Chapter 227

·

·

·

Protagonist:

Shen Yao

One month, all fiefs within the Northern borders, except for Changzhou Prefecture and others controlled by Qi Chen, were all visited by Qi Haochen and his men.

It was a literal visit, and Qi Haochen used this to make a name for himself abroad.

The entire North quieted down, while also intimidating other fiefs around Qi State.

This isn't something you can just stop after finishing; seeing that the North was done, could the East, West, and South possibly escape? Of course not.

Oh dear, what should we do?!

"What do we do? We've always been loyal to the sovereign and patriotic; surely we're not afraid of ending up like those rebellious ministers and thieves?"

Some spoke with righteous indignation, others lacked confidence; as for the true nature of these big shots, no need to say more. Usually, telling lies to fool people was something no one would actively expose, but now it was different—everyone was watching coldly.

"Better to submit a confession letter; no matter what, get the family members out first, saving one is one."

At least our own bloodline cannot be cut off; otherwise, such a huge family business would be all for nothing.

"Tsk, afraid the Emperor won't agree; those imperial brothers who returned to Jingcheng haven't come out again."

"Tsk, then you tell us what to do—this won't work, that won't work; just obediently wait to die. Maybe the imperial brother, out of regard for the Royal Family's face, will leave us full corpses."

"……"

The noise and clamor never stopped from the moment the news spread.

When Qi Haochen was causing chaos in the North, it was chaotic; when Qi Haochen brought his men right before their eyes, there was still no clear winner.

Even Qi Haochen himself was speechless; these uncles and elders of his, though they usually put on a good show, were actually all oddballs.

He had the guide bring guards to ransack the house; Qi Haochen crossed his arms, looked up at the sky, and sighed that once some things were started, they couldn't be stopped.

No wonder the Emperor entrusted this matter entirely to him.

Shen Shi and Shen Zhen, brother and sister, followed Qi Haochen traveling south and north, busy; though there were many hardships on the road, in terms of results, everything was worthwhile.

"These days Chen'er has been tempering himself, his methods and experience are becoming more mature and steady;" you must know that before they left the capital, Shen Zhen wouldn't have believed such a thing.

"The Emperor's intentions aren't something we can fathom; it seems Chen'er already has a plan in mind."

At least in Shen Shi's eyes, the position of Qi State's new Emperor belonged to no one but Qi Haochen.

The brother and sister whispered to each other, both hoping Qi Haochen would do well, wishing that this time nothing unexpected would happen.

"Ha, how could there be so many unexpected events? Am I the kind of person who goes back on his word?"

Far away in Jingcheng's Imperial Palace, the Emperor stood before the Imperial Study, holding a secret letter just delivered.

Qi Haochen and his men fought their way in and out within Qi State's borders; the imperial clan relatives who had committed crimes were sent back to the capital in an endless stream by his soldiers.

Thinking of the many idlers who would soon fill the Qin Wang Fu in Jingcheng, the Emperor smiled and rubbed his sore, swollen forehead, "Have they all settled down?"

Must he resort to thunderous methods? Why not just honestly admit their mistakes?

"Replying to the Emperor, they are all very obedient; no one has been hard-headed after entering the prison."

Because those who were hard-headed had already been scared out of their wits before even entering.

Qi State's prison wasn't easy to deal with; no matter your identity or background, the jailers treated everyone the same, and their beatings, killings, and tortures were first-rate.

Originally there were a few who jumped up and down filing complaints, but now they had all vanished without a trace, unknown whereabouts.

Sometimes although cruel methods are not advisable, cruelty also has its benefits—it can reduce some unnecessary trouble.

"Hehe, as long as they're obedient; let the obedient ones return to their fiefs to live."

"I am not someone who disregards blood ties; it's just that they went too far."

If they had been this obedient earlier, why bother matching wits with him?

The steward eunuch standing behind the Emperor, upon hearing this, didn't forget to echo the Emperor's words.

As a lackey by the Emperor's side, the steward eunuch knew best what he should and shouldn't do at this time.

"You, following me for decades, yet there's no need to be so hypocritical."

He waved his hand to dismiss the steward eunuch; the Emperor covered his mouth corner and coughed twice in a low voice.

The voice was muffled and heart-wrenching; however, only he remained in the room, so no one came to soothe him softly.

On the other side, Qi Haochen, still unaware of the situation in Jingcheng, continued to whip his horse and clear out these fiefs.

It wasn't that he hadn't encountered fierce resistance, but most couldn't withstand a few rounds before hastily surrendering.

By the end, Qi Haochen didn't even need to appear personally; just sending a letter was enough, and those greedy-for-life, afraid-of-death princes had no choice but to surrender.

However, people like these, without backbone, received many benefits after returning to Jingcheng.

One must always show some benefits to others; otherwise, if everyone went all out, they could also accomplish earth-shattering deeds.

