Chapter 664: Huang Kezan's Illness Worsens

Looking at Sun Chuanting, Chen Facai's face showed disbelief.

He truly had not expected Sun Chuanting to dare speak in such a manner.

This favored minister sent by the Emperor had more courage than he had imagined. Such words were not to be spoken carelessly—if they were to spread afterward, there would be trouble.

But at this moment, Chen Facai could not expose Sun Chuanting, nor did he dare question him. After all, in front of Park Jeong-yang, he could say nothing, and later he did not want to ask either.

To use Chen Facai's own words: the less you know, the longer you live.

"Let me say the unpleasant part upfront—how this matter ultimately ends is still unknown for now." Sun Chuanting looked at Park Jeong-yang and spoke in a casual tone.

The more ambiguous such things were, the more they excited people. Park Jeong-yang was completely stirred up, hastily rising to bow and say: "Please rest assured, Excellency. As long as I can take that position, I will follow Your Excellency's lead in all things and will never go back on my word!"

"Very well then." Sun Chuanting stroked his beard and nodded, then laughed heartily: "Next, I will give you all the armor I brought from the Great Ming, so that you may have a force under your command."

"Additionally, you need to go contact the Second Crown Prince of Joseon immediately. Tell him that you have connections on the Great Ming side, and that you are also willing to support him. At the appropriate time, we will meet him and give him our support, helping him ascend to the throne of Joseon."

Park Jeong-yang was stunned. To be honest, this was something he truly had not expected.

What the Great Ming intended to do, he was not entirely certain. But strengthening control over Joseon was a certainty, and the position of Chief Administrator was a very feasible idea.

Yet now the Great Ming wanted to support the Second Crown Prince of Joseon, which was somewhat puzzling.

In Park Jeong-yang's view, it was clearly the First Crown Prince who was more talented and capable. However, many people also supported the Second Crown Prince—after all, succession struggles were never about ability.

Thinking it over briefly, Park Jeong-yang asked hesitantly: "Excellency, this humble one has a question he does not know whether he should ask or not."

"Speak." Sun Chuanting nodded and said: "Given how close our relationship is now, you may ask anything. Speak freely."

"Yes, Excellency." Park Jeong-yang acknowledged and said: "May I ask why Your Excellency wishes to support the Second Crown Prince?"

"Oh? What thoughts do you have?" Sun Chuanting looked at Park Jeong-yang with a half-smile and asked.

"This humble one would not presume." Park Jeong-yang quickly said: "It is only that this humble one does not quite understand. After all, the First Crown Prince's position has been secure for years, and his succession would be perfectly legitimate. The First Crown Prince himself is also a man of great ability—why does Excellency Sun support the Second Crown Prince?"

"Your probing lacks any finesse." Sun Chuanting looked at Park Jeong-yang, and his face, which had been beaming with smiles, instantly darkened. He said directly: "This is the first time, and the last. If there is a next time..."

"Never mind—I cannot bring myself to utter threats. But you are welcome to try and see what I am capable of."

"I am making an exception to answer you this once, and I think you should understand." Sun Chuanting stood up and walked over to Park Jeong-yang's side, saying: "Adding flowers to brocade is not as good as sending charcoal in the snow."

"The First Crown Prince would obtain that position regardless—whether we help him or not, he would still get it. So what would we gain?"

"On the contrary, the Second Crown Prince, who has no chance at all, is the most suitable candidate for us. As for what kind of character the Second Crown Prince has—what does that matter?"

"Great talent and bold strategy? The Great Ming does not need anyone to possess great talent and bold strategy." Reaching out to pat Park Jeong-yang on the shoulder, Sun Chuanting said with a smile: "I offer these words to you as well."

Having said this, Sun Chuanting turned his head to glance at Chen Facai and said: "Manager Chen, I will be going now. Leave the rest to you."

"This humble one bids farewell to Excellency Sun." Chen Facai stood up and respectfully performed a bow toward Sun Chuanting, saying: "Farewell, Excellency Sun."

Sun Chuanting nodded, turned around, and walked out.

Chen Facai quickly followed, and as he passed by Park Jeong-yang, he shot him a fierce glare, his face showing displeasure.

But Chen Facai still hurried after Sun Chuanting and left.

Park Jeong-yang stood in place, his expression somewhat awkward, and also wanted to follow them out.

But just as he reached the doorway, Park Jeong-yang was called to a stop by a woman.

Turning to look, Park Jeong-yang's face immediately lit up with joy.

The one who had come was naturally none other than Miss Qingqing—the one he yearned for day and night, the one who haunted his dreams.

