Chapter 227: The Chancellor Must Bear Responsibility
Han Ruzi met with Left Chief Censor Xiao Sheng at the Chai residence.
One of Xiao Sheng’s nephews was married into the Chai family, which facilitated this meeting. After Princess Hengyang’s death and the Chai family members being allowed to return to the Capital, the Chai family had no reason to remain enemies with the Weary Marquis. To show their gratitude, they offered help, though none of the actual Chai family members made an appearance.
The Capital was in its most chaotic period. Everyone was rushing to declare their positions, though none of these declarations were particularly sincere. Keeping one’s options open by maintaining multiple allegiances was a socially acceptable choice that no one found shameful. On the contrary, people shared experiences and connections to ensure their own positions remained secure.
Under these circumstances, the meeting between Han Ruzi and Xiao Sheng was bound to be awkward.
Neither came alone – Han Ruzi brought Yang Feng, while Xiao Sheng brought the fate seer Lu Congxin.
Among all the fate seers Han Ruzi had met, Lu Congxin was the most taciturn. His gloomy demeanor made him seem less like a pugilist mystic and more like a melancholic swordsman with supreme martial arts. However, Yang Feng had already investigated and discovered that Lu Congxin knew no martial arts – his silence was simply part of his particular school of fate reading.
Xiao Sheng demonstrated through his actions why his high official position was no accident. He came in casual clothes, greeted the Weary Marquis with a smile, politely bowed, and after being seated, appropriately congratulated him on his recent string of victories. Han Ruzi in turn thanked him for not interfering with the grain distribution.
After exchanging pleasantries over tea, Xiao Sheng would not be the first to state his position. Here in the Capital that he knew well, he would not repeat the hasty mistakes made at Divine Hero Pass.
“Let’s speak plainly, Lord Xiao. I need your support,” Han Ruzi made the first move.