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

Chapter 584 A Hot Potato, the Crown Prince is Too Ruthless
In the Eighth Prince's mind, he had already figured out how to investigate Ge Li's case!

Since Guan Shaopeng is already dead, it's not difficult to just drag someone else down with him.
As for evidence, we can just make up a few things, submit a memorial, and that'll be it!
Those nouveau riche from Jiangnan would have to obediently kneel down, acknowledge their master, and submit to him.

This is a force comparable to Tong Guowei and his group. With Tong Guowei and Zhang Ying backing them up, they have a hand that can rival even the Crown Prince!

Unfortunately, just as this plan gained the approval of Tong Guowei and others, and their dream was only half realized, a group of people dressed in mourning clothes arrived at the door:

Ge Du and his men came straight to block the door!
The Eighth Prince's heart skipped a beat:
This is going to be interesting!

I bet the whole of Beijing is sitting here with melon seeds, waiting to see what happens.

Who doesn't know that Ge Li died in his place?
This is already a consensus in the capital!
At this critical juncture, if he dares to show disrespect to the Ge family, who will be willing to work for him in the future?

But Ge Du's crying, making a scene, and threatening suicide completely ruined his "perfect plan"!

With so many eyes watching, if the Ge family were to plead for justice and he were to submit a flimsy investigation report, his subordinates would be utterly disheartened.

Finding a scapegoat is easy, but if you only kill a few small fry, anyone with eyes can see that it's all an act.
Those who follow him might not say anything, but they're probably secretly thinking:
"Didn't Ge Li die in vain?"

"He served the Eighth Prince with utmost loyalty, is this how the Eighth Prince treats him?"

As the Eighth Prince pondered how to appease Ge Du, his heart ached as if he had drunk bitter herbs.

At this moment, he finally understood why the Crown Prince had been so aggressive that day, but ultimately handed the case over to him at Tong Guowei's request.

For him, this case is hardly a benefit.

It's clearly a hot potato that's burning hot!
If he was too harsh, the local bullies in Jiangnan would hate him to death.
If you treat people too lightly, your core supporters will become disloyal and alienated.

Why? Because his men are utterly disheartened.

Hmph, the Crown Prince's second brother's move was truly ruthless!
After much coaxing and persuasion, the Eighth Prince finally managed to send someone to escort Ge Du away, but his back was covered in cold sweat.

Before he could even take a sip of tea, he quickly called for help:

"Quickly, bring Kui Xu here!"

Although he relied on Tong Guowei, he also valued Kui Xu very much.

Often, this guy represents ordinary nobles like Ge Li who hold important positions.

It's no exaggeration to call him their "invisible spokesperson".

Kui Xu arrived quickly, and after bowing, he sighed as soon as he sat down:

"Eighth Prince, it's such a pity about today's court session; we were just one step away!"

The Eighth Prince blew on the tea froth and said leisurely:
"What's the pity? It seems like we're just one step away, but in reality, we're still a long way off."

"The Crown Prince has already dug a pit. Even if Prime Minister Tong brings out the imperial edict, it won't be of much use."

"I called you here today because of the Ge Du matter."

As he spoke, the Eighth Prince put down his teacup, his face filled with heartache, and said:

"Kui Xu, Ge Li died unjustly, and my heart is breaking!"

"It's not just because we lost a great general with his departure, but also because he truly died in my place."

"This time I'm going to the south of the Yangtze River to investigate his case. I'm determined to avenge him and I wish I could chop up everyone involved!"

"But Prime Minister Tong said that we can't afford to make a blood feud with those powerful forces in Jiangnan right now. Let them send a small fry to settle things."

The Eighth Prince spread his hands, his face full of worry: "I've been thinking about this and that, and I'm about to scratch my head off... I don't know what to do."

"You always have so many ideas, tell me quickly what to do?"

Kui Xu's expression turned serious.

He had long expected that the Eighth Prince's visit was no small matter, but he never expected it to be like this.

He had a good relationship with Ge Li, and with his father's retirement, he had become a prominent figure among the ordinary nobles.

Therefore, he naturally advocated for a severe punishment for Ge Li's death.

But the Eighth Prince's words just now, while seemingly seeking advice, clearly showed his inclination:

Not wanting to offend the powerful figures in Jiangnan, he even considered using Ge Li's life to gain favor and win over the gentry of Jiangnan.

He understands, but he can't give them that face.

If he dares to nod today, the brothers behind him who treat him as their leader will immediately have to distance themselves from him.

“Eighth Master,” Kui Xu said calmly, but his words were like ice shards.

"When those gentry from Jiangnan killed Ge Li, they never thought they would become our mortal enemies."

He shut up as soon as he finished speaking.

The Eighth Prince was stunned for a moment!
He had thought that Kui Xu would give him a way out and then they could negotiate.

Unexpectedly, it was such a blunt and uncompromising statement.

Eighth Master, I was clearly waiting for you to bring me a ladder, but you just rammed a wall into it!

You've really grown quite capable, Kui Xu!

The Eighth Prince was furious, but he couldn't show it.

He took a deep breath and adopted a heavy tone: "Yes... when those people from Jiangnan made their move, did they ever consider us?"

"I wish I could chop them all up one by one!"

"But if we start a major conflict now, wouldn't that just let the Crown Prince get away with it and the fisherman reap the benefits?"

"Just thinking about this makes me feel so frustrated!"

"How could I accept this!"

Kui Xu looked at the Eighth Prince beating his chest and stamping his feet, and after a moment of silence said:

"Eighth Master, everyone follows you and supports you because we hope that when it's time for you to stand up for us, you can hold the line."

