Chapter 239: Plan Ahead

Chapter 239: Plan Ahead

Sleep eluded many in the capital tonight, as the news of Xiao Huai's resurrection from the dead kept them awake.

The court was in uproar the next morning over the reinforcement of troops to the northwest. Capturing Rouli Kingdom was a great honor, and everyone wanted a share of the glory, some even trying to profit from the chaos.

The ministers debated all morning without resolution, each steadfast in their interests. Duke Tang, having submitted a petition, observed the clamorous court and the silent emperor with a sense of sorrow.

While Xiao Huai and the soldiers in the northwest were fighting bloodily, these men were unyielding for their own gain. Duke Tang wished he could lament to the late emperor about the heir and emperor he had chosen.

"Court is dismissed. We shall discuss the reinforcement another time," the emperor suddenly stood and departed.

Duke Tang's back was slightly stooped. Tang Shubai, supporting him, whispered, "Father, please ask Elder Xie to come out of retirement."

Duke Tang nodded helplessly, "Let's go to the Xie residence."

Elder Xie seemed to expect their visit and waited outside his study. After exchanging greetings, Duke Tang got straight to the point, concluding, "The attack on Rouli is of national importance. I hope Elder Xie will lend his support."

Elder Xie didn't dither. After listening, he said, "Xie will not neglect matters of national importance, and Lord Xiao has been kind to the Xie family. I shall fully support his cause."

Duke Tang's expression shifted slightly. Although he initially doubted the Xie family's claim of a close relationship with Xiao Huai, hearing it from Elder Xie himself made it credible.

It seemed a lot had happened during the three years Xiao Huai was missing!

"I had thought that both the late emperor and the current one were intent on capturing Rouli. I didn't expect the emperor to hesitate..." Elder Xie's disappointment was palpable.

The noble families, unless they harbored rebellious intentions, also wished for a wise emperor and a stable country. But clearly, if the current emperor continued this way, the future was worrying.

Duke Tang sighed deeply, then stood up, "Elder Xie, let us depart."

Elder Xie rose and accompanied Duke Tang to the palace. With their status, they could enter and request an audience with the emperor without prior notice.

Guided by a young eunuch to the Imperial Study, they found the Grand Tutor and the Crown Prince already present. The emperor was slightly surprised to see Elder Xie and rose to greet him, "What brings Elder Xie here?"

After Elder Xie paid his respects, the emperor quickly helped him up. Elder Xie said, "I heard that Lord Xiao's campaign against Rouli requires more troops. I couldn't rest easy."

The emperor, understanding, asked, "Does Elder Xie have a connection with Zi'an?"

Elder Xie didn't conceal the truth, "My sixth son has been traveling for many years without contact. I searched for him for a long time to no avail. It was by a twist of fate that Lord Xiao saved him, preserving his life."

At this point, he expressed remorse, saying, "Upon the return of my sixth son, I knew that Lord Xiao had not perished. However, at that time, Lord Xiao was serving in the Rouli Kingdom's military and his identity could not be exposed. For the safety of Lord Xiao and the greater strategy of our nation, I decided to conceal this matter and ask for His Majesty's understanding."

"I see," the Emperor said with sudden realization, "Chancellor Xie did what was necessary. I understand."

Elder Xie bowed slightly, expressing his gratitude, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your understanding."

The Emperor gestured dismissively, "I, too, am discussing with the Grand Tutor and Jing Ye about reinforcing our troops in the northwest. Conquering the Rouli Kingdom was the late Emperor's last wish and my long-standing desire. I had intended to lead the expedition myself, but the numerous affairs involved in an imperial campaign have forced me to reconsider. Thus, I am contemplating sending Jing Ye in my stead to both lead in battle and gain experience."

After he finished, the room fell silent for a while. After a pause, Duke Tang respectfully said, "Your Majesty, I believe it is unwise for the Crown Prince to go to the front lines…"

Duke Tang clearly articulated 123 reasons why it was inappropriate for the Crown Prince to be sent to the front lines. Naturally, the Grand Tutor disagreed, arguing his point vehemently. Duke Tang stood his ground firmly, and Elder Xie occasionally spoke up to support Duke Tang, making the situation unfavorable for the Crown Prince and the Grand Tutor's side.

The Emperor, unwilling to concede, summoned members of the Imperial Cabinet. To his surprise, half sided with Duke Tang and the other half with the Grand Tutor, resulting in a prolonged tug-of-war, ultimately ending in Duke Tang's victory.

"Let's follow Minister Tang's advice," the Emperor said with a displeased expression.

Although he got what he wanted, Duke Tang was not overly pleased. Directly confronting the Emperor was never a good thing, especially with this Emperor, who was both prideful and petty.

"Duke Tang, it's time to plan ahead," Elder Xie whispered to Duke Tang as they left the palace.

Duke Tang certainly understood his implication, but the crux of the matter was Xiao Huai. With military power in his hands, Xiao Huai's influence would grow significantly if he succeeded in conquering Rouli. The specific plan would depend on his actions.

"Let's discuss this after the war is over," Duke Tang suggested.

Elder Xie nodded, "That would be prudent."

He couldn't fathom what Xiao Huai might do.

After parting ways, Duke Tang returned to his mansion and immediately sent for Tang Shuyi from the Marquis of Yongning's residence. Tang Shuyi had not slept the previous night, worried about Xiao Yuming and pondering the future political landscape. Upon receiving the message, she immediately went to Duke Tang's residence.

Once in the study, Duke Tang recounted the day's events, then voiced his concern: "I am now worried that the Emperor might target you and the three children."

Tang Shuyi had already considered this the night before. She replied, "I have already sent someone to find Yuchen quickly, instructing him to hasten to the northwest. As for me and Yuzhu, I think the Emperor is unlikely to do anything drastic before the war is over. Moreover, this is the time to keep the Emperor preoccupied with other matters."

Duke Tang smiled, "How do you propose we keep the Emperor occupied?"

Tang Shuyi said, "The Second Prince wasn't killed by Yuming; we all know that, and so does Noble Consort Liang. Why is she cooperating so diligently with the Emperor's pretense? It's all for avenging her son. But so far, no rumors have emerged. How could Noble Consort Liang not harbor resentment?"

Duke Tang laughed again, "Indeed, we can make use of Noble Consort Liang. Moreover, none of the princes are particularly capable. We should suggest that the Emperor holds a selection to produce an heir."

Tang Shuyi laughed heartily, "Good, that's a great idea."

After discussing a little longer, Tang Shuyi returned to her residence. Coincidentally, Zhao, the steward who was searching for clues in the Western Hills, had just returned.

"Any clues?" Tang Shuyi inquired.

The steward, Zhao, shook his head, causing Tang Shuyi's brows to furrow deeply. "It seems we are dealing with a mastermind!"

Who could it be?

Tang Shuyi felt it was unlikely that the Emperor himself was directly involved, considering the victim was his own son. However, she suspected the Emperor knew who the perpetrator was and had exploited the situation. After careful consideration, the only ones who would benefit from the second prince's death would be the eldest and the third prince, perhaps even the fourth.

But for the deed to be executed so flawlessly, it was highly likely that the eldest or third prince was involved. With the Grand Tutor backing the eldest prince and the Empress backing the third, both were crafty and experienced strategists.

"Let our informants in the palace keep a close eye on Consort Liang's movements," Tang Shuyi instructed steward Zhao.