Miss Qingqing stood there at this moment, wearing a pale green long dress, like an orchid in the water.

Her cheeks were slightly flushed, looking like the shy blush of an orchid—beautiful beyond words.

"You don't need to go." Qingqing turned her head to look in that direction and said: "They certainly have matters to discuss. If you go over there, it would be inconvenient instead."

Upon hearing these words, Park Jeong-yang was startled for a moment, then nodded and stopped in his tracks.

"I heard your entire conversation just now." Qingqing came to Park Jeong-yang's side and said slowly: "You do not understand this Excellency Sun."

"But I think you should still be more careful in your dealings from now on. This Excellency Sun is definitely one of the top few most troublesome people to provoke in the Great Ming."

"He is the most trusted minister of the current Emperor, Your Majesty. At a young age, he commanded a large army in battle in the southern frontier—and he won."

"Later, he drilled new troops for His Majesty and participated in suppressing rebellions. When fighting in Liaodong, he swept through everything in his path. And recently, when he fought the Mongols on the Mongolian grasslands, he returned with a great victory. In short, this Excellency Sun is invincible in attack and triumphant in every battle."

"Do not think that he has always relied on the Great Ming's superior numbers and equipment—that is not the case at all. Back in the southern frontier, he led a ragtag mob and defeated the rebel army through sheer force of will."

"Calling Excellency Sun the number one man in the Great Ming's military is somewhat premature at present, but in a few more years, he likely will be."

"His Majesty sending him here this time shows how much importance he places on this war. That also means His Majesty will not allow anyone to ruin things. You cannot, and Joseon cannot either. If anyone truly does ruin things, imagine the consequences."

Park Jeong-yang looked at Qingqing, nodded with a grave expression, and then bowed, saying: "Thank you, Miss Qingqing."

"No need to be so polite—we will be family from now on." Qingqing's face flushed slightly, and she cast a flirtatious glance at Park Jeong-yang before continuing: "If things truly go wrong, this Excellency Sun might raise the Liaodong army to attack Joseon. When that time comes, Joseon will have nothing left."

"Would they really do that?" Park Jeong-yang's face showed shock, entirely filled with disbelief.

"Why would you think he would not dare?" Qingqing sighed and said: "If it truly developed to that point, you would have no room left to maneuver."

"I understand." Park Jeong-yang nodded gravely and said: "I know what to say."

"Then I shall take my leave." Qingqing nodded and said.

Park Jeong-yang bowed and said: "Farewell, miss."

Qingqing walked forward a few steps, stopped, and turned back to glance at Park Jeong-yang before saying: "In a moment, my godfather will be back. He will likely be very angry and will scold you a few words. When that time comes, do not argue with him—let him say whatever he wants to say. Do not come into conflict with him."

"This, miss, you may also rest assured." Park Jeong-yang said with a smile on his face: "My father-in-law is an elder. Let alone scolding me a few words—even if he cursed me out or beat me, it would be only proper."

Qingqing's face reddened, and she turned and walked away.

Watching Qingqing's retreating figure, a smile appeared on Park Jeong-yang's face, though he quickly suppressed it.

He saw Chen Facai, full of fury, walking back with heavy steps from not far away.

Glancing at Park Jeong-yang, Chen Facai gave a cold snort and said with irritation: "Truly, a daughter's heart turns outward."

Having said this, he flicked his sleeves and walked into the house.

Park Jeong-yang dared not show any expression on his face, but in his heart, he was blooming with joy.

Sure enough, he was still this charming. As the saying goes, one who is filled with learning radiates natural elegance. Looking at Qingqing's attitude, he felt a surge of youthful wildness from an old heart.

Suppressing the excitement in his heart, he stepped forward and followed Chen Facai inside.

After sitting down, Chen Facai said directly: "I already told you, don't talk nonsense in front of Lord Sun. Why won't you listen? Is that man so easy to get along with?"

Park Jeong-yang's face showed an awkward expression, and he said helplessly: "Father-in-law, isn't it because I'm worried?"

"You know that the struggle for the throne has always been the most dangerous thing. One slight misstep and it's the annihilation of the entire clan, bones ground to dust. How can I not ask clearly?"

"Such petty thoughts!" Chen Facai snorted and said: "With the Great Ming backing you, who can do anything to you? Would the King of Joseon dare to kill you?"

"Even if you lent him the courage, he wouldn't dare. That Crown Prince of Joseon is still in the Great Ming now—distant water can't quench a nearby fire."

"Yes, Father-in-law." Park Jeong-yang quickly nodded in agreement: "It is this son who overestimates himself. Please don't be angry, Father-in-law."

