The prince is more stable

Chapter 761 Things change and people change
Zhao Xiaoqian has now been enfeoffed as the Prince of Cheng. Apart from that, his only official positions are "Prefect of the Privy Council" and "Officer of the Imperial City Guard".

Of course, he also held a bunch of honorary titles, such as Tongyi Dafu, Weizhou Defense Commissioner, Chongxin Army Military Governor, and so on.

These honorary titles have no real power, and the people holding them do not need to go to the local area to take up their posts, so they can be ignored.

Those who truly held real power and had the authority to interfere were only the Privy Council officials and those in charge of official business at the Imperial City Guard.

Originally, it was thought that Zhao Xu would dismiss him from his position as the Imperial City Guard, but to everyone's surprise, Zhao Xu actually kept the position.

Just as Zhao Xiaoqian was having some doubts, a job came up.

The front courtyard of the Chu King's Palace.

After Zheng Chunhe read out Zhao Xu's decree with a friendly expression, he approached him with a smile and whispered, "Your Highness, after returning to the capital, His Majesty's trust and regard for you remain unchanged. This servant is overjoyed to see this. If we were to talk about who His Majesty trusts the most among all the civil and military officials, it would only be Your Highness."

Zhao Xiaoqian nodded with a smile.

It was indeed a sign of trust. This directly led him to lead the Imperial City Guard in investigating the struggle for the crown prince position. Since ancient times, such matters have been extremely sensitive, and the slightest mistake could lead to utter ruin, whether for the investigators or the investigated.

However, Zhao Xiaoqian didn't care. Zhao Xu probably didn't expect that Zhao Xiaoqian was also a candidate for the crown prince, a hidden big boss, the kind of player who could take away most of the player's health bar with a single fart when the game reaches its final level.

Seeing Zheng Chunhe's bright smile, Zhao Xiaoqian subconsciously reached into his pocket and pulled out gold leaves.

Zheng Chunhe reacted quickly and stopped it.

Zhao Xiaoqian looked up in surprise and saw Zheng Chunhe looking at him with utmost seriousness: "Your Highness, this servant is only here to deliver a decree. To be favored and befriended by Your Highness is already a blessing I have accumulated in my past life. Your Highness does not need to reward me every time. What you have given me is already more than enough."

Zhao Xiaoqian withdrew his hand somewhat embarrassedly.

For some reason, every time Zhao Xiaoqian saw Zheng Chunhe, his hand would instinctively reach into his pocket. It was completely illogical for someone as greedy and stingy as him to make such a move every time. It was as if he were possessed by a ghost and couldn't control himself at all.

Could it be that I've been unwittingly manipulated by Zheng Chunhe's CPU?
However, the fact that a eunuch was not greedy and voluntarily refused the reward shows that Zheng Chunhe truly regarded Zhao Xiaoqian as a friend. Zhao Xiaoqian was very gratified by this, and once he was gratified, he couldn't help but want to reward him...

"Then I'll trouble Eunuch Zheng to make the trip out of the palace," Zhao Xiaoqian said with a smile.

Zheng Chunhe smiled and shook his head, then his expression turned serious and he said in a low voice, "Your Highness, you should take this imperial decree seriously. The court and the public in Bianjing are already in turmoil. The Emperor's order for Your Highness to investigate the court officials' discussions about the crown prince must have a deeper meaning."

Zhao Xiaoqian's expression remained unchanged, but his eyes narrowed slightly: "With the Emperor still alive, aren't these people offending the taboo by discussing the Crown Prince?"

Zheng Chunhe shook her head and said, "This servant believes that His Majesty doesn't seem to care about the court officials discussing the Crown Prince, after all, His Majesty's days are indeed numbered..."

After a pause, Zheng Chunhe continued, "But what the Emperor cares about is the factions within the court. He wants to know which of his brothers the officials are leaning towards, who is the popular choice, and which brother has ulterior motives and has already begun to lobby and form alliances..."

Zhao Xiaoqian nodded and said, "I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Eunuch Zheng."

Zheng Chunhe smiled bitterly and said, "I work in the palace, so I see things more clearly. In fact, after the news of the Emperor's serious illness spread, none of those brothers behaved themselves."

