noveltune Chapter 5525 The Dilemma of Choice
Chapter 5525 The Dilemma of Choice
Chapter 5525 A Dilemma of Choice
Pei Huaijie stomped his foot in anger and said, "A great upheaval is about to occur, and the Duke of Tong'an not only fails to notice, but also has the mind to mock me!"
Zheng Rentai glanced at his face and saw that he was indeed anxious. In addition, he made no attempt to hide his visit in the middle of the night, so he knew that something urgent had happened. He nodded, invited Pei Huaijie to sit down, served him tea, dismissed the servants, and gestured for Pei Huaijie to drink the tea.
Then he asked, "What exactly happened?"
Pei Huaijie served as the Prefect of Henan for many years and had deep-rooted interests with the powerful families of Henan, including numerous collaborations with the Zheng family of Xingyang. However, Zheng Rentai was a cautious man and never showed any particular closeness to Pei Huaijie in public, so the outside world knew very little about the relationship between the two.
When Pei Huaijie entered the capital, although he rose to the position of Grand Councilor and Prime Minister, he was largely marginalized and held no real power, so the two had little contact. In addition, Zheng Rentai had previously committed a serious mistake and almost suffered the consequences. Although he was spared punishment because of his merits in following Emperor Taizong in launching the Xuanwu Gate Incident, he also kept a low profile.
When Pei Huaijie suddenly sent someone to contact him and arrange a late-night visit, Zheng Rentai initially thought it was because Pei Huaijie couldn't stand being ignored or rejected and was therefore seeking help. However, upon closer inspection, he discovered that this was not the case at all...
Pei Huaijie said, "I don't know what happened either."
Zheng Rentai raised an eyebrow: "Could it be that you, the Chamberlain, are having trouble sleeping at night and are deliberately coming to amuse me?"
Pei Huaijie looked very anxious and restless, spreading his hands and saying, "I really don't know what happened, but I'm sure something has happened!"
Zheng Rentai's expression was solemn.
His previous mistakes, including choosing the wrong side, have left him disliked by both the Emperor and Fang Jun. Although he holds the Left Guard and protects the capital, he faces many concerns and dangers, and has to stay away from the court struggles to try to distance himself from them. As a result, his sources of information are inevitably limited and delayed.
Although Pei Huaijie was also disliked, he was, after all, the highest-ranking official in the Secretariat, and being within the central government, he was certainly well-informed.
So even though this statement seemed nonsensical and incomprehensible, he dared not take it lightly.
"Tell me!"
"I'm being watched!"
Zheng Rentai was taken aback: "Who would be spying on you?"
Although the position of Attendant-in-Ordinary was high and powerful, Pei Huaijie was disliked by the emperor and ostracized by his colleagues. He also lacked the talent to govern the country and was merely a puppet who held a position without doing any real power.
What is there about such an official that warrants surveillance?
Pei Huaijie understood Zheng Rentai's implication and was immediately filled with shame and anger. His face flushed red as he retorted indignantly, "I am, after all, a Chamberlain!"
Zheng Rentai nodded. That was true. Even if he had no real power and was just a figurehead, he was still a Chamberlain, a key position within the central government responsible for connecting His Majesty with the other provinces and ministries.
There is still a certain amount of it.
So who's spying on you?
How would I know?
Pei Huaijie was both anxious and afraid.
He may not have much real power, but he is, after all, one of the Grand Councilors and prime ministers. If the political situation changes, he will probably be the first to become a thorn in the side of others, who will want to get rid of him as soon as possible!
Zheng Rentai was speechless: "You don't know what happened, you don't know who's watching you, so what do you want me to do? I can't just put you in the military camp for protection, can I?"
Pei Huaijie paid no heed to his teasing and sarcasm, and said in a deep voice, "I only ask you, what are your plans if the political situation changes?"
After a pause, not having time for Zheng Rentai's ambiguous hints, she simply stated directly: "Your Majesty or the Crown Prince, whose side are you on?"
Zheng Rentai's expression turned solemn as he finally understood Pei Huaijie's meaning.
Is His Majesty about to clash directly with the Crown Prince?
That would be the end of the world!
He weighed the options in his mind, then hesitated and remained silent.
After a long silence, he slowly said, "The Zheng family of Xingyang has always been loyal to the Tang Dynasty and to the Emperor."
Pei Huaijie understood the implication in his words: loyalty was not to "Your Majesty," but to "The Emperor."
In other words, one is loyal to whoever is the emperor.
Clearly, even if something happens inside the Taiji Palace, Zheng Rentai intends to stay out of it and not get involved, waiting for the outcome before swearing allegiance to the victor.
While this would mean missing out on the "merit of following the dragon," it would also prevent a grave mistake from being made.
With the foundation of the Zheng family of Xingyang, their influence in Henan, and the Left Guard under his command, any side would want to win him over, ensuring a smooth passage through dramatic changes.
But Pei Huaijie is no good!
Although His Majesty dislikes him greatly, as one of the few "loyal confidants" in the court, only His Majesty's victory can ensure his position, official rank, and interests. Once His Majesty loses in the struggle, he will likely be among the first wave of purges in the court by the Crown Prince.
He opened his mouth to speak, but Zheng Rentai stopped him by raising his hand.
Zheng Rentai glanced at him and said in a deep voice, "I advise you, Your Excellency, to prioritize state affairs and not be distracted and preoccupied with various calculations all day long. We have a long-standing friendship, so I will pretend that your visit to my residence tonight never happened. You should take care of yourself."
