Being an emperor is not something he can do, so he can only rely on his connections.

After listening to Zhang Jingwei's narration, Gao Jiong tapped his knuckles lightly on the table, making a steady and regular sound. His deep eyes showed no emotion, only calm scrutiny. After a long moment, he slowly spoke in a low voice:

"Brother Jingwei, regarding the matter concerning King Jin...you agreed to it too hastily." These words were not meant as an accusation, but were spoken with a clarity and heaviness that came from a person who had seen through the world.

Zhang Jingwei covered his face with his hands, his voice filled with fatigue and helplessness, "Zhao Xuan, how could I not know? But the situation was stronger than me at the time. Inside the cabin, I was at the mercy of the enemy. If I hadn't been evasive and agreed temporarily, I'm afraid Ling'er and I wouldn't have been able to escape unscathed. It was really... I had no choice."

Gao Jiong nodded slightly, understanding the helpless dilemma. He then shifted the subject, getting to the point: "You mentioned earlier that you wanted to split the General Bank into a dozen smaller branches. This idea itself is indeed a brilliant strategy for dealing with the current predicament. Breaking the whole into smaller pieces disperses its objectives, making it difficult to identify the underlying structure, greatly increasing the difficulty and cost for the Prince of Jin to digest and control. However," he paused, his gaze sharp at Zhang Jingwei, "the key lies in time. Three months... is too short. Such a complex industrial split involves assets, personnel, contracts, and the balancing of interests among all parties. Even with all our might, three months would barely allow us to sort out the framework, let alone deploy a backup plan under their noses. Time is our greatest enemy at this moment."

Zhang Jingwei's heart sank as Gao Ying analyzed it. This was exactly the deepest anxiety in his heart.

However, Gao Jiong didn't stop at pointing out the difficulties. With a glint of wisdom in his eyes, he continued, "However, your 'splitting' strategy has given me a new inspiration. Perhaps we can further explore the 'form' and 'spirit' of the split."

"Oh? What good plan does Zhao Xuan have? Tell me quickly!" Zhang Jingwei was cheered up and leaned forward unconsciously.

Gao Ying dipped his fingertips into the cold tea in the cup and gently drew three layers on the polished tabletop:

"I'm thinking, rather than completely dismantling them, we should build a three-tiered structure. At the bottom, you'd imagine the various operations, such as the gold and jade shops, the textile and embroidery shops, and the kiln shops. These would specialize in their business and have considerable autonomy. These would be the 'branches and leaves.'"

"At the middle level, the name 'military command' is retained, but its functions shift to coordination, service, and supervision. It coordinates bulk supplies, maintains the brand, and establishes common standards. This is the 'backbone'."

"The most crucial thing is the position above us." Gao Jiong's fingertips landed heavily on the top floor. "We will establish a 'General Affairs Council,' or 'Shareholders' Council.' It will be composed of you, the boss, and all shareholders with deep holdings. This council will have the ultimate decision-making power over the middle-level 'military bank,' including but not limited to appointing and dismissing core managers, reviewing major expenditures, deciding on profit distribution, and approving major collaborations. Any resolution concerning the fundamentals of the military bank cannot be implemented without the approval of a majority of the council!"

As soon as these words came out, it was like thunder exploding in Zhang Jingwei's mind!

The board of directors! Isn't this the core mechanism in modern corporate governance, used to check and balance management and protect the rights of owners?! I was so caught up in my dilemma that I couldn't recall this fundamental structure. Instead, Gao Jiong, with his astonishing insight, got to the heart of the matter!

Zhang Jingwei slapped his forehead fiercely, his face a mixture of annoyance and ecstasy. "Zhao Xuan! What you mean is... this way, while it may seem like a split, it actually further centralizes and regulates power?"

"That's right!" Gao Jiong's eyes gleamed brightly, and a masterful smile curled up the corners of his mouth. "We still have to dismantle it. But this dismantling is different! Splitting the operations of the various camps is to make it so that even if the Prince of Jin takes over, he will be lost in a fog and unable to quickly control the specific operations. This is called 'confusing his eyes and ears'. And establishing the 'Shareholders' Council' is to fundamentally lock in the righteous cause and firmly hold the highest authority in our hands. This is called 'solidifying the foundation'! Even if the Prince of Jin becomes the boss in name only, if he wants to do as he pleases and mobilize resources for his own use, he must first pass the hurdle of the Council! We can completely set up many barriers in the Council's rules and regulations to make him easily offended!"

"Wonderful! Wonderful! It has to be Zhao Xuan again!" Zhang Jingwei was so excited that he almost danced with joy. The dark clouds that had been accumulating in his heart for many days seemed to be torn open by a huge hole, and the light of hope shone through again.

At this moment, Yuan Liang's clear and slightly hurried voice came from outside the study: "Sir!"

"Tang Jing? Come in quickly!" Zhang Jingwei was in high spirits at the moment and responded loudly.

Yuan Liang pushed the door open and saw Gao Jiong. He was startled at first, but then his face showed genuine joy. He quickly bowed and saluted: "Gao Jieyuan! When did you return? It's been so long since we last met in Jinzhou. I didn't expect to see you here. What a honor!"

