xymnovel Chapter 148 The Golden Chest Alliance
Chapter 148 The Golden Chest Alliance
Chapter 148 The Golden Chest Alliance (Part 3)
"Mother?"
Zhao Guangyi shuddered, the emptiness in his eyes gradually dissipating, replaced by a faint glimmer of light, which quickly dimmed again: "But if we were to enter the palace to see the Empress Dowager at this critical juncture, wouldn't my elder brother be suspicious?"
"He already suspected that I was behind the witchcraft incident. If he finds out that we went to plead with the Empress Dowager, he will think we are spreading rumors and will probably hate me even more."
"At that time, the last bit of brotherly affection I have left in my elder brother's heart will completely vanish!"
"In this way, it will be even more disadvantageous for us."
His concerns were not unfounded.
Zhao Kuangyin already harbored resentment towards him, and if he were to act inappropriately again, it would only worsen the situation and completely cut off his own escape route.
On the contrary, if he went to Luoyang, even if he had no real power, he might still have a chance to make a comeback if the situation changed in the future.
Therefore, Zhao Guangyi hesitated for a moment.
But Lady Fu had already thought of this. She shook her head and said firmly, "Husband, rest assured, there is no need for us to go and meet the Empress Dowager in person. There is someone more suitable than us."
"Who is it?" Zhao Guangyi frowned, puzzled.
"My father, the Prince of Fuwei!"
With pride on her face, Madam Fu slowly said, "My father holds great power and is in a high position. Even His Majesty shows him great respect. Moreover, his trip to the capital this time is to report on his duties, which is perfectly legitimate."
"Why not take this opportunity to let my father enter the palace to pay his respects under the pretext of visiting the Empress Dowager? The Empress Dowager and my father are old acquaintances, so such a visit would be reasonable and not abrupt."
"At that time, my father can subtly explain this matter to the Empress Dowager, recounting your grievances and appealing to your emotions."
Explain the situation rationally and persuade the Empress Dowager to intercede with His Majesty on your behalf.
"In this way, His Majesty won't be suspicious, and the Empress Dowager will also know about this. Wouldn't that be killing two birds with one stone? Perhaps, there might be a turning point!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Guangyi fell silent, his fingers unconsciously clenching tightly as he weighed the pros and cons repeatedly in his mind.
On one hand, he was expelled from Beijing, completely removed from the center of power, with the possibility of making a comeback being extremely slim.
On the other hand, it's a desperate gamble, a risky attempt, relying on Empress Dowager Du's power for a last-ditch effort—perhaps there's still a chance to turn the tide.
But—even if the Empress Dowager really pleads for him, will my brother really obey her every whim?
Reflecting on his brother's past behavior, Zhao Guangyi felt truly uncertain.
My brother values family ties, but he is never one to be unable to distinguish right from wrong. Once he makes up his mind to do something, no amount of persuasion from anyone can change it.
Like the Chenqiao Mutiny back then.
For example, when his seriously ill father rushed to the city of Chuzhou overnight, he called for the gate to be opened, but his brother refused to open it immediately, citing the reason that "the bond between father and son is strong, and opening and closing the gate is a matter of state." As a result, his father was not able to enter Chuzhou until the early morning.
All these signs indicate that his brother Zhao Kuangyin was not entirely a person swayed by family ties.
Thinking of this, Zhao Guangyi was already having second thoughts, but seeing this, Madam Fu urged him again, "Husband, things have come to this point, we have no other choice! If we don't try again, once the seven-day deadline is up, we will have to leave the capital, and we may never have the chance to return to the capital in this lifetime!"
"Are you really willing to accept this? Are you willing to leave the capital in such a disgraceful manner?"
"To be timid and hesitant is hardly the demeanor of a true man!"
Fu's words caused Zhao Guangyi's expression to change repeatedly, and his inner resentment began to surge violently!
"Okay! I'll do as you say!"
After a long silence, Zhao Guangyi suddenly roared, all hesitation in his eyes vanishing, replaced by a ruthless determination to go all in.
He gritted his teeth and said in a deep voice, "Go see your father-in-law immediately, tell him the whole story, and beg him to intervene. No matter the cost, you must get my mother to protect me this time!"
"Rest assured, my lord, I understand!"
Seeing that he had finally made up his mind, Fu's face showed a hint of joy. She quickly bowed and agreed, then turned and hurriedly left to make arrangements for the matter.
