As He Yuanting stepped inside the gates of the Hua Family Estate, a renowned divine physician, who had recently gained fame in the capital, discreetly entered through a side gate. With his white hair and youthful appearance, he exuded an aura of wisdom and enlightenment, resembling a transcendent figure who had achieved spiritual cultivation.
The Hua family's servants warmly welcomed the divine physician, nodding and bowing in respect. It was apparent that if he could cure their Junzhu, they were willing to offer him generous rewards, including gold, silver, and even high-ranking positions.
The divine physician stroked his beard and said, "I've heard that obtaining an official position in the capital is no easy feat. I, as a nameless individual, even if I desire an official position, it is not an easy task."
"What difficulty is there for our two esteemed generals to accomplish what others cannot?" sneered one of the servants, a hint of disdain in their voice, "The prosperity of the Ji Dynasty owes much to the efforts of our two generals. If they prove ungrateful, then don't blame the Hua family for resorting to unscrupulous means."
The divine physician smiled lightly, seemingly unimpressed by the Hua family's position and power. Stepping into the courtyard where Hua Liuli resided, he detected a potent medicinal aroma permeating the air.
"In these medicinal scents, I sense the presence of several herbs known for dispelling cold, calming the mind, and fortifying vitality," the divine physician's nostrils twitched as he surveyed the room.
The Hua family's servants were astonished, expressing their admiration, "The divine physician's medical skills are truly remarkable. Just by smelling the medicinal aromas, you can determine which herbs are used?"
"What's so difficult about that?" the divine physician replied with a calm chuckle, "After practicing medicine for many years, distinguishing the essence and identifying medicinal properties is just a basic skill."
His words only fueled the servants' admiration.
After carefully examining Hua Liuli's pulse, the divine physician's expression turned solemn. Withdrawing his hand, he let out a sigh, "Junzhu has pent-up emotions and weak vitality. I'm afraid..."
"Divine physician, is there no hope even with your expertise?" one of the maids in the room sobbed softly, "The imperial physicians have prescribed countless tonics, but there has been no improvement. In fact, her condition has worsened."
"Divine physician, please find a solution. The Hua family has seen three generations of male heirs. It was only in this generation that we were blessed with a precious daughter. Our general, while carrying Junzhu during her six months of pregnancy, had to rush to the battlefield. Unfortunately, Junzhu was born prematurely and has been physically frail since childhood. We cherish her like a rare gem. If anything were to happen to her, how could our two generals bear it?"
"If not for the Crown Prince, how could our Junzhu end up like this!" another maid seethed with resentment. It was evident she had been speaking ill of the imperial family behind their backs, showing no restraint even with an outsider present.
Clearly, the Hua family had long been discontented with the imperial family, even the servants had no qualms about criticizing them openly.
The divine physician stroked his beard, pondering for a while before sighing, "Pity the hearts of all parents. Let me try. Junzhu's vitality and spiritual essence are fragile, rendering ordinary remedies ineffective. In my Divine Physician Valley, I possess a set of golden needles capable of invigorating vitality. Please bring the child to me.."
"Thank you, divine physician. We will send our Junzhu to your estate..."
"No need. It is forbidden for outsiders to enter the medicinal estate of Divine Physician Valley. I will take her there myself," the divine physician interjected, "Before I depart, please provide me with details about Junzhu's condition, such as, when her illness first manifested."
The Hua family's servants dared not offend the esteemed physician, obediently complying with his requests. However, as they saw him off, they discreetly slipped a handful of silver into his hands, hoping it would hasten Hua Liuli's return.
"Don't worry," the divine physician accepted the silver with a smile, a subtle sense of satisfaction emanating from him, "I will be swift."
Unfortunately, consumed by concern for their ailing Junzhu, the Hua family's servants failed to notice anything amiss with the divine physician.
In the main hall, He Yuanting exchanged pleasantries with the Hua family's father and son, both of whom appeared downtrodden.
"Third Young Master Hua, don't you need to go to the Hanlin Academy today..."
