Chapter 80

Chapter 80

In the court hall, as Ying Fusheng's voice fell, all the court officials immediately turned to look at him. Minister of Revenue Meng Jinyuan's expression darkened slightly, his eyes held a hint of scrutiny when he looked at Ying Fusheng.

In court, Xiao Yan kept silent, while a flash of surprise crossed Hu Buyu's eyes. The Minister of Revenue thought about the Eldest Prince... The old foxes were now looking at the Sixth Prince differently.

Qi Hanzhou stood calmly, but as everyone's expressions shifted, he noticed several subtle shifts in the court.

He looked at Meng Jinyuan, who quickly regained his usual composure.

The officials whispered among themselves that the Sixth Prince had made a habit of poaching people from the Six Ministries. Now, his scheme to get the Ministry of Works to run water conservancy projects had even set its sights on the local princes and marquises. This, this, this... They could only look up at the Emperor on his throne. From the moment Ying Fusheng spoke those words, the Emperor's gaze had been fixed on him, his gaze held a new type of scrutiny. As the officials' murmuring was about to get out of hand, the Emperor laughed and said, "You've got some nerve, asking the princes to do work for the Ministry of Works."

Ying Fusheng stood firm. "That's not audacity; this is for Your Majesty and the people of the empire. The court is preparing the Grand Sacrifice to pray for good weather and peace across the land. I believe if the treasury is full, the regions have manpower, and Your Majesty announces it to the realm, the princes will definitely comply."

Qi Hanzhou looked at the young man standing calmly amid the officials. He stood tall, his words sincere and blunt. Yet every word was a calculated move. From the moment he floated the water conservancy idea and got the Emperor's nod, he had already seized control of the whole situation. This seemed like a court situation that needed delicate handling, but in reality, from the moment he spoke... everyone could only follow his plan step by step.

Ying Fusheng's strategy was an open play. The mastermind behind the scenes used rumors about the Grand Sacrifice to stir up suspicion between the Emperor and the regional princes. The Prince of Qin feigning illness confirmed it; by making the first move, he convinced the other princes that their original suspicions were true. Thus, the Emperor believed the princes harbored ulterior motives, while the princes thought the Emperor intended to seize their military power—a conflict on the verge of exploding.

The most crucial part of this plan was that it was laid out openly for all to see, including the princes. Building water conservancy for the country and the people was a great project that everyone would applaud. Once the Emperor proclaimed it to the world, it would be known to everyone. This strategy let the princes know the court wouldn't strip them of their armies; instead, it would provide them with grain and pay, allowing them to lead their troops in building water conservancy for the people. This was a win-win for all the princes.

A ruler's word is made known to all under heaven.

With all the people of the realm watching, the Emperor could not arbitrarily revoke the princes' military power; that would stir up public discontent and give people something to criticize.

But if they defied the order and ignored the people's welfare, the people would resent them, and then the court would have every reason to take drastic action.

Moreover, Ying Fusheng's strategy was presented to the Emperor himself.

The Emperor had been quietly looking into the western Shu and southern regions to find out who might rebel. Now, through the water conservancy project benefiting the people, he could openly send people to those areas. Furthermore, Ying Fusheng proposed mobilizing the stationed troops—the military pay case always raised the fear that princes were secretly keeping private armies for rebellion. Now, with a single project, the Emperor could investigate the regions and gain prestige—a two-for-one deal. There was no way the Emperor would disagree.

The silence in the court was broken shortly after Ying Fusheng finished speaking.

From the throne, the Emperor's scrutinizing look suddenly receded. He laughed heartily. "Well spoken—for the country and the people."

"Does anyone have objections?"

None of the officials dared to step forward. With the Grand Sacrifice imminent, the Emperor's prestige was paramount.

The Sixth Prince's proposal seemed unrelated to the Grand Sacrifice, yet it tied into the Emperor's reputation at every turn. Not only did it benefit the Grand Sacrifice, but it also won over the people's admiration and served as a warning to the regional princes... How could anyone raise objections?

The Second Prince lowered his head slightly, hiding his inscrutable expression. When he looked up again, his face was impassive. Yet, when no one was watching, a flicker of ruthlessness passed through his eyes.

The civil and military officials looked at the Sixth Prince, who had dared to offer advice. The prince's blunt manner hadn't changed—daring to propose such a thing at this moment, he truly did not fear the Emperor's wrath. But such arguments, which benefited the people and the administration, were something these court officials had not failed to notice... Who had taught the Sixth Prince to counsel in this manner, and what was his real motive for coming to court?

"I second the Sixth Prince's proposal," Hu Buyu spoke up.

Seeing Hu Buyu step forward, the Minister of Revenue quickly added, "Your Majesty, I also second the motion."

Qi Hanzhou looked at Meng Jinyuan, who neither agreed nor objected.

Both the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue had expressed their stance, and the remaining officials followed suit. Countless eyes fell upon Ying Fusheng, some scrutinizing, some admiring, some puzzled. In the face of this probing, Ying Fusheng remained calm and composed, bowing his head as he waited for the Emperor's final decision.