“If people like Ge Li die in vain, then people’s hearts will be scattered.”

"I understand your difficulties, but do the brothers down there understand?"

“If Ge Li is like this today, what will happen to others tomorrow?” After saying that, Kui Xu stood up and cupped his hands: “Eighth Master, this servant will take his leave first.”

Kui Xu left decisively and resolutely. The Eighth Prince watched his retreating figure, sighing inwardly.
Trying to reconcile conflicts and please both sides is really too difficult!
He slumped in his chair, his mind a complete mess.

At the same time, inside Yuqing Palace.

Shen Ye was sitting with her legs crossed, listening to Zhen Yan report on the recent work of the "Listening to the Wind Team".

After listening, Shen Ye suddenly asked:
"Lord Zhen, do you think Yu Changyuan's impeachment today was instigated by someone, or was it just his own righteous indignation?"

Zhen Yan knew very well:
The Crown Prince already had the answer in his heart; asking him was just a formality.

He lowered his head and replied:
"Your Highness, I believe that although there are many people in this world who would sacrifice their lives for righteousness, Lord Yu... does not seem to be one."

"I didn't have much contact with him, but I heard about something when I was in the Censorate."

"This gentleman is very particular about his meals. He insists on having fish and meat at every meal, and someone has to supervise the cook while he is preparing the food."

"How could someone who is so afraid of death suddenly get carried away and passionately perform a great act of righteousness?"

Shen Ye chuckled:
"Of course! Who wouldn't see something wrong?"

"But now, he's the only one I can drag out by the ear and give a good beating."

"Those 'loyal and patriotic' people behind the scenes still hold the emperor's edicts in their hands."

"They are all old ministers left by my father. If I really confront them head-on, it might cause other trouble."

Zhen Yan pursed his lips, not daring to reply. Of course, he understood what the Crown Prince meant.

However, there were some things he couldn't say when it came to the most important father and son in the royal family.

Saying even one more word could cost you your head!

Shen Ye wasn't annoyed by Zhen Yan's silence, and casually tapped the table, saying:
"With Father Emperor around, I can't touch Prime Minister Tong, that old tree, but his family's connections..."

"Because of Tong Guowei's indulgence, he not only acted domineeringly, but also disregarded the law."

"The eldest son, Ye Keshu, as an official of the imperial court, dared to allow people to lend money at exorbitant interest rates, driving dozens of people to their deaths!"

"The second son, Dekexin, a third-class imperial guard, in order to seize land for building a house, sent people to set fire to the houses of his neighbors..."

"And there's also the fifth son of the Tong family..."

He slammed his hand heavily on the table with a "bang":

"In such a situation, how can we appease public anger if we don't take action? How can we restore order to the court if we don't take action?"

"Father has always been tolerant of his uncle!"

"But tolerance is not indulgence! It doesn't mean letting the Tong family's descendants run rampant!"

After the Crown Prince's outburst of rage, Zhen Yan finally understood:
The Crown Prince is going to take action against Tong Guowei's family, cutting down the "crooked branches" of the Tong family.

He hesitated for a moment before saying:

“Your Highness, it is indeed necessary to severely punish the Tong family, but I’m afraid it won’t really harm Prime Minister Tong.”

"If you fail to kill the tiger, you will be injured instead... In that case, I fear it will be detrimental to Your Highness!"

Shen Ye raised an eyebrow and smiled:
"Lord Zhen, they've already blocked our door and are challenging us. How can we not return the favor?"

"Besides, Tong Guowei is not young anymore. If his children and grandchildren keep getting into trouble, do you think he won't be furious and get angry..."

"With my father around, I can't cut down Tong Guowei, this big tree."

"But what can Father Emperor say if I cut off a few crooked branches?"

Upon hearing what Crown Prince Shen Ye said, Zhen Yan's eyes flickered:
Wow, that's brilliant!

Is this going to make Tong Guowei so angry that he'll jump up and down?

In a fit of anger, the old man suffered a stroke and might...

They can kill without leaving a trace!
He immediately clasped his hands in a solemn gesture and said, "Your humble servant obeys the decree!"

Shen Ye watched Zhen Yan leave, a cold smile appearing on his lips.

In the imperial court, Tong Guowei presented the imperial edict, but he was temporarily unable to do anything to this old fox.

But this doesn't mean that Shen Ye can only let things slide and swallow his anger.

Relocating Longkodo was just the first step; the second step...

It's called "hitting a cow from across the mountain," or "using someone else's strength to strike back," and it's infuriating!
When it comes to dealing with Tong Guowei, the Emperor will definitely protect him.

However, the Tong family's guilt is almost obvious, but no one has been holding them accountable.

This time, he didn't even need to consult his father, the emperor, before he found out. By the time he found out, it was too late to change anything.

The Tong Family Compound, late at night.

Tong Guowei and Longkodo sat facing each other, enjoying a drink.

The old man took a sip of wine:

"Go and return quickly on this mission. Make sure everything is arranged properly at the Infantry Commander's office. Don't let anything go wrong!"

"If you lose this territory, see how His Majesty deals with you."

Longkodo muttered as he chewed on his beef, "Father, everyone in the yamen has been with me for many years."

"As long as you take care of things, there shouldn't be any problems for the next few months."

"I'm afraid that the Crown Prince... won't let this go so easily."

Tong Guowei waved his hand and said, "Focus on your duties! With His Majesty here, how can the Crown Prince do anything to me?"

After saying that, he tilted his head back and downed a glass, but a shadow crossed his eyes.

　The first update of the day is here! Please support me, everyone, and vote for me!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)