The struggle for the throne among nine princes—I really don't want to be the crown prince.

Chapter 243 Using an opponent's strength against them, a kneel signifies submission.

All I can say is that the person who contacted Viscount Nicholas was very trustworthy.

Viscount Nicholas received the note again during dinner that day.

However, this time it is much more urgent than the last time.

"The Emperor's mind is very firm; delay could lead to unforeseen changes."

Although it was only eight words, Viscount Nicholas understood the meaning perfectly.

He knew that this was an inside man reminding him that if he didn't take action soon, the Qianxi Emperor might really be able to build this alliance!
As the saying goes, once the arrow is released, there is no turning back. Once Emperor Qianxi made a decision, he would absolutely not change his mind in the short term, for the sake of his own face.

As the supreme emperor, how could he possibly change his orders so frequently?

Viscount Nicholas immediately weighed the pros and cons.

He said to Gleev, "Mr. Gleev, it seems we have no way out."

"Bring out the other official letter; let's hurry and request an audience with Emperor Qianxi."

Glev knew that once this alliance was established, it would be a disaster. Although the three parties were difficult to coordinate, if they launched a simultaneous attack, it would be a real and difficult problem to deal with...

"Okay, I think this news should be reported to the higher-ups as soon as possible so that they can be prepared in advance."

Viscount Nicholas nodded. Although many of the Cossack cavalry who had escorted him along the way had been killed, they still had their own hidden agents.

These guys aren't good at big things, but they can still pass on messages.

Jin Wushan soon received the letter of state presented by Viscount Nicholas and others. Looking at the humble words of the letter, Jin Wushan felt very pleased.

Previously, these guys were clamoring that they wanted another 500 miles to the south, or else they would fight again.

But now, they have become obsequious and subservient.

They truly fear power but not morality!

His Highness the Crown Prince's move was indeed a brilliant strategy.

Jin Wushan even considered whether he should take this opportunity to pledge allegiance to the Crown Prince, so that his future would be brighter...

Thinking of those benefits, Jin Wushan's idea of ​​joining Shen Ye became even more resolute.

However, Shen Ye, as the Crown Prince in charge of governing, rarely visited the Court of Colonial Affairs.

Under normal circumstances, Jin Wushan wouldn't dare to go to Yuqing Palace, but this time, a perfect opportunity has come!

So, carrying the letter of state sent by Viscount Nicholas, he trotted to Yuqing Palace to request an audience.

Although Shen Ye had already excluded Jin Wushan from the list of candidates for Minister of the Court of Colonial Affairs, Jin Wushan was, after all, the person in charge of the Court of Colonial Affairs at this time.

If he didn't listen when Jin Wushan came to report on his work, Emperor Qianxi would definitely have something to say, so he had no choice but to meet Jin Wushan in the outer study.

"Your Highness, you are truly a genius! Viscount Nicholas, the envoy from the Rakshasa Kingdom, has just sent a letter of state, hoping to establish a lasting friendship with us."

"This servant dares not act on my own authority regarding this matter, and has come to report to Your Highness for your instructions!"

Looking at the casually dressed Shen Ye, Jin Wushan felt even more respectful.

He felt that the Crown Prince, dressed casually in plain clothes, was more unfathomable than the Crown Prince in his apricot-yellow robes of the past.

Shen Ye smiled and said, "Old Jin, what do you think we should do about this?"

Jin Wushan had been thinking about this matter for a long time on his way to find Shen Ye.

Seeing that Shen Ye had indeed asked him, he said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, this servant believes that your proposal regarding the anti-Russia alliance has hit the Russia Kingdom where it hurts."

"It is precisely at times like these that we must not give in easily."

"In my humble opinion, we can deal with Viscount Nicholas and his men while continuing to advance our plans."

"If we want to get the biggest benefit, then we have no choice but to fight a war with the Rakshasa Kingdom."

Shen Ye nodded slightly. Although he didn't particularly like Jin Wushan, he couldn't deny that Jin Wushan was quite capable.

He immediately said, "Lord Jin, your opinion is very good. We still cannot let our guard down on the matter of the Anti-Rakshasa Alliance."

"However, since Viscount Nicholas has presented a letter of state, wishing to forge a lasting friendship with us, we cannot fail to live up to his sincerity."

“Find an auspicious day and have all the envoys from the various vassal states and the tribes in the capital participate. Then have Viscount Nicholas present his letter of state publicly.”

"If he asks why, just say it's our local custom."

Jin Wushan was taken aback, thinking that the Crown Prince was just being ambitious and wanted to take the opportunity to show off his power.

After all, forcing the Rakshasa Kingdom, a long-time enemy, to bow down with just a plan is something to be proud of.

So he immediately said, "This servant will do his best to handle it properly and will absolutely not disappoint Your Highness!"

Shen Ye looked at Jin Wushan, who seemed utterly loyal, and knew exactly what was going on.

It seems that this person wants to pledge allegiance to me, but without military power, it's not of much use to have more ministers like Jin Wushan pledge allegiance.

On the contrary, it might even harm both oneself and others.

Therefore, he didn't pay much attention to Jin Wushan's overtures and pretended not to notice.

"Once the Russian Kingdom's letter of credence is delivered, we should also submit the investigation report on the Fifth Princess's cause of death."

"Lord Jin, you'd better hurry!"

