pertwk Chapter 139 The Prince of Yan's Decision
Chapter 139 The Prince of Yan's Decision
Chapter 139 The Prince of Yan's Decision
Just then, a commotion came from behind.
When Wang You turned around, he saw Sheng Changfeng pulling a slightly overweight middle-aged man as they ran towards them, with several servants chasing after them.
"Ziqian, get out of the way!"
Sheng Changfeng, panting, saw Wang You blocking the doorway and quickly shouted.
Wang You hesitated for a moment, then stepped aside.
"Second Young Master, Madam gave the following instructions—"
The old woman at the courtyard gate tried to stop Sheng Changfeng, but he and the middle-aged man pushed past her and rushed into the courtyard.
Instantly, chickens and dogs scattered and chaos erupted at the courtyard gate.
Wang You shook his head slightly; he had a general idea of what had happened.
It seems that Lin Xiaoniang was still planning to buy the estate and shops, but Wang Da Niangzi discovered it.
It has to be said that Madam Wang is quite magnanimous. With Sheng Hong's fate uncertain, she still has the mood to take the opportunity to deal with Lin Xiaoniang.
Unfortunately, the matter was not clarified, and the actions were not decisive enough.
If only she had locked up the merchant who was trading with Lin Xiaoniang and prevented him from speaking, she could have sold Lin Xiaoniang before Sheng Hong returned.
Even if Sheng Hong comes back and gets furious, does he really think he can just throw away his pride and buy back a concubine who has been sold off?
He had considered stopping Sheng Changfeng, but it didn't make much of a difference.
Even if Sheng Changfeng is stopped and causes a scene in the central courtyard, the slave traders in Wei Rui Xuan can still hear the commotion.
They wouldn't accept it if they were worried about getting into trouble.
Furthermore, since the merchant hadn't actually committed adultery with Lin Xiaoniang, if he made a scene and things escalated, the Sheng family would lose face.
The slave trader from Wei Rui Xuan carefully examined Lin Xiao Niang and was quite satisfied.
Although Lin Xiaoniang was over thirty years old, she still had a very good figure and appearance. Otherwise, with her limited knowledge, she wouldn't have been favored by Sheng Hong for so many years.
It's okay to be old; some people like this kind of thing, so it can still fetch a good price.
The slave trader pinched Lin Xiaoniang's chin, removed the cloth covering her mouth, and wanted to see Lin Xiaoniang's teeth.
Selling people is no different from selling livestock; it all comes down to their teeth.
Of course, livestock are checked for dental problems because they are worried that the animals will not eat.
Selling someone for their teeth is because people are worried that there might be something wrong with their teeth.
After all, Lin Xiaoniang looks pretty good; if she had dental problems, no one would want her.
"ah"
Unexpectedly, as soon as she took off the cloth, Lin Xiaoniang bit her hand hard, causing her to cry from the pain.
"Quickly, pull her away!" Madam Wang shouted.
Before the maid could come forward, Lin Xiaoniang released the slave trader's hand, glared at Wang Da Niangzi with hatred, and said, "Wang Ruofu, you actually tried to sell me while the master was away. When the master returns, you will not be spared."
And you, if you dare to take my indenture, the master will not let you off!
"this--"
Upon hearing this, the slave trader looked at Madam Wang with a troubled expression.
She knew what was going on as soon as she heard it; how could she dare to accept such a favored concubine?
"Quick, gag her!"
Madam Wang had Lin Xiaoniang's mouth gagged again, and looked at the reluctant broker, saying, "The price doesn't matter—"
"Madam!"
Just then, a rough-looking old woman hurried in, bowed, and said, "Young Master has arrived and is waiting outside the courtyard."
"There must be news about the official's affairs."
Upon hearing this, Madam Wang finally remembered Sheng Tong, who had been left in the palace, and hurriedly said, "Quickly take him to the main hall, I'll be there right away."
With things so chaotic here, it's definitely not a good idea to bring people here.
"Sell him to me, the farther the better, the price doesn't matter. If you don't dare take this job, I'll switch brokerage firms when the Sheng family buys people in the future," said Madam Wang.
The slave trader hesitated upon hearing this. Accepting the offer would cause considerable trouble, but refusing it would mean losing a major client.
Families like these, who are officials, have many relatives and friends, and they may lose more than one family.
Just as the slave trader was about to grit his teeth and agree, another commotion broke out outside.
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"Go and invite You-ge'er over," said Old Madam Sheng.
Since Sheng Hong did not return yesterday, she ordered the doors and windows to be locked.
Because she didn't trust Madam Wang, Old Madam Sheng, who hadn't managed affairs for many years, once again took over the reins of the household.
Despite her years of indifference to affairs, when she decides to take charge, nothing in the Sheng family, big or small, can be kept from her.
As soon as Wang You entered the room, someone informed her of the news.
Wang You's visit at this time must mean he has some useful information.
In addition, she knew that Madam Wang was dealing with Lin Xiaoniang and didn't want Wang You, an outsider, to see it.
"Yes."
Upon hearing this, Madam Fang immediately arranged for a maid to go over.