"This is the last place; after we're done, we can set off back to the capital."

Qi Haochen narrowed his eyes, his expression indifferent, not knowing what he was thinking.

They had been out for more than half a year, traveling back and forth every day in such a highly tense atmosphere.

Qi Haochen, Shen Cheng, and Shen Shi were fine; cared for by Shen Zhen, they could better withstand the hardships. A woman like Shen Zhen, who had trained, had already fallen ill several times on the road.

Fortunately, there were enough medicinal herbs to support them, and Shen Zhen was no ordinary woman, so they could persist with the three of them to complete the entire journey.

Although his body had lost a circle of weight, he was spirited, with bright and lively eyes.

This time going out to handle affairs for the Emperor, not only Qi Haochen was tempered, but the other three also gained to varying degrees.

Shen Zhen slapped her hand directly on Qi Haochen's shoulder and hummed to remind him not to get too happy too soon, "Mother said, the closer to the end, the more steady one must be."

"Nowadays, there are few who can measure themselves against you; Fifth Sister here congratulates you in advance, success is assured."

Shen Zhen blinked her eyes; her whole person looked lively and spirited, cute and adorable.

Qi Haochen chuckled, scratching his head. "I'll accept Fifth Sister's congratulations. Once we return to Jingcheng, Younger Brother will certainly find a fine husband for Fifth Sister."

"Go on, whether the husband is fine or not doesn't matter. As long as things are well on your end." What kind of husband she wanted was just a matter of a single word from her.

Instantly, the brother and sister each revealed a tacit, understanding smile.

Shen Shi passed by and saw it, feeling his teeth ache. He still preferred mischievous children, but right now this was indeed a moment of ease.

The body had long been in a tense atmosphere, including the emotions becoming somewhat unpredictable.

He instructed the subordinates beside him not to forget to patrol a few more rounds, ensuring absolute safety in the surroundings, then Shen Shi came to stand beside Eldest Young Master Shen Cheng.

"What's wrong?"

Shen Cheng was the Head of the Caravan in this team, and usually he was the busiest.

Suddenly seeing his own brother come over, he thought something had happened again somewhere.

Shen Shi shook his head. "Just finished the task at hand, came over to check on Eldest Brother."

Look at him? What's there to look at?

Shen Cheng didn't understand, looking at Shen Shi with a puzzled gaze, until Shen Shi opened his mouth to tentatively ask about Wei Fan, whom Shen Cheng had long forgotten at the back of his mind.

Wei Fan?!

Shen Cheng didn't understand why Shen Shi would ask about this person. As early as in Xuan De Fu, hadn't they discussed it? Just pretend not to know.

Shen Shi mentioned the position Qi Haochen might sit on next, including the benefits their brothers would gain. "I'm afraid the Wei family won't be able to resist coming closer."

Shen Shi frowned. Childhood memories were not pleasant. Shen Shi only remembered the Wei family pressing them step by step, not even caring about a shred of family affection.

Later they left Qing River Town, left Linshan County, and finally came to Changzhou Prefecture.

Many years of quiet life made Shen Shi even more unwilling to destroy it, but he truly had no good impression of the Wei family, and held no hope for their bottom line.

"Wei Fan has things he cares about. Throwing a rat, fearing to smash the vessel — he doesn't dare do anything to us.

But the Wei family is different. The Wei family is like wild beasts that have smelled meat. As long as the profit is great enough, they will certainly come running to take a bite."

Shen Shi isn't afraid of the Wei family seeking death, but he doesn't want the Wei family's matters to affect Qi Haochen.

To put it in utilitarian terms, Shen Shi worries the Wei family will ruin their chance at Overnight Success.

You must know, being enfeoffed as a Prince and as a Duke are two completely different treatments.

Shen Shi has been busy all along, making diligent effort, wanting to seek a better future prospect — that's not excessive.

This doesn't affect the feelings between them brothers, why would they still refuse?

Shen Cheng fell into contemplation because of Shen Shi's words. He clearly knew the Wei family's terror and difficulty more than Shen Shi.

"This matter, you don't need to worry about. I'll send people to handle it."

Shen Cheng patted Shen Shi's shoulder. "Won't let the Wei family affect us."

People who already have no relationship should go live their own lives well, like two parallel lines with no intersection, not disturbing each other.

……

"How does Shen Cheng want to arrange it? Go find them personally? Isn't that asking for trouble?"

Perhaps the Wei family never had this intention to begin with. Shen Cheng putting himself at risk might instead give the Wei family ideas.

The System pulled up the melons it had eaten, telling the Host it's fundamentally not like this.

'Shen Cheng sent someone to deliver a letter to Wei Fan. With Wei Fan's existence, the Wei family won't cause trouble.'

