Chapter 1430 - 344: Dragon Body (Part 2)

Chapter 1430: Chapter 344: Dragon Body (Part 2)

"When you meet father later, you can speak to him."

"I don’t dare."

The Fourth Prince said sincerely:

"Father has already issued a decree, concerning the campaign against Chu, forbidding anyone from interfering."

"Then why are you mentioning it?" Ji Chengjue asked.

"I’m just discussing it with you, after all, we both bear the surname Ji, having a private chat between brothers shouldn’t matter, right?"

Ji Chengjue picked up a towel, soaked it in the ice basin, wrung it out, then placed it on his face,

and said:

"Talking about it is pointless; better not to mention it. Yesterday, there was a military memorandum, reporting that East Mountain Fort and West Mountain Fort have already been conquered by our Yan. Next, it’s about clearing the remaining military camps and forts, and then truly attacking Town South Pass."

"Ah, I estimate that this battle will perhaps be wrapped up with the capture of Town South Pass. At most, after capturing Town South Pass, we might plunder Chu, grabbing whatever population and provisions we can as a form of consolation.

To think of completely destroying Chu in one go seems unlikely."

Ji Chengjue nodded; he knew, in military matters, his Fourth Brother was competent.

But Ji Chengjue had secret letters being sent to him by Lord Zheng from time to time.

"Once Town South Pass is captured, the campaign against Chu is essentially accomplished."

The Fourth Prince squinted his eyes, somewhat surprised.

Ji Chengjue removed the towel, now warm from his face, took a long breath, and said:

"With Town South Pass in the hands of our Yan, the Chu will lose their northern gateway. By then, our Yan cavalry can ride south into Chu State whenever they desire, emerging from Shanggu County onto a vast plain.

Moreover, the Chu won’t easily abandon Town South Pass. If captured, it would mean great losses to the elite border troops of Chu, loss of territory, people, and weakening of the state’s vitality. This piece of meat, later, can wait to be slowly nibbled away, just like another Qian State, but without the significant border towns."

"Yes, yes."

The Fourth Prince silently reached for the towel from Ji Chengjue, tossed it in the ice basin, washed it, wrung it, and wiped his face.

Originally, the Royal Mansion used to be rather lively.

But now,

The Eldest and Ji Chengjue have opened their own mansions,

The Second resides in the East Palace,

The Third shielded father and died;

The Fifth went to Wang River for river work,

And in the vast Royal Mansion, only he remained.

"Ji Chengjue, do you know, every day, residing in the Royal Mansion, my heart feels empty, isn’t it clear that among the brothers, I’m the most useless one?"

Ji Chengjue leaned back slightly, remaining silent.

"Why aren’t you responding?"

Ji Chengjue chuckled,

and said:

"Usually, it’s when someone says something wrong that you interrupt and correct him."

"You..."

Ji Chengjue took out his favorite Buddha’s Hand Cabbage snuff bottle, inhaling while he spoke;

"Want to be stationed outside?"

"I want to."

The Fourth Prince did not hide his thoughts.

"Where do you want to go?"

"Anywhere is fine, leave the capital for you and the Second to contest, I won’t involve myself."

The throne struggle has reached this point, the situation is already heated and clear.

If the Yan Emperor wants to maintain balance, he might raise another faction, forming a triangular power structure.

The Fourth Prince has been waiting for this day, even if initially only to make up the numbers, it would mean he still has an opportunity.

But with the campaign against Chu reaching this stage, father seems not to have this plan, instead keeping him in the Royal Mansion without concern.

Moving is life, stagnation is death, even for princes.

He couldn’t possibly remain in the Royal Mansion always. Though it’s irreverent, if he stayed there until father’s passing and his brother ascends the throne, he might not even receive a royal mansion!

"You should talk to Second Brother, he’s the Crown Prince."

"I don’t want to go to the Second; I’m coming to you. I know you helped arrange with Eldest Brother. Otherwise, given Eldest Brother’s temperament back then, he wouldn’t have done such a reckless thing to crash against the grand hall pillar.

What I value the most,

is that night we drank with Third Brother,

The Crown Prince, he didn’t come."

Inside the carriage,

sunk into silence.

Ji Chengjue toyed with the snuff bottle, licking his lips.

The Fourth Prince looked at Ji Chengjue and said: "Although we brothers quarrel, regardless of whether you believe it or not, the throne, I have no thoughts for it anymore, unless Ji Chengjue you falter and I see an opportunity. Otherwise, I won’t waste thoughts on what’s not mine.

We should not imitate a group in Chu State who, knowing they’re no match for the Regent Prince, still get up to cause some disturbance. What’s the point?"

"You can’t go to Beifeng Prefecture as the Earl of North originally intended to make Second Brother his son-in-law. If you go, the Earl will be displeased. Until Second Brother ascends, Beifeng Prefecture cannot accommodate a second prince.

You also can’t head to Nanwang City; Eldest Brother is managing the affairs there, if you go, you can only be an advisor by his side, won’t command troops or enter the battlefield. If you encounter any mishap, it would make things difficult for Eldest Brother, and me too.

Joining Fifth Brother for river work and managing laborers won’t do either. Historically, cases of laborers rebelling at river works are numerous. Unlike you, Fifth Brother handling such tasks would be objected by ministers like Zhao Jiulang.

Therefore..."

"Going to the Chu campaign, after all, is viable!"

"Sigh..."

Ji Chengjue gently tapped his leg with his hand, saying: