My Wife is Unbeatable in the Whole World, Touch Me If You Dare!-Chapter 498 - 336: Steady!

Morning.

Li Nuo walked aimlessly on the street.

After visiting seven Imperial Censors yesterday, they had secured ten votes.

The three votes from the Imperial Hospital were acquired by Li Nuo through promising substantial benefits, with great difficulty.

The seven votes from the Imperial Censorate were thanks to the Sixth Princess's own efforts.

As soon as she released her Vast Qi, those Imperial Censors became her allies, not even needing an extra word.

However, ten votes were still far from enough.

But after all, Li Nuo was an outsider, having been in Zhao Country for only three months, knowing few officials and barely having any connections.

The only close relationship was with the Minister of Revenue.

But despite their camaraderie, even close brothers might have differing political views on such matters.

Having family members fall out due to vote choices was not uncommon.

Appealing emotionally was far less effective than promises of benefits.

But how to offer him benefits?

The man was neither a cultivator nor a practitioner of Martial Path or Medical School, so neither modifying his cultivation techniques nor directly improving his cultivation would be convincing.

Putting this matter aside for now, as he passed a crowded street corner, Li Nuo paused briefly.

Only three months remained until the day of the election.

The streets were abuzz with discussions about the event.

Though public support might not decisively impact the election outcome, it could sway some neutral officials.

Garnering public opinion required time.

Efforts must be made to draw the populace's attention to the Sixth Princess; as public opinion gained traction, officials in the court would naturally take notice.

So far, apart from the Imperial Hospital and Imperial Censorate, no one knew the Sixth Princess intended to vie for the throne.

Thus, the majority of courtiers would not consider voting for her.

If this were Daxia, it would be much easier to handle.

He could utilize various forces to gradually guide public opinion, but in Zhao Country, he was alone, with limited means.

He went out today to listen to public sentiment.

At a breakfast stall, several patrons talking about the princes.

"Who do you think will ultimately win among the princes?"

"I guess King An, the Emperor has praised King An's talents on many occasions."

"I think it will be King Shun. As the Eldest Prince, he has the most experience among the princes and he isn't lacking in ability."

"I predict it's the Fourth Prince. He's accomplished so many deeds, everyone can see that."

"Nonsense, what do those achievements have to do with the Fourth Prince? They were all done by people around the Sixth Princess. She just transferred all the credit to him."

"The Fourth Prince really has a good sister; otherwise, how could he possibly compete with the other three princes?"

Li Nuo moved to a nearby tea stall where patrons were still discussing state affairs.

"Though the Sixth Princess is a woman, her abilities are not inferior to any man's."

"Why can't the Sixth Princess compete for the throne? I think her ascension would be best for the people."

"But the Sixth Princess is a woman."

"So what if she's a woman? Can't a woman be Emperor? Have you forgotten that the Holy Emperor was also a woman?"

"In my opinion, the Sixth Princess has the same potential as the Holy Emperor back then…"

...

Li Nuo stood on the street, a look of astonishment on his face.

He thought the public's discussions would be confined to the four princes, but surprisingly, the Sixth Princess was mentioned the most.

The Sixth Princess had never publicly expressed any intention to vie for the throne. The three officials from the Imperial Hospital were researching malaria outside the capital, and the Imperial Censors wouldn't have exposed this. How did this rumor get started?

After listening for a while, Li Nuo was certain there were intentional efforts to guide public opinion behind the scenes.

Sometime later, within a small courtyard, Zhao Zhiyi looked at Li Nuo with a puzzled expression, saying, "I don't know, it wasn't me who arranged this."

Li Nuo also guessed it wasn't her.

First, she wouldn't do such things without consulting her.

Second, she didn't have that capability.

The person behind this must be an expert in manipulating public opinion, and it could not be done by one person alone; there had to be a large, professional organization supporting him.

Who could this person be...

King Sheng Mansion.

A figure rushed towards a certain palace hall but was stopped halfway.

