Chapter 094
After Nanny Zhen explained everything the Queen Mother had said, Princess Rui asked, "I wonder how the Second Prince is doing now?"
Nanny Zhen hesitated for a moment before saying, "The second prince is dead."
Prince Rui stared at Nanny Zhen with his eyes wide open in disbelief. The Second Prince had clearly been rescued. Nanny Zhen said, "The Second Prince died after returning to the capital secretly." But Nanny Zhen did not say how he died. She meant to say, "He died of illness."
This is exactly what Emperor Cheng said to the Queen Mother, and even the Queen didn't know about it.
Princess Rui frowned and didn't ask any more questions. Prince Rui opened his mouth but didn't know what to ask. His face turned pale and he said after a long while, "That's...that's my own son."
No one could give Prince Rui an answer unless he dared to ask Emperor Cheng. Nanny Zhen finally left with the people from Kexianju. Princess Rui arranged for someone to send the specially prepared food to the palace in a small charcoal stove, and only asked the Queen Mother to taste the folk food. After seeing those dishes, the Queen Mother's eyes flashed with a bit of regret and sadness, but she quickly calmed down, and even the little palace maid beside her didn't notice it. "Go ask the emperor if he wants to try it together. I think it's good. Then send these dishes to the Queen."
The dishes chosen by the Queen Mother were all light and suitable for the Queen to eat.
The palace maid was also arranged by Emperor Cheng to be by the Empress Dowager's side. In fact, the Emperor did not care much about the affairs of the harem. In the final analysis, these people were arranged by Emperor Cheng at the request of the Empress.
Emperor Cheng did not come over, but he already knew what Prince Rui had given the Queen Mother, and even knew how many cakes were in a plate of cakes. Seeing that there was nothing unusual, he did not care. Instead, the Queen had someone help her to the Queen Mother's palace. Because the Second Prince's life or death was unknown, she had lost a lot of weight, and the Queen's regular clothes felt a little empty on her.
When she saw the Queen, the Queen Mother quickly had someone help her sit down and asked, "But what's the matter? Didn't the imperial physician tell you to rest more?"
The queen just smiled bitterly, "The Queen Mother is worried."
The Queen Mother sighed slightly, "Don't say such discouraging words. Didn't the imperial physician say that you just need to take care of yourself?"
The queen did not speak. "There is still no news about my son. How can I rest peacefully?"
The queen mother's expression changed slightly, but she didn't say anything. However, the queen seemed to have seen something and didn't act as usual. Instead, she looked at the queen mother's expression and asked, "Mother, tell me the truth. Will my poor son never come back?"
"You..." The Queen Mother frowned and said, "He is also the emperor's son. The emperor will definitely find a way to save him."
Who knew that after hearing this, the Queen started to cry. The Queen Mother frowned and said, "Queen, where are your rules?"
The Queen looked up at the Queen Mother and said, "Mother, that is also your grandson."
The Queen Mother exhaled slowly and said, "You all step back."
This was said to the palace maids in the room. Some of them left directly, but some looked at the queen. The queen mother's eyes flickered, but she didn't say anything. Instead, the queen waved her hand, and everyone in the room left. The queen mother's face darkened and she said, "The queen is very clever."
The Queen did not show any sign of satisfaction, but simply said, "If the Queen Mother had not been unwilling to hurt the relationship between her and His Majesty, how could things have ended up like this? Even the most personal Nanny Zhen was sent out of the palace?"
The Queen Mother did not speak. The Queen looked at her with a twisted calmness. She said, "Mother, I only ask you to tell me, is my son...is he dead?"
"I don't know." The Queen Mother did not speak.
