Chapter 1239 - 1075: Another Promotion
Chapter 1239: Chapter 1075: Another Promotion
The Crown Prince frowned in deep thought, northbound? Why? If Prince Gong doesn’t want his land, where else could he go? His titles and lands are his foundation. Not going to his land means he must have arrangements in other States.
Suddenly, he slapped the armrest of his chair, "Not good!"
"He’s heading to the border!" The Crown Prince was greatly shocked. The border is not peaceful now. If Prince Gong’s foundation is at the border, it would be troublesome.
"What? Your Highness! Why would he go to the border?" Shen Shikang was somewhat shocked, incredulously looking at the Crown Prince. When did Prince Gong quietly establish ties with the border?
"Go invite Prince Jing. Tell him I have important matters to discuss!" The Crown Prince’s face looked very grim, his eyes filled with anger.
The border is indeed in chaos, there must be an internal traitor. Sending Gu Chengyu to the border is the best move.
By the time Prince Jing hurriedly arrived at the Eastern Palace, it was silent within. Although there were many people, no one was speaking, and the atmosphere was extremely oppressive.
"Fourth, have you heard of any unusual happenings in the nearby States during your time in your land these two years?" Fengqing Prefecture is the Prefecture city closest to the border. If there are any signs, Fengqing Prefecture would surely catch wind of it.
"I don’t know what unusual happenings Second Brother is referring to?" Prince Jing’s eyes flickered slightly, somewhat confused.
"Prince Gong left the Capital and did not return to Jingyuan Prefecture but instead went all the way north." The Crown Prince focused intensely on Prince Jing, knowing the Fourth is a shrewd person, not daring to overlook any expression on Prince Jing’s face.
Prince Jing stared wide-eyed in surprise. Being a smart person, he understood the Crown Prince’s implication.
Is Zhao Xian really going to the border? When did Zhao Xian start making arrangements at the border?
Wait, he suddenly remembered previously finding a caravan frequently going to Da Xing to buy horses for Dayan’s army.
He had it thoroughly checked, but the documents and accompanying officials provided by the other party were legitimate. He even had people check in the Capital a few times; indeed, the horses were supplied to Dayan’s army and the Capital’s aristocratic families.
Even though he had suspicions, after finding nothing amiss, he had to temporarily set the matter aside.
And this caravan, every three months, it would go to purchase a batch of military supplies.
Careless, he didn’t anticipate Prince Gong having ways to pass these things through the court, ultimately going back to the border.
Also recalling that in recent years there were many slave trades of young and handsome youth at the border, previously investigated as being popular in Da Xing for their liking of handsome men.
In retrospect, these people must not have been simply bought for serving the master houses.
Even though he felt tumultuous inside and blamed himself for being careless, Prince Jing’s face showed none of it.
He shook his head, "These past two years have been difficult for me in the land. Every day I am entangled with local bullies, having no energy to pay attention to other States’ affairs, so I haven’t heard any rumors."
With these words, many Ministers looked over, some gazing with sympathy. Truthfully, Prince Jing’s land was indeed poor with many troubles.
Prince Jing’s half-true words convinced some Ministers, but the Crown Prince, knowing Prince Jing’s character well, wasn’t easily convinced.
"Fourth Brother, think carefully again. With your intelligence, there’s no need for me to elaborate. You should realize the seriousness of this matter. If the border is in chaos and Da Xing exploits it to invade, our Dayan will be turbulent. With foreign enemies approaching, I hope Fourth Brother can prioritize the bigger picture. When the nest is overturned, no egg can remain unbroken!"
The Crown Prince’s piercing gaze landed on him, hoping that with the external threat, the Fourth would set aside petty worries and focus on repelling the foreign enemy first.
The grand hall suddenly fell silent. Prince Jing pondered briefly but still shook his head, "Second Brother, you know I am physically weak, bedridden for most of the year. Where do I have the energy to manage these things? Didn’t Second Brother send Gu Shaoqing to the border to investigate? Why not let him look into this matter as well? I’m sure he will provide Second Brother with a satisfactory answer."
Prince Jing’s Fengqing Prefecture is closest to the border, so Prince Gong’s deployed Prefecture city must also be near the border. If war breaks out, his Fengqing Prefecture also faces the risk of falling.
Though he made proper arrangements before leaving, who can he blame for being poor? Just last year he started gaining some wealth. Otherwise, he wouldn’t even afford to repair his residence.
But starting late, how could he compete with his older brother who has been in business for years with deep pockets?
Prince Jing found it troublesome, but currently, he was still in the Capital. He couldn’t return to his land before the Crown Prince ascended the throne and his father passed the 27-day hot mourning period.
Prince Jing never felt such a strong desire to return to his land. Finally, when the land’s affairs were in order, if Prince Gong intervened, all his prior efforts would be wasted.
He suddenly remembered Gu Chengyu going to the border. Since the elder brother also went north, would he encounter Gu Chengyu?
No! These two must not collude, or else it would be even harder to deal with.
The Crown Prince glanced at Prince Jing with a frown, also feeling this was the best solution. However, he thought Gu Chengyu probably left for the border this morning. If he encountered Prince Gong, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Prince Jing slightly narrowed his eyes, "Second Brother! As an official of the Dali Temple, it’s reasonable for Gu Shaoqing to investigate at the border. But elder brother is not easy to handle, this matter is really tricky. Gu Shaoqing has done a lot for the court before; why not promote Gu Chengyu’s rank a bit, making his work smoother?"
Prince Jing didn’t want Gu Chengyu to ally with Prince Gong, thus considering using the official rank to restrain Gu Chengyu. As long as the Crown Prince promotes Gu Chengyu’s rank, Gu Chengyu should refrain from joining Prince Gong’s camp.
Moreover, these courtiers have limited abilities but can’t bear the speed of Gu Chengyu’s rise, even jealous of his capabilities.
If the Crown Prince really promoted Gu Chengyu, these Ministers would inevitably be more dissatisfied with Gu Chengyu, alongside harboring some resentment toward the Crown Prince, leading them to further ostracize Gu Chengyu in the future.
The Crown Prince is soft-hearted; with Gu Chengyu not in the Capital, hearing such chatter often would create distrust in Gu Chengyu. Once the Crown Prince stops trusting Gu Chengyu, the gap between them will only widen.
It’s just right to let Gu Chengyu see whether choosing the Crown Prince was right or wrong.
And if this matter spread, suggesting the promotion for Gu Chengyu’s position was also lending him a favor—a triple gain!
Manipulating power has become a habit for Prince Jing. He doesn’t see anything wrong with calculating against Gu Chengyu; who in the court doesn’t calculate against each other?
Just take Brother Yin Kun, who has a good relationship with Gu Chengyu, did he not calculate either? Except in his planning, at least there was some sincerity!
"Your Highness Prince Jing! Gu Shaoqing just got promoted a few months ago, now you want to promote his rank again, do you think it’s reasonable? Aren’t there numerous diligent officials in the court, how would they handle this? If they become resentful, it wouldn’t be beneficial to the court!"