Chapter 16 Scheming

Chapter 16: Calculations

When Xiao Yunlang and the officials from the Dali Temple arrived, Jiang Yanzhou was in the Shuntian Prefecture yamen—sitting peacefully and drinking tea.

Jiang Yanzhou realized that he, who originally knew nothing about tea, could now discern the quality of tea.

The tea at the Shuntian Prefecture office was far inferior to that at the Crown Prince's residence.

The Crown Prince of Uz had also rushed over from the guesthouse, his face ashen.

No wonder the Prefect of Shuntian had gone to the Dali Temple for help. With Jiang Yanzhou's status here, he feared he couldn't manage the scene.

Upon arriving, Xiao Yunlang first glanced at Jiang Yanzhou to confirm he was unharmed, then turned to scrutinize the Uz people.

Outwardly, they still had to pretend to be at odds, so some things couldn't be said directly.

Commissioner Sui, Sui Yedao, had come along to watch the commotion. One look at Jiang Yanzhou's appearance and he thought to himself: Wow!

Whether the Uz theft case would escalate remained uncertain, but after today, the title of the capital's most handsome man should change its surname to Jiang.

Everyone except Jiang Yanzhou bowed in unison to Xiao Yunlang. Xiao Yunlang motioned for them to rise, his gaze steady and voice low: "What has happened here?"

The Prefect, his mind full of troubles, said to the pharmacy clerk: "Quickly, repeat what you said to His Highness the Crown Prince."

The clerk hurriedly complied.

Back at the pharmacy, they had already learned that Jiang Yanzhou was the Crown Princess.

Because after Feng Lan shielded Jiang Yanzhou, he sternly rebuked Wuli, who had falsely accused him: "How dare you! His Highness is the Crown Princess of the court, not some common thief! Slandering the imperial family without evidence—do you know your crime!"

Upon hearing he was the Crown Princess, the others were immediately frightened, but Wuli, knowing Jiang Yanzhou's identity, became even more aggressive.

"Our medicinal herbs are all rare treasures from the Western Regions," he declared righteously. "You high-ranking officials of *Daqi* covet them dearly—how could it not be him!"

The elder from Uz couldn't dissuade him, so the matter eventually escalated to the yamen.

"Before this gentleman—no, the Crown Princess—arrived at the pharmacy, the Uz people were already shouting about lost goods. However, we were still arguing reasonably at the time and hadn't fully erupted into conflict. As for when His Highness the Crown Princess arrived, all the clerks and customers in the shop can testify. He absolutely could not be the one who stole the medicinal herbs."

The clerk was clear-headed, knowing they first had to clear the person their small shop couldn't afford to offend before continuing their defense.

"But we only ever had ten crates of goods, never twelve. Even if the Uz guests truly lost goods, it shouldn't have been at our small shop. We beg Your Excellencies to see the truth clearly!"

The clerk spoke with sincere emotion, every word heartfelt. The Crown Prince of Uz was sweating profusely: "There might be some misunderstanding here..."

But Wuli sneered coldly: "What misunderstanding?"

The Crown Prince could bear it no longer and shouted sharply: "Wuli!"

But Wuli wasn't afraid of him, using an even more forceful voice to thunder: "Your Highness!"

"The *Qi* Dynasty clearly looks down on us from small states. Do you want the King to know you fear them and are losing face for Uz here?"

The Crown Prince's facial muscles twitched, his face flushed with anger. Everyone knew Wuli was being unreasonable, but he precisely stepped on their soft spots, forcing them to be entangled by him.

The situation reached a stalemate. At that moment, Jiang Yanzhou, who had remained silent until now, spoke: "Then this... envoy? What do you want to do?"

His voice was clear as a spring, flowing gently. Wuli turned and looked him up and down, rudely saying: "Naturally, search your carriage to see if our things are there."

If the carriage were truly searched, the Crown Prince's face would be utterly lost—as the leader of the envoy, if he couldn't even control a subordinate, what kind of chief envoy was he?

Moreover, the Crown Princess of *Qi* would likely hold this against him.

