Without money, what is the point of being a traitor?

Chapter 237 The Water is Too Deep

Lu Ting was somewhat surprised and asked, "What do you mean?"

Pei Yuan said bluntly, "Zhang Yong will most likely be removed this year. The new person to take over should be that eunuch Xiao Jing."

Lu Ting only now remembered that the previous discussion was based on the premise that the seal holder of the Imperial Household Department was absent.

And now, Pei Yuan has made it very clear that Zhang Yong, the current seal holder of the Imperial Household Department, may be removed, and he has also specified the time as this year.

Lu Ting frowned.

He didn't have time to consider Xiao Jing's affairs, and first questioned the possibility of Zhang Yonghui stepping down.

"Zhang Yong is an old friend of the current emperor. He also formed an alliance with the civil officials of the court and killed Liu Jin together."

"The relationship between the inner court and the outer court is now very harmonious."

"It can be said that this candidate is recognized by both the emperor and the court. How could he be removed for no reason?"

"Besides, even if someone wanted to do something to him, Zhang Yong has always been cautious, so there is no handle for others to hold."

Pei Yuan smiled and said nonchalantly, "Isn't it hard to find an excuse?"

Then, Pei Yuan gave Lu Ting a hint, "Before I went south, the emperor went to the Zhihua Temple that Wang Zhen left behind, and it attracted a lot of attention. This incident may send a wrong signal to everyone."

"Many people now compare Wang Zhen to Zhang Yong. Some even think that it is better to have no Silijian at all than to form an alliance with the head of Silijian."

"As for Zhang Yong..., rather than saying that he formed an alliance with the court officials, it would be better to say that he formed an alliance with Yang Yiqing."

"Some things, when the court figures it out, when the emperor figures it out, when Zhang Yong figures it out, it's time for him to leave the Imperial Household Department."

Lu Ting really wanted to ask what was going on.

However, as the new admiral of military affairs, his pride made him nod.

Pei Yuan immediately started talking about Xiao Jing again.

"This guy Xiao Jing has served many kings, and his position has become more and more stable."

Pei Yuan said to Lu Ting, "Can you imagine that several emperors with very different styles would have the same standards for employing people?"

"Uh." Lu Ting had never considered this issue from this angle before.

After hearing what Pei Yuan said, I was speechless for a moment.

Soon, I noticed something unusual.

There is a saying in the outer court that every emperor has his own ministers, but in politics, policies actually have a certain continuity.

When a new king first ascends the throne, there is a saying that goes, "For three years, one should not change the way of his father."

If the new monarch makes random changes to personnel and policies, he will be accused of being unfilial by his ministers.

Three years later, the new ruler became the old ruler, and the enthusiasm had long passed.

The ministers also took the opportunity to understand the emperor's temper and were able to flatter him in the right way.

Since it was okay before, just keep doing it.

Therefore, there are often ministers of high moral character and prestige who stand firm for several dynasties.

But the people in the palace were appointed entirely based on the emperor's personal preferences. In the final analysis, although these people had great invisible power, they were actually the emperor's household slaves.

It is truly incredible that Xiao Jing could be appreciated by so many emperors with different personalities.

Pei Yuan did not continue the conversation, but said to Lu Ting, "I have been away from the capital for a long time, and I am not quite sure about the ins and outs there. When I return, I will push forward the subsequent plans. I will strive to..."

Pei Yuan paused, and said something that made Lu Ting's heart beat faster, "I will try to make you the seal holder of the Imperial Household Department!"

Even though Lu Ting was full of doubts, he couldn't help swallowing and asked hopefully.

"Can it be done?"

Pei Yuan didn't give a definite answer. "I need to see the situation first. If things don't go well..."

Pei Yuan's tone became hesitant.

Lu Ting's heart sank as well.

Then Pei Yuan said, "Can the Imperial Household Department or the Eastern Depot be used?"

Lu Ting's sinking heart was pulled back up again.

It would be a pleasant surprise to be able to work as a secretary in the Imperial Household Department or go to the Eastern Depot!
Lu Ting couldn't control the smile on his face, "It's all right, it's all right."

Seeing Pei Yuan still hesitating, Lu Ting's heart began to be in turmoil again, "Could it be that Captain Pei still has some difficulties?"

After saying this, I suddenly felt that this sentence was a bit unpleasant to the ear.

What does a mere thousand households mean?
So Lu Ting took the initiative to suggest, "How about I give Brother Pei credit for his contribution and promote him to the rank of commander? The Jinyiwei is now under the management of Zhang Rong, and he probably won't be able to take charge for a while, but promoting him to the rank of commander will make things much easier."

This frightened Pei Yuan and interrupted his train of thought.

