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

Chapter 275 Even Whetstones Have Their Spring

Langkelon and Kerzang were cousins!
The two usually have a good relationship.

Kerzang was also a key supporter of Langkolon's rise to right-wing leadership.

Normally, he would have said a few words in support of his cousin no matter what.

But this time, he chickened out!

Because from Emperor Qianxi's words, he had already sensed the emperor's anger.

As for why he got angry, he knew perfectly well why.

He gritted his teeth and cursed inwardly, "Kerzang, even though we're brothers, don't blame me for not helping you out in this critical moment of disaster."

You've completely brought this upon yourself!
He even dared to kick Emperor Qianxi's daughter to death, how many heads do you have that he could chop off?

Thinking of this, he immediately became serious and said, "Your Majesty, Kerzang fears the might of Heaven and dares not come to see Your Majesty."

His words left room for maneuver; he didn't directly expose why Kerzang feared the Emperor's might, but only said that Kerzang feared the Qianxi Emperor, which was a measured way of speaking.

However, Emperor Qianxi was there to cause trouble, so he wasn't going to let it go so easily.

He said coldly, "Who will go and capture Kerr for me?"

Emperor Qianxi's words immediately silenced the once bustling imperial palace.

The word "capture" says it all.

This is no longer a family matter; this is serious!
Emperor Qianxi clearly no longer regarded Kezang as his son-in-law, and even wanted to take his life!
The tribal leaders on the grasslands had different feelings. Some felt a sense of shared loss, while others felt that their opportunity had arrived!
Moreover, many people felt that Kerzang had only himself to blame and deserved to die.

He married the daughter of Emperor Qianxi and dared to kick the princess to death. How dare he!
A person like him doesn't deserve any sympathy at all.

However, considering that they were both from the grasslands, if they were to stand up first, they would inevitably be accused of stabbing each other in the back.

Just as he was hesitating, someone suddenly spoke up: "Father, I am willing to go."

"As long as Your Majesty allocates a troop of soldiers to me, I will immediately capture Kerzang and bring him before Your Majesty!"

When Emperor Qianxi heard the words "father emperor," his brows furrowed.

Because he recognized that voice all too well: it belonged to his thirteenth prince!

This child is only thirteen or fourteen years old, and he was personally taught and raised by Emperor Qianxi.

He knew that the thirteenth prince was determined to avenge his sister, but he was still young.

The purpose of bringing him here this time was to let him witness firsthand how I avenged his sister, not to send a child on a dangerous mission and have him do it himself.

Just as Emperor Qianxi was about to refuse, someone else stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, this servant is willing to lead my troops to capture Kezang alive for Your Majesty!"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Qianxi saw a young man in his twenties walk out.

Emperor Qianxi recognized this young man; in fact, according to the Empress Dowager, he was Emperor Qianxi's cousin.

He was also the leader of the nine left-wing divisions, Ksul.

He had always supported the Qianxi Emperor, and the Qianxi Emperor had also heard that his cousin and Kerzang had always been at odds.

This opportunity is exactly what Ksul wanted.

With Ksul taking the lead, others followed suit and volunteered.

Since they had already made up their minds to cling to Emperor Qianxi's coattails, who wouldn't want to seize such an opportunity that could both demonstrate their loyalty and make them look good in front of Emperor Qianxi?

Just as everyone was scrambling for it, someone said in a deep voice, "Father, I believe that Kezang is just a brute."

Why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut?

"If Father Emperor gives me three thousand elite cavalry, I guarantee that I will bring Kezang before Father Emperor before his birthday the day after tomorrow."

This time, it was none other than the eldest prince who stepped forward.

Among Emperor Qianxi's sons, the eldest prince was the most famous for his bravery and martial prowess.

He stepped forward at this time not only because he thought the matter was relatively simple, but also because he wanted to show off his strength in front of Emperor Qianxi and many tribal leaders.

He wanted to let those tribal chiefs know that while His Majesty did have a crown prince, he himself was the most capable fighter.

The eldest prince's request to fight made Emperor Qianxi somewhat tempted.

To be honest, if it weren't for his status, he would have loved to personally lead his troops to raze Kezang's camp to the ground!
The eldest prince is my son, so sending him can represent me.

Also, since the eldest prince had experience in military campaigns, he felt more at ease with him.

As he was pondering this, his gaze fell upon the Crown Prince, who had remained silent, and he asked, "Crown Prince, what do you think?"

"Your Majesty, I believe that Kerzang's tyranny, which led to the death of my younger sister, is truly unforgivable!"

Shen Ye had absolutely no desire to get involved in this competition for credit.

Although he also wanted to avenge the Fifth Princess, he had no interest in personally leading the team, riding horses and brandishing swords.

Moreover, given the current situation, it's like Mount Tai is pressing down on us, and Kezang has absolutely no room to resist. Why bother trying to steal the limelight?
So, while he recited the standard answer, his mind raced.

"However, generally speaking, the tribe to which Kerzang belongs is innocent, and they have not disrespected the Emperor."

"Your Majesty, I believe it would be better for Your Majesty to send someone to deliver the decree."

"This time, only Kerzang and his relatives will be punished. Everyone else will be spared. They have two days to hand over Kerzang, or else, everyone will be punished together!"

