The Fourth Prince mentioned by the Wang father and son was currently in his own Fourth Prince’s Residence, gritting his teeth and smashing things.
Priceless vases and tea sets were smashed into pieces, leaving the floor in complete disarray.
The maidservants nearby all hid in the corners, trembling, terrified of attracting the Fourth Prince’s attention!
Except for the Second Prince, none of the princes of this dynasty had been granted a fief and sent away.
But princesses, once grown, could continue living in the inner palace. Princes, once grown, could only obediently move into their own residences outside Palace City.
“Who can tell this prince why that Bai family brat suddenly went from a useless wastrel to someone so articulate!”
Jiang Hongjun squeezed the words out between his teeth, his face so dark it seemed water could drip from it.
Fourth Prince Jiang Hongjun and Third Princess Jiang Mingzhu were born to Consort Li from the same pregnancy, with Jiang Hongjun only being born a minute or two earlier.
So the two of them looked rather similar.
Only, if Jiang Mingzhu’s peach blossom eyes were lively and bright, Bai Zhao’s peach blossom eyes looked deep and affectionate.
Then Jiang Hongjun’s peach blossom eyes merely added a touch of softness and femininity to him.
On top of that, after all this smashing, his body, long hollowed out by wine and women, was already panting heavily. His pale face was mixed with a trace of unhealthy flush, and he looked almost like a frail, sickly beauty.
This morning, he had just climbed off the two beauties his subordinates had presented to him yesterday, when he received an imperial decree from Emperor Qian, delivered through Grand Seal Eunuch Yu’s subordinate, Eunuch Hai, ordering him to accompany Bai family heir Bai Zhao in receiving the Great Yan delegation.
The decree stated that for this matter, he was to follow Bai Zhao’s lead in everything and work together with the Court of State Ceremonies to handle it well.
When Jiang Hongjun received the decree, he still had not figured out when Bai Zhao had returned to the capital, nor why his imperial father wanted him to take part in receiving the envoys and follow Bai Zhao’s lead in everything.
Then Du Xi, who had rushed over after hearing the news, told him everything that had happened in court today. Jiang Hongjun could not help but burn with rage, and the satisfaction he had felt that morning after getting out from under the beauties vanished instantly.
Du Xi, now thirty-six years old, was a native of Hongzhou in Jiangnan Circuit.
He had been diligent and studious since childhood, but his family was too poor to curry favor with the officials in charge of the county examination, so he repeatedly failed the imperial examinations.
Jiang Hongjun’s maternal clan, the Shen family, was a powerful family in Hongzhou. Although Du Xi had repeatedly failed the exams, he was quite renowned for his talent. And he kept trying to appeal upward, which was truly irritating.
So the prefect of Hongzhou personally recommended him to the Fourth Prince’s side to serve as an advisor.
This both solved a problem and allowed them to do the Shen family a favor. Why not?
After arriving in the capital, Du Xi had indeed helped Jiang Hongjun devise quite a few plans, so Jiang Hongjun valued him rather highly.
There was no helping it: he was neither a legitimate son nor the eldest son. And unlike the Second Prince, he had no way to earn military merit in the frontier army.
No matter how one looked at it, the throne would not fall into his lap, so very few people invested in him.
But Jiang Hongjun was unwilling to accept that. His big brother was the eldest son, but stupid and witless. His second brother was far away on the frontier, and their mother was a princess who had come from the Nanzhao Kingdom as part of a marriage alliance, so one could say he had no chance at the throne either.
That was why his second brother ran off to the frontier, claiming he was going there to serve the nation. Hah, wasn’t he really just trying to earn military merit and gain prestige?
Jiang Hongjun would never give his second brother that chance to contend for the throne!
As for his third brother, the legitimate son, Jiang Hongjun despised him the most!
Born as the Empress’s legitimate son, and with a sister as dazzlingly beautiful as Jiang Wushuang, by all rights he should have been named Crown Prince long ago.
But Third Prince Jiang Boxian was timid and weak by nature!
Perhaps because Jiang Wushuang’s brilliance was too dazzling, he had been beaten and scolded by Empress Murong Tinglan since childhood, and had somehow become as timid as a mouse.
At the slightest sign of trouble, he would panic completely. Let alone contending for the throne.
That was why Emperor Qian had never settled on the position of Crown Prince.
In Jiang Hongjun’s view, the throne should be inherited by him, and no one else was worthy!
So he clung tightly to every bit of help he could get and used any means necessary.
