Chapter 222 The undercover agent is the Sixth Prince Ming...
Qi Chengming's heart sank.
He knew that natural disasters were unavoidable, whether in ancient dynasties or modern times. The only difference was that modern times were better equipped to handle disaster relief, making the hardships of life seem even more pronounced in ancient times. On his journey from the capital to the capital, he witnessed all sorts of natural and man-made calamities. The environment of Dingguo, which he considered to be one of "utter misery," was actually considered relatively good.
How could Qi Chengming be willing to accept this?
Therefore, Qi Chengming has always been trying his best (and the system's) to improve people's lives.
Has he made life a little better for the people?
Qi Chengming was unaware of this; he only secretly hoped for this when he saw the prosperity under his rule.
—Until now.
For the first time, he saw the entirety of Dingguo in person.
The landscape was ravaged, a glaring red everywhere. Aside from the capital and major cities in the Jiangnan region, which were represented by a more auspicious yellow, most other areas were predominantly red. The only place that could truly be called green was Liuzhou at present.
Even the Lingnan region, which was actually under Qi Chengming's rule, and the neighboring prefectures did not meet the green standard; they were moderately yellow, and some places were even red.
Qi Chengming couldn't help but click to find out the reason.
He fell silent.
Yulin Prefecture is experiencing flooding again, as it does every year. This is due to its geographical location; even though cement and bamboo-reinforced dikes have been built along the main roads, only the most important areas can be repaired first. The villages and towns affected this time are those along the water that have not yet been repaired.
The red dot in Lingnan was caused by a hurricane.
These are all old, familiar problems. Perhaps only after the local disasters have subsided can we alleviate them with a "yellow" label representing moderation.
Qi Chengming then randomly clicked on the red dots in other states.
The Central Plains are suffering from drought, while in some parts of the south, the heat and humidity are so intense that diseases are rampant. The bitterly cold north has finally seen some relief, but because of war, the battlefields are a sea of crimson, a sign of impending doom. Small-scale famine is occurring in the basin areas. And in Sichuan and Chongqing… bandits are committing crimes.
Qi Chengming pursed his lips tightly, trying to suppress his emotions.
As long as he can see them, he finds it hard to ignore the disasters that are happening. Natural disasters are one thing, but man-made disasters are the last straw for him.
Let his caravan go on his behalf later.
Qi Chengming closed the map, took a deep breath, and slowly closed his eyes.
He had a clearer understanding of what he would do in the future. Becoming the crown prince… and even the emperor, would only be the beginning. The state of the entire country was constantly changing; even Qi Chengming couldn't eliminate the natural disasters every year. Therefore, if he wanted to create a relatively stable environment for the people—
He needs to strive to turn most of the red dots on the map of the country into yellow dots each year. A completely green map is too unrealistic; it can only be used as a final goal to "set the tone" and motivate himself.
Perhaps by then, most people will be much better off.
Qi Chengming temporarily stopped browsing the infrastructure system, looked up and knelt down with the others, shouting, "Respectfully seeing off Your Majesty!"
Because the grand court assembly today had witnessed two major events—the investiture of the crown prince and the conferment of titles upon princes—the remaining matters were not discussed unless they were too urgent. Only the Minister of Works gave a brief report on the floods and rampant plague in the south. After the officials of the six ministries finished discussing and addressing the prevention and control of these issues, Emperor Hongren simply adjourned the court.
Qi Chengming lifted his robe and struggled to his feet, glancing sideways. The officials had dispersed, but Shen Shuzhi, who had been kneeling outside the ranks, stood there, his figure imposing and radiant, perhaps having received another appointment to manage the floods.
"Your Highness, I heard that my son caused you trouble in Liuzhou. I am truly ashamed." The officials who came to offer their congratulations had already overwhelmed Qi Chengming. The first middle-aged official to speak was a plump man with a憨态可掬 smile. He wore three or four jade rings on his hands, showing his wealth and power.
"You are..." Qi Chengming hesitated, vaguely recognizing traces of Li Banhui in the man's features. He recalled Li Banhui's introduction of his father, "Li... the mine supervisor?"
"It's just a sinecure! Your Highness, please just call me 'Sir Li.' Your Highness saved my son's life, and to express my gratitude, please allow me to present a gift!" Li Banhui's father beamed with pride at being remembered. The other officials around him indeed showed expressions of envy.
