Novel Full Chapter 878 - 27: The Deposed Crown Prince Is Killed
Chapter 878: Chapter 27: The Deposed Crown Prince Is Killed
In the Swamp Prefecture, in the study of He Lianfang at the Han Prince Mansion, He Lianfang was drinking the strong liquor brewed by Zhao Yao while playing chess with Prince Han.
He Lianfang was very satisfied with the liquor brewed by Zhao Yao, especially the strong ones, which had quite a kick.
After drinking Zhao Yao’s strong liquor, He Lianfang felt that the liquor he had previously drunk was mere water.
Zhao Yao, seeing that He Lianfang wouldn’t let go of the wine, advised helplessly, "Uncle, drink less, or you’ll get drunk again."
When he first drank the strong liquor, He Lianfang got drunk after only a few sips, and quite heavily at that. These days, He Lianfang drank every day to train his alcohol tolerance. Previously, while he couldn’t drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, he was fine with a hundred. But now, he would be out cold after two pots.
"Hmph, in a few days, I won’t get drunk anymore." He Lianfang couldn’t accept having such a low alcohol tolerance, which is why he drank daily. Though he liked liquor, he was not a glutton for it.
Seeing He Lianfang act proud and stubborn, Zhao Yao teased, "Uncle, once you adapt to this, I’ll brew a third round, which is even stronger than the second. By then, one sip will get you drunk."
Hearing Zhao Yao, He Lianfang’s face lit up, "The third round is stronger than the second?"
"Of course, I’ll brew a fourth, a fifth, a sixth... each stronger than the last." Zhao Yao looked at He Lianfang, smiling mischievously, "Uncle, you’ll have to practice your drinking skills well."
He Lianfang took another big gulp of the strong liquor, letting out a comfortable sigh, "Comfortable." The drink was immensely satisfying.
Seeing He Lianfang enjoy the liquor he brewed so much, Zhao Yao felt genuinely proud.
"Hurry up and brew the third round," He Lianfang eagerly wanted to drink the stronger third round.
Seeing He Lianfang’s eager expression, Zhao Yao laughed, "Uncle, better first get used to the second round. I’ll brew the third round once you don’t get drunk from it."
He Lianfang glared at Zhao Yao, embarrassed, retorting stubbornly, "When have I ever gotten drunk?"
Zhao Yao was too lazy to argue with He Lianfang about whether he was drunk or not and changed the topic to talk about something else.
"Uncle, why do you think father sent someone to tell me about the third consort’s death?" Zhao Yao had been pondering for days and still couldn’t figure out why the emperor informed him.
Hearing this question, He Lianfang was slightly stunned, then said calmly, "What do you think?"
"I don’t know." Zhao Yao rubbed two chess pieces in his hand, "But I feel that father has no good intentions."
"Zhao Zheng cares for you, why do you think Zhao Zheng has no good intentions for you?" He Lianfang raised his guard.
"Father knows very well how important the third consort is to me. Her death would make me very sad and very angry. Isn’t he afraid I might return to the capital?"
He Lianfang said expressionlessly, "He would love for you to return to the capital. Your return is useful to him."
Zhao Yao was surprised, raising his eyebrows, "Useful?"
He Lianfang countered, "You don’t know?"
Zhao Yao pondered for a while, then said in thought, "Father wants me to return and stir up the situation."
He Lianfang said, "Since you know, why the hesitation?"
Zhao Yao remained silent.
He Lianfang ruthlessly mocked, "What, can’t accept that Zhao Zheng is using you to stir things up back in the capital?"
Zhao Yao shook his head, "No."
"Then why do you care that Zhao Zheng told you about Pan Cairen’s death?" He Lianfang said bluntly, "Actually, deep down you know why Zhao Zheng told you, you just don’t want to admit it."
Zhao Yao still said nothing.
He Lianfang took another sip of his drink and continued, "You have long known that although you are Zhao Zheng’s most beloved son, in his heart, you are not as important as the Great Zhou’s kingdom. Zhao Zheng favors you, but he can also use you."
He continued, "Your failure to submit the glass formula to the court this time has already displeased him a bit. Now, with Prince Dai and Prince Jing eyeing your glass business, he’s taking advantage of this to have you make the court even more chaotic." He Lianfang subtly slandered the emperor, further sowing discord between the emperor and Zhao Yao, while ensuring Zhao Yao wouldn’t suspect the emperor was directing him towards the succession dispute. He truly feared Zhao Yao realizing the emperor and he intended for him to partake in the imperial power struggle. If Zhao Yao did detect their intentions, he would undoubtedly resist fiercely. Then all these years of arrangement by him and the emperor would be for naught.
After hearing He Lianfang’s words, Zhao Yao let out a bitter smile, "Uncle, you really have no mercy."