When he was young, Consort Li said that the Duke of Luguo’s family had only Chen Shuyi as a daughter. If he could marry her, the Duke of Luguo would become his support.
Consort Li had even personally gone to speak to Chen Wei about it, but who would have thought Chen Wei would be so ungrateful as to actually make a marriage contract with the Bai family!
Jiang Hongjun had been interested in beautiful women since childhood. To put it bluntly, he had been lecherous since he was a child.
Chen Shuyi was two years older than him. Back when they were studying in the palace school, Jiang Hongjun saw how lovely and delicate she had become and could not help wanting to get close to her.
Who knew Chen Shuyi always stayed by Bai Zhao’s side, ignoring both him and his big brother! That made Jiang Hongjun, who had been extremely selfish since childhood, very unhappy.
What was so great about Bai Zhao? He was just a wastrel, a worthless piece of trash.
Jiang Hongjun looked down on Bai Zhao greatly.
Later, Bai Zhao beat him up once. Though Bai Zhao saw it as nothing more than children fighting, for Jiang Hongjun, the grudge became enormous.
That lasted until the incident when Bai Zhao was eight years old and went to the Northern Border.
Jiang Hongjun realized that an opportunity had come! He decisively launched his pursuit of Chen Shuyi.
But although that girl had been scared away by Bai Zhao, she remained extremely wary of him.
In order to gain the support of the Duke of Luguo, and also to obtain such a beauty, Jiang Hongjun had no choice but to begin as a friend. He would usually find her to discuss poetry and the like, slowly plotting his next move.
In Jiang Hongjun’s view, given enough time, he would certainly succeed.
Who knew that Bai Zhao would suddenly return now and make such a stir.
This guy was no longer a waste!
After planning for so long, it might suddenly all come to nothing, and he already hated Bai Zhao to begin with. The piling up of these things made Jiang Hongjun instantly furious!
Back to the scene.
“Your Highness, calm your anger. What I just said about the Bai heir making a big impression in court is actually a good thing!”
At this moment, after waiting for Jiang Hongjun to vent and his emotions to settle somewhat, Du Xi waved his hand to have the maidservants nearby clean up the room and leave. Once only the two of them remained, he clasped his hands and said to the Fourth Prince.
Jiang Hongjun looked at the calm smile on Du Xi’s square face and slowly settled down as well, then asked:
“Oh? What do you mean, Master Du? This prince truly does not understand. Please teach me, sir!”
Du Xi stroked the goatee on his chin and said slowly:
“Your Highness, regarding today’s matter involving the Bai family heir, the reactions in the capital are mixed. But one thing is certain: this is not a good thing for the Bai family.
Bai Zhao had a well-known reputation as a wastrel when he was young in Chang’an. After spending eight years at the frontier, he has returned and suddenly caused such a stir. Whether this is truly his own ability or not, just based on today’s performance, how many people in the court will feel uneasy?
How many people in the capital are dissatisfied with the Bai family? This Bai Yuan, as a prince of a different surname, holds high office and great power, yet refuses to cooperate with court officials, acting aloof and above it all! How many people’s interests has he damaged?
Back then, when the Bai family heir looked like a wastrel, there were no major moves against the Bai family. But now that Bai Zhao has made such a dazzling display, all the powers in the capital will surely regard him as a thorn in their side and a dagger in their hearts. Besides, how do you know that His Majesty will not become suspicious?”
As Jiang Hongjun listened, his eyes grew brighter and brighter. He could not help but clap his hands and laugh.
“Haha, hearing you speak, Master, this prince suddenly sees the light. However, my imperial father and Bai Yuan have a deep friendship. I am afraid he will not become suspicious of the Bai family as you say, Master?”
Du Xi shook his head.
“Your Highness, you are mistaken. You must know that imperial families are the most heartless of all!
The emperor is the Son of Heaven, the ruler of Great Qian.
Over these years, the Bai family’s position in the army has been too high! Their achievements outshine their master. How can Your Highness be certain that His Majesty has not become suspicious of the Bai family?
Look at His Majesty’s arrangement this time. He has asked Your Highness to work with the Bai heir to oversee the reception of the Great Yan delegation, and everything is to follow the Bai heir’s lead.
Doesn’t His Majesty know about Bai Zhao’s old reputation as a wastrel?
Yet just because of Bai Zhao’s behavior this morning, he has placed such a major matter under Bai Zhao’s leadership.
Could it be that His Majesty so easily believes Bai Zhao has real ability?
Trusts him so much?
In my view, no. This is a test of Bai Zhao’s true depth.
