Chapter 606 - 593: Delight

Chapter 606: Chapter 593: Delight

However, even though Chu Yunhe committed this act, he never informed his confidant, Mr. Wei, in advance. Therefore, when questioned by Mr. Wei about the failed endeavor, Chu Yunhe felt a pang of guilty.

He didn’t even dare to admit it.

“Judging by your reaction, I suppose I don’t need to ask.” Mr. Wei leaned back, folding his arms across his chest, “What did the First Prince feel after the act?”

Chu Yunhe was already distraught and guilty due to his failure to kill Chu Yunzhao. Now, Mr. Wei’s questioning made him even more uneasy, and he admitted with a hoarse voice, “I realize now that I made a mistake. I should not have ordered the assassination of Chu Yunzhao at that time.”

Otherwise, he wouldn’t be plagued by rumors in the capital city now.

“First Prince, indeed you made a mistake, but not in trying to kill Chu Yunzhao.” Mr. Wei said.

“Oh?” Chu Yunhe was taken aback for a minute, he bowed slightly to Mr. Wei, “I don’t understand Mr. Wei’s meaning.”

“Two tigers can’t share the same mountain, it’s in your nature as a royal prince to strive for the throne – a true display of imperial dominance. Therefore, ordering the assassination of Fourth Prince was not wrong in the least.”

Mr. Wei shot a quick glance at Chu Yunhe and continued, “But you were wrong to pull out too early. Although the Fourth Prince was not harmed, Chu Jinnian was seriously injured, and the Fourth Prince must have been in tremendous chaos with all his attention focused on Chu Jinnian. With the journey back to the capital being a long one, had you sent more men at the time, you surely could have found the right opportunity to take the Fourth Prince’s life.”

“So, the First Prince’s downfall was due to his leniency. I understand that the First Prince has a benevolent heart, but many times, that doesn’t help at all. What you hold in your hands is the most important.”

“Mr. Wei is absolutely right.” After listening to Mr. Wei, Chu Yunhe felt his words made sense, and he hurriedly said, “From now on, I will listen to Mr. Wei’s words and not make decisions rashly.”

The more Chu Yunhe thought about it, the more regret he felt. He regretted why he didn’t discuss this matter with Mr. Wei first.

If he had properly consulted with Mr. Wei from the beginning, the whole nation would undoubtedly be mourning by now.

With these thoughts in mind, Chu Yunhe sighed.

Mr. Wei watched Chu Yunhe, a look of scorn flitting through the corner of his smile.

Chu Yunhe was intrinsically dull and indecisive, always going along with other people’s decisions, truly not a wise ruler.

However, precisely because he’s not a wise ruler, if he were to be placed in that position, it would surely allow Mr. Wei to gain everything he desired. If he controlled the emperor, he could influence the lords. Why not?

And even if the First Prince’s power diminishes and he ultimately fails to ascend to the throne, no matter who becomes the emperor, Mr. Wei, as a veteran minister, won’t be severely punished which could potentially lead to criticisms against the emperor’s narrow-mindedness resulting in a loss of public support. Mr. Wei can conveniently change the strings and preserve his status and position.

That is to say, if he goes forward, he will be above everyone else. Even if he retreats, he won’t lose much. Hence, Mr. Wei felt that he could certainly gamble a little.

“The First Prince need not regret so much. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future.” Mr. Wei said, “The most urgent issue right now is how to get back in the emperor’s good graces.”

“The emperor is in his prime, and the other princes will gradually grow up. The First Prince’s opponent has not been limited to the Fourth Prince. Instead of targeting each one, it would be better to seek the emperor’s favor and solidify your own position.”

“But, how can I win the emperor’s favor?” Chu Yunhe was immediately troubled.

He had been sitting on the bench for quite a while, and nothing around him seemed enough to please Chu Shengrui at the moment.

Observing Chu Yunhe’s vexation, Mr. Wei smiled, “Has the First Prince recently heard about the invention of the waterwheel?”

“I have heard about it. It’s said that the waterwheel can easily draw water from a canal or river to irrigate farmlands, alleviating drought. The drought in Lu area has been somewhat alleviated, and even the emperor has highly praised it.”

Chu Yunhe asked with some confusion, “But what does this waterwheel have to do with pleasing the emperor?”

Mr. Wei’s smile deepened, his face reflecting a cunning glimmer, “Though they seem unrelated, given the right opportunities, they can be linked.”

Chu Yunhe’s confusion deepened.

—-

With the arrival of the beginning of autumn, the scorching summer had some cool breezes in the morning and evening.

The crops in the field, sustained by ample water, grew robust in the refreshing cool wind blowing in the morning and evening.

Then, a sudden wind came from the horizon, followed by a torrential rain.

The rain came quickly and ended rapidly. The next day was sunny, and the sun shone brightly at noon, continuing its scorching heat. However, such a rain was enough to provide the required water for the growth of crops during this period. The villagers no longer needed to manage the waterwheel and could focus on their own work, heaving a sigh of relief. Everything seemed to return to normal – peaceful and busy.

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Until one morning, a carriage slowly arrived and stopped in front of Zhuang Qingning’s house.

At first, on hearing the neigh of the horses, Zhuang Qingning thought it was Chu Jinnian who had come. She instructed Xiangqiao to make a cup of tea and brought out some milk cake that she had just made in the morning for Chu Jinnian to try.

However, just as she placed the plate on the stone table in the courtyard, she heard a knock at the door.

Following which, someone asked, “Is this Zhuang Qingning’s house?”

“Indeed, it is.” While responding, Zhuang Qingning went to see who it was. Upon seeing a rotund, middle-aged man, not very tall, with a servant by his side, she was somewhat surprised, “May I know who you are…?”

“You must be Zhuang Qingning?” The middle-aged man didn’t lift his eyelids, “I am the Magistrate of Ningming – Zhuang Qisheng.”

Magistrate Zhuang?

Zhuang Qingning blinked her eyes.

She remembered, when sending Zhuang Qingsui to the women’s academy for the examination, she was challenged by the arrogant and domineering Zhuang Qinglan. Zhuang Qinglan had mentioned then that her father, Zhuang Qisheng, was the Magistrate of Ningming Prefecture.

Zhuang Qinglan was annoyed at that time and seemed determined to make amends. After she went back, she would definitely ask Zhuang Qisheng for support. And now that Zhuang Qisheng had suddenly shown up at her door, was he here to take revenge for Zhuang Qinglan?

“So, it’s Magistrate Zhuang.” Zhuang Qingning bowed, “I wonder, what brings Magistrate Zhuang to my humble abode.”

“In recent times, a great drought hit the entire Ningming Prefecture, causing many crops to die. Fortunately, the invention of the waterwheel allows the common people of Ningming Prefecture to survive this crisis. After making inquiries, I learned that you created the waterwheel. Thus, I am personally dropping by, on behalf of the people of Ningming Prefecture, to extent our gratitude.”

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