They knew about the Crown Princess's background. If the Jiang family intentionally made things difficult, their stay in the capital would be difficult.

Just as the Crown Prince was about to speak, he heard Jiang Yanzhou say: "Very well."

Everyone was stunned, including the deliberately provocative Wuli, who was surprised: So easy to deal with?

Jiang Yanzhou's eyes were like fresh snow melting in the spring breeze, clear and beautiful, appearing gentle and soft: "And if nothing is found?"

Seeing his gentle and soft manner, Wuli thought an apology would probably suffice. As long as he could undermine the Crown Prince's authority, he was willing to apologize however needed.

He immediately snorted a laugh: "I'll kneel and apologize to you."

Jiang Yanzhou: "Not enough."

The seemingly fragile and easily bullied Crown Princess suddenly raised his eyes, pinning Wuli in place. His voice remained unhurried, but each word gradually intensified with the opening of his lips.

"I want you to kneel at the city gate and say that, on behalf of Uz, you apologize to the people of *Daqi* who have suffered from the mounted bandits."

Wuli and all the Uz people's expressions changed abruptly!

Sui Yedao and the *Qi* Dynasty officials also hadn't expected these words, looking at Jiang Yanzhou in astonishment.

Only Xiao Yunlang lightly tapped his fingers, concealing a hint of amusement in his eyes.

Jiang Yanzhou sat upright in the hall, his hands holding the cup so slender, yet his back straight as a pine.

At first glance, he resembled a delicate vase anyone could take advantage of, but in this moment, he revealed the noble bearing of a true gentleman.

Wuli stopped laughing.

He himself could endure humiliation, but he absolutely could not kneel on behalf of all of Uz, especially involving the mounted bandits—that was something they must never be associated with.

"Your Highness jests, what do the mounted bandits have to do with us Uz?"

"The mounted bandits harass the border, committing every atrocity from burning and killing to plundering. Countless eyes have seen them enter your territory and emerge unscathed."

Jiang Yanzhou felt his fingers growing cold again. He set down the cup, gathered the hand warmer again, and gently exhaled a breath: "You can claim something as clear as day is unrelated, yet today everyone saw when I entered and left the pharmacy, with no opportunity to commit the crime. Without evidence or proof, you insist on making a connection."

"Have the mounted bandits filled you up so much that you dare harbor disloyal intentions toward *Daqi*?"

Jiang Yanzhou repeatedly said "you all," deliberately dragging all the Uz people present into the mire. Cold sweat instantly broke out on Wuli's forehead.

He had earlier shouted about *Daqi* "bullying the weak," and Jiang Yanzhou countered with "disloyal intentions."

If Wuli dared continue his mischief today, Uz would lose more than just the Crown Prince's face.

The Crown Prince was also badly frightened and immediately stepped forward, speaking rapidly: "A misunderstanding! We never suspected Your Highness the Crown Princess, and we absolutely cannot search your carriage. We will find the lost goods ourselves. If you are still displeased, this useless thing is at your disposal!"

"I hold no official position, how could I casually dispose of an envoy?" Jiang Yanzhou said. "An apology will suffice."

He had seemingly returned to his accommodating demeanor, but neither the Crown Prince nor Wuli dared underestimate him anymore. The Crown Prince glared fiercely, signaling Wuli to step forward. Wuli also knew this matter must be concluded and could only take a step forward.

"Wuli apologizes to you," he said, performing a Uz salute. "I hope the moon-bright Crown Princess of *Daqi* can forgive my small misunderstanding."

Misunderstanding?

Xiao Yunlang sneered inwardly. No amount of pretty words could cover up their malicious intentions.

Jiang Yanzhou gave a nod, accepting the apology.

"Mm," Jiang Yanzhou said, "Prince Wuzi, remember to keep your dog on a leash from now on."

Wuli, who had just relaxed thinking the matter was over, instantly glared furiously: "You—!"

The gentle, jade-like young lord suddenly cursing struck everyone as incongruous; even Xiao Yunlang looked at Jiang Yanzhou in surprise.

