“Heh, Zihu, are you a three-year-old child? This is already a place of trouble, the centre of the military and political vortex, and you still want to stay aloof from it all, dreaming away right here, are you?!”
Zhao Wenhua let out a cold chuckle, sneering at Zhu Ping’s childish and unrealistic idea.
“People must have dreams, otherwise what difference is there from a salted fish. Though it may not be practical, this student still wishes to try. If it truly proves unfeasible, I beseech Master Zhao to grant this student one more chance.” Zhu Ping raised his head to meet Zhao Wenhua’s gaze.
Zhao Wenhua stared at Zhu Ping with displeasure, chuckling coldly before saying, “Grant you one more chance? Zihu, do you take me for a shopkeeper, handing out chance after chance? I have already made it clear, this is the last chance. Seize it, and as teacher and student, whether it be provisions, logistics, or merits and rewards, I shall look after you. Fail to seize it, and once we step out of this door after this meal today, we shall be enemies. I shall not blame you for disloyalty, and you must not blame me for ruthlessness!”
Faced with the angry Zhao Wenhua, Zhu Ping gave a slight smile. “Master Zhao, the matter of Zhang Jing has already been settled once and for all. Whether I sign this memorial or not makes no difference to the outcome, so why not look forward instead.”
“Look forward? What do you mean?” Zhao Wenhua narrowed his eyes.
There is hope.
Seeing Zhao Wenhua engage, Zhu Ping felt a slight relief in his heart, cupped his hands, and slowly said, “Master Zhao, with Zhang Jing dismissed, the position of governor is vacant, and someone must take it up. Master Zhao desires it, does he not?”
“Indeed.” Zhao Wenhua nodded candidly, arrogantly stating, “If I become governor, I shall surpass Zhang Jing by far.”
“This student also supports Master Zhao’s ascension. However, it will not be easy for Master Zhao to rise to the position. I am willing to lend Master Zhao a helping hand.” Zhu Ping said slowly.
To be frank, Zhu Ping inwardly did not wish to support Zhao Wenhua’s rise, but circumstances left him no choice.
According to historical records, after Zhang Jing’s dismissal, Zhou Kou took over, but Zhou Kou was soon dismissed as well. Then came Yang Yi, who was also swiftly removed. Only thereafter did Zhao Wenhua assume the role. Shortly after taking office, Zhao Wenhua fabricated merits against the Japanese pirates, returned to the capital, and rose to Minister of Works. It was only after Zhao Wenhua’s departure and promotion that the governorship fell to Hu Zongxian.
Whether Zhou Kou or Yang Yi, either lacking in ability or fawning over the Yan Party, neither was fit to command the campaign against the Japanese pirates! They brought no benefit to the suppression efforts.
Of course, Zhao Wenhua was not either!
Zhu Ping’s plan was to hasten the downfall of Zhou Kou and Yang Yi, grant Zhao Wenhua some merits upon his ascension to expedite his return to the capital for promotion.
Then, he himself could seek the governorship. Zhu Ping believed that if he assumed the role of governor, he would do better than Hu Zongxian!
“My ascension is not easy?” Upon hearing this, Zhao Wenhua could not help but laugh. “Heh, Zihu, are you trying to employ the tactics of ancient persuaders? Alarmist talk, seizing the initiative? I have the merit of the sea sacrifice, the duty of supervising the battle, and the support of my foster father, Chief Minister Yan. Becoming governor is not just a sure thing, but nine times out of ten.”
“Master Zhao, why not make a wager?” Seeing Zhao Wenhua’s full confidence, Zhu Ping seized the moment to propose the bet.
“What wager?” Zhao Wenhua asked.
“On this governorship.” Zhu Ping said with narrowed eyes.
“How so?” Zhao Wenhua asked again.
“I beg Master Zhao’s pardon for my impertinence, but I wager that the successor to the governorship this time will not be Master Zhao.” Zhu Ping raised his head to look at Zhao Wenhua and said slowly.
“Hahahaha, Zihu, this is a wager you are bound to lose.” Zhao Wenhua looked at Zhu Ping with a smile that did not reach his eyes, clearly displeased. “What are the stakes?”
“Master Zhao, if I lose, then no matter what memorial Master Zhao brings forth next, be it any memorial, even one impeaching me, Zhu Ping, I shall sign it.” Zhu Ping said earnestly. “If I win, I beseech Master Zhao to grant this student one more chance. This student does not wish to become enemies with Master Zhao.”
Zhu Ping truly did not want to make an enemy of a petty man like Zhao Wenhua, whose underhanded tactics were far too formidable.
Useless in achieving great things, but more than capable of sabotaging them.
If targeted by such a capable petty man, one would not sleep soundly in the future, let alone accomplish anything.
“Zihu, is this a delaying tactic?” Zhao Wenhua looked at Zhu Ping with scrutinising and doubtful eyes.
“Master Zhao, do you dare not wager with me?” Zhu Ping said slowly.
“What is there to fear? The governorship will not remain vacant for long anyway, a little time makes no difference.” Zhao Wenhua accepted.
“Lord Zhu, why are you so certain that the successor this time is not Lord Zhao?” Hu Zongxian asked.
“It is a deduction, but allow me to keep it under wraps for now.” Zhu Ping smiled faintly, appearing full of confidence.
In truth, he was not entirely sure inwardly.
Zhu Ping’s confidence stemmed from his familiarity with history. Records showed that after Zhang Jing, Zhou Kou succeeded, then Yang Yi, and only then Zhao Wenhua, with Hu Zongxian coming last.
Zhu Ping did not know why Zhou Kou succeeded Zhang Jing; historical records on this man were scant.
He only knew that Zhou Kou was currently Right Assistant Minister of the Censorate, Governor of Shandong, and not yet prominent.
As for why Zhou Kou could outmanoeuvre Zhao Wenhua to become governor, and what machinations were involved, Zhu Ping knew none of it. But not knowing the process mattered little; knowing the outcome sufficed.
In any case, the successor was not Zhao Wenhua. He was bound to win this wager; that was his advantage.
“Since Lord Zhu wishes to keep it under wraps, very well. But if the successor is not Master Zhao, what then for Lord Zhu?” Hu Zongxian asked.
“The Zhejiang army has just endured consecutive battles in southern Zhejiang, with men and horses exhausted, armour and muskets in need of repair, and gunpowder utterly depleted. Marching here to besiege the Japanese pirates in Tuolin is already a strain. After this battle, the Zhejiang army will require at least several months to recuperate.”
Zhu Ping narrowed his eyes slightly and said slowly.
Both Zhao Wenhua and Hu Zongxian were shrewd men and understood Zhu Ping’s implication. If the new governor was not Zhao Wenhua, then after this battle, the Zhejiang army under Zhu Ping would rest for several months, unable to fight, unable to serve the new governor.
In this way, Zhu Ping was supporting Zhao Wenhua.
In truth, this was also the reality.
The Zhejiang army’s gunpowder was only sufficient for one more battle, and their muskets were severely worn, urgently needing replenishment. With firearms as their mainstay, without gunpowder and muskets, their effectiveness would be halved at least.
Even if the new governor was not Zhou Kou but Zhao Wenhua, Zhu Ping’s Zhejiang army would still need several months to rest, replenish gunpowder and muskets, and likewise be unable to fight or serve Zhao Wenhua.
“Very well, the dishes are getting cold. Let us dine.” Zhao Wenhua finally spoke.
“Please.”
“Please.”
Zhu Ping and Hu Zongxian naturally responded.
