He flashed his walking stick as he spoke.
Wei Heng paused for a moment, his expression unchanged as he lowered his hands, "Lord Shen’s kindness is appreciated, but as a mere servant, what would I do with titles?"
Shen Fa chuckled softly, deciding it was best to quit while ahead, "Let’s find a quieter place then, and talk about official matters... We will be quite busy moving forward!"
...
The imperial edict for Yang Ge, Shen Fa, and others arrived swiftly in the hands of Grand Secretary Wang Jiangling.
He frowned, pondering over the three edicts, trying to guess what mischief was brewing in the inner court...
Just then, Wang Dashi entered and bowed, "Sir, Commander Shen Fa of the Embroidered Uniform Guard requests an audience outside."
"Hmm?"
Upon hearing this, Wang Jiangling glanced at the three edicts on his desk, then looked up at Wang Dashi, stroked his beard, and pondered for a moment, "Let him come in."
Wang Dashi acknowledged with a nod, his expression unchanged as he turned and strode away.
Wang Jiangling pondered for a moment, then reached out and put away the three edicts on his desk.
Outside...
Shen Fa looked expressionlessly at the stout man leading the way, who was as inconspicuous as a mute stone, a far cry from the vibrant and handsome old friend he once knew—his feelings were somewhat complicated.
One silently led the way in front, the other followed silently behind, slowly moving through the long corridor until they entered the grand hall of the office without uttering a single unnecessary word.
It was as if, indeed, the two were strangers to each other.
Only after Wang Dashi bowed and withdrew did Shen Fa sigh softly in a voice only he could hear... Friends who used to share everything, even life and death, could one day become mere strangers.
"Lord Shen, what brings you here today..."
At the hall, Wang Jiangling smiled as he stood up and greeted from afar.
Shen Fa returned the greeting with a smile, "Grand Secretary, you flatter me too much!"
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After they were seated, Shen Fa got straight to the point, "Not to hide from the Grand Secretary, I am here on behalf of Yang Erlang of Luting, to convey a message to you!"
Wang Jiangling raised his eyebrows in surprise, stroking his beard he smiled, "Although I have long been acquainted with the Marquis of Luting, we have never met. What does the Marquis have for me?"
Shen Fa raised an eyebrow slightly, smilingly said, "There were some changes, I once spoke to Yang Erlang about the ’Single Whip Law’ and ’Performance Evaluation Skill’ you are implementing, and after listening, he entrusted me to convey some suggestions to you, emphasizing that these are merely suggestions from a warrior, and that you, Grand Secretary, should make the final judgement on their merits and drawbacks."
Wang Jiangling extended his hand, "Please speak, Lord Shen."
Shen Fa thought for a moment and said, "Yang Erlang said, ’Things must be done, but not hastily, patience will not get you scalded by hot tofu, take it easy and proceed slowly, else you might force them into a corner too soon.’"
Wang Jiangling’s stroking hand paused, and after pondering for a few moments, he then chuckled, "His exact words?"
Shen Fa bowed, "Please do not take offense, Grand Secretary, Yang Erlang is naturally bold and uninhibited, if any words were offensive, I apologize on his behalf."
"Lord Shen is too polite, I have always admired the Marquis of Luting for his integrity and straightforwardness, why would I take offense?"
Wang Jiangling shook his head with a smile and slowly said, "I am only surprised, this doesn’t sound like something the Marquis of Luting would usually say... Is the situation very serious?"
Hearing this, Shen Fa relaxed slightly, thinking it was always efficient speaking with a wise man, "Indeed, it’s quite serious, but fortunately, we still have time."
Wang Jiangling pondered briefly, "Can you elaborate further?"
Shen Fa shook his head slightly, "I beg your pardon, Grand Secretary, but this matter is not suitable to be discussed openly."
Wang Jiangling did not press further, nodding, "I understand, I will consider it carefully. If Lord Shen or the Marquis of Luting need coordination in the future, feel free to seek me out."
Shen Fa bowed again, "Grand Secretary, with your myriad responsibilities, I do not wish to trouble you with these undercurrents, we rough warriors will handle them ourselves."
Wang Jiangling cheerfully said, "United as one, working together, what worry is there that our country will not prosper!"