Chapter 144: Prince Ding is acting again
Hearing this, everyone looked at the Second Prince in surprise.
Isn’t this topic jumping too fast?
Why is the Second Prince asking about the Grand Commander?
A smirk appeared on Chu Tiankuo’s lips. Anxious, aren’t you? You’ve revealed all the cards in your hand at once.
Is he determined to completely pull him down from the position of Crown Prince during this morning court session?
The Grand Commander glanced at Chu Tianyu and respectfully replied, “It has not been investigated yet, so I have nothing to report.”
Chu Tianyu: “. . .”
That’s right, it’s impossible to investigate so quickly in one day!
No, he needs to help the Grand Commander investigate as soon as possible!
Chu Tianyu looked at Chu Tiankuo, “Imperial Older Brother, what are you going to do with the Zhao Kingdom Princess?”
Chu Tiankuo looked at him, “Release her when the silver is paid! Since Imperial Younger Brother is so concerned about the Zhao Kingdom Princess, you can pay the three million taels for her, and I can release her. Then you can invite her to your residence and make her your honored guest. I have no objections!”
Chu Tianyu: “. . .”
“Imperial Older Brother, you jest. How could this younger brother be concerned about the Zhao Kingdom Princess? This younger brother just thinks that the silver should be recovered! But the Zhao Kingdom Princess has a special status. We shouldn’t keep her locked up, lest it cause conflict between the two countries, trigger a war, and harm the people and damage Chu. This younger brother thinks this matter should be carefully considered and not acted upon impulsively!”
Censor Tang also echoed, “The Second Prince’s words are correct. The Zhao Kingdom Princess has a special status. It’s easy for the Crown Prince to cause conflict between Chu and Zhao by keeping her locked up. This matter should indeed be carefully considered.”
Chu Tiankuo was impatient and said calmly, “Whose side is Imperial Younger Brother on? And whose side is Master Tang on? Are you planning to help Zhao and discuss this matter with me in detail? Then it does need careful consideration. Whoever pays the three million taels for the Zhao Kingdom Princess can come to me for a detailed discussion! Otherwise, cut the crap! Prince Ding, what do you think?”
Prince Ding yawned and nodded, “The Crown Prince is right. The matter of the Zhao Kingdom Princess is simply a matter of releasing her when the silver is paid. It just so happens that this Prince won ten million taels at the Qian Family Gambling House in Zhao, and the gambling house hasn’t even gathered enough silver to pay me yet! Crown Prince, you must not release her! Imperial Older Brother, we are in the right in this matter. One should accept defeat gracefully. It’s only right to pay back debts. We absolutely cannot release her! Once I get the silver, I’ll split half with Imperial Older Brother!”
The gambling house didn’t have enough silver notes to pay yesterday, so he had sent his personal guards to surround the entire gambling house and also sent people to follow the gambling house manager at all times, until he paid up the silver then he would release them!
Everyone: “. . .”
He can do that?!
The Emperor was so angry that his beard bristled, “What nonsense are you talking about? What if Zhao sends troops because we’re holding the Zhao Kingdom Princess? What about the people on the border? The national treasury has no grain or silver. What will we use to fight against the wealthy and powerful Zhao? If we lose and Zhao occupies our cities, wouldn’t I become a sinner for all eternity?!”
Prime Minister Liang curled his lips. He knew the Emperor would say that.
Ever since the Changping Army was wiped out, Chu had lost every battle with Zhao and suffered heavy losses.
Besides, Chu’s national strength was simply not comparable to Zhao’s. It was far behind. What could they use to fight?
Hearing this, Prince Ding yawned and looked at Chu Tiankuo, “Dear Imperial Nephew, if Zhao dares to send troops, you remember to lead the troops to fight them to the death! You know? Anyway, I must get my silver! Don’t release the Zhao Kingdom Princess! Also, I have a bird that flew to Zhao. You should help me catch it back!”
Prince Ding suddenly clutched his chest as if he had remembered something, “Oh no, I can’t. Just thinking about my Xiaobai being missing for so many years makes my heart ache so much that I can’t live anymore. Imperial Older Brother, you quickly let the Crown Prince lead the troops to attack Zhao! Find my Xiaobai back. My Xiaobai is very good at delivering messages. How did it get lost and fly to Zhao? Imperial Older Brother, you let the Crown Prince lead the troops to attack Zhao! Find my Xiaobai back. Otherwise, I really can’t live anymore! I miss it so much that I can’t sleep.”