Everyone else is here to build connections, but you're the only one who speaks so cleverly and tactfully that even the Crown Prince has his eye on you. It's just too enviable!
"Not at all, Lord Li." Qi Chengming went over what he had just said in his mind and accepted it calmly.
When others tried to curry favor, he had to consider whether to accept the gifts, regardless of their value. But he had genuinely saved Li Banhui's life in Liuzhou, and his cousin had played a part in that. He could accept any amount of gratitude from Lord Li. Even though he knew this was just a public tactic to build a relationship—otherwise, he had been back in the capital for over half a year, and Li Banhui's father hadn't sent any gifts earlier or later, but now he was openly provoking a conflict by offering gifts—what was the meaning behind this?
"..." The others were even more envious and jealous now, their burning gazes almost piercing him.
It's important to understand that cultivating relationships is an art. Being able to do so is already quite impressive, but being able to come up with a plausible explanation for accepting gifts is the mark of a true master.
Some people, unaware of Lord Li's identity, whispered inquiries. Upon learning that he was the Empress Dowager's nephew, and that His Majesty had bestowed upon his family lucrative and leisurely positions, allowing them to live a life of luxury, the man's resentment vanished.
We can't afford to offend them.
They couldn't afford to offend either side. And yet, even such a person considered it an honor to curry favor with the Crown Prince…! The surrounding officials became even more enthusiastic in their flattery.
It took Qi Chengming quite a while to deal with them and escape. Turning around, he saw his sixth brother standing at a distance, watching the show with a smile. Only then did he dare to approach: "Second brother, are you finding this troublesome?"
"Don't think I didn't see you being flattered for a long time just now." Qi Chengming disliked these meaningless compliments. He almost lost his temper and started exchanging pleasantries, giving the Sixth Prince a sarcastic look.
“I am different from my second brother.” To everyone’s surprise, the sixth prince shook his head and looked at him seriously. His gaze had been evasive for a moment, but he readily admitted, “I have known since I was a legitimate son and of noble birth, but… my studies are not as good as my brothers’, and I am unknown in the court. I can only worry in secret. So I love to hear about these things.”
"Is that so?" Qi Chengming seemed thoughtful, and comforted him, "There's nothing wrong with liking someone, just don't lose yourself or fail to recognize your reality."
He had already considered that if he succeeded in seizing the throne in the future, and the Sixth Prince remained his ally—he also desired a wise prince who could assist him. He wondered if the Sixth Prince was up to the task.
Others might think that a legitimate son who enjoys being praised and lacks self-confidence poses less of a threat to him. However, Qi Chengming worries that such a son would not be a good helper.
In fact, the original male lead, the Seventh Prince, was the most suitable person. The Seventh Prince, having matured and matured through later trials, possessed both skill and strength, was intelligent and understood the bigger picture, and was able to defeat all his former brothers. However… Qi Chengming was unaware of how many of the hardships he encountered along the way were sabotaged or assassinated by the Seventh Prince.
He wanted to avenge the original owner of this body, and of course he wouldn't let go of the seventh prince who had murdered him.
"My brother will do his best," the Sixth Prince said with a self-deprecating smile. It was only when he realized this just now that he fully understood his future intentions.
With a personality like his, how will he govern Dingguo in the future? Praise has a fatal attraction for him; he's afraid that if he's flattered too much, he won't be able to distinguish right from wrong and will instinctively gravitate towards those sycophants.
Although his father had granted him a fiefdom, he hadn't ordered him to live there. For now, things were fine, but when he went to his fiefdom to live a life of leisure, the Sixth Prince had already planned it out. He wouldn't hide this hobby and would keep some retainers around him. However, he also wanted his father or his future second brother to appoint some reasonable officials to supervise him, at least to prevent the people from suffering because of his preferences.
The sixth prince was very self-aware.
As the eldest son, regardless of whether he falls into misfortune or not, he is a natural hindrance to those in power, so it's better for him to stay put and behave himself.
Unfortunately, the newly appointed Prince Ning, the Sixth Prince, was unaware that his elder brother had already set his sights on the saying "Jade must be carved to become a vessel," otherwise he wouldn't be so calmly envisioning his future life of leisure.
