The First Marquis of Leisure

As soon as Bai Xinghe left, all the high-ranking members of the Yuan family turned ashen-faced and flew into a rage.

"This boy completely disregards the Yuan family; we must never allow him to be promoted to Vice Minister of War!"

"My Yuan family must take action, otherwise, if word gets out, people will think that my Yuan family has fallen into decline."

Several high-ranking members of the Yuan family slammed their fists on the table in anger, clearly furious.

However, the clan leader Yuan Aofang was unusually calm, exuding a murderous aura.

"Since both Li Chentian and Qiu Qingtian have recommended him, His Majesty will certainly not refuse."

"If we want to prevent this person from being promoted to Vice Minister of War, the only way is to eliminate him!"

The moment Yuan Aofang uttered those words, everyone in the Yuan family was taken aback.

To murder the top scholar of the imperial examination, especially one as prominent as him, is incredibly difficult, not to mention the immense challenge involved.

Even if they succeed, the emperor will surely be furious and investigate thoroughly.

There's no guarantee that the investigation won't reach the Yuan family!

"Clan leader, harming the top scholar might have too great an impact. If His Majesty investigates, I'm afraid..."

"Hmph!" Yuan Aofang snorted coldly and said, "That's precisely why the chances of success are even greater."

"As long as we do it cleanly, even if His Majesty investigates and suspects our Yuan family, they will have no way to prove anything!"

"But if this person is allowed to take office, the combined power of Qian Guanglu and this person will severely damage the Yuan family's influence in the Ministry of War. Once we lose our military power, it will only be a matter of time before the Yuan family is purged."

Yuan Aofang's words made many of the Yuan family's senior members fall into deep thought, and they eventually had no choice but to agree to do so.

Then Yuan Aofang personally instructed his servants to prepare a carriage, as he was going to personally visit the Shadow Guard organization.

Such matters are best handled by members of the Shadow Guard organization.

The Shadow Guard organization can directly reach the ears of Heaven, including the Emperor of Yan.

However, Yuan Aofang played a significant role in this, which is the fundamental reason why the Yuan family has remained stable.

On the other side, after leaving the Yuan family, Bai Xinghe went directly to the Doctor's Mansion.

Li Chentian and Qian Yuan were already waiting for him. Seeing that he was safe and sound, everyone felt much more at ease.

Bai Xinghe did not hide anything and explained in detail the purpose of the Yuan family's invitation to him.

"Ha!" Li Chentian sneered, "The Yuan family seems to be getting anxious!"

"The Yuan family is deeply rooted, with its disciples and former officials spread throughout the court and the country. Even if I and Lord Qiu wanted to take action, we would face numerous obstacles."

"The position of Right Vice Minister of War is extremely crucial. Once you take office, the Yuan family's influence in the Ministry of War will be dealt a devastating blow. That's why that old fox Yuan Aofang personally came to win you over!"

Bai Xinghe nodded. After Li Chentian's explanation, he had a general understanding of the political situation in the Yan Kingdom.

Li Chentian was a leader of the reformist faction and a role model for scholars.

Qiu Qingtian represents the thousands of talented people who came to Yan from other places, working hard to govern and implementing reforms with an iron fist.

The Yuan family, on the other hand, undoubtedly represented the local power of the Yan state.

The three forces were intertwined, while the emperor of Yan remained firmly seated on the dragon throne, maintaining a balance.

This is the art of emperors: they will never allow any one side to grow too powerful.

As for General Ji Changfa, he represents military generals but does not belong to any faction.

Compared to the forces of Qiu Qingtian and Li Chentian, Ji Changzai was more dissatisfied with the local faction led by the Yuan family.

Therefore, the position of Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War is crucial. If Bai Xinghe takes the position, the balance of power among the three parties will be broken!

......

General Tian Ce's Mansion

Although Ji Changzai was a military general, he had never been particularly fond of Li Chentian and his group of scholars.

However, the impact of this unexpectedly outstanding top scholar was so great that even Qiu Qingtian personally appeared to announce the results.

