However, he chose to rely on external forces, a decision that made his foundation unstable.

Historically, no puppet emperor relying on external forces retained autonomous power; ultimately, they became puppets of others and failed to achieve a true great undertaking.

Moreover, now the only surviving son of Prince Yu, the current imperial grandson, is in Yingtian Prefecture. This fact is like a sword hanging high above Prince Yu's head, becoming an irremediable hidden danger for him.

Furthermore, since the imperial grandson was born, although Prince Yu has been diligently working in the Prince Mansion, the concubines have remained without child, undeniably filling his future with uncertainty.

Nobles from the North and Border Town generals undoubtedly see this point clearly. They choose to support Prince Yu because they had no other choice.

Your Majesty and Xu Qing are dedicated to creating a prosperous era, which, inevitably, will affect some people's interests, thus becoming stepping stones on their path to reform.

Wang Gong deeply understands that his time is running out; the attitude of the South will be the key factor deciding his fate.

He eagerly hopes his cousin can play a critical role in negotiations with the South, bringing a turning point for him.

"Master, someone from the ancestral home has arrived, claiming to have something important to deliver to you." The steward hurriedly walked into the study, breaking the silence inside; his voice carried urgency and tension.

Wang Gong's heart suddenly tightened. He quickly stepped forward, receiving the family letter and portrait from the steward's hand.

His hand trembled imperceptibly for a moment. First, he opened the letter, his gaze anxiously sweeping over the words detailing the cousin's meeting with Xu Qing and Xu Qing's exhortations. Wang Gong analyzed every word and sentence meticulously, not missing any detail, understanding that these words concealed the South's attitude and intentions.

While reading, Wang Gong paid special attention to how his cousin referred to Xu Qing. Xu Qing has now been titled Champion Marquis, yet his cousin in the letter referred to him as "Mr. Xu."

This was undoubtedly an implication.

As a powerful force among the civil servants, the Wang family has consistently recognized Xu Qing's power and position within the civil servant ranks. His cousin laid out significant stakes.

Obviously, from Xu Qing's ensuing attitude, the counterpart also acknowledged Wang family's stakes. As a noble, Xu Qing's role naturally falls short of leading civil servants.

The world belongs to the scholars. Especially with the reform Xu Qing is implementing, it fundamentally strengthens the ministers' power.

Civil servants are inherently the strongest force among "ministers" and naturally benefit.

After long contemplation, Wang Gong gleaned much useful information from the letter. A heavy stone in his heart finally settled; his continuously tense mood slightly relaxed.

Then, his gaze slowly fell on the delivered portrait.

Upon seeing the Chongyang Ancestor Master's portrait that was unmistakably Xu Gongming's face, complex emotions surged within him, intertwining mystery and reverence, making it seem as though the portrait was no longer a simple painting, but a holy object imbued with some mysterious force.

"Master, this portrait..." the steward couldn't help but inquire.

"Do not ask further. Prepare a quiet chamber; I wish to worship the portrait." Wang Gong said sternly, with a tone of undeniable authority.

Years of officialdom had cultivated his habit of caution. Regarding such mysterious matters, he preferred to explore the mysteries alone.

Though filled with doubt, the steward dared not speak further and hurriedly made arrangements.

Wang Gong carefully hung the portrait in the quiet chamber, then respectfully knelt on the mat, beginning his worship.

Initially, following Xu Qing's instructions, he kept a sincere belief that truth resonates sincerely, attempting to attain enlightenment from the portrait.

But as time passed, an extraordinary feeling arose in his heart. He felt as though the image of Xu Gongming in the portrait had come to life, gazing deeply and wisely, seemingly transmitting some mysterious force guiding him onto an unknown path.

Uncertain of when, a strong weariness overtook Wang Gong; his eyelids grew increasingly heavy, eventually leading him to sleep soundly.

In his dream, he seemed to enter a mystical realm, where he saw a familiar "face."

"Xu Gongming." Wang Gong instinctively called out, with a voice tinged with surprise and reverence.

"Minister Wang, it has been a while." Xu Qing appeared before Wang Gong with a relaxed demeanor, exuding a unique quality transcending the world, free and uninhibited. His penetrating gaze seemed to comprehend all worldly truths, invoking an almost involuntary trust and reverence.

In a daze, Wang Gong felt as if he had returned to his youth, serving diligently beside a Great Scholar at the Hanlin Academy, seeking knowledge, experiencing the same feeling when noticing the scholar's gaze.

In this moment, he seemed to realize that the present Xu Qing was akin to that Great Scholar—holding the "principle," capable of effortlessly confronting any worldly challenges.

Indeed, that Great Scholar's surname was "Fang."

"I never expected, you now stand among the great philosophers and are about to pioneer a new era. Previously, I tried to oppose you, utterly overestimating myself." Wang Gong lamented.

"Minister Wang is remarkably intelligent, always making the most optimal choices. This is something Xu truly admires. Now, I need Minister Wang's assistance." Xu Qing sincerely said.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.