"Cut him down? How would you go about it? Must I also learn from Cheng De and collaborate with those notorious bandits?" Luo Min's eyes flickered with a hint of astonishment as he spoke with a smile.
"If we can bring down Cheng De, collaborating with those bandits becomes an acceptable option," Lin Wanrong chuckled and glanced at Luo Min. "Lord Luo, Cheng De has committed numerous atrocities. Why have you refrained from taking him down? Logically speaking, even if Cheng De has influential backers, you stand behind the emperor. Regardless of how powerful his backers are, they cannot surpass the emperor. On the day of my mother's birthday celebration, the emperor personally bestowed a plaque and arranged numerous palace guards to ensure your safety. From what I see, the emperor values you greatly. However, when faced with a corrupt official continuously reported by someone he values, why does the emperor remain indifferent?"
Luo Min's eyes gleamed with insight. "Mr. Lin, your insights are truly extraordinary. I won't conceal it from you; Lord Xu has mentioned the reasons to me, though not in explicit terms. Later, he specifically mentioned your name, indicating that Master Wen Chang had long understood the troubles in my heart. Please, continue your thoughts, Mr. Lin."
I wonder why Luo Min urgently called me here. It turns out Xu Wei has privately shared some strategic insights with him. Xu Wei must have some unspeakable words that require my conveyance. This old man is quite cunning.
"Since that's the case, Lord Luo, have you carefully considered the reasons behind it?" Lin Wanrong inquired.
Luo Min sighed, "As officials, how can we not fathom the emperor's intentions? Cheng De's corrupt practices are well-documented, and the evidence is solid. Yet, the emperor seems to deliberately turn a blind eye, not just for me, but for many colleagues who find it puzzling. If this were a few years ago, when the emperor's foundation was not secure, and the timing was not right, then not dealing with Cheng De could be justified. However, now that the emperor is no longer afraid of Cheng De's backers, it's the opportune moment to sever his ties. Yet, why doesn't the emperor act? Moreover, Cheng De colludes with the White Lotus sect, shaking the foundations of our Great Hua. If he is not dealt with, it is unacceptable."
Lin Wanrong paced for a moment and suddenly turned, saying, "Lord Luo, I think it may not be that the emperor is not concerned. This realm belongs to him, and he cares more than anyone. How could he tolerate someone like Cheng De causing trouble? With internal troubles and external threats, in my view, the emperor is not indifferent; he is even more anxious than you."
Luo Min, taken aback, exclaimed, "More anxious than me?" He took a few steps, pondering deeply. Suddenly, his face lit up, and he turned, saying, "I understand. Mr. Lin, as you've said, the emperor does want to handle Cheng De, but it's not a task that can be accomplished in a day. My method of reporting is slow to yield results. To drag it on is harmful to the court. That's why the emperor delays taking action—"
Luo Min's eyes flashed with excitement. "He wants me to strike with a single blow and achieve complete success."
"So, he doesn't deal with Cheng De directly but praises you, intending for you to continue. If my assumption is correct, the more effective and ruthless your methods, the more the emperor will appreciate. Ideally, solving Cheng De in one go would likely bring a smile to the emperor's face, even in his dreams," Lin Wanrong grinned.
"The more ruthless, the more appreciated? The emperor wants me to kill—" Luo Min slapped his forehead. "I understand now. No wonder Master Xu was hesitant to speak plainly to me."
Luo Min made a gesture of respect to Lin Wanrong. "Mr. Lin, your words have enlightened me. If you were to enter the court, you would undoubtedly rise swiftly, perhaps becoming a king or prime minister in no time."
Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I have no interest in officialdom. As long as I have enough money to spend and live a peaceful life, I am content."
Luo Min nodded, "Mr. Lin, your aspirations are lofty. I am not worthy, but please teach me a way to deal with Cheng De."
Lin Wanrong smiled, "What did Lord Xu bring with him to Jinling?"
