Priceless: A widow with a baby asks the prince to marry again

When Chu Shihuan walked to the door, he heard the Minister of Rites admonishing Shen Yuqin: "... You can't divorce..."

Suddenly he understood that when he had a chance to become emperor, he would not need to protect him, as the Shen family in the Ministry of Rites would naturally cling to him.

In the eyes of the Minister of Rites, Shen Yuqin's greater value is as a bond between them, compared to the blood relationship with his granddaughter. As for the joys and sorrows of the bond itself, it is not important. Shen Yuqin only needs to stay alive and maintain her status as the prince's consort...

...

After changing into the formal attire of a prince, Chu Shihuan sat at the main seat in the banquet hall, with Chu Shixuan and Qin Tao sitting on his left and right, and the ministers sitting below and bowing in greeting.

At this moment, Chu Shihuan's inner desire for power reached its peak. Everything before his eyes seemed to be a preview of his future sitting on the throne!

His heart was pounding but his face still showed grief. Chu Shihuan knew that these ministers would now turn to him because they had no choice. What he had to do was to seize the opportunity and make them truly submit.

But for a moment, Chu Shihuan didn't know what to do, so he could only pretend to be humble. In his memory, what was his father like...

"My father just passed away, and hearing about my eldest brother's experience made me feel heartbroken. If I have lost my composure, please forgive me..."

"It is human nature to be filial and respectful to one's parents. Your Highness, do not worry about it."

Chu Shihuan nodded and said sadly: "No matter what, we still need to find our eldest brother and bring him back alive..."

"Of course we won't neglect it. People from all over Henan Province and along the river are searching for him...but the attackers are so vicious, alas..."

The Minister of Revenue shook his head and sighed, not holding much hope in his heart. "Now that King Kang's life or death is uncertain, the young masters in the mansion don't know what to do..."

"Speaking of this... His Highness the Fifth Prince has no offspring yet..." The Minister of Personnel said vaguely: "I know that His Highness is a man of virtue... but without an offspring, I am afraid it will be difficult for the people to be reassured..."

The two ministers sang in unison, and Chu Shihuan also understood the implication of their words.

Both the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue had women who married into Prince Kang's palace and gave birth to sons. They were closely connected with Prince Kang because of the interests brought by their marriage.

Now that Prince Kang is in trouble, the Minister of Personnel and the Minister of Revenue naturally want to support their own grandsons, but Prince Kang's children are still young and unable to support themselves, so they can only rely on their mother's family and the remaining prestige of Prince Kang for support.

But if a young master is chosen as the new leader, how can the other party support him? If he fights alone, how can he defeat Chu Shiqi, who is supported by the Jiangnan faction that is at its peak?

Therefore, they need to seek common ground while reserving differences, and then work together to defeat Chu Shiqi. Now Chu Shihuan is the choice that can maintain cooperation.

The problem that follows is that they need to share resources with Chu Shihuan and establish a relationship where they can share weal and woe.

The current situation is urgent. The fastest and most reasonable way is to let Chu Shihuan promise to grant King Kang's children the qualifications of heirs. This can not only appease and gather King Kang's other old factions, but also leave future conflicts of interest to the future.

Chu Shihuan couldn't help but reveal a bit of embarrassment. Did these two cunning ministers want his future successor to include several children of King Kang? Or could they only choose from the blood relatives and grandchildren of the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue?

What if he has children in the future?

"His Highness the Fifth Prince has not even turned 20 yet, and his wedding is only a year away. Aren't you all worrying too far ahead?"

The Minister of Rites interrupted calmly, "Besides, the situation of Prince Kang has not yet been determined. It would be a bit... a bit beyond the rules to consider the young masters now."

Several important officials looked at each other briefly to confirm each other's attitudes.

The Shen family of the Ministry of Rites is not a small family. They already have a granddaughter who is the fifth prince's principal wife, so it is naturally impossible for them to give up their future benefits to others.

The Minister of Revenue said in a kind tone: "We are worried about the future of Daxia, but we are a little too hasty... Lord Shen is right."

Chu Shihuan, who was in the main position, could see clearly that the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue were compromising, which revealed that the Shen family of the Ministry of Rites was qualified to participate in the future interest disputes...

"What are you guys chattering about? Shouldn't you be talking about how to deal with Chu Shiqi?"

Qin Tao on the left put one leg on the table. Anyone could see that he was impatient. He said bluntly, "If you can't beat Chu Shiqi, no matter how much you say, it's all bullshit!"

Several ministers couldn't help but blush. Although they still believed that it was necessary to make three rules first, this could not be stated openly.

"Qin Tao is a little impatient, please don't blame him, gentlemen." Chu Shihuan smiled and breathed a sigh of relief.

"No way. The Prince of Changtai is not particular about small matters. We all know this."

