Quick Transmigration: Drama Queen's Daily Life Chapter 1192 - 1181: Wealthy Merchant

The Ye Family stood as a prominent wealthy merchant clan within Nanxu Country, attracting the covetous gaze of numerous vassal kings. Consequently, when both Prince Linsan and Prince Donghe dispatched envoys to secure their allegiance, the entire nation held its breath, anticipating the Ye Family's choice.

However, the shocking news that Prince Donghe's forces had been annihilated and Prince Linsan's contingent had retreated in disarray left everyone astounded. How could such an outcome be possible?

Even in a scenario of mutual destruction, with Prince Donghe's forces eliminated, the Ye Family should have naturally aligned with Prince Linsan. So why did Prince Linsan's men return without successfully recruiting them?

Soon after, diligent spies uncovered that the general representing Prince Linsan had departed with two individuals from the Ye Family. Subsequently, word spread that the Ye Family's matriarch and her third legitimate daughter had tragically fallen victim to mountain bandits. Could this merely be a coincidence?

This revelation ignited a flurry of conspiracy theories across every household. Was this intricate sequence of events a calculated stratagem by Prince Linsan? Did they intentionally disseminate false intelligence about failing to recruit the Ye Family, while in truth, the family had already secretly sworn loyalty, thereby fabricating an illusion of Prince Linsan's insufficient strength? How else could such perplexing occurrences be explained?

Alas, Prince Linsan's youth was evident. While his schemes were clever, they were riddled with discernible flaws. It was a lamentable fate for Prince Donghe's forces, and the demise of the formidable general Liao Heishan, who perished so inexplicably, suggested Prince Linsan had indeed escalated his efforts.

"That brat dared to trample on me; he's incredibly audacious!" Prince Donghe roared, slamming his fist on the table as he rose. Following this incident, how many would dare to mock him? To be outmaneuvered by a mere vassal king was a humiliation he would not tolerate.

"What explanation does Liu Dong have? As the City Lord of Jing’an City, he falls under my jurisdiction. How could he just stand by and watch my people be killed?"

"Your Highness, City Lord Liu sent word that his wife was unwell, prompting the entire family to retreat to the countryside for recuperation. Before their departure, he instructed the servants to faithfully guard the gates, unaware that such loyalty would inadvertently delay Your Highness’s critical affairs," the subordinate replied cautiously, dreading Prince Donghe's wrath.

"Merely claiming sickness and expecting it to absolve him? Someone, deliver my command: Stripped Liu Dong of his position as City Lord immediately and bring him back to me. Should he resist, execute him on the spot," Prince Donghe declared with a menacing glare.

"Your Highness, I believe this matter warrants further deliberation. The timing of Prince Linsan's actions aligns too suspiciously. City Lord Liu's claim of illness is merely one side of the narrative. While we cannot readily trust it, I suspect City Lord Liu may have already colluded with Prince Linsan. Dispatching our forces there now would lead us into a trap."

"Mr. Li speaks wisely. Your Majesty, I urge you to reconsider!"

Upon hearing this, Prince Donghe's fury intensified: "Then send our forces to attack! I must make an example of this betrayal for all to witness!"

"However, Your Majesty, Jing’an City is strategically advantageous, easily defended and difficult to assault. Should we commit a large contingent to capture Jing’an City now, Prince Linsan, the King of Xichuan, and all the rebels might seize this opportunity without hesitation. I believe we should proceed with caution."

Prince Donghe, in a fit of rage, swept everything from the table: "This won't do, and that won't do. So, what do you suggest I do? Am I expected to swallow my pride and endure the ridicule of the entire world?"

"Your Highness, if you can endure for a moment, the turmoil will eventually subside. Take one step back, and you will find the sea and sky opening before you."

"Indeed, Your Highness, you must refrain from acting impulsively at this juncture!"