"Imperial edict, golden medal, and military command token," Luo Min replied.
"Well, Lord Xu must have some words that are inconvenient to speak. In reality, with these items, you can handle Cheng De effectively," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Lord Luo, providing evidence of Cheng De's crimes, Lord Xu, with the authority granted by the imperial edict and the military command token, can directly apprehend Cheng De. Even if Cheng De commands the Jiangsu infantry and cavalry, what can he do? If he dares to resist, there is no need for any excuse; he can be eliminated directly."
"What if he resists?" Luo Min hastily inquired.
"If he doesn't resist?" Lin Wanrong smirked. "
Lord Luo, wouldn't you think of a way to make him resist? Think about it; what does the emperor fear the most?"
Luo Min said, "Certainly, it would be someone plotting rebellion."
"That's right." Lin Wanrong clapped his hands. "As the commander of Jiangsu, Cheng De's residence should be quite spacious. With your talented subordinates, you might find something interesting in his backyard. As a military commander, he holds power and might be suspected by others. If he stirs up some trouble, would Cheng De sit still and let you take him, or would he resist to the death?"
Luo Min took a cold breath. This Lin son, even without entering officialdom, is more cunning in playing political games than I am.
"If Cheng De's forces are few and weak, accusing him of rebellion might not be believed by the court, especially if he doesn't resist," Luo Min frowned. "Moreover, if we truly kill him, how can we justify it to the Ministry of Justice and the court?"
Officialdom, when being treacherous, can resort to anything, but in times of hesitation, they shrink away more than anyone. Even the old fox Luo, though experienced, cannot escape the intricacies of this world of fame and fortune.
"Lord Luo, believing or not is one thing, but certain things must be done. Once he is dead, everything else becomes insignificant. Besides, you have evidence of Cheng De's corruption and misconduct. Even if he conspired, it doesn't matter much. At worst, you might lose a ceremonial robe. But think about it, by doing this, who would be the happiest? Certainly the one behind you. Even if you are temporarily removed due to the circumstances, your position in his eyes will be extraordinary."
While Lin Wanrong's assumptions may not be accurate, such stories have been portrayed in countless novels and TV shows. Lin Wanrong has deduced some clues, and it's not very difficult. Luo Min, being an old hand in officialdom, naturally understands such matters deeply.
"Thank you for your guidance, Mr. Lin." Luo Min sighed, looking resolute. "I know what I should do now."
Seeing the passionate response from the old Luo, Lin Wanrong also felt a bit guilty. His previous words might have been influenced by personal motives, but dealing with Cheng De, who colludes with the White Lotus sect, is indeed a good deed for the people of Jiangsu.
"Lord Luo, perhaps you should consult Master Xu again," Lin Wanrong said earnestly.
"I have already asked Master Wen Chang. Although he did not speak plainly, I can infer his meaning. The emperor has treated me with great favor, granting me luxurious food, supporting my family, and even bestowing me with a plaque. Even if I lose my life, I must fulfill the tasks assigned by him. Moreover, dealing with Cheng De is also for the benefit of the people of Jiangsu. While I may be somewhat shrewd, I also have a sense of loyalty and righteousness. It's time to do something for the well-being of the people," Luo Min declared.
Lin Wanrong, observing his clear and determined demeanor, thought that he had underestimated the old Luo before. This old man still has some backbone. He smiled and said, "Lord Luo, you may be a bit cunning in your official dealings, but you're indeed a good official."
Luo Min laughed heartily, "Lin son, I appreciate hearing those words. In officialdom, one must be cunning, and the better the official, the more they need to learn the art of cunning. As for you, Lin son, with your extensive knowledge and keen mind, if you enter officialdom, you will surely be remarkable, rising to prominence soon."
Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Why would I want to be an official? I'm cunning enough as it is now. But, like you, Lord Luo, I may be cunning, but I'm also a good person."
The two exchanged glances, feeling a sense of mutual understanding, and burst into laughter.