He now finally realized that there was a reason why Pei Huaijie was disliked by the emperor and ostracized by his colleagues; this man was very stupid!
Even if I wanted to take sides, wouldn't I step forward and publicly express my opinion to try and seize an opportunity?
Why would I risk my life and fortune to take you with me?
How big is your face?!
When this man served as the Prefect of Henan, he was fawned upon by the powerful families of Henan, and his policies were implemented smoothly, leading to a successful career. However, he had lost sight of his own limitations.
Pei Huaijie, however, refused to give up and said urgently, "As long as you, Duke of Tong'an, say the word, I will enter the palace tomorrow to convey your loyalty to His Majesty! In this way, you will win the Emperor's favor and have a bright future!"
Zheng Rentai shook his head and sighed, looking very disheartened: "I'm getting old. Although I have made some contributions, I've lost my ambition. Besides, I've made mistakes many times, causing heavy losses to the family. Now the younger members of the family don't listen to me as much anymore... I should just be a loyal and good general. What future can I expect?"
Pei Huaijie's heart sank, and his whole body felt ice-cold.
Without the support of a general like Zheng Rentai, this small fish could not only fail to gain any benefit in the turbulent changes, but would even be unable to protect himself.
At this moment, he even wanted to give up fame, power, wealth and honor, and flee Chang'an, a city already caught in the storm...
……
Zheng Xuanguo, who had been waiting outside the door, personally escorted Pei Huaijie to the back gate. After watching Pei Huaijie board the carriage and leave, he led his men to patrol the alley behind the back gate. Finding nothing suspicious, he returned to the mansion and closed the back gate tightly.
I shook the snow off myself at the door and went inside to find my father sitting there drinking tea with a worried look on his face. So I poured myself a cup and sat down opposite him.
“This man is cunning but lacks wisdom, has a shallow foundation and a superficial character. Father should not be swayed by him.”
He rushed over after hearing that Pei Huaijie had entered the mansion through the back gate. He stood guard outside the gate, chased away the servants, and personally stood watch. Therefore, he heard his father's conversation with Pei Huaijie clearly. Seeing that his father seemed to be weighing his options and was indecisive, he offered a word of advice.
Zheng Rentai put down his teacup, glanced at his son, and snorted, "Teaching me how to do things?"
Although his tone was dissatisfied, his eyes were actually quite pleased.
It is truly remarkable that he could see through Pei Huaijie's character and remain calm and rational even when he knew that the political situation was changing.
Where are there so many exceptionally talented people? Above-average talent is enough to inherit the family business.
After all, for aristocratic families like the Zheng family of Xingyang, they don't expect every generation to have outstanding offspring. Most of the time, it's enough to be able to protect themselves, smoothly pass on their lineage, accumulate strength, and wait for luck to come when a great talent is born so that they can soar to great heights.
Zheng Xuanguo used to be very afraid of his father, and he would always be trembling with fear and unease whenever the two of them talked. But now, after spending some time training by Fang Jun's side and serving in the Right Jinwu Guard, his character has been greatly improved, so he is now able to have a heart-to-heart talk with his father.
"How dare I be so disrespectful? I simply agree with what you just said, Father. Since the death of Emperor Taizong, the political situation has become unpredictable. At times, His Majesty and Fang Jun are united and fighting side by side, and at other times they are full of contradictions and at odds. Outsiders simply cannot figure out what is going on. Rather than blindly jumping in and taking risks, it is better to stay out of it. No matter what dramatic changes occur in the political situation, we just need to control the Left Guard and wait for the outcome. If we are not greedy, there will be no risk... In fact, we do not need to exchange high risks for high returns."
Whether it's measuring fields or holding imperial examinations, all the policies promulgated by the imperial court indicate that suppressing and weakening powerful families is a national policy. On this basis, what difference does it make if the Zheng family of Xingyang makes a contribution to the rise of the new emperor?
Becoming the number one family in the world is utterly useless; when it's time to be punished, you still can't escape it!
On the contrary, the correct path for the family's development is to steadily continue operating the maritime trade to earn huge profits and to wholeheartedly support the clan's children in their studies to participate in the imperial examinations.
Zheng Rentai was indeed quite impressive. Was this still the same stubborn, arrogant, and impulsive son he used to be?
That's a huge improvement!
He's far superior to that reckless and arrogant Li Jingye!
However, after his initial relief, he still frowned, sighed, and asked, "What should I do if His Majesty issues an oral decree or even an imperial edict?"
"This……"
Zheng Xuanguo was somewhat bewildered.
Zheng Rentai took a sip of tea, shook his head, and sighed, "You want to stay out of this, but you also have to consider whether others will agree. When you sided with Prince Jin, did you think it was my choice? Whether it's the Zheng family of Xingyang or other aristocratic families, aren't there people like you and me who don't want to get involved in this mess? But the tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease!"
The power struggles in the imperial court are treacherous and unpredictable, often threatening annihilation.
Not everyone would be willing to take the risk of gaining merit by supporting a leader.
However, not everyone can remain detached and uninvolved while watching from the sidelines.
At the very least, the Zheng family of Xingyang did not have that kind of confidence.
Zheng Xuanguo scratched his head blankly, thought for a moment, and said, "Does Father mean that our family has no choice but to take sides?"
Zheng Rentai nodded.
Zheng Xuanguo then asked, "We already made a mistake by choosing the Prince of Jin and abandoning the Crown Prince. So now, should we choose His Majesty or the Crown Prince?"