Chapter 570 - 278: The Princess Consort’s Confidence, Ouyang’s Reminder

Chapter 570: Chapter 278: The Princess Consort’s Confidence, Ouyang’s Reminder

"Idiot! How could I have a son like you? I give you a few small tasks, and you make a complete mess of them! How can I possibly entrust the future of this Prince’s Mansion to you?!"

In the main hall of Prince Xiang’s Mansion, Prince Xiang Zhao Zhen’s expression flickered between light and shadow, tinged with a stern authority.

He slammed a heavy palm down on the red sandalwood table, rattling the teacups. His eyes churned with undisguised anger and disappointment.

And deeper still, there was a hidden, almost imperceptible trace of panic.

Below, the Heir of Prince Xiang, Zhao Chengxiang, was prostrated on the floor. Though his face showed fear as he kept his head bowed and eyes lowered, the tight set of his lips and a look deep in his eyes betrayed a hint of defiance and resentment.

The Jingwu Bureau’s raid in Ning’an was, in truth, not his fault.

He had only recently taken charge of the matter and hadn’t yet sorted out all the details. Who could have predicted that the Jingwu Bureau would strike so suddenly, without any warning?

’Isn’t this how it has always been done?’

But Zhao Chengxiang didn’t dare voice a single word of this in his own defense.

Prince Xiang had always been hot-tempered and tyrannical. He was in a towering rage right now, and any attempt at an explanation would be like adding fuel to the fire.

He would be met not with forgiveness, but with a merciless flogging.

"Father, please calm your anger. Your son knows his crime and is willing to accept any punishment."

Zhao Chengxiang’s voice was strained, but he fought to keep it steady.

"But the situation is urgent. Shouldn’t we first consider how to deal with this matter?

If... if even the slightest detail of this gets out, I’m afraid the consequences will be unimaginable!"

Hearing this, Prince Xiang Zhao Zhen’s chest heaved violently. Wasn’t his thunderous roar just a moment ago also a release for the immense panic in his own heart?

Years ago, when the previous emperor passed away, the princes had fought for the throne in a storm of blood. He had been too weak and isolated to be drawn into the heart of that vortex, but his relationship with the current Holy Emperor was by no means close.

Based on his understanding of his imperial brother’s suspicious and ruthless nature, once the crimes of secretly expanding his army and colluding with the Taiping Dao were confirmed, the best-case scenario would likely be house arrest for life in some dark courtyard in the Capital City.

And in the worst-case scenario... it could cost him and his entire family their lives.

"The one in charge of the Ning’an Government Office now is that Chen Sheng,"

Zhao Zhen began to speak slowly, his voice much lower:

"The man has a complicated background. He’s backed by the great tree that is the Nie Family of Yunzhou, and he has earned the high regard of Yunzhou’s Commander, Chu Zhengnan. If we were to act rashly against him... a single move could affect the entire situation, and the consequences would be unpredictable."

Although he had never dealt with Chen Sheng directly, he was no stranger to this name that had risen to prominence in recent years.

Especially after Chen Sheng defeated Yikong of the Celestial Dragon Temple in a single battle, he was crowned with the title of Yunzhou’s number one prodigy.

His backers and network of connections were no longer a secret.

This was precisely why Zhao Zhen found the situation so difficult.

’Use power to crush him? The Nie Family’s roots run deep, with influence both in and out of the court. Prince Xiang’s Mansion alone could never hope to suppress them. A direct assassination? Unless I was at the end of my rope, I would never dare take such a risk. From what I can gather, the court seems to be building him up lately, which means Chen Sheng has already caught their eye. If someone like that were to die, it would undoubtedly cause a huge uproar and draw countless scrutinizing eyes. And the one thing Prince Xiang’s Mansion fears most is attention. How could its shady secrets withstand an investigation?’

"Father."

Zhao Chengxiang raised his head and spoke tentatively.

"What if... what if we try to win him over? As long as he’s willing to keep his mouth shut, there will be room to maneuver."

"Win him over?"

Zhao Zhen’s brow furrowed. He tapped his fingers unconsciously on the tabletop, lost in thought.

It did seem to be the safest option at the moment, one that didn’t involve taking a huge risk.

But the problem was, what could they possibly use to entice a heaven-blessed prodigy who was already famous at a young age, had a brilliant future ahead of him, and possessed a powerful background?

’The man has a great future ahead. Would he really stoop to our level?’

CREAK—

Just as the Prince and his son faced each other in silence, the atmosphere in the hall stagnant...

...a graceful figure entered slowly, accompanied by the faint tinkling of jade pendants.

The newcomer wore an elegant palace dress made of the finest cloud brocade. It was perfectly tailored, accentuating her full, graceful figure and revealing every curve.

Her ample bosom, in particular, was breathtakingly accentuated by the form-fitting fabric.

She moved with the unhurried grace and noble bearing of someone long accustomed to a high station, her skirt swaying gently with each step, exuding a natural charm.

But what was most striking was her face.

It possessed the seductive allure of a mature woman, yet her skin was as fair and delicate as a young maiden’s.

It was none other than Princess Consort Xiang, Yu Nanzhi.

"My Prince."

Yu Nanzhi’s gentle, warm voice broke the silence in the hall.

Her gaze swept lightly over Zhao Chengxiang, who was still kneeling on the floor, and a flicker of light crossed her eyes before she turned to Prince Xiang:

"This matter concerns the very survival of our Prince’s Mansion. It is no small thing. In my humble opinion, it would be best if I were to personally make a trip to Ning’an."

"You?"

Zhao Zhen looked up at his princess consort, his expression hesitant.

This princess consort, his second wife, came from the prominent Yu Clan of Yunzhou. Not only was she exceptionally beautiful, but she also possessed a rare and meticulous mind, often providing unexpected insights. She was his capable assistant in all matters, both internal and external.

But to have her personally go and deal with that Chen Sheng...

Yu Nanzhi took a few graceful steps closer and said softly:

"My Prince, if you would hear me out. The Ning’an Wang Clan is a vassal of my Yu Clan. They came with me as part of my dowry and can be considered a foundation for our Prince’s Mansion in Ning’an.

I just received a secret report from the Wang Family regarding this matter.

The Wang Family mentioned in their letter that after the Government Office made its move, they didn’t immediately report the matter to the State Government Office with thunderous haste.

Their attitude seems... to leave some room for negotiation."

She paused, observing Prince Xiang’s expression, before continuing in her gentle, persuasive tone:

"This is clearly a signal. Chen Sheng probably knows full well how wide-reaching this matter is. It’s like a hot potato for him. He must be weighing the pros and cons right now, hesitating and undecided."