"Impulsive? Very well, I shall heed your advice regarding the immediate assault on Jing’an City. However, I cannot suppress this righteous anger. Did we not previously discuss the possibility of attacking Prince Linsan's Miyun State? Issue my decree forthwith: Assemble fifty thousand troops immediately. Our objectives are twofold: first, to deliver a stern lesson to Prince Linsan, and second, to seize Miyun State's grain reserves," Prince Donghe proclaimed, his eyes blazing.

His ministers and generals mused that invading Miyun State did indeed appear more strategically sound than attacking Jing’an City. Crucially, Miyun State had always been a region rich in resources, meaning that even at a considerable cost of conquest, securing that vital grain depot would prove immensely valuable.

Furthermore, they had already opposed Prince Donghe's wishes twice that day. To attempt a third dissuasion might incur the prince's severe displeasure, jeopardizing their positions and even their lives.

As Ye Lu reached Lishan Prefecture, Prince Linsan, inexplicably under assault from Prince Donghe, found himself overwhelmed and too preoccupied to grant her an audience. Though uncertain of the path forward, his resolve to defend Miyun State remained unshaken.

"REPORT! Your Highness, Prince Donghe’s forces have reached the very gates of Miyun State. The villages in their path have been razed by Prince Donghe’s cruel troops, and our scouts have incurred immense losses."

"BANG!" Prince Linsan, Chen Gaoxuan, struck the table with his fist, his teeth gritted in anger. "That lunatic Prince Donghe! He shows no mercy, not even to common folk."

"We absolutely cannot permit Prince Donghe to succeed. Should someone like him seize control of the realm, what future awaits the people? It would be a descent into an even more harrowing existence than the present," voiced his strategist, his brow furrowed with worry.

"Indeed, Your Majesty. Miyun State must not fall. I implore you to grant me leave to lead our troops to its aid immediately. The fall of Miyun State would cripple half of our military’s provisions. I must, at all costs, halt Prince Donghe’s advance," declared a general.

"However, Prince Donghe’s army is already at Miyun State’s doorstep. Will our forces not arrive too late? What if Prince Donghe proceeds unchecked, slaughtering the city’s inhabitants and setting ablaze the fields ripe for harvest?"

At these words, a heavy silence descended upon the hall, for the grim possibility of Prince Donghe committing such atrocities was all too real.

"Your Majesty, General Zhao Xiong requests an audience," a messenger announced, appearing abruptly in the now-silent chamber. Chen Gaoxuan’s expression tightened.

"Is General Zhao not supposed to be recuperating? Instruct him to rest fully and refrain from concerning himself with military affairs for the time being."

"He insists, Your Majesty, claiming to possess a strategy to counter Prince Donghe’s forces."

"Oh?" Chen Gaoxuan’s eyebrows rose, mirroring the surprise reflected on the faces of the assembled officials and strategists. It wasn't entirely unreasonable for them to be astonished. While Prince Linsan was blessed with many talented individuals, Zhao Xiong was primarily known for his formidable might, not his strategic acumen. Nonetheless, meticulous planning had never been his strongest suit. What plan could he possibly have conceived?

Still, as the saying goes, desperate times necessitated desperate measures. With no superior alternative presenting itself, an audience would do no harm.

Chen Gaoxuan gave a slight nod. "Bid General Zhao enter."

"This humble servant offers his respects to Your Highness," Zhao Xiong said, kneeling and offering a deep bow. Although Prince Linsan Chen Gaoxuan was young, he possessed an innate ability to command his subordinates, ensuring none dared to show him disrespect.

Chen Gaoxuan offered a gentle smile. "General Zhao, I commend your dedication. You are still injured; please, rise."

"I am grateful for Your Majesty’s benevolence. I am disheartened that I have not yet lived up to your trust," Zhao Xiong replied.

"Who could have foreseen the Ye Family Master’s intractable stubbornness? This was an unforeseen circumstance, not a failing on your part, General Zhao. You mentioned earlier a method to break Prince Donghe’s siege on Miyun State. Pray tell, what is this strategy?"

"Your Highness, while this particular strategy was not conceived by my own mind, I hold unwavering conviction in its efficacy," Zhao Xiong stated with firm resolve.