Letting out a breath, Chen Facai said: "I was a bit anxious too. You should know that this matter is of great importance—we can't afford to be careless."

"Yes." Park Jeong-yang nodded again and said: "Father-in-law has taken great trouble."

"Alright, go back and prepare. These next few days will be busy—don't make any more mistakes." Chen Facai nodded and said: "If you make another mistake, there's nothing anyone can do."

"Rest assured, Father-in-law, there will absolutely be no mistakes." Park Jeong-yang said hurriedly.

Chen Facai nodded and said: "That would be best."

"In that case, if there's nothing else, this son will take his leave." Park Jeong-yang stood up, respectfully bowed to Chen Facai, and seeing him nod, turned and walked out.

After Park Jeong-yang left, Qingqing quietly emerged from behind and came to Chen Facai's side.

"He's a clever one." Looking at the departing Park Jeong-yang, Chen Facai said: "Too bad it's all petty cleverness, used in the wrong place. Forgetful of righteousness at the sight of profit, forgetful of his own safety at the sight of beauty—he'll never accomplish anything great."

Qingqing looked at Chen Facai softly, pouting with some grievance and asking: "Is the beauty you mentioned me?"

Hearing Qingqing's question, Chen Facai immediately started coughing, his face turning bright red, wearing an expression of utter embarrassment.

"No no no, I was talking about him as a person."

Giving Chen Facai a glare, Qingqing burst out laughing and said: "Am I not a beauty?"

"Yes yes yes." Chen Facai nodded repeatedly again, his face full of helplessness.

"What a look!" Qingqing said with a coy rebuke: "The matter is on the right track now. I can breathe easy too—I'll go prepare dinner for you."

"Thank you, my lady." Chen Facai said hurriedly.

With a snort, Qingqing turned and walked outside.

Her figure was slender and graceful, her bearing elegant and alluring—it made Chen Facai's mouth go dry, and he could only complain inwardly:

Little vixen!

Everything was going smoothly on the Joseon side, and at this time, Zhu Youxiao had also returned to the capital.

Inside the imperial palace.

Having arranged everything, Zhu Youxiao met with Empress Zhang.

Compared to when he left, Empress Zhang seemed to have filled out a bit. This actually made Zhu Youxiao quite happy—gaining weight was good; at least it meant she was healthy.

After the husband and wife met, naturally came the welcome banquet—this was a standing tradition after Zhu Youxiao returned.

The Emperor and Empress would go take a bath, then gather everyone in the palace together for dinner.

This bath lasted four hours. After Zhu Youxiao came out of the bath chamber, he nodded with satisfaction.

His body was fine—that was good news.

The Emperor had returned to the capital, and the entire atmosphere of the capital relaxed.

When Zhu Youxiao was away, everything seemed tense, and everyone was cautious.

Now that the Emperor was back, everyone let out a sigh of relief instead, and the atmosphere naturally eased.

Over the next few days, Zhu Youxiao didn't leave the palace or handle any affairs, enjoying rare peace and comfort within the imperial palace.

"Your Majesty!" Wei Chao suddenly ran in from outside, came before Zhu Youxiao and said respectfully: "News has just arrived from outside—Minister Huang Kezuan of the Ministry of Justice is gravely ill!"

Hearing this, Zhu Youxiao was slightly startled, then his expression turned somber.

That Huang Kezuan had come to this day was not unexpected to Zhu Youxiao, nor did it surprise him.

After all, these ministers at court had accompanied him since his ascension to the throne—they were all getting on in years. If anyone suddenly fell acutely ill, Zhu Youxiao wouldn't be surprised. Let alone an acute illness—even if someone suddenly died, Zhu Youxiao wouldn't be surprised either.

What was somewhat hard for Zhu Youxiao to accept was that they had finally all reached this day.

In these years, the court had been stable and everything had gone smoothly, and these ministers all had a share of the credit. When Huang Kezuan had exerted himself back then, Zhu Youxiao still remembered it vividly.

Letting out a sigh, Zhu Youxiao said: "Have the imperial physicians been sent over?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, they have already been sent." Wei Chao said hurriedly.

"Then let's go take a look." Zhu Youxiao said after thinking for a moment: "Have them prepare—we'll go directly to the Huang residence."

This time, he naturally couldn't go quietly. He had to make a grand show of it, make a big stir, so that everyone would know he was going to see Huang Kezuan.

When a minister fell ill and the Emperor personally came to visit, it represented recognition and reward for service.

It wasn't just for the Huang family to see—it was also for outsiders to see.

So Zhu Youxiao arrived at the Huang residence with great fanfare.