The prince is more stable

Chapter 788 Elimination and Removal
The term "destiny" isn't actually that mysterious.

Certain inevitable factors, certain coincidences, plus the enemy's own stupidity in handing over their heads—all these factors combined are what we call "fate."

Zhao Xiaoqian racked his brains but couldn't understand how, at the crucial moment in the struggle for the throne, Prince Jian, Zhao Si, had actually pulled off such a miraculous move.

It can only be said that this sixteen-year-old prince's mind is still developing.

Perhaps Zhao Xu spoiled his own brother, who shared the same father and mother, so much so that after Zhao Xu's death, Zhao Si hadn't changed his mindset in time, thinking that today would be the same as before, and that no matter who he was, someone would still indulge him.

The moment the fire broke out in the backyard of the Chu King's mansion, it meant that Zhao Si had completely lost his qualification to compete for the throne.

Of course, the fire was just the trigger; the real reason he lost his right to the throne was that Zhao Si had no one in the court.

Without the late emperor leaving a will to pass on the throne, anyone who wanted to become emperor had to gain the support of the civil service in the court. Even if it was only the support of a small number of people, it was still a force that could not be ignored.

Then, the support of the prime minister and the empress dowager must be obtained. In addition, factors outside the court must also be taken into account, such as the scholar-merchant groups in Hebei, Hedong and Jiangnan, where there are intricate chains of interests, the mutual conversion of power and money, and the transfer of benefits from land and commerce.

To be honest, Zhao Ji did a much better job than Zhao Si in this regard. Zhao Xiaoqian didn't know when Zhao Ji started planning, but he knew that Zhao Ji had made his plans first and had already seized the initiative. He had started to follow the Empress Dowager's path many years ago, and even risked murdering the young prince.

It can be said that this fruit tree was basically planted by Emperor Huizong of Song, who was just waiting for it to bear fruit so that he could pick the fruit himself.

In comparison, Zhao Si was far inferior. Zhao Xiaoqian was almost certain that, apart from a few court officials he had won over and some staff and officials of Prince Jian's mansion, Zhao Si had basically not made any plans.

His only support was Zhao Xu, but Zhao Xu did not leave a will to pass on the throne before his death, so Zhao Si basically had no hope.

Already at a disadvantage, this guy, out of personal grudge, actually provoked Zhao Xiaoqian, a huge troublemaker. It has to be said that such a brainless person is absolutely unsuitable to be emperor. If he really became emperor, the Song Dynasty would suffer a terrible fate in less than ten years because of his decisions.

In front of the Chu Prince's Mansion, four hundred imperial guards stood ready to go. At Zhao Xiaoqian's command, the four hundred guards responded in unison and marched in formation toward the Jian Prince's Mansion.

Zhao Xiaoqian followed in the procession; today he had to personally step forward and completely defeat Prince Jian.

The procession was grand and impressive, astonishing the people of Bianjing. The crowds of onlookers grew larger and larger, and the procession, accompanied by four hundred imperial guards, inexplicably became larger and larger.

Chen Shou followed Zhao Xiaoqian, cautiously observing the surroundings as they walked, one hand always resting on the hilt of his sword at his waist. Whatever the prince wanted to do, Chen Shou would go through fire and water without hesitation.

But what he feared most was that there might be assassins in the crowd. After all, at such a critical time, it was hard to say what crazy things the prince's enemies might do.

“Your Highness, you don’t need to get involved in such a small matter. Just leave it to me, and I will handle it properly.” Chen Shou complained a little. He felt that the prince shouldn’t appear in public, as it would make it more difficult for the Imperial Guards to protect him.

Zhao Xiaoqian shook his head and said, "Today's matter is not just about disrupting the event for revenge, but about elimination."

"What do you mean?" Chen Shou asked in astonishment.

Zhao Xiaoqian slowly said, "First, we need to eliminate those who are not qualified or capable of participating in the game. This game is an elimination game, and some people have made mindless moves, so they must be eliminated so that the remaining players can continue to fight each other."

