Chapter 2188: Going Too Far

Chapter 2188: Going Too Far

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Henyee Translations

The second prince seethed with unutterable rage, his clenched fists trembling with suppressed fury.

But what choice did he have? He could only offer a forced nod and a grateful smile. "In that case, I’ll have to trouble Uncle..."

General Sun chuckled heartily, dismissing the prince’s concerns with a wave of his hand. "Loyalty to the Emperor is my foremost duty! And with me overseeing recruitment personally, gathering soldiers will be a breeze. You need not worry, Your Majesty. However, the crucial support for logistics, such as rations and weapon production, still rests with the Emperor’s Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of Architecture, and Ministry of War. Especially rations—they must be prioritized. After all, an army marches on its stomach, as they say!"

The second prince’s vision dimmed, and he felt himself on the verge of collapse.

This was too much to bear!

"Uncle, please rest assured..."

"Then I shall be at ease! I won’t trouble the Emperor any further. I’ll ensure our troops are well-trained to reclaim the empire in your name! The Emperor reigns supreme!"

A flicker of relief passed through the second prince’s heart, and he managed a strained smile. "Uncle, your unwavering loyalty brings me great comfort."

With General Sun departing contentedly, the second prince slouched back on his throne, his gaze vacant and distant. His mind swirled with a tumult of emotions.

He was furious—absolutely furious—but utterly powerless to defy the status quo.

What recourse did he have? Since his ascent to the throne, not only the military but also the six ministries had fallen under the sway of the Sun family’s officials.

There was no need to mention the local officials; each time he subdued a region, his uncle promptly reinstated the local officials, issuing orders for their appointment, with reports sent to him for final decree.

Initially, he was wholly consumed by the euphoria of ascending to the throne, reveling in it with a sense of self-satisfaction. But by the time he recognized the brewing discontent, it was already too late.

Unless he were to sever ties with the Sun family, he had no grounds to oppose his uncle’s decisions.

Yet, could he afford to alienate the Sun family? It was inconceivable!

The Second Prince clenched his teeth, his voice laced with cold determination. "One day..."

In truth, he had no clear vision of what that "one day" might entail.

When Sun Pu learned of his intention to release Shao Yunduan, he was incredulous. "Father, it’s a wretched place. With our forces, seizing the city would be a mere formality. Why let him go? His insolence is a direct affront to the Sun Family and the Emperor! Allowing him to walk free will only embolden his arrogance!"

Sun Pu returned from his defeat feeling utterly humiliated. Upon the second prince’s return, he faced further reprimands, deepening his sense of shame. Moreover, he realized that his prospects of commanding the army independently were all but dashed after this debacle.

In another two to three years, the chasm between him and his brothers would widen inexorably. He would be relegated to the role of a mere noble Young Master, awaiting his inevitable demise.

How could he stand idly by as others accrued power through nefarious means?

He didn’t believe himself incapable; rather, he harbored a deep-seated resentment towards Shao Yunduan for obstructing his path.

If not for Shao Yunduan’s vile machinations, he wouldn’t find himself in such dire straits. The mere thought of sparing Shao Yunduan felt like a jagged bone lodged in his throat.

Reuniting with his biological father hadn’t been easy. He had fervently anticipated his father seeking vengeance on his behalf, only to be met with a disheartening response: "Forget it!"

"It must be the Emperor’s doing, isn’t it? The Emperor must be deluded. Still entertaining thoughts of recruiting Shao Yunduan? It’s sheer folly! Shao Yunduan will never consent to such a proposition!"

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