Chapter 544 – The World in Turmoil (Fourteen)
The Second Prince Consort, An Yina, was a princess of the Northern Border’s royal court, and her marriage into the Dongqing royal family was meant to symbolize “friendship between the two nations.”
But now she suddenly dropped dead, her body hastily prepared for burial, creating a stark contrast to the grand scenes of her royal marriage.
This news was originally tightly controlled by the Dongqing royal family, but Changshou Wang had placed spies in Chenzhou and learned of it almost immediately. He had been fretting over how to capture Chenzhou and ascend to the throne, and now with An Yina’s sudden death, it was like a godsend!
Changshou Wang could hardly contain the ecstatic joy bubbling inside him, rubbing his hands together as his grin nearly stretched to his earlobes.
“Is this news really true? An Yina really died suddenly?”
He eagerly inquired, secretly regretting.
Why hadn’t he thought of using An Yina as a tipping point?
Had he known earlier, he would have exposed her dirty dealings with the Fourth Prince, Wu Ma Jun, and other ministers much sooner.
Royal scandals, a prince consort having an affair with her uncle is one thing, but colluding with so many high officials? She should have been executed long ago!
Changshou Wang had some dealings with the Northern Border; the three clans of the Northern Border had provided him benefits and conveniences. He used his connections to cover up An Yina’s activities in Dongqing. He promised that no matter what An Yina did, everything would be transparent and open before him.
After all, it was just setting up the Dongqing Emperor, not himself; Changshou Wang was more than happy to enjoy the show.
Liu Zhi, that coward, had already lost his daughter, Liu Huan, yet showed no reaction, not even expressing any dissatisfaction toward the Dongqing royal family.
If only Liu Zhi could express a little resentment and stand on Changshou Wang’s side against the Dongqing royal family, Changshou Wang would have already ascended to the throne!
Liu Zhi’s lack of assistance was frustrating, but the battlefield was already leaning toward Changshou Wang. If he just waited a few more months, Chenzhou would fall without a fight. Yet, at this crucial moment, a significant blunder occurred on the battlefield, evening the odds and leaving the war in a stalemate.
During this time, the armies of Chenzhou and Changshou Wang’s forces had clashed multiple times, but neither could gain the upper hand. Changshou Wang could only watch greedily at the emperor’s dragon throne in Chenzhou, itching to take action, his hands itching to grab it.
Just when he thought this state of affairs would continue, news suddenly broke that An Yina had died unexpectedly!
An Yina was a jewel of the Northern Border royal court. Her mysterious death, whether due to serious illness or some other cause, would not be overlooked by the Northern Border royal court. This was a golden opportunity for Changshou Wang to seek Northern Border support.
Changshou Wang was ambitious, having established substantial connections with the three clans of the Northern Border over the years. With cooperation now, he could certainly achieve something great.
The strategists and military generals under him turned pale upon hearing his thoughts, their expressions various shades of green and purple, quite unsettling.
One elder strategist stood up and bowed, saying, “Lord, this matter must not happen. The three clans of the Northern Border have long coveted the territory of Dongqing. In recent years, their military strength has soared; if we collaborate with them now, it’s like inviting a wolf into the house—too dangerous!”
The military general sitting at the head of the table solemnly echoed, “Yes, Lord, this matter must not be agreed to. The Northern Border royal court marrying Princess An Yina into the Dongqing royal family never intended goodwill. We have heard rumors for years that this princess has had numerous ‘guests,’ causing chaos in the court. The Northern Border Marquis family was destroyed because of this evil woman; please, Lord, think twice!”
“Lord, I agree. Please consider this matter. Once we invite this wild wolf in, sending them away will be difficult. Think of how many common people died during the Northern Border’s sneak attack on Chongzhou and Shangyu County; this blood debt…”
Most strategists and generals present held a terrible impression of the three clans of the Northern Border.
This was merely the secondary issue. It’s easy to invite a god but hard to send them away, not to mention the three clans had been eyeing Dongqing for many years.
Nevertheless, their opinions didn’t matter much; what was vital was Changshou Wang’s perspective.
Some flattering subordinates, noticing Changshou Wang’s displeasure, hurriedly spoke up.
“Gentlemen, don’t rush to worry; this matter may not be entirely bad.” A middle-aged man in a scholar’s robe said, prompting the crowd to glare at him in anger, but only Changshou Wang’s eyes lit up, silencing those who wanted to reprimand him and motioning for him to continue.
With Changshou Wang’s approval, the middle-aged man felt more confident.
He had always loved making unilateral decisions, and listening sincerely to others’ opinions had just been an act all along.
Now with the Dongqing throne within reach after nearly a year of stagnation, he could no longer hold back his impatience.
The middle-aged man didn’t have great talents but was exceptionally good at reading the room, honing in expertly on Changshou Wang’s thoughts.
“Continue,” Changshou Wang commanded.
Everyone in the tent turned grim, but the middle-aged man’s expression was filled with glee as he said, “The three clans of the Northern Border are barbaric; they all feast on blood and flesh, while Dongqing is a land of礼仪 (etiquette). We have the responsibility to educate them. They are mere savages; once you succeed, give them a little reward, and just send them off. If they can’t be sent off, we can make some verbal promises.”
What nonsense!
Faces turned stone cold as someone with a fiery temper stood up to berate the middle-aged man fiercely, calling him “a bug.”
The middle-aged man merely smiled and said, “Lord, you are the true dragon designated by Heaven, destined to rule the world, and leveraging the Northern Border’s strength is merely following Heavenly will. Promising some benefits to the three clans of the Northern Border is for the sake of gaining greater profits; after all, in the worldly lands, does the emperor’s land not belong to the people? You will reclaim it sooner or later. If not this way, do you have any better methods to break Chenzhou smoothly?”
Changshou Wang’s expression was calm, but his heart had begun to surge.
He grew increasingly pleased and valued the middle-aged man, contemplating promoting him to chief strategist and making him the head of his scholars.
The middle-aged man continued, “Moreover, we could have the Northern Border barbarians take the lead, wearing down their military forces…”
“Nonsense! You’re not worthy of being consulted on this matter!”
Many wanted to persuade, but seeing Changshou Wang’s expression, their bold ambitions deflated instantly.
Some hot-tempered individuals stood up and left the main tent.
What a ridiculous situation!
As people continued to leave one after another, Changshou Wang’s face darkened into a hue resembling burnt pot bottom ash.
He usually played the part of a gracious lord welcoming advice, but that didn’t mean he would let people trample all over him.
However, he still maintained some rationality and didn’t immediately agree to collaborate with the Northern Border; instead, he continued to have his spies in Chenzhou investigate the situation.
Why was Princess An Yina suddenly dead?
What was the deeper truth behind this?
