Chapter 69 is Your Highness, who is omnipotent.
The third round was a battle of wits and arguments.
Seeing that they could not gain any advantage through force, the envoy from the Western Qiang Kingdom turned to the question: "The Great Sheng Kingdom is indeed a land of outstanding people and abundant resources. However, governing a country and ensuring its stability cannot be achieved solely through military force. Our Western Qiang Kingdom has a problem that has troubled us for many years. I wonder if His Highness the Crown Prince of the Great Sheng Kingdom could offer some guidance?"
"Please speak, Your Excellency." Xiao Jingzhan's expression remained unchanged.
The envoy from the Western Qiang said, “Our country has a city in a strategic location, surrounded by water on three sides and backed by mountains on the other. It is garrisoned by 5,000 troops with ample provisions. However, an enemy army of 30,000 has attacked, besieging the city but not attacking, only cutting off its water supply. Although there are wells in the city, the water is bitter and will cause illness if drunk for a long time. Within three months, the army and civilians will surely collapse. May I ask Your Highness, if you were the commander, how would you resolve this predicament?”
This question was tricky, testing strategic wisdom and adaptability in dire situations. Everyone pondered intently.
Xiao Jingzhan pondered for a moment and said, "Since this city is located by the water, it must have docks and boats. The enemy has cut off the waterway, intending to trap and defend the city. The key to defending the city lies in the morale of the army. We can send several elite soldiers with excellent swimming skills to swim out of the city at night and go to the upstream water source to release a large amount of non-toxic but strangely colored and smelled substances (such as dyes and bile) to pollute the water."
The next day, the enemy, seeing the water source change color and taste, would surely suspect it was poisoned and dare not drink it, causing their morale to plummet. Meanwhile, notices were posted throughout the city claiming a divine decree that the well water would naturally become clean, and small amounts of clean water were secretly added to the well to gradually improve the water quality and stabilize morale. Furthermore, rumors were spread that our army had a secret passage to the outside world and that reinforcements would arrive soon.
The enemy has been bogged down for a long time, suspects the water is poisoned, fears reinforcements, and has no will to fight. A little provocation might cause a change in the situation. If they retreat, we can seize the opportunity to ambush them; if they don't retreat, we can buy time to find another way.
His voice was steady and his reasoning clear. He not only proposed a solution to the siege but also considered morale, rumors, and subsequent tactics, demonstrating a comprehensive approach. Even more ingenious was that this plan did not rely on external aid, but made full use of existing resources to achieve victory through strategy.
The Western Qiang envoy stood there, stunned. After careful consideration, he realized that although the plan was risky, it was quite feasible, even more ingenious than the methods devised by several veteran generals in his own country! He sighed deeply and bowed respectfully, saying, "Your Highness is truly talented! This humble subject admires you! This plan... may be able to resolve the century-old predicament of Western Qiang! On behalf of my lord, this humble subject thanks Your Highness for your guidance!"
In all three competitions—literary, martial, and intellectual—the Crown Prince overwhelmingly prevailed. This not only demonstrated his extraordinary personal bravery and wisdom but also highlighted the abundance of talent and the flourishing power of the Great Sheng Dynasty.
The envoys from various countries looked at each other, their eyes no longer showing any contempt or probing, but only deep awe.
The Emperor was overjoyed and extremely satisfied with the Crown Prince's performance. The Empress was beaming with pride. Su Jingyu's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled down. Gazing at the radiant and composed figure in the arena, her heart was filled with pride and love.
Her Highness was meant to be so dazzling, standing in the center of ten thousand people, receiving homage from all directions.
Xiao Jingzhan returned to his seat, smiled slightly at her, took her hand, and whispered, "Sweetie, were you scared?"
Su Jingyu shook her head, her eyes sparkling: "Your Highness, I am only proud of you."
The grand banquet continued, with melodious music and lively singing and dancing. However, after this incident, the envoys from various countries became even more respectful, and both host and guests enjoyed themselves immensely. Xiao Jingzhan remained calm and composed, interacting with the emperor and his ministers. His speech and demeanor were unparalleled, displaying the bearing of a crown prince of a great nation.
