Chapter 92
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Although the big boss warned Han Jiao not to trust Senior Minister Li, Han Jiao couldn’t help but ponder the hidden meaning in the sly old fox’s words.
Thinking it over, there was only one possibility: Senior Minister Li might have already guessed the Emperor’s intentions – that Prince Duan’s faction was merely a pawn used by the Emperor to suppress Prince Yan.
The Emperor at times favored Prince Duan’s faction and at other times supported Prince Yan’s faction, all in order to keep Prince Duan’s faction closely monitoring Prince Yan, gradually undermining Prince Yan’s influence within the court.
Over the past few months, Han Jiao’s observations of the court’s dynamics made him increasingly aware of the Emperor’s tactics.
Despite the Emperor’s regular support for Senior Minister Li’s faction in official matters, he frequently praised Prince Yan for some of his upright actions.
For example, in the incident of the mass killing of refugees, almost all the members of Prince Yan’s faction who were working in the Censorate were implicated and taken down by Prince Yan himself.
The Emperor lavishly commended Prince Yan for his act of “self-sacrifice for the greater good,” and this commendation became common knowledge among the court officials. While it appeared to be the Emperor’s favor towards Prince Yan, in reality, it was a huge pit that the Emperor dug for him – Prince Yan not only failed to protect his subordinates but also exposed them when trouble arose.
Once the trust wavered, even if Senior Minister Xu did his best to protect his interests, Prince Yan’s faction was no longer a united force. There might be individuals within it who had secretly switched allegiances to work as spies for Senior Minister Li.
Han Jiao could deduce this much. It was evident that Senior Minister Li, being the cunning strategist he was, saw through this situation very clearly and understood the Emperor’s crafty intentions in paving the way for himself.
Yet, this old fox advised Han Jiao, “Before the Crown Prince is established, you must not instigate an alliance between Prince Yan and Prince Duan.”
On the surface, this statement appeared to be a warning, clearly meant to intimidate Han Jiao, suggesting that Prince Duan might give up the fight for the throne.
However, when observing the calm and composed aura of the cunning old fox, it didn’t seem like he would make such baseless threats in a panic.
So, Han Jiao believed that there was only one possibility: Senior Minister Li had likely figured out that the Emperor had no intention of making Prince Yan or Prince Duan the Crown Prince. Instead, the Emperor aimed to crown Prince Ling as the heir.
Once this became clear, it was apparent that Prince Duan was merely a barrier in front of Prince Yan, a smokescreen that could gradually weaken Prince Yan in a prolonged standoff.
Even if this political maneuver failed, outsiders wouldn’t see any signs of conflict. It would, however, isolate Prince Yan within the court, preventing significant turmoil during the selection of the heir.
After dismantling the traditional power of Prince Yan, the Emperor could easily name Xie Duo as the Crown Prince. It would face less resistance because Prince Duan was essentially a puppet. Senior Minister Li could switch allegiance more smoothly. Besides, it was common knowledge that Prince Duan had some “mental issues,” providing a legitimate excuse to skip him as the second heir, leaving only the Emperor’s youngest son.
Yet, once the barrier of Prince Duan was gone, or if the two factions joined forces, Prince Yan would face the Emperor himself as the adversary, and it would likely result in a bloody confrontation.
In the past two months, Han Jiao had actually figured out the Emperor’s conspiracy, but he decided to resolve the misunderstanding between Xie Xiu and Xie Guang.
Because Han Jiao believed that the rivalry between Prince Duan’s faction and Prince Yan’s faction wouldn’t change due to Xie Xiu’s wishes.
In other words, even if the two brothers reconciled and got along again, Prince Yan wouldn’t pressure Xie Xiu to go against Senior Minister Li’s intentions and give up the claim to the throne. Ultimately, the outcome would be determined by the Emperor himself.
Although this might not change the political landscape, for Han Jiao, it held profound significance. Reuniting Prince Yan and Prince Duan would ensure that the big boss wouldn’t suspect Prince Yan of resorting to fratricide for the throne.
Thinking about this, Han Jiao felt that Senior Minister Li was exaggerating the risks.
Furthermore, Han Jiao was well aware that the continued struggle would result in Xie Xiu’s death, Xie Duo’s corruption, and ultimately, suicide.
