Chapter 170 - Don't Cause Trouble!
In the afternoon, Tang Yue finally encountered the murderer, Zhao Sanlang. After several days of weariness, Zhao Sanlang appeared fatigued and despondent. His once-innocent demeanor had faded, and only his eyes retained their vitality.
“Feel free to ask anything,” Zhao Sanlang offered after Tang Yue studied him for the duration of an incense stick burning. “Ask whatever you wish.”
Tang Yue had an inkling about how Zhao Sanlang had killed his father's concubine, but he was concerned about upsetting the fragile state of the young man's soul. He needed to tread carefully.
“It's nothing, just a passing curiosity… hehe, merely idle pondering,” Tang Yue replied.
Zhao Sanlang shifted to the side and extended an empty teacup to Tang Yue, indicating he should pour some water.
Tang Yue complied without resentment, pouring a cup of water and awaiting Zhao Sanlang's narrative.
“It wasn't difficult. The entire State Protector Manor is currently preoccupied with the loss of their hereditary status,” Zhao Sanlang began. “The old man is busy with palace visits, pleading for mercy. Consequently, the prefecture's defenses are much more lax.”
Zhao Sanlang continued, “Furthermore, I have a group of individuals under my command, known as the State Protector Prefecture, but they're essentially my personal guards. Even if I'm ostracized from the clan, they remain loyal to me. Eliminating a woman within a familiar estate is as effortless as turning my hand.”
Tang Yue suspected that the situation was more complex than it appeared, but he allowed Zhao Sanlang to recount it in his own way.
“Now that you've avenged yourself, it's time to regain composure, isn't it?” Tang Yue remarked.
Zhao Sanlang rolled his eyes and replied, “I find my current state rather satisfying. I'm brimming with vitality, and I must handle my affairs independently. No one can meddle in my private matters anymore.”
Tang Yue stroked his chin and sighed, “Indeed, you radiate vitality. Your surge of male hormones is making you nearly indistinguishable from an uncle. Just look at your appearance. Who would believe you were once one of the four beauties?”
Zhao Sanlang blushed and swatted Tang Yue's hand away, cautioning, “Don't tease recklessly. You're the Crown Princess, after all. If the Crown Prince discovers you flirting with me, he won't let you off easily. I'll be doomed, wouldn't I?”
Tang Yue's lips twitched. Zhao Sanlang considered this flirting after a mere touch? He pondered teasing more people during his medical treatments.
“Haha… Don't be upset. It's just a jest. His Highness wouldn't recklessly harm others,” Tang Yue reassured with a chuckle.
Just as Zhao Sanlang's words trailed off, a chilling and resonant voice emanated from the doorway, uttering, “A solitary encounter!”
Crown Prince Zhao, in the dark about the situation, found Zhao Sanlang's exclamation to be overly loud. Before he could approach, the Crown Princess playfully taunted him.
Simultaneously, the expressions of the two individuals inside the room underwent a swift transformation. Zhao Sanlang's once smug countenance had now vanished entirely. He obediently rose and departed, his head hung low, offering no explanation.
Tang Yue fixed him with a stern look, then quickly donned a welcoming smile. “Why has His Highness returned? Wasn't there an urgent matter to attend to?”
“If he hadn't returned, how would I have known that Madam intended to take advantage of my husband's absence to engage in a dalliance with another?”
“Hehe… It's all in good fun. I merely wished to see Sanlang grow a beard and then ask him to shave it off so he'll struggle to find a wife in the future.”
At this mention, Crown Prince Zhao recalled that Zhao Sanlang remained unattached. He was not as settled in matrimony as the Heir of the State Duke Heng. Consequently, his proximity to Tang Yue didn't trouble him much.
It appeared that he needed to attend to the personal affairs of these subordinates.
If only Loyal and Brave Marquis weren't too young, he contemplated, he might resolve these matters more expeditiously.
Zhao Sanlang, who had been idle and stood on the sidelines, took a seat and spoke, “North Yue has dispatched an envoy. They propose a truce and a peaceful coexistence with South Jin, as well as the idea of a marital alliance between the two nations.”
Tang Yue pondered for a moment and inquired, “Is it a genuine truce or merely an attempt to lower our guard?”
“Based on intelligence gathered from various sources, it's believed to be approximately 80% truthful. North Yue has been embroiled in prolonged conflict, depleting their manpower, resources, and finances. They suffered a severe calamity last year, significantly reducing their food supply. They're in no condition to sustain another war.”
Zhao Sanlang interjected with enthusiasm, “In that case, can't we seize the initiative and deploy troops? Strike North Yue while they're vulnerable?”
Finally, Crown Prince Zhao turned his gaze towards him, though it remained stern as he countered, “You're overly optimistic. Do you think North Yue's cities are easily conquered? Particularly the imperial city of North Yue, with walls more impenetrable than any border fortress. It's a fortress that's easy to defend but exceedingly challenging to assail. How many South Jin soldiers do we need to sacrifice to even contemplate victory?”