The Queen actually already had the answer in her heart. In fact, the Queen noticed all this after Emperor Cheng had a dispute with the Queen Mother over Prince Rui's affairs. Not only did he send everyone around the Queen Mother out, he also wanted to limit the Queen Mother's rights in the harem, so he let the Queen take over all this. The Queen was truly in charge of the harem, so she was naturally well-informed. Moreover, Emperor Cheng didn't care much about the affairs of the harem, and the Queen Mother no longer stepped forward. The Queen was the only owner of the harem, so those people would naturally curry favor with the Queen, and the Queen knew a lot of clues. For example, last month, Emperor Cheng sent the imperial physician out of the palace, but it was not recorded...
There was also the expenditure on several kinds of medicinal materials by the Imperial Medical Bureau...many of these insignificant little things were speculated by the Queen.
The Queen came to ask the Queen Mother today because she wanted to hold on to a glimmer of hope, hoping that she was thinking too much. However, the Queen Mother's answer made the Queen completely despair.
Emperor Cheng had been hiding the matter of the treasure in Shu from everyone, but when he sent his confidants over, he had to explain a few things. The young eunuchs serving in the palace looked insignificant, but sometimes they knew a lot. After the empress became suspicious, she asked people to inquire about the news, and naturally they found out. In particular, some people from the empress dowager's palace were sent out. The empress secretly captured them one by one, and after secretly interrogating them severely, she knew almost everything about the whole matter.
After Nanny Zhen left, Prince Rui felt extremely upset and didn't even eat a few bites of the delicious food that Kexianju had carefully prepared. After Princess Rui had a small portion, she asked the guards and servants in the mansion to share it.
Prince Rui was still holding the will in his room. When he saw Princess Rui, he said, "I'll leave this to you."
"Your Highness?" Princess Rui knew how valuable this item was, but she didn't expect that Prince Rui would give it to her directly.
Prince Rui put the things in Princess Rui's hands and said, "You keep it."
Princess Rui saw that the prince was serious, so she said, "In the next few days, I will sew a secret pocket inside the prince's inner garment, and the prince will hide this in the secret pocket when the time comes."
Prince Rui nodded and asked, "The crown prince...is gone, is this still useful?"
"It's useful." Princess Rui lowered her eyes slightly and said, "With this, as long as we use it well, we can prove that the Emperor Cheng's will was a fake. In addition, what Prince Ying has been saying for so long..." If Prince Ying's words about Emperor Cheng killing his father and brother were just speculations without evidence, then this will is the most favorable evidence.
Prince Rui gritted his teeth and said, "Regarding the imperial seal... where is the real imperial seal? Do you think my mother will know?"
"I'm afraid my mother doesn't know either." Princess Rui sat beside Prince Rui and said softly, "If she knew, she would definitely give it to Emperor Cheng."
Even if there were many faults, Emperor Cheng was still the Queen Mother's biological son. When Emperor Cheng first ascended the throne, he was also very nice to the Queen Mother. If the Queen Mother knew, why didn't she tell Emperor Cheng? The jade seal was not this will, so it would not have any impact on Emperor Cheng if he didn't take it out.
King Rui nodded and suddenly asked, "If we leave, what will happen to Qi'er?"
"Does Your Majesty really want to sit in that position?" Princess Rui asked softly, with a hint of doubt.
Prince Rui pursed his lips but did not say anything. If he said he didn't want to, that would be a lie. He had never thought about it at first, but when he found out that he was actually qualified to sit on the throne, how could he not be moved, especially when he was so close to the throne, as if it was within his reach.
Princess Rui narrowed her eyes and poured tea for Prince Rui herself without saying anything. Prince Rui seemed to struggle for a few times, and suddenly said, "Actually, I think... why can't I fight for it? Although... I can't guarantee that I'm a wise ruler, but at least... I won't be worse than Emperor Cheng and Prince Ying, right? Plus, with the help of my father-in-law and son-in-law..."
Prince Rui's voice became smaller and smaller, because he thought it was really feasible! In fact, there were many times when Prince Rui could not understand Emperor Cheng's thoughts. If it were him, he would never take action against Yongning Marquis, and would treat him more kindly. After all, he had to guard the border, just like wanting a donkey to walk, but he couldn't let it starve.
