Chapter 146 – The Correct Stance for Gaining Favor (Part 4)
Logically speaking, someone who repeatedly betrays loyalty, switches allegiances, and even betrays their former boss would definitely be reviled by everyone. Yet, Qi Guanrang was not only favored by his later superior, the Cheng Emperor, but he also shot up the ranks to become a confidant.
Amin once mentioned that Qi Guanrang is quite a controversial figure in both official and unofficial histories. Within the Cheng Emperor’s think tank, he’s not well-liked at all, and his social connections are terrible. However, he still managed to rise, which is closely tied to the way the Cheng Emperor goes out of her way to protect him.
Liu Zhi observed Qi Guanrang closely, hoping to catch even the slightest hint on his face.
What kind of hint?
Naturally, it’s the mystery Amin was obsessing over before her death—why the position of the Cheng Emperor’s consort remains vacant, and the imperial harem is entirely empty. Official records lack any traces of a male partner, yet she has a daughter. In the imperial tomb lies the unfamiliar corpse of a man alongside her.
So the question arises—
Who exactly is Jiang Gaozong’s father?
According to Amin’s casual chatter, it seems that in later years, people speculated about the men around the Cheng Emperor, each with their own tortured romance stories, all having their reasons for being on the list of contenders.
Qi Guanrang ranks in the top ten largely because the Cheng Emperor shows him a level of protection and trust that few others enjoy. It should be noted that Qi Guanrang did things that, by the standards of the time, could have easily led to his death several times over. Yet, remarkably, he lived to tell the tale!
Once unfaithful, a hundred times expendable.
How many people believed that Qi Guanrang’s loyalty was as good as nonexistent and thought he might stab the Cheng Emperor in the back at any moment?
But one comment from the Cheng Emperor silenced everyone, and it even made it into the official history—something that can be cited.
“In this vast world, who besides me can truly be called a wise ruler?”
To emphasize, Qi Guanrang stated “A wise minister chooses his lord,” and the Cheng Emperor insisted that she alone qualifies as a wise ruler.
In other words, besides being loyal to her, who else could Qi Guanrang possibly pledge his allegiance to? Who else could he be loyal to?
Liu Zhi pondered this many times in his heart but showed no sign of it on his face. Instead, he casually remarked, “Wenzheng? That’s a good character.”
Good… my foot!
Wenzheng means “to advise,” “to speak,” and “to correct.”
Yet, looking over Qi Guanrang’s future life (only Amin described the love-hate entanglements), could his actions truly live up to that character?
Unbeknownst to him, Qi Guanrang was oblivious to Liu Zhi’s mind running wild with thoughts so colorful and shocking they left one speechless.
“Don’t be so formal, since I’m on equal footing with Gongcao, you can be considered my junior…” Liu Zhi shifted gears and added, “Lan Ting also mentioned a remarkable young person in the family of Gongcao, that must be you, Wenzheng.”
Every word was laden with acknowledgment for Qi Guanrang.
Even though his idol was so down-to-earth, Qi Guanrang couldn’t shake off the feeling that something wasn’t right.
He thought himself somewhat mediocre, yet Liu Zhi neither tested him nor hesitated; he started off by affirming him… His words didn’t seem to be mere flattery, instead, they felt genuine, almost as if he truly knew something and had seen through his facade from the start.
Before Qi Guanrang could delve deeper into his thoughts, Liu Zhi called the steward over to inquire what Jiang Pengji was currently doing.
Wei Yuan, pleased with himself, proactively said, “I need to discuss some matters with Zhongqing, Wenzheng, please go meet Lan Ting for me.”
As for what they would discuss, only he and Liu Zhi knew.
In the current Dongqing, the situation was collapsing around them, yet some remained foolishly indulging in dreams. Wei Yuan, feeling anxious, could only probe Liu Zhi to get a hint while also seeking to understand Liu Zhi’s relationship with the Meng clan of Cangzhou, as he remembered Meng Liang’s grudge.
“Have you seen my father?”
Led by the steward, Qi Guanrang walked into Jiang Pengji’s study. Upon entering, he saw her leaning against the table in a disheveled manner, with her long hair tied back, looking as if she had just risen from bed, surrounded by a chaotic pile of bamboo slips and books, leaving no room to stand.
“I’ve seen him.”
Qi Guanrang moved closer, sitting not too far from her. Despite having only met twice, they shared a surprisingly harmonious feeling.
Jiang Pengji straightened up, smiling as she asked, “How does it feel?”
Qi Guanrang pondered his words.
“Governor Liu is quite approachable and doesn’t seem as difficult to get along with as the rumors suggest. I had heard he quelled the troubles in Hujun, and expected him to be somewhat aggressive or unruly, a formidable figure, but upon seeing him, he exudes kindness.”
“And?” Jiang Pengji inquired.
Qi Guanrang tapped his forehead, chuckling, “It seems there must be a rather fierce and sharp-witted advisor by his side. From what I’ve just seen, he appears warm-hearted and benevolent. Without a strategist guiding him, I believe Governor Liu’s temperament would lean more towards gentle assimilation rather than this blitzkrieg approach that suppresses the local gentry of Hujun.”
As the saying goes, it’s easier to change rivers and mountains than one’s nature. Without external influence, people usually behave according to certain patterns.
Both Qi Guanrang and Jiang Pengji could deduce a person’s reactions to specific matters from their temperament.
Hujun is a tumor that’s hard to eradicate; only by digging deep and eliminating the source can it hope for a glimmer of survival.
Based on Liu Zhi’s character, without an advisor to give him direction, Jiang Pengji believed he would opt for a more gentle method.
“Maybe, but my father isn’t very enthusiastic about bringing official matters into the household. I haven’t heard of that advisor you spoke of. Can you tell me what my father discussed with you earlier? How did he look?”
Jiang Pengji made friends based on her intuition and judgment, and Qi Guanrang shared the same temperament. Unexpectedly, they clicked on some level, creating an instant rapport that was more profound for Qi Guanrang.
After pondering for a moment, he described in detail the earlier meeting.
“So, my father seems to be quite satisfied with you and is paying significant attention to you?”
A hint of self-mockery appeared on Qi Guanrang’s stern visage.
He saw his situation clearly; if it weren’t for Wei Yuan valuing him and deliberately seeking a son-in-law, he would just be a marginal commoner, half-blooded from the northern tribes, occupying an awkward social position and status. In his youth, he had been ridiculed as a bastard by the local children.
Though he wouldn’t admit inferiority, he had to acknowledge this fact—others might consider him lowly and contemptible.
“Lan Ting is overestimating me; I’m just a commoner. How could someone so revered like Governor Liu take notice of me?”
Jiang Pengji casually replied, “Could it be that you don’t see anything in yourself that’s worth others’ recognition?”
Qi Guanrang was momentarily taken aback by her words, instinctively gripping for his feather fan, only to realize he hadn’t brought it today.
“Now you’re putting me in a bind. Even if it’s modesty, I can’t truly think of myself as talentless.”
“Well, then there you have it! You’re talented and capable, so why wouldn’t my father see you in a different light?”
Qi Guanrang: “……”