"Congratulations, Crown Prince! Congratulations, Prince Ning!" The Seventh Prince, who had lagged behind, now came up to join in the celebration.
The boy has already grown into a teenager, with delicate features and a well-behaved and sincere appearance. Who wouldn't like him?
Even though the Sixth Prince had previously been bothered by the fact that his Seventh Brother had caused them to contract smallpox, his expression had softened somewhat, and his rejection was no longer so obvious: "Seventh Brother, shall we return to the Prince's Residence together?"
“Yes, my younger brother has to go to the Imperial Study this afternoon. If you leave, he’ll have to face the tutors all day alone.” The Seventh Prince complained, his gaze subtly falling on Qi Chengming’s face, his eyes pleadingly, “Could you take my younger brother out of the palace with you, Crown Prince and Prince Ning? I also want to get things done as soon as possible and share the burden with my father and brothers.”
'Finally, I couldn't hold back anymore,' Qi Chengming thought to himself.
After the smallpox incident, the Seventh Prince had been subtly trying to please him, attempting to get him to take him on official business as he would with the other princes, and to share some of the spoils with him.
The timing is perfect right now.
He was made crown prince, and the sixth prince was made a king. Many people came to flatter him, and the seventh prince, at this opportune moment, displayed envy and disappointment. If they had any desire to show off, this was enough to satisfy them.
Qi Chengming smiled slightly and declined: "Seventh brother, it's not that I'm unwilling, it's just that Father has many things to take care of since I was made crown prince. I've been too busy lately. Maybe next time."
That's not exactly a lie.
The construction of the East Palace and the preparation of manpower are all new adjustments. Qi Chengming felt hopeless when he thought about how busy he would be with all sorts of things in the next few months.
The Seventh Prince turned his disappointed gaze to the Sixth Prince, his eyes now pleading.
Qi Chengming watched silently with great interest, waiting for the Sixth Prince to make his own decision.
The sixth prince first gave him a questioning look to confirm, but when he didn't receive any response, he hesitated and said, "...Alright, seventh brother, come with me."
really.
Qi Chengming knew that the Sixth Prince couldn't resist such a lackey. No wonder the Seventh Prince chose the perfect time.
But perhaps fearing his second brother's misunderstanding, the sixth prince quickly added a subtle explanation: "I am only a prince, not as busy as the crown prince. It would be a good thing if my seventh brother could take care of me." (My brother can't compete with you, my second brother, and only with your help can Father Emperor feel at ease.)
Qi Chengming smiled politely: "I see."
The sixth brother is not bad; it's good that he could think of this. As long as he doesn't have to worry about the seventh prince turning the tables on him in the future, that's fine.
"..." The Seventh Prince looked around inexplicably, seemingly lost in thought, a glint of ambition flashing in his eyes as if he had seized an opportunity.
Has the atmosphere between Second Brother and Sixth Brother become so tense after they were each awarded their rewards? Sixth Brother's words have become openly sarcastic...
It seems he really did find an opportunity this time!
"By the way, my elder sister's wedding is not far off, second brother, don't forget." The sixth prince suddenly remembered this matter, simply stating it.
Qi Chengming had noticed the slight change in the Seventh Prince's expression earlier. In order to verify his guess and deepen the misunderstanding, Qi Chengming deliberately gave a forced smile: "Sixth Brother, just make sure you don't miss the appointed time."
"I wouldn't!" the sixth prince retorted before wondering what had happened.
He watched as his second brother suddenly tossed his sleeve and left ahead of him. His seventh brother, standing beside him, leaned in and whispered in a tone of shared indignation, trying to gain his approval: "...His Highness the Crown Prince is far too arrogant towards Sixth Brother! He's only just been conferred the title..."
The sixth prince glanced up and immediately spotted the imperial guards on duty not far away; these were his father's eyes and ears.
He was taken aback, then his emotions turned to anger as he agreed. The Sixth Prince chirped indignantly in a low voice:
"Ah...yes! That's right, that's too much!"
...His second brother's future rests on his shoulders!
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Author's Note: A Little Theater—
In the eyes of the Seventh Prince
Qi Chengming: Blah blah blah (with an arrogant smile)
Prince Ning: Blah blah blah (sarcastically)
(Tit for tat) (Incompatible as fire and water)
Seventh Prince (eyes shining): ...My chance to shine has come!
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