Chen Shou was completely bewildered. He could understand every single word the Crown Prince said today, but when they were put together, he couldn't understand them at all.

"Your Highness is brilliant," Chen Shou exclaimed reflexively.

Zhao Xiaoqian's lips curled into a smile: "Tell me, where is my brilliance?"

"Ah, this... I don't quite understand, but I know that if you don't understand, you must be very clever. Anyway, just praise me." Chen Shou said very frankly.

Zhao Xiaoqian laughed and said, "Chen Shou, you are smarter than Zhao Si."

Chen Shou hesitated for a moment, then said, "Your Highness, isn't it a bit too conspicuous for us, with several hundred people, to march through the streets like this? What if the Palace Guard and the Kaifeng Prefecture intervene..."

Zhao Xiaoqian shook his head and said, "With the Emperor gone and a new ruler yet to be chosen, these few days are a power vacuum in Bianjing, and also the most chaotic period. Don't worry, no one will interfere. Everyone is watching how things develop. As long as the Council of State Affairs and the Privy Council turn a blind eye, no one will cause trouble."

As soon as he finished speaking, a member of the Imperial Guards reported, "Your Highness, we have arrived at Prince Jian's residence."

Zhao Xiaoqian's face immediately darkened. He stopped and stared at the plaque of the Prince Jian's Mansion and the luxurious mansion not far ahead, his eyes as sinister as a falcon's.

There were also Imperial Guards on duty in front of the Prince Jian's Mansion. They were the same kind of soldiers as Chen Shou and his men, all of whom were soldiers of the Palace Guard. To be precise, they were Chen Shou's colleagues and comrades.

When Zhao Xiaoqian and several hundred imperial guards stopped at the gate of Prince Jian’s mansion with murderous intent, the guards panicked. They hadn’t expected that this group was coming for them. What was going on?
The head constable at the gate carefully examined Chen Shou and recognized him, a chill running down his spine.

He knew Chen Shou, the commander of the guards of the Chu King's Palace.

Over the years, Chen Shou and his imperial guards had served Prince Cheng closely, accompanying him in his campaigns across the north and south. While these guards ate their meager rations in Bianjing, Chen Shou had become a seasoned general, having fought countless battles. The imperial guards of the Chu Prince's residence, standing alongside them, possessed a completely different aura. It was an aura carrying a chilling and bloody scent; simply standing there quietly was enough to inspire genuine awe.

It's like an ordinary person facing a tiger released from its cage. Even if the tiger doesn't move, its low roar and the stench of blood from its gaping maw are enough to paralyze someone with terror.

Looking further back, Chen Shouzhen was bowing respectfully to a young man, whispering something to him, while the head constable of the Prince Jian's mansion looked increasingly terrified.

If nothing is unexpected, this young man dressed in plain clothes and looking calm and composed is none other than the legendary Prince Cheng, the Hebei border commander who single-handedly turned the tide of the Song Dynasty and struck fear into the hearts of the Liao people.

Having clearly grasped the situation, the head constable of Prince Jian's mansion almost couldn't help but kneel down.

What the hell is going on? Could it be that His Highness Prince Jian has offended him?
Otherwise, why would His Highness Prince Cheng stand menacingly at the gate of the Prince's Palace with hundreds of Imperial Guards?

Judging from his demeanor, he clearly wasn't there to offer birthday wishes to Prince Jian.

The head constable gritted his teeth and cursed his prince inwardly, "How dare you mess with him! Don't you know who he is, and what you're worth?"
Despite cursing Prince Jian in his heart, the head constable had to bite the bullet and step forward to stop Zhao Xiaoqian and Chen Shou because of his duty.

"You... uh, what brings you here, Your Highness?" The constable's words betrayed his fear. He had no choice but to remain arrogant in front of Prince Cheng, even if he were beaten to death.

Zhao Xiaoqian didn't speak, but just stared at the plaque of the Prince Jian's Mansion. He glanced at the head constable briefly, then continued to stare at the plaque.