Princess Rui sighed slightly in her heart, she was afraid that Prince Rui would have such thoughts. After all, she and Prince Rui had been married for such a long time, and she didn't want to see Prince Rui commit suicide in the end.
Nanny Zhen's words were very tempting, but Princess Rui was more rational. The grandson of the crown prince was the one that everyone wanted, and he had the support of the old ministers and people like the Chu family. What advantage did the king of Rui have? He was the son of the late emperor, but the grandson of the crown prince was also the blood of the late emperor, and to be honest, the grandson of the crown prince was more orthodox.
Besides that? King Rui has no advantages at all.
What the Queen Mother envisioned was not imperfect, but the premise was that there was no such person as the Crown Prince's grandson.
Princess Rui was also tempted. If Prince Rui could really sit on the throne, then Princess Rui would be able to make her son the crown prince. But... she was just tempted.
However, Princess Rui did not mention this matter at this time. When she really arrived at the border town and met the prince's grandson, she could find a way to dispel Prince Rui's idea. So she just asked, "My lord, what should we do about Qi'er's matter?"
"Ah?" Prince Rui was stunned for a moment before he reacted. He had just asked Princess Rui about this matter, but was interrupted by Princess Rui. He reacted for a moment before saying, "Princess, do you have any solution?"
Princess Rui shook her head.
King Rui frowned and said, "Can we send our son-in-law out to work?"
"Your Majesty will not agree." Princess Rui said.
Prince Rui thought for a moment and said, "When we are ready to leave, call my son-in-law and Qi'er back, knock them out and take them away." This method was extremely shameless, but very useful.
Princess Rui's eyes lit up and she said, "That's fine. When the time comes, tell Qi'er to let the couple return home to stay for a while, and then just take the person away."
Prince Rui responded, "Anyway, it's the throne of Marquis Yongning. If I really sit in that position, I will confer the title when the time comes."
Princess Rui looked at Prince Rui's high-spirited appearance and sighed slowly in her heart.
Prince Rui suddenly frowned and said, "By the way, what you said about the Second Prince...was it Emperor Cheng who did it?"
"I don't know." Princess Rui said, "But I'm afraid my mother has some doubts."
"Even a tiger won't eat its own cubs, this..." King Rui felt chilled. His own son was like this, his brother who was a threat. "Princess, pack up some things quickly in the next few days and choose some trustworthy people. We must leave early. Fortunately, most of the things have been delivered to the border town."
Princess Rui lowered her eyes slightly and said, "Yes, but should I inform my third son-in-law in advance about this matter?"
"Well, it would be better to let them prepare for the response." King Rui said after thinking for a while.
Princess Rui looked at Prince Rui and said slowly, "Your Highness, I'm afraid we have to hide in that well for a while."
"Hmm?" Prince Rui looked at Princess Rui with some confusion.
Princess Rui explained, "If we leave directly, I think we will be discovered by Emperor Cheng soon, and he will naturally send troops to chase us. We will not be able to escape anyway. It is better to hide in the well for ten days or half a month, and then follow the pursuers, so that we can hide better."
King Rui also understood and nodded, saying, "Princess is right, let's do it."
"I'm afraid that Your Highness will suffer by then, and it's not advisable to bring too many people. Apart from you and me, my son-in-law and Qi'er, Cui Xi must be brought along, and for the rest... I'm thinking whether we can ask Kexianju to arrange four guards." Princess Rui said.
King Rui frowned and asked, "Are the guards in our palace not good enough?"
"They are guards, but it is not suitable for them to take us with them in disguise." Princess Rui said.
King Rui thought for a moment and nodded, then suddenly asked, "What should they do then?"