Before He Yuanting could finish speaking, Hua Changkong's face turned cold, "The court is ungrateful. Why should we continue serving as officials?"
He Yuanting wanted to persuade him, but a subordinate came to report, "General, there is an attendant outside claiming to be Third Prince's attendant. He says he has important matters to report."
"Benwang's attendant is rude..." He Yuanting's face turned awkward as he stood up to apologize.
"The matter might be urgent. Please allow him to enter quickly," Hua Yingting unexpectedly showed a kind attitude, completely unlike his coldness towards the Daimao envoys.
He Yuanting expressed his gratitude once again and soon saw a Daimao guard in a red robe entering. The guard spoke of the imminent burial of their deceased Crown Prince and the Emperor's urgent request for He Yuanting to return promptly.
"The deceased Crown Prince of your esteemed country and Third Prince were born of the same mother. Why did you not return earlier? You two brothers share a deep bond. If you fail to attend the funeral, it will be a lifelong regret?" Hua Yingting looked at He Yuanting skeptically.
He Yuanting forced a bitter smile, "It's not that Benwang didn't want to return. Emperor Changlong insisted that Benwang remains as a guest in your country..."
"He's just a pseudo-gentleman," Hua Yingting snorted, "Intentionally forging treasonous letters and implicating my Hua family, while at the court, he generously washes away the crimes of the Hua family."
"Had it not been for that night when my little daughter inadvertently overheard the conversation between the Second Princess and a palace maid, we would have remained ignorant," Hua Yingting grew increasingly indignant as he spoke. "What benevolent and righteous emperor? What virtuous and wise ruler? It's all a facade to deceive us and make the Hua family sacrifice our lives!"
"For the sake of his Ji family, our Hua family endured the harsh and cold frontier, shedding blood and sacrificing ourselves. What does it matter if gold and silver are bestowed upon us every year? In such a harsh and chaotic place, even with wealth, there is nowhere to spend it," Hua Yingting slammed his fist on the table, shattering it into pieces. He roared, "My Hua family has been loyal for generations, yet now we are selling our lives for this false gentleman."
He Yuanting looked at the furious Hua Yingting and hesitated for a moment, "Benwang has seen how well Emperor Changlong treats your family. Could there be some misunderstanding?"
No wonder the Second Princess was confined at Shoukang Palace by the Empress Dowager, using the excuse of fomenting discord between the Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu. The truth might be that she uttered those words for Fushou Junzhu to hear. Then perhaps, Emperor Changlong and the Empress Dowager discovered it, leading to their displeasure.
It seemed that after the eunuch by the side of Ying Wang was caught, she couldn't sit still and resorted to this ruthless move. She is willing to go to great lengths for revenge.
"A misunderstanding?!" Hua Yingting seemed to have heard a huge joke, "If it wasn't for the imperial family themselves revealing it, how could we have known? If that were the case, it would be fine, but I never expected the Crown Prince to also be such a despicable person."
"The Crown Prince has deep feelings for Fushou Junzhu, young people quarrel sometimes..."
"What nonsense about deep feelings and strong emotions!" Hua Changkong, who had been silent on the side, could no longer tolerate it, "The Crown Prince privately complained to someone that my little sister is weak and sickly, afraid that she wouldn't even be able to bear a child. He even said that if it weren't for leveraging the influence of our Hua family to suppress other princes, why would he marry a hen that can't lay eggs?"
"She is the precious pearl in the palm of our Hua family. How could he treat her this way?" Hua Changkong's face reddened with fury, distorting his typically gentle features, "Does he believe only their Ji family possesses unparalleled value, while our Hua family's daughter is not even worthy of human consideration?"
"Third Prince, do you aspire to claim the position of Crown Prince in Daimao?" Hua Yingting kicked aside the wooden debris scattered at his feet, "I can lend you a helping hand."
He Yuanting's face was filled with panic, "General Hua, what do you mean by this? Forget about the fact that Benwang might not be able to return to Daimao now, even if Benwang could, Benwang dare not even entertain the thought of the position of Crown Prince. The position of heir is extremely precious, and everything is decided by the Emperor."