"I don't know what they've been doing outside the palace. I only know that they've been frequently going in and out of the palace lately to see the Empress Dowager, and they've been very generous. All the eunuchs and maids in the palace have received silver as a reward from them. They've never been so generous before."

A cold smile flashed across Zheng Chunhe's face as he said, "Especially me, as the emperor's personal attendant, I receive even more rewards. These princes have been sending me money, rare jewels, and precious medicinal herbs like crazy lately."

Zhao Xiaoqian raised an eyebrow: "You accepted it?"

Zheng Chunhe hurriedly shook her head: "The struggle for the crown prince is a matter of life and death. How could I dare to accept bribes privately? I swear to heaven that I have not accepted a single coin. Otherwise, I would not be so at ease if the Emperor had ordered an investigation today."

Zhao Xiaoqian laughed: "You're still quite rational. That's right, this money is too hot to handle. If the officials find out, your fate will be grim."

Zheng Chunhe sighed and said, "That's all I know. Your Highness must be careful. These people are not to be trifled with, and the new emperor of the Song Dynasty may very well come from among them. While Your Highness is investigating the case, please be cautious and try not to offend them."

Zhao Xiaoqian's smile grew even brighter: "The new emperor of the Great Song Dynasty... Hmm, I understand. Thank you for the reminder, Eunuch Zheng. I promise I will not offend the future emperor."

Zheng Chunhe, of course, had no idea what Zhao Xiaoqian was thinking at that moment. He nodded in satisfaction, then took his leave.

Standing in the courtyard of the Prince's Mansion, Zhao Xiaoqian looked up at the fallen ginkgo leaves.

Winter had been here for a long time, and when you stood outdoors, your breath was filled with a chilly air. The cold wind brushed against your cheeks, and your mind became calm and clear without you even realizing it.

It must be said that Zhao Xu's trust in him was beyond question. He was able to entrust such an important matter to him, which clearly showed that Zhao Xu was completely unaware of his plot to seize the throne.

Of course, there is another possibility: in Zhao Xu's eyes, Zhao Xiaoqian is no longer a threat. Zhao Xiaoqian has returned to a state of being under the emperor's control, which is why Zhao Xu is so at ease using him.

As Zhao Xu's health deteriorated, some people and some things began to surface uncontrollably.

The struggle for the throne among the princes was like a battle for supremacy in the imperial city; who would emerge victorious?
Zhao Xu did not have many brothers, most of whom were half-brothers. His only brother from both parents was Zhao Si, the thirteenth son of Emperor Shenzong.

This person was indeed Zhao Ji's biggest competitor.

Zhao Ji's advantage was his seniority; he was the eldest of all of Zhao Xu's brothers.

However, Prince Jian, Zhao Si, had the advantage that he and Zhao Xu were full brothers, sharing the same father and mother. The others, such as Prince Shen, Zhao Bi, could be disregarded, as he was blind.

There are also Prince Mu, Zhao Si, and Prince Xin, Zhao Yu. They pose the least threat because they are neither the eldest son nor the heir apparent, so their competitiveness is very small. It is basically impossible for them to be involved unless Zhao Ji and Zhao Si suddenly die.

Therefore, the people we need to investigate now are Zhao Ji and Zhao Si.

Of course, there is also Prince Cheng, Zhao Xiaoqian, who is a hidden boss. It's not time for him to reveal his true colors yet. He is still a loyal minister and general of the Song Dynasty, and he does whatever Zhao Xu tells him to do.

…………

It was a rare occasion for Zhao Xiaoqian to go out today, so he walked along the Imperial Street, followed by Chen Shou and a group of Imperial Guards.

Upon receiving Zhao Xu's decree, Zhao Xiaoqian immediately headed straight for the Imperial City Guard.

He had been back in the capital for several days, but he had not yet visited the Imperial City Guard, nor had he met with Wei Jie.

Sometimes, changes in relationships between people don't necessarily happen through a face-to-face falling out or a childish "I'm not playing with you anymore" to reveal a clear outcome.

Remaining silent and avoiding contact, as if dying within one's own social media circle, is also a kind of answer.

In the journey of life, most people are just passing through, and only a very few can accompany us for a lifetime.

