Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1187 - 174: Fourth Brother Lost the Moment He Let Eighth Brother Go to Qingzhou

While Qingzhou might appear to be outside of Zhao Yao's influence, it has, in truth, long been under his control.

Beyond engaging in commerce and developing merchant fleets and warships in Qingzhou, Zhao Yao also established a vital intelligence network within the region.

This intelligence operation in Qingzhou predates the one established in Swamp Prefecture. Even before the maritime trade restrictions were fully lifted, Qingzhou stood as the sole port open to foreign vessels and the only place where international merchants could conduct business within Great Zhou. Consequently, setting up an intelligence agency there was crucial for gathering information on these foreign merchants' activities and intentions.

Zhao Yao had significant ambitions for Qingzhou and had made thorough preparations in advance, possessing a deep understanding of all matters related to the prefecture.

Prince Chu recalled that Zhao Yao had once mentioned his uncle's business dealings in Qingzhou and his extensive familiarity with the area's affairs.

"Your Highness, you maintain a cordial relationship with Prince Han. If you were to approach Prince Han, he would undoubtedly provide you with the information you seek."

Prince Chu dismissively waved his hand: "No, I cannot involve Brother Ten in this." To do so would inevitably draw him into the ongoing power struggle between himself and Prince Wei.

Several of Prince Chu's loyal ministers also comprehended why he was hesitant to ask Prince Han for assistance. The unfortunate reality was that Prince Han maintained friendly relations not only with their Highness but also with Prince Wei.

"We previously dispatched individuals to investigate Qingzhou, but their efforts yielded no results," Yang Ling admitted, his heart growing heavier with each passing thought. "This strongly suggests that Prince Wei has likely consolidated control over all of Qingzhou." He shuddered at the implications of such absolute control.

"What exactly is Prince Wei endeavoring to achieve in Qingzhou?" The trusted ministers pondered, analyzing the situation from various angles but finding no clear answers.

With a composed demeanor, Prince Chu stated, "Regardless of his schemes, the fox's hidden nature will eventually be revealed, and we shall devise our counter-strategy then."

"Your Highness, the primary concern is that Prince Wei might launch a surprise attack."

"Given Prince Wei's profoundly intricate scheming, whatever he is orchestrating in Qingzhou is bound to be of considerable magnitude."

"Could his intentions be treasonous?"

"Impossible, Prince Wei is not so foolish."

"Then what is he plotting in Qingzhou?"

Far away, Zhao Yao received news of Prince Jing's demise and immediately surmised that Prince Wei would personally escort Prince Jing's remains back to the capital for interment. Indeed, his prediction proved accurate.

"Ah, Qingzhou, it has now become a notable location as well. Frankly, I am quite eager to witness it firsthand."

"Your Highness, if my memory serves me correctly, you initially selected Qingzhou as your designated domain."

"Indeed, Qingzhou was the very first place I chose. To that end, I even made arrangements for my uncle to conduct business there. Only after he had thoroughly familiarized himself with Qingzhou did I opt to establish myself in Lingnan instead, a decision that prompted a letter of reprimand from my uncle." Zhao Yao harbored no regrets about relinquishing Qingzhou. In comparison to Lingnan, Qingzhou was indeed too insignificant for the grand objectives he intended to achieve. "When time permits, I shall make a journey to Qingzhou for a visit." Traveling by ship from Swamp Prefecture to Qingzhou would not consume an excessive amount of time.

"I shall accompany you on this expedition."

"I will take you, but not at this immediate moment." Zhao Yao's brow furrowed as he contemplated Prince Wei's clandestine activities in Qingzhou. "Allowing Brother Four to permit Brother Eight's excursion to Qingzhou already represents a significant misstep."

Tong Xi, failing to grasp the underlying meaning, looked on with evident puzzlement: "Your Highness, why do you express it in such a manner?"

"Even if I were to explain it to you, you would likely not comprehend," Zhao Yao replied, rising to his feet. He brushed off his attire and casually plucked a blade of grass, placing it in his mouth. "Let us return and resume our endeavors."

"Your Highness, does this imply that Prince Chu faces imminent danger?"

Tong Xi's inquiry caused Zhao Yao to momentarily halt his steps. After a prolonged sigh, he responded, "Alas... that is difficult to ascertain."

"Your Highness, what is Prince Wei's ultimate objective in Qingzhou?"

"It is undoubtedly something of great consequence," Zhao Yao stated. "Brother Four must surely recognize that Brother Eight's departure from the capital at this juncture is inherently suspect. If Brother Four fails to impede Brother Eight's journey to Qingzhou, then Brother Four has truly conceded defeat."

"I fail to comprehend your reasoning."

"You do not understand, and moreover, Brother Four also remains oblivious, thus..." Zhao Yao gently shook his head. "Brother Four is no match for Brother Eight."

"Your Highness, how can you be so certain that Prince Chu will suffer a defeat with Prince Wei's presence in Qingzhou?"

Zhao Yao pointed to himself, declaring with an expression of unmistakable pride, "I possess the most profound understanding of the situation in Qingzhou. When Father banished Old Seven to Qingzhou, it was entirely Brother Eight's stratagem, a move that, unfortunately, Brother Four failed to perceive."

"What? Prince Jing was exiled to Qingzhou due to Prince Wei's machinations?"

"Otherwise, how else could Old Seven have been banished to Qingzhou given his transgressions?" Zhao Yao elaborated, "Nowadays, Qingzhou is a thriving and bustling prefecture, drastically different from its past. Furthermore, Brother Eight had already established his influence in Qingzhou many years prior."

Upon hearing this, Tong Xi gasped in astonishment, "Your Highness, Prince Wei has been meticulously planning against Prince Chu for a long time, hasn’t he?"

"Indeed, the intricate snare was laid out long ago, yet Brother Four failed to perceive it." As Zhao Yao spoke of this, his expression grew somber, "I had broached the subject of Qingzhou with Brother Four ages ago. It appears he did not take my counsel to heart." He recalled how he had urged Brother Four not to underestimate Qingzhou and even suggested he invest in some ventures there, but his advice was disregarded.

"Your Highness, given the current predicament, you cannot possibly intervene to aid Prince Chu."

With a prolonged sigh, Zhao Yao stated, "It matters not; this is not a concern I need to shoulder." With that, he retreated to the North Mountain Laboratory to resume his experiments with rubber. He had dedicated a year or two to researching rubber production without success. However, a recent minor breakthrough had spurred him to continue his dedicated research.

Meanwhile, within the hallowed halls of the Imperial Study, Prince Chu was earnestly beseeching the emperor to dispatch him alongside Prince Wei to Qingzhou, with the objective of escorting Prince Jing back to the imperial capital.

Merely an hour prior, Prince Chu had been engaged in deep deliberation with his trusted advisors regarding the true motive behind Prince Wei's journey to Qingzhou. Despite extensive discussion, no definitive conclusions were reached.

Initially, Prince Chu had intended to address each unfolding event as it happened. However, the more he pondered, the more a sense of unease permeated his thoughts, prompting him to hasten to the palace and implore the emperor to grant him permission to accompany Prince Wei in bringing Prince Jing back to the capital.

News of this development soon reached Prince Wei, catching him entirely by surprise.