vstars Chapter 412 A change in mentality!
Chapter 412 A change in mentality!
The emperor looked at Chu Ning's departing back, a solemn look appearing on his face.
Of course, what Chu Ning said was a bit exaggerated, but no one could guarantee that Zhao State would not send troops after learning of Zhao Tianling's death.
Once the troops are dispatched, it will be a war that will destroy the entire country.
After all, after three losses, Zhao's troops were left with only a few.
If we fight again, we must go all out.
Thinking of the seriousness of the matter, the emperor made a prompt decision: "Fourth brother, you will be in charge of the second brother's funeral, and eighth brother, you and the others will be responsible for confiscating the property!
In addition, summon all the ministers to discuss countermeasures. "
"Your son obeys your command!" After receiving the order, the princes went down to make arrangements.
But Zhao Ming bowed and asked, "Your Majesty, how should we deal with the bodies of Zhao Tianling and Geng Chengkang?"
The emperor took one look at the two bodies and a look of hesitation appeared on his face.
If we go back, it would be tantamount to admitting that these two people died here.
But if it is not returned, this matter cannot be concealed for long.
After thinking for a moment, the emperor narrowed his eyes and said coldly: "Send someone to send the body back, but control the speed. Delay for a few days so that I can prepare the troops in advance."
"I understand." Zhao Ming responded and went downstairs to make arrangements immediately.
In the bustling hall, the emperor was the only one left.
His eyes flashed with cold light, making it hard to figure out his thoughts.
After standing there for a full cup of tea, the emperor said in a deep voice, "Shadow Guard!"
"Your Majesty!" A black figure flashed in the darkness of the hall.
"Is the situation outside the city really as Chu Ning said?" The emperor didn't believe what Chu Ning said just now.
A trace of shame appeared on the face of the shadow guard: "Your Majesty, I have been secretly monitoring His Royal Highness the King of Chu, but when the King of Chu sent out scouts, I was afraid of being discovered, so I deliberately kept my distance.
The subordinates were not aware of the specific situation of the battle at that time. When they rushed to the scene after the fight started, Zhao Tianling had already been shot dead.
Afterwards, His Royal Highness the Prince of Chu wanted to capture His Royal Highness the Second Prince alive, but His Royal Highness the Second Prince was unwilling to return to the city and committed suicide by drawing his sword.
The emperor raised his eyebrows after hearing this, showing surprise: "Did you see the second brother commit suicide with your own eyes?"
"Your Majesty, I dare not lie."
The emperor then nodded slightly and waved his hand, "I understand. You may leave now."
The shadow guard retreated, and the emperor looked at the empty hall with an expressionless face.
No one knew what he was thinking.
At this moment, Chu Ning brought his men back to the Prince Chu's Palace.
At the gate of the mansion, Shen Wanying was waiting at the door with an anxious look on her face.
Hearing the sound of horse hooves and looking at Chu Ning coming towards her in the distance, Shen Wanying finally felt relieved.
But after Chu Ning got off the horse, he didn't say anything, and walked into the mansion with a sullen face.
This made Shen Wanying realize that something big had happened, and she quickly pulled Feng Mulan behind her to ask what happened.
Upon learning that Zhao Tianling and the second prince were all dead, Shen Wanying sent everyone away to rest and went to the backyard alone.
Inside the house, Chu Ning was silent.
Shen Wanying came in with a cup of fragrant tea and said softly, "You've worked hard this evening, have a cup of tea to moisten your throat."
Chu Ning took the teacup with a blank expression and drank it in one gulp.
"Slow down." Shen Wanying took out a silk scarf and wiped the water from the corners of his mouth.
Unexpectedly, Chu Ning suddenly hugged her and held her tightly.
Feeling Chu Ning's body temperature and hot heartbeat, Shen Wanying finally understood what the man in front of her was worried about.
The second prince took a wrong step and ended up committing suicide by drawing his sword, and his property was confiscated.
Who can guarantee that they will not go wrong?
In this Kyoto city, the emperor is the sky and has the final say.
No matter you are a prince or a minister, all you need is one word from the emperor.
Even though Chu Ning is in charge of Bingzhou at the moment, with an army of 100,000 and the refined salt and facial mask business as financial support, as long as the emperor opens his mouth, these things can be taken back!
Even Chu Ning, who was always carefree and cynical, had to consider his own situation at this moment.
Thinking of this, Shen Wanying gently stroked Chu Ning's back and comforted him, "Actually, you don't have to worry too much. As long as we don't touch the bottom line of our father, he won't take action against us easily."
But Chu Ning rarely showed a serious expression, and shook his head and said: "Accompanying the emperor is like accompanying a tiger, no one can guarantee that the emperor will always allow us princes to fight each other.
You know, my second brother died, but my father was not sad at all. Instead, he was concerned about the death of Zhao Tianling!
This shows that in the heart of the emperor, we princes are dispensable, and what he cares most about is the country and the people."
Shen Wanying was silent.
Although he doesn't want to admit it, the emperor is indeed such a person.
As long as it touches the emperor's interests and shakes the country, the emperor will destroy it with thunder and lightning.
Even his own son is no exception!
With a long sigh, Shen Wanying stroked Chu Ning's cheek and said softly, "You've been busy all night, you should rest first."
But Chu Ning shook his head: "If Zhao Tianling dies, the State of Zhao will never let it go, and I need to make arrangements in advance.
Once Zhao sends out troops, it will definitely attack Bingzhou. This battle will be a decisive one for Zhao, so we must not be careless. "
Shen Wanying was shocked: "Do you want to go to Bingzhou?"
Chu Ning nodded: "If I go there in person, it will boost morale. This battle is of great importance. If we lose, the Zhao army will march straight into our heartland and even directly attack the capital!"
After a pause, Chu Ning grabbed Shen Wanying's hand and said in a deep voice, "After this incident, Father will surely suspect that I was the one who instigated the seizure of Zhao's betrothal gifts. In addition, my second brother committed suicide right under my nose, so Father will naturally suspect that I did it on purpose."
As smart as Shen Wanying was, she immediately understood what Chu Ning meant.
This trip to the front line can not only boost morale, but also avoid suspicion and give the emperor no reason to doubt.
After all, it was Chu Ning who led people to stop the Second Prince from surrounding and killing Zhao Tianling, but now Zhao Tianling has been killed, and even the Second Prince committed suicide. Chu Ning failed to complete what the Emperor had instructed him to do, which is also a serious crime.
If the emperor used this as an excuse to punish Chu Ning, Chu Ning would not even have the chance to defend himself.
If he went to the front line, he could avoid this matter perfectly and not give the emperor a chance to punish him.
Although going to the front line is dangerous, it is safer to go there now than to stay in Kyoto City.
Even though she was reluctant in her heart, Shen Wanying still sighed and said, "No matter what decision you make, I will support you.
However, I'm afraid this war won't be over in a short time. Once the situation becomes stalemate, you won't be able to rush back to preside over the imperial examination."
It is now the end of July, and the imperial examination in September is not far away. Once I go to the front line, I will never be able to get back.
Chu Ning certainly understood this, and shook his head and said, "At this point, I must make a choice. If I really can't make it back, then I will let the Minister of Rites, Lord Wang Wenguang, preside over the imperial examination.
This person has always been neutral, and he is also the Minister of Rites. I believe he will not let this king down."
After a pause, Chu Ning looked towards the direction of the palace: "Now I don't know what my father will do next."
Based on his understanding of the emperor, the emperor will definitely use this matter to check and balance the Chu Palace!
The art of checks and balances has always been what the emperor is most passionate about!