After cursing, Jiang Yanzhou feigned utter innocence: "Why are you angry? You snapped at me for no reason today—was I wrong?"

Wuli held some status in Wuzi, but he had clawed his way to it, so he despised nothing more than being likened to an animal. Rage instantly boiled within him.

But the Great Prince and the senior Wuzi envoys stopped him. He also knew this couldn't go any further and that he had to endure it.

So, gritting his teeth, he spat out each word: "No, you are absolutely right."

Yet everyone could see the humiliation plastered across his face.

Jiang Yanzhou seemed satisfied. He rose, acknowledged the other dignitaries present, and asked the Prefect of Shuntian: "Sir, may I leave now?"

The Prefect collected himself from the drama and hurriedly said, "Of course, of course. Farewell, Your Royal Highness."

The Crown Princess, supported by his frail health, departed with serene satisfaction. From beginning to end, he did not exchange a single word with the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince likewise.

Both seemed to treat the other as if he didn't exist. If not for their titles binding them together, they probably couldn't be bothered to spare each other a glance.

The others exchanged knowing glances: after today, the cold relationship between the Crown Prince and Crown Princess would likely be cemented in the public consciousness.

Xiao Yunlang appeared utterly indifferent. He glanced at the Wuzi envoy bowing to him, then flicked his sleeves and left.

He went about his official duties outside as if nothing had happened. Upon returning to the residence in the evening, he headed straight for Yan Gui Xuan as soon as he entered the gate.

Behind closed doors, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, rumored to be incompatible and estranged, were seated together at a table, the atmosphere between them harmonious.

After hearing the detailed backstory of the pharmacy incident, Xiao Yunlang understood that Jiang Yanzhou had sent people away because he didn't want anyone to know why he had entered the pharmacy.

Thus, demonstrating the magnanimity of a Crown Prince, he showed trust by not questioning. He didn't ask what Jiang Yanzhou had gone to do, only inquired: "At the Shuntian Prefecture office, you seemed to be deliberately provoking the Wuzi people?"

Jiang Yanzhou nodded and said, "It was only after seeing the Wuzi people today that I came up with the idea on the spot. Now that the Northern Barbarians are rising, they are destined to go to war with Daqi in the future. So before that, we must first stabilize the northwestern frontier; otherwise, we’ll be surrounded by enemies."

Xiao Yunlang's face immediately grew solemn.

His tone grew grave.

"These years have seen good harvests and favorable conditions, allowing the Northern Barbarian tribes to recuperate. The White Wolf Tribe has produced several able chieftains in succession. Through marriage alliances and military force, four of the eight major tribes on the grasslands have now allied with the White Wolf Tribe, even recognizing its supremacy."

"Listening to these developments, I feel as if I can already see the near future, where the grasslands might produce a Great Khan who unifies all the tribes."

Xiao Yunlang revealed a faint, cold, and weary smile of irony: "Yet many officials in our Daqi are still stuck in the past, complacent as the Celestial Empire, thinking mere barbarians are not worth worrying about."

With wolves and tigers at every border, there are still those who only seek pleasure, indulging in their pipe dreams.

Jiang Yanzhou fell silent.

The rise of the Northern Barbarians was a confluence of right timing, advantageous geography, and human effort—an inevitable trend. During the late emperor’s reign, it might still have been possible to curb it, but now, it can no longer be stopped.

This is the wheel of history.

The White Wolf Tribe would indeed unify the grasslands, establish a dynasty, and, during Xiao Yunlang’s reign, march south to wage war against the Qi Dynasty.

Their new king, Tieguluo, was valiant and adept in warfare, possessing considerable military talent.

However, he clashed with Xiao Yunlang three times and lost all three battles to him.

Tieguluo was formidable, but Xiao Yunlang was even more so.

In the final battle, Tieguluo fell in battle, the grassland alliance collapsed, and the tribes returned to their scattered state, awaiting the next historical turning point that belonged to them.

At present, Tieguluo should be just a prince, like Xiao Yunlang.