"Grandmother, surely Lin Xiaoniang wouldn't dare to do something so disgraceful to the family?" Minglan said.
Although she had never met the man who was having an affair with Lin Xiaoniang, she had heard from the servants that he was not only fat but also quite ordinary-looking.
Sheng Hong's genes are quite good, after all, he has a father who was a third-ranked scholar in the imperial examinations.
Therefore, even if Lin Xiaoniang had an affair, she wouldn't be interested in that kind of man.
Does it matter whether she did it or not?
Grandma Sheng said calmly, "I was soft-hearted back then and let her into the family. Now it's time for a clean break."
"Thank you, Grandma!"
Although Old Madam Sheng said it seemed like she wanted to get rid of the troublesome Lin Xiaoniang.
But Minglan knew very well that Old Madam Sheng was actually doing it for her.
As her coming-of-age ceremony approached, Minglan began to feel increasingly worried.
On the one hand, she felt a little lost because she was going to get married after reaching the age of marriage.
On the other hand, it was because he was worried about his mother and sister.
After she got married, it was difficult for her mother and sister to find out if anything happened to them.
She wasn't worried about anything else, except for Lin Xiaoniang.
Although Lin Xiaoniang hasn't targeted her mother and sister all these years, who can say for sure what will happen in the future?
She knew Wang Da Niangzi's temperament; as long as her mother and sister were honest and law-abiding, nothing would happen.
But it's hard to say about Lin Xiaoniang.
If Old Madam Sheng really wanted to get rid of Lin Xiaoniang, she could have done it long ago. Why wait until now?
As long as Old Madam Sheng remains firm, Sheng Tong is unlikely to turn against her because of a concubine.
"Why thank me? I'm not doing this for just you," said Old Mrs. Sheng, shaking her head.
Just as Wang You was about to go to the main hall with his maid, the people sent by Old Madam Sheng arrived.
Upon learning that Old Madam Sheng had invited him to Shou'an Hall, he did not hesitate and followed the maid.
Just as they arrived at the entrance of Shou'an Hall, they ran into Minglan coming out.
"Cousin!"
Minglan looked hurried, but upon seeing Wang You, she stopped to greet him.
"Where is my cousin going?"
Wang You returned the greeting and asked.
"Grandmother gave me some instructions to take care of," Minglan said.
"Um."
Wang You knew it was most likely about Wei Ruixuan, so he nodded and said, "Then I'll go in first."
Minglan watched Wang You enter the house, then hurriedly went to Weirui Pavilion.
"Greetings, Madam."
Wang You bowed and said, "Greetings, Madam."
"Brother You, sit down and talk."
Grandma Sheng gestured for Wang You to sit down and asked, "Is there any news?"
"The teacher went to the palace and sent word that the Emperor has agreed to release them. He told people to wait at the palace gate, but it's still unknown when they will be released," Wang You said.
"Very good."
Grandma Sheng said excitedly, "Thanks to You-ge'er."
"Madam, you're too kind. Wang Sheng is a relative by marriage; we're all family."
Wang You said, "Let's quickly send someone to the palace gate to wait and receive them."
"I sent people to wait outside the palace as soon as it was light today, so there's no need to send anyone else."
As she spoke, Old Madam Sheng instructed, "Quickly send someone to find Brother Bai and bring him back."
"Is Zecheng not at home?" Wang You asked in surprise.
"He went to the Qi and Gu families early this morning to ask for help, and then went to inquire about information from those families who were on good terms with the Sheng family. He hasn't returned yet."
After finishing her sentence, Old Madam Sheng asked, "Did Vice Minister Hai say why Hong'er was kept in the palace?"
"The old lady should know that many officials were left in the palace yesterday," Wang You said.
"But those people all support His Highness Prince Yan. Hong'er avoided this matter and didn't participate at all. So how could he be kept in the palace because of this?" Old Madam Sheng asked, puzzled.
"I've had people inquire about it. Although the officials who were left in the palace all support the Prince of Yan, they have something in common: their sons had been drinking together at Fanlou the night before last."
Wang You paused for a moment and then said, "My cousin Changfeng was also present at the time."
"What?"
Old Mrs. Sheng trembled, her face turning deathly pale, and said, "What a misfortune for our family!"
Although Wang You didn't say it was definitely because of this, there are no coincidences in the world.
It was clearly because Sheng Changfeng associated with those young masters that the emperor mistakenly believed that Sheng Hong had also sided with the Prince of Yan.
It's even possible that Sheng Changfeng said something utterly rebellious.
The Prince of Yan, looking utterly dejected, sat at the head of the table, looking down at a middle-aged man dressed as a scholar, and said, "Mr. Wu, do I still have a chance?"
"The Crown Prince's lack of an heir is a fatal flaw. Now that His Majesty has clearly made his decision, His Highness's hopes are slim," Mr. Wu sighed.
He was an advisor to the Prince of Yan, and naturally hoped that the Prince of Yan could become the crown prince.
Even without official rank, he could become a rising star in the court after the Prince of Yan ascended the throne.
