Chapter 124 - Negotiation
“After five days of captivity, I finally saw sunlight again. I initially thought it was emissaries from the Palace who had come for me, but to my astonishment, it turned out to be the abductors themselves. They bundled me into a sack and threw me into a carriage.
The carriage was far too lavish for the likes of them. It dawned on me then that the mastermind behind this abduction was no ordinary criminal. As the carriage departed the city, they brought in several other boys my age. Listening to the kidnappers' conversation, I learned that their plan was to sell me and the rest to North Yue.
“During times of war, both countries suffered heavy losses among their young, able-bodied men. Many villages lost their sons, prompting well-off families to buy boys from intermediaries. These boys, as adopted sons, would eventually replace their own offspring and join the military when they came of age, sparing their true sons from the grim fate of dying on the battlefield.”
Tang Yue had to acknowledge that while it wasn't a noble idea, it had a certain practicality. Parents were capable of extraordinary sacrifices for their children.
This well-intentioned love often led to tragic consequences.
“So even His Highness was sold to North Yue? The journey from Ye City to North Yue is quite extensive. Why didn't they procure boys from the border? Wouldn't that have been safer and more convenient?”
“Do you think there are many boys available at the border? Those who manage to survive there believe their sons are worth more than their own lives. How could they be easily taken away? That's why they cast their net in Ye City.
Ye City was densely populated, and its citizens lived contentedly. They had lowered their guard, which is how I unwittingly fell into their trap.”
Tang Yue couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh. He cleared his throat and continued, “His Highness was young at the time. It's understandable.”
Crown Prince Zhao shot him a glance but refrained from commenting. He still thought about those days and considered himself rather naive and gullible. He had been easily deceived.
“After leaving Ye City, the carriage proceeded northward. It took me half a day's journey to get a glimpse of the leader of the kidnappers.”
Crown Prince Zhao couldn't recall the man's face anymore, but their conversation remained etched in his memory.
“You claim to be the Ninth Prince? The son of the queen? The future ruler of South Jin?”
“Indeed, you've abducted me. Do you realize the gravity of this crime? If you wish to save yourselves, return me to Ye City immediately!”
“Haha… Judging by your demeanor and attire, you're undoubtedly exceptional. The commoners may believe His Highness for now, but… what makes you think we have any intention of sending you back? It's not that simple!”
“It won't be long before the Imperial Court's envoys track you down. At that point, your fate won't be the only one hanging in the balance.” It was worth noting that the five-year-old prince exhibited a remarkable talent for using both intimidation and persuasion.
“Impressive rhetoric, indeed. I've heard that the queen's son is a prodigious intellect, earning the king's favor at such a tender age.” He must be a wise ruler, but how does this concern us? We lead a perilous existence, without fathers, mothers, or siblings. How can we form a family of nine?” Laughter ensued.
These words held a considerable allure. The kidnappers nearby grew restless, exchanging meaningful glances with their leader.
The leader paused briefly and then sneered, “To put it plainly, even if you manage to smooth things over, our king may not show such leniency, and the Queen may not pardon those who abducted her beloved son.”
This individual was no fool and wasn't easily swayed by material gains. In reality, he had valid concerns. How could a nation's ruler tolerate such a criminal act? Even if they weren't openly executed, they couldn't expect to roam freely in the shadows.
“So, what's your plan for releasing me? Judging by your attire, you're likely common folk from South Jin. Are you willing to betray South Jin for personal gain?”
The leader pondered for a moment, fixing a fierce gaze on Crown Prince Zhao. He spoke with determination, “If we had known who His Highness was, we wouldn't have dared to lay a finger on him. He's already in our grasp. Letting him go would mean our own demise. Regardless of his wealth and influence, he needs his life. Therefore, your proposal can't sway the people of South Jin.”
Crown Prince Zhao was still young and unsure of how to proceed. He had to muster the strength to conceal his vulnerability.
He wracked his brain and employed his utmost wisdom to persuade the other party.
“I don't suppose you want to live as bandits for the rest of your lives, do you? How about this: if you discreetly release me, I can pledge not to expose you, and I'll secure official positions for you in the military. With your skills, you're bound to achieve something. Why waste your talents on robbery and pillaging?”
These words might not have sounded as enticing, but they carried a more agreeable tone. What was more enticing than money was not power but a path to legitimate prosperity.
“Can you truly deliver on this promise?”