Several ministers stepped down immediately. It was just a word, so they naturally couldn't argue with the Prince of Changtai! Instead, they were worried that the Qin family army had the least involvement in the current interests. If the Prince of Changtai was unhappy and left, they would lose an important force!

"Tell me, what is your plan?"

After Qin Tao asked, he came up with an idea: "In my opinion, we should just gather troops and march into the capital, lock up Chu Shiqi, kill the opponents, and then let Shi Huan ascend the throne!"

"Hmm..." The Minister of Personnel also got to the point and asked the Prince of Changtai, "As for the troops... can the Prince of Changtai mobilize troops?"

Qin Tao paused, revealing a somewhat uncertain look: "Logically speaking, the Qin Army cannot be mobilized without being summoned..."

"The eighth prince is not worthy of his position now. It would be justified for His Royal Highness the Fifth Prince to transfer him." The Minister of Rites advised.

"Yes, I think so too. My mother has already written a letter to my father. If my father agrees, the Qin Army should be able to set out."

Qin Tao nodded simply and pointed out the problem: "But there is one more thing. Although the Qin family army is strong, the military supplies and fodder are only enough for one season."

"The three armies must move their food supplies before they move. The food supplies consumed during a march and battle are at least three times that of a normal day. This means that the Qin army may have used up all their food supplies before they even reach the capital. In addition, the military supplies and equipment were originally the responsibility of the Ministry of War, but the Ministry of War's attitude is unclear now."

In response to this question, the Minister of Revenue smiled and said, "Daxia's largest grain-producing area is in Henan Province. If we need to mobilize gold, silver, grain and grass, I, the Minister of Revenue, can still coordinate them."

The Minister of Personnel also nodded and said, "I can send a letter to inform the two river basins and the northern towns, so that the Qin army can march unimpeded, and we can deploy as many officials as possible along the way to serve as logistics."

"Good! Isn't that all? When everything is ready, we can just march into the capital!" Qin Tao slammed the table excitedly.

“Well…it’s best to write a manifesto to announce it to the world, publicize the Eighth Prince’s misdeeds, and gain the reputation of an army of justice.” The Minister of Rites said hastily.

"That's your job as civil servants. The Qin army will still need one or two months to march. It's better to do it sooner rather than later. Just go and do it!"

Qin Tao stood up and said to Chu Shihuan, "I'm not interested in these. Let's go out and move around. You guys continue chatting?"

Chu Shihuan didn't know whether to laugh or cry, and nodded in agreement. Although Qin Tao was a little careless, he was now the person who made him feel most at ease.

...

The eldest princess who stayed in the capital frowned as she read the letter in her hand. Qin Shuangyu had actually left the northwest a few days ago, saying that he was returning home to look for his relatives?

He hadn't mentioned his hometown and relatives for twenty years. Why did he abandon the Qin army in the northwest garrison at this critical juncture?

The eldest princess was full of doubts, but had no clue.

"Your Highness! Many people have come to the palace, bringing an imperial decree, asking you and Prince Changtai to enter the palace, or... to report Prince Changtai's movements to the new emperor." The maid in charge reported nervously.

The princess put down the letter, leaned back in her chair, and said calmly, "Reply, I am not feeling well and should not enter the palace."

"Also, Changtai followed his father Weiyu back to his hometown to look for his relatives. Only this palace and my less than one-year-old grandson are left in the mansion. I hope you can send fewer people in the future. Otherwise, if something happens, I'm afraid no one will be able to persuade my husband Weiyu..."

...

After receiving the reply, Chu Shiqi was furious again!

"How can this be possible?! Qin Tao clearly went to Baoding with Chu Shihuan to meet those remnants of King Kang!"

The old prime minister also frowned. This should have been a matter that could be resolved by killing King Kang, but unexpectedly, complications arose again and again, and now even the eldest princess who had originally stayed out of the matter was involved!

"Send the killers! Kill everyone in the princess's mansion!" Chu Shiqi gave the order angrily!

"Slow! Don't kill!"

The old prime minister hurriedly stopped him and urged: "As long as the princess and the only grandson of the Qin family are alive, the Qin family father and son can still be cautious. If they are killed directly, I am afraid they will be unscrupulous! But with us, it will become a blood feud that will never end!"

Hearing this, Chu Shiqi also realized that the so-called weakness can only be useful if one is alive...but he really couldn't swallow this!

"Then arrest them and detain them! Throw them into the Heavenly Prison! Wei Yu or Chang Tai will be released only if they return to the capital and confess their crimes!"

The old prime minister thought for a moment and said slowly, "Changtai left all the guards in the princess's mansion and only took the soldiers outside the city with him. In addition to the princess's original attendants and the old members of the Qin family army in Beijing, I am afraid that with the current manpower... we can't capture him alive, and it will cause a commotion in the city..."

"bump!"

