Novel Full Chapter 1189 - 175: Impatience (2)
Chapter 1189 - 175: Impatience (2)
The two were in the Imperial Study at the time, neither willing to give in, both unwilling to let the other go to Qingzhou alone.
The Emperor was so annoyed by their arguing that he decided neither would go and instead let the people from the Ministry of Rites go to greet them, keeping both of them in the capital.
The originally planned matter was suddenly disrupted by Prince Chu, leaving Prince Wei naturally displeased.
The two walked out of the Imperial Study, keeping straight faces and ignoring each other, as if the other didn’t exist. Once out of the palace gates, Prince Chu finally spoke: "I will not let you go to Qingzhou."
Prince Wei, upon hearing this, turned around and looked coldly at Prince Chu, and sneered, "You do have some brains, but that’s all." With that said, he turned and left.
Prince Chu let out a cold laugh and then turned to leave as well.
Returning to the Prince Wei Mansion, Prince Wei showed no reaction, but his confidants were anxious. They couldn’t understand why Prince Chu suddenly proposed going to Qingzhou, wondering if he had discovered something.
Prince Wei was certain that Prince Chu was unaware of the matters in Qingzhou. The reason he proposed to go there with him was likely because Prince Wei’s trip to Qingzhou to fetch the seventh prince seemed suspicious.
Yu Hai asked, "Your Highness, now that Qingzhou is out of the question, what should be done next?"
Prince Wei played with Zhou Zhong’s tea cup, a meaningful smile curling his lips: "If he allowed me to go to Qingzhou, then my victory would be too dull." If Prince Chu really allowed Prince Wei to go to Qingzhou, Prince Wei would be greatly disappointed in Prince Chu. "Not going to Qingzhou for now does not affect the overall situation. Proceed with the plan."
"As Your Highness said, whether or not we go to Qingzhou, Prince Chu will lose; it’s just that the loss will be delayed slightly."
"If it were the tenth brother, he would definitely know why I was going to Qingzhou."
"Your Highness, the entire Qingzhou is under Prince Han’s control; whatever you do there cannot be hidden from him." Fortunately, Your Highness has a good relationship with Prince Han, and fortunately, Prince Han does not interfere in matters between you and Prince Chu, otherwise whatever you do in Qingzhou, Prince Han would definitely inform Prince Chu.
"The tenth brother has more foresight than I do." By the time Prince Wei sent people to Qingzhou, it was already under Zhao Yao’s control. "If the tenth brother were my opponent, I would be much happier." Having a true rival is exciting—it’s a pity that the fourth brother is not a good match. The only one who could possibly contend with him is the tenth brother. However, the tenth brother is not his competitor.
"Your Highness, if Prince Han were our opponent, it would be a tremendous headache for us." Prince Han is so intelligent, not losing to Your Highness at all. "Luckily, Prince Han is your good brother."
"Indeed, I’d much rather have the tenth brother as my sibling than as my opponent." Prince Wei lightly tapped the table with his finger, "Next, take action to eliminate the people supporting the fourth brother."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Far away in Qingzhou, Zhao Yao was currently in He Lianfang’s study.
"What do you think Prince Wei will do next?" He Lianfang had already learned that Prince Wei could not go to Qingzhou.
"The eighth brother will deal with the people supporting the fourth brother next."
He Lianfang asked, "Who do you think he will target?"
Zhao Yao replied without hesitation, "The Chief of Staff. What do you think, Uncle?"
He Lianfang said, "I think Prince Wei will not target Prince Chu’s people in the court for the time being, but will focus on those in his fiefdom, such as the Prime Minister."
"The Prime Minister?" Zhao Yao chuckled, "Uncle, did you forget that the fourth brother’s Prime Minister is Grand Commandant Zheng’s son? If the eighth brother acts against Grand Commandant Zheng’s son right away, it would be very unwise."
"Precisely because it is Grand Commandant Zheng’s son," He Lianfang said meaningfully, "Capture the king first, strike the snake at its vulnerable point."
"Acting against Grand Commandant Zheng’s son implies more than just challenging him; the eighth brother must be aware." Zhao Yao did not agree with He Lianfang’s viewpoint, "Although Grand Commandant Zheng is no longer in the court, his influence remains, and no civil or military official would dare to underestimate him. If the eighth brother moves against his eldest son, he’s striking a tough opponent."
"Do you think your good eighth brother will not dare to act against Grand Commandant Zheng’s son?"
"Acting against Grand Commandant Zheng’s son means opposing Zheng himself, which would offend many ministers in the court." Zhao Yao said seriously, "Not to mention the ministers who support the eighth and fourth brothers, even the neutral ministers are hoping for Grand Commandant Zheng to return to the court. If the eighth brother acts against Grand Commandant Zheng’s son, these neutral ministers won’t spare him. Although Zheng’s eldest son may not be as capable as his father, he is still formidable; the eighth brother’s attempt to target him won’t be easy."
"Targeting Grand Commandant Zheng’s eldest son would send a strong message to Prince Chu." He Lianfang asked, "If Prince Wei truly acts against his eldest son, would you intervene to help him?"
Zhao Yao said without hesitation, "No, he has nothing to do with me."
"If his two brothers want to rescue him, what would you do?"
"They should go to rescue their brother; I won’t stop them, but I won’t help them either." Zhao Yao raised his eyes, looked straight into He Lianfang’s, and his tone grew serious, "Uncle, I’ve said I won’t interfere in matters between the fourth and eighth brothers, so please don’t test me again and again. While you might not be annoyed, I certainly am." Zhao Yao was becoming quite impatient with He Lianfang’s probing.
He Lianfang did not expect Zhao Yao to speak so bluntly, paused for a moment, and then calmly said, "Alright."
Zhao Yao’s face was adorned with his usual playful smile, "The eighth brother won’t act against the Prime Minister of the fourth brother. He might use diversionary tactics, but the real target is the Chief of Staff."
"Then I shall wait and see."
Zhao Yao did not stay long at He Lianfang’s place and left after chatting for a while.
Returning to the Han Prince Mansion, Zhao Yao’s demeanor darkened instantly.
Princess Han saw Zhao Yao’s unpleasant expression and quickly asked with concern, "Your Highness, what’s the matter? Has something happened?"
Zhao Yao put away his displeasure, lightly shook his head, and said, "Nothing has happened, just tired of it all." Uncle’s relentless testing was wearing Zhao Yao’s patience thin.
Princess Han didn’t know what had happened, but she knew Zhao Yao had returned from He Lianfang’s place and dared not ask further, so she changed the subject: "Your Highness, I’ve had people make plenty of dried fruits and jams, and in a couple of days, I’ll send them to Mother."
"That’s great, send some fresh fruits as well, chilled to keep them from spoiling."
"I’ve also picked some medicinal herbs; I’ll send them together."
"Don’t forget to send some to your family." Zhao Yao smiled, "Though Lingnan might not have much else, there are plenty of fruits, grains, and herbs; you can send more to your family."
Princess Han felt touched and smiled, "I will, Your Highness."
The couple chatted about family matters for a while and then went to the dining hall for a meal.
Meanwhile, next door, He Lianfang was not the least upset by Zhao Yao’s impatience; in fact, he was quite pleased.
"Your Highness has made his point clear, and you are still smiling?" said the person standing in the shadows of the study, "Prince Han is already tired of your probing."
He Lianfang laughed, "That’s a good thing."