"I think it won't be long before Emperor Cheng arranges people to enter the mansion, and then we can send away all the people in the mansion." Princess Rui knew very well that if they ran away, the people in the mansion would be implicated. However, according to Emperor Cheng's temperament, since he has arranged people around the empress dowager, how could he not arrange people around them?
Princess Rui thought for a while and said, "I will send them away for the next few days. You go to the palace and ask Emperor Cheng to grant some people." This way, Emperor Cheng would feel at ease.
"Yes." King Rui agreed.
In the border town, Chu Xiuming didn't know that Prince Rui and his men had already obtained the real will of the late emperor. He never expected that Emperor Cheng's suspicion would cause a fire in his backyard. Although the affairs of the palace were handled by the queen, the real person in charge was the queen mother. Although the queen mother loved to take power, she was wholeheartedly for her two sons. The queen was also a mother and had her own selfish desires. When she learned that her son died unclearly and could not even be buried according to his status, she was furious.
But because she had another son and two daughters, she had not erupted. She did not want to think about how her eldest son died, and she even dared not to think about it, so she cared more about the son who was still alive. Was it retribution? But why didn't it come to her? Her son was so innocent, and the deaths of those people had nothing to do with her son.
In fact, Emperor Cheng was really innocent in the death of the Second Prince. The Second Prince suffered a lot and was frightened when he was in Shu. He was feeling a little unwell at that time, but because he knew about the treasure, he was so happy and shocked that his body was inevitably a little unwell.
After returning to Beijing secretly, he could not show up because of Emperor Cheng's plan. Emperor Cheng even promised that he would be made the crown prince once the plan was accomplished. Whether it was to make up for his mistakes or for the position of crown prince, the second prince did not dare to expose himself easily. It was not until he was really seriously ill that he told Emperor Cheng. Emperor Cheng secretly arranged for an imperial physician, but it was too late.
Although the death of the second prince was related to Emperor Cheng to a certain extent, it was not Emperor Cheng who killed him, and the second prince himself also had a certain responsibility. However, due to Emperor Cheng's selfishness, after the death of the second prince, Emperor Cheng didn't know what to say, so he arranged for someone to secretly send the second prince's body to Shuzhong, and then retrieve it from Shuzhong, and then push the cause of the second prince's death onto those anti-people or the prince of Ying, so as to arouse the anger of the people and the court officials.
After all, although Emperor Cheng was upset about the death of the Second Prince, he was more thinking about how to use the Second Prince's death to wash away his bad deeds and gain more benefits. However, he also knew that doing so was a bit despicable. Moreover, he had a rift with the Queen Mother because of the matter of Prince Rui, and he didn't even have anyone to discuss things with. As a result, not only the Queen Mother misunderstood, but the Queen herself also misunderstood.
Emperor Cheng would have no idea that not long after the Empress returned from the Empress Dowager's palace, she had someone send a letter to Duke Cheng'en's mansion, inviting the wife of Duke Cheng'en to enter the palace the next day.
While everyone in the capital was busy pursuing their own goals, the border town was exceptionally peaceful.
The happiest person in the general's mansion was not Shen Jin, but Dongdong, whose real name was Chu Chenhui. The food he ate every day was never the same. Not only did Nanny Zhao cook for him some delicious food, but Concubine Chen was also good at it. She even made teething biscuits with different flavors. Not only did they taste good, but they also looked cute. Even Shen Jin liked to take two pieces to eat when she had nothing to do, which made Dongdong complain to Concubine Chen with tears in his eyes from time to time.
Concubine Chen was very skillful and made a lot of clothes for Dongdong herself. At Shen Jin's suggestion, she also made exactly the same clothes for the third brother's children. It was particularly pleasing to see three children of similar ages wearing the same clothes and playing in the room.