Only when one recognizes this reality can one truly grow up and mature, taking a detached view of all gatherings and separations.

As he walked to the gate of the Imperial City Guard Office, looking up at the high-hanging plaque above the gate and the familiar entrance, Zhao Xiaoqian's lips curled into a meaningful smile.

The imperial guards on duty outside the gate naturally recognized him; he was the undisputed leader of the Imperial City Guard, their direct superior.

The imperial guards hurriedly saluted, and Zhao Xiaoqian greeted them with a smile before stepping into the government office.

The main hall of the government office was empty, with no one inside. Zhao Xiaoqian continued walking in and stopped outside a side room on the east side of the back hall. He stood there for a moment, then raised his hand and gently knocked on the door. A steady and familiar voice came from inside.

"Enter."

Zhao Xiaoqian pushed open the door and entered, smiling as he looked at Wei Jie, who was working at his desk.

It had been more than half a year since I last saw Wei Jie, and he hadn't changed much. He was wearing a seventh-rank green official robe and sat upright and composed. If I had to point out any changes, Wei Jie was now less impetuous and more dignified, even exuding an air of authority without anger.

Wei Jie looked up at the door and saw that the person who came was Zhao Xiaoqian. Wei Jie's expression showed a brief moment of surprise, then a complicated look flashed in his eyes, and then he immediately showed a look of joy. He got up and walked quickly to Zhao Xiaoqian. Without saying a word, he bowed down.

"Oh! Your Highness, I pay my respects. It has been more than half a year since we parted, yet Your Highness remains as dignified as ever, still someone I look up to with awe..."

Wei Jie rambled on and on, his expression and tone still as obsequious and ingratiating as ever, seemingly unchanged.

But Zhao Xiaoqian saw through his heart through his eyes.

"Old Wei, it's been more than half a year since I last saw you. I've missed you a lot too," Zhao Xiaoqian said with a smile.

“No, Your Highness, I miss you more than Your Highness misses me…” Wei Jie rattled off a string of words like a tongue twister.

Zhao Xiaoqian laughed heartily: "I've been back in the capital for several days now, but I haven't seen you come to visit. It seems you still don't miss me enough."

A hint of embarrassment flashed across Wei Jie's face, and he said with a wry smile, "The Imperial City Guard has been extremely busy lately. To be honest, Your Highness, I'm completely overwhelmed. I haven't even been home for the past few days and have been staying at the government office every day..."

"What's keeping you so busy?"

Wei Jie hesitated for a moment, then thought that Zhao Xiaoqian was still the head of the Imperial City Guard, and nothing within the Imperial City Guard could be kept from him.

So Wei Jie had no choice but to say, "His Majesty has issued a secret decree that the Imperial City Guard must quickly place spies in the residences and around important officials in Bianjing to report their every move..."

Zhao Xiaoqian raised an eyebrow. Had Zhao Xu become so suspicious? Did he no longer trust any of the court officials in Bianjing?
The first thought that came to mind was to ask Wei Jie if there were any spies from the Imperial City Guard planted in his Chu Prince's mansion.

Zhao Xiaoqian then decided not to open his mouth.

The answer to the question is obvious, but it would be awkward for everyone to ask it directly.

Just a month ago, Zhao Xiaoqian was the commander-in-chief of Yanyun with a large army. Zhao Xu's suspicions all stemmed from him. How could the Imperial City Guard not have planted spies in the Chu Prince's mansion?
It doesn't matter. There's only a father who's good for eating, drinking, and having fun, and a newly promoted Prince Cheng who's just lying around like a salted fish in the palace. The father and son can't possibly handle anything truly important or confidential in the palace.

"Old Wei, has the Imperial City Guard received the decree issued by the Emperor today?" Zhao Xiaoqian asked.

Wei Jie nodded: "I received it this morning. It is an immense honor and a great prospect for me to fight alongside Your Highness again. The entire Imperial City Guard will follow Your Highness's lead."

Zhao Xiaoqian looked at him with a half-smile: "Then, I wish us a pleasant cooperation again? Old Wei, we are both working for the government. I hope that you and I can be as close as we were back then and efficiently complete the tasks assigned by the government."

(End of this chapter)