Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 807 - 643: Underlying Currents Surging

"This matter must not be rushed. If the Yi Family senses any clue, and then raises their price, acting high and mighty, it would be a loss."

The Second Prince spoke these words, but his expression was one of confidence.

Shen Shikang felt gratified, stroking his beard as he looked at the Second Prince, feeling very satisfied with this nephew.

"However, before that, we need to muddy the waters a bit more; there aren’t enough people shielding us from the storm."

The Second Prince pondered for a long time and then came up with an idea.

"Your Highness wants to involve other forces? It might become uncontrollable then."

Qian Licao feared that the Second Prince might make the situation too large to handle, potentially letting the treasure map benefit others.

"If the waters aren’t muddied, how can you fish in troubled waters?"

The Second Prince laughed heartily, seemingly in a good mood.

"Is Your Highness planning to let some information leak to the Third Prince?"

Jiao Ling thought that if the candidate was the Third Prince, then this plan was indeed brilliant.

The Third Prince was impulsive. If he knew about the treasure map, how could he hide in the shadows, carefully plotting like Your Highness and Prince Jing?

He’d probably rush into conflict with the Eldest Prince, and even if the Eldest Prince wanted to ally with the aristocratic families of Hejian Prefecture, he wouldn’t succeed.

Could the Third Prince let the Eldest Prince have his way? He would certainly be eager to intervene.

"Indeed! Let these two factions fight it out, while we just need to keep an eye on Fourth’s people."

The Second Prince looked approvingly; Mr. Jiao was a capable man, able to understand his intentions without explicit explanation.

"What about His Majesty?" Shen Shikang was worried about the Emperor. Bringing the Third Prince into the water and making a big deal of it would only alert the Emperor.

If the investigation revealed Your Highness’s involvement, no one would come out unscathed.

"Even if Father finds out after implicating the Third Prince, what difference does it make? Everyone is involved, and Father’s punishment loses its power. Even if the treasure falls into the hands of the court, it’s better than going to someone else."

"Moreover, I’ve been biding my time for years; Father always thought I was mediocre. This is the perfect chance to show him whether I am indeed incapable."

The Second Prince gazed at the dark sky with determination and sharpness.

It’s time. If I don’t reveal my true nature to Father, I might truly be overlooked.

Though Father isn’t senile yet; he knows that my ability to remain resilient over the years isn’t the mark of a mediocre person.

But Eldest Brother’s outstanding performance has always been in the lead, and why would Father pay attention to me?

And those astute people in the court haven’t made their stance clear yet!

These words brought a hush to the study, causing everyone to clench their fists in excitement.

"Your Highness should have done this long ago; constant retreating — where does it end?"

Jiao Ling was stirred, standing up and nearly knocking over the tea cup in front of him.

"Yes! Your Highness, the position of Crown Prince rightfully belongs to the Central Palace Legitimate Son. I am willing to swear loyalty to Your Highness unto death, whatever it takes!"

Shen Shikang quickly declared his stance, his eyes full of eager hope, and his heart was surging with emotion.

"Swear loyalty to Your Highness, and in the future, I shall do my utmost until death!"

The others also stood up to pledge their allegiance, moving the Second Prince to tears.

His voice trembled, "Very well! You’ve followed me and suffered grievances. From now on, we’ll work together in unity and face challenges together."

The Second Prince was both excited and touched, even using "I" to refer to himself.

On the surface, the court seemed calm, but hidden undercurrents were stirring. Some were trying to create a storm; the calm lake did not know what monstrous waves would soon disturb it!

No matter if the hidden tide lurking beneath would break the tranquil surface, Gu Chengyu was indeed experiencing a few busy but fulfilling days.

Of course, there were still some small annoyances.

That day, Gu Chengyu had just finished his duties and returned to the residence, preparing to have dinner with his parents in the inner courtyard.

"Xiao Bao, why have you been so busy lately? Your mother seldom sees you. Look! Your face has gotten thinner."

Mrs. Lv was displeased with Gu Chengyu always rushing through his greetings and leaving; the mother and son couldn’t even have a proper conversation.

Besides, she was unfamiliar with the Capital and felt idle all day.

"Mother! I have indeed been busy recently. Tomorrow, I have a rest day. How about I take you to the famous Bao En Temple in the Capital to offer incense?"

Seeing Mrs. Lv’s dim eyes, Gu Chengyu felt a twinge of guilt.

He had brought his parents to the Capital but hadn’t had time to properly accompany them. They were used to the freedom in Shangling Village, and here, there was not even anyone to visit.

In Shangling Village, even if his mother didn’t go out to play, she was never short of people to chat with daily.

Mr. Gu loved to walk around the fields every day, watching the crops grow taller day by day, which made him very happy.

Gu Chengyu instructed someone to set the table while pondering how to arrange things so his parents could be content.

"Offer incense? I would like that, to offer incense to the Bodhisattva, that she may bless you with a long life and quickly grant me a big fat grandson."

Mrs. Lv perked up at the idea, unable to hide her smile. When idle, she tended to let her thoughts wander.

Gu Chengyu was a bit embarrassed, "Didn’t Yue just return a few days ago? If you want to see Yun and Ping, I can have them brought over. If not, I can bring over my second sister’s Xiao Baozi; he’ll surely keep you busy all day."

Xiao Baozi was at that annoying age, constantly restless and causing havoc around the house.

His second sister always flew into a rage, complaining about who had swapped her obedient Xiao Baozi for this little troublemaker.

"That’s different. In our family, you’re the only one not married yet. Getting married early would also mean having grandchildren early. Your mother and I won’t stay in the Capital for long. In a couple of years, we’ll have to go back to Shangling Village, and then seeing grandchildren won’t be easy."

Mr. Gu hadn’t kicked the habit of smoking a dry pipe. Removing the pipe from his mouth brought him great melancholy.

Gu Chengyu felt a pang listening to it, "Then stay in the Capital for a few more years, Father! I have some farms in the suburbs, some growing grains, others growing herbs and flowers. One day, why don’t you and Mother stay at the estate and help me look after them?"

Gu Chengyu deliberately changed the subject to the fields his father was most concerned about.

"Alright! We should take a look. Leasing all those lands to tenants is indeed a waste." Talking about the fields, Mr. Gu’s interest was piqued.

"Is Da Lang and the third son still obedient? Da Lang is honest and wouldn’t dare harbor ill intentions. But the third son is cunning; you need to be careful."

Mr. Gu furrowed his brow at the mention of Da Lang and the third son.

"No need to worry, Father, I have it under control."

The third son had some talent in business, so Gu Chengyu had sent him to learn from Yu Tuanzi. Da Lang now managed the farmlands for him, and both seemed in good spirits.