Gao Jiong also returned the greeting with a smile, his attitude gentle but appreciative: "Master Yuan, how are you? You look better than before. It seems that you have given up your career as a lawyer and found another wise master?" He turned his gaze to Zhang Jingwei with a questioning look.

Zhang Jingwei pulled Yuan Liang over and proudly introduced him, "Zhao Xuan, Tang Jing is now my pillar of support. He assists me with confidential matters and frequently comes up with brilliant ideas. He's truly a man of great talent! I'm planning to have him become his personal advisor."

Upon hearing this, Gao Jiong clapped his hands in praise, "Excellent! Tang Jing is well-versed in law and has a brilliant literary style. Even more remarkable is his meticulousness and insight. Back when we were in the Jinzhou Governor's Mansion, I sensed you were something special. Having your assistance, Brother Jingwei, is truly a powerful addition."

Yuan Liang was slightly embarrassed by the continuous praise from the two men, and he said repeatedly: "You are too kind, Mr. Gao Jieyuan. Your Excellency is too kind. I am ashamed to accept it. I can only serve you wholeheartedly."

After the formalities concluded, Yuan Liang's expression grew solemn again. He addressed Zhang Jingwei, "Sir, I'm here precisely because of Du Heng. He just sent someone to inquire about the handover preparations, and his words were quite urgent. Furthermore... he revealed that the Prince of Jin has uncovered clear clues regarding 'Qilin Blood'."

"Qilin blood?" Gao Jiong frowned slightly and looked at Zhang Jingwei, "What is this?"

Zhang Jingwei's expression darkened as he explained, "According to Imperial Physician Li, this is a legendary elixir that has the miraculous power to revive the dead and turn bones into flesh. Imperial Physician Li determined that Ling'er's illness can only be cured by this medicine."

Gao Jiong's face, instead of joy, was filled with even greater suspicion. He looked at Zhang Jingwei and said, "Brother Jingwei, you believe something so close to myth and legend? This is not like your usual cautious demeanor."

Zhang Jingwei's face was bitter, and his voice was low. "I also thought it was absurd at first. But... this is my only hope. Doctor Li is a master in medicine, and he was recommended by the Prime Minister. What he says... I would rather believe it than not believe it."

Gao Jiong's eyes flashed with a sharp light, as if he had grasped something crucial. He leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, and spoke in an unusually serious tone, "Wait a minute! Imperial Physician Li...was he invited by Prime Minister Zhao?"

"That's right." Zhang Jingwei nodded.

Gao Jiong took a deep breath, his eyes blazing as he stared at Zhang Jingwei. Each word struck Zhang Jingwei like a hammer, "Brother Jingwei, if I were to speculate right now, this 'unicorn blood' story, from beginning to end, is most likely a plot carefully woven by Prime Minister Zhao... or by Imperial Physician Li at his behest, to lure you into it. What do you... think?"

"What?!" Zhang Jingwei stood up suddenly, his face instantly pale as paper. His body swayed, almost unable to stand steadily. His voice trembled with disbelief, "A trap? Zhao Xuan, you...you said this is...a trap?! Do you have any evidence?"

Gao Jiong slowly shook his head. "We have no clues yet. However, these tactics are remarkably similar to those used by some in the imperial court to manipulate the situation! First, they sever your hope by offering you a terminal illness, then they throw you a vague yet only ray of hope, hoping to make you willingly sacrifice everything for this ray of light... Brother Jingwei, ask yourself, since Imperial Doctor Li's diagnosis, have you become so distraught and lost your composure that you... have you acted recklessly?"

Zhang Jingwei stumbled back, slumping into his chair. His mind flashed back to the solemn sigh of Imperial Physician Li during his diagnosis, the unquestionable tone he used when mentioning "Qilin Blood," and his subsequent actions, grasping at straws... A piercing chill shot up his spine, sending chills through his body, as if he were falling into an icy cave. He clutched the armrests tightly, his knuckles turning white from the strain, and his voice cracked and broken.

"I... I admit that Ling'er's illness has me terribly upset. It's true... it's true that I'm desperate and trying all sorts of treatments... But... but what can I do? Even if there's even the slightest possibility, I wouldn't dare gamble her life on it!"

Seeing Zhang Jingwei in such pain, Gao Jiong softened his tone, a hint of pity in his voice. "Madam's illness is indeed a difficult one, and I sympathize with your feelings. However, the more critical the situation, the more we need to calm down and distinguish truth from falsehood. I will definitely try to secretly investigate this matter. Our most urgent priority right now is to deal with Prince Jin and Du Heng."

He stood up, displaying the decisiveness and courage of a military bank's chief manager. "Leave Du Heng to me. I've met him several times in Jinzhou, so we're old acquaintances. If I were to step in, I might be able to find out more about the situation and mediate for you, buying you more time. As for the splitting up of the military bank and establishing a 'shareholders' council,' the matter is urgent. I'll begin arranging it immediately! We must get this done before the King of Jin discovers our true intentions!"

Zhang Jingwei raised his head and looked into Gao Jiong's eyes, which were as calm as a mountain and full of wisdom. The fighting spirit in his heart, which had almost been swallowed by despair and a sense of deception, was rekindled. He nodded heavily, and although his voice was still hoarse, it revealed a sense of determination:

"Okay! Zhao Xuan, everything... is left to you!"