"Are you saying you have no intention of becoming the Crown Prince? I thought the reason for the Third Prince's visit today was due to the letters I recently sent you. Yet, it seems you have only come to visit my daughter," Hua Yingting sneered, "In that case, I can only throw my support behind your other brothers. Although my Hua family lacks great power, we still possess soldiers and strategists. If we join forces with one of your country's princes, support him in ascending the throne, and then lead our armies against the Ji family, it would not be an insurmountable task."
Hua Yingting's previous kindness toward He Yuanting vanished, leaving only indifference and impatience, "Third Prince, I must ask you to leave. However, there is one thing I feel compelled to remind you of. Without the assistance of my Hua family, I'm afraid you will never return to Daimao in your lifetime."
"While Benwang may not care about the position of Crown Prince, not being able to return home is somewhat troubling..." He Yuanting maintained his humble demeanor, "General, please help Benwang."
"Hmph!" Hua Yingting sneered with a meaningful undertone, seemingly mocking He Yuanting's duplicity, "If the Third Prince is willing to cooperate with me, then naturally, I am willing as well. After all, who would choose a distant path when they can seek what is close at hand?"
He Yuanting's gaze flickered, but he remained silent.
"But I am worried that once I send you back to your country, you will turn your back on me, which would put me in a difficult position," Hua Yingting said directly, "I can assist you in returning to your country, help you secure the position of heir, and even the imperial throne. But I have one condition."
"Please speak, General."
"I require you to deploy troops to attack Great Jin once you ascend to the throne, and at that time, the Hua army will collaborate with you," Hua Yingting's expression turned cold, "I trust the Third Prince understands the implications of my condition."
The Hua family harbors rebellious intentions?!
He Yuanting had never anticipated that the profound conflict between the Hua family and the imperial family arose from the Hua family's unwavering love for their daughter. Thinking back on everything, he suddenly smiled, "Benwang understands."
"The tea for His Highness has gone cold. I'll bring a fresh cup," Hua Yingting's expression improved significantly as he began discussing with He Yuanting how to send him out of Great Jin and help him ascend to the position of heir.
He Yuanting was taken aback as he listened. The hidden power of the Hua family turned out to be vast and formidable.
"The only difficulty lies in placing people in the palace," Hua Yingting's anger resurfaced when the topic arose, "For years, the Hua family has guarded the border and never considered betraying the court. If it weren't for the Ji family pushing us too far, who would be willing to take this step?"
Looking at the tears and anger on Hua Yingting's face, He Yuanting thought about how loyal the Hua family had been to the imperial family of Great Jin in the past, and now they must be so disappointed and resentful.
"General, you don't need to worry too much. Benwang can share your burden," moved by the Hua family's anger and sincerity, He Yuanting finally spoke up, "General, Benwang only needs your assistance in claiming the position of heir."
Hua Yingting was somewhat surprised, and in his gaze toward He Yuanting, there was a hint of diminished contempt, "The palace has strict rules. Those who enter the palace must go through layers of scrutiny to verify their identity. How could a prince of another country manage to infiltrate the Great Jin's palace?"
He Yuanting smiled calmly, "That is the sincerity Benwang offers you, General. Benwang wonders if you find it satisfactory or not?"
"If it's merely about arranging ordinary eunuchs and palace maids..." Hua Yingting quickly regained his composure, "This act of Third Prince hardly qualifies as sincerity."
A person capable of commanding hundreds of thousands of troops would not lose his rationality just because of anger.
"General, you don't need to worry about this. Benwang's person can not only access the Imperial Study, but also gather information from any palace in the Imperial Palace," He Yuanting chuckled lightly, "No one is more useful than she is."
Hua Yingting remained silent for a moment, "Is that so?"
"Naturally," He Yuanting said, "General, you command hundreds of thousands of troops, and your wife's family also holds considerable military power. Would Benwang dare deceive you?"