These years of natural disasters haven't had zero influence. The Wei family also hasn't lived in Qing River Village for a long time.

Bringing their family to Xuan De Fu to rely on Wei Fan means they can only depend on others' breath.

Shen Cheng grasped Wei Fan's psychology, understanding that their father and son each being well was advantageous to everyone.

There, a single letter smoothly resolved all trouble. Originally it still planned to remind the Host.

The System clicked its nonexistent mouth corner, lamenting the mission was already nearing its end. Just one beautiful wrap-up away, and they could reap the harvest.

'What's the rush? How far are Chen'er and them from Jingcheng? The Emperor has already sent people to deliver an Imperial Edict to us, formally inviting us to return to the capital.'

How much importance? It's the kind where one look tells you good things are going to happen.

Qi Chen has therefore been excited for several days. If not for the Mansion's affairs being busy, he might even have wanted to hold a flowing-water banquet.

'Qi Haochen can return to Jingcheng in another half month. If the Host leaves now, you might run into them on the road.'

There's only one official road from Changzhou Prefecture to Jingcheng. Although they're traveling toward each other, there's definitely a possibility of meeting outside the city.

'If you don't meet, it doesn't matter either. If this trip to the capital achieves what you wish, our years of planning and effort won't have been in vain.'

Compared to seeing the kids a bit early, Shen Yao cares more about the Emperor's attitude.

The System hurriedly gave Shen Yao a Reassurance Pill. The Emperor definitely won't make trouble this time. Decisive action — a large batch of Imperial Clan Relatives have already been ruined. If Qi Haochen doesn't take his position, Qi State will truly be finished.

'Host, still discuss with Qi Chen. It's time to set off for the capital.'

It already can't wait to hear that beautiful Imperial Edict read out.

Shen Yao smiled. 'Keep watching. I'll go to the Front Courtyard to find Qi Chen now.'

Words finished, Shen Yao stood up and tidied her somewhat disordered clothes and hair bun.

Calling the maidservant waiting at the doorway, Shen Yao maintained a good mood until meeting Qi Chen.

"Madam, the carriages and horses for departure are already prepared. When do we set off?"

Qi Chen reached out to steady Shen Yao as she sat, himself busy and bustling about very lively.

Seeing Qi Chen happy, Shen Yao smiled at the corner of her mouth. "Whenever the Prince wants to depart, this concubine finds it acceptable."

The two of them going to Jingcheng this time is only because Qi Haochen is their child.

In fact, the Emperor establishing the Crown Prince doesn't have much to do with the two of them. Because Qi Chen can only get a title of address, but in rank he's still a Prince.

"This King wants to first settle the Mansion's matters properly. Chen'er returning to Jingcheng still needs preparation." Going too early would appear impatient, although Qi Chen's heart indeed felt a bit impatient.

"Prince, why not wait until after Chen'er enters the capital, then we set off?"

From Changzhou Prefecture taking the official road to Jingcheng is only several days. The matter of establishing the Crown Prince is no small thing. They must give Jingcheng a bit of preparation time.

Qi Chen and Shen Yao decided to wait until Qi Haochen entered the capital before setting out.

Several days later, Qi Haochen, who had been away for over half a year, finally arrived in Jingcheng.

Unlike when he left, Qi Haochen received unprecedented attention upon his return.

Not only did Qi State officials come to welcome him, but the Emperor also praised and rewarded him.

Although he did not announce his investiture as Crown Prince on the spot, the various implications revealed were clear as day to anyone who wasn't a fool.

Qi Haochen kowtowed in thanks, and a trace of firmness flashed in his gaze toward the Emperor.

Upon returning to the Qin Wang Fu, Qi Haochen set down his heavy burdens, smiling as he lamented the hardships along the way; fortunately, they had endured it all in the end.

"I wonder when Father King and Mother Consort will enter the capital. Third Brother, Younger Sister, you should go rest. Also find time to inform Fourth Sister."

As for Eldest Young Master, he had already parted ways with them on the return journey.

Shen Cheng was serving as Qi Chen's subordinate, traveling together in private, but unable to appear together publicly.

To avoid leaving grounds for criticism, Shen Cheng had to return to Changzhou Prefecture first to rendezvous with Shen Yao, then hurry to the capital.

Although the process was somewhat troublesome, these were extraordinary times calling for extraordinary measures; they still had to keep as low-key as possible. That edict was still pinched in the Emperor's hand, and had not been publicly proclaimed after all.

"Chen'er, if you enter the palace recently, remember to be careful, to guard against desperate men taking desperate risks."

Shen Zhen stood up, knocked her arms and rubbed her legs; while relaxing her mind, she did not forget to remind Qi Haochen to be careful.

Shen Shi went so far as to say he would remain by his side at all times, ensuring Qi Haochen's absolute safety.

Qi Haochen:... There's really no need to go to such lengths.