Regardless, there couldn’t be a more dreadful outcome than that. Han Jiao had to stick to his plan.
A day later, the imperial decree was indeed issued, and Prince Yan set out to lead the army to Luozhou.
The three major army divisions had already gathered outside the city, with local and nearby garrisons moving to camp near Luozhou.
The next day, the Emperor personally led a military parade outside the city. All the princes and civil and military officials joined the ceremony to prepare for the campaign.
From dawn until late afternoon, Han Jiao felt like his legs no longer belonged to him. Around him, elderly officials fainted one after another.
Just as Han Jiao was contemplating whether to feign unconsciousness, the ceremony finally concluded, and the officials orderly withdrew following the imperial carriage.
As they were about to enter the city, a young eunuch slipped into the crowd, found Han Jiao, and said that the Prince had requested his presence.
So, Han Jiao, dragging his legs like they were artificial, followed the young eunuch to the military camp outside the city.
In a bustling tent, Han Jiao spotted Prince Yan and his two brothers engaged in cheerful conversation.
Prince Yan was the first to notice Han Jiao. Amidst the soldiers singing military songs, he called out a few times, but Han Jiao couldn’t hear him. Xie An, who was by Prince Yan’s side, turned to look, quickly ran over to Han Jiao, and invited him to join the farewell ceremony for the Sixth Prince.
Han Jiao jogged over, bowed to Prince Yan and the Third Prince, but his voice got drowned out by the commotion.
Prince Yan held Han Jiao’s arm, gesturing for him to forgo formalities, and tried to say a few words. However, it was too noisy, so he motioned for Han Jiao to follow him to a nearby tent for a quieter conversation.
Prince Yan ducked into the tent, holding up the flap to allow Han Jiao inside.
The thick military tent did an effective job of muffling the outside clamor. As soon as the flap was lowered, it shut out the noise.
Upon entering, Han Jiao noticed Xie Duo and Xie Jing sitting on both ends of a low table, casually munching on peanuts and chatting.
“Hey, the scholar’s here too?” Xie Jing cheerfully greeted, “Come, have a seat. You must be hungry after standing all morning, right? Would you like some flatbread? We’ve just brewed a pot of tea.”
Xie Duo maintained a cold expression, his gaze lowered. With a swift move of his left hand, he pulled the only remaining cushion closer to himself, preventing the Hanlin Expositor-in-waiting from sitting beside Old Eighth.
Prince Yan, however, didn’t motion for Han Jiao to sit. He sent Old Eighth away, “You have your meal. I need to talk to Master without interruptions.”
Han Jiao had plenty to discuss with Prince Yan as well, so he turned with a worried look towards him.
Prince Yan whispered, “It all happened suddenly. Do you blame me for being impulsive?”
Han Jiao furrowed his brow and replied, “Your Highness is indeed impatient.”
Prince Yan also furrowed his brow.”The Chieftain of Luozhou has become increasingly unruly, swallowing up over ten small tribal regions in the Sichuan-Guizhou region in just a few years. They’ve infringed on innocent civilians, stirring up anger. Father Emperor is furious, but the distance is a hindrance to his personal expedition. Now, it’s like the arrow is already on the bowstring, and there’s no room for hesitation or retreat.”
“Is this your own decision?”
Prince Yan understood his meaning and nodded. “I didn’t even consult Senior Minister Xu. I went directly to request an audience with Father Emperor.”
“And what about the Senior Minister? Did he agree?”
“He concurred as well.”
Han Jiao breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed like the preparations for the upcoming battle were quite solid.
“Your Highness, as you set foot on the battlefield for the first time,” Han Jiao cautioned earnestly, “do not act impulsively or make unilateral decisions. Listen to the advice of other commanders. Your role is to remain in the rear, boosting morale.”
Prince Yan nodded vigorously. “You can trust me. I will return safely to you in one piece.”
“Alright, that’s enough, Big Brother,” Xie Duo grumbled with a somber tone, abruptly interrupting their conversation.
Prince Yan’s mood took a hit as he turned to glare at his younger brother. “You don’t care about my safety, and you’re preventing Master Han from worrying about me?”
