if they concealed their plans deeply, they couldn't evade the sharp eyes of those who were paying attention.
So far, the preparations of their six factions were almost complete. The players were already in place, and it was too late for anyone who got wind of their plot to stop them.
The Shenxiao Sect had once secretly wooed the True Martial Sect and others to plot their course, but in fact, they never truly trusted these allies, and their plot leaked too early, causing a backlash from the Great Ming imperial court.
The dual threat was not as fortunate as Pei Xuanjing. At the time, despite the imperial court being on shaky grounds and the emperor on the brink of death, they still had the strength to destroy the Shenxiao Sect.
But times have changed, the old emperor is dead, and a new one is yet to ascend the throne.
Currently, the once-unified Civil Official Group was completely divided into two factions, at odds over the issue of accession to the throne, and could hardly reconcile their differences.
Moreover, not only the Civil Official Group, but even the Noble Officials among the royal family are deeply involved in this, betting on their future.
After all, there's no one who doesn't want to take advantage of the Dragon's Merit.
Therefore, even if they knew about Pei Xuanjing's intentions, it would be very difficult for them to put aside their differences.
"Do you think that at this time the two gentlemen cannot put aside their prejudices and deal with you first?" Wang B0'an asked.
Why couldn't they join forces to deal with Pei Xuanjing, who threatened both their interests? Pei Xuanjing raised an irreconcilable question: "Put aside prejudices, join forces to deal with me?"
"Ha ha, well then I would like to know. After putting aside prejudices, which candidate should they support for the throne? Can the new emperor guarantee that there won't be a settling of accounts after the autumn harvest?"
As soon as this statement came out, Wang Bo'an felt a chill in his heart, realizing that Pei Xuanjing was right.
It needs to be clear that throughout history, though the rewards for the Dragon's Merit are great, it is also the most dangerous.
Now that both sides are fighting over the succession of the new emperor to the point of life and death, they stand against each other.
Even if they wanted to collaborate again to deal with Pei Xuanjing, which side should back off?
Who can guarantee that after today's compromise and expulsion of Pei Xuanjing, the new emperor who ascends the throne will not settle scores with officials who were originally not supportive?
No one could guarantee it!
Hence, even if they knew about Pei Xuanjing's ambitions, they would find it hard to set aside their differences.
Pei Xuanjing added, "In my opinion, this current stalemate may require an external force to break it. Perhaps by then, I won't have to say anything, and people will invite me in voluntarily."
There is a saying: Heretics deserve death more than infidels do.
According to the analysis of Pei Xuanjing and Bai Xiaosheng and others, these Civil Official Groups, after realizing their differences were irreconcilable, would definitely try to eliminate each other.
Even if they received the news that Pei Xuanjing was intervening, they would still regard the other side as an eternal enemy.
Even then, to eliminate their rivals, inviting Pei Xuanjing and others to enter might not be a bad choice.
After all, Pei Xuanjing and his associates were outsiders, and couldn't compete with their inherent advantages.
To use external forces to eliminate internal enemies was almost as easy as picking something up off the ground for these Civil Officials.
After all, they had been doing exactly that for thousands of years..
Wang Boan remained silent. As part of the civil official system, he naturally knew the characters of those people.
At crucial times, perhaps some would bravely step forward, but most of them were not like this, they valued their own interests more.
If it really came to that point, just as Pei Xuanjing said, some people would probably invite him in directly.
Pei Xuanjing looked at the silent Wang Boan and said with a smile, "I, Pei, have no acquaintance with the prime minister, but because of Mr. Gu's relationship, I am indirectly linked to Minister Wang. I've always admired Minister Wang, but never had the good fortune to meet him. I wonder if you would be willing to play matchmaker and help fulfill my heartfelt wish?"
His attitude was obvious. Now that Wang Qiong and Prime Minister Yang Tinghe were in conflict, and because of Gu Ji and Wang Boan, he was considering Wang Qiong first.
He wanted Wang Boan to convey a message to see if Wang Qiong was willing to accept their goodwill.
Wang Boan fell into contemplation. From his standpoint, he didn't want to agree to Pei Xuanjing's proposal.
But from Wang Qiong's perspective, if what Pei Xuanj ing demanded did not cross the line and could provide support, Wang Qiong might not necessarily reject it.
You have to know, for Wang Qiong, the reason he insists on King Xing's accession to the throne is to stick to the original plan when the late emperor was still alive. This involves his painstaking effort over many years, and he certainly cannot give up easily.
If the prime minister were to support a young monarch ascending to the throne, then his plans would fall through, and years of effort would be wasted.