Zhao Sanlang's face reddened as he admitted, “My apologies for the oversight.”
“This is indeed not an opportune moment. North Yue is facing grave challenges, and our own situation isn't favorable either. The national treasury is seriously depleted. Continuing the conflict will only lead to losses and harm our foundational strength. Advancing further will prove to be arduous.”
If the ceasefire proposition holds true, then the suggestion of a matrimonial alliance between the two nations carries genuine intentions.
Tang Yue wasn't overly concerned about someone targeting Crown Prince Zhao. After all, he was already wedded. Should he seek a matrimonial alliance, the other party must possess either a prince or a princess. Pursuing a princess for marriage would be futile, given his existing marital status.
Tang Yue had prematurely celebrated. In the entire chambers of the King of South Jin, the only individual who North Yue regarded with fear and regard was Crown Prince Zhao. He wouldn't be chosen. Could it be that they were contemplating one of the elderly figures from the three palaces and six courtyards?
“Young master… young master…” The butler entered the room, perspiration glistening on his forehead.
“What's the matter?” Tang Yue had been engrossed in reading books within Huian Hall. The anxious tone in his butler's voice triggered a sense of unease.
The butler's palpable agitation raised concerns in Tang Yue. Could something have befallen Crown Prince Zhao?
Several months had passed, bringing forth spring in full bloom. In Chee-ker City, young men and women embarked on outings in small groups. Tang Yue had even agreed with Crown Prince Zhao earlier in the morning to visit the next day.
“Has something happened to His Highness?” Tang Yue inquired as he stood up.
“No… yes…” The butler simultaneously nodded and shook his head, leaving Tang Yue puzzled.
“Don't rush. Take a moment to catch your breath.” Tang Yue poured the butler a glass of water and encouraged him to rest.
The butler shook his head and took a few deep breaths before revealing, “It's troubling news. Didn't the North Yue messenger arrive today? They actually proposed that Crown Prince take their princess as a concubine!”
“What! Don't they know that Crown Prince is already married?” Tang Yue seethed with anger. How audacious could someone be to entertain such thoughts about his beloved?
“They must be aware, and even the king mentioned it. They simply stated that they don't object to His Highness getting married. Their princess could become a secondary wife and share equal status with you!”
“Unbelievable!” Tang Yue couldn't help but vent his frustration. It was beyond comprehension that they would raise such a proposal without objection.
“Where is His Highness now? What was his response?” Tang Yue was undeterred by external opinions. As long as Crown Prince Zhao declined the idea, he wouldn't allow this foolish princess to be forced upon him.
“His Highness left the city for a patrol this morning on orders from the king. He's currently not in the city.”
“Have you discovered the king's stance on this matter? Has he given his consent?” Tang Yue paced around the study, formulating a plan.
“I heard he didn't give an immediate approval, but most of the officials are in favor. Marrying a North Yue princess seems like an advantageous move from any angle.”
Tang Yue pondered it and concurred. It was like a gift falling from the sky. Surrendering the position of a secondary wife was a small price to pay to prevent war in North Yue and secure a profit, regardless of whether the marriage went through.
They were, however, overly optimistic. With Crown Prince Zhao in the picture, no woman could enter that door unless he agreed.
If Crown Prince Zhao dared to agree, it would simplify matters significantly. Everyone returned to the bridge, resuming their journey.
“Send someone to locate His Highness and inform him of this. We should hear his perspective first.”
The butler anxiously watched Tang Yue, fearing he might be unable to find a solution. In his view, this marriage was set in stone. How could it possibly fail?
“Young master, don't be disheartened. We've all witnessed how His Highness regards you. That North Yue princess is merely an adversary's daughter. Even if she entered our household through marriage, it would be in name only.”
Tang Yue chose not to dispute the butler's words. He responded with an impassive expression and dismissed him.
With the others gone, he lost interest in perusing the ledger. He cast it aside and retrieved a recently acquired sandalwood carving.
Yueyang Marquis's birthday was approaching, and Tang Yue intended to craft a decoration to commemorate the occasion. As for the vexing matters, he left them in Crown Prince Zhao's capable hands.
Yet, his afternoon didn't proceed smoothly. News of Crown Prince Zhao's impending marriage to the North Yue princess swiftly circulated. Representatives from the Yueyang Marquis's Mansion and the State Duke Heng's Mansion arrived to console and counsel him, concerned that he might not be thinking clearly.
Following these two families, Zhao Sanlang also showed up. He wasn't there to offer consolation but to settle debts. “Tang Xiaolang, I still owe you my life. Just point out who needs to be eliminated, and I'll take care of it, no matter the odds!”
Tang Yue ushered him out. “Alright. Go back and stay out of trouble!”
Relying on Zhao Sanlang to eliminate his romantic rival wasn't a feasible option, after all.
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