By the time Chu Xiuming received the news from Kexianju in the capital, it was almost the New Year's Eve. In the conference room, Chu Xiuming handed the note to Chu Xiuyuan. At first glance, it looked like a recipe, but it was actually a code word they had agreed upon. After it was deciphered, it told Chu Xiuming about the will in Prince Rui's hand, and what Nanny Zhen had conveyed about the Queen Mother's intention. Finally, it was written that Nanny Zhen hanged herself after leaving Prince Rui's Mansion.
Although Chu Xiuming used the same codeword when contacting the Zhao family, it was different from this one, so it was Manager Zhao who explained it to him. After listening, Zhao Duan's face changed and he said, "My sister would never have such thoughts."
"Yes." Chu Xiuming did not doubt Princess Rui's intention, because Princess Rui was smart enough. She knew that as long as Chu Xiuyuan was there, there would never be a possibility for King Rui to ascend the throne.
Zhao Duan was nervous because he was afraid that Chu Xiuyuan would misunderstand him. Zhao Duan didn't care about the life or death of King Rui, but his sister was the Princess of Rui. Chu Xiuyuan looked at Zhao Duan and comforted him, "Don't worry, uncle."
Chu Xiuming also said, "Although my father-in-law is a confused person, with my mother-in-law here, we don't have to worry about these things. However, we still need to arrange for someone to bring them to the border town."
Zhao Duan felt relieved and nodded, saying, "General, please make the arrangements."
Chu Xiuming responded, already having a plan in mind, and asked, "Any news about Shen Xi and the others?"
"They've been contacted. Shen Xi and Zhao Jun are heading back to the border town." Zhao Duan said.
Chu Xiuming said, "Let Shen Xi take people to pick her up when the time comes."
Zhao Duan thought about it for a while and felt it was appropriate, so he didn't say anything else. Chu Xiuyuan said, "By the way, Zhao Che came to me a few days ago and said he wanted to go on patrol with General Lin."
Chu Xiuming frowned, but instead of speaking, he looked at Zhao Duan. Although they were on patrol, if they encountered barbarians, there would still be a fight. Zhao Duan smiled and said, "As long as the general and the deputy general think it's appropriate, whether it's Zhao Jun or Zhao Che, they have to earn their own future."
"Does Xiuyuan think Zhao Che is suitable?" Chu Xiuming waited for Zhao Duan to speak before asking.
Chu Xiuyuan thought for a moment and said, "In fact, I think Zhao Jun is more suitable to follow General Lin to patrol, and Zhao Che is not calm enough, so it is better to let him follow Manager Yu to prepare for the trade."
After Chu Xiuyuan finished speaking, Zhao Duan was stunned for a moment and didn't say anything.
"Yes." Chu Xiuming agreed. He has gradually handed such matters over to Chu Xiuyuan. In fact, he had no choice. All the successive princes of the Tianqi Dynasty were first brought by the emperor to be in contact with court affairs and learned to handle them little by little. However, Chu Xiuyuan did not have such an opportunity, nor did he have such time to learn. When they succeeded, Chu Xiuyuan would immediately sit on the throne. Chu Xiuming could naturally help Chu Xiuyuan, and those old ministers could also help Chu Xiuyuan. However, doing so would inevitably make some ministers ambitious and look down on Chu Xiuyuan, which would be detrimental to the development of Tianqi.
Seeing the big picture from the small, Chu Xiuming has always let Chu Xiuyuan get in touch with the affairs of the border town, and now he has given him the task of arranging the personnel, which is also a training for him so that he can know how to use people well in the future.
Chu Xiuming has made up his mind that he will accompany Shen Jin to travel in five years. The five-year deadline also means that Chu Xiuming cannot stay with Chu Xiuyuan for too long. It is possible that Chu Xiuming will leave as soon as Chu Xiuyuan ascends the throne.
Chu Xiuyuan saw that Chu Xiuming agreed, then he looked at Zhao Duan and said, "Uncle, I thought of letting Zhao Che learn some customs of those foreign tribes in the market first. I also found that he is very sensitive to numbers. Although it is good to gain military merits on the battlefield, it is a pity to waste Zhao Che's talent. Why not let him try it first? If he really doesn't like it, we can change it for him in time."