Moreover, it is necessary to understand that for Pei Xuanjing, Wang Qiong is not his only choice. If Wang Qiong is unwilling, he could also cooperate with Prime Minister Yang Tinghe.
As to whether the prime minister would agree to Pei Xuanjing's proposal, Wang Boan really wasn't sure.
"I will relay your message." Wang Boan sighed helplessly in the end and agreed.
After all, at this point, he couldn't keep this matter from Wang Qiong anyway. It was better to tell him everything and see how he decided.
A smile emerged on Pei Xuanjing's face: "In that case, thank you, sir."
"Ah!" Wang Boan shook his head with a bitter smile: "I somewhat regret having been too clever for my own good. I shouldn't have come here today."
These words were not feigned at all. He shouldn't have come today. Having heard these things had put him in an awkward position.
Pei Xuanjing only smiled and didn't respond, If Wang Boan hadn't come, he would still have found a way to pass on the news. This much was undeniable.
By this point, they had to let them know that this game in Tiandu was no longer just their game. A new player was about to join in.
Having gotten into trouble by coming here, Wang Boan naturally didn't want to stay any longer and soon left.
Upon hearing Pei Xuanjing recount their conversation, Yu Zhenzi couldn't help but ask: "True Person, are we going to collaborate with the Minister of War next? If so, will we still continue with the prime minister's side?"
They had already planned not only to contact Wang Qiong's side, but also gradually to reach out to Prime Minister Yang Tinghet s relations.
"Whether we collaborate or not depends on what the Grand Marshal thinks." Pei Xuanjing said with a smile: "As for Yang Tinghe's side, proceed according to plan."
"Yes!" Yu Zhenzi nodded, then asked again: "Should we keep it secret from them? After all, if they find out…"
"No need!" Pei Xuanjing was unconcerned: "They also know that we will definitely contact the other side."
Neither Wang Boan nor Wang Qiong would believe that Pei Xuanjing would only cooperate with them. They knew they were only one of the options.
Therefore, Pei Xuanjing didn't need to hide his thoughts and let Yu Zhenzi need not to hide anything.
Even, when necessary, even if Wang Boan and the others hadn't noticed, Pei Xuanjing would still find ways to let them know.
Only in this way could they maximize their benefits.
Gu Ji sat quietly in his study, holding a book in his hand, but he was not paying attention to it, his brow furrowed and his expression vague.
The imperial court had been full of turmoil and hidden currents recently.
Right now, because of the issue of the new monarch's succession, not only had the bureaucracy split into two factions, constantly attacking each other, but the noble officials and the imperial family had also gotten involved.
Even Gu Ji, who had spent decades as an official, was exceptionally cautious and careful, avoiding any loss of propriety, lest disaster follow a slip of the tongue and leave the others a handle.
He knew, though he now held the prestigious position of Left Deputy Imperial Censor of the third grade, if he truly gave someone a handle, his fate would be uncertain.
Moreover, as a staunch supporter of Wang Qiong, the Minister of War, if their side lost in this contest over the successor, his decades of effort in officialdom would go up in smoke.
If he was lucky, he might resign and retire to the countryside. If he was unlucky, it would mean execution, the confiscation of his property, and the extermination of his family.
Therefore, even for his own life, Gu Ji was doing his utmost to advise Wang Qiong, exhausting his mind and not daring to be the least bit complacent.
"Who would have thought that a nobody from the border county would have the ability to influence the imperial throne today." Gu Ji murmured softly, his eyes filled with complex emotions.
He had received the news relayed by Wang Boan and was clear about Pei Xuanjing's current goals and actions.
Who could have imagined when they first met, although the latter was remarkable, he was still just a fifth-rank martial artist and needed his help to survive.
But now, in just over a decade, he had become a powerful figure in the world, even able to sway the throne.
How could this not make him feel that the world was ever-changing?
"The audacity of that youngster, to harbor such ambition. He should have been killed then, to avoid the trouble of today. "
Wang Qiong, the Minister of War, had somehow walked into the study. His face was angry, and he chastened with a loud voice.
Awakened by Wang Qiong•s rebuke, Gu Ji snapped back to reality and added: "In that case, why doesn't the elder mobilize troops like two hundred years ago when the Shenxiao Sect was destroyed, and annihilate them?"
Wang Qiong fumed at these words, and said brusquely to Gu Ji, "Gu Ji, do you think I dare not?"
"The elder is courageous and vigorous, is there anything in this world that the elder does not dare to do?" Gu Ji smiled and flattered him.
Seeing Wang Qiong's face soften slightly, he added gloomily, "However, afterward, I'm afraid King Xing will lose his chance to ascend to the throne, and the elder's plans and efforts over the past decade or so will become impossible.."