Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1042 - 106: Forbidden Medicine

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Previously on Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne...
Prince Han and his strategist Yang Qi plot to assassinate Prince Chu by hiring suicide squads from other families to avoid direct connection to the mansion. Suspicious of a traitor in their ranks, the pair devises a plan to smoke out spies by spreading false rumors of the prince's death. Furthermore, they resolve to manipulate the gullible Prince Zheng to frame his rival, Prince Dai. As Prince Han prepares his trap, Prince Dai remains unaware of the treacherous scheme unfolding against him.

Prince Zhen Chu journeyed to Wusun under the protection of Liang Run’s merchant caravan. As this marked his debut visit to Wusun and his initial venture into the Western Regions, he found himself utterly spellbound by the unique landscapes and cultural traditions that stood in stark contrast to the Central Plains. While Wusun lacked the immense opulence of Great Zhou, it remained a vibrant and bustling hub.

Walking along the thoroughfares of Wusun, one could frequently encounter inhabitants of Great Zhou clad in traditional Central Plains garments, while the melodic flow of the Great Zhou dialect could often be heard from the locals, fostering an immediate sense of intimacy. Following Wusun’s submission to Great Zhou many years ago, the two regions fostered deep, enduring ties. Over time, countless Great Zhou citizens migrated here for trade, establishing families with local spouses. Conversely, many Wusun natives traveled to Great Zhou for commerce, frequently settling down and raising families of their own.

Currently, a significant population of Great Zhou descendants resides within Wusun, living in complete harmony with the native inhabitants. In this environment, the populace acts akin to a single family, entirely devoid of mutual animosity or friction.

Liang Run’s commercial interests in Wusun are substantial, and the reputation of the Liang Trading House is formidable, not just here but across numerous Western nations. Indeed, the influence of the Liang Trading House now permeates the entirety of the Western territories.

Prince Chu had long recognized that Zhao Yao’s second uncle possessed a sharp mercantile mind; however, he was utterly unprepared for the sheer scale of the ventures Liang Run had established throughout Wusun.

Choosing to be transparent, Liang Run informed Prince Chu that Zhao Yao’s commercial empire extended across the entirety of the Western Regions. The Prince was visibly stunned by this revelation. Liang Run elaborated that these widespread operations were primarily the product of Zhao Yao’s strategic vision. During the initial period when Wusun established diplomatic connections with Great Zhou, Zhao Yao had dispatched him to seize the burgeoning commercial opportunities.

He further provided a detailed account of the nature of their business operations throughout the Western Regions. Before the Prince’s departure northward, Zhao Yao had issued strict instructions: should Prince Chu express curiosity regarding their trade, Liang Run was to disclose every detail without reservation. Although Liang Run felt such openness might be improper, Zhao Yao remained adamant, reasoning that the Prince would inevitably foster suspicions regardless; thus, frankness was the superior strategy.

Until this moment, Prince Chu only perceived Zhao Yao as a master of craftsmanship, unaware that his younger brother possessed such keen business acumen. He had even mistakenly attributed the success of the recent trade conference to Liang Run, never suspecting that the true mastermind had been Zhao Yao all along.

"So, my tenth brother specifically instructed you to share this with me?"

Liang Run was unsurprised by the Prince’s realization and replied, "His Highness commanded that I reveal everything in detail should you express any interest."