Xie Duo, with his long legs curled up, leaned on his knees, disdainfully staring at his sixth brother. “Are you on some heroic mission here? We’ve taken the elites from the three major military camps, plus troops from all around, totaling two hundred thousand, to deal with a mere forty thousand savages. What’s there to worry about? Is this a reenactment of Jing Ke’s assassination of the Qin Emperor?”
“You little brat. Are you itching for a fight…” Prince Yan rolled up his sleeves and charged toward his younger brother but was held back firmly by Han Jiao.
Xie Duo brushed off the peanut shells from his hands, stood up, and swiftly dashed to the northeast corner of the tent. Seeing his sixth brother lured into turning around and charging at him, Xie Duo nimbly spun to avoid the attack. He caught the little child prodigy who was left alone behind his sixth brother and quickly escaped from the tent, ensuring the little child prodigy’s safety near their third brother.
When Prince Yan saw his third brother, he immediately displayed a warm and affectionate smile toward his youngest brother.
Han Jiao gestured to Xie Duo to release his grip and said, “Your Highness, why did you bring me out? I haven’t finished speaking.”
“What more is there to say?” Xie Duo didn’t turn around. He led the little child prodigy to where a group of soldiers were reveling. “All the necessary instructions were given by Senior Minister Xu yesterday. He didn’t need your nagging.”
Walking to the edge of the crowd-filled area, Xie Duo couldn’t see his sixth brother anymore. He then let go of the little child prodigy’s hand and looked at the person in the midst of the crowd wielding a sword.
Han Jiao quickly rubbed his sore back of the hand. Upon closer inspection, noticed a faint bruise shaped like a thumbprint on his wrist.
He couldn’t help but curse this stinky little brother in his mind. Did he have to use so much force? Han Jiao shot an angry glance at Xie Duo’s profile.
“Keep glaring,” Xie Duo warned.
Han Jiao: “……” Can’t believe I was caught.
“Master Xiaobai!” Xie An emerged from the crowd, holding a sword, and greeted Han Jiao with a smile. “Look at that sword-dance master! He’s amazing! After his swordplay, the word ‘victory’ appears on the ground!”
Hearing this, Han Jiao, filled with curiosity, tiptoed over the crowd to get a better view. He looked down and saw that the person in the yellow attire who was dancing with a sword had indeed carved the word “victory” on the ground.
The person continued to repeat seemingly graceful and spontaneous sword movements, and the engraved word on the ground deepened without an extra stroke.
“Impressive,” Han Jiao said admiringly. “It’s like a drunken fist, looks free-spirited but every move is precise!”
Xie An, intrigued, asked, “What’s a drunken fist?”
Han Jiao pointed at the sword dancer and explained, “It’s a style that appears fluid, without a set pattern, somewhat like a person who’s drunk. Look closely at his movements.”
After careful observation, Xie An exclaimed with delight, “Indeed! It looks just like being drunk. I want to learn it too!”
Having said that, Xie An excitedly ran to an empty spot, raised his sword, and tried to mimic the sword dancer’s movements. However, he had to ensure he carved precise strokes on the ground, and his body seemed to get stuck, making it difficult to dance gracefully.
Frustrated, Xie An stamped his foot. “Why am I so clumsy!”
Han Jiao, seeing his distress, was about to approach to offer comfort, but the big boss acted faster.
Xie Duo walked up behind Xie An, bent down, grasped his younger brother’s sword hand, and put his arm around his waist, partially supporting him. He then flawlessly replicated the sword dancer’s movements, right down to the last stroke.
As the sword’s tip made the final stroke on the ground, Xie Duo spoke impatiently, “Look down.”
Xie An lowered his head and was surprised to see the word “victory” beneath his feet.
“Is that enough?”
“Yes, yes, Ninth Brother, you’re amazing!” Xie An was incredibly excited and shouted to Han Jiao, “Master Xiaobai, do you want to try?”
Han Jiao, watching in amazement, rushed over and pulled Xie An out of the big boss’ embrace. He took the sword and eagerly positioned himself in Xie Duo’s arms. “Your Highness, I’d like to try too!”
Xie Duo, who was completely unprepared, was suddenly taken aback. He looked down at the little child prodigy in his arms.
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