The study fell silent once more. Zhao Guangyi sat alone at his desk, his face shifting rapidly with a complex mix of emotions: resentment, bitterness, ruthlessness, and unease.
He was truly unwilling to accept this, unwilling to be completely denied the chance to become the crown prince and the emperor!
The method Fu mentioned was ultimately just a temporary measure and might not be foolproof. He needed to make some other preparations and have another way out.
"Your Majesty—things have come to this. Today's actions were not my own choice. You forced me to do them, so you can't blame me."
After muttering something, his eyes gradually turned fierce and indifferent.
A moment later, he slowly got up, calmly left the Taiyuan Marquis's residence, and headed straight for a very secluded trading post in Kaifeng.
The owner of that trading company was surnamed Xiao.
Meanwhile, inside the Prince of Wugong's residence.
Dressed in armor, Jing Si hurried to the main hall and bowed respectfully: "This humble general, Jing Si, greets Your Highness!"
"No need for such formalities."
Zhao Dezhao sat upright in the main seat, his expression serious, his face showing a coldness and determination beyond his years. He looked up at Jing Si and said solemnly, "There is an important matter that requires your personal attention."
"This matter concerns our lives and fortunes. Remember, we must be extremely careful and not let a single word slip by!"
Seeing Zhao Dezhao's unusually serious expression, Jing Si's heart tightened, and he dared not be negligent in the slightest: "This subordinate obeys the order! Your Highness, whatever your command, this subordinate will gladly die for you!"
Even a fine horse needs a discerning eye, and while thoroughbreds are common, discerning eyes are rare in this world.
In his heart, Zhao Dezhao was his mentor.
He rose from humble beginnings, and it was Zhao Dezhao who promoted him, enabling him to achieve everything he has today. He has always been a man of principle, and since Zhao Dezhao treated him as a national hero, he should repay him in kind!
"good!"
Seeing the determination in Jing Si's eyes, Zhao Dezhao was greatly pleased. He then slowly stepped down from the main seat, came to Jing Si's side, and lowered his voice, saying, "You must immediately select ten of the most trustworthy guards in the camp. They must be loyal and discreet. Three days later, they will leave the camp, disguise themselves, and go to Zhongmu to lie low for the time being, concealing their whereabouts and not revealing themselves."
"Wait for my instructions before proceeding."
"Here you go!"
Without asking any further questions, Jing Si immediately clasped his hands in acceptance of the order.
"Remember, this matter must not be known to a third person other than the two of us, not even Cao Bin or Li Jilong for the time being."
Zhao Dezhao solemnly instructed again: "When leaving the camp, you must be discreet and not let anyone know your whereabouts!"
"Understood, sir!"
"Go, go and prepare."
"Here you go!"
After Jing Si withdrew, Lu Duoxun slowly emerged from behind the screen in the main hall, and said solemnly, "Your Highness, there's no turning back once the arrow is released. Has Your Highness truly made up your mind about this matter?"
"The thief has no intention of killing me, so why should I give him a way out?"
Zhao Dezhao nodded slightly, then looked at Lu Duoxun solemnly and said, "I will have to trouble you, Lord Lu, to send someone to keep an eye on the Taiyuan Marquis's residence these next few days. Once Zhao Guangyi leaves the capital, you must report back immediately."
"Your Highness, please rest assured that I have done my job well."
As he spoke, Lu Duoxun couldn't help but sigh inwardly, a sense of unease creeping into his heart.
In just a few short days, His Highness's temperament has undergone such a tremendous change.
It's like—
Like a tiger that has broken free of its shackles!
Previously, he had earnestly advised His Highness to harden his heart and eliminate Zhao Guangyi, his mortal enemy, but His Highness had resolutely refused.
But now, after only a few days, His Highness is so decisive and ready to take action?
Such decisiveness and ruthlessness truly terrified him.
But he didn't feel anything was wrong at all; on the contrary, he was overjoyed.
If you want to accomplish great things, how can you be soft-hearted and soft-hearted?
Throughout history, the path to becoming an emperor has been fraught with bloodshed and thorns. Only through decisive and ruthless actions can one secure a stable position and achieve great things.
Once Zhao Guangyi dies, all future troubles will be eliminated, and Your Highness's position as Crown Prince will be completely secure, unshakeable by anyone!
Thinking of this, Ludoson finally couldn't help but smile.
His contribution to the rise of the new emperor is finally secured!
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