Zhao Che is Zhao Duan's son. He certainly knows that his son is very clever, has an eccentric personality, and is particularly talented in numbers. If Zhao Che's personality can be tempered, he will be able to achieve great things in the future. What surprised Zhao Duan just now was that after such a short time together, Chu Xiuyuan actually saw through his son and made such an arrangement. Both his vision and ability are excellent.
Although it can be said that Chu Xiuyuan is talented, it is also the efforts of Chu Xiuming and others that have enabled Chu Xiuyuan to grow so well.
"It's up to the young general to make the decision," Zhao Duan said.
Chu Xiuyuan nodded, and the matter was settled.
"What should we do after Prince Rui arrives?" Chief Steward Wang frowned.
The current situation is complicated enough. If King Rui also arrives at the border town, it will be even more troublesome.
Manager Zhao narrowed his eyes and said, "After my father-in-law comes, let Princess Ruyang and her husband die of illness."
Princess Ruyang and her husband, Marquis Zhongyi, were plotted against by Chu Xiuyuan, who got the news first, ever since they were sent by Emperor Cheng. Then the two were kept in captivity. Not only them, but also many court officials sent by Emperor Cheng. Although these people were not a threat, Manager Zhao felt that no one should be underestimated. Only dead people were the safest.
Zhao Duan also agreed, and Manager Wang said, "That's true."
"Send Princess Ruyang back to the capital." Chu Xiuming suddenly said, "The Prince Consort and the Crown Prince stay."
Chu Xiuming and Shen Jin discussed this matter in the evening. At first, Chu Xiuming's opinion was the same as Manager Zhao's. However, Shen Jin suggested that Princess Ruyang be sent back by herself, and the prince consort and Ruyang's child be left behind as hostages. Princess Ruyang would naturally know what to do when the time comes.
Even if Princess Ruyang could ignore her husband, she would not ignore her children.
Chu Xiuming didn't even have to tell Princess Ruyang anything. When the time came, she would naturally know what to do for the safety of her husband and children.
Even if Princess Ruyang betrayed the border town at that time, it would not matter, because Prince Rui would have arrived by then, and he would have torn his relationship with Emperor Cheng anyway.
Chu Xiuyuan frowned and said, "Will Ruyang give in?"
Chu Xiuming said, "Even if she tells Emperor Cheng about the situation in the border town, we won't suffer any loss." After all, even if Ru Yang wanted to tell him, she wouldn't know, because she had no chance to know.
"That's right." Chu Xiuyuan thought for a moment and said, "Then it's settled."
Chu Xiuming nodded and said nothing more.
"What arrangements should be made for King Rui?" Manager Zhao asked bluntly.
It was not easy for Zhao Duan to speak at this time, because Prince Rui was also his brother-in-law. However, seeing that these people did not avoid him when talking about the affairs of Prince Rui and Princess Rui, Zhao Duan felt relieved.
"I'll live in the yard that Madam cleaned up some time ago." Chu Xiuming said, "Everything is normal."
"Should we tell Prince Rui about the young general's affairs?" asked Chief Steward Wang.
Chu Xiuming looked at Chu Xiuyuan and said, "You make your own decision."
"Yes." Chu Xiuyuan agreed and said, "It's better to treat them with sincerity."
In fact, there is another point. It will be good for both of them if they can dispel King Rui's idea as soon as possible. If King Rui is allowed to think about it for too long, he will inevitably become obsessed and hurt their relationship.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Duan spoke, "I will talk to my sister and brother-in-law." The implication was that he would persuade Prince Rui to be the target so that Chu Xiuyuan could hide better behind it, but it would not be too early for Emperor Cheng and Prince Ying to know about it.