"Where is the Ministry of Rites?" the Emperor asked.

The Minister of Rites quickly stepped forward. "Your servant is here."

"Since there are no objections," the Emperor surveyed the officials, his voice lowering slightly. "The Ministry of Rites shall draft the proclamation. Follow what the Sixth Prince has said. Within three days, make it known to the world."

A chorus of "Long live the Emperor" resounded through the court.

Ying Fusheng thought to himself, "It worked."

As the court session ended, a group of officials hurried out. The matter of proclaiming the great water conservancy project to the world, though led by the Ministry of Works, involved far more than a single department. Now, all Six Ministries were indebted to the Sixth Prince. By framing the strategy as a joint effort of the Six Ministries, he had ensured they had to see it through.

The Eldest Prince said cheerfully, "Sixth Brother, next time you have such a matter, you should discuss it with me more."

Ying Fusheng knew he was referring to the credit given to the Six Ministries, especially involving the Third Prince. "Alright, then next time I'll talk it over with Minister Liu."

Minister Liu happened to be passing by.

He looked at the Sixth Prince with a mixture of fondness and frustration. Yes, but is that what you meant!

Several officials came over to greet him. Ying Fusheng played dumb and muddled through, glancing sideways at the departing Meng Jinyuan. Suddenly, his gaze met Qi Hanzhou's in the crowd. The Deputy Chief of the Imperial Guard, also the Junior General of the Qi family, Qi Hanzhou stood there, with no one daring to approach him for casual conversation. He simply stood still, looking in his direction.

Their eyes met, and both acted as if they didn't know each other.

Then, Qi Hanzhou averted his gaze.

Ying Fusheng paused slightly. What's wrong with him again?

Just then, footsteps sounded beside him.

Someone approached and suddenly spoke. "Sixth Brother, this strategy of yours is indeed a great national policy."

Ying Fusheng came back to his senses and saw the Second Prince.

The Second Prince had arrived with the Third Prince. His face wore its usual gentle expression, as if what had happened in the court had nothing to do with him and could not affect him in the slightest. Ying Fusheng, noticing from the corner of his eye that Qi Hanzhou had followed Meng Jinyuan, said, "I owe much to the help of my two elder brothers."

The Second Prince replied, "Not at all. How could we have helped you?"

He then asked meaningfully, "Isn't that right, Third Brother?"

The Third Prince had only come along out of convenience. Faced with the Second Prince's question, he nodded slightly in agreement. But at the end of his gesture, he suddenly asked, "Water conservancy—when will you begin?"

Ying Fusheng was startled. He rarely dealt with this Third Prince. Hearing the question, he replied, "After the Grand Sacrifice."

The Third Prince gave a slight nod and turned to leave.

The Eldest Prince cursed under his breath about the Third Prince's bad temper, the Second Prince's genial smile dimmed a bit. Just then, a eunuch in purple robes hurried over—it was Eunuch Rong. "Sixth Prince, His Majesty requests your presence."

Ying Fusheng paused and had to take his leave from his two elder brothers.

The Eldest Prince frowned. "What does Father want him for?"

The Second Prince watched the two figures walk away, his eyes dark and unfathomable. He suddenly said, "It's probably about the water conservancy project. Sixth Brother is a man of action. Ever since he entered the court, he's nearly stolen the limelight from Third Brother."

The Eldest Prince's expression turned cold. He had never gotten along with this Second Brother, even when the former crown prince's faction was still active. Hearing these words now, they grated on his ears. He tossed out a curt "Is that right?" and waved his hand as he walked away.

"Second Prince," an official approached quietly. "What should we do?"

The Second Prince's composed mask slipped a little, his eyes turning increasingly sinister. "For the nation and the people, indeed..." His eyes turned cold. "The Emperor's attitude toward him is odd. Investigate him. There must be someone behind the scenes helping him."

It was more than just odd. With his hidden schemes, the Emperor should have grown suspicious.

But now, Ying Fusheng's strategy hit the Emperor's heart, so there must be someone behind the scenes helping him.

They didn't have many pawns left to play in court. They had to find out who was behind Ying Fusheng as soon as possible.

The official's heart trembled. "Understood."

Around the palace corridor, the officials gradually dispersed. Ye Xuanjiu stood guard in the shadows of the corridor, watching the Second Prince board his carriage and leave. He turned to look at Qi Hanzhou, who stood beside him. Qi Hanzhou’s fingers rested on his sword scabbard. Seeing that the Second Prince’s departing direction was opposite to Meng Jinyuan’s, he shifted his gaze toward the depths of the palace walls—the Qianqing Palace.

...

This was the first time Ying Fusheng had come to the Qianqing Palace since leaving the palace.

The Qianqing Palace was as usual. When he arrived, the Emperor was in the outer hall.