But even if he were killed in advance, another would emerge. Since the great trend belonging to them cannot be stopped, it’s better to prepare early for the inevitable war.

Mentioning the frontier stirred up pent-up frustration in Xiao Yunlang’s heart. He clenched his fist, then released it, remaining silent for a long while before slowly exhaling.

He looked at Jiang Yanzhou, not hiding the admiration in his eyes: "I didn’t know you also understood the world’s situation."

"Just a rudimentary understanding."

Jiang Yanzhou did not attribute the wisdom of predecessors to himself and continued: "Seeing Wuzi today, I was thinking perhaps we could cause them some trouble?"

Wuzi had provoked him at just the right time.

Originally, breaking Jiang Linque’s scheme was simple for Jiang Yanzhou. Since he knew in advance that he would be poisoned, the easiest solution was to plead illness and skip the Lantern Festival banquet.

But Wuzi’s arrival made Jiang Yanzhou realize he had another choice.

Compared to causing trouble for the Jiang family, his poisoning could be used for a larger, more meaningful purpose—involving the frontier and warfare.

However, this time Jiang Yanzhou did not take direct charge as he had with the Prince of Jin. Even when deliberately provoking Wuli, he left ample room.

He merely left everyone with a basic impression of having a conflict with the Wuzi people.

Then he obediently waited at home for Xiao Yunlang to discuss it with him.

Xiao Yunlang: "I was planning to cause them some trouble around August or September, when their border trade is most frequent. But exactly how to proceed still needs deliberation."

Jiang Yanzhou glanced up at him, then quickly lowered his gaze, concealing a flicker in his eyes. He said softly, "Now they’ve taken the initiative to cause trouble—it’s an opportunity. Aren’t they also attending the Lantern Festival banquet?"

"What if Wuzi plots against the imperial family then—like poisoning the Crown Princess or something…"

The Western Regions are known for their cunning methods; using poison would be normal.

All expression vanished from Xiao Yunlang’s face, followed by thoughtful contemplation.

When the Crown Prince frowned, it was different from the Emperor. Emperor Yonghe wore a sorrowful look, while Xiao Yunlang appeared more profound and imposing. The slightest shift in his eyes carried an awe-inspiring authority.

Even if they wanted to scheme against Wuzi, they needed a reason that sounded plausible on the surface. Otherwise, what would the envoys from other countries think?

The Wuzi envoy would need the courage of a bear and the heart of a leopard to dare plot against the imperial family openly at the Lantern Festival banquet.

But now Wuli had barged right in, providing a sufficient reason—personal enmity.

Everyone had seen Wuli’s arrogance and domineering attitude. If he couldn’t bear the humiliation and sought revenge against Jiang Yanzhou, it would seem perfectly reasonable.

So that’s why Jiang Yanzhou deliberately cursed him today.

Xiao Yunlang’s mind raced, beginning to refine Jiang Yanzhou’s plan: "But he still wouldn’t dare to administer a lethal poison in front of everyone."

"Then we find a drug from the Western Regions that only makes the victim suffer for a while afterward," Jiang Yanzhou followed Xiao Yunlang's train of thought. "He thinks he can slip through the cracks, but he never expected my health to be so frail that I'd show symptoms immediately after drinking it."

With just a few words, the two of them had the entire scenario, from motive to method, neatly framed for Wuli.

But Wuli himself was still squabbling with his own people, completely unaware that a massive black pot was about to land squarely on his head.

Previously, Xiao Yunlang's most trusted advisor had been Liu Hexuan. He never expected that now, with Jiang Yanzhou, they could also be so perfectly in sync.

Once Wuli's poisoning plot was confirmed, the entire Wuzi envoy would be in for a world of hurt, including the Wuzi Crown Prince.

At that point, they could detain them under the pretext of investigation, send a letter to the King of Wuzi, demanding that Wuzi pay the price for attempting to harm the royal family.

For example, they could demand that if the Qi Dynasty's troops pursue mounted bandits to their border in the future, Wuzi must not take them in without permission and must hand them over.