"Your Majesty, I believe that no one would be willing to be buried with Kerzang under the divine might of Your Majesty."

Shen Ye's analysis made Emperor Qianxi nod slightly. His purpose in coming to the grasslands this time was both to establish his authority and to bestow favors.

Li Dewei's purpose was to kill Kezang, firstly to avenge his daughter, and secondly to intimidate the other tribes.

If we send troops to conquer Kerzang, although the chances of victory are very high, there are also many uncertainties involved.

Moreover, excessive killing could also affect one's own plans.

The Crown Prince's method is indeed more prudent, as it can achieve the goal while avoiding unnecessary complications and large-scale conflicts.

Just as he hesitated, Langkelon knelt on the ground and chimed in, "Supreme Khan, as far as I know, most of the people of Kerzang are devoted to you, the Heavenly Khan!"

"They were also very resentful about Kerzang harming the princess."

"If the Khan gives them a chance, I guarantee they will capture Kerzang and bring him to you as quickly as possible."

"Please, Supreme Khan, investigate this matter."

Looking at Lang Kelong kneeling on the ground, Emperor Qianxi finally made a decision.

He said calmly, "Alright, Langkelon, since you put it that way, I'll give them a chance."

"I want to see Kerzang brought here within three days."

"Otherwise, I will raze their entire tribe to the ground!"

Langkelon was overjoyed and quickly kowtowed in gratitude.

Because the tribe of Kezang was also his subordinate, being able to preserve a force of his own tribe was more important than anything else.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty, the Heavenly Khan, Your will is the command of the gods, and all will obey!" Langkelon's voice was filled with reverence.

The eldest prince was extremely displeased.

The fact that Emperor Qianxi had to accept the homage of the chieftain of the grassland tribes while he was with his crown prince already made him feel very aggrieved.

This campaign against Kerzang was a chance for him to show off, but it was ruined by a single sentence from the Crown Prince.

Tolerable or unbearable!
He secretly glared at Shen Ye, but could only suppress his anger. After all, this was Emperor Qianxi's decision; what could he do even if he was dissatisfied?
Shen Ye didn't pay any attention to the Crown Prince's gaze. He continued to listen quietly to the conversation between Emperor Qianxi and the tribal leaders, playing the role of a competent listener.

Emperor Qianxi is celebrating his birthday at the Rehe Imperial Palace. Although the birthday celebration has not yet arrived, various banquets have already begun with his arrival.

There will be a banquet at noon!
There will also be a banquet in the evening!

During this feast, the archery and horsemanship competitions were even more exciting every day!
Although the eldest prince failed to seize the opportunity to send troops in the campaign against Kerzang, he repeatedly stole the show in the archery and horsemanship competition.

Even the young thirteenth prince performed brilliantly, leaving everyone amazed.

The former crown prince was also quite skilled in horsemanship and archery.

Shen Ye inherited the memories of the former crown prince, so he has some ability in this area.

But he was too lazy to argue about such trivial matters and was happy to enjoy his leisure.

As the crown prince, no one was forcing him to perform anyway.

Just as Shen Ye was leisurely enjoying the crisp autumn air of the grassland, someone came on horseback to report that Kezang and his relatives had been captured by his tribe and were being escorted towards the Rehe camp.

Upon hearing the news, Emperor Qianxi was in high spirits.

The Crown Prince, who made the suggestion, was praised quite a bit.

Just as Kerzang was being brought here, Emperor Qianxi's birthday finally arrived!

On this day, not only did the tribes on the grasslands celebrate Emperor Qianxi's birthday, but many subjects from all directions also came to present him with gifts.

For example, the Dharma King of the snowy region, the chieftain of the southern border, and envoys from all sides made the Rehe Imperial Palace, which was prepared by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, somewhat unable to cope.

On the very day of his birthday, a legend began to circulate among the chieftains of the grassland tribes:

The Crown Prince was to present Emperor Qianxi with a unique and unparalleled birthday gift.

It's even more precious than the Crown Prince's white deer!

However, the Crown Prince never brought out this birthday gift, so no one knew what it was.

Because the auspicious white deer of the Crown Prince had already attracted far too much attention, the news about the Crown Prince's birthday gifts became increasingly fantastical.

Some say that the Crown Prince is preparing to present a dragon to Emperor Qianxi!
Some say that the Crown Prince was preparing to present Emperor Qianxi with a three-headed sacred lion!
Some even say that the Crown Prince is preparing to present Emperor Qianxi with an elixir that can grant immortality.

These words naturally reached the ears of Emperor Qianxi.

He was both angry and amused, and he knew that it was most likely the eldest prince's doing.

But he didn't point it out—they're all sons, and he loves them both equally.

The Crown Prince still needs to be tempered, and as for the First Prince, let him be a whetstone.

He wouldn't suppress the eldest prince just because of the crown prince.

He saw it as normal for the whetstone to have its own ideas.

"The Crown Prince's rumors are so outrageous that even I'm a little curious. What good things has the Crown Prince prepared for me?"

Emperor Qianxi said to Liang Jiugong, "You must not disappoint me!"

　The second update of the day is here! Please vote, everyone! (This is the first update of the month.)

　　
　
(End of this chapter)