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

Chapter 288 Killing Three Birds with One Stone: All the Complaints Are for Your Own Good

Although Emperor Qianxi was resting in the large tent at the back, someone had already told him everything that had happened in front of him.

The crown prince asked the Ma brothers what their countermeasures were.

Both brothers said they had no good ideas, which enraged the Crown Prince, who then gave Ma Qi a severe dressing-down.

Then he ordered everyone to go back and think about it, and two hours later, each person was to report the solution they came up with.

Upon hearing the Crown Prince's scathing rebuke of Ma Qi, Emperor Qianxi smiled slightly.

He was quite pleased with this situation!

If the Crown Prince has a problem with Ma Qi, then Ma Qi will definitely not serve the Crown Prince loyally.

That way, I can sleep more soundly!
"Ma Qi brought this on himself. The Crown Prince was just following orders, but instead of thinking things through, he just shrugged and said there was nothing he could do. Humph!"

Emperor Qianxi waved his hand and said, "However, it's normal that they can't come up with a solution to this matter."

"I didn't originally intend for them to come up with a solution, but rather to give them a warning. I'm very angry!"

"From now on, you'd better take the equestrian and archery training seriously!"

The young eunuch, kneeling on the ground to report, carefully lowered his head, not daring to utter a single word. He knew that he could not casually respond to Emperor Qianxi's words.

In the palace, if you want to live a long life, you have to be tactful and remain silent when it's not your turn to speak.

Just as he was pondering how to take his leave, someone announced, "Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince requests an audience."

"Let him in," Emperor Qianxi said, gesturing for the reporting eunuch to leave.

The young eunuch, feeling as if he had been granted a pardon, bowed respectfully and quickly withdrew.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty," the Fourth Prince said respectfully, bowing deeply.

Emperor Qianxi waved his hand and said, "No need for formalities. What brings you here?"

"Father, I have come regarding the hunting expedition."

The fourth prince said in a deep voice, "Our guards and soldiers have always lived in the outskirts of the capital. Although they go out hunting, they are not as good as the grassland warriors who make a living this way."

"It's normal for me to feel inferior to them."

"Trying to surpass them now... that's probably impossible!"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Qianxi was not angry at all. Instead, he smiled and said, "Do you think I don't know what you're saying?"

“Yunzhen, the court has been in accordance with the will of Heaven for three generations of monarchs.”

"The elite troops that once dominated the world, although they have fought some battles, can hardly be called a strong army anymore."

"If we don't tighten the reins and put some pressure on them, they'll continue to be complacent and lazy, just eating and drinking for free."

Upon hearing Emperor Qianxi's words, the fourth prince hurriedly and respectfully said, "Your subject has misunderstood Your Majesty's good intentions. Please punish me, Your Majesty."

"No need for punishment. Just read more books about military affairs."

"How can a prince in charge of a ministry be ignorant of military affairs?"

At this point, Emperor Qianxi leisurely picked up his teacup and took a sip.

The fourth prince deliberately hesitated for a moment before speaking in a deep voice to Emperor Qianxi: "Father, I have something else to say, but I don't know if I should."

"What can't we, father and son, say to each other?"

"I forgive you for your crime!" Emperor Qianxi said, but his expression turned serious.

Seeing that the time was ripe, the fourth prince respectfully said, "Father, there are some things that I shouldn't say, but I really feel that it's a bit inappropriate."

"Although Lord Ma Qi's work is not always satisfactory, he is, after all, a veteran minister."

"Father, could you please persuade the Crown Prince to give Lord Ma Qi some face?"

"During my time observing the administration of the Ministry of Revenue, I found that Lord Ma Qi was quite dedicated and hardworking."

"I beg Father to offer some advice to the Crown Prince."

The fourth prince came to see Emperor Qianxi and advised him not to compete with the tribes of the grasslands in horseback riding, archery, and hunting, as it was just a pretext.

His real purpose was still to talk about Ma Qi.

After careful consideration, he felt that this would not only leave a good impression on his father, but also subtly sow discord among the Crown Prince.

Of course, it can also be seen as a gesture of goodwill towards Ma Qi.

This move can be described as killing three birds with one stone!
When he made this decision, he missed Wu Sidao a little.

If Wu Sidao were still alive, it would be even more perfect if he could discuss the details with Wu Sidao!
Upon hearing the Fourth Prince's words, Emperor Qianxi's expression shifted before he calmly said, "Since you feel it's inappropriate, why don't you go and advise the Crown Prince yourself?"

"Your Majesty, I spoke to you about this before, but you did not heed my words," the Fourth Prince said. "As a result, you have once again humiliated Lord Ma Qi today."

"Your subject can think of no other way, so I have no choice but to report to Your Majesty."

Seeing the Fourth Prince's expression of "I've tried my best, but the Crown Prince just won't listen," Emperor Qianxi smiled and said, "Alright, I understand. I'll talk to the Crown Prince about it later."

"However, this matter cannot be entirely blamed on the Crown Prince."

"Anyone who has been cheated out of two million taels of silver would inevitably feel some resentment."

Just as Emperor Qianxi was talking to the fourth prince, Liang Jiugong rushed in.

