Chapter 149: A Wishful Plan; War Report
A Wishful Plan; War Report . . .
The Crown Prince harbored a deep understanding that a father who had recently lost his son would not hesitate to take ruthless action. He knew that Cha Nan-Tian possessed the capacity to exact vengeance upon all those who had wronged his son. It was this very fear that had instilled such dread of Cha Nan-Tian in the Crown Prince's heart.
In the event that Cha-Eun Xiao met his demise due to the Melting Bone Palm, the Crown Prince had devised a contingency plan, which involved laying the blame squarely on Guan Zheng-Wen. However, this scheme was considered a last resort.
Now, upon hearing the fortuitous turn of events, the Crown Prince could not contain his elation. The expression on Guan Zheng-Wen's face confirmed that the Crown Prince's residence had been spared from the ensuing chaos. Otherwise, Guan Zheng-Wen would not be wearing such a relaxed countenance.
However, in terms of dread concerning Cha Nan-Tian, Guan Zheng-Wen outstripped even the Crown Prince himself. After all, it had been Guan Zheng-Wen who had inflicted the fateful blow upon Cha-Eun Xiao, and he was acutely aware that Cha Nan-Tian would not spare him.
Guan Zheng-Wen allowed himself to laugh heartily before speaking, "It was a most fortunate coincidence. Today, Prince Hua-Yang embarked on his military campaign. As the son-in-law of Prince Hua-Yang, Cha-Eun Xiao accompanied him to bid farewell. Following the army's departure and while Cha-Eun Xiao prepared to return to the city, Li Cheng-Ze from the Right Minister's House, Jiang Tai-Sui, the son of the Revenue Minister, as well as the offspring of the Rites Minister, and several others on horseback rushed towards Cha-Eun Xiao. They intended to confront him collectively..."
Witnessing the Crown Prince's evident delight, Guan Zheng-Wen confirmed, "Indeed, that very Jiang Tai-Sui, the offspring who perpetually stirs up strife like an insufferable mongrel."
The Crown Prince frowned as he pondered the situation, inquiring, "Jiang Yu-Ming's son, you say? That rascal, Jiang Tai-Sui?"
Guan Zheng-Wen realized that the Crown Prince's happiness was sincere, prompting him to respond, "Precisely, Your Highness. That would be him – the utterly ineffectual whelp, Jiang Tai-Sui."
The Crown Prince acknowledged, "There is indeed a strange aspect to this. What emboldened these youths to confront Cha-Eun Xiao's group?"
Guan Zheng-Wen stroked his beard, offering an astute observation with a satisfied grin, "The behavior of such frivolous youngsters remains a baffling enigma. With four distinguished generals and Prince Hua-Yang himself in the military expedition, at least one of them should have remained in the capital. That prospect may have deterred them from overstepping their bounds, considering they have previously incurred the wrath of Cha-Eun Xiao on multiple occasions."
The Crown Prince readily comprehended the explanation. "I see," he remarked, nodding in agreement.
"These heedless youngsters, driven by their insular thinking, united to provoke Cha-Eun Xiao. However, rather than achieving their intended outcome, they suffered a sound thrashing at his hands. Your Highness, although Cha-Eun Xiao may appear foolish, his martial prowess is undeniable. I personally experienced it during our recent duel."
With an affirming nod, the Crown Prince prompted Guan Zheng-Wen to continue.
"Clearly, these youths had no hope of defeating Cha-Eun Xiao. He left Jiang Yu-Ming's son, Jiang Tai-Sui, battered to the point of being bathed in his own blood. Additionally, he subjected Wang Xiao-Nian to a thrashing so merciless that I inspected his injuries personally. It was an unyielding and ghastly beating. Even if Wang Xiao-Nian avoids permanent crippling, disfigurement is inevitable."
Guan Zheng-Wen recounted the events in detail.
The Crown Prince's voice resonated with an air of indifference as he uttered, "Wang Xiao-Nian... Heh, heh..." He glanced thoughtfully at Guan Zheng-Wen and continued, "This young lad has a knack for stirring up enmity, never knowing when to cease his provocations. Perhaps someone finally taught him a valuable lesson... Though I must say, I find it rather puzzling that he continually associates with such individuals. One would think that Wang Da-Nian, his father, should have taken it upon himself to discipline the lad. He has become an utter disgrace to the Crown Prince's Palace."
Guan Zheng-Wen concurred, his tone solemn. "Indeed, he has been engaged in a series of thoughtless endeavors." He then proceeded to recount the events. "After Cha-Eun Xiao chastised them, he simply rode away on his horse. However, just a few steps from his residence, he abruptly tumbled off his steed. Miraculously, the Melting Bone Palm was activated at that very moment. Instantaneously, his bones transformed into a malleable, viscous state. He resembled naught but a heap of mud. Coincidentally, a sizable crowd had congregated outside the House of Cha, intending to lay blame upon Cha-Eun Xiao."
The Crown Prince sighed, a tinge of remorse flickering across his features. "Such a pity... A young man of such comeliness and promise."
Suppressing his urge to utter anything inopportune, Guan Zheng-Wen held back his words. He thought, [Pity? Yet it was at your behest that I carried out this act! I did not wish for it, but you left me with no alternative... Remember?]