The attitude was already very clear: as a mere constable, he had no right to speak to Zhao Xiaoqian and was too lazy to bother with him.

The captain didn't feel hurt by Zhao Xiaoqian's indifferent attitude; on the contrary, he felt it was only natural. Who did he think he was? He was naturally unworthy to speak with His Highness Prince Cheng. The question he had just asked was actually directed at Chen Shou.

Chen Shou said lazily, "We have come here to teach Prince Jian, Zhao Si, a lesson. Please do us a favor and do not obstruct us."

Captain: "…………"

Do people who come back from the battlefield chat like this? Do you want to hear what you have to say?
We are the Imperial Guards of Prince Jian's Palace! You come here looking for trouble, saying you want to teach Prince Jian a lesson. How can we "do you a favor"? You go in and slap Prince Jian's ass, and we'll cheer you on?

How can you speak so arrogantly and unreasonably with such self-righteousness?

One cannot, at least one should not...

The constable forced a smile that looked more like a grimace: "General Chen, we are all from the Palace Guard. Although we don't know each other, we are comrades. You see..."

Chen Shou remained lazy and indifferent. He was respectful and cautious in front of Zhao Xiaoqian, but after following Zhao Xiaoqian all over the country for many years, he had seen a lot of things and looked down on this little captain of the Imperial Guards of Prince Jian's Mansion.

As more and more people gathered around, Chen Shou understood Zhao Xiaoqian's intention in coming forward today, so he deliberately shouted loudly.

"Prince Jian, Zhao Si, out of personal resentment, ordered thieves to set fire to the backyard of my Prince Chu's residence the night before last. The Imperial City Guard has already apprehended the thieves, and they have all confessed that it was Prince Jian, Zhao Si, who ordered the attack. Our Prince Cheng has come here today to seek justice in person. Is there any objection to this?"

The onlookers were completely confused, but Chen Shou's explanation made them suddenly understand and became even more excited.

A lively scene is one with a beginning, an end, a cause, and a consequence; only then can it be truly enjoyable. With General Chen's explanation, isn't this lively scene even more captivating?

In particular, the fact that His Highness Prince Cheng personally appeared today shows that the fire at the Chu Prince's residence the night before was indeed instigated by Prince Jian.

A great hero who fought countless battles for the Song Dynasty and struck fear into the hearts of the Liao army was now being bullied by a spoiled prince who only knew how to enjoy wealth and peace. Without hesitation, the onlookers immediately sided with Zhao Xiaoqian.

Before Chen Shou could finish speaking, the head of the Imperial Guards of Prince Jian's Mansion had even spoken, but the surrounding crowd's discussions grew louder and louder. Some impulsive people even pointed at the plaque of Prince Jian's Mansion and shouted insults.

Once someone took the lead, the other people naturally refused to be left behind. As a result, the people's curses grew louder and more offensive, and without exception, they all sided with Zhao Xiaoqian.

The head constable and the imperial guards in front of the gate were so ashamed by the insults. With Chen Shou and other imperial guards watching them, they dared not scold or beat the people. For a moment, they were caught in a dilemma and did not know what to do.

Zhao Xiaoqian yawned and said casually, "That's about enough. Commander Chen, ask the Imperial Guards of Prince Jian's Mansion whether they want to stop us or let us through."

“If you want to stop them, take them down first. If you want to make way, go up and smash the door. Smash the Jianwang Mansion to pieces, and then I’ll reason with Zhao Si.”

Chen Shou nodded in understanding, his expression turned cold, and he shouted sharply, "Prepare—!"

Behind him, the imperial guards of the Chu Prince's mansion immediately lined up, drew their swords, and stared at the captain and imperial guards of the Jian Prince's mansion with murderous eyes.

"Anyone who dares to obstruct His Highness Prince Cheng's work will be killed!" Chen Shou shouted, staring at the head constable.

(End of this chapter)