In truth, everyone with a clear mind understood that the Emperor sending Liang Shicheng to the Cai residence clearly indicated his unwillingness to dwell on the matter further.
Furthermore, he did not wish for anyone to persist in their relentless pursuit of this issue. Upon understanding this, the various powerful figures in the imperial court suddenly fell silent.
Cai Jing was already dead, and his faction was now leaderless.
Cai Jing's son, Cai Tao, who had consistently made unwise decisions, had already submitted a memorial requesting to observe the mourning period.
Cai Jing's sons who were stationed elsewhere, while holding relatively high positions, posed no threat to the magnates in Bianliang at this juncture.
With the exception of Cai You, who was currently in Hebei, the rest of them were exceedingly ordinary in their capabilities!
Their grasp of power, their skills, and their shrewdness were all far from sufficient.
In this time of shifting loyalties, whoever could swallow the large chunk of influence left behind by the Cai family would soon see a new power emerge in the imperial court.
With these factors converging, despite the late hour, aside from the minor officials who could not grasp the situation, officials and nobles throughout the court began to arrive one after another to offer condolences…
"It is truly your influence, Grand Tutor, that carries such weight! Without your presence, Old Yuan would perhaps not even be able to depart in peace…"
Regardless of what had transpired between the two in the past, it had all been settled with the person's death. Seeing the once deserted Cai residence suddenly become lively again, Yu Shen felt a pang of emotion.
"Prime Minister, you jest. How could I possess such influence? I am merely delivering something on behalf of the Emperor!"
"Regardless, for this matter, I must thank you, Grand Tutor, on behalf of Old Yuan!"
Yu Shen spoke as he earnestly bowed to Liang Shicheng.
"Prime Minister, where are these words coming from? As I said, I was merely running an errand for the Emperor! I dare not accept your bow!"
Liang Shicheng replied with a smile, returning the bow.
"This is not a place to converse. Do you have other matters to attend to, Grand Tutor? If you are free, how about we find a place for a drink?"
It had been over a month since Yu Shen arrived in the capital.
During this entire period, aside from speaking with the Emperor, he had not seen him in a long time.
Under normal circumstances, it might have been acceptable, but with Cai Jing now dead, he was truly worried.
Could it be that after traveling thousands of miles, he had only come to exchange a few words with the Emperor?
If that were the case, it would be far too stifling for him!
"Prime Minister, something good is about to happen for you. At this moment, if we are too close, it will not be beneficial for the Prime Minister! Do you understand what I am implying?"
Glancing at Yu Shen's expectant gaze, Liang Shicheng did not make him wait too long. After looking around to ensure they were alone, he lowered his voice and whispered a few words in his ear.
"Thank you, Grand Tutor. I will remember this favor!"
Upon hearing this, Yu Shen's spirits immediately soared.
This was the news he most wanted to know. With this information, he could sleep soundly tonight.
"Prime Minister, do not rush to thank me yet. There is something I may need to trouble you with as well."
Hearing Liang Shicheng's words, Yu Shen was clearly taken aback. Was the favor to be cashed in so quickly?
However, he immediately became vigilant, knowing that Liang Shicheng's requests were not easily fulfilled.
"Actually, this matter is very simple, and for you, Prime Minister, it is also a good thing."
Seeing the wary look on the old fox's face, Liang Shicheng spoke again.
"Grand Tutor, please state your request. As long as it is within my capabilities and does not violate my principles, I will not refuse!"
After a dry cough, Yu Shen quickly added.
"Director Tong is likely in some trouble, but the affairs in Hebei are currently in urgent need of personnel..."
Liang Shicheng's voice suddenly stopped here.
It was sufficient to hint at the matter for an intelligent person, let alone a seasoned schemer like him.
"Grand Tutor, rest assured. I understand this matter!"
Yu Shen, naturally, knew how to act concerning such an enduring figure in officialdom as Liang Shicheng.
After all, although the Hebei affair did hold some merit, Yu Shen had no desire to be involved in it.
The matter of recovering the sixteen prefectures of Yan and Yun had devolved into recovering only four prefectures, and to achieve this, a substantial amount of money had been promised.
To snatch this tempting bait now would be to invite condemnation in the annals of history later on!
While he was not a virtuous person himself, he was on the verge of reaching the highest echelon of power. What use was a feat that was destined to bring infamy?
Since Liang Shicheng desired it, this was the perfect opportunity to repay the favor!
The dispute between Tan Zhen and Tong Guan had been ongoing for quite some time.
Liang Shicheng could not conveniently recommend Tan Zhen himself, so Yu Shen recommending him would be a small matter.
In any case, this was simply taking credit for someone else's work. As for anything else, it had nothing to do with him. Whatever squabbles they might have later would be their own affair as eunuchs.
"Thank you, Prime Minister! It is getting late, shall we speak another day?"
"Farewell, Grand Tutor!"
Both men having obtained what they desired, Liang Shicheng had no intention of prolonging the conversation.
After all, this was still outside the Cai residence, and their lingering there would indeed attract too much attention.
"Farewell, Prime Minister!"
After another clasp of hands in farewell, they each returned to their carriages and departed from the Cai residence one after the other.
The next morning, just as Han Mo was yawning and lazily preparing to go back to sleep, Yue Fei, who had gone out to arrange for a boat, burst in from outside.
"Sir, your foresight is truly remarkable! His Majesty issued an imperial decree in the morning court, ordering the Kaifeng Prefecture, the Ministry of Justice, and the Censorate to jointly try the case of Tong Guan and Liu Fa!"
"Any other news?"
Reaching up to adjust the book covering his face by half an inch, Han Mo lost interest in listening further.
These were all expected developments and held no novelty for him.
"Sir, do you believe they will not be able to uncover anything?"
Seeing his lack of enthusiasm, Yue Fei asked with some confusion.
"Investigate? Do you think they will even have the opportunity to investigate?"