He disregarded the presence of the Fourth Prince and whispered a few words in Emperor Qianxi's ear.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Qianxi's expression changed.

The smile on his face vanished completely, and his whole face fell.

"This unfilial son is truly..."

"Go and summon the thirteenth prince to me!"

Upon hearing the order, Liang Jiugong immediately rushed out. This sudden turn of events also alerted the Fourth Prince to the gravity of the situation. He usually had a good relationship with the Thirteenth Prince, and couldn't help but ask, "Father, what about my thirteenth brother...?"

"That unfilial son is utterly foolish!"

"I already said that Kerzang would be executed in seven days, but he was enraged by Kerzang today and directly swung his sword and beheaded Kerzang!"

Emperor Qianxi said angrily, "This wretched child! All the leaders of the grassland tribes are here now. How will they feel if he kills someone in private like this!"

In the eyes of the Fourth Prince, Kezang deserved to die!
However, his status was different; after all, he was a top tribal nobleman on the grasslands.

Otherwise, Emperor Qianxi would not have betrothed his daughter to him.

He kicked the princess to death, and Emperor Qianxi wanted to punish him. The nobles of the tribes on the grasslands had nothing to say about this.

However, Emperor Qianxi had clearly promised to publicly execute Kezang seven days later, but now the thirteenth prince had him beheaded directly.

This will anger those who already sympathize with Kerzang, and if someone uses this as an excuse, things will become difficult.

If the thirteenth prince is not dealt with and nothing is done, it will be considered an insult by the leaders of the grasslands.

However, Emperor Qianxi was naturally unwilling to deal with his own son for the sake of that damned Kezang.

Although he understood the implications, the fourth prince still mustered his courage and said, "Father, my thirteenth brother killed Kezang in a moment of righteous indignation."

"Moreover, Kerzang deserved to die."

"Please, Father, forgive him this time, considering that my thirteenth brother was only trying to protect his sister."

Emperor Qianxi waved his hand: "Do you think I don't know what you're saying!"

"But what if someone stirs up trouble at this time?"

The fourth prince was speechless for a moment.

If no one takes the lead, this matter will naturally pass.

But if a tribal leader on the grassland were to cause trouble, even if Kerzang was a criminal and was killed, Emperor Qianxi would still have to give an explanation.

The Kezang family was quite powerful; it wasn't that they didn't have brothers, but rather that they had many relatives.

Although the Russian Kingdom's appeasement has deterred the tribes on the grasslands, many people are still dissatisfied.

They were simply forced to bow down due to the prevailing trend.

Once they have a say in the matter, no one dares to speak up, and they won't cause any trouble.

Kerr possesses noble blood, his family is quite powerful, and he has many relatives...

He deserves to die!

But to kill him like this would not only be an insult to Kerzang, but also an insult to the entire grassland.

Once you reach this point, there's no right or wrong, only positions.

How can we prevent these people from causing trouble?

Although this problem seems simple, it is not easy to solve.

If things are not handled properly, Emperor Qianxi's birthday celebration might be in vain.

Just as the Fourth Prince was worrying about the Thirteenth Prince, the Thirteenth Prince was already standing inside Shen Ye's tent, confessing the matter to Shen Ye.

"Your Highness, I know I acted rashly."

"But I just couldn't hold back anymore!"

The thirteenth prince's eyes flashed with murderous intent as he said, "That despicable Kezang, he actually said that in his eyes, my sister is not even as good as a female slave!"

"He...he deserves to die!"

Looking at the thirteenth prince's ferocious expression, Shen Ye sighed.

He naturally understood the Thirteenth Prince's feelings at this moment. His respected sister had died so ignominiously, which had already made him furious.

Now Kerzang's mouth is full of foul language, he shows no remorse, and has no respect for the Fifth Princess whatsoever.

This situation reminded the thirteenth prince of the life the fifth princess had led, and it was inevitable that he would lose control.

He patted the thirteenth prince on the shoulder and said, "Kerzang deserved to die. Even if you didn't kill him, he wouldn't live more than seven days."

"But now that you've killed him, things are getting a bit complicated."

The thirteenth prince said nonchalantly, "There's no trouble at all. At worst, Father Emperor can punish me."

"I originally wanted to serve Your Highness well, but I probably won't be able to do so in a short time."

"But Your Highness, rest assured, once this matter is over, I, the thirteenth prince, will still be a hero."

Looking at the fearless thirteenth prince, Shen Ye coldly said, "What nonsense are you talking about? Keerzang is just a worthless life. One of your fingers is more valuable than his."

"Alright, let's go find Father Emperor first."

"Now that this has happened, let's take the initiative."

"Remember one thing: Kerzang could provoke you, and you killed him because you were angry in a moment."

"As for the rest, leave it to me."

As Shen Ye spoke, he pulled the thirteenth prince and walked outside.

As soon as they stepped out of the tent, Liang Jiugong rushed over and said, "Your Highness, the Emperor wants the Thirteenth Prince to come over quickly."

"Your Majesty is in a great hurry, you'd better hurry!"

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(End of this chapter)