That night, they returned to the Eastern Palace.
Xiao Jingzhan removed his heavy formal attire, and Su Jingyu personally removed his crown and sash. In the candlelight, there was a hint of weariness between his brows, but his eyes remained clear.
"Your Highness, you've had a long day," she said softly, massaging his temples.
Xiao Jingzhan took her hand and pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on the top of her head, his voice languid with relaxation: "It's alright. After today, the border will be peaceful for several years." He paused, then chuckled softly, "It's just that I made my darling worry."
"I am not worried," Su Jingyu leaned against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. "I know that Your Highness will be able to handle it."
"You trust me that much?" He raised an eyebrow.
“Yes,” she looked up, her gaze clear and firm, “because you are my omnipotent Your Highness.”
Xiao Jingzhan felt a surge of warmth in his heart and lowered his head to kiss her lips: "With my darling's words, anything I do is worthwhile."
All nations came to pay tribute, and the crown prince displayed his power. This was not only a grand ceremony, but also a silent declaration.
With a wise ruler and a virtuous heir, the Dasheng dynasty will prosper forever.
The clamor and glory of the court assembly gradually faded, and the palace returned to its former solemnity.
That afternoon, Emperor Xiao Yan was reviewing memorials in his study, a hint of weariness in his expression. The chief eunuch, Gao Wuyong, quietly approached, offering a cup of ginseng tea, and whispered, "Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived."
The emperor put down his vermilion brush and rubbed his temples. "Let him in."
Xiao Jingzhan entered the hall and bowed respectfully. He was not wearing court robes today, but only a black casual robe with dark gold cloud patterns, which made his figure stand out even more and his face appear calm.
"Your subject greets Your Majesty."
"Sit down." The emperor gestured to the rosewood chair below him, his gaze lingering on his son's face for a moment. This son increasingly resembled his younger self, yet possessed a greater degree of composure and restrained sharpness. "You handled the court proceedings well. The envoys from various countries are now behaving themselves."
"Father, you flatter me. This is my duty." Xiao Jingzhan sat down, his tone calm.
The emperor picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said casually, "This time, among the countries that came to pay tribute, besides the Di and Rong tribes and the Western Qiang, the Southern Frontier and the Eastern Yi also sent their letters of state, speaking respectfully and offering generous tributes. The Southern Frontier, in particular, presented many rare treasures, as well as... several beautiful dancers and singers, who said they were to be offered to the Crown Prince to establish a marriage alliance."
Xiao Jingzhan's expression remained unchanged, his eyelids slightly lowered: "Father, I have my own ideas about the affairs of the Eastern Palace."
"Oh?" The emperor put down his teacup, his gaze sharp. "You have your own plans? I remember that after the last court assembly, several relatives and important officials also mentioned in a veiled way that although the Crown Prince's lineage is already abundant, the Crown Princess's exclusive favor is not a long-term solution for the foundation of the country. You are now twenty-two, in the prime of your life. Taking in a few more virtuous ladies to expand the family line will also help stabilize the foundation of the country."
A hush fell over the Imperial Study. Gao Wuyong held his breath, head bowed, his heart pounding with anxiety. Was His Majesty about to interfere in the inner palace affairs of the Eastern Palace? The Crown Prince's favoritism towards the Crown Princess was common knowledge throughout the court and the country; this time…
Xiao Jingzhan raised his eyes and looked directly at his father on the throne, his gaze frank and unwavering: "Father, you are wise. The Eastern Palace already has three heirs, Chengyu, Chengye, and Anning, all of whom are intelligent and healthy. This is a great blessing from Heaven and the protection of our ancestors. There is no need to worry about the matter of succession."
He paused, his voice steady yet carrying an undeniable authority: "As for taking in a new concubine... I admire the Crown Princess and have no other thoughts. The Eastern Palace has her and children; for me, that is already perfect. There is no need for others, nor do I wish for them."
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