Xiao Yiming was taken aback for a moment, then replied, "There aren't many people like General Qin who are so consistent in word and deed. He's not greedy for money, nor is he lustful..."

Before he could finish speaking, Prince Qing suddenly asked, "Then what does he like? Power?"

Just as Xiao Yiming was about to answer, Prince Qing continued:

"It would have been fine if his official rank hadn't been high before, but now that he's a top general in the court, his style of doing things hasn't changed at all."

“How can people not change?” Prince Qing shook his head and then grabbed a handful of medicinal rice and sprinkled it into the pool.

"Either the disguise is so good that no one can tell."

"Either he's just missing a catalyst, or once that catalyst comes, he'll become a completely different person."

Xiao Yiming fell silent.

"What? Do you think I'm being too suspicious?" Prince Qing asked with a smile.

“No, Your Highness,” Xiao Yiming said.

"No? Your expression has already betrayed your thoughts. The things you just said were already biased, but you just don't realize it yet." Prince Qing's smile was intriguing.

"That's what makes Qin Haotian so terrifying. He subtly makes everyone think he's not only capable but also upright. But how can anyone in this world be perfect?"

"He and his Crimson Flame Army are the best army in our country. They are elite soldiers and brave generals. They are like one person from top to bottom. Even if His Majesty has Huanglong form the Panlong Army, it is incomparable to them. Ha, the name is impressive, but it is all show and no substance."

“I planted Lian Xiaoru in the Chiyan Army, but he was kicked out in less than a year.”

"The sharpest weapon in the current campaign is in Qin Haotian's hands alone. Sometimes, even His Majesty's words are not as effective as his. Don't you think he's very capable?"

Xiao Yiming remained silent, and Prince Qing smiled and said, "Speak your mind in front of me."

“Your Highness, I feel that the world is not yet at peace. General Qin is exceptionally brave and leads his troops in battles across the north and south. As you said, he is indeed a sharp enough weapon, but without such a weapon, how can the world be at peace?” Xiao Yiming said, observing Prince Qing’s expression.

"Well said!" Prince Qing gave a thumbs up.

Xiao Yiming was somewhat surprised: "Your Highness, aren't you...?"

Prince Qing waved his hand and chuckled, "I'm not being sarcastic; what you said is absolutely right."

"We can't expect some mediocre people to lead troops into battle, only to lose one battle after another, until the world falls into chaos."

"So, do I still have time to sit here and fish?" He winked at Xiao Yiming.

Xiao Yiming smiled slightly and nodded.

Prince Qing turned his head to look at the setting sun, and then sighed:

"It will only be when the internal strife ends, foreign nations submit, and there is no more conflict."

"Qin Haotian is probably no longer the Qin Haotian he is today. This sharp blade is about to strike Da Gan."

Xiao Yiming was stunned.

But he quickly spoke up: "That...isn't necessarily true. General Qin is only focused on..."

"Definitely," Prince Qing said firmly.

"Your Highness has noticed that General Qin has..." Xiao Yiming said in a low voice with a solemn expression.

"No."

"Then why is Your Highness so certain?" Xiao Yiming raised an eyebrow.

Prince Qing turned his head to look at Xiao Yiming, pursed his lips and said:

"What kind of person is Zhang Li? You tell me."

Although he didn't know why Prince Qing would ask this question, Xiao Yiming blurted out, "Lord Zhang is loyal to the emperor and loves his country. He cares about the people and is an incorruptible official. Although he has many disciples, he does not form cliques or engage in corruption. He is a good official."

Prince Qing nodded and said, "Hmm, that's quite apt."

"And what is his relationship with the court officials?" he asked again.

Xiao Yiming opened his mouth, remained silent for a moment, and then said, "A casual acquaintance... um... even less than that."

"Most of the ministers who were in charge of the oversight had some complaints about Lord Zhang."

"So, what is the relationship between him and Qin Haotian?" Prince Qing asked again.

“Very good. Every time General Qin returns to the capital, the two of them get together for a while. Sometimes, Lord Zhang even holds a farewell banquet for General Qin. In addition, the two families have close ties. General Qin’s son often spends time with Lord Zhang’s children, either practicing martial arts together or discussing their future aspirations.” Xiao Yiming answered Prince Qing’s question, his mind filled with increasing doubt.

Seeing Xiao Yiming's furrowed brows, Prince Qing stroked his chin and said with a smile:

“Zhang Liming is clearly a good official, yet many people are dissatisfied with him.”

"Of course, Zhang Li never showed them any special treatment. Well... to put it another way, it should be called not going along with their corrupt ways."

"But he and Qin Haotian could talk to each other and their relationship grew better and better; they could even be considered best friends."

What does this mean?

Xiao Yiming immediately understood what he meant and said, "They are the same kind of people, with similar character, which is why they can become friends."

Prince Qing nodded, smiling but saying nothing.

"Does Your Highness not think so?" Xiao Yiming's brows furrowed even more.

“That’s what I think too, but… Qin Haotian has qualities that Zhang Li doesn’t have, and that’s the key point. That’s why I believe he will definitely turn his sword against Daqian after the world is at peace.” Prince Qing’s eyes were deep.

"What is that?" Xiao Yiming asked anxiously.

Prince Qing didn't mind his abruptness, and instead changed the subject, saying:

Throughout history, wise rulers and enlightened monarchs have pursued the ideal of "universal harmony".

"Do you really think that a world in perfect harmony can ever be achieved?"

Without hesitation, Xiao Yiming nodded and said, "Yes!"

"As long as the monarch is wise and the ministers are loyal and upright, this day will surely come."

Prince Qing sighed and looked at the setting sun, saying:

"But I don't think so."

"Universal harmony will never come true."

He ignored Xiao Yiming's puzzled look and muttered to himself:

Where there are people, there will be conflict. The root of the conflict is nothing more than a question of how much you have versus how little I have – money, beauty, power, and so on.

"This conflict has existed in the past, exists now, and will exist in the future."

“Zhang Li especially yearns for a world of harmony, and His Majesty approves of him. Therefore, even if Zhang Li sometimes says something unpleasant, His Majesty will only criticize him behind his back and will not really take it to heart.”

"Now is a chaotic time, and the ideal of a harmonious world is still a long way off, but once the world is at peace, we should move in that direction."

“Therefore—” He looked at Xiao Yiming solemnly.

"Qin Haotian's first strike will be aimed at the imperial court."

“Zhang Li can talk about his ideas and do his best to implement them, but there are many obstacles. Qin Haotian is different. With a knife in hand, he will cut down anyone who stands in his way.”

"The reason why I need you to keep a close watch on Qin Haotian is because he has something that Zhang Li doesn't, while Zhang Li has certain things that he doesn't have."

"Speaking of which, do you think it's appropriate to start over from scratch now that the world is at peace?"

"Given that it has never existed, how could I possibly believe that a 'universal harmony' could exist?"