Chapter 118 What is the truth? I don’t want to wait any longer
"You should understand that the dead are the greatest. I can't stand hearing these words." Sun almost cried out.
Concubine Yue couldn't bear to watch and scolded her, "Why are you crying? Shut up! I think temples shouldn't be worshipping gods and Buddhas, they should be worshipping you. You have such a kind heart, but why don't you shed tears for those who died protecting Sanlang?"
He Zhaojun glanced at Wen Ziduan. "These men's calves are thicker than those of ordinary soldiers. They're obviously used to walking on mountain roads. And their hands have calluses from years of farm work. I think they must be mountain dwellers who have become bandits."
Wen Ziduan affirmed this conclusion: "Yes, this also explains why their weapons are of varying quality and come from many sources. It's just that they lack training and have no way of knowing my whereabouts in advance and organizing an assassination."
"So, I suspect someone is behind this. Next, I'll have to use these gangsters to find the real mastermind."
Upon hearing this, the prince began to blame himself: "It's all my incompetence. Outside the capital, there are people who choose to become bandits to make a living. They were actually taken advantage of by those with ulterior motives and nearly hurt my third brother. It's all my fault."
After hearing that these people were all mountain people, Sun obviously had other thoughts, but he quickly concealed them under a compassionate face and was not discovered by others.
These people are insignificant, yet this time they attempted to assassinate the Third Prince. His Majesty must be furious. If Sun Sheng and others could kill all these bandits before Ling Buyi does, wouldn't that be a military achievement?
As for investigating the person behind the scenes, Sun didn't want to bother with that. Thinking of this, she quickly added, "If ordinary people become bandits, we certainly can't just deal with them casually. We need to take our time and think of a solution that will satisfy both parties and avoid chilling the hearts of the people. Husband, am I right?"
The prince nodded. "That makes sense. It's rare that you would think of this."
Ling Buyi frowned, but said, "Your Highness is merciful, but this matter involves the prince, and even implicates the traitors within the palace. Please hand over the matter to me."
"Zisheng, you must give a good burial to those who died in vain. Even if they were bandits, they are still the people of our dynasty..." The prince was worried when he thought of going to war to avoid casualties.
Concubine Yue shook her head. This prince was truly too soft-hearted. "Then quickly take your crown princess back to the East Palace and pray for these people, hoping they will soon ascend to heaven!"
The intention to send them away was very obvious. After all, the two men failed to find any useful information, and staying here would only cause trouble.
He Zhaojun noticed that Ling Buyi and Wen Ziduan secretly exchanged glances. She couldn't help but smile. How come the Third Prince started to use this assassination to place his own people among the bandits?
If the prediction was correct, these bandits later kidnapped Wang Long, the son of Wen Xiujun, who went to suppress the bandits. The prince was once again criticized by Emperor Wen for his poor supervision.
What's more, Sun's plan was too loud, and she was afraid that her brother-in-law Sun Sheng would also want to intervene and profit from it.
He Zhaojun turned to look at Wen Ziduan. She really wanted to ask him about this matter right now, but because there were so many people at the scene, she had to hold back.
He Zhaojun looked at the Crown Prince and said, "Your Majesty has exercised great benevolence, and the weeds around the capital have dwindled considerably. However, since last year, the celestial phenomena have been unusual."
"Torrential rains caused flooding at the foot of the mountain, submerging fertile fields. Then, months of scorching sun wiped out the crops. The mountain dwellers, deprived of their food, resorted to wandering and robbing, leading to the current situation."
"It's not difficult to crack down on bandits, but the hard part is to make sure there are no more hungry and helpless people in this world."
He Zhaojun pointed at Shao Shang and said, "Shao Shang and I will survey the terrain, design agricultural tools suitable for mountain work, and grow crops that are more resistant to flooding. We will also hold a special market for mountain products in the capital to help the mountain people overcome their difficulties. I believe that this will alleviate the situation in the long run."
Wen Ziduan nodded aside, "Furthermore, I will also deploy more personnel and strengthen patrol deployment to ensure the safety of the people along the way. This multi-pronged approach will surely be effective."
A smile flashed in his eyes. The prince could only bury the body, but He Zhaojun would solve the problem from the root, worthy of being the girl he had chosen.
Until the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess stood up to say goodbye, Ling Buyi also took Shao Shang away. In the huge palace, only Concubine Yue, the Third Prince and He Zhaojun were left.
He Zhaojun mustered her courage, bowed to Concubine Yue, and spoke with great force: "Concubine Yue, I have something to ask you. I don't know if it's abrupt, but I, your humble servant, only want to know the truth!"
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