The geographical location of Chu Commandery is quite similar to that of Guanzhou. However, the difference is that Chu Commandery is adjacent to Sichuan. As those who know warfare know, Chu Commandery is a major fortress between the Central Plains and Sichuan.

It is not that Chu Commandery was not within the territory of the Central Plains; rather, it is that Chu Commandery was one of the gateways to the Central Plains.

Before the fall of the Shu Kingdom, Chu Commandery was a strategically important military location. After the fall of the Shu Kingdom, Chu Commandery was abandoned.

However, this is only what discerning people perceive as neglect; in fact, Chu County was a major military stronghold.

The fact that the late emperor enfeoffed Chu Commandery to his eleventh son, the Prince of Yan, shows that the region was a good place, but it couldn't withstand the fact that the Prince of Shu had a grudge against him.

The Prince of Shu was the younger brother of the late emperor and the uncle of Emperor Mingde and Prince Yong. He has long since passed away, and the throne is now inherited by his eldest son, Zhao Yixing. Zhao Yixing's mother and the mother of Prince Yan, Zhao Chongji, are sworn enemies.

It is clear that the late emperor was not one to dote on his sons.

However, it is also conducive to the stability of the country and will prevent the formation of factions.

However, even the most meticulous plans can have flaws. The fiefdoms of the Prince of Yan and the Prince of Jing were adjacent to each other, so in Zhao Shu's previous life, the two had helped each other for a while.

This complex division of power is so perplexing that it's hard to fathom its nature. Wherein lies the complexity? This put Emperor Mingde in a difficult position.

He looked at the intelligence report on the table. "The King of Shu's men intercepted the messenger? Humph." Even a three-year-old wouldn't believe such a deception, so how could he?

Qin Ji, standing to the side, chimed in, "Your Majesty, the flood in Chu County is not serious. What is hateful is that the Prince of Yan drove the refugees out of the city, causing widespread resentment among the people. That is why the disaster victims are flocking to the capital."

"This eleventh prince, calling him stupid is an understatement." Emperor Mingde was furious, slamming his teacup down with a loud clang. "Wait a minute." In his anger, he seemed to have thought of something.

Picking up the intelligence report again, he muttered to himself, "The King of Shu's men intercepted the messenger, and the Eleventh Prince is driving the refugees out of the city. What's happening with the Twelfth Prince?"

"Yes, King Jing has opened the city gates wide and distributed grain to relieve the disaster. His reputation has spread throughout Chu County, and many refugees from Shu are heading to Xiliang." Qin Ji told the truth, secretly admiring King Jing for his skill in winning people's hearts at the right time.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Mingde kicked a palm-leaf fan beside him with a bang. The fan fell over, knocking over the tall tripod containing ice, and the entire tripod of ice was kicked to the ground.

Fortunately, the cauldron wasn't too big, and there weren't many ice cubes.

"Hmph, I've tolerated him for too long. Go, summon your disciple back."

Qin Ji was aware of the plan that had been in the works since the late emperor's time. The time had come to summon Wei Tingsi back. He bowed and withdrew, and soon returned to the forbidden area of ​​the palace.

One order after another was issued from the inner palace. From this moment on, the landscape of Dayong would be completely changed. Whether the world would be unified or, like the Warring States period, various factions would vie for supremacy, no one knew.

Prince Yong, who had just arrived in Chu County, stopped his horse in front of the signpost and remained motionless for a long time.

Uncle Fu lagged behind and stopped in front of the signpost, handing the water jug ​​to Prince Yong. "Your Highness, please have some water."

Prince Yong shook his head, dismounted, and walked towards a refugee not far away. "Old man, may I ask if you come from the land of Chu?"

The refugee was over sixty years old. Although his clothes were tattered and his face was not clean, even his hands were covered in filth, as if he had been digging for wild vegetables in the mountains and hadn't had time to wash them.

The only incongruous thing is that the inside of the nails is extremely clean.

"In reply to your question, sir, I do indeed come from the land of Chu." He spoke little, but his words were clear, and his eyes were bright and piercing.

Uncle Fu was worried, so he dismounted and stood beside Prince Yong to protect him. The refugee glanced at him but did not say anything.

Prince Yong scanned him up and asked, "Are you alone, old man? Do you have any relatives at home?"

"Where are my relatives now? I am all alone." As he finished speaking, his eyes reddened and his expression became sorrowful. This sudden change also moved Prince Yong, Uncle Fu, and a group of soldiers. Everyone pricked up their ears to listen to his next story.

The old man, not disappointing everyone, said with deep sorrow, "I originally had two sons and a daughter. My eldest son was conscripted into the army by the Prince of Yan. Yesterday, my second son tried to go to the city to beg, but the Prince of Yan ordered him to be beaten to death. I don't know where my daughter and son-in-law have fled to."

At this point, he looked at Prince Yong again, "Is Your Excellency going to Chu City?"

Prince Yong nodded, “Indeed, I must go to Chu City.” He was not wearing a python robe, but a white brocade robe with dark patterns, and he was holding a horsewhip, not a folding fan.

Those who don't know him would never guess that this is the famous Prince Yong of the current dynasty.

Upon hearing this, the old man waved his hand, "You should turn back, sir. Do not go to Chu City. The King of Yan has sealed off the city. You will not be able to enter even if you go."

Prince Yong frowned, anger rising on his face. "What do you mean by that, old man? When did the Prince of Yan grant the city its fiefdom?"

“Alas, the floodwaters have sealed off the area, and all my neighbors have gone to Xiliang. I am all alone. I will die in Chu.” He spoke with extreme sorrow.

Upon hearing this, Prince Yong's anger intensified. He cupped his hands to the old man and said, "Thank you, sir. I'll take my leave now." He gave the old man a deep look, then turned back to the signpost and did not return or enter the land of Chu.

The old man kept glancing at him out of the corner of his eye. Even Uncle Fu didn't know what Prince Yong was waiting for. Perhaps he was waiting for Mo Qin, who had gone to scout ahead, or perhaps he was afraid.

The thought flashed through his mind, but he quickly dismissed it. Although the prince had been outrageous all these years, he was not a coward.

After waiting for about half an hour, the sound of horses' hooves was heard, accompanied by Mo Qin's voice.

The road into Chu County was an extremely wide official road. Mo Qin's horse turned around the mountain pass and saw Prince Yong and Uncle Fu waiting at the fork in the road.

Before long, he rode up to Prince Yong, dismounted, knelt on one knee, and presented a report: "Your Highness, Prince Yan has sealed off the city and is driving the refugees out. Now, the refugees in Chu are all heading to Xiliang."

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