On the desk were numerous urgent reports. Just by glancing at the seals, he knew they had been delivered by fast horse from local post stations. The Emperor had long known about the matter of the Prince of Qin.

The attending palace servants withdrew one after another. The Emperor finished reviewing the memorial in his hand before looking at Ying Fusheng. "Your proposal at court today was something you had prepared in advance."

"On the surface, you raised the topic of water conservancy, but in truth, you were hinting at the princes and marquises... You see clearly."

Ying Fusheng's expression tightened. He knew that with the Emperor's keen insight, his excuse of having burned his brain would not fool him. At court, the Emperor had said little, but every time he spoke, he steered the matter in a specific direction. From the moment Ying Fusheng laid out this overt strategy, the Emperor had already decided to adopt it. Everything afterward was all just probing.

If the Emperor wanted to investigate the mastermind behind this, no one else could propose this strategy—only he, Ying Fusheng, could.

Since he had spoken, some things were inevitably bound to be exposed.

"I was unaware of the Prince of Qin’s matter," Ying Fusheng said, calming his mind for a moment before choosing his words carefully. "But now, dissenting voices are rising among the people. If the Prince of Qin does not come, it will harm Your Majesty’s reputation. Dayuan belongs to the Ying family, and it is also Your Majesty’s Dayuan. Only when the sovereign’s authority is unified and established can the nation be peaceful and the people prosperous. Your son presented this strategy with ideas from Minister Liu, Vice Minister Shen, and the Imperial Academy. This strategy is not the merit of your son alone."

"So you have passed the credit and goodwill to the Six Ministries?" The Emperor’s gaze held a hint of probing. "Such a great achievement, aligned with popular support—this is exactly the kind of major merit your eldest brother has always wanted. If you do not take credit for it today, with a little maneuvering, it will fall into his hands."

"I do not wish for that. With my frail health, my capabilities are limited." Ying Fusheng understood what the Emperor was asking. In the imperial family, there was no father-son affection; they were first sovereign and subject, then father and son. He replied meticulously, "It does not matter who takes credit for the merit. If the eldest brother should take it and act accordingly, that would be Dayuan’s blessing."

Having said that, his throat itched slightly, and he could not help but cough.

The Emperor waved his hand and ordered someone to pour tea. "The warming tea prepared by Imperial Physician Chu is good for your health."

"Thank you, Father." Ying Fusheng bowed in thanks.

After that, the hall fell silent.

A bowl of warming tea was finished. Ying Fusheng did not stay long. After drinking the tea, he asked to take his leave and go to the Cining Palace.

The Emperor gave him one more glance before waving his hand to let him go.

The man left the hall.

The Emperor shifted his gaze. Ying Fusheng had been ill for a long time, and his body was weaker than his other brothers. Unlike his brothers, who immediately formed cliques and fought for the throne once given power, since entering the court, Ying Fusheng had only been close to one official—Shen Changcun. He rarely even visited the Xiao family’s side. He had not sought to win over courtiers.

He understood balancing power, knew how to navigate, and did not form factions.

If not for the baby-switching incident back then, this child would have been the crown prince he intended to establish.

A few years ago, that child only knew how to blindly plead for Consort Ning. Now, he had quietly grown into this kind of person. The stubborn old-fashioned great scholars of the Imperial Academy, filled with their notions of advocating on behalf of the people, had all been absorbed by this child.

By accident or by mistake, he had turned out this way—both good and bad.

Eunuch Rong said, "The Sixth Prince is so considerate of Your Majesty. His loyalty is to Dayuan."

"The surveillance on the Sixth Prince's residence can be withdrawn." The Emperor looked at the miscellaneous scrolls on his desk. "As for the rest..."

"I am still here. My sons want to ascend, the princes and marquises want to seize power, and the remnants of the former dynasty are watching covetously."

The Emperor finished reading a secret report from the local regions. When he looked up, his eyes were cold. "Not causing trouble at court, but using the Grand Sacrifice to stir up the princes and marquises—these troublemakers hiding in the local regions truly never give up their evil schemes."

...

As he approached the Cining Palace, birds were chirping.

Ying Fusheng slowed his steps, looking at this place he had not visited in a long time.

The palace servants noticed him, "Quickly report to Her Majesty—the prince has arrived!"

In the courtyard of the Cining Palace, a bird stand was set up. The Dowager Empress was feeding the birds. Hearing the servant’s announcement, she looked up and saw Ying Fusheng. She waved for the servants to put things aside and smiled, "It’s rare for you to come to the palace after moving into your own princely residence. Why don’t you stay a little longer with your father?"

Xiaoqing seemed to spot him. With a swift dash, it pounced into his arms.

Ying Fusheng held it and stuffed some food into its mouth.

The Dowager Empress looked at the tall young man. She said softly, "Your father summoned you. You should have stayed longer."

Ying Fusheng caught the hidden meaning in the Dowager Empress’s words. He smiled—

"Since I have a rare free moment, let me join you for lunch." After all, chaos was about to erupt.