Lu Fang, naturally privy to affairs in the capital, chuckled and said, "Your Majesty, Zhu Mo is also quite the character. For the past few days, he's been doing nothing but acquiring iron pots – rumor has it seven or eight thousand of them, though for what purpose remains a mystery. They've all been transported to the granaries outside the city… And after collecting the iron pots, he moved into Wang Gong Factory, spending his days tinkering with contraptions alongside the artisans…"
"Oh?"
Jiajing was taken aback, a flicker of understanding dawning upon him. While others might not know of the Tatar's iron shortage, Jiajing was acutely aware of it –
It seemed this was indeed related to the Tatars. Was he preparing a welcome gift for Altan Khan?
Could it be?
Did he intend to negotiate peace?
Perhaps Liang Menglong and Li Wenjin had reported an urgent situation, and he, worried about neglecting disaster relief and border defense, was preparing to negotiate with Altan Khan?
But what was he doing at the Firearm Bureau? Was he planning to gift some firearms as well? Or perhaps he was trying to concoct some new invention, but would there be enough time…?
After experiencing his capabilities for the past half-year, both were somewhat familiar with Zhu Mo's prowess. Despite their current suspicions, they no longer rushed to premature conclusions as they once did…
A single thought lingered in both their minds: What if this young man devised something extraordinary again? Wouldn't that put them in a difficult position?
After a long period of silent contemplation, Lu Fang observed Jiajing pacing back and forth in the courtyard and suddenly remarked, "He's been busy these past few days. Otherwise, we could have paid a visit to his residence for a chat…"
Jiajing had also considered this point, and a wave of annoyance washed over him –
This young man, he kept everything hidden from everyone… He was appointed the court's disaster relief envoy, then promoted to Grand Scholar of the Left Spring Palace, yet he remained the same! He kept everyone in the dark…
XuanDa, what kind of place is that? The Nine Garrisons, how critical is that matter? And you, young man, intend to bear it all alone? What if you can't handle it? Can't others help you? Are you truly that capable…?
Hmph!
Next time, I'll grant him a formal position, making sure he reports every major and minor affair…
While he was sulking and pondering,
A eunuch suddenly reported –
The Prince of Yu had arrived.
Both were puzzled –
The Prince of Yu had been visiting quite frequently recently…
…
Ever since his wife had whispered in his ear, the Prince of Yu had visited the Yuxi Palace more often than in the previous few years.
This time,
He brought with him a scroll of ancient scripture –
The "Hua Shu" handwritten by the Taoist Zhou Dian, a treasured immortal text sought after by cultivators.
Years ago,
Grand Ancestor himself bestowed upon Zhou Dian the title "Dian Xian" (Mad Immortal). He had accompanied Grand Ancestor for decades, only to disappear one night, rumored to have ascended. All that remained was this "Hua Shu." This book, however, was secretly handed over to Feng Bao by Yan Shifan's household retainer…
Before entering the palace, Madam Li had confidently declared that His Majesty would be satisfied this time. She had also instructed him to request to be sent to XuanDa for disaster relief once His Majesty expressed his approval. After all, Zhu Mo had been lingering in the capital these past few days and hadn't even departed! If he didn't seize this opportunity, when would he?
Madam Li had also advised him to strike at Zhu Mo whenever possible, to completely undermine his standing before His Majesty. Even if it meant colluding with the Yan family, they had to eliminate Zhu Mo first…
The Prince of Yu agreed wholeheartedly with these words.
At this moment,
As he stepped into the Yuxi Palace,
He deliberated, feeling confident that this visit would yield results, his steps unconsciously becoming lighter, no longer as timid as before…
Jiajing and Lu Fang, in accordance with etiquette, could not be casual with the Prince. Furthermore, Jiajing, unwilling to let others pry into his thoughts, habitually played the role of an impassive idol, and thus returned to the Bagua platform to be seated.
Lu Fang led the Prince of Yu in, smiling and saying, "Your Majesty, the Prince of Yu is here…"
Turning back, Lu Fang smiled at the Prince of Yu again, "Your Highness, what treasures have you brought to present to His Majesty this time?"
