Protect Our Chief

Chapter 1104 - 77: Stirring the Winds with One Hand! Lord Meng Defects

"That will depend on whether he can truly be reborn from the ashes in the face of adversity. If not, he will simply be eliminated," Emperor Longchang calmly said. "The struggle of the Imperial Sons allows no sloppiness; it concerns the thousand-year destiny of our Daqian.""Your Majesty, that Wang Shouzhe has defied the order this time under the guise of righteousness. Should I personally go to meet him and then escort him to see Your Majesty?"

"Hmph! There’s no need for that. What status do I hold? Can he see me as he pleases? Let him be; sooner or later, he will come to seek me."

The master and servant gradually moved away with an exchange of words.

...

Almost at the same time.

After leaving court, Meng Yuanbai immediately gathered several confidants from the Three Talents Department and rushed to Duke Dingguo’s Mansion under the pretext of a tax investigation.

Upon entering Duke Dingguo’s Mansion,

Meng Yuanbai sent his confidants away and then grabbed the Wang Family Patriarch, Wang Yuchang, who was in charge of hosting him: "Patriarch Yuchang, is Wang Shouzhe still with the Wang Family? Please take me to see him immediately."

"Lord Meng, please calm down." Wang Yuchang calmly pushed him aside, "At this hour, Shouzhe is most likely still taking a nap. No rush, no rush; let’s have some tea and chat first."

A nap?

Meng Yuanbai’s expression froze in disbelief. That Wang Shouzhe had turned Dingqian Hall upside down and involved the entire world.

And yet he still has the leisure to take an afternoon nap?

"Patriarch Yuchang." Meng Yuanbai suppressed his urge to curse, took a deep breath, and saluted, "Lives are at stake; I implore you."

Wang Yuchang showed a troubled expression: "Shouzhe does not like to be disturbed during his nap."

After a pause, he nodded solemnly: "But since it’s at Lord Meng’s request, I will make an exception. Sir, please follow me."

"Thank you, Patriarch Yuchang." Meng Yuanbai expressed his gratitude with another salute, but in his heart, he was muttering to himself, feeling as if he owed a great favor just to see Wang Shouzhe.

Wang Yuchang led Meng Yuanbai to the Four Seasons Garden.

And "forcefully disrupted" Wang Shouzhe’s nap.

Soon, Wang Shouzhe hosted Meng Yuanbai in his study, and personally made tea with a smile: "Lord Meng, your visit is an honor, and I apologize for not greeting you from afar."

Unexpectedly,

Meng Yuanbai was the first to stand and solemnly bow: "Patriarch Shouzhe, if I have offended you earlier, I hope you can forgive me."

"Not at all, not at all," Wang Shouzhe replied courteously, "Lord Meng is wholeheartedly for the public good; how could I harbor any resentment? Besides, it was you who proved the Wang Family’s innocence. Lord Meng, this wild tea was unintentionally gathered by my great-grandson, though crude, it has a unique flavor."

The best tea he had was indeed the Life Tree Leaves shaken off by Wang Lixian. However, they were too precious to share with anyone not truly close to him.

"The great-grandson, is it that child, An Ye? I’ve heard he now lives in Your Majesty’s Immortal-Viewing Pavilion and is greatly favored by His Majesty." Meng Yuanbai praised after taking a sip, "Good tea, good tea, the Wang family truly is blessed, with each child more outstanding than the last."

"The current generation of the Gui Long Meng Family is also full of talents," Wang Shouzhe laughed and complimented back, "A Third Grade rank is within reach."

After exchanging some pleasantries, they gradually became acquainted.

Only then did Meng Yuanbai reveal his true feelings, speaking bitterly: "Patriarch Shouzhe, after experiencing your two counter-strategies, I am convinced of your skill. But you have truly put me, Old Meng, in a tough spot. Now, the Zhao Family loathes me deeply. Prince Dexin’s faction also sees me as a thorn in their side."

"In the future, noble families big and small across the nation will curse me, Meng Yuanbai, in secret. Patriarch Shouzhe, where does that leave Meng Yuanbai?"

"Congratulations, Lord Meng, for you are destined to be remembered in history," Wang Shouzhe said, clasping his hands.

Remembered in history!

Who wants to be remembered in history? Meng Yuanbai’s mouth twitched, "Patriarch Shouzhe, please don’t joke. I seek a clear path."

"A clear path? Does Lord Meng still wish to side with Prince Kang?" Wang Shouzhe asked curiously.

"How could I? Prince Kang now hates me deeply. Besides, he is a man of narrow mind and cold nature; I would not dare to serve him." Meng Yuanbai shook his head, looking hopeful, "Therefore, for the rest of my life, I hope to have Patriarch Shouzhe’s support."

"Lord Meng, no need for formalities; we shall support each other," Wang Shouzhe returned the gesture with a smile, "After this matter is settled, I will introduce you to Prince Anjun."

"Good, good, good~! Since we are now on the same boat, Wang Shouzhe, whatever you say goes." Just having switched sides, Meng Yuanbai knew he should prove his loyalty, and rolled up his sleeves excitedly, "This time, whatever you say, Shouzhe, will be done. From what I see from Shouzhe’s several tactics, this plan is not as simple as a tax investigation."

"Brother Yuanbai is truly worthy of being the Director of the Three Talents Department." Wang Shouzhe smiled indifferently, "A normal tax investigation will do, but Brother Yuanbai should pay attention to large flows of unaccounted funds in the accounts..."

Unaccounted funds?

Meng Yuanbai’s body shook, looking at Wang Shouzhe in disbelief: "Patriarch Shouzhe, do you mean..."

But in an instant, he became excited again: "Brother Shouzhe indeed has brilliant means; Yuanbai is impressed. Rest assured, as long as he dared to overstep his bounds, there will be traces. Under my command are many talents with keen senses."

He didn’t expect that, right after boarding the ship, he was facing a tremendous opportunity.

...