He quickly stopped her sternly, "Don't mess around! I don't want to take any credit for the pacification of Bazhou."

Lu Ting was shocked when he heard this.

I don't know how many people want to share the credit from this feast. Why is Pei Yuan so alert?

His eyes moved and there was a hint of doubt in his heart.

Speaking of merit, Pei Yuan remembered something and immediately said to Lu Ting, "By the way, I have a private request. I wonder if Eunuch Lu is willing to give me this favor?"

Lu Ting smiled and said, "The relationship between you and me is different from that of others, so just tell me."

Pei Yuan had personally helped him to become the commander-in-chief of military affairs and the seal holder of the Imperial Stables. Now he was going to send him to the position of the seal holder of the Imperial Household Department. This could not be summed up by the word "political ally".

Pei Yuan said, "He Huan, the commander of Huai'an Guard, is decisive and smart, good at planning, and is a rare talent. Eunuch Lu can strongly recommend him to the court. If it is convenient, see if there are any suitable military merits and give them to him."

"He Huan?" Lu Ting was a little confused when he heard the unfamiliar name. "Huai'an Guards have to defend the important hub on the Grand Canal. They shouldn't work under my command."

Pei Yuan said, "Yes, that's right. But it doesn't matter. The Nanjing Military Department will also write to the court at the same time to recommend He Huan for merit. If you make another move, it will appear more powerful."

Lu Ting's heart skipped a beat when he heard that, and he couldn't help but look up and look at Pei Yuan again.

In order to carry out Xiao Jing's orders, he had learned about Pei Yuan's past. Pei Yuan's previous resume was so embarrassing that it was unbearable to read.

How long has it been? Has it already affected the Nanjing Military Department?
Lu Ting was not interested in delving too deeply into this.

After all, the stronger the ally's ability, the more help he can bring to him.

He recalled how Pei Yuan had just avoided Zhan Gong, and his mind moved slightly. He couldn't help but ask, "Brother Pei, do you have a grudge against this He Huan?"

Pei Yuan laughed and said perfunctorily, "How could that be possible? How could that be possible?"

He didn't admit it, but he didn't deny it firmly either.

Lu Ting felt more and more that Pei Yuan and He Huan might really have a grudge against each other.

Then, Lu Ting’s mind became serious.

It was obvious that he could give Pei Yuan a meritorious official position that was within his grasp, but Pei Yuan avoided it.

Although he seemed to be an opponent with whom he had a grudge, Pei Yuan still took the trouble to give him credit.

How deep is the water of this rebellion?

Lu Ting thought calmly and agreed, "Since you said so, I will do as you say."

Pei Yuan added, "Try to use more complimenting words, especially to emphasize that this person is extremely smart and scheming." After listening to this, Lu Ting further confirmed his thoughts.

——If there is no hatred, then there must be something fishy.

Lu Ting was trying to figure out the deep things that Pei Yuan showed, when he heard Pei Yuan say, "By the way, what do you think about suppressing the rebellion?"

Lu Ting felt strange when he heard this.

As far as he could remember, the last time he heard such a question was when he followed the Bazhou army and successfully attacked.

At that time, the emperor was very pleased and sent an imperial decree to let him take over Gu Dayong's military affairs, and also asked the eunuch who delivered the decree to ask him about the strategy of suppressing the rebellion...

How did you answer it at first?

Seeing that Lu Ting had fallen into silence, Pei Yuan reminded him again, "Eunuch Lu?"

"Huh?" Lu Ting came back to his senses.

Well, facing this person, what does my plan mean?
Lu Ting asked directly, "What advice does Captain Pei have?"

Pei Yuan was very modest. "It's not so much about giving advice as it is about sharing some ideas with Eunuch Lu."

Lu Ting's attitude was very upright, "Captain Pei, please speak."

Pei Yuan first explained the pros and cons to Lu Ting, "I think Eunuch Lu must have understood by now that no matter how well you suppress the rebellion, it will not change your future. If you want to be stationed in the Imperial Household Department or the Eastern Depot, it depends on my progress."

Lu Ting nodded silently.

Pei Yuan continued, "So from Eunuch Lu's perspective, shouldn't your progress on the battlefield be mainly to assist me in making progress?"

"If I haven't figured out what's going on here, and you've successfully pacified the Bazhou Army, do you really want to go to the Silijian to be a eunuch?"

"Without the military power in my hands, I can take over the seal and pen of the Imperial Household Department. I might just need a sack to make sure that my eunuch has no hope of turning things around."

Lu Ting was shocked when he heard this.

This is not impossible.

When a eunuch like him, who had made great military achievements, appeared in the Imperial Household Department, no matter who sat above him, would definitely not be able to tolerate having such a powerful younger brother under him.

