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

Chapter 440 Let's go, I'm going to the Hot Spring Palace to see the Empress Dowager.
When Emperor Qianxi saw the Eighth Prince kneeling on the ground with a worried expression, his anger subsided by half.

Well, he does understand that this matter can't really be entirely blamed on Lao Ba.

After all, who wouldn't be overwhelmed by such a troublesome situation?

But this kid has been dawdling for so many days without making a sound. How can his father just laugh it off?
Emperor Qianxi squinted at the Eighth Prince, looking at his dark circles with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. Then he noticed the bags under his eyes were almost drooping to his chin. He said in a low voice, "Yunsi, we're about to send out troops, but we still haven't secured supplies. What do you suggest we do?"

Hearing his father's accusatory tone, the Eighth Prince felt extremely aggrieved.

He could only grit his teeth and reply, "Father, it's all because I failed in my duties."

After saying that, he quickly added, "However, I haven't been idle these past few days! I not only sent people to inspect the salt in Lianghuai, but also conducted a thorough investigation of the Imperial Household Department."

"I reckon the Imperial Household Department can find a few audacious scoundrels; as for the Lianghuai Salt Administration, I've already made it clear—they must scrape together one million taels for military pay!"

"These two methods..." The Eighth Prince became increasingly hesitant as he spoke, his voice gradually weakening, "...they are a bit slow, but...but at least we can see the money, right?"

"And..."

The Eighth Prince rambled on and on about all the things he had been busy with lately.

It sounds plausible, but putting it into practice is probably going to take forever!

What Emperor Qianxi lacked most right now? Time, of course!
If he had more time, would he have bothered with these rebellious sons like this, engaging in a battle of wits and courage?

Before the Eighth Prince could finish speaking, Emperor Qianxi waved his hand impatiently, the movement as swift as shooing away a buzzing fly: "Yunsi, you've had a hard time these past few days."

"But look at this, the weather is getting colder and colder, and Dingkang City is about to fall!"

Emperor Qianxi said with great distress, "How can I have time to wait for you to leisurely make money here?"

At this point, Emperor Qianxi made a decisive decision: "Your assignment ends here. Hand over the follow-up matters to the Ministry of Revenue and go back to your work."

Upon hearing this, the Eighth Prince's face instantly fell into a bitter expression.

He knew that his father wouldn't buy into his actions at all.

But he really did his best!

He's been staring at the account books these past few days, he's practically bald from pulling out three handfuls of hair. If this keeps up, he might as well become a monk!
After a thousand thoughts swirling in his mind, he could only say dejectedly, "Please forgive me, Father Emperor, your son... truly did his best."

Emperor Qianxi sighed, his tone quite kind: "I know you've done your best to raise the funds."

"It's not that you don't want to do it, it's that you lack the ability; that's all you're capable of."

"So if you can't make money, I won't blame you."

That was said in a very understanding way, with little harm but extremely insulting.

The Eighth Prince felt as if his father's "thoughtful" words had pierced his heart once again.

He wanted to explain, but when he opened his mouth, he couldn't utter a single word.

In the end, all he could do was bow and leave dejectedly.

Emperor Qianxi watched the Eighth Prince's retreating figure and shook his head helplessly.

Lao Ba isn't lazy, he just lacks problem-solving skills.

This kind of skill is not something everyone possesses.

Never mind, it's not his fault.

As he pondered, Emperor Qianxi began to think of Shen Ye, who was enjoying herself at the hot spring resort.

What is this kid doing right now?

Given his love of life, he's probably soaking in a hot spring at a resort, humming a tune, living the life of a carefree immortal.
He, the father, is here looking worried and distressed because of the war.

The more Emperor Qianxi thought about it, the more he felt something was wrong. This rebellious son was usually as clever as a monkey, so why was he pretending to be an innocent little rabbit this time?

Is this rebellious son truly unable to raise so much silver, or is he deliberately trying to defy me?

Hopefully he's just being stubborn and resentful that I've reduced taxes for officials and gentry... Otherwise, things could get really troublesome!
Emperor Qianxi's thoughts shifted, and he instructed Liang Jiugong: "Prepare the carriage, I am going to pay my respects to the Empress Dowager."

Upon hearing this, Liang Jiugong was shocked to learn that the emperor was going to the hot spring palace on such a cold day. His instinctive reaction was to advise the emperor against it.

After all, it's freezing cold, and making the trip isn't easy.

But as the words were about to come out, a sudden inspiration struck him, and he immediately swallowed them back—he instantly understood!

The Emperor isn't going to see the Empress Dowager; he clearly wants to see the Crown Prince!
However, the father couldn't bring himself to say it directly, so he had to use the Empress Dowager as a shield.

Sigh, being an emperor isn't easy...

Liang Jiugong quickly replied, "This servant will go and prepare immediately!"

When the emperor traveled, it was naturally a grand and spectacular procession.

The moment Emperor Qianxi stepped out the door, the whole capital knew about it.

"I heard that the Emperor braved the wind and snow to go to the temporary palace!"

"Didn't we say we wanted to save money? How much military rations can we buy this time?"

"You know nothing! This is to invite the Crown Prince to come out of seclusion!"

Although the official official statement from the palace was "paying respects to the Empress Dowager," those in the know understood the unspoken meaning—

This is clearly because the Emperor is about to collapse and needs the Crown Prince to save the day!
Right now, who else besides the Crown Prince, who had a falling out with the Emperor at the Hot Spring Palace, could secure military funds? Good heavens, is the Emperor bowing down to his son?

