CHAPTER 1106: CHAPTER 606: THE HUNTER AND THE PREY

In the dimly lit lantern shop, Jiang Wangsun chuckled and slowly asked this question.

The candle in the room flickered, and the shadows of the two on the whitewashed wall twisted and distorted.

Zhao Douan smiled at the corners of his mouth, but his eyes squinted: "Can Mr. Jiang explain this?"

This was simply asking while knowing the answer.

Jiang Wangsun’s meaning was simple: if Zhao Douan were truly confident, he wouldn’t need to try to win him over to defect.

Zhao Douan certainly understood this principle; what he understood even more was that the two of them were taking a risk by sitting here because both had their own desires. Therefore, today’s conversation was both a defection and a business deal.

Jiang Wangsun demanded to see him before committing fully because he needed to meet someone who could offer the right price.

In other words, Jiang Wangsun’s purpose had always been simple: to sell himself at a high price.

Before discussing business, one must elevate their own status and belittle the other party.

"Hehe, I have been staying in Hu Ting, but I have also heard many things, such as the failure of the peace talks, the governor’s military order, and... unrest in the Western Regions," Jiang Wangsun said calmly with a gentle smile on his well-maintained face, "Of course, even with such a situation, I still support Your Majesty. However... what I am doing is a life-threatening business. If exposed, how can I survive? Therefore, I must see what kind of sincerity the governor can offer."

Zhao Douan calmly said, "Isn’t Mr. Jiang’s participation in a rebellion also a life-risking business?"

Jiang Wangsun was momentarily speechless.

Then Zhao Douan continued nonchalantly, "When I first heard of Mr. Jiang’s intention to pledge allegiance, I was also surprised. After all, Mr. Jiang had also served as a Magistrate on Jiancheng Road. After Prince Jing raised the rebel army, with Mr. Jiang’s qualifications and capabilities, he was a trusted minister of Xu Wen. To be honest with you, I even suspected whether Mr. Jiang’s allegiance was genuine or just a deception. After all, Zhao Shixiong’s incident is fresh in my mind. I must be careful."

Jiang Wangsun’s smile gradually disappeared, and sweat trickled down his temples: "Governor, I..."

Zhao Douan playfully raised his hand to interrupt him, chuckling lightly, "However, when I learned that Mr. Jiang’s current power had been reduced, gradually being marginalized from Xu Wen’s core circle, and that even at Hu Ting his real power was less than that of a newly emerging military advisor, it dawned on me."

Jiang Wangsun was unsure whether to be relieved or to feel shame and anger.

Yet he had no rebuttal. In fact, the reason he considered betrayal was partly due to the changing situation.

In fact, since the Empress broke through to become a Heavenly Human and returned to the Capital, he believed that the hope of supporting Prince Jing to ascend the throne had become slim.

No matter how strong you are, even with the help of Xuan Yin, another Heavenly Human, can you really force your way into the Capital?

But at that time, the plan to join forces among the Vassal Kings to blockade the court was still enticing. As long as the Capital became isolated, the Empress would be powerless.

However, as Prince Heng of Qingzhou and Prince Mu of Yunfu died one after another, the blockade plan also collapsed.

Jiang Wangsun realized that unless the Western Regions stirred up trouble and brought about major changes, the best outcome would be Prince Jing holding a small court in the south.

But the position of a small court was not enough to satisfy Jiang Wangsun’s ambitions.

Yet if it were just that, it wasn’t enough to make him decide to betray. However, the emergence of that Military Advisor Xu, and the fact that he was being gradually pushed out of the group’s power center, became the last straw to break the camel’s back for Jiang Wangsun.

Why? A "think tank" with no background could rise to power and share in his power?

Was it enough because his last name was Xu? Suspected to be related by blood to Prince Jing’s royal branch?

"If Mr. Jiang continues to stay under Xu Wen’s command, it’s only a matter of time before you become marginalized," Zhao Douan pointedly addressed his predicament. "We need not test each other any longer. Let’s be frank. I am here on behalf of the Emperor, so my words carry some weight. As long as Mr. Jiang is willing to work for the court, I am authorized to promise that when the rebel army is dealt with, Mr. Jiang and his kin will not be held accountable."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wangsun shook his head and said, "I trust the governor’s promise, but if you want me to pledge allegiance, there are several conditions I have."

"Let’s hear them."

"First, merely pardoning my family and kin is not enough. There must also be rewards."

"What kind of rewards?"

"First, my Jiang family was once the leading family on Jiancheng Road long ago. After our decline, we have been suppressed by the Shen family. When Your Majesty’s royal forces move south, many scholarly families involved in rebellion will be dealt with. My Jiang family is willing to safeguard the territory of Jiancheng Road for Your Majesty."

In other words, he was asking for the Empress to support the Jiang family to replace the Shen family and become the foremost family of Jiancheng.

Zhao Douan, unsurprised, nodded and said, "That can be arranged."

In the current era, royal power finds it difficult to extend to the countryside. Even if he recaptures Jiancheng Road, he will need to support a local family.

Just as he supported the Xiao family in Qingzhou to help the court stabilize Qingzhou after defeating Prince Heng.

The Shen family certainly needs to be eliminated, and supporting a Jiang family is feasible.

If they become disobedient, they can be dealt with in a few years.

Jiang Wangsun raised a second finger: "Second, the Jiang family has many talented members, but in recent years, due to monitoring and suppression, many younger family members have found it difficult to enter officialdom, or they serve merely as County Officials. As the head of a family, I must seek a future for the younger members."

Zhao Douan glanced at him, thought for a moment, and nodded, "I can allow five members of the Jiang family to enter the Capital as city officials no lower than the fifth rank. Any higher positions will depend on their own abilities."

Jiang Wangsun frowned slightly: "Only fifth-rank?"