Power is the kind of thing that makes people obsessed. Once they grasp more of it, the more they are unwilling to let go.
"How is the matter of the mines? Has Duke Du sent any more news?"
"Not yet. The last secret letter I received from him was many days ago. I suspect that because I've pressured Fengshan too tightly, he's been paying more attention to the Feng family's industries, hence no news has been able to get through."
The Ninth Prince's explanation did not allay the Duke of Wei's suspicions. He immediately decided it would be best to contact Feng Jin Hao and see what had actually happened.
Seeing the Duke of Wei lost in thought and worry, the Ninth Prince felt it was unnecessary.
He was currently favored by the Emperor and beloved by the people as Prince Li. A bright future lay before him, so why bother thinking so much and wasting energy?
Instead, he felt one matter was of utmost importance!
"Grandfather, do you have a way to help me break off this engagement with Hua Ran? The Prince Yu's manor is like a sticky plaster; once it attaches, you can't get rid of it without shedding skin!"
"This matter is precisely the other important thing I wanted to discuss with Your Highness. This engagement between Princess Hua Ran and Your Highness was secretly arranged by me."
"What?"
The Ninth Prince was confused. He had carefully chosen such a family, and yet it was secretly arranged?
Did he take him for a fool?
His expression turned displeased, but he knew the Duke of Wei always acted with purpose, so he patiently listened to his explanation.
"Prince Yu is useless, but his fiefdom, Qian Prefecture, is an excellent location. Not only is it far from the capital, but it is also filled with clouds and mist-covered mountains. If one were to hide troops and train them here, it would be as difficult as reaching the heavens for outsiders to discover."
Upon hearing this, the Ninth Prince was as shocked as Consort Wei had been back then.
But his ambition was greater than Consort Wei's. After the shock came ecstasy, and then he lowered his voice and said,
"No wonder Grandfather attaches so much importance to the Feng family's mines. Don't tell me, Liang Prefecture and Qian Prefecture are not far apart. If we can secure the mines, won't we have as many weapons as we want?"
He seemed to already envision himself training private soldiers, his eyes full of pride.
Over the years, with the contributions from the Grand Canal Administration, they had stockpiled a considerable amount of grain and money, so supporting an army would not be a problem. Coupled with the Feng family's mines, they wouldn't have to worry about weapons either.
Now that they had a place to train troops, all they needed were people. Open conscription was naturally impossible, so either they would have to incite some influential figures already in the army, or a natural disaster would strike, bringing misfortune, and thus refugees would appear, needing sustenance, and people would be found.
It had to be said that every move the Duke of Wei made was perfectly timed.
The Ninth Prince merely had to enjoy all of this from a position of comfort. This was what he found most comfortable and at ease.
"Grandfather's foresight is unparalleled. Yun Li will listen to you in all matters. When our great undertaking is accomplished, I will bestow unparalleled glory upon Grandfather and the Wei family!"
At this moment, he might not have yet considered the dangers of powerful in-laws interfering in governance, but he knew one thing: the throne was within his grasp!
While the grandfather and grandson were discussing matters with great enthusiasm, Liang Quan Bin on the other side felt a chill run down his spine.
His subordinates had accidentally stumbled upon Sun Ban Xia leaving her residence.
Originally, this was not a major issue. A woman from the inner chambers going out was just going out. However, her destination could not be ascertained.
If the destination could not be ascertained, then who had she met, and what deals had she struck?
Before he took up his post, he had heard about Sun Zhong's affairs. It was possible that he had left some evidence at home for self-preservation, which this girl might have accidentally found and traded with someone!
Especially with Huo Chong still missing, he could imagine too many possibilities.
It was a pity that Zhu Hong had already been secretly sent away. Otherwise, he would have wanted to ask Zhu Hong first what other tricks they had up their sleeves!
Therefore, he intensified his efforts in the search for Huo Chong.
The city of Jinling was turned upside down by his actions.
Such a large-scale operation displeased Chi Zi Mo. When did it become Liang's turn to dictate matters in Jinling, searching wherever he pleased, and raiding anyone's home?
So, with a wave of his hand, he surrounded the soldiers who had been apprehending fugitives in the city and gave them a severe beating.
He didn't resort to underhanded tactics. He openly warned Liang Quan Bin and the entire force of the Grand Canal Administration in Jinling.
If they continued to disturb the peace, he would show Liang Quan Bin the capabilities of the Chi family.
The Chi family was not like the Zhu family; their foundation was so deep that even the Duke of Wei had warned him before he took office.
This was why Liang Quan Bin endured the humiliation and changed his overt search to a covert investigation. The progress slowed considerably, and Huo Chong was given a chance to breathe.
He was still hiding in Jinling. His decades of accumulation were not for nothing, and he naturally had ways to evade his pursuers.
The reason he was still here was actually to find an opportunity to rescue Zhu Hong. Little did he know that Zhu Hong had already been secretly sent to Dongdu City.
When the Chi family unexpectedly discovered this, Chi Zi Mo generously sent Huo Chong's whereabouts to Prince Ding's manor.
Upon hearing this, Xu Lin became excited. "Your Highness, the person slipped away under my nose. Let me go after him. I will definitely find out who is behind him!"
He had never failed in anything before. This Huo Chong was indeed capable, having escaped right under his nose, naturally stirring his competitive spirit.
"Mm."
Xiao Ting Yi never doubted Xu Lin's abilities, but he found it somewhat strange.
He knew about Zhu Hong being sent away, the Chi family knew, and Liang Quan Bin knew. It was not surprising that Huo Chong didn't know, but how could the person behind him not know?
Knowing this, why would they still have him waiting here to rescue someone?
What was their scheme?
He couldn't figure it out, and then he gave an order.
"Investigate everything in Qing Prefecture, from the governor down to the peddlers and hawkers. The secrets there are far more interesting than the situation in Jinling."
"Yes!"
Yang Zhao and Su Cheng respectfully replied.
Unknowingly, it had been almost a month since Feng Jin Yao and her entourage arrived in Jinling.
As June approached, the rainfall in Jinling had decreased considerably, and there were more clear days.
The misty, water town scenery gradually unfolded before everyone's eyes.
In Wenjin Academy, in the specialized section for female education, Xu Ming Yue was patiently lecturing the female students below on poetry.
"Stone bridges and thatched huts stand by winding streams,
Water gurgles and flows through two banks.
Sunny days and warm breezes bring the scent of wheat,
Green shade and quiet grass surpass the flowers of the season."
Her voice was like heavenly music, and she exuded an air of magnanimity while lecturing.
Standing outside the window, Feng Jin Lin, who had come to inspect, couldn't help but smile at the scene.
The academy naturally paid attention to a seventh-rank county registrar.
The dean and other instructors accompanying Feng Jin Lin were not foolish. Seeing Feng Jin Lin's demeanor, they understood.
The dean, who was in charge, immediately smiled and stepped forward to say,
The poem quoted in the text is from Wang Anshi's "Early Summer Immediate Events" from the Song Dynasty.