Chapter 33

Chapter 33

The crown prince faced setbacks at every turn, his aspirations thwarted and cloaked in gloom.

Most importantly, there had been no trace of Xiu Jin.

This drained his energy for contending with the Sixth Prince, as he was haunted by nightmares of Xiu Jin meeting harm or being preemptively found and executed by his own emperor father.

The palace maid who had promised to secretly lead Xiu Jin out of the palace was ordered to be executed on the spot by him. Her body was hung in the palace to be displayed for three days, to ensure that no one would dare to possess the audacity to sneak people out of the palace ever again.

He didn’t earn the chief credit for handling the epidemic and was summoned by the Empress for a heart-to-heart talk.

The Empress’s maternal family were also founding contributors to the empire, with no real affection towards the Emperor, their union formed out of political strategy to support their own clan.

The Emperor managed to ascend to the throne amidst his brothers with indispensable aid from the Empress's family, resulting in a relationship between them that could be best described as courteous and respectful.

Therefore, the Empress’s only son, the Emperor's legitimate eldest, was the rightful Crown Prince. Unless he committed a grave moral fault, his position was unshakeable.

The Crown Prince furrowed his brows, agitatedly saying, "Mother, I understand these principles well enough. But with this epidemic, my younger brother's reputation among the people has far surpassed mine. Even father praises him greatly. His gaining the limelight has inevitably led the courtiers to contemplate which side to take."

Nowadays, in the imperial court, the literati are no others than the father and son of the Du family.

As for the military officers, they mainly belong to the Qin and Xue families.

There’s no need to mention the Xue family; I have already offended them to their demise.

I did not anticipate that Prince Gong, that old undying, would re-enter the court for his good-for-nothing son.

With experience surpassing even that of Qin Wu Yun, Prince Gong could rally half the court's military officials with a single call, who would likely follow him without hesitation.

On top of this, there's Xue Hongwen with his watchful eyes, controlling the mighty cavalry of the north.

The Qin family, despite holding the northwest, cannot compare to the Xue family in terms of influence at court.

Not to mention, Qin Wu Yun, that old stubborn, is convinced that maintaining neutrality is the best strategy.

The father and son of the Du family follow in the same vein as Qin Wu Yun, aligning with no one, only heeding the words of my imperial father.

The troops at my disposal are but a scattered and unreliable bunch!

The Crown Prince, pondering this, slammed the teacup lid down, creating a grating clatter.

The Empress seated above cast a glance at him: "Have you forgotten all that I have taught you?"

The Crown Prince countered, "Mother, it is not that I lack composure, but the current situation in the court is indeed unfavorable! If the Xue family is persuaded by my younger brother, then he would have control over sixty percent of the military power!"

Scholars may take ten years to stage a rebellion, but it is different with a sharp blade. Even my imperial father has to consider the weight of sixty percent of the military power.

The Empress replied indifferently, "Prince Gong is a smart man. Had you not provoked Xue Fuguang for that little eunuch, would he have returned to court politics? Ultimately, you have brought this significant trouble upon yourself."

Upon mentioning Xiu Jin, the Crown Prince could only grit his teeth.

The Empress continued, "Having lost his mother at a young age, Xue Fuguang was doted on by everyone in the Xue family as their precious jewel. If you want to eliminate the threat of the Xue family, it is not difficult. The key lies with Xue Fuguang himself. Being flexible is how one accomplishes great things."

The Crown Prince suddenly looked up, incredulously, "Mother expects me to apologize and make amends to that idiot? Does he even deserve it?!"

The Empress stated, "Whether he deserves it or not, I do not know. But you should be aware that your younger brother has already eagerly gone ahead and formed a connection with him."

Crown Prince: "Given the circumstances, what use is it now for me to 'mend the fold after the sheep are lost'?"

The Queen Mother's voice deepened: "As long as he doesn't join your sixth brother's command, it's still of use. Must I teach you such basic principles myself? Have you been so engrossed in jesting with the eunuchs that you've lost your senses?"

The Crown Prince clenched his fist, suppressing the frustration in his heart, and apologized softly: "Your son understands. I shall return to the palace and prepare to apologize. Please, Mother, do not be angry."

Seeing he finally understood the gravity of the situation, the Queen Mother closed her eyes and massaged her brow, "Enough, you may go. Reflect on this. As for the scholars, as long as you are the Crown Prince and have your father the Emperor's favor, his supporters are your supporters. This you must remember. As for the rest, I will assist you."

The Crown Prince was elated: "Your son understands. Mother, you work too hard, please take care of your health. I shall take my leave now and will come to see you after some days."

The Queen Mother waved her hand, signaling him to go.

Once out of the inner palace, the Crown Prince’s solemn expression relaxed.

He asked the Chief Eunuch at his side, "Is there any news of Xiao Jin today?"

The eunuch's forehead was sweaty: "To report to Your Highness, we have yet to find any news of Master Xiu. Someone must be thwarting our efforts."

The Crown Prince snorted coldly: "I am well aware of that, no need for your prattle. Now that the epidemic is under control, withdraw some people and continue to search for Xiao Jin. It's imperative to find him!"

The eunuch nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes."

Back in the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince's mood had lightened considerably, which allowed the eunuch to ask timidly: "Your Highness, about the situation with Prince Xue Shi, may I know...?"

Upon mentioning Xue Fuguang, the Crown Prince's eyes filled with murderous intent: "Indeed, he has a good brother. Let's see how long Xue Hongwen can protect him. Follow Mother's wishes and casually pick out a gift to send over. Let him live a few days longer."

