Chapter 115

Shen Tianxing naturally wouldn't detain them. After exchanging a few polite words, he watched the four of them leave.

"You really aren't planning to use them or eliminate them? After all, they're just trouble."

Yang Tieqiang asked seriously. Shen Tianxing smiled and shook his head.

"I hadn't figured out a plan earlier, but now I have; letting them stay in Leiming City is also fine. Their identities wouldn't willingly resign to being mere commoners—if they stir up anything, how would the world see it once it gets out?"

"Even if they could restrain themselves from causing trouble, could they refrain from building their own power and undertaking something great? No matter how inept, they still possess some ability and status."

"Even if they truly could hold back, how long could their money last? Sooner or later it will run out—then what could they do?"

Yang Tieqiang understood, and Yue Yunyang nodded as if half‑comprehending.

"Now the people of Leizhou clearly know what Shen Tianxing intends to do, but we cannot rule out that some still harbor hopes for the imperial court; these four are the key to disappointing those people."

"Likewise, spreading this news will cause more people to lose faith in the imperial family; indeed, no deliberate action is needed—just let them become impoverished, and everything will unfold as we wish."

"These four, the last members of the Great Zhou imperial family, wandered the city for a long time before finally finding an inn they considered barely acceptable and settling in."

"They brought few attendants, all sent out to look for suitable residences; the family they brought—just wives and concubines—numbered over a dozen, filling the inn's upper rooms. At this moment, the two princes and two dukes were conferring in the Fifth Prince's room."

"Shen Tianxing is utterly presumptuous, thinking that just because he holds Leizhou and commands over a hundred thousand troops he can succeed in rebellion. He's merely a commoner's son, yet he dares to aspire to the Nine‑Five Supremacy—utterly ridiculous."

"The Third Prince was the first to voice his displeasure; if it weren't for the imperial family's upbringing restraining him, he would have already erupted in a tirade."

"He seized all of Leizhou in a short time—indeed, we must admit he truly has ability; this is certainly troublesome, but now it is also our opportunity."

"Since we're staying, we must make Leizhou the first step in our plan to retake the Capital and seize control of the Great Zhou; the world ultimately rests on the people, so we only need to win their hearts, find the right moment, and replace them."

"Prince Fu was very confident; he and Prince Rong had previously failed in the succession struggle not because they didn't want to compete, but because they knew their own strength, even if strong, could not hold onto power."

"But now it's different; if they can seize it, they have confidence they can defend it, so now is the time to stake everything—hence Prince Fu focuses on the key points and boosts the morale of the other three."

"Sixth Uncle, no need to say that—our remaining silver is scarce; even if we truly wanted to buy popular support, we must act cautiously, for this chance comes only once."

"Just now, someone under us found out that Shen Tianxing is planning to lead troops to attack Beizhou during this period; once he marches out, that will be our best opportunity, so for now we must endure."

"Do as much as possible to make the people accept and approve of us—such as setting up porridge stalls to give out porridge, and helping the populace punish evil and promote good; in short, before Shen Tianxing leads his troops on campaign, we must raise our reputation."

"At this moment the Fifth Prince became remarkably wise; it seems all his former teachers were merely putting on an act, which is normal—aside from the truly witless Third Prince, only the Fifth Prince feigning foolishness could survive to the end."

"Of course, whether he is genuinely clever or merely slightly shrewd remains unknown."

"These are easy to say, but the key now is who will sit on that throne; the two uncles aren't young either, and even if they took it they couldn't rule for long—better let me compete fairly with Fifth Brother."

"The Third Prince is a brainless fool; he hasn't even written his eight characters yet, and already he's plotting to seize the throne."

"As for me, I don't mind—being emperor isn't exactly a joy; I still prefer a carefree, happy life. All I need is your brothers' promise: whoever ascends the throne must grant me a fief of one province so I can enjoy my leisure."

"Prince Rong's words seem unambitious, but who knows what he's really thinking? Only the Third Prince would believe him, and Prince Fu beside him also nodded."

"Like Seventh Brother, I'm old anyway—being emperor holds no appeal for me; whichever of you brothers wants it can have it."

"Third Elder Brother, as the elder brother, the throne rightfully belongs to you—what more need be said? When the time comes, just give me a princedom, preferably also a province, and we'll all be satisfied."

"So, the stupidest are always the easiest to deceive; a few words were enough to make the Third Prince gleeful, almost to the point of losing himself."

"Then thank Fifth Brother and the two uncles—I'll take this position without yielding."

"That's only natural."

"Finally, all four laughed—one laughed at the thought that his wish would finally be fulfilled, while the other three laughed that the so-called fulfillment of that wish was nothing but folly."

"Over the next few days, Leiming City became unusually bustling, though mainly because the crowds came to watch the spectacle; the Third and Fifth Princes and the two dukes bought two mansions, then erected shelters at their gates to give out porridge."

"After a day, only about 180 people came for porridge—all elderly beggars, not a single young one; moreover, these old beggars held steamed buns in their hands while eating, taking a bite of bun then a sip of porridge."

"Your porridge is too thick; next time make it thinner. We use this porridge to dunk our buns, which are already dry—this porridge is overly viscous, it fills us up too much to walk."

"And since you're already giving out porridge, don't be stingy—add some small pickles or the like; that's what makes it fragrant."

"Exactly; besides, hardly anyone comes here for porridge anyway, so we might as well take the leftovers home to eat tomorrow—then we won't have to keep running back here every day."

"After several days, the princes and dukes heard almost nothing but these complaints, which infuriated them; upon inquiring around, they learned that Leiming City itself has a charity hall that daily distributes steamed buns to the elderly."

"As for the young people, most have jobs; the majority go farming, and they only need to turn over twenty percent of their harvest, the rest being theirs."

"Children all attend school, where meals and lodging are provided; they need only pay a small miscellaneous fee, or simply turn over some grain."

"Now the two princes and two dukes are out of options—just the porridge cooked these past few days has wasted a considerable amount of silver; the remaining rice, though not made into porridge, is still enough to feed them for a long time."

"Shen Tianxing is absolutely mad—if Leizhou were to follow his example, where would the money and grain come from to support all these commoners? He doesn't spare a thought for himself or his subordinates."

"The Third Prince, fuming, had spent a considerable amount of silver today, only to gain no popular support and instead embarrass himself."

"Third Elder Brother, there's no need for this—since this method won't work, let's think of another: have our subordinates spread some rumors, then finally we'll uphold justice, and won't the people's hearts come to us?"