The Demonic Crown Prince

"Oh? For example?" Li Yuan raised an eyebrow and looked at him with interest.

"In fact, Your Highness should know that many princes have been coveting the Crown Prince all along."

On the surface, the second prince, Li Jun, had the strongest desire for it.

But in reality, the Third Prince Li Feng, the Fourth Prince Li Duo, and the Fifth Prince Li Yu all harbored the same ambition.

Yan Poshan said solemnly.

"The third son is sickly; how could he possibly have such thoughts?"

Li Yuan sat down and asked a question, but in reality, he was testing him!

"Although the Third Prince lives a secluded life and never shows his face, his wisdom is the deepest, his plans are the most far-reaching, and he is the most worthy of our vigilance."

Because he has infiltrated our Imperial Guards very deeply; more than 30% of our generals have actually become his confidants.

That's the Imperial Guard of the Capital Region, numbering eight thousand men.

The second prince was only interested in winning over the ministers in the court; he did not have any real military power.

The fact that the Third Prince wants to take full control of the Imperial Guard shows that he probably has far-reaching ambitions.

Furthermore, his subordinates knew that he had extremely close ties with Zhao Shanhe, the Privy Councilor, and that Liu Guanjia, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Capital Region, was also one of his confidants.

If he controls the heavy military forces in the capital region and the Imperial Guards, then this capital city…”

Yan Poshan said in a low voice, but did not continue after that.

Li Yuan nodded slightly. "What about the fourth prince? He's already been enfeoffed as a prince in Nanling. What other thoughts could he possibly have?"

"Your Highness, please forgive me for speaking so disrespectfully, but who would willingly and contentedly be a prince?"

The Fourth Prince is merely temporarily avoiding the mental strain of the capital, which is why he applied to take up a fiefdom and accumulate strength.

Putting aside other matters, his former subordinates still remain within the Imperial Guards, and they continue to rise through the ranks.

Yan Poshan said in a low voice.

"But what about the fifth brother? He's only nineteen this year, with no connections or background. Could he also have ambitions?"

Li Yuan squinted and asked.

"The Fifth Prince appears to be without guile, but in reality, Qin Yang, the Grand Commander of the Black-Clad Guards, is his confidant!"

Yan Poshan said in a low voice.

"Hmm...looks like these kids aren't exactly honest."

Li Yuan was genuinely surprised.

To be honest, he knew some things, but he really didn't know much about the fierce infighting among these princes, the court's efforts to win over ministers, and the struggle for military power between the inner and outer armies.

It seems the struggle is far more intense than he imagined!

Thinking about this, he felt even more that the former crown prince had really had a tough time, and he was even more glad that he had made the decision to leave the capital.

"What about the other princes?"

Li Yuan asked.

"I don't know, I haven't heard of it," Yan Poshan reported truthfully.

"Perhaps it's because they are too young now."

Li Yuan sighed and let out a long breath.

There were a total of thirteen princes and princesses, seven boys and six girls. The first five, as well as the ninth and thirteenth princes, were all princes.

The first five princes had indeed reached the age of vying for power. The youngest, Li Yu, was already nineteen, Li Duo was twenty, and Li Jun and Li Feng were the same age, twenty-one, but Li Feng was a few months younger.

Li Yuan is one year older than Li Jun and Li Feng, at twenty-two.

The Ninth Prince Li Yan is only twelve years old, and Li Fei is only two years old. At present, neither of them has the intention or ability to seize power.

Turning to look at Yan Poshan, he said, "Poshan, the fact that you're telling me all this proves that you truly want to come with me. Don't worry, as long as you're loyal, I will never let you down!"

"Your Highness, I don't ask for anything in return, I only ask to be by your side, even if it's just to lead the horse and help with the saddle."

Furthermore, I believe that a prince who would risk his life to save his subordinates could not possibly betray them.

When Yan Poshan said these words, he was clearly moved, and his throat tightened as he spoke.

"Alright, then I won't say any more. I'll send someone back with you to pack your things, and you can move them directly to the military camp."

Li Yuan patted him on the shoulder.

"Your Highness, I have another request. I wonder if you would grant it?"

Yan Poshan said in a low voice.

"Sure, go ahead," Li Yuan nodded.

"I have some brothers who, seeing that I was forced to retire, were indignant and also resigned from their official posts, willing to go with me."

In our regular training, we are both teachers and friends.

"If it's possible, could I... take them with me?"

Yan Poshan asked.

"Haha, great! I'm short-staffed right now, I'll take as many as you want."

You're not begging me, you're clearly helping me.

Li Yuan laughed heartily.

Yan Poshan is a man of both temperament and composure, and he also possesses exceptionally high emotional intelligence. Such a person is truly a talent.

Such people are actually the most arrogant, and the people they can choose to be good are definitely not bad.

"Then, I'll take my leave now. I'll tell my brothers that we'll head to the barracks to report once we've all gathered!"

Yan Poshan clasped his hands in a fist salute.

"Okay!" Li Yuan nodded.

Immediately, someone was sent to escort Yan Poshan back.

After the inventory was completed, Li Yuan took Xu Shuying back to the military camp.

After spending the previous 500,000 taels of silver plus the more than 200,000 taels of embezzled silver used to reorganize the military camp, there were still more than 600,000 taels left.

Yesterday's income was 100,000 taels, and today's income was 80,000 taels, adding up to more than 800,000 taels of silver.

You can't spend it all, you really can't spend it all!

Li Yuan felt that he was not only incredibly strong, but also incredibly wealthy!

Damn it, the most profitable way in the world is to cheat, swindle, and rob, especially targeting officials, as it's a quick and easy way to make money.

Li Yuan made up his mind; he would do it this way from now on.

Xu Shuying sat in the carriage, while Li Yuan rode his horse alongside it. Feeling stuffy, Xu Shuying rolled up the curtain and looked out.

Having already left the city, the scenery was beautiful, with clear waters and lush mountains. Xu Shuying, being a well-bred young lady who rarely ventured out of her home, could hardly bear to leave the city. Seeing such a view, she felt she could never get enough of it.

Li Yuan found it somewhat amusing; this young woman was like a child, looking around curiously at everything.

However, thinking about her reaction just now, I can't help but laugh.

Could it be that she's actually starting to have feelings for me?

At that moment, the convoy happened to pass by a small river, and a wild goose took flight from the riverbank.

Upon seeing this, Xu Shuying couldn't help but recite a line: "The swan is a bird by the river."

"Wow, they even made a word-splitting couplet, that's really cultured."

Li Yuan laughed heartily.

"Isn't Your Highness known for your quick wit? Why not give it a try?"

Xu Shuying was racking her brains for the next line but couldn't come up with one, so she took the opportunity to test Li Yuan.

Although I don't dare to scold him anymore, it wouldn't hurt to embarrass him a little.

To everyone's surprise, Li Yuan's eyes darted around, and he raised an eyebrow with a mischievous grin. "You really want me to be right?"

"If you can come up with the answer within ten breaths, then you're truly impressive!" Xu Shuying said, looking at him.

"If I match them, what reward will you give me?" Li Yuan asked with a smile.

"What reward do you want?" Xu Shuying looked at him warily.

This guy is good at digging holes and burying people; I'd better be careful.

"Give me a kiss." Li Yuan pointed to his cheek.