Chapter 36: Into a Political Intrigue Novel, Day 14

Chapter 36: Day 14 in a Political Intrigue Novel

An Yi ignored him, turning his gaze to the bustling street outside and cutting straight to the point: "Junior Marquis, why'd you call me here?"

Ge Lian dropped the act, let out a light sigh, and spoke with a hint of melancholy: "I was just thinking you've been working hard, figured I'd treat you to a drink. What, Lord An... can't I just ask you out for a chat without a reason?"

An Yi kept it short, expression flat: "No."

Ge Lian: "..."

He was at a loss for words, staring at An Yi's cold, unbothered face, and that fleeting sense of frustration was immediately replaced by a stronger surge of intrigue.

So blunt, so cold, so damn cute!!

Ge Lian let out a low laugh, the fake hurt disappearing in a flash, replaced by a predatory, amused curiosity.

He leaned back, arms crossed, one eyebrow raised at An Yi. His voice dropped, laced with a hint of challenge and innuendo: "Oh? Lord An's resistance only makes me curious. What, does Ge Mou... look like he's gonna eat you?"

An Yi gave him a look that said 'you've gotta be kidding me.'

Hard to tell.

The tavern was three stories high, and it was almost noon, with people bustling in and out.

Inside the private room, the smell of storax incense clashed with the noise from the street outside.

Ge Lian watched An Yi's cold, unreadable face, his interest growing.

He knew that if he kept up the teasing, this sly An Junheng would just clam up.

He dropped his playful smile, leaning forward slightly, his arms resting on the table, his fingertips tapping the surface unconsciously with a soft "tap tap," his gaze sharp and focused.

"Alright, jokes aside." Ge Lian's voice dropped, taking on a sharp, soldier-like bluntness: "Lord An, I didn't call you here just for a drink."

He stared intently at An Yi: "I got that 'generous gift' Wang Xian left behind, and I read it loud and clear."

An Yi picked up the untouched cup of green tea, feeling the warmth of the porcelain against his fingertips.

He looked down, gently blowing the tea leaves off the surface, his movements graceful and calm, as if Ge Lian's words hadn't fazed him at all.

He took a sip of tea, then slowly looked up, his gaze calm as a still, deep well: "What 'generous gift' are you talking about? I'm too dumb to get it."

Ge Lian snorted, not bothering to call him out on his act, and cut straight to the core: "That haul Duan Mingde skimmed off the Jiangnan river project, and the running ledgers of Wang Xian acting as his money man over the years... Isn't that enough to knock him off his throne as Chief Grand Secretary?"

He paused, his gaze probing: "Lord An went through a lot of trouble to get these to me. It's not like you want me to just hold onto them for you, is it? Or maybe you don't want to use me to take out Duan Mingde?"

An Yi set down his teacup, the porcelain clinking on the table. He didn't answer Ge Lian's question immediately. His gaze drifted to the busy street outside. The noon sun streamed through the carved window, casting dappled light across his handsome face.

After a long pause, he turned back to Ge Lian, a faint, almost invisible smile tugging at the corner of his lips: "The Junior Marquis sure doesn't beat around the bush."

His tone stayed calm, but he stopped denying it: "Duan Mingde is old. He's power-hungry and paranoid. His methods have grown harsher—no longer a blessing for the state."

He smoothed the creases on his sleeve: "That 'gift' was indeed a stepping stone prepared for the Junior Marquis. Toppling Duan Mingde benefits both the nation and its people. For the Junior Marquis, removing this greatest political foe is a crucial step forward for the Jingbian Marquisate. As for me..."

An Yi paused briefly, his gaze frank: "I merely wish to see someone clearer-headed, more adept at balance, seated in that position. That's all."

"Oh?" Ge Lian raised an eyebrow, his gaze drawn to An Yi's wrist as he adjusted his sleeve, then focused back on An Yi's eyes with scrutiny:

"Lord An certainly absolves himself cleanly. If Duan Mingde falls, as his most capable right-hand man, can you walk away unscathed? Or could it be... that Lord An himself is that clearer-headed, more balanced person?"

An Yi met his scrutiny without flinching, and smiled: "Naturally, I am."

"All I seek is to continue serving the court after this storm."

Ge Lian marveled at his audacity. Coupled with his ability and ambition, it made him even more adorable.

Ge Lian gave no response, instead changing the subject: "So, Lord An, how do you plan to 'borrow' this blade of mine? Having these pieces of evidence alone isn't enough for a fatal blow. Duan Mingde is deeply entrenched, with disciples and former subordinates scattered across the court. His Majesty... ha, may not truly want to uproot him entirely—merely a reprimand."

"Naturally, it requires planning." An Yi's voice dropped even lower, audible only to the two of them: "The evidence is just the fuse. What we need is an opportunity, and a spark... a trigger substantial enough to ignite everything."

"What trigger?" Ge Lian leaned forward slightly, his eyes sharp.

"Jiangnan."

An Yi uttered two words: "Duan Mingde embezzled funds from the Jiangnan river works back then. Though it was covered up, the seeds of trouble were already sown. Over the years, to prevent the deficit from being discovered, how many manipulations has he done with Jiangnan's taxes and grain transport? How many corrupt officials has he propped up? All it takes is a spark..."

An Yi recalled the original story's content: Jiangnan was the first to fall into chaos, then it spread across the realm.

Now, the situation there wasn't as explosive as a few years later. If they ignited it early and kept it under control, using it as a focal point to spread, other regions might be better prepared, and fewer lives could be lost.

He looked at Ge Lian: "The Junior Marquis must have old connections in the Jiangnan military, I presume?"

Ge Lian's eyes flickered, understanding An Yi's intent: "You mean... let Jiangnan stir itself into chaos? Then, at the right time, we direct the fire toward Duan Mingde?"

"Precisely." An Yi nodded. "Whether it's a natural disaster or a man-made calamity, so long as Jiangnan erupts, the people's anger will boil over, and the court will be shaken. At that point, we unearth these dusty old accounts and present them before the throne. With pressure from both inside and out, even if His Majesty is inclined to shield him, Duan Mingde cannot be saved. And as for the Junior Marquis..."

He looked at Ge Lian meaningfully: "Suppress the rebellion in Jiangnan with thunderous force, purge the remnants of Duan's faction, achieve unparalleled merit—and ascend logically."

Wasn't that how it happened in the original story? Ge Lian climbed the throne step by step.

Ge Lian's heartbeat quickened.