Fan Jingwen appeared to be seeking Emperor Chongzhen’s guidance, but in reality, he was setting a trap for him. No matter whose point of view the Emperor supported, it would inevitably harm the interests of others, thereby destabilizing the relationship between the monarch and his subjects. Was Fan Jingwen doing this on purpose? It did not matter. He had done nothing wrong; only Emperor Chongzhen could make the final decision on this matter.
Watching the shrewd and calculating Fan Jingwen, Emperor Chongzhen chuckled. He enjoyed the mental sparring with these old foxes. After all, only intelligent people were capable of such maneuvers. He did not fear a court full of clever officials; he only feared a court full of fools. Smart people might cause trouble for the nation, but fools would ruin it. Compared to causing trouble, ruining the nation was far more lethal.
"Minister Fan, what is the Cabinet’s stance?" Emperor Chongzhen asked, staring at him.
Chapter 699