met free Chapter 289 The Sixth Prince is Still Alive
Chapter 289 The Sixth Prince is Still Alive
Wang Danwang's gaze fell on Kui Zheng again, and he asked with a hint of inquiry in his tone:
"How exactly does Shi Li plan to work with us?"
Kui Zheng was secretly calculating in his heart, but he remained calm on the surface and replied respectfully:
"Sir, I know very little about the details of this cooperation. However, I am willing to act as a bridge and convey to Shi Li your intention to form an alliance. Do you think this arrangement is appropriate?"
Kui Zheng knew clearly in his mind that success in such a sensitive matter might not necessarily yield much profit, but failure would lead to unpredictable consequences, and no one could predict what kind of turmoil would arise.
Upon hearing this, Wang Danwang's eyes flashed with a hint of deep thought and determination. "Very good. I will send a trusted confidant to accompany you and strive to facilitate this alliance."
Wang Danwang's heart was indeed in turmoil. Once this happened, with the powerful weapon in his hand, he would be able to wield his fists and feet even more unscrupulously in this world.
Capital City, Imperial Study Room.
The candlelight in the room flickered, illuminating Zhao Hengzhang sitting on the dragon throne.
He closed his eyes and concentrated, listening to the detailed report from the Dark Cavalry spy, then looked up at the ceiling for a long time, as if weighing something. Finally, a heavy breath slowly escaped from his lips, breaking the silence in the room.
"My dear companion," he said in a deep and powerful voice, "I would like you to go to the Right Prime Minister's residence and ask Master Fan Wenyuan to come into the palace immediately."
In just half an incense stick of time, Right Prime Minister Fan Wenyuan stepped into the center of power with steady steps.
He was dressed in court robes, his demeanor exuding calmness and dignity. He walked to the imperial desk and bowed respectfully:
"Your Majesty, I, Fan Wenyuan, pay my respects to you! May our Emperor live long and be in good health!"
Zhao Hengzhen waved his hand gently, his tone carrying a hint of impatience and directness:
"Mr. Fan, there's no need for formalities. I summoned you here to discuss something important. Take a look at this first."
After saying this, he casually handed the secret report carefully compiled by the Dark Cavalry Division to the eunuch Wu Wei beside him. The latter took it carefully and gently placed it in front of Fan Wenyuan.
Fan Wenyuan took the secret report and read it word by word. An expression of disbelief gradually emerged in his deep eyes, as if the content of this information far exceeded his expectations.
The atmosphere in the room became more subtle and tense because of this secret report.
"As the secret report indicates, Shi Li is indeed somewhat extraordinary. However, the ? tribe has long been oppressed by our dynasty. If they truly possess such a powerful weapon, it would undoubtedly be a disaster for our dynasty."
Fan Wenyuan chose his words carefully.
"It's all useless talk. How could I not know the pros and cons of it? Let's talk about something substantial." Zhao Hengzhen interrupted impatiently.
"According to the secret report, what Shi Li created can only be considered half-finished." Fan Wenyuan continued to report.
"Oh? Why do you think it's half done?" Zhao Hengzhang asked with raised eyebrows.
"The other half was destroyed during testing, so I think it can only be considered half-finished," Fan Wenyuan replied.
"No, it should be considered a complete success. That was the explosion that just happened during the second test." Zhao Hengzhang corrected firmly.
Upon hearing the emperor's words, Fan Wenyuan lowered his head involuntarily, a look of deep thought forming between his brows. After a moment, he slowly spoke:
"Your Majesty, I would like to propose that you send an envoy to negotiate with Shi Li. The court could offer a generous reward in exchange for the forging method of the mysterious weapon in his hands."
Zhao Hengzhang half-closed his eyelids, his gaze sharp as a torch, and looked at Fan Wenyuan carefully. Then he waved his hand gently, signaling the others in the study to leave.
Wu Wei understood what was meant and quietly walked to the door, but did not leave. Instead, he stood there to guard the door for the emperor to prevent any uninvited guests from disturbing him.