The Prince of Yu nodded and said loudly, "Reporting to Father Emperor, your son has recently obtained an immortal scripture from the immortal Zhou Dian, and has specially brought it to present to Father Emperor. This book will surely assist Father Emperor in his future ascension…"
"Oh…? Zhou Dian?"
This time, Jiajing was genuinely moved and immediately opened his eyes.
But as his eyes opened, seeing the Prince of Yu's smiling countenance, his heart suddenly sank –
What time is it? And he can still smile?
Do you truly believe the ironclad empire I leave behind will never fall?
Look at your brother, what is he doing? And what are you doing?
With these thoughts,
His heart suddenly ached –
Mo'er truly takes after me, always bearing everything alone… When I was fourteen, I stood alone against Yang Tinghe and his two to three hundred men. Mo'er, at eighteen, is bearing the heavy responsibility of the Nine Garrisons alone, and also battling the Yan family… Why are our father and son so fated to suffer? Hou'er is different; his fate is good…
With this thought, his interest in Zhou Dian's immortal scripture waned considerably, and his fervent emotions cooled instantly…
He had cultivated for his entire life and had long realized that the path of cultivation was different for everyone. Moreover, ascension was ultimately a legend. Cultivation was merely about averting misfortune, prolonging life, and achieving longevity. Why deceive oneself…?
He merely smiled faintly and said, "Is it the Hua Shu? That is indeed a rare item… You have a thoughtful heart…"
Upon hearing this, and seeing the smiling face, the Prince of Yu immediately recalled his wife's words and decided resolutely:
"Father Emperor, your son knows he is not of the immortal constitution, but only wishes to be a benevolent ruler of the people… Currently, the disaster in XuanDa is severe. Your son requests to be dispatched to XuanDa for disaster relief. May Father Emperor grant this petition?"
Lu Fang was immediately stunned –
Huh?
Why has this Prince of Yu changed as well?
His words were becoming somewhat difficult to understand?
What did he truly want?
After all,
How well did Lu Fang understand the Prince of Yu? How could he possibly endure the hardships of wind, frost, rain, and snow?
This sudden request for disaster relief was likely a case of the hunter hiding the falcon, wasn't it?
Considering this,
Lu Fang feigned surprise and said, "Isn't Zhu Mo, Master Zhu, and Liang Menglong already handling disaster relief in XuanDa? Has something gone wrong again?"
The Prince of Yu secretly rejoiced and calmly replied, "Reporting to Father Emperor, your son has heard that the disaster relief envoy Zhu Mo has not yet departed the capital, and Liang Menglong, as the deputy envoy, has also been staying in the capital these past few days… Disaster relief cannot be delayed… Alas, your son worries about the displaced people enduring hunger and cold, and has come to request the imperial decree…"
Jiajing was initially perplexed as to why the Prince of Yu suddenly wished to go for disaster relief. Upon hearing this, he understood completely –
He was trying to find fault with Zhu Mo!
It seemed he was not entirely foolish, and had overheard something…
However, this method was truly despicable and shameful… But by rights, Hou'er wasn't this kind of person? Why had he suddenly started to lodge complaints?
Could it be Madam Li? It must be that wicked woman…
At this moment, he secretly glanced sideways and saw a faint, cunning smile on the Prince of Yu's lips. A nameless rage suddenly surged within him –
Hmph!
Do you think Zhu Mo is idling in the capital? Do you think the matter of disaster relief in XuanDa is that simple? Is it just about distributing grain? Putting on a show?
What about Altan Khan? Wouldn't he exploit the disaster to cause trouble? This is simply naive and ridiculous! And you're here lodging complaints?
Why is it so difficult for those who do things? Always being stabbed in the back by others? With such a character, would I dare entrust the throne to you? If I truly handed it over to you, what would happen to Mo'er? He would most likely fall victim to your wife's poisonous schemes…
With the Prince of Yu lodging this false accusation,
Lu Fang was also greatly alarmed, muttering to himself –
This is bad!
It's all over…
After twenty years of trembling caution, how could they falter at this juncture…