Chapter 2027: Chapter 2024: Ideas

Since they have already reached this position, they must either compromise to maintain their status or flaunt authority with the Emperor’s favor.

"For instance, regarding the trade between Beirong and Great Chu, there is news suggesting some unrest from Beirong. I’m afraid they have learned of the King of Huainan’s passing. Beirong has always been formidable in battle; now that their forces are strong, they might seize the opportunity to invade the border region."

"Does the Beirong Prince also wish for the two nations to go to war at this time?" Ye Muyu thought the Beirong Prince was audacious, as the leak must have come from his side.

No matter how the news got out, if Beirong and Great Chu were to engage in conflict in the Northern Region, the Beirong Prince would be the first to suffer.

She suddenly remembered the recent incidents where the Beirong Prince had been frequently seen mingling in various taverns and singing houses in the capital.

Chu Heng shook his head, "The Beirong Prince may not wish it, but he has no choice; he can’t control this matter. Besides, Beirong has other princes vying for the throne with him, so even without him, it makes no difference."

The implication was that the Beirong Prince could very well be sacrificed.

"I sense that the Beirong Prince is not one to willingly be sacrificed," Ye Muyu mused. Although she hadn’t interacted with the Beirong Prince before, she had with Princess Weisaiya and knew that the princess was straightforward and independent, a resilient woman. As her full brother, the Beirong Prince appeared to share the ambition and aspirations.

Being reduced to the status of a hostage without reason, he was undoubtedly displeased with the situation.

In reality, King Qi managed to keep the Beirong Prince in the dark for about ten days before the Deng Family exposed the truth, causing the Beirong Prince to miss his opportune moment, leading to his current predicament.

"The Beirong Prince temporarily poses no threat."

"It’s the Deng Family, instead. Their ability to do these things unimpeded is all due to Grand Tutor Deng and Consort Jieyu being very perceptive to the times, and now they solely follow the Emperor. In contrast, Minister Qi, for his benefit and that of King Qi, cannot share the same views as Grand Tutor Deng, and is therefore in direct confrontation with the Emperor."

"Prime Minister Zhong, on the other hand, is genuinely devoted to the country and its people, but he is ultimately advancing in age and finds it increasingly challenging to sustain his duties. Recently, he has spent less time at the yamen and must resort to using ice basins at home to stay comfortable."

"The Imperial Censors under Prime Minister Zhong constantly implore the Emperor to be a wise ruler and to adhere to all protocols; if not, they would rather sacrifice themselves to persuade."

Ye Muyu listened, feeling some sympathy for Emperor Xuanming, but this sympathy did not last long. The reason was simple: Emperor Xuanming’s situation was not that difficult. What he wished to do was slightly influenced by the officials, but he was far from being a puppet emperor, and he could always find ways to achieve what he desired.

As Chu Heng spoke, he sipped his tea: "Lately, the Emperor’s mood has been quite poor."

Ye Muyu understood what he meant: "At such a time, he would prefer to align with his ministers..."

"Indeed." Chu Heng nodded, though he actually harbored even worse suspicions about Emperor Xuanming.

Since the incident with the King of Huainan, Chu Heng had sensed a change in the Emperor. His demeanor was no longer as calm as before and had grown more autocratic. Naturally, he also harbored considerable imperial suspicion.

This was not a good sign. The former Emperor Xuanming could be described as a wise ruler, but the current Emperor Xuanming could only be described as unpredictable.

Chu Heng had already devised a plan.

The following morning, he entered the palace.

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