A speck of dust from the era, falling on an individual becomes a mountain.

When Sheng Jing and Shi Hongchuan led the Imperial Finance Department in mutual attacks, they were unaware of how many individuals and business owners lost everything in the process...

This is a torrent they cannot resist or defy.

Sheng Jing looked at Tang Fei, who was silent and unsure of how to respond, and comforted him by saying, "I'm not telling you this to make you feel guilty or blame yourself. Just having this mindset is already commendable."

"The world only sees the dazzling glory of the victor, yet beneath their feet are bones piled like mountains. It's the ordinary folks at the bottom who truly suffer."

"What you are witnessing and experiencing is a necessary phase for a victor. If you can't claim the throne at the negotiating table, you do so on the battlefield."

"I only hope that once you ascend, you will implement good governance and foster compassion... This way, the people will remember your kindness, and it might help ease some of our guilt."

Words of wisdom, none more valuable than these.

Tang Fei bowed deeply to Sheng Jing and said, "Uncle Sheng, I will certainly heed your teachings. If the day comes when I ascend, I will enact benevolent governance and good policies."

Tang Fei spoke cautiously.

Once ascended, these things must be done.

If not, then it's not his concern.

Even if he wants to, he can't accomplish it, others will question his true intentions. What does he want?

Throughout history, soliciting support has always been taboo.

"Alright, go on with your work." Sheng Jing nodded satisfactorily and said, "You don't understand the matters here, wasting time for nothing."

Ah, clearly meant well, so why did he feel humiliated?

Still, it was Tang Fei's most sensitive issue—his intelligence being insulted.

"...Yes." Tang Fei replied with a dry smile, "I'll leave the financial matters to Uncle Sheng, while I head to the planning department to host a meeting."

Yes, that's where his true expertise lies.

------

Qi Mountain.

Tingfeng Cliff. Pavilion of the Whispering Wind.

When Bai Xingjian was brought over by the inner guard, Shen Wuxiang was playing chess with an elderly man with a lean face.

The old man's hair and beard were entirely white, his skin sallow, yet his eyes were brilliantly sharp, exuding a strong radiance of wisdom.

Bai Xingjian recognized the old man, the dean of the Imperial First Military Academy, Shang Xiulin, who Zhong Daolong invited thrice but was refused.

Hmm, why did the Military Minister bring him to see Shang Xiulin?

Bai Xingjian stepped forward and respectfully greeted, "Greetings, Military Minister."

"Xingjian is here?" Shen Wuxiang greeted with a smile, pointing at the old man before him, "You must recognize this elder? Dean Shang Xiulin of the Imperial First Military Academy."

"Dean Shang has educated countless students worldwide. Xingjian has admired him for a long time. Unfortunately, I didn't have the chance to study at the Imperial First Military Academy, and couldn't receive the Dean's teachings in person."

Bai Xingjian greeted Shang Xiulin again with courtesy.

Shang Xiulin pointed at Bai Xingjian and laughed heartily towards Shen Wuxiang, "This one is crafty too."

"Oh? The Dean also has the art of discerning people?" Shen Wuxiang asked with interest, clutching a chess piece.

"I wouldn't claim it's the art of discerning people, but this old man has spoken to people his whole life and studied the art of conversation extensively. Just from these few words, I can tell this young man harbors cunning."

"When you introduced me, he straight-up admitted knowing the name Shang Xiulin and has admired me for a long time. The name Shang Xiulin holds a certain reputation in the Empire, claiming not to know it would be too fake and easily criticized."

"He even distanced himself from me in your presence, saying he's not a student of the Imperial First Military Academy and doesn't have that teacher-student relationship with me."

"Hmm, his grasp of nuance is subtle and indescribable. Which student would want to associate with a felon?"

Upon hearing Shang Xiulin's 'mockery,' Bai Xingjian remained composed as always, calm and determined.

He knew his 'roots,' and if Shang Xiulin had praised him endlessly upon meeting, things might have turned sour.

Wouldn't Shen Wuxiang suspect some connection between him and the old man?

His cold satire towards him would dissipate Shen Wuxiang's suspicions about him.

Indeed, Shen Wuxiang was pleased and even stepped in to help Bai Xingjian, smiling and saying, "Xingjian is usually silent and introverted, naturally making his thoughts more complex. Dean shouldn't mind him."

"Why should I fuss about with him? As long as the Military Minister finds him useful."

"Xingjian is my right-hand man now, and many matters can't be done without his assistance."

"Is that so?" Shang Xiulin put down the chess piece and said, "You called him over to discuss important matters, right? I won't intrude then."

"Please remain seated, Dean." Shen Wuxiang gestured to stop him and said with a smile, "I've come to ask Xingjian a few things, and you can listen in and help advise. Once we finish talking, we'll continue our chess game."

Shang Xiulin didn't know what Shen Wuxiang's true intentions were, yet since he wouldn't let him leave, he leisurely picked up the teacup and started drinking tea.

A prisoner's self-cultivation.

Shen Wuxiang looked at Bai Xingjian with a friendly smile. Rarely did the military overlord, nicknamed 'Butcher,' show such a smile.

"Xingjian, are you adapting well at the Security Bureau?"

Bai Xingjian's spine straightened up instantly, legs tightly together, gazing at Shen Wuxiang with fervent and reverent eyes, responding in a deep voice, "Thank you, Military Minister, for placing me in such a vital position. Though I encountered some barriers upon taking over due to the business differences, I have confidence in taking full command of the Security Bureau and carrying out every task entrusted by the Military Minister."

First express gratitude, then raise concerns.

Having issues is natural because anyone stepping into a new field or taking over a new department encounters problems.

If there were no problems, Shen Wuxiang might suspect whether you can stabilize in the position of Military Minister...

If you could handle everything, what would officers above you be needed for?

As for controlling the Security Bureau, it's done for the superior, serving the Military Minister's department.

Completely controlling it yourself can easily lead to issues.

Shen Wuxiang was satisfied with Bai Xingjian's answer, encouragingly saying, "The Security Bureau is a special department focused primarily on intelligence and interrogation, quite different from our Military Department..."

"Guo Nu left suddenly, not having the chance to hand over many things to you. Once you enter, reform boldly. Do what's needed, use whoever you want."

"To fully control a department, first gain the authority over personnel decisions. If someone doesn't comply, kick them out... If that doesn't work, let them come to me for mediation."

"Thank you, Military Minister, for your trust and support. I will exert all my efforts to enhance security, removing obstacles, paving the way and building bridges for the Military Minister. To become the sharp knife in the Military Minister's hand."

"Hmm, I have confidence in you." Shen Wuxiang nodded with a smile, saying, "There's one more thing I want to ask you... Sheng Jing, is he truly dead?"

"..."

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