flstandardbreds Chapter 153 Counterattack
Chapter 153 Counterattack
However, time was running out, and Chu Lan's coronation ceremony was drawing ever closer. Every passing second seemed to add invisible pressure to Liu Shan's actions.
At this crucial moment, Liu Shan needs to quickly seize control of the Dali Temple; otherwise, if the delay is too long, the situation may change, and all previous efforts may be in vain.
At the same time, Fang Mingli was not entirely unaware of the situation. He began to secretly mobilize his resources to fight back, intending to sabotage Liu Shan's plan.
His spies within the Dali Temple kept relaying information about Liu Shan's actions to him, and he began to feel an unprecedented unease, secretly regretting that he might have underestimated Liu Shan's abilities and determination.
In response to Liu Shan's counterattack, Fang Mingli quickly strengthened his control over the Dali Temple, using his connections and prestige accumulated over the years to pressure the officials and try to get them to stand more closely on his side.
He frequently convened meetings with his trusted officials to devise countermeasures and readjust personnel deployments, placing those officials who were more loyal to him in key positions to ensure that every aspect of the Dali Temple was under his control.
On the other hand, Fang Mingli actively mobilized his influence both inside and outside the court, trying to find other incriminating evidence against Liu Shan in order to completely suppress him.
He secretly sent people to investigate Liu Shan's past experiences, leaving nothing out, from trivial matters in Cangzhou to details of his service in the Imperial Guard.
They even went so far as to spend a lot of money to bribe people around Liu Shan, trying to get any information from them that might be detrimental to Liu Shan.
While Fang Mingli was making meticulous plans, Liu Shan did not sit idly by and wait for his doom.
With his keen insight, he discovered Fang Mingli's intentions and took corresponding countermeasures.
He secretly contacted several officials who deeply abhorred corruption, and gradually formed a small group within the Dali Temple that opposed Fang Mingli.
In this fierce power struggle, the atmosphere at the Dali Temple became increasingly tense.
Every official walked cautiously on this dangerous tightrope, fearing that they might be caught in the eye of the storm.
The already solemn and dignified Dali Temple is now shrouded in an oppressive atmosphere, and officials are becoming extremely cautious in their interactions, fearing that a single wrong word could embroil them in trouble.
The contest between Liu Shan and Fang Mingli gradually attracted the attention of other forces in the court.
They observed the development of this struggle, either openly or covertly, waiting for the right opportunity to gain their own benefits. The situation in the court became increasingly delicate.
Although Empress Chu Lan was in the palace, she had heard about the situation at the Dali Temple, but she did not intervene directly. Instead, she chose to trust Liu Shan and hoped that he could overcome the predicament on his own.
This can be considered Chu Lan's final test for Liu Shan.
However, she did not simply stand idly by.
Chu Lan secretly arranged for his trusted confidants to closely monitor the Dali Temple's every move to ensure the situation did not spiral out of control. At the same time, he was also considering how to provide Liu Shan with appropriate support when necessary without causing turmoil in the court.
A few days later, in the early morning, the courtiers gathered in the magnificent palace.
Before the Empress appeared, the officials chatted and laughed on the surface, creating a harmonious atmosphere and flattering each other, as if they knew nothing about the struggles outside the court.
But in reality, everyone has their own agenda.
Fang Mingzhe and Wen Hangqing's eyes met in mid-air, instantly sparking an invisible flame.
Fang Mingzhe smiled, but his eyes held a chill: "Prime Minister Wen, have you heard about what happened at the Dali Temple recently?"
Wen Hangqing stroked his long beard and smiled slightly: "Of course I've heard about it. Minister Fang, you seem to have some hidden reason for your concern about the affairs of the Court of Judicial Review?"
Fang Mingzhe was slightly taken aback, then snorted coldly: "Hmph, Prime Minister Wen, you supported Liu Shan's concurrent appointment as Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, and now the Court of Judicial Review is in complete chaos. Aren't you afraid of damaging the reputation of the court because of this?"
Wen Hangqing laughed loudly, "Minister Fang, you are mistaken. I believe in Liu Shan's abilities; he will surely achieve something in the Dali Temple. It is you, Minister Fang, who seem to be paying too much attention to Liu Shan."
Their conversation, though seemingly ordinary, was actually full of hidden meaning and tension.
The surrounding ministers all turned to look, wondering in their hearts how this power struggle would ultimately end.
Some silently supported Fang Mingzhe, believing that he had been in the court for many years and had a deep-rooted foundation, making him unshakeable; others had high hopes for Liu Shan, hoping that he and the Empress could break the old pattern of the court and bring about a new atmosphere.
Looking at Fang Mingli, Liu Shan understood that this contest had only just entered its most intense phase.
……
The following day, in order to solidify the evidence of Fang Mingli's embezzlement, Liu Shan needed to review the financial records from previous years.
He submitted his application to the Ministry of Revenue according to the normal procedure, but after waiting for several days, he received no response.
Liu Shan realized that the Ministry of Revenue's delay was no accident, and that Fang Mingzhe must be behind it.
He decided to stop waiting and go to the Ministry of Revenue in person to investigate the truth in a more direct way.
When he went to inquire in person, the official in charge of managing the accounts made excuses, saying, "Minister Liu, these accounts are numerous and disorganized, and require time to sort out. Moreover, we are currently short-staffed, so it is really difficult to provide them to you in a short time."
Liu Shan remained unmoved. Seeing the official's evasive eyes, he knew that Fang Mingli was behind it all again.
However, he did not lash out on the spot. Instead, he suppressed his anger and said, "This matter concerns important officials of the court and is of utmost importance. I hope you will handle it as soon as possible and ensure there are no mistakes."
The official's face tightened, and he repeatedly agreed.
After leaving the Ministry of Revenue, Liu Shan fell into deep thought.
He felt he couldn't continue in this passive manner, so he decided to take more decisive action.
Therefore, he decided to start with the lower-ranking officials who were relatively friendly to him, trying to win them over and build his own power.
After all, to gain a foothold in the Dali Temple, one must have one's own sources of information and influence.
Liu Shan began to visit these low-ranking officials one by one, listening to their difficulties and needs.
After several days of careful observation, Liu Shan noticed a minor official named Li Fu, who had been unknown in the Dali Temple and suffered oppression from other officials.
Moreover, although Li Fu was inconspicuous, he was very knowledgeable about the operation of the Dali Temple.
Liu Shan decided to start with Li Fu, and spoke with him privately many times, gradually winning his trust.
During this time, Liu Shan not only helped him resolve the issue of his salary being unjustly withheld by other officials, but also extended a helping hand when his family encountered misfortune.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Li Fu finally revealed a great deal of secret information about the Dali Temple to Liu Shan.