He halted, slightly bowed, and said, "Greetings, Mr. Lin."

Although Mr. Lin had not been at the King Mansion for long, he had become the top strategist and King Sheng's favorite, commanding respect from even the long-serving staff of the mansion.

The refined gentleman looked at him, asking, "What's the matter, why are you in such a rush?"

The man replied, "Mr. Lin, rumors have been circulating among the people that all of King Sheng's achievements are actually the credit of the Sixth Princess, and that she should replace King Sheng to compete with the other princes. These rumors are spreading wildly, I was just about to report to King Sheng."

The refined gentleman's face darkened, and he scolded, "Foolish!"

The man trembled and murmured, "Mr. Lin, this..."

The refined gentleman said, "It's a clear attempt to sow discord. Can't you see? This is obviously a scheme by the other three princes to incite suspicion between the Fourth Prince and the Sixth Princess. You, being a long-serving member of King Sheng's household, should know his character. Once you inform him, it will arouse his mistrust towards the Sixth Princess, playing right into their hands."

The man, upon hearing this, thought carefully and broke out in a cold sweat.

Indeed, given King Sheng's suspicious nature, once he learned of this, even if he didn't fully believe it, he would certainly harbor doubt.

And anyone but the Sixth Princess could not be subject to his suspicion.

Being a long-serving member of the King Mansion, he knew very well that King Sheng owed his current fame and status to the Sixth Princess.

Their falling out was exactly what the other three princes hoped to see.

Thanks to Mr. Lin's reminder, he had almost made a grave mistake. ƒгeewёbnovel.com

Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he immediately cupped his hands towards Mr. Lin and said, "Thank you for the reminder, sir!"

The refined gentleman waved his hand and said, "Go and tell the others that no one is to mention this to His Highness. If we ruin this matter, I will hold you responsible!"

The man trembled again and said respectfully, "Yes, sir…"

...

Princess Mansion.

Li Nuo received a letter handed over by Zhao Zhiyi; it was sent by the Imperial Censor.

The letter stated that he had contacted eleven officials with Vast Qi and secured another eleven votes for the Sixth Princess.

This was undoubtedly excellent news.

Their decision to approach the Imperial Censorate first was indeed wise.

Vast Qi was a bond among all Confucian officials, enabling mutual trust and solidarity.

Securing the votes of the Imperial Censorate meant securing the votes of all the Confucian officials.

Unfortunately, there weren't many Confucian officials in the court, particularly those who had cultivated Vast Qi.

In the officialdom, being upright and incorruptible was not necessarily an advantage.

It made it difficult for them to blend in with other officials, and their uncompromising nature caused them to be kept at a distance by the courtiers.

Such officials were typically assigned to respectable but non-crucial offices like the Imperial Censorate, Imperial College, and Hongwen Academy, not managing key state affairs.

They were not cunning enough, making it difficult for their superiors and subordinates if placed in critical positions.

But as long as they held a sufficient rank, they still retained voting rights.

Counting these eleven votes, she now had twenty-one votes, still fewer than the princes, but sufficient to be a contender for the throne.

...

King Sheng Mansion.

"Your Highness, our spies report that the Imperial Censor has visited eleven officials in recent days. These officials are all Confucian officials with Vast Qi…"

Upon hearing his subordinate's report, King Sheng's smile was almost uncontrollable.

He once again felt fortunate for not being obstinate and choosing to listen to Mr. Lin.

Abandoning close ties indeed paid off.

If he had chosen to protect them back then, he would have certainly lost the support of the Imperial Censorate.

Securing the Imperial Censorate meant securing the Confucian officials in court.

Losing three votes but gaining eighteen was undoubtedly a profitable trade.

Mr. Lin's status in his heart rose yet again.

This was a true strategist!

Counting on his fingers, he found that adding these eighteen votes, he had now clearly surpassed his three elder brothers. If he won over a few more neutral officials, he could celebrate early.

He looked up, his eyes couldn't hide his joy.

Assured success!