Chapter 35 (2/2)

Xu Qian thought, ‘I think I watched too many period dramas.’

He had also spent a lot of his time perusing history books in his past life—they were a wealth of information.

The books taught him one thing about humankind—humans never learned from their history.

At first, Xu Qian had snubbed his nose at such a conclusion but it made good sense.

Teachers and parents often encouraged young kids to study and work hard but few ever took their words seriously.

People only realized the truth behind their elders’ words after they had grown up and been kicked around by society.

After the failed business, Xu Qian had advised his younger cousin who did not like studying to prioritize his studies, lest he end up regretting like Xu Qian.

It felt like a déjà vu.

Xu Xinnian lifted his chin and asked, “What does Brother think we should do?”

‘Competitive little brat. I don’t think I’ll enjoy an arrogant female lead. I’m more partial to a 36D, flirty madame,’ Xu Qian thought. With a straight face, Xu Qian said, “Why did Assistant Minister Zhou plan the fake silver case? It can’t be corruption as there are easier ways to enrich one’s coffers. Why risk being caught during the inspections?

“Unless he urgently needed the silvers to cover up something bigger. Something that could be dug up during the inspections!” Xu Qian’s logical reasoning was working overtime.

A grin was forming on Xu Xinnian’s face. “And?”

‘We should find out the real reason behind Assistant Minister Zhou’s plan. Once we know the truth, the assistant minister will have no choice but to confess to his crimes…’ was what Xu Qian wanted to say but Xu Xinnian’s amused expression made him hesitate.

Instead, Xu Pingzhi slapped his thigh and called out in excitement, “We’ll expose him! Then he’ll have nowhere to hide.”

The man was ecstatic to have a brilliant idea for once.

‘I’m not dumb!’ Xu Pingzhi thought.

Xu Xinnian sighed. “Father, do you think an Armed Guard will be allowed access to the courts to investigate an assistant minister? Or read the Ministry of Revenue’s case scrolls?”

Xu Pingzhi’s expression was solemn.

Xu Qian stepped in with a knowing voice. “Of course not.”

‘Appreciate you taking the hit, uncle.’

Displeased that he was unable to trounce Xu Qian in an intellectual battle, Xu Xinnian carried on asking, “Then what does Brother suggest we do?”

Xu Qian traced his finger along the grooves of the table. “We are not the main force acting against Assistant Minister Zhou but we can be the last straw that breaks the camel’s back. Pit the two parties against each other.”

He did not have a clear picture of the specifics.

‘Impressive,’ the praise echoed in Xu Xinnian’s mind. “If we take one step back and look, we don’t have to go after Assistant Minister Zhou. As a third-ranked official, he would have many tricks up his sleeves. But he has a weakness.”

Xu Qian’s eyes lit up and he punched out. “Zhou Li!”

“Exactly. Compared to his father, Zhou Li is a small fry. If the evidence for impeachment was insufficient, let’s make up more charges. Zhou Xianping’s political enemies will wield the knife as we dig the hole.” There was a glimmer of hostility in Xu Xinnian’s bright eyes.

“With the inspections coming, if Zhou Li does anything too outrageous and offends the gods and the people, Zhou Xianping will have to answer for his son’s crimes. The Emperor might have let him off the hooks once, but a second time is not guaranteed.”

Xu Xinnian paused then said with a frown, “It is a viable plan but they are not stupid. Fabricating a criminal charge might not work.”

The back-and-forth between the two men made Xu Pingzhi realize his usefulness in the discussion had reached an end—there was nothing he could contribute.

His son’s analysis cleared things up in his mind. The more he thought about the plan, the more plausible it seemed. He hit the table and exclaimed, “Cijiu is a genius!”

‘And your nephew isn’t?’ Xu Qian side-eyed his uncle, then took a swipe at Xu Xinnian.

“People say the scholars’ idle chatter can bring down the nation. Seems like you’re not an exception.”

Xu Xinnian smirked and fired back. “Please teach me your ways.”

Xu Qian was not perturbed. “I don’t have any solid plans but I can share my line of thought.”

“Quick! Share!” Xu Pingzhi exclaimed.