Chu Shiqi was furious! He picked up an inkstone and wiped the corner of the old prime minister's clothes, then smashed it to the ground!

"This is not okay! That is not okay! Then what on earth am I doing as the emperor? Prime Minister, you keep refuting me. Give me a countermeasure!"

These days, Chu Shiqi often gets angry at the old prime minister, but like that inkstone, he just passes by...

The old prime minister was helpless and did not care. After all, he was his own grandson, and they had the same goal of consolidating the throne. They just had some differences in the way of doing things.

After thinking for a moment, the old prime minister gave a suggestion: "Go south and move the capital to the south of the Yangtze River."

"What?" Chu Shiqi paused.

The old prime minister further explained: "Now in the northern capital, there are old officials from the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Justice, as well as various forces secretly hindering us, so the government orders are not implemented and it is difficult to mobilize people!"

"If you leave these old ministers in the north, and Your Majesty moves to Jiangnan, then naturally there will be a great response. Your Majesty can set up a new team, and when it is strong and mature, then remove the old ministers left in the capital one by one!"

"this…"

Chu Shiqi listened and understood that this was indeed a feasible method at the moment, but he was full of resistance in his heart: "This won't work! Isn't this just handing the capital to others?!"

The old prime minister bowed and said, "The residence of the emperor is called the capital. Your Majesty has moved to the south, so this city is just a city called the capital."

Seeing his grandfather's sincere and respectful attitude, Chu Shiqi couldn't help but soften his attitude: "But, doesn't it seem like you are afraid of them and are running away?"

"As I said, success makes success and failure makes failure, it's just a temporary reputation. No matter how well your majesty does in Sichuan, Huguang, Henan and other places, as long as you fail to conquer them, they will be mostly criticized. Your majesty will be praised a lot if you go to the south to recruit talents."

Chu Shiqi thought this was true, but he still argued: "If it is just a lack of manpower that can fight and kill, I have already mobilized tens of thousands of troops that I have raised in the past to go north, and they will arrive in a few days..."

The Prime Minister advised again: "But if Your Majesty leaves the capital, the Imperial Guards can accompany you and be deployed at any time. And Your Majesty can also summon and gather the able-bodied men in the surrounding areas of Jiangnan for your own use."

Chu Shiqi's eyes lit up immediately! He naturally knew that the private soldiers raised secretly could not be compared with the well-trained imperial guards! The gentry and landlords in various places would raise servants and farmers, and their quality might be uneven, but with the population and wealth of Jiangnan, the number should not be small!

Chu Shiqi was persuaded, and only had one last thought left: "Then the eldest princess and the young grandson of the Qin family will not be dealt with?"

"Of course we can't let them go, but Weiyu is still in his prime, and Changtai is even younger. They both have wives and children. Threatening them from a distance will probably have limited effect. If we ever go to war, taking them as hostages in front of the battlefield will play the greatest role." The old prime minister planned with all his might.

"But we have to wait until we have enough manpower before we can act. Now we can send an order to the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Justice to send people to supervise the Princess's Mansion and Qin's grandson. Deputy generals and above must leave their fathers, sons or brothers in Beijing. This is a clear law of Daxia, and the Ministry of War will abide by it."

After reaching an agreement, the old prime minister left the palace exhausted, but he was still busy at the prime minister's residence, arranging affairs.

"Lord Tang mentioned a few days ago that there are signs of prosperity in the south. Can you report it to the court tomorrow?"

The thin official bowed and saluted: "I obey your command."

...

The territory of Daxia is located in the southwest on a diagonal line with the capital.

The southwestern mountains are rolling and the terrain is rugged. There are also natural factors such as wild beasts, poisonous insects, and miasma, which make this place an example of what Daxia often calls poor mountains and bad waters.

The same is true for population distribution. Not only is the population sparse, but there are also villains or defeated bandits who are not tolerated by the prosperous Great Xia, hiding in the mountains. After generations of reproduction and growth, they gradually forget the deeds and names of their ancestors...

Also, because the mountains in the southwest are high and the emperor is far away, people don't care much about it and rarely get involved in the world struggles where one side takes the stage and the other takes the stage.

The general who came from the southwest seemed to be like this...

The news about the recent major events in the world cannot keep up with the horses that are eager to return home!

Crossing mountains and ridges, sleeping in the open air, they finished the rugged mountain road that normally takes two months to complete in just half a month! The Qin family soldiers who followed them almost couldn't bear it!

But they had begged the general to come along, so what else could they do except sigh and adapt to the hurried pace?

However, when he reached the edge of a stone cliff and walked on the deserted road covered with weeds, the general slowed down his pace and almost stood still... On his resolute face, there was a tension and timidity that he had never seen before.

The soldiers of the Qin Army did not rush them, but waited quietly for the general to adjust his mood, thinking silently, perhaps, this is what those scholars said, the closer you are to home, the more timid you become?