……

With the epidemic under control, the court officials were still busy.

Issues such as resettling refugees and appeasing the populace were among the many concerns.

The court discussed these matters continuously for a whole month.

After the morning court, Du Ru'an was kept back by the Emperor.

He followed the Chief Eunuch into the Diligence Hall, where the Emperor was reviewing petitions.

Upon seeing Du Ru'an, the Emperor glanced up and read from the petition: "The memorial from Lord Zhou of the Ministry of Works greatly praises the sixth prince's handling of the epidemic, saying it 'bears the hallmarks of the late Emperor.' What is your opinion, Du Aiqing?"

Du Ru'an bowed deeply, speaking slowly: "In response to Your Majesty, this humble official did not contribute effectively during the epidemic and couldn't assist the people adequately, hence my knowledge is limited and I am not in a position to judge. However, Lord Zhou has been closely involved in resettling the people and should be well-informed, so his words should carry weight."

The emperor chuckled twice but did not elaborate.

Folding the memorial, he set it aside and proceeded to open another, continuing his review.

"Scholar Zeng also opines that the sixth prince acts decisively, demonstrates acute foresight, and truly shines. In contrast, the crown prince has been mediocre this time, indulging in pleasure instead of exhibiting the virtue befitting an heir apparent," said the emperor, laying down his brush, standing up with hands clasped behind his back, and walking over to Du Ru'an.

"Du Ai'qing, with your sharp mind, what do you make of Scholar Zeng's comments?"

How could Du Ru'an fail to perceive the emperor's implication?

Still, he thought of the recent actions of Xue Fuguang.

Xue Fuguang seemed intent on supporting the sixth prince's ascension.

Besides, setting that aside, it was also time to apply a salve in the emperor's presence for the crown prince.

Bowing deeply, he said, "In your servant's humble opinion, which I hope won't draw your ridicule, Your Majesty, the outbreak was a fluke, a natural disaster unforeseen by man. Yet the sixth prince managed to detect and decide upon a course of action promptly, preventing the epidemic from threatening the safety of the imperial city, a considerable feat indeed."

"As for the crown prince, his recent actions have been somewhat dejected, especially after being confined to the Eastern Palace. During this crisis, his response was not as decisive as that of the sixth prince. Whether it was handling the sick outside the city or devising a solution to the epidemic, he has not contributed significantly, certainly not in a manner that invites praise like that for the sixth prince."

The emperor's eyes remained curved in mirth, though the smile seemed to fade slowly from the depths.

At this point, Du Ru'an continued, "However, what I've said is not meant to extol the sixth prince or belittle the crown prince."

"Though the epidemic is a natural disaster, its escalation to a certain scale takes time and leaves traces. The sixth prince merely deduced an epidemic from a single suspected case and made a decisive judgment. Shortly after, he conveniently found a solution, with all necessary medicinal supplies procured timely, which inevitably leads one to wonder."

"Please forgive your servant's impudence. The recent conduct of the crown prince has not been commendable. And the sixth prince might have thus harbored thoughts unbecoming of his position. Your Majesty, with your sagacity, I believe you have already reached a verdict."

The emperor paced slowly in the hall, laughing heartily after a few rounds: "Truly worthy of being my Du Ai'qing, well attuned to my thoughts!"

Du Ru'an lowered his eyes, his expression undisturbed.

This was the emperor's way.

It seemed he dearly favored his heir, but not quite so. He relished more in controlling and manipulating them; if anyone showed weakness, he'd enjoy giving them a hand as if bestowing a favor.

And if someone displayed ambitions they ought not to, he'd suppress them while also weighing whether to use this chance to discipline his heir, using one of his sons as the touchstone.

Should it prove that the gold was not gold after all, the emperor would erupt in fury.

Then he would decide to replace him with one who was truly made of gold.

It all depends on how one frames it.

It depends even more on whether the sixth prince has the mettle to transform from a touchstone into gold.

Upon leaving the imperial palace, Du Ru'an returned to his estate and penned a letter to be delivered to Xue Fuguang.

He still needed to inquire about Xue Fuguang's intentions.

If Xue Fuguang truly intended to support the sixth prince's rise, then he would weigh his words carefully when speaking with the emperor again.

The letter was quickly delivered into Xue Fuguang's hands.

After reading it, he found the emperor's antics rather amusing.

Choosing between two foolish sons, deciding which was slightly less foolish.

After burning the letter cleanly, he destroyed the message, indicating to Du Ru'an that there was no need to concern himself with the sixth prince.

Who ascends the throne is not for him to fret over.

He only needed to maintain a balance, occasionally tripping up the crown prince and, if necessary, perhaps also giving the sixth prince a bit of trouble at the right time.

He couldn't afford to be unfairly partial towards the members of the Ming family.

Seeing Xue Fuguang's response, Du Ru'an felt unsure of his true intentions.

Wasn't Xue Fuguang the one most eager to bring down the crown prince?

If he were to assist the sixth prince, wouldn't it mean the crown prince would lose his position sooner, with a more tragic end?

He found himself unable to fully comprehend Xue Fuguang.

But it mattered not.

All he needed to ensure was that his own tapestry was well-maintained.

Whether the sixth prince ascended the throne, or some other prince unexpectedly rose to power, it would not greatly affect him.

The status of the Du family within the court was not so easily shaken.

All he needed to do was to repair the tapestry.

As long as the tapestry was his, that would be enough.

With this thought, a gentle smile spread across his face.

He opened a secret door.

Author's note: Goodnight with a pop, see you tomorrow!