The allure of following the dragon's path lies in the fact that when one person attains enlightenment, even their chickens and dogs can ascend to heaven.
Even if one gains the emperor's favor, it still takes a considerable amount of time to achieve a significant position in the court.
With the help of a high-ranking official, even a minor official can rise to become a powerful minister in the court.
Unfortunately, the Prince of Yan himself had few descendants, and his heir has no bloodline to this day.
"But Lin'er's concubines now have three more pregnant, why is Your Majesty in such a hurry?" the Prince of Yan said resentfully.
"Your Highness, His Majesty's health has been poor for the past two years, I'm afraid—"
Mr. Wu did not continue speaking, but his meaning was self-evident.
The Emperor's health is probably failing, so there's no time to wait any longer.
"Then what should I do now?" the King of Yan asked.
"If Your Highness stays at home, the Prince of Yong will not dare to harm you when he ascends the throne, since Your Highness poses no threat," Mr. Wu suggested.
"impossible."
The Prince of Yan sneered, "I know the Prince of Yong well. Given his temperament, once he ascends the throne, there's no way he'll spare my life. This—"
Mr. Wu pondered for a moment upon hearing this and said, "If Your Highness wants to protect yourself, you can only pretend to be crazy."
Even if Prince Yong is narrow-minded, he wouldn't go so far as to attack His Highness under such circumstances; otherwise, what would the entire court think of him?
"It's just a gamble."
The Prince of Yan said coldly, "I am unwilling to entrust my life to his soft-heartedness."
It's hard to say whether feigning madness can save his life; even if he manages to save his life temporarily, he'll have to keep feigning madness.
If they reveal any weakness during this process, they will surely die.
Mr. Wu fell silent upon hearing this; he could tell that the Prince of Yan was still unwilling to accept it.
Moreover, what the Prince of Yan said is right. Once the Prince of Yong ascends the throne, life and death will be decided in an instant.
Even if the Prince of Yong himself said he would not harm the Prince of Yan, it may not be credible.
What means could he possibly use to convince the King of Yan?
"Besides what Mr. Wu mentioned, there is actually another way," said the Prince of Yan.
"What method?" Mr. Wu asked in surprise.
"rebellion!"
The Prince of Yan's voice was low, but those two words seemed to explode like thunder in Mr. Wu's heart.
"Your Highness - Your Highness."
Mr. Wu said, trembling, "This dynasty is extremely strict in its defenses against members of the imperial family and military generals. Rebellion there is a death sentence, and there is absolutely no chance of success!"
Despite the court's emphasis on civil officials over military ones, civil officials even dared to point their fingers at the emperor and curse him.
In reality, however, the emperor's position was very secure.
The root cause lies in the fact that Emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty recruited the best soldiers in the country into the Imperial Guard.
What are the Imperial Guards?
Only those troops personally commanded by the emperor were called the Imperial Guards.
In other dynasties, centralized power was strengthened by restricting local authority.
However, the centralization of power in the Song Dynasty meant strengthening control over military power.
Although the power to transfer troops was nominally in the hands of the Privy Council, in reality the troops in the Western Suburbs Camp were under the control of the emperor.
Without an imperial edict, even the Privy Council could not mobilize the Imperial Guards.
Of course, this is just a rule.
If regulations alone could prevent rebellion, then there would have been no military rebellions throughout history.
In theory, the Prince of Yan only needed the support of the commander of the western suburban camp to launch a rebellion.
However, the western suburban camp did not have a real commander.
The Duke of England was only the nominal commander-in-chief.
The troops in the western suburban camp were organized into units called "xiang" (厢). The generals above the xiang commander were only nominal and did not have the right to directly mobilize them.
According to the military system of the Song Dynasty, an infantry unit consisted of 12,500 men, while a cavalry unit consisted of 10,000 men.
The western suburbs camp had a permanent garrison of 400,000 troops, which meant there were dozens of commanders of various districts.
Even if the Prince of Yan were to win over one or a few commanders of the various quarters, it wouldn't make much of a difference.
If anyone sends troops without imperial decree, the other commanders will immediately take action.
Unless he can win everyone over, but that's impossible.
"Rebellion is not determined by military strength."
The Prince of Yan said, "Emperor Taizong of Tang only had a few hundred people involved in the Xuanwu Gate Incident."
"Does Your Highness intend to launch a palace coup?"
Mr. Wu frowned and said, "But Emperor Taizong of Tang launched the Xuanwu Gate Incident because the commander guarding Xuanwu Gate was one of his men."
Only in this way could they quickly enter the palace and control Emperor Gaozu of Tang.
Entering through Xuanwu Gate, the inner palace is not far away. This is also the weakest point in the palace's security.
The reason Li Shimin was able to quickly control Li Yuan was because he had already placed his trusted confidants as the guards of Xuanwu Gate.
Then, he led his men through the Xuanwu Gate, passing through the inner palace and directly to Li Yuan's bedchamber.
This is the key to how he was able to control Li Yuan despite having only a few hundred men.
If the Prince of Yan wants to emulate Li Shimin, he would have to find a way to enter the palace through the gates of the inner palace.
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