If they dare refuse or agree but later renege, then next time the Qi Dynasty's army will march straight in and wipe out both Wuzi and the bandits in one go.

After all, it was Wuzi who poisoned someone in the capital first; they have just cause.

Moreover, if the King of Wuzi absolutely refuses to agree, the Qi Dynasty can also use the opportunity to sow discord between him and the Wuzi Crown Prince.

Judging by Wuli's audacity in provoking the Crown Prince, Wuzi's internal politics are certainly not a monolith.

The Western Region states have been tolerating mounted bandits trampling the Qi Dynasty's borders. The Great Qi is in need of a chicken to kill to warn the monkeys.

Wuzi is now that chicken.

Xiao Yunlang and Jiang Yanzhou exchanged a glance, a perfect understanding passing between them without words.

Xiao Yunlang rested his fingers on the table, tapping lightly. "That kind of drug shouldn't be hard to find. But feigning illness... can you do it?"

Jiang Yanzhou could bring the drug in himself. When the Wuzi envoy came over to offer a toast, he could put it in his own cup and then pretend to feel unwell.

That way, an examination of the cup afterward would also reveal traces.

Jiang Yanzhou nodded. "Long illness makes one an expert. I can manage."

In reality, Bujianyue would act up by then; he would be in real pain, no need to pretend.

The imperial physician from the Crown Prince's residence hadn't detected his Bujianyue poisoning. Jiang Linque dared to plot against him at the Lantern Festival banquet, indicating he believed even the palace physicians wouldn't detect it.

So, as long as Jiang Yanzhou could endure it, Xiao Yunlang wouldn't know he was truly poisoned.

Jiang Yanzhou had it all figured out: before next month, he would deal with the Jiang family himself to get the antidote, without causing trouble for anyone else.

Jiang Yanzhou: "We must have a trustworthy imperial physician, and only he can perform the examination."

Xiao Yunlang calculated the time; the Young Miracle Doctor should be returning soon. "That's not difficult to arrange."

The Young Miracle Doctor was the disciple of the former head of the Imperial Hospital. He didn't serve in the court. In his early years, he saved Emperor Yonghe's life and had since earned the emperor's deep trust.

He traveled far and wide, but every time he returned to the capital, Emperor Yonghe would summon him. He was due back soon and would certainly be granted a special seat at the Lantern Festival banquet.

Jiang Yanzhou thought Xiao Yunlang was referring to a palace physician and nodded. "Good."

Jiang Yanzhou relaxed. Well, now that the major matters were settled, he finally had time to think about his own minor issue: how to make the Jiang family hand over the complete antidote in one go?

Forget it, he'd deal with that after the Lantern Festival banquet.

When Jiang Yanzhou ranked his concerns, it seemed everything could come before himself.

Xiao Yunlang looked at Jiang Yanzhou's relaxed expression and kept some thoughts to himself.

For instance, he hadn't cared what Jiang Yanzhou was doing at the pharmacy earlier. But connecting it to how quickly Jiang Yanzhou came up with the "poisoning" plan seemed a bit too coincidental.

Why did Jiang Yanzhou head straight to a pharmacy as soon as he left the Jiang residence?

Did the Jiang family do something to him related to medicine?

Had the Jiang family truly treated him poorly all along?

But if he asked now, given their current relationship, it would sound like the suspicion and interrogation of a superior.

So, these questions were not suitable for Xiao Yunlang to raise at this moment.

Although Xiao Yunlang was often stern-faced, he was genuinely tolerant towards his own people. A ruler should have magnanimity.

Fortunately, they had time.

He and Liu Hexuan had managed to become both ruler and subject and half-friends. Perhaps one day, Jiang Yanzhou would also be willing to talk about his own affairs.

Regardless of whether his past was good or not, the Crown Prince's residence would treat him doubly well.

Xiao Yunlang picked up his teacup and took a sip.

Yunwu Baiya Tea. He wondered how much was left at Yanguixuan. It seemed he should go to the emperor and snag a bit more for Jiang Yanzhou.