Hua Yingting scrutinized He Yuanting, seemingly contemplating the truth behind his words.
Undeterred, He Yuanting maintained his smile, devoid of any timidity.
Over the past few days, as the Hua family started sending him letters and extending frequent friendly gestures, He Yuanting had sensed their intentions. However, he dared not easily believe it, so he had someone pose as a divine healer to gather information in the Hua family's backyard.
To his surprise, even the Hua family's servants expressed grievances against the imperial family.
The servants follow the lead of their masters. The Hua family truly harbored intentions of betraying the imperial family.
Neither the esteemed Emperor Changlong nor the Crown Prince of Great Jin could have fathomed that their ambiguous handling of the treasonous letters and the dragon robe incident would lead to the Hua family nurturing rebellious thoughts.
And it was Fushou Junzhu that had become the breaking point.
All thanks to the arrogant Crown Prince of Great Jin. If it weren't for him, this situation would never have arisen.
Reflecting on his years of planning, which were now on the brink of fruition with the support of the Hua family, a smile reemerged on He Yuanting's face.
"Third Prince, please forgive my audacity in asking you a question." Hua Changkong placed his hand on his waist, "Your insider in the palace, was it the Second Princess?"
The smile on He Yuanting's face gradually faded, "What do you mean by that, Third Young Master Hua?"
A faint sense of unease crept over him, sensing that something was amiss.
"When the envoys from your country first arrived in our country, there was a suicide incident. To investigate the case, our country kept a copy of the letters from all your envoys and their accompanying servants," Hua Changkong smiled, "Coincidentally, we discovered several handwriting samples in the courtyard of the Second Princess that bear a striking resemblance to Your Highness's handwriting. Isn't that interesting?"
The attendants who accompanied He Yuanting realized something was amiss and quickly surrounded him.
The entire capital was aware that the Second Princess had instigated a conflict between the Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu, which angered the Empress Dowager. As a punishment, the Second Princess was ordered to transcribe Buddhist scriptures in the Shoukang Palace. The Empress Dowager even scolded Consort Xian when she pleaded for the Second Princess.
The Empress Dowager favored Fushou Junzhu greatly and grew to dislike the Second Princess after Fushou Junzhu's conflict with the Crown Prince.
But if everything was merely a charade...
If the Second Princess had already been exposed, then everything that had transpired in the past few days was meant to lure out the person connected to the Second Princess.
"Third Young Master Hua, you have quite a sense of humor. As a prince of another country, how could Benwang have any relationship with your country's imperial princess?" He Yuanting reprimanded, "Benwang came here out of goodwill to visit Fushou Junzhu, but Benwang never expected to be insulted like this. General Hua, do not overstep your boundaries. Benwang will take leave!"
"Now that you are here, why leave so soon?" A person suddenly emerged from behind the folding screen, emanating a brilliance as dazzling as moonlight, outshining everything else.
He was none other than the Crown Prince of Great Jin, Ji Yuansu.
He Yuanting's expression darkened completely.
"Oh, Gu forgot to tell Third Prince that Gu is someone who enjoys both excitement and hospitality. So, Gu invited some distinguished envoys from your country to join in the fun," Ji Yuansu said, raising an eyebrow.
The folding screen was lifted by a servant, revealing several bound and gagged envoys from Daimao, as well as several important officials from Great Jin.
These envoys were renowned literary scholars from Daimao, all of whom held utmost admiration for their deceased Crown Prince.
He Yuanting's expression changed multiple times, and he suddenly smiled, "General Hua and the Crown Prince seem interested in conversing with Benwang. How about we consider the well-being of Fushou Junzhu?"
"Oh?" The Crown Prince raised an eyebrow.
With a thud, a tightly bound person was thrown into the room by Yuan Yi.
Facing the astonished gazes of everyone present, Yuan Yi performed a deep bow, "Esteemed guests, this servant accidentally captured a fake divine physician. I seek your judgment, esteemed guests."
Krish728
Author's Note:
A famous saying in Great Jin: "Now that you are here."
