Chapter 2014: The Basics of the Art of War

“The purpose of showing everyone this video is to ensure that you all remember to remain vigilant.”

“But this matter has not been fully investigated yet, and the truth is still in doubt. Is it appropriate to show this video to the officials of various departments like this?”

“Governor Wu has always been someone we admire. We don’t believe he would do such a thing!”

“The Ministry of Justice’s investigation is too shoddy this time. The administrative office can’t interfere with the Ministry of Justice. If those from the Ministry are tempted to make an unfair judgment, what can the administrative office do? Who will stand up against the bad apples from the Ministryof Justice?”

…

A commotion broke out.

Lan Weisong had a headache. The people from the Ministry of Justice did not look too happy either.

Actually, this was not the first time a situation like this had happened. Something similar had happened before. Maybe protocol should have been implemented on how to handle this. Why could no one believe that Wu Jingzhong could fall victim to temptation like any other man?

Those who had raised their doubts were all questioning Wu Jingzhong’s matter—no one asked any questions about Xu Binren. It was obvious that Wu Jingzhong was a beloved character.

If he insisted on continuing, Wu Jingzhong might very well have his case overturned. After all, there were too many people backing him—too many people willing to plead on his behalf.

Lan Weisong had not expected to come so close to killing two birds with one stone. Destroying both the Wu and Xu families while taking down Wu Jingzhong? He had even been able to turn a blind eye to Nangong Nuannuan. However, he was being met with obstruction at this final step.

Seeing everyone before him denouncing the people from the Ministry of Justice with righteous indignation, Lan Weisong felt both heavy-hearted and guilty. After all, these people had been a.s.signed to him by the s.h.i.+ family, and he had been instructed to use them carefully. If these people were questioned and it was revealed that they were all members of the s.h.i.+ family, the consequences would be dire.

Lan Weisong appeared very calm on the surface, but his heart was going through a thousand twists and turns.

He had great ideas for how to use the people from the Ministry of Justice in Sea District. He absolutely could not lose them over this matter. If Wu Jingzhong was found to be innocent, there was a high possibility that he would be reinstated. If Wu Jingzhong wanted to continue moving up the ranks, the Ministry of Justice would have many friends on the inside to help him.

Therefore, if this matter were to be overturned, not only would Lan Weisong be unable to rise to the position of governor, but he would also lose money from the Ministry of Justice. That would be seriously uneconomical.

He might as well protect the people from the Ministry of Justice and give everyone a good impression. If the people from the Wu family were able to get Wu Jingzhong out and have him reinstated, at least Lan Weisong would not suffer any losses. On the other hand, if the evidence from the Wu family was not enough to get Wu Jingzhong released, or if there was no way for the judge to reinstate him upon his release, Lan Weisong would come out on top. At the very least, if Xu Binren was sent down the hole, his position could still be further advanced. That would already be a very good result.

It had to be said that Lan Weisong was someone who understood the basics of the art of war—he knew when he should fight and when he should retreat.

Even if he had had a great start and possessed an advantage at the moment, he was willing to give that up if the risk was too great.

Lan Weisong could be considered a talent for having been able to reach this stage at such a young age.

He had a.n.a.lyzed all the pros and cons of the situation carefully but had failed to consider Nangong Nuannuan’s involvement.

He thought that Nangong Nuannuan would not have the guts to provoke conflict between the Nangong and s.h.i.+ families just over the Wu family. He also thought that Chi Yang would definitely stop Nangong Nuannuan even if she wanted to fight. After all, if the Chi family were to involve themselves in a conflict with the executive hall, they would be violating the principles of the administrative office. Lan Weisong did not know that the s.h.i.+ family was avoiding Nangong Nuannuan like she was a poisonous snake, and he also did not know that Nangong Nuannuan was the young chairman of the Imperial Phoenix Group.