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

Chapter 492 Big Brother, once you're out, go out and let some fresh air first.

Sitting in the garden he had just finished decorating, Shen Ye crossed his legs, holding a fishing rod in one hand and tossing peanuts into his mouth with the other.

He chatted incoherently with the people around him.

Shen Ye felt that this kind of life was comfortable, carefree, and incredibly enjoyable!
Compared to when I was in Yuqing Palace, it's like heaven and earth!

Although Yuqing Palace is glittering and full of treasures, it is ultimately a cage inlaid with gold and jade. Compared with this place, it is "exquisite but not free".

Being in one's own home is so down-to-earth. Not only is it comfortable to live here, but more importantly, it's not bound by as many rules as the palace.

In the palace, the most powerful person was, of course, the Qianxi Emperor.

Although the Emperor doesn't usually concern himself with the trivial matters of Yuqing Palace, that doesn't change the fact in the slightest:
Yuqing Palace is under the jurisdiction of Qianqing Palace!
Before doing anything, you have to think it through: what will the emperor think if he finds out?
Being timid and hesitant is so frustrating!

Ugh, just thinking about it makes me tired.

Now that I live in my own Prince Qingqiu mansion, I don't have to worry about anyone's opinion or which foot to step out with first when I go out for a stroll. Even the pores on my body feel refreshed!

Shen Ye felt completely relaxed.

Although the capital was still shrouded in the "holy light" of Emperor Qianxi, this light was not as dazzling as it had been in the palace.

Before, this "holy light" was like the midday sun, so intense it made people feel like they were smoking. Now it's like the setting sun; at least the sun isn't so scorching anymore.

"Thirteenth Brother, after the New Year you go to Qingqiu and keep an eye on things. Rongbao has been doing quite well lately, and the port construction has already started."

While munching on an out-of-season watermelon brought from the hot spring greenhouse, Shen Ye mumbled to the Thirteenth Prince:

"While building our navy, we also recruited those pirates who surrendered."

"Especially those veteran pirates who want to go ashore and are willing to hand over their crews, we must treat them well! Give them all the preferential policies that are due!"

"By the way, we should explore more young people. Young people are daring and willing to take risks..."

"Once we've built up a strong navy, we'll bring the vast ocean under our control in our own backyard."

"At that time, whether it's engaging in long-distance trade or occupying a few small islands, it'll be a piece of cake, won't it?"

"Maybe we can even carve out a huge territory overseas, then we'll have money and land to our name!"

This wasn't the first time the thirteenth prince had heard Shen Ye's "ocean dream," but this time his eyes lit up.

Leading an army of 100,000 and dominating the world—that was his ultimate dream!
However, as long as Emperor Qianxi was still on the throne, this dream would be difficult to realize—after all, he was a staunch follower of the Crown Prince!

But the thought of leading a vast fleet of warships across the seas filled him with excitement.

"Your Highness, rest assured, I know what to do!"

"I will absolutely not let you down!"

The fourth and ninth princes, who were standing nearby, were also itching to join in.

The Ninth Prince, in particular, was a shrewd businessman who knew exactly how profitable Western merchant ships were.

Upon hearing Shen Ye's words, all he could think about was money.

If they monopolized overseas trade, how much money would they make!
He could almost see himself lying amidst piles of gold and silver, eating watermelon.

Sure enough, following the prince means you get to eat meat!

The Ninth Prince darted forward, his eyes shining like two copper coins:
"Second Brother, we can't be left out of this good thing! Once the Thirteenth Brother has settled things at sea, I'll take care of the trade!"

He patted his chest, making the jade pendant at his waist jingle.
"I can't guarantee anything else, but I'll make sure each of my brothers earns at least 100,000 taels of silver every year, no problem!"

As the group was chatting animatedly, Zhou Bao suddenly walked in, his face showing a strange, hesitant expression:
"Your Highness, the First Prince has arrived. He says he has come on the Emperor's orders to congratulate you on your housewarming..."

He paused, then added, "Please go and receive the imperial decree."

Upon hearing that the eldest prince had arrived, the tenth prince, quick to speak, blurted out, "Huh? Wasn't eldest brother imprisoned? How come he's been released so quickly?"

The entire court knew that the Crown Prince and the First Prince were at odds.

The Crown Prince made a mistake recently and was imprisoned by Emperor Qianxi. Everyone thought he was doomed.

Unexpectedly, this guy suddenly appeared at this moment!

Not only did it jump out, but it also went out holding the imperial edict!
What does Your Majesty mean by this? Creating such a spectacle is quite interesting.

No one responded to the Tenth Prince's words. The Fourth and Ninth Princes quickly exchanged a glance, both understanding perfectly well:

At this point, who else but the Emperor could release the eldest son?
Shen Ye stood up unhurriedly, dusted off his clothes, and said, "Fourth brother, you two chat first. I'll go see what 'big gift' my eldest brother brought me."

The thirteenth prince immediately stood up and followed, smiling as he tried to smooth things over: "Your Highness, we haven't seen our elder brother in a long time either. Let's go together, so he won't say we're being impolite."

The thirteenth prince claimed he was going to pay his respects, but everyone knew the truth.

Who doesn't understand that this is to prevent Shen Ye and the First Prince from clashing on the spot?

With him around, at least he can mediate the fight.

After all, the eldest prince came on orders, and if a conflict breaks out, the second prince will definitely be the one who suffers.

After all, the emperor was still there to support the eldest prince.

Before Shen Ye could speak, the Fourth Prince quickly chimed in, "The Thirteenth Prince is right. I really do miss my eldest brother. Why don't we go and see him together?"