If Chu Xiuming had a Prince Rui, then at most Emperor Cheng would be wary, and the Prince of Ying would be happy to see it happen. However, if Chu Xiuming had a legitimate grandson of the Crown Prince, then the situation would be different and there would be no room for maneuver.
"Then I'll trouble you, uncle." It was Chu Xiuyuan who spoke.
Zhao Duan shook his head. "These are all part of my job."
Seeing that the matter had been decided, Chu Xiuming continued, "Is there any news from the Prince of England?"
"No news has been sent back yet." said Manager Wang.
Chu Xiuming nodded, thought for a moment and said, "Xiuyuan, strengthen the security around the border town. The barbarians have been quiet for so long, I'm afraid there will be a big move."
"Yes." Chu Xiuyuan responded, "Then should we take the initiative?"
"Wait until after the New Year." Chu Xiuming said, "When the time comes, you will face the enemy head-on in the border town, and let General Lin and his men divide into three routes to..." Chu Xiuming pointed at the map and began to speak.
Zhao Duan and the others also stood up and stood around the table, looking at the places Chu Xiuming pointed.
"Brother, what about you?" Chu Xiuyuan asked after Chu Xiuming finished the arrangements.
Chu Xiuming pointed at the location of the mountain range and said, "If there is any unusual movement here, I will take some people there. If not..." Thinking of the child, Chu Xiuming narrowed his eyes and said, "Then make some."
After all, where the child is hiding is probably only known by the Crown Prince of England. If they do not make any move, they will only be put in a disadvantageous position.
Now that the decision has been made, several people began to discuss how to improve the plan.
Zhao Duan frowned and suddenly asked, "If the prince of England agrees to return the child, who will go?"
In fact, they all thought of this problem. Before Chu Xiuming could speak, Manager Zhao said, "Just go down."
Manager Wang frowned and thought for a moment before saying, "Actually..."
Chu Xiuming looked at Steward Wang. Zhao Duan also thought that Steward Zhao was not the best candidate. Shen Jin was the most suitable one, followed by Shen Xi... and even Princess Rui.
But Zhao Duan couldn't bring himself to ask these three people. Women and children? Who should he let take the risk? According to the relationship, Zhao Duan naturally didn't want to let his sister and nephew take the risk, but he couldn't just ask Shen Jin to go. No matter what the reason was, Shen Jin still called him uncle, and the prince's grandson also called him uncle for Shen Jin's sake.
The question he asked just now was already wrong, but he didn't react at the moment. Now that he understood it, he naturally didn't want to say anything.
Manager Zhao naturally thought of this, so he took the initiative to accept the order. However, if Manager Zhao went, the situation would be a little dangerous. Manager Wang said, "I'll go."
Chu Xiuming said, "Let's wait until the news from the spies arrives."
Everyone nodded and stopped arguing.
After the discussion, Chu Xiuming and Chu Xiuyuan went to the study. Chu Xiuyuan said, "Brother, is there something difficult? Why don't you let me go?"
Chu Xiuming said, "It's okay. These are just assumptions now."
"If you weren't 70% or 80% sure, you wouldn't do this." Chu Xiuyuan said confidently, "The mountains are very dangerous over there."
Chu Xiuming responded without denying, "You guard the border town well."
The two entered the study room, and Chu Xiuyuan asked, "Brother, is it okay for others to go?"
Chu Xiuming just smiled and said, "I still have a 40% chance of survival if I go, but others may not even have a 40% chance. If something happens to me, remember to divide the soldiers into..."
"Brother!" Chu Xiuyuan interrupted Chu Xiuming. Although he was only Chu Xiuming's cousin, in his heart, Chu Xiuming was more than just a cousin. It was Chu Xiuming and Chu Xiuyao who took him out to play, and they were the ones who taught him martial arts and literature. Later, when Chu Xiuyao got into trouble, he was left with Chu Xiuming as his brother, and he cared about him even more.