Although the eunuchs in the court looked okay, they basically had no power other than accompanying the emperor to court and performing ceremonial duties.

Especially when the seal holder and the pen holder are deliberately targeting you, one can imagine how difficult life will be.

Lu Ting couldn't help but think of it.

——That year, when I was thirty-eight, I returned to the capital, standing like a minion.

Lu Ting calmed his mind and expressed his opinion, "But the reason why the court replaced Gu Dayong is because they ran out of patience. If it is delayed for too long, I am afraid it will cause dissatisfaction from both the upper and lower levels."

Pei Yuan pondered and said, "Then let's take half a year. Within half a year, I should be able to handle most of the things."

Lu Ting disagreed. "The battlefield situation is unpredictable. I am afraid that I will end up nurturing a tiger that will cause trouble. Moreover, the Bazhou Army is a roving bandit, erratic and unpredictable. If they spread everywhere, how will I explain to the court?"

Pei Yuan glanced at Lu Ting and said calmly, "It's okay, I'll talk to them."

???

Lu Ting was stunned and could hardly believe his ears.

What does he mean?

Lu Ting's forehead was slightly sweaty. He suddenly had a bold idea, but he didn't dare to ask it out loud.

He was afraid that once these words were spoken, there would be big problems in the cooperation and mutual trust between the two sides.

However, Pei Yuan seemed not to care and asked him, "You know Qi Yanming, right?"

As the commander-in-chief of the army that was suppressing the rebellion, Lu Ting was not unfamiliar with this name. "Yes, he is one of the bandit leaders in Bazhou."

"Yes." Pei Yuan responded and said to Lu Ting, "Nanjing is planning to report Qi Yanming's contribution. If you find Qi Yanming in the future, or if Qi Yanming is mentioned in the military report, you'd better help cover it up."

“My personal advice is to just cross it out.”

Lu Ting thought about it and realized that Nanjing was trying to take credit for it.

Fortunately, after the review just now, Lu Ting has realized that the credit for suppressing the rebellion will not play a big role in his future progress.

And judging by the way Pei Yuan tried to avoid him, it was obvious that there was some inside story about the credit for suppressing the rebellion that Lu Ting didn't know.

Think again about how Captain Pei mentioned the Nanjing Ministry of War in a casual manner, vaguely mentioned the Bazhou Army, and demanded that he be in full control of the progress.

hiss……

Eunuch Lu couldn't help but gasp.

The water here is really too deep!
Lu Ting was in a heavy mood, and he immediately assured Pei Yuan, "Everything is easy to talk about. I will let my confidant and Qian Hu communicate with us at any time about the progress here."

"Ah."

Pei Yuan nodded with satisfaction, remembering that he had not yet discussed today's main business.

"By the way, I went to see Eunuch Gu today."

"Alas, it's not easy for Eunuch Gu now."

After listening to this, Lu Ting said nothing, but his expression was a little subtle.

Didn't you help me overthrow Eunuch Gu? His current difficulties are 100% due to your efforts, right?
Pei Yuan continued, "Eunuch Gu suspected that someone was trying to harm him."

This is true...

Eunuch Lu thought silently.

When he found that Pei Yuan was looking at him, Lu Ting had to speak up. He said in a rather absurd tone, "He wouldn't doubt me, would he? What good would it do me if I killed him?"

Pei Yuan said, "The person that Gu Dayong least doubts is Eunuch Lu."

Lu Ting thought to himself, this is pretty good, Liao Gu Dayong is not a fool.

Pei Yuan continued, "But he suspected that someone wanted to assassinate him and took the opportunity to frame Eunuch Lu. After all, Eunuch Lu has been attracting attention recently..."

I rely on!

When Lu Ting heard this, he could no longer sit still.

I was careless. Why didn’t I think of this possibility?
Lu Ting almost subconsciously asked Pei Yuan, "Then what should I do?"

"What else can we do?" Pei Yuan said casually, "Send more people to send Eunuch Gu back to the capital safely. Once you are back at the feet of the emperor, no one will frame you again."

Lu Ting felt a little troubled after hearing this, "It's easy to send someone, but Gu Dayong won't leave."

Pei Yuan took the responsibility and said, "Leave it to me. I'm going back to Beijing and it's just on my way."

After hearing this, Lu Ting was moved. This is actually possible. Brother Pei is really capable.

Lu Ting began to think about the subsequent details, "Then how many people should I send?"

Pei Yuan said, "It would be better if we could send out 300 to 500 talents. At least people will know that you have done your best."

Lu Ting thought about it and it made sense.

Pei Yuan said calmly, "It would be better to include Xiao Yan and Xiao Tong."

(End of this chapter)