Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 774 - 610 Counterattack

Gu Chengyu shook his head, "Senior Brother, don’t underestimate Prince Jing. I think he’s been biding his time these past years. It’s possible that the things happening in court are all his handiwork; he is not to be underestimated."

"Oh? You seem somewhat wary of him. If he truly is as you say, then he is indeed a strategist."

Yin Kun was puzzled by Gu Chengyu’s wariness towards Prince Jing. Could it be that Prince Jing is really making secret arrangements?

If that’s the case, his previous decisions were too hasty, and he needed to think them over carefully.

"There’s no need to be fearful. As a Sixth-rank Official, the fire of succession conflict shouldn’t reach me, right?" Gu Chengyu laughed.

"If Prince Jing truly has the ability, do you think his chances of becoming Crown Prince are significant?" Yin Kun asked lightly.

Gu Chengyu shook his head, "We don’t know his secret moves, so how can I judge? But I’ve met Prince Jing, and he appears harmless on the surface but is actually ruthless."

"Hmm!" Yin Kun couldn’t help feeling unsettled, and his previous decisions were shaken.

He hadn’t expected today’s conversation with Gu Chengyu would provide him with so much information.

"Actually, Senior Brother might consider waiting a bit longer. It’s too early to take sides now."

Yin Kun looked up sharply, staring at Gu Chengyu with astonishment.

He never mentioned taking sides to Gu Chengyu, yet Gu Chengyu already saw through it? This junior...

"Even Senior Brother is hesitating. After hearing you, I realize I don’t see as clearly as you do."

Yin Kun, seeing Gu Chengyu uncover his secrets, decided not to hide any longer.

"Does Senior Brother think the Second Prince has a better chance?"

Yin Kun nodded, "Indeed! The Second Prince doesn’t seem as simple as he appears. He’s never been caught in any mistake, revealing a clever mind disguised as foolishness."

Gu Chengyu previously stated he didn’t understand the Second Prince, so he couldn’t go back on his words. He intended to share a few thoughts to ensure Yin Kun had a clear perspective.

"Judging by the issues the Second Prince raised last time in court, I think he acts decisively. Being the legitimate son and having Marquis Zhan’s Mansion as his mother’s family, his chances seem promising. However, it depends on what the Emperor thinks; perhaps the Emperor favors the Eldest Prince more?"

In fact, Gu Chengyu’s preferred choice was also the Second Prince. While the Emperor treats the Eldest Prince well, he feels it’s only because the Eldest Prince is the Emperor’s eldest son and displays some capability.

"That’s possible. Compared to the Second Prince, the Eldest Prince enjoys more favor. But what about Xia Qing? Whose side is he on?"

Here, Yin Kun couldn’t help frowning.

In the court, Xia Qing builds alliances and attracts numerous officials under him. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

If Xia Qing supports a Prince, that Prince’s chances of becoming Crown Prince naturally increase.

Once that Prince ascends to the throne, Xia Qing would be credited as a founding merit!

Yin Kun took sides early for this reason too; if he acts as a Pure Minister and Xinhuang ascends the throne, his current position may not be secure.

His junior Jinyu lacks neither strategy nor courage, and no matter which new emperor ascends, talents like Jinyu will naturally succeed.

He’s different though; he wants to seize an opportunity for himself and his family.

With a deep sigh, Yin Kun gazed at the young man before him, lamenting that comparing oneself to others is discouraging.

...

"Your Highness! These lowly individuals are truly despicable, manipulating the extermination case. Valuing lives as ants, even if they ascend to the throne, they will struggle to command respect!"

In the study of the Eldest Prince’s Mansion, a man in a sky-blue round-neck Daoist robe spoke angrily.

This was Jiang Chengguan, the adviser to the Eldest Prince’s Mansion.

"Hmph! The Third Prince’s methods are becoming disgraceful. If this matter isn’t handled well, won’t it be a slap to my face? Father will think I’m incompetent, and the Third Prince is truly disgusting."

The Eldest Prince was equally displeased. Normally, it would be a trivial matter, but at this crucial moment, officials would seize on anything that goes wrong.

"Your Highness, the Third Prince is enjoying himself at the Military Equipment Bureau, watching the show from the banks!"

The Left Vice Minister of Dali Temple, Ma Zhihong, also sneered in contempt. The Eldest Prince had called these confidants today to discuss how to bring the Third Prince down.

"This Palace sees the Third Prince as too idle and needs to find some work for him."

The Eldest Prince turned to look out at the dim sky outside the window — dusk had passed, with signs of a storm brewing.

"Finding him something to do isn’t difficult, is it? Your Highness said the Military Equipment Bureau is developing a new weapon that hasn’t succeeded yet. Why not bribe the officials there to produce a batch of unfinished weaponry and report the matter to the Emperor?"

Adviser Yang Baiqi smiled sinisterly — this was a perfect opportunity as the matter of succession was pending.

If this plan succeeded, the Third Prince’s offenses would far surpass the Eldest Prince’s, and Yang Baiqi proudly endorsed his scheme.

The Eldest Prince turned sharply, casting a chilling gaze towards Yang Baiqi, startling him greatly.

Although the Eldest Prince wanted to lash out, he knew this was a critical time. These advisers were needed for ideas, so he couldn’t disregard them.

Moreover, Yang Baiqi had been somewhat useful to him before, showing some ability, yet even more ruthless than himself.

He had to maintain some politeness to prevent the others present from feeling displeased or fearful, inhibiting them from proposing ideas.

The Eldest Prince suppressed his anger, preparing to reprimand Yang Baiqi briefly.

"Manufacturing such unusable weapons would waste a lot of Silver. The National Treasury is already empty. Though it might anger Father greatly, it’s also harmful to the court. Don’t forget that Da Xing is still watching the border keenly."

The Eldest Prince may have been ruthless towards merchants previously, but he couldn’t stand wasting the court’s Silver — the bigger picture must be considered.

Yang Baiqi looked embarrassed, sitting quietly aside.

"Does anyone else have strategies? Let’s hear them, regardless of feasibility. We’re at a crucial time, with wealth and power just ahead. You should advance and retreat with this Palace, and this Palace won’t treat you poorly afterward."

The Eldest Prince felt some anxiety when seeing the companions remain silent.

"Your Highness! I think the priority is to find the true culprit of the extermination case, and as for the Third Prince? Naturally, he can’t be left carefree. What Mr. Yang just said has some merit."

"Oh? Mr. Sun, what insights do you have? Please share."

Adviser Sun Yao was always favored by the Eldest Prince, and even when the other two advisers were discontent, they had to swallow it.