Chapter 181 Choosing Sides
It was the Seventh Prince who arranged for Boss Ye to meet the Crown Prince.
Of course, before the Seventh Prince made the connection with Boss Ye, he explained the situation to Emperor Xiao Jing.
"She was the niece of Consort Wan during the time of my grandfather, and it is said that she was lost in the capital."
Of those who served Consort Wan, only one head maid remained, and she was still in the Empress Dowager's palace.
They just wanted to know if anyone knew where the girl was.
"Father, may I go see Mother about this matter?"
Emperor Xiao Jing's mind immediately began to work.
The late emperor's concubine? That Consort Wan? I seem to remember her...
Since they are from the Empress Dowager's palace, it would probably be difficult to get them out.
This matter really requires the Empress's intervention.
However, it doesn't seem like the best approach to send Xiao Qi directly to the Empress...
Then how about...
"Xiao Qi, have that person go to the Crown Prince and introduce him."
Remember, you must tell your elder brother, the Crown Prince, that the man is the largest tea merchant in Jiangnan, with business all over the country.
"Your elder brother, the Crown Prince, will meet with him." Emperor Xiao Jing advised the Seventh Prince.
The seventh prince immediately understood what it meant.
Just as my aunt said, this matter must be made known to Father.
He also said that if an ordinary person wanted to see the Crown Prince, even if they were introduced by him, the Crown Prince would probably just give them a perfunctory reply.
But if you make this person's words sound useful, then it's a different story.
Although the Crown Prince is in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, he dares not touch the national treasury's silver because everyone is watching him closely.
But the Crown Prince's daily expenses are high, and he also needs to support assassins and such...
Therefore, if a wealthy merchant from Da Yu came to him seeking favors, the Crown Prince would certainly grant him an audience...
"Father, I'm off then! If my brother, the Crown Prince, ignores me, I'll just say I'm acting on your orders. Don't go back on your word!" the Seventh Prince said with a smile.
"Go! Hurry up, the Crown Prince is probably still discussing matters with Prime Minister Xu!"
"You should still be able to catch him," Emperor Xiao Jing said with a smile.
Emperor Xiao Jing shook his head with a smile only after the Seventh Prince's figure had completely disappeared from sight.
That time, the crown prince took the initiative to apologize and swore a solemn oath to himself that he would treat the other princes well.
Since the choice of the crown prince cannot be changed for the time being, the only option is to increase the bargaining power of the crown prince.
Regardless, Xiaoqi's actions were a signal to him that she would support him...
Otherwise, wouldn't it be cheaper for Xiaoqi to go directly to the King of Qin?
Your Highness, you must seize this opportunity!
......
The Seventh Prince did not have to wait long before the Crown Prince, who came out with Prime Minister Xu, appeared.
Upon seeing Prime Minister Xu standing behind the Crown Prince, the Seventh Prince immediately bowed respectfully as a disciple.
"Greetings, Prime Minister Xu. How has your health been lately, Prime Minister Xu?"
Upon seeing that it was the Seventh Prince, Prime Minister Xu quickly stepped aside to avoid the Seventh Prince's disciple's salute.
Although he presided over the Seventh Prince's enlightenment, he could not actually be considered the Seventh Prince's tutor.
However, the Seventh Prince's respectful attitude pleased Prime Minister Xu greatly.
"Your Highness, I am doing well lately. I am just getting old and have some old ailments."
The seventh prince remained very respectful.
"My father said that the Prime Minister is a pillar of our Great Yu and should take good care of his health."
Prime Minister Xu bowed and accepted.
After exchanging a few words with Prime Minister Xu, the Crown Prince left with the Seventh Prince.
......
The next day, after Boss Ye met with the Crown Prince with 100,000 taels of silver, the Crown Prince immediately took the matter to heart.
Another day passed, and the Crown Prince personally went to see Empress Xu and told her about the matter.
"An old woman in the Empress Dowager's palace? That won't be easy to get out," Empress Xu sighed.
"Mother, please think of a way. Your son has already agreed to their request," the Crown Prince said with a smile.
Empress Xu glanced at the Crown Prince before slowly asking, "What's the matter?"
"It was Xiao Qi who recommended him. He's a very wealthy merchant from Jiangnan, with businesses all over the country," the Crown Prince said.
Empress Xu certainly understood what it meant.
The Crown Prince has brought this wealthy merchant under his control.
Also, although it was said that Xiao Qi was the one who introduced her, it was actually probably the idea that came from the Duke of Dingguo's wife!
This means that the Duchess of Dingguo has already decided to side with the Crown Prince...
Thinking of this, Empress Xu had to become cautious.
Since that's the case, then no matter what, I'm going to get this done this time...
"What's your name?" Empress Xu asked.
“Sang Qinghuan,” the Crown Prince said hastily.
Empress Xu nodded, already making plans in her mind.
"Since this person is the Empress Dowager's man, and he asked about some secrets, he cannot be sent back after he has finished asking the questions."
In other words, while I'll get that person out of here, I can't concern myself with anything else.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. As long as we get the person out, that's all that matters. As for the rest, Boss Ye said he has plenty of ways to get her to talk." The Crown Prince was overjoyed.
Empress Xu did not speak again, but simply nodded slightly.
......
Outside the palace, Shangguan Jin also learned that the Crown Prince and Empress Xu had agreed to this matter.
Shen Qingyue was a little worried.
"What if that old palace maid doesn't know those things?"
"We've already sent 100,000 taels of silver to the Crown Prince's residence, if that doesn't work, wouldn't we be losing everything?"
Shangguan Jin smiled.
"A complete disaster? How could that be?"
How could someone as shrewd as Boss Ye do something that would result in a complete disaster?
I reckon he was so quick to bring 100,000 taels of silver to see the Crown Prince.
Firstly, he genuinely wanted to find his cousin.
On the other hand, it was also to let the crown prince see his strength.
Whether this matter succeeds or fails, he has at least made contact with the Crown Prince.
Success! Excellent! He'll definitely send you a generous gift next.
Even though it didn't work out, he could still be considered to have joined the Crown Prince's household. The biggest taboo for merchants is not having a powerful backer.
So, when you calculate it that way, 100,000 taels of silver is just a stepping stone.
"That Mr. Ye, no matter how you look at it, he won't lose out," Shangguan Jin said with a smile.
Shen Qingyue suddenly realized.
Yes, what merchant would do business at a loss?
Moreover, Mr. Ye is a very successful businessman...
"Mother, Yao'er understands!"
"Sister Yao, don't think too much."
Actually, I quite admire this Mr. Ye.
He traveled as a merchant while searching for his sister; even if he failed this time, he would continue to make money.
Without money, where would we get the capital to search all over the country?
So, his desire to find his sister is genuine, but that doesn't stop him from finding a good backer for himself.
"Do you understand?" Shangguan Jin asked with a smile.
Shen Qingyue quickly understood.
People look down on traveling merchants, but who can do without money? Even the crown prince is no exception!
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