In the imperial study, cool breezes wafted from the hand-cranked fan. Li Chuyuan, however, was drenched in sweat.
Beads of sweat, as large as beans, continuously rolled down his face.
He now understood. Xiao Ming’s true purpose this time was indeed the State of Chu. And for him, this was a crucial conversation. One wrong step, and he would fall into an abyss of eternal damnation.
So, he first decided to play dumb, because he always liked his opponent to reveal their cards first. He said, “I don’t quite understand Your Majesty’s meaning.”
Xiao Ming smiled upon hearing this. Li Chuyuan might be a philanderer, but having grown up in the environment of the State of Chu, he certainly wouldn’t be a political idiot.
“The Prince need not pretend to be foolish. You understand the situation in the State of Chu better than I do. Your imperial father is seeking his own demise. Once the Cao family interferes in the State of Chu’s government affairs, the State of Chu will become the Cao family’s State of Chu, not the imperial family’s State of Chu. After all, the reason Great Ancestor enfeoffed the State of Chu to the Li family was precisely because of the friendship back then. Am I right?” Xiao Ming said with a smile.
Li Chuyuan’s face paled slightly. Xiao Ming’s words carried a clear threat. After a moment of hesitation, he nodded and echoed, “Your Majesty is right. How can the State of Chu fall into the hands of others? Not to mention that Your Majesty will not agree, even I will not agree.”
“That’s right. In fact, I have always thought highly of you during your years in Qingzhou Province. This crisis is a shared crisis for the Great Yu Empire and the State of Chu. After weighing the situation, I have decided to let you return to Lin’an,” Xiao Ming said, gazing at Li Chuyuan.
“Let… let me go back?” Li Chuyuan pointed to himself, speaking with disbelief.
Xiao Ming nodded affirmatively, “The State of Chu has been misled by treacherous officials. Now, only you, the Prince, can turn the tide.”
For him, taking the State of Chu was only a matter of time. However, to reduce casualties, he hoped that the State of Chu would become vulnerable due to internal strife when he marched south.
And the person to cause this internal strife in the State of Chu was Li Chuyuan.
He was certain that this prince would not collude with the Cao family. Even if forced to cooperate with the Cao family due to the Prince of Chu’s pressure, he would absolutely believe the Cao family completely.
“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your immense grace! Thank you, Your Majesty, for your immense grace!” Li Chuyuan was so excited he could barely contain himself. Two years had passed in the blink of an eye in Qingzhou Province, and in these two years, he had ceaselessly longed for his State of Chu.
Now he could finally go back.
“Pack up and go back. Remember what I told you. Whether it’s life or death, whether it’s wealth or destitution, it’s all your own choice,” Xiao Ming reminded him again.
Li Chuyuan nodded. After repeated thanks, he left the imperial study.
Qian Dafu looked at Li Chuyuan’s retreating figure with a puzzled expression. He said, “Your Majesty, letting Li Chuyuan return just like that? Is Your Majesty not afraid that the Prince of Chu, having lost his only restraint, will launch an attack on the north?”
Xiao Ming smiled, “If that were the case, I would have a legitimate reason to act. What I fear is the Prince of Chu not making a move. For me, Li Chuyuan being in Qingzhou Province or not makes no difference. But for the State of Chu, it’s different. How could Li Chuyuan willingly hand over the wealth and power he’s about to inherit to the Cao family? After all, Li Chuyuan’s relationship with the Cao family is only ordinary.”
After a pause, he continued, “Moreover, if the Prince of Chu dies, Li Chuyuan, who inherits the Prince of Chu’s position, will surely have intensified conflicts with the Cao family. At that time, attacking the State of Chu would be twice as effective with half the effort.”
Qian Dafu nodded slightly. He now understood. The Emperor had made an open move against the Prince of Chu. If all went well, once Li Chuyuan returned, he would play the role of a troublemaker.
As the two were speaking, Li Chuyuan exited the imperial palace and headed towards his residence. He was now somewhat impatient to return to Lin’an. He missed the feeling of being above everyone but one.
Upon returning to his residence, he immediately had his servants pack their belongings for Lin’an. In truth, he had seen through Xiao Ming’s intentions. However, it had to be said that Xiao Ming was truly formidable; this time, he had hit him where it hurt.
This return to the State of Chu would surely involve entanglement with the Cao family. He certainly did not want to lose his power and status.
Learning that Li Chuyuan was returning, the old butler serving Li Chuyuan’s expression changed dramatically. He said, “Your Highness, now that you are returning to Lin’an, should you not consult with His Highness the Prince of Chu?”
Li Chuyuan sneered twice, then raised his foot and fiercely kicked the old butler. He angrily said, “You old dog! Do you really think I don’t know about your collusion with those merchants? That bastard Cao Kun must have given you many benefits, right? What, you want me to wait two days so you can go give them a heads-up?”
The old butler clearly hadn’t expected Li Chuyuan to strike him. He lay on the ground, groaning. Li Chuyuan’s kick was powerful; it almost broke his bones.
However, Li Chuyuan had guessed correctly this time. He had indeed often exchanged information about Li Chuyuan’s whereabouts for silver, and he understood that someone was monitoring Li Chuyuan.
Seeing the terrified expression on the old butler’s face, Li Chuyuan grew even more enraged. He continued to punch and kick the old butler.
After venting his anger, the old butler was on the verge of death. At this point, Li Chuyuan left the residence without looking back. He secretly vowed in his heart to make the Cao family suffer humiliation.
…
Lin’an, Cao Kun sneezed. Rubbing his nose, he turned his head to look north.
Beside Cao Kun were the French instructor Basile and the missionary Richard. They were now very friendly.
Behind him followed his eldest son, Cao Zhengtong.
Today, they were to officially announce the establishment of the merchants’ council. From then on, they would insert a foot into the game of power.
“Chairman Cao, what your council needs now is an army. Without an army, your merchants’ council is merely a puppet. In my opinion, it’s time to establish a new army for the council,” Richard’s eyes flickered with a complex expression.
Cao Kun felt a surge of excitement upon hearing this. Richard’s words hit him right in the heart. A merchants’ council without command over an army was nothing but an empty shell.
“Mr. Richard, what is your brilliant idea?” Cao Kun asked.
Richard hesitated. For the past two years, Cao Kun had shown them around the mountains and rivers of the south, and at the same time, made them very wealthy.
Precisely because of this, their relationship with Cao Kun grew better and better. Now, they often offered advice to Cao Kun.
Having experienced the French Revolution, they inherently liked the council system Cao Kun was promoting, because it would mean they would be more difficult to deal with than an autocracy.
“It’s actually very simple. Soldiers fight and kill, partly for the country, partly for money. The Prince of Chu’s army, though numerous, lacks elite soldiers and capable generals. Now, as long as you are willing to spend silver, we can train excellent private armies for you. After all, here, your families are still qualified to recruit private armies. These private armies will be your strength.”