The immortal of the Tang Dynasty, but the game starts at Xuanwu Gate?

Wang Bai left with a head full of questions.

Follow Chen Huai'an. Well, the treatment is truly exceptional, top-notch. They'll provide you with everything you need, like they're raising assassins.

This is why Wang Bai never betrayed Chen Huai'an when he faked his death.

Moreover, Chen Huai'an is really easy to get along with. If you tease him a little, he won't get angry. He'll just verbally say he'll deduct your pay.

The only problem is that sometimes it's really frustrating to be around him.

They even said the Chen family was struggling financially, but then what the hell was the dowry that the Feng family brought in, cartload after cartload?

Even disregarding dowry, everyone in the court knew that Chen Huai'an had many side businesses outside, and the money he earned every day was enough to make anyone envious.

At last!

Do you receive a salary?

Your salary, you've probably had it withheld by Li Shimin until after the tenth year of the Zhenguan era.

Wang Bai silently complained to himself, then sighed, straightened his back, and went out.

The orders had been given from above, so what else could he do but handle them properly? On his way back to his residence, Wang Jinbao was anxiously waiting. When he saw Wang Bai return, he quickly went to greet him.

"Brother Wang, may I ask what the Minister's opinion is on this matter?"

Wang Bai did not rush to answer, but gestured for him to come with him. Then he went inside, sat down, and leisurely sipped the tea brewed by the maid.

Wang Jinbao was extremely anxious, but he dared not say anything.

He was a man of considerable stature; once he made his decision, he immediately went all in, and together with many merchants, he spread the news.

They placed all their hopes on the Chen and Duan families.

If it doesn't work, he'll really cry.

"Brother Wang, I know you're in a hurry, but please don't rush," Wang Bai said reassuringly, gesturing with his chin to let him drink some tea.

Seeing this, Wang Jinbao knew that there was no use in being anxious, so he had no choice but to suppress his emotions, pick up the teacup with both hands, and take a small sip.

Seeing this, Wang Bai was extremely satisfied.

As the saying goes, even a seventh-rank official is inferior to a prime minister. Moreover, Wang Bai was Chen Huai'an's confidant, and many things were entrusted to him.

Within the Chen residence, you can call me Bai Zi, and I won't argue with that. But outside the Chen residence, what should you call me?

"The Minister already knows about this." Wang Bai didn't keep them in suspense any longer, since they might be working together in the future, so it was enough to say so.

"Then may I ask, Brother Wang, what did the Minister say?" Wang Jinbao hurriedly asked.

Wang Bai paused for a moment before speaking, "From today onwards, you are my distant cousin. Later, you will come with me to Changsun Shunde's residence, and I will take you to ask for money."

"Huh?" Wang Jinbao looked bewildered. What did he mean by "From today onwards, I am your distant cousin"?

They even want to take me with them to Changsun Shunde's residence to ask for money?

Are you sure you're not taking me to my death?

Wang Jinbao panicked: "Brother Wang, this is absolutely unacceptable! If we come to his door so openly to ask for money, it's tantamount to completely breaking off relations and showing him no respect whatsoever. He might even try to kill me!"

"Take your life?" Wang Bai sneered. "In the past, relying on his merits during the ninth year of the Wude era and his relationship with Empress Zhangsun, Zhangsun Shunde acted without any scruples. His Majesty has long been unable to tolerate him."

"We only give him face because he's the eldest grandson; if we didn't give him face, what would he be?"

"What are you afraid of? Just come with me."

Wang Jinbao's eyelids twitched as he listened; he suddenly felt he had been drawn into something terrible. Even though Wang Bai followed Chen Huai'an, he shouldn't look down on a meritorious official like Changsun Shunde.

Chen Huai'an would be more qualified to do it himself, but Wang Bai is definitely not qualified.

In particular, Wang Bai's statement, "His Majesty has long been unable to tolerate him," made Wang Jinbao think even more deeply.

Could it be that I've been dragged into the power struggle between these big shots and used as a pawn in the first move?

Wang Jinbao swallowed hard, wanting to refuse, but Wang Bai didn't give him the chance, and said quietly, "This is the Minister's order."

In one sentence, all of Wang Jinbao's reasons for refusing were completely shut down.

The orders had already been given, so he had no choice but to go.

Wang Jinbao forced a smile: "Thank you so much, Brother Wang. If it weren't for you, I don't know how I would have gotten my money back."

"Now that the Minister has given the order, when shall we depart?"

Wang Bai nodded in satisfaction. He knew, of course, that Wang Jinbao had just wanted to refuse, and he also understood Wang Jinbao's general thoughts.

He could have simply told Wang Jinbao that the Minister would like to meet with him, and whether he could seize the opportunity was up to him.

That one sentence was enough to dispel all of Wang Jinbao's doubts. But he didn't say it.

If you're following Chen Huai'an and trying to curry favor with him, and you can't handle the pressure, you might as well sell pancakes on Chang'an Street.

Only Wang Bai himself knew how terrified he was of Li Shimin when Chen Huai'an faked his death.

What's the big deal about going to see Changsun Shunde?

"We'll go in a bit. I'll have someone prepare some gifts. Since you said it would be disrespectful for us to come here, let's give him face for the sake of his surname, Changsun." Wang Bai said slowly. "Just come with me and see how things go. Observe more and say less."

Hearing Wang Bai say this, Wang Jinbao finally relaxed a little.

Fortunately, they didn't completely sever their pride.

"Thank you very much, Brother Wang."

"It's alright. You helped me before, so it's only right that I accompany you." Wang Bai waved his hand and then started chatting with Wang Jinbao.

He recommended Wang Jinbao to Chen Huai'an. If this person is not good, how can he face Chen Huai'an in the future?

Apply pressure when necessary, inquire when necessary, and investigate when necessary.

Wang Bai was quite cautious about these matters. Half an hour later, his men were finally ready, and Wang Bai immediately took Wang Jinbao and carried large and small bags to Changsun Shunde's home.

They did not take a carriage along the way, but chose to walk.

Many people saw them along the way.

Wang Jinbao felt a chill run down his spine.

Upon arriving at the Changsun Shunde residence, Wang Bai greeted the two gatekeepers with a smile and bowed, saying, "Gentlemen, I am Minister Chen's steward. I have come to pay my respects to Lord Changsun today. May I ask if you could inform him of my arrival?"

"Brother Wang, you're too kind. We'll be right there." The two gatekeepers recognized Wang Bai and didn't dare to be negligent, replying politely.

As a doorman, the first lesson is to get to know people.

Otherwise, if they offend someone, the master of the manor might skin them alive.

Wang Bai was Chen Huai'an's confidant. He had met countless important figures with Chen Huai'an and was considered Chen Huai'an's representative in public.

How could they not know each other?

Seeing Wang Jinbao's tense expression, Wang Bai patted him on the shoulder: "Alright, don't be nervous. Lord Changsun isn't an unreasonable person. I believe he'll understand."

"Besides, we're in the right, so what are we afraid of?" "..."