"Your Majesty, while this matter has no precedent in our dynasty, what Grand Commandant Liang said seems to hold some reason. If the ancestral laws can be changed, what is such a small matter?"
Originally, Liang Shicheng intended for Wang Fu to make this initial suggestion. However, to his surprise, this blockhead not only failed to do so but was also caught in a verbal trap.
As he pondered how to proceed with his solo act, Cai You unexpectedly stepped forward and spoke a few words in his favor.
Cai You's intervention, however, only worsened Cai Jing's predicament.
This was his own son, openly siding with his political rival at this critical juncture.
If the Emperor were not present, Cai Jing would have taken his walking stick and smashed this little brat to death.
The boy was eating from the Cai family's table while undermining it.
Liang Shicheng immediately understood Cai You's intentions: he was clearly aiming to divide his father's influence.
However, regardless of Cai You's motive, this presented a golden opportunity for Liang Shicheng.
"That is true, but who should be assigned to this task?"
Zhao Ji, being exceptionally astute, understood the situation upon glancing at the faces of those present.
However, this matter also presented benefits for him. After all, the old balance was on the verge of collapse with Cai Jing's downfall.
After Cai Jing's departure, the Cai faction was bound to disintegrate, as Cai You was the only one among Cai Jing's sons who was truly capable.
However, the problem was that Cai You was a complete opportunist.
At this crucial moment, he had just stabbed his own father in the back.
It was likely that even if Cai Jing were to dismantle his network and reassemble it, he would be unwilling to hand it over to Cai You.
Sand that cannot be held is better swept away.
Furthermore, as Emperor, he feared trouble the most.
Since these individuals wished to redivide power, he, as Emperor, was naturally pleased to see it happen. Moreover, he could use this opportunity to sow discord.
Unlike his ambitious Zhao ancestors, he had a clear vision from the moment he ascended the throne.
His reign was meant for enjoyment. He had no desire to end up like his predecessors, exhausted and dead on the imperial throne.
To enjoy himself, he needed a stable political landscape.
He was in his prime and had no intention of abdicating.
His decision to appoint Zhao Huan as crown prince was merely to silence the court officials.
As for instigating the conflict between Prince Yun and the Crown Prince, it was to keep the Crown Prince occupied and prevent him from brooding.
However, what he hadn't anticipated was that his third son was far more capable than he, his father. Within a few short years, with the Emperor's favor, he had quietly amassed a considerable following.
In just a few years, a prince had managed to overshadow Zhao Huan, the Crown Prince, to the point where he could barely hold his head up.
If it weren't for Liang Shicheng's sudden involvement, the Crown Prince might have been overthrown by now.
However, even with Liang Shicheng's assistance, the Crown Prince had only managed to stabilize his position, still falling short of launching a counterattack.
Liang Shicheng's words had indeed given him an idea. If one Crown Prince was insufficient, it would be better to add fuel to the fire.
Let these sons fight amongst themselves, so they wouldn't be idle and fixate on the throne.
As for what would happen after his death, it made no difference to him which of his sons remained.
With this thought, Zhao Ji cast a deep, meaningful glance at Cai Jing.
That significant look sent a chill down Cai Jing's spine.
Having served the Emperor for so many years, Cai Jing understood that His Majesty seemed to be hatching another scheme.
However, looking at the ambitious Cai You, Cai Jing felt a deep sense of desolation. It was likely that his eldest son would not meet a good end.
"Since you have all spoken, I think this is the way: you will write a memorial detailing this matter, and then let the Privy Council and the Council of State deliberate upon it. I will review it then!"
Although Zhao Ji had not given his direct approval, judging by his expression, Liang Shicheng knew he had already won more than half the battle.
The Emperor's hesitation to give his consent was merely to save Cai Jing's face.
Regardless, seeing Cai Jing's distressed expression, Liang Shicheng felt a significant portion of his anger dissipate.
You wanted the positions of guards for the four capitals, didn't you?
Take them if you can!
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Having achieved his objective, Liang Shicheng was immensely pleased. He cast a triumphant glance at Cai Jing, then cupped his hands and turned to leave.
"Yuan Chang, did you have something you wished to say to me?"
After Liang Shicheng departed, Zhao Ji turned his attention back to Cai Jing.
Cai Jing's heart was filled with bitterness. What else could he say?
Say to your sister!
At a critical moment, he had been stabbed by his own eldest son again. Only Cai Jing knew the bitterness of such an experience.
"Your humble servant has nothing to say. Let us go fishing."
Cai Jing forced a wry smile, ultimately refusing to grovel.
He had been smooth and adaptable his entire life, but now, he wanted to stand firm.
As the saying goes, when the sky is about to rain, a mother is about to marry off her daughter – there is nothing that can be done. Taking a deep breath, Cai Jing put away all his troubles and put on his usual placid smile.
"Bring me another fishing rod!"
Zhao Ji was very satisfied with Cai Jing's change. This was the Cai Premier he knew – when you lose, you concede.
It wasn't until late in the evening that Zhao Ji, along with Cai Jing, arrived at the Qionglin Garden.
To show his favor, he had specifically invited Cai Jing to share a carriage with him that day.
"Yuan Chang, do you still remember how we first met?"
When they arrived at the Qionglin Garden, the newly successful candidates had already gathered to the side.
Looking at the graceful, newly successful candidates, Zhao Ji asked Cai Jing with a smile.
"Your humble servant certainly remembers. Your Majesty was in the prime of your youth then. To be honest, Your Majesty, upon first seeing you, my heart contained only one thought: what a handsome young man!"
Having cast aside his worries, Cai Jing even found himself in a mood for a joke.
"Hahahaha! What a handsome young man!"