"Mr. Fan, I must be frank with you. My Sixth Prince is still alive. He has not fallen."
Zhao Hengzhen's voice was low and firm, and every word he spoke revealed unquestionable authority.
"You... Your Majesty, is what you just said true?" Fan Wenyuan was stunned, and his words had lost their usual composure, almost speaking without thinking.
"Indeed, not only is my sixth son safe and sound, but the weapon he holds is far superior to what I have displayed. This fills me with anxiety, and I don't know what to do."
The emperor's words were like a huge rock thrown into Fan Wenyuan's heart, stirring up waves and making him not know how to respond for a moment.
This was a matter concerning the rise and fall and survival of the royal family. Fan Wenyuan was well aware of its importance and dared not make any comments lightly. He could only ponder it secretly in his mind, his expression showing caution and fear.
"Your Majesty, there were rumors about the Sixth Prince years ago, saying that he had unfortunately passed away in his mansion. This matter..."
Having said this, his voice trembled involuntarily, and the rest of the words seemed to be frozen by the cold wind, making it difficult to speak.
"Alas, this is all the root of the trouble caused by the Second Prince Zhao Wei. I only learned the truth recently."
Zhao Hengzhen shook his head slightly, cleverly shifting the blame onto Zhao Wei. Although he himself was not without fault, as the emperor, his majesty and perfection could not tolerate any flaws.
"I dare to speak frankly. Given the current situation, the Crown Prince's position is likely to be untenable. All the other princes have gathered in the Imperial City, but the Third Prince remains at the border, unable to return in time. And yet, the Third Prince was the one Your Majesty had chosen as the next Crown Prince."
Fan Wenyuan spoke slowly, his words measured and cautious. He pursed his lips slightly, his gaze quickly glancing at the emperor. After confirming his expression was normal, he continued, "Now that the Sixth Prince also possesses such a powerful weapon, Your Majesty, how do you think this situation will evolve?"
At this moment, the Sixth Brother has suddenly transformed himself into the son-in-law of the Dingzhou Prince's Palace. This matter is really giving me a headache."
Zhao Hengzhen sighed softly, his words revealing a sense of helplessness and sadness.
Just imagine, once the Sixth Brother joins forces with the Li family, the balance of power in the Great Zhou will be so tense that people will be in a state of panic on the side of the King of Dingzhou, and it will be difficult to balance the two.
Upon hearing this, Fan Wenyuan was shocked and his thoughts surged. Suddenly, he understood the emperor's intention. Could it be that His Majesty wanted to use that clan to restrain the power of the King of Dingzhou?
"Your Majesty, what do you mean by this?" He asked tentatively, secretly wondering in his heart, do you really want to invite the wolf into the house and strengthen the tribe that is not of our kind?
"Those who are not of my race must have different hearts. This is true. Supporting the '? clan is like raising a tiger to harm me. They may not be able to be of any use to me in the future. As for the Sixth Brother, although he is the son-in-law of the King of Dingzhou, this is ultimately a family affair. How can we let outsiders interfere and disrupt our family's composure?"
Fan Wenyuan couldn't hide his anxiety. The strategy of checks and balances was understandable; it was often used by the emperor to maintain stability.
However, he actually wanted to use foreigners to suppress the nobles in the court. If this were to happen, how would the people of the country evaluate this monarch?
Although such a plan seems brilliant, it actually hides its sharp edge.
The Chinese people have always attached great importance to family and country, and regard the family as the foundation of the country and the country as the shield of the family.
If one sees foreign forces infiltrating the government and interfering in the name of internal strife, one cannot help but feel chilled and wonder whether the monarch, wearing the dragon robe, has forgotten the roots of blood ties and whether he can still treat the people of the world as his own children as before.
This art of balancing things, once unbalanced, is like a double-edged sword, hurting both oneself and others. Fan Wenyuan knew this, yet he pressed on, knowing only that the allure of power could easily lead one to lose one's original aspirations and lose one's way.