Jin Wushan suddenly realized, thinking to himself, "No wonder the Crown Prince didn't want the Fifth Princess's cause of death to be reported immediately."

So this was the opportunity he had been waiting for. Once the Rakshasa Empire bowed down and sued for peace, the northern tribes, even if they had their own thoughts, would not dare to act rashly and would have to quickly hide their ideas.

By then, dealing with the prince consort who killed the fifth princess will not be a difficult task.

"Your Highness, this servant knows what to do next."

"However, His Majesty has given instructions on this matter. Do you think we should inform His Majesty in advance?"

Shen Ye nodded and said, "Of course."

After finishing the business, Jin Wushan wanted to flatter Shen Ye and express his loyalty, but Shen Ye didn't give him the chance and directly served him tea and asked him to leave.

Just then, Zhou Bao walked in and reported, "Your Highness, the Grand Canal Transport Commissioner Shen Guotai requests an audience!"

Shen Ye had no liking for this Grand Canal Transport Commissioner, after all, this man had used the example of a million canal workers to stubbornly oppose the construction of a fast passage from Yingtian Prefecture to Yangzhou.

"What's the matter, Shen Guotai?"

“Your Highness, have you forgotten that His Majesty arranged for all governors and provincial governors who come to the capital to pay their respects at Yuqing Palace?” Zhou Bao said softly. “This servant believes that Shen Guotai came for the same reason.”

Shen Ye then remembered that when he was the former crown prince, Emperor Qianxi, in order to show his importance to him, ordered all governors and viceroys to pay a visit to the crown prince before entering and leaving the capital.

This is exactly the same etiquette used when treating Emperor Qianxi.

Although these were just formalities, Emperor Qianxi grew increasingly displeased with them.

I always felt that there must be some unspeakable secret between those governors and the crown prince.

Emperor Qianxi did not make things difficult for these governors and viceroys, but this became one of the Crown Prince's culpability.

Thinking of this, Shen Ye immediately instructed, "Tell Shen Guotai that I have something to do today and that he should go home first."

Zhou Bao hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Shen Guotai brought quite a few gifts, saying they are some local specialties from Jiangnan. What do you think..."

Local specialties?
Shen Ye disliked Shen Guotai, had no desire to associate with these governors and viceroys, and was not short of money, so he paid no attention to Shen Guotai's local specialties.

He immediately waved his hand and said, "Let him take it back."

"Furthermore, from now on, you shall relay any requests from local governors and viceroys, whether they wish to meet me or send me local specialties."

"As for the reason, you can figure it out yourself."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Bao felt a headache coming on.

The governor-general had come to see the crown prince, but he had already declined, which would have offended someone. However, since the crown prince had already given the order, he had no choice but to agree, even though he was in a difficult position.

Shen Guotai is in his fifties, with a slightly plump face, and gives people a very amiable feeling.

Upon hearing Zhou Bao say that the Crown Prince was busy and would not see him, Shen Guotai's expression stiffened.

He was well aware that he had offended the Crown Prince when he submitted his memorial opposing the fast track.

Now that he can neither see the Qianxi Emperor nor the Crown Prince, it shows that the two most prestigious people in the capital have already developed a grudge against him.

Just as Shen Guotai was about to take his leave, the thirteenth prince walked in.

"Zhou Bao, is the Crown Prince here?" The Thirteenth Prince's face was gloomy, giving people a feeling of keeping them at arm's length.

Zhou Bao was fully aware of the situation regarding the thirteenth prince.

Therefore, he was extremely respectful to the thirteenth prince.

"Thirteenth Prince, the Crown Prince is busy in his study. I will report to him immediately," Zhou Bao said respectfully.

Although Shen Guotai was still standing nearby, he couldn't care less about that.

Moreover, in his view, what difference would it make if he offended Shen Guotai?
He has no relation to Shen Guotai.

The thirteenth prince nodded and said, "Then I'll trouble you."

Shen Guotai looked at the thirteenth prince, who seemed unapproachable, hesitated slightly, but still bowed.

The thirteenth prince was in no mood to greet him, so he simply nodded to Shen Guotai and then fell into silent contemplation.

Although Shen Guotai felt that the thirteenth prince was a bit unfriendly, he had no choice but to leave quickly.

Within minutes, Zhou Bao came over and invited the thirteenth prince into Shen Ye's study.

Because the thirteenth prince came to see him almost every day, Shen Ye knew why he came to see him.

The moment the thirteenth prince bowed, he said in a deep voice, "Thirteenth prince, I have almost finished arranging things."

"The Rakshasa Kingdom will be submitting its credentials in a few days, so Father's concerns will no longer exist."

"If you want to avenge your fifth sister, Father Emperor should agree."

The thirteenth prince hadn't come to see Shen Ye with much hope. Hearing Shen Ye's words, his eyes widened in surprise.

"Your Highness, are you telling the truth?"

The thirteenth prince asked this question not because he didn't trust Shen Ye, but because the result surprised and overwhelmed him.

Shen Ye patted the Thirteenth Prince and said, "How could I joke about something like this?"

"Find some time to see Father Emperor later. I believe Father Emperor also very much wants to seek justice for Fifth Sister."

The thirteenth prince looked at Shen Ye with a solemn expression. Just as Shen Ye was about to say a few words of comfort to him, the thirteenth prince had already knelt down on the ground.

He didn't say a word, but everything was understood without being spoken.

　The second update for today is here! Please vote and support me, everyone!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)