As He Yuanting stepped inside the gates of the Hua Family Estate, a renowned divine physician, who had recently gained fame in the capital, discreetly entered through a side gate. With his white hair and youthful appearance, he exuded an aura of wisdom and enlightenment, resembling a transcendent figure who had achieved spiritual cultivation.
The Hua family's servants warmly welcomed the divine physician, nodding and bowing in respect. It was apparent that if he could cure their Junzhu, they were willing to offer him generous rewards, including gold, silver, and even high-ranking positions.
The divine physician stroked his beard and said, "I've heard that obtaining an official position in the capital is no easy feat. I, as a nameless individual, even if I desire an official position, it is not an easy task."
"What difficulty is there for our two esteemed generals to accomplish what others cannot?" sneered one of the servants, a hint of disdain in their voice, "The prosperity of the Ji Dynasty owes much to the efforts of our two generals. If they prove ungrateful, then don't blame the Hua family for resorting to unscrupulous means."
The divine physician smiled lightly, seemingly unimpressed by the Hua family's position and power. Stepping into the courtyard where Hua Liuli resided, he detected a potent medicinal aroma permeating the air.
"In these medicinal scents, I sense the presence of several herbs known for dispelling cold, calming the mind, and fortifying vitality," the divine physician's nostrils twitched as he surveyed the room.
The Hua family's servants were astonished, expressing their admiration, "The divine physician's medical skills are truly remarkable. Just by smelling the medicinal aromas, you can determine which herbs are used?"
"What's so difficult about that?" the divine physician replied with a calm chuckle, "After practicing medicine for many years, distinguishing the essence and identifying medicinal properties is just a basic skill."
His words only fueled the servants' admiration.
After carefully examining Hua Liuli's pulse, the divine physician's expression turned solemn. Withdrawing his hand, he let out a sigh, "Junzhu has pent-up emotions and weak vitality. I'm afraid..."
"Divine physician, is there no hope even with your expertise?" one of the maids in the room sobbed softly, "The imperial physicians have prescribed countless tonics, but there has been no improvement. In fact, her condition has worsened."
"Divine physician, please find a solution. The Hua family has seen three generations of male heirs. It was only in this generation that we were blessed with a precious daughter. Our general, while carrying Junzhu during her six months of pregnancy, had to rush to the battlefield. Unfortunately, Junzhu was born prematurely and has been physically frail since childhood. We cherish her like a rare gem. If anything were to happen to her, how could our two generals bear it?"
"If not for the Crown Prince, how could our Junzhu end up like this!" another maid seethed with resentment. It was evident she had been speaking ill of the imperial family behind their backs, showing no restraint even with an outsider present.
Clearly, the Hua family had long been discontented with the imperial family, even the servants had no qualms about criticizing them openly.
The divine physician stroked his beard, pondering for a while before sighing, "Pity the hearts of all parents. Let me try. Junzhu's vitality and spiritual essence are fragile, rendering ordinary remedies ineffective. In my Divine Physician Valley, I possess a set of golden needles capable of invigorating vitality. Please bring the child to me.."
"Thank you, divine physician. We will send our Junzhu to your estate..."
"No need. It is forbidden for outsiders to enter the medicinal estate of Divine Physician Valley. I will take her there myself," the divine physician interjected, "Before I depart, please provide me with details about Junzhu's condition, such as, when her illness first manifested."
The Hua family's servants dared not offend the esteemed physician, obediently complying with his requests. However, as they saw him off, they discreetly slipped a handful of silver into his hands, hoping it would hasten Hua Liuli's return.
"Don't worry," the divine physician accepted the silver with a smile, a subtle sense of satisfaction emanating from him, "I will be swift."
Unfortunately, consumed by concern for their ailing Junzhu, the Hua family's servants failed to notice anything amiss with the divine physician.
In the main hall, He Yuanting exchanged pleasantries with the Hua family's father and son, both of whom appeared downtrodden.
"Third Young Master Hua, don't you need to go to the Hanlin Academy today..."