The Crown Prince inquired further, "Is it confirmed that the Melting Bone Palm was indeed activated? Could there be any error in its execution?"
Guan Zheng-Wen asserted, "Without a doubt, the Melting Bone Palm functioned precisely as intended. The victim displays no signs of distress until its activation. Once initiated, his bones liquefy entirely." He continued, "Even if its activation transpired one day earlier than anticipated, it remains reasonable, considering Cha-Eun Xiao's inherent frailty, a condition he has endured since infancy."
The Crown Prince's lips curled into a smile as he mused, "How fortuitous that it was activated one day earlier. A most perfect 'one day.' The gods seem to favor my endeavors."
Guan Zheng-Wen joined in the hearty laughter.
"More fortuitously still," Guan Zheng-Wen continued, "the steward of the House of Cha, Song Jue, is a highly proficient cultivator. While he possesses some knowledge of the Melting Bone Palm, his understanding is limited. Consequently, he presumed that Cha-Eun Xiao had been targeted at that very moment. He subsequently accused the individuals from various households. Realizing that matters had taken an unforeseen turn, those implicated promptly withdrew. However, this is unlikely to mark the conclusion of the matter. The House of Cha has dispatched a carrier pigeon to notify Cha Nan-Tian..."
Guan Zheng-Wen's voice took on a grave tone. "Song Jue has set his sights on those households. The only concern pertains to whether anyone possesses comprehensive knowledge of the Melting Bone Palm. Once Cha Nan-Tian returns, he is bound to investigate the matter... Fortunately, there remains ample time until he receives the message and returns to the capital. If we act swiftly during this interval... Your Highness, I believe you understand my implications."
The Crown Prince nodded, his countenance revealing his comprehension. "Indeed, this is a close call. I had never envisioned such a favorable turn of events. As long as we manage matters judiciously, the outcome may even lead Cha Nan-Tian to lend his support to our cause... This is a wondrous development. Truly, the gods are smiling upon me. The offspring of the true god shall always enjoy divine favor."
He rose from his seat, his steps pacing about the study room. "I shall journey to the royal palace and request my father to dispatch a physician immediately to the House of Cha. I will instruct the physician to spare no effort in preserving Cha-Eun Xiao's life. It shall provide Cha Nan-Tian with one last opportunity to see his son before the inevitable."
Guan Zheng-Wen commended the move, recognizing its wisdom.
"In addition," the Crown Prince declared, "I shall visit Cha-Eun Xiao myself. This is a matter that I must personally attend to." His resolve was evident as he emphasized the importance of this visit.
Guan Zheng-Wen concurred wholeheartedly.
"After that, I need to take action against... Jiang Yu-Ming, the Revenue Minister, and Li Shi-Xiong, the Right Prime Minister. Both of them are loyal to my father. They have consistently shown little regard for me or the princess. Moreover, they wield significant influence and oversee numerous government departments. Confronting them openly is beyond my capacity... The Rites Department... The Rites Minister is my elder brother's ally..."
"These individuals are all adversaries of the Left Prime Minister. Minister Zuo, the Left Prime Minister, typically abstains from involvement in the rivalry among the princes. However, he will have to collaborate with me on this matter. If I can dismantle these figures, he stands to gain the most."
"As long as I can orchestrate significant upheaval through this incident, the Left Prime Minister will owe me a substantial debt of gratitude." The Crown Prince's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Moreover, my visit to Cha-Eun Xiao will send a message to the military faction. It will convey that I am endeavoring to forge a connection with the military and display concern for their families... That, too, holds significance."
"This truly amounts to an unexpected stroke of fortune. The outcome of this incident has, astonishingly, played into our hands!" Guan Zheng-Wen spoke in admiration. "Your Highness, your wisdom and astuteness shine through brilliantly in just a few sentences. You have charted the course for the kingdom's future."
The Crown Prince chuckled and urged, "Time is of the essence. I must consult with my father immediately."
With that, he rose from his seat.
"Take care, Your Highness," Guan Zheng-Wen offered a respectful bow before exiting.
Although the Crown Prince had pledged to safeguard Guan Zheng-Wen, the latter knew all too well that, should anything go awry, he would bear full responsibility this time, with no hope of intervention from even the king.
However, he no longer harbored such concerns.
The recklessness of those frivolous young men had inadvertently cast them as scapegoats.
"It appears that the world occasionally benefits from the presence of such ignorant fools," Guan Zheng-Wen mused with satisfaction. He now felt a profound sense of relief.
"I doubt the esteemed General Ye will continue to regard me with suspicion," he contemplated.
...
Within the royal palace, the king reviewed three freshly delivered war reports, his brow furrowed.
Disturbing developments had arisen in the south following Prince Hua-Yang's departure for battle. Three contingents from the Kingdom of Lan-Feng were advancing from the southeast, along with a united force comprising the seven southern barbaric tribes. The situation in the south had become dire, and even the arrival of Prince Hua-Yang's army might not suffice to reverse the tide.
Shortly after Prince Hua-Yang's departure from the capital, a new report had arrived. The troops of the Kingdom of Lan-Feng had launched an assault on the western border of the Kingdom of Chen, with a formidable force of 200,000 soldiers marching from the west.
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