If this matter is handled successfully, it will reveal whether this Bai heir truly has real talent, or whether the Prince of Zhenbei’s estate deliberately paved the way for him.
If it is not handled well, then when face is lost, the main responsibility will fall on Bai Zhao!”
“Master’s words are reasonable!”
Jiang Hongjun said excitedly.
“Moreover, Your Highness, this is also an opportunity for you!”
“Oh? Please speak plainly, Master!”
“Your Highness, why did His Majesty have you work with the Bai family heir?
First, because Your Highness represents the royal family! You represent Great Qian’s regard for this exchange! Since a prince has been sent personally to receive them, who could possibly object?
Second, I think this is His Majesty testing you, Your Highness!
Now the Eldest Prince has great ambition but little talent. The Second Prince is far away at the frontier. The Third Prince is timid and cowardly. No matter how one looks at it, this throne ought to fall to Your Highness! His Majesty has taken notice of you, Your Highness!
Third, Your Highness can use this opportunity to win over the talented scholars of Chang’an! Cultural exchange, after all, should involve literary talents!
Your Highness can also take the opportunity to seek support from Bai Songtao, the Chancellor of the Directorate of Education! Although this old man has no real power, many court officials are his disciples!”
Du Xi said earnestly.
“Achoo, achoo!”
Emperor Qian, handling state affairs in the Imperial Study, sneezed several times in a row.
“Who is thinking of me? Ah, I hope Hongjun can understand my painstaking efforts. I saw that when he was young, he had such unpleasant conflicts with that Bai family boy!
The Bai family is the pillar of my Great Qian. I arranged things this way precisely because I hoped you could mend your relationship with that Bai family boy. The throne will not be yours. If you offend the Bai family, after I am gone, I am afraid you will not have a good end!”
Emperor Qian murmured to himself with a distant look in his eyes…
And the fourth son Jiang Hongjun, whom Emperor Qian was worried about, was currently saying to Du Xi with a beaming face:
“Master is right! Looking at it this way, my imperial father truly has high hopes for this prince!
This Bai Songtao originally intended to help the Eldest Prince, but unfortunately my big brother is truly useless! He could not even seize such an important chess piece.
But I hear Bai Songtao is rather dissatisfied with that Bai Zhao brat. How should this prince invite him to take part in this exchange?”
Hearing Jiang Hongjun ask with a worried expression, Du Xi smiled and shook his head.
“Your Highness has misunderstood! Bai Songtao is dissatisfied with Bai Zhao! What does that have to do with Your Highness?
Although this cultural exchange is being handled by Bai Zhao, Your Highness can absolutely invite Bai Songtao in your own name!
Your Highness can discuss things with Bai Songtao in advance. When the exchange between the two countries begins, make Bai Zhao look bad!
Even if Bai Zhao has true ability, can he possibly compare with Great Qian’s Chancellor of the Directorate of Education, the great scholar Bai Songtao?
Then Your Highness can have Bai Songtao act, or arrange for a few talented scholars, such as the Jiangnan scholar Du Yu, who has recently been making waves in Chang’an, to turn the tide!
By then, the glory will belong to Your Highness, and the embarrassment will belong to Bai Zhao! Are you still worried Bai Songtao won’t agree? It may even make His Majesty dislike Bai Zhao because of it. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?
In that case, Your Highness can not only vent your anger, but also win the support of many talented scholars. Isn’t that killing two birds with one stone?”
“Wonderful, wonderful, hahaha! Master, you truly are a great talent! With your help, how could this prince fail to accomplish great things?”
Jiang Hongjun laughed heartily.
“Your Highness, the top priority now is to spread the word that even a small country like Yan Kingdom, founded for less than a hundred years, dares to bully Great Qian’s literary circles by claiming we have no one capable!
They come to Great Qian under the banner of cultural exchange, but in truth, they harbor wolfish ambition and want to crush the confidence of Great Qian’s younger generation!
First, stir up the pride and patriotism of the talented scholars in Chang’an City!
Then say that Your Highness, entrusted by His Majesty, is responsible for this cultural exchange, but unfortunately has no capable people under your command!
You are now planning to hold a literary gathering at the Fourth Prince’s Residence! I hope the literary talents of Great Qian will actively participate, win glory for Great Qian’s literary circles, and severely suppress Yan Kingdom’s arrogance!
When the time comes, won’t the prince hosting the literary gathering become famous far and wide? And won’t the literary talents who come to participate be at Your Highness’s disposal?”