Before He Yuanting could finish speaking, Hua Changkong's face turned cold, "The court is ungrateful. Why should we continue serving as officials?"
He Yuanting wanted to persuade him, but a subordinate came to report, "General, there is an attendant outside claiming to be Third Prince's attendant. He says he has important matters to report."
"Benwang's attendant is rude..." He Yuanting's face turned awkward as he stood up to apologize.
"The matter might be urgent. Please allow him to enter quickly," Hua Yingting unexpectedly showed a kind attitude, completely unlike his coldness towards the Daimao envoys.
He Yuanting expressed his gratitude once again and soon saw a Daimao guard in a red robe entering. The guard spoke of the imminent burial of their deceased Crown Prince and the Emperor's urgent request for He Yuanting to return promptly.
"The deceased Crown Prince of your esteemed country and Third Prince were born of the same mother. Why did you not return earlier? You two brothers share a deep bond. If you fail to attend the funeral, it will be a lifelong regret?" Hua Yingting looked at He Yuanting skeptically.
He Yuanting forced a bitter smile, "It's not that Benwang didn't want to return. Emperor Changlong insisted that Benwang remains as a guest in your country..."
"He's just a pseudo-gentleman," Hua Yingting snorted, "Intentionally forging treasonous letters and implicating my Hua family, while at the court, he generously washes away the crimes of the Hua family."
"Had it not been for that night when my little daughter inadvertently overheard the conversation between the Second Princess and a palace maid, we would have remained ignorant," Hua Yingting grew increasingly indignant as he spoke. "What benevolent and righteous emperor? What virtuous and wise ruler? It's all a facade to deceive us and make the Hua family sacrifice our lives!"
"For the sake of his Ji family, our Hua family endured the harsh and cold frontier, shedding blood and sacrificing ourselves. What does it matter if gold and silver are bestowed upon us every year? In such a harsh and chaotic place, even with wealth, there is nowhere to spend it," Hua Yingting slammed his fist on the table, shattering it into pieces. He roared, "My Hua family has been loyal for generations, yet now we are selling our lives for this false gentleman."
He Yuanting looked at the furious Hua Yingting and hesitated for a moment, "Benwang has seen how well Emperor Changlong treats your family. Could there be some misunderstanding?"
No wonder the Second Princess was confined at Shoukang Palace by the Empress Dowager, using the excuse of fomenting discord between the Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu. The truth might be that she uttered those words for Fushou Junzhu to hear. Then perhaps, Emperor Changlong and the Empress Dowager discovered it, leading to their displeasure.
It seemed that after the eunuch by the side of Ying Wang was caught, she couldn't sit still and resorted to this ruthless move. She is willing to go to great lengths for revenge.
"A misunderstanding?!" Hua Yingting seemed to have heard a huge joke, "If it wasn't for the imperial family themselves revealing it, how could we have known? If that were the case, it would be fine, but I never expected the Crown Prince to also be such a despicable person."
"The Crown Prince has deep feelings for Fushou Junzhu, young people quarrel sometimes..."
"What nonsense about deep feelings and strong emotions!" Hua Changkong, who had been silent on the side, could no longer tolerate it, "The Crown Prince privately complained to someone that my little sister is weak and sickly, afraid that she wouldn't even be able to bear a child. He even said that if it weren't for leveraging the influence of our Hua family to suppress other princes, why would he marry a hen that can't lay eggs?"
"She is the precious pearl in the palm of our Hua family. How could he treat her this way?" Hua Changkong's face reddened with fury, distorting his typically gentle features, "Does he believe only their Ji family possesses unparalleled value, while our Hua family's daughter is not even worthy of human consideration?"
"Third Prince, do you aspire to claim the position of Crown Prince in Daimao?" Hua Yingting kicked aside the wooden debris scattered at his feet, "I can lend you a helping hand."
He Yuanting's face was filled with panic, "General Hua, what do you mean by this? Forget about the fact that Benwang might not be able to return to Daimao now, even if Benwang could, Benwang dare not even entertain the thought of the position of Crown Prince. The position of heir is extremely precious, and everything is decided by the Emperor."
