The power of the Crown Prince and the ministers is granted by the Emperor. Now, they are trying every possible means to obstruct an Emperor who has consumed Longevity Medicine and is currently in good spirits. In the eyes of this Emperor, such actions are equivalent to treason; obstructing his longevity is akin to wishing for his early demise, which would surely earn them a punishment that could wipe out their entire clan.
Engaging with them is truly a waste of Xu Lie's time. After the court session ended, the ministers who exited first deliberately slowed their pace. Although they were hungry after an early start, and typically would rush to roll call for breakfast, it seemed trivial to endure hunger for a while longer compared to what lay ahead.
As Xu Lie stepped out of Taiyuan Hall, several ministers proactively gathered around to offer their congratulations: "We pay our respects to the Second Prince."
"Your Highness is indeed the most filial and beloved Longzi of the Emperor; your devotion in seeking immortality abroad is truly commendable."
"Your Highness, I am fortunate to have gained His Majesty's trust and been promoted to Gongbu Master. Regarding the Kaihai Division, I will certainly lend my full support and live up to the Emperor's grace."
This time, Xu Lie did not show any displeasure: "The prince thanks you all for your kind intentions, but discussions are not suitable here in front of Taiyuan Hall. If you gentlemen do not mind, could we move to the Prince's Mansion for a more private conversation?"
Kaihai cannot be established by one person alone. Not to mention the shipbuilding matters that require assistance from this Gongbu Master.
Xu Lie was reluctant to engage with the Crown Prince because he found no value in what the Crown Prince had to say. However, these ministers were different; they held significant influence. Various logistical matters, finances, politics, and construction projects all required their involvement or at least someone they could send to help—there was no way Xu Lie could manage everything alone.
Little did they know that his calm demeanor startled the ministers. The Second Prince was surprisingly composed? They had always thought of him as reckless and frivolous, yet here he was, seemingly unperturbed by his newfound power.
Even knowing this, they still coveted the lucrative positions within the Kaihai Division. They mentally prepared themselves; even if the Second Prince looked down on them with disdain, they would still manage to put on a smiling face.
However, things were turning out completely different from what they had imagined. Was this still the outrageous Second Prince? Could it be that previously he had pretended to be a wastrel due to the Crown Prince's overwhelming influence?
Had he deliberately sullied his own reputation to deceive the Crown Prince and avoid suppression and surveillance from his camp? Ultimately managing to evade the Crown Prince's grasp, retrieve extraordinary items, win over His Majesty's favor, and turn the tables?
The more I think about it, the more I realize how true it is; the courtiers seem to have a glimmer in their eyes.
How composed must the Second Prince be to remain silent and endure so much? What kind of cunning and strategy does it take to manipulate His Highness the Crown Prince, to deceive everyone and navigate through treacherous waters?
As the comparison between the Crown Prince and the Second Prince becomes clearer, one can’t help but feel that the future holds limitless possibilities for the latter.
Initially, the courtiers came merely for a few positions in the Kaihai Division, but now they have subtly changed their minds, contemplating a complete allegiance to Xu Lie.
His Highness trusts us so deeply and treats us with sincerity; we shall surely serve him with all our hearts. It is an honor for us old officials to receive His Highness's invitation, and we wish to stand by him.
Your Highness! I suddenly remember that our Ministry of Works still has a batch of fine timber set aside for last year's palace construction. However, Your Majesty has shown compassion for the people and refrained from exhausting their strength for shipbuilding, which should require this timber.
The courtiers exchanged words eagerly, each afraid of being left behind, all vying to present themselves favorably before Xu Lie. On the surface, they merely expressed their willingness to return to the royal residence with Xu Lie, but in reality, this 'together' meant allegiance.
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