Shen Ye looked at the Ninth Prince and Tenth Prince who stood up in unison, a smile on his face, but he knew exactly what was going on.

The Fourth Prince's words were well-chosen, but Shen Ye dared not believe them entirely—

This person is a well-known "acting talent".

However, the thirteenth prince, the ninth prince, and the tenth prince were genuinely on his side. "Alright, then let's go and meet our eldest brother together."

Inside the main hall of the Prince of Qingqiu's mansion, the eldest prince, though looking somewhat weathered, had a smug look on his face, as if saying, "I, Hu Hansan, am back again," and sat casually in the grand chair in the main seat, drinking tea.

Seeing Shen Ye and the others enter, he deliberately put on airs and did not stand up: "Your Highness, I have an imperial decree on me and it is inconvenient for me to perform the proper etiquette. Please forgive me!"

Shen Ye rolled his eyes inwardly, but smiled without changing his expression and said, "I'm overjoyed that you can come out, big brother."

The fourth prince and the others also cupped their hands in greeting, saying, "Greetings, elder brother."

The eldest prince waved his hand: "No need for formalities."

He then stood up and took out the imperial edict: "His Majesty has decreed that Yunye shall receive the decree!"

Shen Ye felt contempt in his heart, but on the surface he still had to accept the imperial decree respectfully.

The eldest prince recited in a melodious and rhythmic voice:

"Crown Prince Yunye has moved to the Prince of Qingqiu's residence... He is specially bestowed with a copy of the *Classic of Filial Piety*, a set of the *Zizhi Tongjian*, and a copy of the *Zhuangzi*..."

"I hope the Crown Prince can concentrate on his studies and not disappoint my expectations..."

Shen Ye listened while pursing his lips: The Classic of Filial Piety, Zizhi Tongjian, Zhuangzi...

Wow, that was a powerful and insightful combination of punches!

Aren't you just trying to subtly suggest that I behave myself, cultivate my character, and refrain from causing trouble?
He knew exactly what was going on and replied calmly, "Your subject accepts the decree."

The eldest prince puffed out his belly and began to speak in a sarcastic tone:

"Your Highness, I've heard you've been making quite a stir these past few days? Tsk tsk, no wonder you can't even stay in Yuqing Palace anymore."

"You'd better be careful, or you might upset Father Emperor and accidentally lose something you shouldn't have."

Upon hearing the eldest prince's blatant sarcasm towards the crown prince, the thirteenth prince frowned and was about to step forward when Shen Ye raised his hand to stop him, turning to Zhou Bao and saying:

"Bring me a Yuqing gold note."

Zhou Bao was taken aback: "Your Highness, don't you have some in your pocket?"

Although puzzled, Zhou Bao had a principle:

If you don't understand, ask; if you don't ask, just do it.

He then quickly pulled a gold coin from his pocket.

Shen Ye gently handed over the gold coins:
"Brother, you've had a hard time making this trip. Here are some newly printed 100-yuan gold notes from Yuqing Bank. Take them and have some fun."

After saying that, he turned his head and ordered, "Olundai, see the guest out."

Orondai was a guard sent by Emperor Qianxi and was on duty at the mansion when he was suddenly summoned to see off a guest.

But since the crown prince had spoken, he had no choice but to comply.

Moreover, both he and the eldest prince were arrogant and unwilling to submit to each other.

Seeing the eldest prince being "rewarded" like a eunuch, she was overjoyed.

He stepped forward with a beaming smile and said, "Your Highness, please come outside..."

He meant to say "This way please," but slipped out "Outside please," which was incredibly sarcastic and instantly made him the target of ridicule.

The eldest prince's face flushed red, and he angrily tore the gold note in half, glaring fiercely at Shen Ye.

Shen Ye looked at him calmly, a slight smile on her lips.

The eldest prince suddenly felt a chill run down his spine: the imperial edict had been delivered, and he no longer had the "aura of an imperial envoy."

If things get out of hand now, the Emperor might not be so forgiving, but I'll definitely suffer in the short term—none of my brothers will help me.

Especially the thirteenth son.

Judging from his eyes, he seemed like he wanted to punch someone, and Lao Shi glared at him too.

Although the fourth and ninth princes didn't speak, they were clearly the prince's men.

He gritted his teeth and forced a fake smile: "It seems I won't be able to get a free meal from the Crown Prince."

Shen Ye smiled even more brightly: "Big brother, I'm not asking you to stay for dinner because it's for your own good."

"After being confined for so long, you're finally out! Shouldn't you hurry up and get some fresh air? This is a rare opportunity! You'd be so disappointed if you missed it!"

After saying that, he turned to Orondai and urged, "Will you see the guests out?"

The eldest prince's face flushed even more: Damn it! Aren't you just cursing me to be locked up again soon?!

But after struggling for a while, he couldn't come up with any tough words. In the end, he could only turn his sleeves and leave, leaving behind the words: "We'll see who needs to 'keep watch' more in the future!"

Watching his hurried figure, Orondai deliberately called out, "Grandpa, slow down! Be careful of the slippery steps ahead, take it easy, or you'll fall!"

The atmosphere immediately relaxed as soon as the eldest prince left.

The thirteenth prince said angrily, "My eldest brother is the kind of person who gets cocky when given a little credit and becomes arrogant when he gains power. I don't think he'll ever change his dog-like temper!"

Shen Ye smiled, then shook his head and sighed, thinking of the Crown Prince's future fate. "Forget it, I won't stoop to his level. He's a pitiful person too."

"However, there's always a reason why someone is pitiful..."

(End of this chapter)