"Are you saying you have no intention of becoming the Crown Prince? I thought the reason for the Third Prince's visit today was due to the letters I recently sent you. Yet, it seems you have only come to visit my daughter," Hua Yingting sneered, "In that case, I can only throw my support behind your other brothers. Although my Hua family lacks great power, we still possess soldiers and strategists. If we join forces with one of your country's princes, support him in ascending the throne, and then lead our armies against the Ji family, it would not be an insurmountable task."
Hua Yingting's previous kindness toward He Yuanting vanished, leaving only indifference and impatience, "Third Prince, I must ask you to leave. However, there is one thing I feel compelled to remind you of. Without the assistance of my Hua family, I'm afraid you will never return to Daimao in your lifetime."
"While Benwang may not care about the position of Crown Prince, not being able to return home is somewhat troubling..." He Yuanting maintained his humble demeanor, "General, please help Benwang."
"Hmph!" Hua Yingting sneered with a meaningful undertone, seemingly mocking He Yuanting's duplicity, "If the Third Prince is willing to cooperate with me, then naturally, I am willing as well. After all, who would choose a distant path when they can seek what is close at hand?"
He Yuanting's gaze flickered, but he remained silent.
"But I am worried that once I send you back to your country, you will turn your back on me, which would put me in a difficult position," Hua Yingting said directly, "I can assist you in returning to your country, help you secure the position of heir, and even the imperial throne. But I have one condition."
"Please speak, General."
"I require you to deploy troops to attack Great Jin once you ascend to the throne, and at that time, the Hua army will collaborate with you," Hua Yingting's expression turned cold, "I trust the Third Prince understands the implications of my condition."
The Hua family harbors rebellious intentions?!
He Yuanting had never anticipated that the profound conflict between the Hua family and the imperial family arose from the Hua family's unwavering love for their daughter. Thinking back on everything, he suddenly smiled, "Benwang understands."
"The tea for His Highness has gone cold. I'll bring a fresh cup," Hua Yingting's expression improved significantly as he began discussing with He Yuanting how to send him out of Great Jin and help him ascend to the position of heir.
He Yuanting was taken aback as he listened. The hidden power of the Hua family turned out to be vast and formidable.
"The only difficulty lies in placing people in the palace," Hua Yingting's anger resurfaced when the topic arose, "For years, the Hua family has guarded the border and never considered betraying the court. If it weren't for the Ji family pushing us too far, who would be willing to take this step?"
Looking at the tears and anger on Hua Yingting's face, He Yuanting thought about how loyal the Hua family had been to the imperial family of Great Jin in the past, and now they must be so disappointed and resentful.
"General, you don't need to worry too much. Benwang can share your burden," moved by the Hua family's anger and sincerity, He Yuanting finally spoke up, "General, Benwang only needs your assistance in claiming the position of heir."
Hua Yingting was somewhat surprised, and in his gaze toward He Yuanting, there was a hint of diminished contempt, "The palace has strict rules. Those who enter the palace must go through layers of scrutiny to verify their identity. How could a prince of another country manage to infiltrate the Great Jin's palace?"
He Yuanting smiled calmly, "That is the sincerity Benwang offers you, General. Benwang wonders if you find it satisfactory or not?"
"If it's merely about arranging ordinary eunuchs and palace maids..." Hua Yingting quickly regained his composure, "This act of Third Prince hardly qualifies as sincerity."
A person capable of commanding hundreds of thousands of troops would not lose his rationality just because of anger.
"General, you don't need to worry about this. Benwang's person can not only access the Imperial Study, but also gather information from any palace in the Imperial Palace," He Yuanting chuckled lightly, "No one is more useful than she is."
Hua Yingting remained silent for a moment, "Is that so?"
"Naturally," He Yuanting said, "General, you command hundreds of thousands of troops, and your wife's family also holds considerable military power. Would Benwang dare deceive you?"
