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In the Eastern Palace, the candlelight flickered brightly, yet an oppressive stillness hung in the air.
Crown Prince Lin Zheng, dressed in a bright yellow robe, wore a jade belt adorned with warm gemstones that signified his supreme nobility. However, at this moment, his expression was twisted, filled with a blend of unwillingness and resentment. After listening to the detailed report from his aide about Fourth Prince Lin Feng and Lord Li's responses at the banquet, he slammed the teacup onto the table. The scalding tea splashed out, soaking a small patch of the tablecloth, while the delicate porcelain cup shattered into pieces, mirroring his current state of anger.
Old Four had some nerve; he thought that after just one trip to the Disaster Area, he could stir up such a commotion in court. Did he really see himself as a savior? Lin Zheng muttered through clenched teeth as he paced back and forth in the study, each step heavy with resentment.
Beside him stood a slender figure with cunning eyes—the Counselor. Noticing Lin Zheng's agitation, he slightly bowed and softly offered advice: "Your Highness, if Fourth Prince's reforms succeed, his prestige will undoubtedly rise, which would be detrimental to your position in the Eastern Palace. Given the current situation, we might as well secretly fan the flames and let those opposing voices converge into a torrent that will completely suppress Fourth Prince's momentum."
Lin Zheng paused his steps, tilting his head slightly to cast a sharp gaze at the Counselor. "Oh? Go on, tell me how we should proceed."
The Counselor's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he stepped forward and slowly elaborated: "Your Highness, the Censorate's Zhang has already submitted a petition to impeach Fourth Prince for privately using Official Agency documents. This is an excellent opportunity. We can spread rumors in court that exaggerate Fourth Prince's actions as flouting the King's Law and abusing power, inciting those conservative and timid ministers to rise up in condemnation."
Lin Zheng nodded lightly, a hint of interest flickering in his eyes as he gestured for the Counselor to continue.
Encouraged by Lin Zheng's response, the Counselor became even more animated: "Moreover, we cannot overlook public opinion. Your Highness could send trusted subordinates disguised as ordinary citizens to spread rumors in teahouses and taverns both inside and outside the capital. They could claim that once the Changping Granary is established, it will forcibly requisition farmland from the people, causing them to become displaced; they might also suggest that new taxes will be imposed, making life even harder for everyone. The populace can be easily stirred up; if there are ministers opposing him in court while public sentiment runs high against him, even if His Majesty wishes to favor Fourth Prince, he will have to think twice."
Lin Zheng rubbed his fingers over a jade ring thoughtfully before slowly speaking: "This plan is good; however, if Father Emperor discovers that I am behind this scheme, it would not end well."
The Counselor quickly bowed reassuringly: "Your Highness need not worry; all those sent are carefully selected loyalists who will keep their mouths tightly shut. Furthermore, as long as we leave no obvious evidence behind, even if Father Emperor has suspicions, he won't be able to do anything about it. Moreover, if the opposition grows loud enough and Fourth Prince is preoccupied with defending himself, he won’t have any energy left to investigate who is pulling the strings."
A barely perceptible cruel smile finally appeared on Lin Zheng's face: "Very well then; let’s proceed as you suggest. Keep an eye on Zhang at the Censorate. Once his impeachment petition is submitted and if Father Emperor shows any signs of favoritism towards Old Four, immediately find someone in court to escalate this matter."
I want to see how long Old Four can hold on. No one should even think about coveting the position of Eastern Palace Master!
The Counselor received the order and left. Lin Zheng gazed at the flickering candlelight, as if he could already envision Lin Feng's disheveled appearance under pressure. The smile at the corner of his mouth grew increasingly cold.
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