No one knows better than Chu Xiuyuan how much the Chu family sacrificed for Tianqi, and how much they sacrificed for their father and son. He saw it with his own eyes and remembered it in his heart. 40% sure? Less than half. Chu Xiuyuan couldn't accept it.
Chu Xiuming did not speak, but looked at Chu Xiuyuan calmly. Chu Xiuyuan's eyes gradually turned red. Chu Xiuming poured a cup of tea and pushed it in front of Chu Xiuyuan. After Chu Xiuyuan drank it, Chu Xiuming continued, "Divide all the soldiers into three parts. Let General Lin guard the border, and General Jin be on guard..."
Because there is only a 40% chance of success, Chu Xiuming has already explained clearly what might happen after he is gone. "Generals Lin, Wu, and Jin are trustworthy in their loyalty, but General Lin is better at defending the city than pursuing the enemy. General Jin has a short temper, and General Wu is brave and resourceful, but he is bloodthirsty and needs to be restrained."
Chu Xiuyuan nodded and took note. Chu Xiuming continued, "You need to pay more attention to Emperor Cheng and Prince Ying." Although Prince Ying seems to have the upper hand now, he is a little too weak. If he hides in the dark, it will be even harder to deal with. But now he has turned from the dark to the light, which is a little too impatient. Fortunately, Chu Xiuming and his men have already started a war with Emperor Cheng. If Prince Ying shows up with others, that will be the biggest threat. "But you have to let Prince Ying go. Regarding Prince Ying's health... According to the clues that have been received in recent days, several prestigious doctors in Shuzhong and other places have been invited away and have not returned yet."
"I understand." Chu Xiuyuan said.
Chu Xiuming nodded, "After all, Emperor Cheng has been the emperor for more than 20 years, and has sat firmly on the throne for more than 20 years."
Chu Xiuyuan's heart trembled, "Yes."
Chu Xiuming exhaled slowly and said, "One month after I leave, you will have someone send a letter to the Prince of Ying, and five days later send a message to Emperor Cheng. I will write the content of the letter in advance. Whether it is to delay time or for other reasons, the Prince of Ying will mention the matter of the child. If your sister-in-law really wants to go, you don't have to stop her."
"Brother!" Chu Xiuyuan looked at Chu Xiuming.
Chu Xiuming shook his head and said, "She knows her limits."
Chu Xiuyuan said, "Actually...actually..." Chu Xiuyuan wanted to say that Shen Xi and Princess Rui were also possible, but the words couldn't come out when they came to his lips. After all, it was too selfish and mean.
Chu Xiuming looked at Chu Xiuyuan and said in a deep voice, "Xiuyuan, as a ruler, no matter how capable you are, you must always remember to be upright and honest, and do not impose on others what you do not want imposed on you."
"Yes." Chu Xiuyuan said with his head down.
Chu Xiuming said, "If you have any difficulties, you can ask Princess Rui for advice."
Chu Xiuyuan nodded and said, "I understand."
"Even in case of emergency, entrust the border town to Princess Rui." Chu Xiuming looked at Chu Xiuyuan and said in a deep voice.
Chu Xiuyuan said, "Brother, don't worry."
Chu Xiuming nodded, his expression softened, he stood up, patted Chu Xiuyuan on the shoulder and said, "I leave it to you."
"Okay!" Chu Xiuyuan answered subconsciously.
Chu Xiuming responded and walked out. Chu Xiuyuan was stunned for a moment and suddenly reacted and said, "Brother, today's business has not been dealt with yet."
"A gentleman values his word." Chu Xiuming walked out without looking back. "You have just agreed. The official business during this period is now handed over to you. If there is anything you are not sure about, go and ask Manager Zhao and the others. If you still can't make a decision, come to me at noon."
Weishi was the time when Dongdong was sleeping after lunch. Chu Xiuyuan looked at Chu Xiuming's back as he left and said, "I want to play with my nephew, too."
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