Hua Yingting scrutinized He Yuanting, seemingly contemplating the truth behind his words.
Undeterred, He Yuanting maintained his smile, devoid of any timidity.
Over the past few days, as the Hua family started sending him letters and extending frequent friendly gestures, He Yuanting had sensed their intentions. However, he dared not easily believe it, so he had someone pose as a divine healer to gather information in the Hua family's backyard.
To his surprise, even the Hua family's servants expressed grievances against the imperial family.
The servants follow the lead of their masters. The Hua family truly harbored intentions of betraying the imperial family.
Neither the esteemed Emperor Changlong nor the Crown Prince of Great Jin could have fathomed that their ambiguous handling of the treasonous letters and the dragon robe incident would lead to the Hua family nurturing rebellious thoughts.
And it was Fushou Junzhu that had become the breaking point.
All thanks to the arrogant Crown Prince of Great Jin. If it weren't for him, this situation would never have arisen.
Reflecting on his years of planning, which were now on the brink of fruition with the support of the Hua family, a smile reemerged on He Yuanting's face.
"Third Prince, please forgive my audacity in asking you a question." Hua Changkong placed his hand on his waist, "Your insider in the palace, was it the Second Princess?"
The smile on He Yuanting's face gradually faded, "What do you mean by that, Third Young Master Hua?"
A faint sense of unease crept over him, sensing that something was amiss.
"When the envoys from your country first arrived in our country, there was a suicide incident. To investigate the case, our country kept a copy of the letters from all your envoys and their accompanying servants," Hua Changkong smiled, "Coincidentally, we discovered several handwriting samples in the courtyard of the Second Princess that bear a striking resemblance to Your Highness's handwriting. Isn't that interesting?"
The attendants who accompanied He Yuanting realized something was amiss and quickly surrounded him.
The entire capital was aware that the Second Princess had instigated a conflict between the Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu, which angered the Empress Dowager. As a punishment, the Second Princess was ordered to transcribe Buddhist scriptures in the Shoukang Palace. The Empress Dowager even scolded Consort Xian when she pleaded for the Second Princess.
The Empress Dowager favored Fushou Junzhu greatly and grew to dislike the Second Princess after Fushou Junzhu's conflict with the Crown Prince.
But if everything was merely a charade...
If the Second Princess had already been exposed, then everything that had transpired in the past few days was meant to lure out the person connected to the Second Princess.
"Third Young Master Hua, you have quite a sense of humor. As a prince of another country, how could Benwang have any relationship with your country's imperial princess?" He Yuanting reprimanded, "Benwang came here out of goodwill to visit Fushou Junzhu, but Benwang never expected to be insulted like this. General Hua, do not overstep your boundaries. Benwang will take leave!"
"Now that you are here, why leave so soon?" A person suddenly emerged from behind the folding screen, emanating a brilliance as dazzling as moonlight, outshining everything else.
He was none other than the Crown Prince of Great Jin, Ji Yuansu.
He Yuanting's expression darkened completely.
"Oh, Gu forgot to tell Third Prince that Gu is someone who enjoys both excitement and hospitality. So, Gu invited some distinguished envoys from your country to join in the fun," Ji Yuansu said, raising an eyebrow.
The folding screen was lifted by a servant, revealing several bound and gagged envoys from Daimao, as well as several important officials from Great Jin.
These envoys were renowned literary scholars from Daimao, all of whom held utmost admiration for their deceased Crown Prince.
He Yuanting's expression changed multiple times, and he suddenly smiled, "General Hua and the Crown Prince seem interested in conversing with Benwang. How about we consider the well-being of Fushou Junzhu?"
"Oh?" The Crown Prince raised an eyebrow.
With a thud, a tightly bound person was thrown into the room by Yuan Yi.
Facing the astonished gazes of everyone present, Yuan Yi performed a deep bow, "Esteemed guests, this servant accidentally captured a fake divine physician. I seek your judgment, esteemed guests."
Krish728
Author's Note:
A famous saying in Great Jin: "Now that you are here."
