Chapter 805: Chapter 641: Yi Family
"Fourth Brother really is willing to risk it, daring to release such news to lure Big Brother over."
The Second Prince hadnât expected Prince Jing to be so bold. The treasure map wasnât even in his hands, yet he had already leaked the information to Big Brother.
However, this was also with the intention that Big Brother would not return. Itâs a pity Big Brother only took a few people to Hejian Prefecture to travel lightly.
Still, he left behind some precautions, this time Fourth Brotherâs plan failed. He must be regretting it now.
"Prince Jing really miscalculated this time. It seems there are hidden experts by the Eldest Princeâs side!"
Shen Shikang also coveted that batch of treasure, but unfortunately, too many people were vying for the treasure map this time. Even if the Second Prince got involved, he might not be able to seize it.
"Your Highness should quickly dispatch more men over there. Although various forces are fighting over the treasure map, itâs bound to be extremely difficult to obtain. But if we canât get it, we canât let others have it either!" Mr. Jiao said anxiously.
The others nodded in agreement, saying this made sense.
Even if the Emperor immediately appointed the Second Prince as the Crown Prince, should the treasure fall into other princesâ hands, whoâs to say they wouldnât use that gold to recruit soldiers?
What would the Second Prince do to contend with that? Even if he ascends the Dragon Throne, he would find no peace!
"Mr. Jiaoâs words are reasonable; itâs not too late to intervene now!" Shen Shikang urged hastily.
Actually, they were all too anxious. How could the Second Prince not understand these truths?
The Second Prince was also anxious inside, although he didnât show as much emotion on the surface.
"I naturally know this matter should be handled sooner rather than later, but I have some concerns."
The Second Prince paced a few steps. Who doesnât covet the treasure? But to obtain the treasure, one must have the life to enjoy it, right?
"Is Your Highness concerned about the Eldest Prince and them? In my humble opinion, Your Highness need not worry. Letâs just let the Eldest Prince and them fight it out, and then secretly look for an opportunity, wouldnât that increase our odds of success?"
Lu Haifang quickly offered a plan. This is a good opportunity. It would be a shame to miss it!
Upon hearing this, the Second Prince smiled and shook his head, "Iâm afraid Fourth Brother also has such plans!"
"This?" Lu Haifang and the others exchanged glances; this indeed seemed like Prince Jingâs way of handling things.
"Then itâs difficult to manage. Prince Jing probably wants us to clash with the Eldest Prince, so they can reap the benefits. But if we donât act, and the Eldest Prince gets the treasure map, when we and Prince Jing go to snatch it, wouldnât it be the same? Moreover, once itâs in the Eldest Princeâs hands, we might not even be able to snatch it,"
Mr. Jiao also felt a headache. Everyone wanted to be the yellow sparrow behind, but there can only be one yellow sparrow.
"Donât forget, the Emperor has already dispatched officials from the Dali Temple to thoroughly investigate this case. If the treasure map issue is discovered, can we even think about touching it anymore? If Left Vice Minister Ma Zhihong is assigned, the situation would be even worse for us. This person has long sided with Big Brother. By then, we wouldnât be able to move at all!"
The Second Prince didnât care much about those disputes but was wary of the Emperor.
If the Emperor discovered the issue of the treasure map while he was so active in secret, what would the Emperor think when he found out?
Would he perceive him as harboring ill intentions, wanting to replace him early? That is unknown.
The Emperor always viewed him as average, far less than Big Brother. He even had some affection for Fourth Brother, only Fourth Brother never realized it!
The third brotherâs mother was cherished by the Emperor, but what about himself and the Empress?
Back then, fearing the Yue Familyâs power, the Emperor weakened the Shen Family. Over the years, how much grievance have the Empress and he endured?
He understands the Emperor; in recent years the emperorâs suspicion has grown. Perhaps because he feels heâs getting older, he increasingly canât tolerate the princesâ antics.
"If the Emperor discovers this, he will surely not let go of the treasure map. Now the National Treasury is empty, and the Emperor is worried about Silver. Furthermore, if the princes get the treasure, how could the Emperor rest easy?"
Qian Licao also found it too risky, though he didnât know how much gold Wang Mang left behind. But according to historical accounts, the amount should be vast.
What would the Emperor think of the princes fighting over it? Would he feel they canât wait while heâs still alive?
Who will bear the Emperorâs anger?
"Are we just supposed to watch the treasure fall into othersâ hands? If the Emperor gets it, thatâs good. But if other princes get it..."
Lu Haifang sighed and frowned, pondering a strategy.
"I remember thereâs an Yi Family in Hejian Prefecture?" The Second Prince didnât pursue their words but suddenly switched topics.
However, his words left others momentarily dumbfounded, followed by some discomfort on their faces.
Even the Second Prince felt a bit awkward, though he had a thick skin and began contemplating inside.
About the Yi Family, in Hejian Prefecture, they are influential, previously one of the local prestigious and influential families.
When the late Emperor established the empire, the Yi Family contributed funds and efforts, making significant contributions too.
The Yi ancestors also produced many officials, including high-ranking ones. But for various reasons, those times have passed, and we wonât mention it here.
Later generations had barely a few low-ranking officials in the court, mostly from local posts.
Until the late Qing Dynasty, when the court became chaotic, Mrs. Zhao also participated in the struggle.
One beautiful lady from the Yi Family was taken in as a concubine in Mrs. Zhaoâs household.
Mrs. Zhaoâs ancestors were also from aristocratic families, with significant influence in the court at the time.
When the imperial throne was contested, the Yi Family naturally connected with the current Imperial Family through that concubine.
Originally, when the late Emperor had just stabilized his reign, it was time to reward meritorious officials, and others benefited, but the Yi Family faced unexpected matters.
It is said that before the late Emperor ascended the throne, he visited the Yi Family and took a fancy to the Clan Leaderâs sonâs fiancĂ©e.
The lady happened to be staying as a guest at the Yi familyâs main house; she was stunningly beautiful, with a captivating charm, and thus caught the late Emperorâs eye.
But the two families had long arranged a betrothal, having exchanged tokens, though they hadnât exchanged marriage papers yet. The pair were childhood sweethearts.
Though the Yi Clan Leader was unwilling, he arranged with the other family to send the lady to the late Emperorâs household.
The Clan Leaderâs son, a man of infatuation, was originally frail. Upon knowing this, he spat out a mouthful of blood on the spot, ultimately dying from it.
The lady, sent to the late Emperorâs house, never saw her beloved again and, upon learning of his death, died of grief.
In fact, one canât blame the two families; the lady that the late Emperor fancied, the two families wouldnât dare oppose, and they sent her over, proving quite tactful.
Unfortunately, fate played tricks, and those two were deeply in love.