When the news reached Tong Guowei's ears, the old fox didn't even raise an eyelid, continuing to calmly review the memorials as if the emperor were truly going to fulfill his filial duty.

His grandson, Shun'an Yan, who was serving him, couldn't sit still any longer: "Grandfather! The Emperor is clearly bowing down to the Crown Prince! Why don't you stop him?"

"If word gets out that His Majesty bowed his head like that, it will sound terrible!"

Tong Guowei slowly put down his pen, glanced at him, and asked, "Do you think it's a good thing to make the Emperor bow his head?"

"Of course not."

"That's it. Would you feel good if someone forced you to bow down? Let alone the emperor."

"This matter will become a thorn in the Emperor's side sooner or later."

"The Crown Prince is indeed capable, and people can't help but admire him. But if he relies on his outstanding abilities to force the Emperor to bow down? Hmph, his position as Crown Prince is probably nearing its end!"

Tong Guowei said meaningfully, "Once things calm down in the snowy region and the fighting subsides, it will be time to settle scores later."

Seeing his grandson still in a daze, Tong Guowei snapped at him impatiently:
"Besides, what can I use to stop you? If you have the ability to conjure up four million taels of silver, I'll stop you right now!"

Upon hearing this, Shun An Yan suddenly realized what was going on and immediately beamed with joy: "Grandfather is brilliant! It was my shortsightedness."

"So, what's next..."

"Pass down the message that I've been staying at the South Study recently, and have the family send over all my daily necessities."

"Leave the things at home to your father, I'm busy here!"

Shun'an Yan immediately understood—Grandfather was putting on a show of "dedicating himself to the utmost" for the Emperor!

He hurried off to make the arrangements, but halfway there he heard that the Vice Minister Zhang Ying had already moved into the Southern Study to "work overtime."

Shun'an Yan was dumbfounded on the spot.

I've truly learned something this time. Those old foxes, each one a master of drama!
He couldn't help but sigh inwardly: the officialdom is like a play, and it all depends on acting skills!

Meanwhile, inside the palace, Shen Ye was happily soaking in the hot spring, humming a little tune, completely unaware that his father was rushing over.

At the Ministry of Rites, Wang Yan and Zhang Yushu were in the middle of their daily banter when they heard that the Emperor had gone to the hot spring palace in the heavy snow, and their expressions changed drastically!
He suddenly stood up and was about to rush out of the Forbidden City, but when he reached the door, he slammed on the brakes and stopped.

Zhang Yushu, who had just been so angry that his face turned ashen, was now amused. He leisurely stroked his chin and said, "Where is Lord Wang going? Perhaps you also want to soak in the hot springs?"

Wang Yan took a deep breath, swallowed back the "None of your business" that was about to come out, and squeezed out, "Lord Zhang, do I have to report to you when I go back to my own duty room?"

"No need for that. However, the snowy region is in dire need of help right now, and His Majesty is extremely worried."

"From today onwards, all officials of the Ministry of Rites shall perform their duties and none shall leave the Forbidden City without His Majesty's decree!"

"Who dares to disobey orders..." Zhang Yushu smiled sinisterly, "Don't blame me for showing no mercy."

Wang Yan knew perfectly well that this old fox was preventing him from reporting to the Crown Prince!

However, Zhang Yushu's words sounded very respectable at the time, but if he insisted on going to the Hot Spring Palace to see Shen Ye, who knows what kind of trouble he would cause.

Moreover, it was not appropriate for him to meet the Crown Prince at this time.

He gritted his teeth and replied, "Minister Zhang is right, none of us should leave."

"You have to set a good example!"

"I believe His Majesty will remember your 'loyalty'."

"His Majesty has his own judgment; there is no need for Lord Wang to worry about it."

The two exchanged barbs, their words laced with hidden daggers, their eyes locked in a fierce battle, as if one could hear the crackling of lightning.

That Zhang Yushu is so damn insidious!
Wang Yan gritted his teeth, thinking this through gritted teeth. Finally, he flung his sleeves and angrily returned to his duty room.

No sooner had he left than Zhang Yushu instructed one of his subordinates: "Keep an eye on Wang Yan these next few days. If there's nothing else, don't let him leave the Ministry of Rites."

The subordinate's lips moved as if he wanted to say something admonishing, but in the end, he said nothing.

Wang Yan and Zhang Yushu were both important officials, and the personal grudges between them were beyond his control.

He should just obediently listen and do as he's told.

As soon as Wang Yan closed the door, he paced anxiously in the room, muttering to himself:
"Oh no! The Emperor has lost face big time! He's having a good time now, but he'll be in deep trouble later! What are we going to do?!"

He knew Emperor Qianxi's temperament all too well—this man valued his reputation above all else!
The situation is critical now, and I have no choice but to bow down to my son. Will he hold me accountable in the future?

After pondering for a while, he quickly summoned his trusted confidant Wang Liu and instructed him in a low voice, "Go to the prefectural government as soon as possible and find their leader."

"Have them find a way to get to the hot spring palace as soon as possible and tell the Crown Prince that the Emperor is going there."

"And one more thing..."

Wang Yan's expression was solemn: "Not a single word of this sentence can be wrong!"

Wang Liu quickly straightened his back and assured him, "Don't worry, sir! Even if I forget myself, I will never forget these words!"

Wang Yan took a deep breath, as if using all his strength, and explained, word by word:

"Lord, Lord, minister, minister, father, father, son, son!"

(End of this chapter)