The corners of the ministers’ mouths twitched. Here we go again!
He’s starting to make a fuss about a bird again.
The Emperor blew his beard and glared, “You scoundrel! Shut up! Attack Zhao to find a bird? Has your brain been eaten by a bird, or are you crazy? Get out! I don’t want to see you!”
Prince Ding looked at the Emperor with grievance, “This younger brother just said to look for it by the way. Besides, isn’t Imperial Older Brother worried that Zhao will attack us? This younger brother is just asking the Crown Prince to go and fight, and help me find my bird by the way. What’s wrong with that? The soldiers of Chu have been training for many years. The Crown Prince has been well-versed in both literary and military strategies since childhood. Maybe he can lead the troops to defeat Zhao! This younger brother really can’t sleep without Xiaobai. I will die.”
The Emperor looked as if he was about to explode with anger, “The soldiers of Zhao are brave and good at fighting. The Crown Prince has never led troops before. You think we can win just because you say so?! I think your brain has been eaten by a bird!”
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Prince Ding: “But how do we know if we don’t try? Didn’t Marquis Changping praise the Crown Prince for his literary and military talents and his potential as a great general? Imperial Older Brother.”
“Shut up! If you say one more word, I will never help you find your bird again!”
Prince Ding immediately shut up!
Hearing this, Prime Minister Liang raised his eyebrows. He glanced at Chu Tiankuo, who was standing there with an indifferent expression.
The First Prince leading troops to attack Zhao?
The general currently guarding the border with Zhao was Xie Qiguang, who happened to be his man.
Anything could happen on the battlefield.
The Changping Army was an example.
Heh, if that were the case, this might not be a bad move.
Upon hearing Prince Ding’s words, Censor Lin thought of something and said, “Prince Ding is right! His Highness the Crown Prince is well-versed in both literary and military strategies and is skilled in martial arts. If Zhao sends troops, he will certainly be able to lead the troops to fight! Zhao has been bullying our Chu for many years. Our Chu has been recuperating for many years and now has strong soldiers and abundant horses. This time, we are also in the right. How can we allow Zhao to continue to be arrogant?! It’s time to revive our national prestige!”
The Emperor looked at Chu Tiankuo and snorted coldly, “Crown Prince, what if Zhao sends troops? Do you know that Chu’s national strength and military power are not enough to confront Zhao for the time being! Do you dare to fight?”
Chu Tiankuo: “If Zhao really sends troops and bullies us too much, this son is willing to personally lead the troops to fight and revive our national prestige!”
Prime Minister Liang exclaimed, “Good! As expected of the talented and resourceful Crown Prince! He is brave and resourceful, with the demeanor of a great general! Your Majesty, with such a Crown Prince, Chu will surely enjoy peace and prosperity in the future, and its prosperity and strength are just around the corner!”
The other officials didn’t say anything. After all, the Emperor disliked war the most.
Prince Ding spoke up again at this time, “Your Majesty, you see that even Prime Minister Liang says that the Crown Prince is brave and resourceful. You can rest assured about this matter~! Dear Imperial Nephew, this Prince’s Xiaobai, and that ten million taels depend on you! Alright, we can adjourn the court session if there’s nothing else! This Prince is going back to sleep!”
After saying that, he yawned again.
The ministers: “. . .”
The Vice Minister of Works spoke up at this time, “Your Majesty, we cannot fight an unprepared battle. Zhao has always been shameless. Even if the Crown Prince had not imprisoned the Zhao Kingdom Princess, Zhao would find excuses to send troops every year, and there have been constant minor conflicts on the border. If Zhao does not send troops, it is a good thing. If Zhao does send troops, this minister believes that His Highness the Crown Prince should make preparations in advance for his first time leading troops!”
Prince Ding nodded again upon hearing this, “Right, right, right! Minister Xu, you are absolutely right! Imperial Older Brother, Minister Xu is right! In order to ensure that the Crown Prince can get my ten million taels back, and most importantly, find my Xiaobai back, Imperial Older Brother, you should hand over the military tally and military power to the Crown Prince and let him train the troops and make preparations!”
Prime Minister Liang’s pupils suddenly constricted.
So this is what he’s aiming for?๏ผ๏ผ