Du Xi earnestly advised Jiang Hongjun.
“Mm, whatever Master says goes. Right now, the person this prince relies on most is you, Master!
If one day this prince ascends to the throne, the position of chancellor will certainly be yours!”
Upon hearing this, Du Xi knelt down excitedly and said:
“I thank Your Highness for your trust. I will certainly remain loyal to Your Highness and do my utmost to offer plans and strategies in return for Your Highness’s grace!”
“Master, please rise quickly. This prince naturally trusts you! Now go make preparations; all expenses can be taken from the accounts!”
Jiang Hongjun helped Du Xi up and patted his hand like a ruler showing courtesy to worthy men.
Smash.
Suddenly, the sound of porcelain breaking came from the inner room, followed immediately by a suppressed, delicate cry!
Du Xi’s expression changed, and he asked in a deep voice:
“Your Highness, who is in this hall? If they heard you and me privately speculating about His Majesty and plotting against the Bai family heir, this is no small matter! If they are not trustworthy, Your Highness must not leave them alive!”
Jiang Hongjun froze, looking somewhat embarrassed.
The two beauties from the morning had not gotten up, and in his anger he had forgotten all about them. Now he had no idea how much of their conversation they had heard.
However, Jiang Hongjun had no intention of silencing them.
Those two beauties had only been presented to him by his subordinates last night. Although they were not virgins, they were really quite enjoyable…
He had not had enough of them yet. How could he possibly waste such precious gifts?
But he could not tell Du Xi that. Jiang Hongjun forced out an awkward smile and assured him:
“Master, rest assured. This prince understands. Go about your business. I will handle it later and make sure nothing gets out!”
He looked so solemn that if Du Xi had not known Jiang Hongjun’s lustful nature well, he might really have believed him.
After giving Jiang Hongjun a deep look, Du Xi bowed.
“I hope Your Highness will keep your word. This matter is of great importance. No amount of caution is too much. Your Highness must weigh the gains and losses in your heart! Remember this, remember this…
I have said all I have to say. Your Highness, take care.”
With that, ignoring Jiang Hongjun’s somewhat ugly expression, he turned and left.
“Damn it, have I given you too much face? How dare you speak to this prince like that! If it weren’t for your usefulness, this prince would have killed you long ago!”
Jiang Hongjun was quite unhappy.
He was naturally extremely petty and vindictive.
But in order to hold onto every bit of strength he could gather around him, he had no choice but to restrain his temper.
Still, deep down he believed himself to be a prince of imperial blood and noble status.
When he treated Du Xi courteously on ordinary days, it was only because he had use for him and had to put on an act. He was giving face to that country bumpkin!
Now Du Xi actually dared to speak to him in that tone. Jiang Hongjun’s temper exploded instantly, and he cursed angrily.
“Du Xi, you are relying on this prince’s favor and no longer know your place!
How dare you lecture this prince? You even want to interfere in this prince’s affairs with women. Absolutely outrageous!
Those two beauties are soft and delicate. At a glance, they don’t look like scheming people. What is there to worry about?
Honestly…”
Jiang Hongjun cursed indignantly for a while, then rubbed his hands and returned to the bedroom, treating Du Xi’s words as nothing but the wind in his ears…
Hongjun means lofty ambition and a refined gentleman.
One could only say that Emperor Qian’s naming of him was something he failed to live up to in the slightest.
After withdrawing one thousand taels of silver from the accounts, Du Xi left the Fourth Prince’s Residence.
The prince residences were all within the Imperial City, and Du Xi walked alone to a secluded tavern in the East Market. After greeting the owner, he went to the back hall.
In the back hall sat a young man with his back to the door, silently fiddling with the teapot in his hands.
When Du Xi saw the man, he bowed deeply and said respectfully:
“My lord, Jiang Hongjun has already prepared to heed my advice and is now scheming against the Bai family heir!”
The young man straightened his back and smiled casually.
“Mm, well done. The fish has taken the bait.
Heh, a useless wastrel suddenly showing this kind of performance is truly interesting. Let me see just how much ability you really have.
The capital has not been this lively in years. Fight, fight. If they do not fight, how can things become chaotic? The fun is just beginning.
The tea is yours. Unless there is important information, do not contact me again. From now on, your mission is to ‘properly assist’ Jiang Hongjun.”
With that, the young man stretched lazily and slowly left through the back door…
A huge storm was gradually rising around Bai Zhao in the capital, and Bai Zhao, at the center of the storm, was currently on his way to find a pleasure house…