There's a little side story here.

I heard that when they were in Xianzhou, someone saw the Duke of Chongguo drinking and chatting happily with Zhang Zhongjin.

This matter sparked heated discussions in the imperial court.

When this news reached Zhao Chen's ears, he felt extremely uneasy.

Fortunately, Xianzhou is currently doing well, and several of the manufacturing plants it has established have attracted investment in Zhao Chen's name.

This did give him some face in the imperial court.

Zhao Shen patiently said, "Duke Chong, you must not act rashly again in the future, and you must be careful in everything you do."

"I know, I know." Zhao Chen was annoyed and spent the day drinking alone at home.

Do you think the Emperor no longer wants to make me the Crown Prince?

Zhao Shen sighed inwardly: The Emperor has been giving you chances all along, but you'd better step up your game!

"Duke Chongguo is overthinking it. You are the eldest son of the Emperor."

"I think the Emperor doesn't want to make me the Crown Prince. I've heard that the Emperor spends all his time with Zhao Chun."

Zhao Chen's face was grim. Suddenly, he remembered something else: "Back in Jiaozhou, you told me that you could help me ascend to the position of Crown Prince. Now, several years have passed, and it seems like it will never happen."

"Duke Chong, I have a plan."

Tell me about it.

"The entire Han family was exiled to Qiongzhou for embezzlement and tax evasion. Is the Duke of Chong aware of this?"

"The newspapers all over the streets are reporting it, and I've also received an official document from the imperial court."

"Does the Duke of Chong know that Han Lixian of Youzhou and the Han family of Shangjing are from the same clan?"

Zhao Chen was slightly taken aback: "What do you want to say? Speak quickly."

"This is not difficult. Select a loyal follower and have him pretend to go to Youzhou to deliver a letter to Han Lixian. This letter was written by Han Duo."

"Hasn't Han Duo gone to prison? He's about to be exiled to Qiongzhou."

Zhao Shen looked utterly exasperated, but still patiently said, "Han Duo is a famous figure in the capital. It's still possible to imitate his handwriting and write a letter."