Crown Prince Zhao puffed out his chest and made a steadfast vow, “You ought to know that my grandfather is Duke of the State. He commands hundreds of thousands in military strength. It's child's play to arrange a few appointments, and I guarantee no one will notice.”
“Brother, why don't we consider his offer? It seems like a solid plan. If we can secure a position and a half, our lives would be worth it!”
In that era, holding an official position was an exceptionally prestigious endeavor, far more solid than the modern concept of job security. Furthermore, it was an exceedingly challenging aspiration for ordinary individuals, something most could never dream of achieving in their lifetimes.
“Nevertheless, can we truly place trust in the words of a five-year-old child? Just because he claims he can make decisions?”
“But his grandfather is State Duke Ann, and that old general is known for his integrity. We could attempt to establish contact with him.”
“What about the other children? What about our agreement?”
“Well, once we attain our official positions, we won't be concerned with his agreement. We'll deal with those troublemakers as they come. As for these youngsters, let's discreetly return them. What do they understand?”
“Exactly. Given the exceptional opportunity before us, taking a risk is worthwhile. What do you say, brother?”
Just as Crown Prince Zhao believed these individuals would follow his reasoning, a soldier suddenly approached them from behind.
“Trouble! It's the Imperial Court's army. Quick! Hide!”
Their resting spot was away from the main road, making it relatively easy to conceal themselves. The army passed by, and they only emerged once the dust settled on the road.
“Damn it, could these people be trying to rescue the Ninth Prince?” One of the kidnappers muttered, still trembling with fear.
The leader wore a dark and ominous expression. He fixed a malevolent gaze on Crown Prince Zhao and gave a ruthless order, “Throw him in the carriage and proceed as planned!”
“You…”
“Brother, aren't we…”
“Silence!” The leader snapped, his tone uncompromising. “Do you really think bargaining with the Imperial Court using the Ninth Prince's life is a profitable venture? Far too naive!”
The group had no choice but to continue their journey in stealth. They dared not take the main road and instead navigated treacherous paths. Occasionally, when the carriages couldn't pass, they had to disembark with the children and proceed on foot. The children cried initially, but after a few struggles, they fell silent.
It had been a grueling day and night of relentless walking. My legs were worn, and blood seeped from the cuts. My heart was heavy with pain and helplessness. I blamed my youth and ignorance.
Nevertheless, this arduous journey had revealed to me a world starkly different from the comforts of the palace. It was a realm characterized by hunger, hardships, life's struggles, and even death.
I could scarcely believe it. This was South Jin, the very nation I was destined to rule one day. Those people, their eyes dulled by numbness and sorrow, would be my subjects.
“Is this why His Highness is so resolute in his pursuits? Because he yearns to personally liberate these suffering souls from hunger and cold?”
Crown Prince Zhao nodded and added, “After three days of this relentless journey, I finally stumbled upon an opportunity to discreetly mark our path. My grandfather mentioned this method when he recounted tales of the battlefield. It was once used for communication among allies. Its effectiveness remains uncertain, so I'm taking a grave risk.”
Crown Prince Zhao was far from the type to simply await death; Tang Yue had always known this.
“This journey has been incredibly trying. Along the way, we've witnessed the mysterious disappearance of children, the frail succumbing to illness, and desperate attempts to sell off those without hope of recovery.”
“Not all children were fortunate enough to find buyers. I recall a seven-year-old boy who perished halfway due to vomiting and diarrhea. His body was left unburied, silently returning to the wilderness. He departed at such a tender age, with no one to pay him respects.”
“As expected,” Tang Yue mused, “the king's fury and the queen's sorrow ensued. Duke Ann dispatched all available resources to search for him.”
It was only a matter of time before such an extensive search was launched.
Crown Prince Zhao sighed and placed his hand over Tang Yue's heart. “Tang Yue, I once made grand vows, but as I've grown, I've realized the enormity of these ambitions. The war with North Yue alone is a challenge I can't simply quell with a request.”
Tang Yue offered a reassuring smile. “It's only natural. You're a mortal, not a deity. All you can do is your best and maintain a clear conscience.”
Crown Prince Zhao smiled upon hearing this. He embraced Tang Yue and affectionately nuzzled Tang Yue's cheek. “I know you're the most suitable partner for me, and I'll rely on your talents in the future. You are the finest Crown Princess I could have hoped for!”
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