Moreover, he forced Yuan Benchu ​​to kneel down in public, so the news quickly reached him.

"Guanglu, are you saying that the top scholar is your son's friend, and they have a very good relationship?"

Ji Changzai asked curiously.

"General, yes, Bai Zhen and my son do indeed have an excellent relationship. The fact that my son caught Dr. Li's eye and was accepted as his last disciple was actually due to Bai Zhen's help!"

Qian Yuan told him everything he knew in detail.

Ji Changzai nodded and fell into deep thought.

"Although that old fellow Li Chentian is a bit old-fashioned, he is still an upright person. He is arrogant and looks down on people. It seems that this top scholar is indeed extraordinary."

Qian Yuan nodded repeatedly in praise, because of Bai Town, his Qian family also benefited.

"General, Lord Qiu and Dr. Li are expected to jointly recommend him for the position of Vice Minister of War tomorrow. I think we should also support him?"

After careful consideration, Ji Changzai understood the advantages and disadvantages of the current political situation.

Qian Guanglu was one of their own, while Fang Qingyun, the Minister of War, was a member of the Yuan family through and through.

The position of Right Vice Minister can be given to anyone, but it absolutely cannot be given to a member of the Yuan family!

But Consort Ji also had her own ideas; if she could make both the Left and Right Attendants her own people.

Then, by taking back the sixteen cities of the Southern Commandery of Zhao, I can launch a decisive attack on Zhao and reach the pinnacle of my prestige.

He could very well be ranked among the top three dukes, or even be granted a fiefdom.

"This matter will be discussed further. Hong Wuxiang should be given priority for the position of Right Vice Minister of War. You two will be on the left and right, respectively, in charge of troops and supplies, which will greatly benefit my upcoming campaign plans!"

"If we absolutely cannot win the position, then we must not allow it to fall into the hands of the Yuan family!"

"Yes, sir!" Qian Guanglu said, clasping his hands in a fist salute.

......

In the capital of Yan, in a secluded house.

It was pitch black here, with only a faint candle burning.

A chilling atmosphere filled the air, and a dark figure stood in the shadows, his face obscured.

Yuan Aofang walked in slowly, his expression stern and his attitude somewhat nervous.

"What do you want?"

The man in black spoke, his voice cold and indifferent.

Yuan Aofang paused for a moment, then said, "Kill the top scholar, Bai Zhen!"

Hearing this, even the man in black was stunned for a moment.

"Do you know the consequences of killing the top scholar in the imperial examination?"

Yuan Aofang snorted coldly and said, "Of course I know, otherwise I wouldn't have come to you personally to seek your help!"

Upon hearing this, the man in black did not respond, seemingly lost in thought.

"What? You're afraid?"

"Remember, without the strong support of my Yuan family, you wouldn't have your current status."

Yuan Aofang was quite dissatisfied and made a threat.

"Hmph!" The man in black was also somewhat dissatisfied and snorted coldly.

"I told you before, this matter should be kept quiet. I can help the Yuan family resolve this, but at a great cost!"

Hearing the man in black agree, Yuan Aofang felt much relieved.

"I can bear any burden!"

The man in black continued coldly, "The price this time is Consort Ji's head!"

What?

Upon hearing this, Yuan Aofang could no longer remain silent.

Ji Changzai was a general of the Heavenly Strategy Army, with outstanding military achievements. She was deeply trusted by the emperor and held military power.

Taking Ji Changzai's head is even more difficult than killing the top scholar Bai Xinghe.

"I know your Yuan family can't do it, but I can tell you that soon Ji Changzai will personally lead troops to take over the sixteen cities of Nanjun ceded by Zhao, and then continue his advance into Zhao!"

"I have my own ways to make his army collapse like a house of cards. At that time, I can remove him from his position as General of Heavenly Strategy and strip him of his military power!"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Aofang suddenly realized what was going on.

The Shadow Guard's intelligence network is unparalleled, penetrating every nook and cranny.

"If what you say is true, I and the entire Yuan family will bet everything!"