Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 825 - 661: Who Doesn’t Want to Rule the World?
"Your Highness! This matter is absolutely true. The people left behind in Hejian Prefecture have discovered that the Eldest Prince went there precisely because of the treasure map," the man in black respectfully replied.
The Third Prince felt a blazing fire burn within his chest. He hadn’t expected the truth to be because of this.
At the start of the massacre case, he hadn’t been concerned; he merely intended to nauseate his elder brother with it!
Unexpectedly, his elder brother had been one step ahead, already setting things in motion. It was also his own fault for not taking the massacre case to heart at the time; if he had investigated with care, he surely would have discovered the treasure map.
If not, how else would these people have the chance? The treasure map would have already been in his possession. The Third Prince truly regretted his initial negligence.
Thankfully, and by sheer luck, the treasure map had not yet fallen into his elder brother’s hands; otherwise, his regret would have been immeasurable.
"Send someone to keep an eye on the Eldest Prince’s men. Use any means necessary to prevent them from succeeding, or the consequences will be unimaginable."
The Third Prince clenched his fists tightly, a flash of ruthlessness flickering in his eyes.
"The treasure map must not be lost. If there’s no other way, even destroying the map is preferable to letting it fall into the hands of other princes."
"Yes, Your Highness!" the man in black accepted the order and left the study, leaving the anxious Third Prince restless.
"Mr. He, what do you think of this treasure map?" Xia Qing asked, looking expectantly at the adviser He Zhongkuan seated below him.
"Then I shall speak boldly!" He Zhongkuan cupped his hands and respectfully replied.
"Please speak, Mr. He!" Xia Qing gestured, making a show of listening intently.
"It would not be wise for you to get involved in this, sir, or the repercussions could be endless!" He Zhongkuan said just one sentence before picking up his teacup.
"Oh? Please elaborate, Mr. He, to clear our doubts." Xia Qing squinted, feeling very puzzled by He Zhongkuan’s firm opposition.
All the others in the room inwardly sneered; ever since He Zhongkuan had offered a good strategy to the minister last time, the minister had begun to value him more and more.
Not only did he involve He Zhongkuan in everything, but he also sought his opinion on every matter, rendering the others as mere decorations.
"This matter involves many people; all four princes are aware of the treasure map. Some of them could no longer hold back and made their move, while others are observing, hoping to gain the benefits without effort. If you intend to be the one who benefits, I fear it’s not feasible."
"Going for it openly is even more impossible. Once you take action, they’ll guess it’s you. In the court, who else, apart from you, has the capability to contend with the princes?"
Xia Qing felt secretly proud upon hearing He Zhongkuan’s words.
After a bit of flattery, He Zhongkuan continued, "Although the Emperor is furious with the princes’ involvement, they are still princes. Punishment will certainly follow, but besides punishing them, would the Emperor abolish all the princes because of this?"
He Zhongkuan’s words made Xia Qing nod repeatedly; even the others present had to admit that his words made sense.
"You are just a minister, yet you’ve become involved in the matter of the treasure map. What will the Emperor think? Will he suspect you of gathering troops? You understand the Emperor’s temperament; if he harbors such suspicions, can you remain as stable as you are now?"
In fact, He Zhongkuan’s words were quite considerate. Everyone present understood his meaning.
Nicely put, it was instability; bluntly, Xia Qing would end up like the Xue Family back then.
How could the emperor tolerate others snoring beside his bed? An emperor remains an emperor; any sign of disloyalty, and the Emperor has ways to ensure you die without a burial place.
"So, you mean we should stand by and watch as those princes cause chaos?"
Xia Qing’s tone was filled with reluctance, and his old eyes glimmered with greedy light.
This is Wang Mang’s treasure map, after all. If he could obtain it, wouldn’t the princes be more eager to curry favor with him and seek his support?
As a Chief Minister with power in the court, if he also had wealth, those princes would certainly flock to him.
Moreover, if he truly had both power and wealth, wouldn’t he be able to think about that seat too?
Thinking of this, Xia Qing’s heart was set ablaze.
Seeing Xia Qing’s eyes filled with burgeoning desire, He Zhongkuan’s heart sank.
"Sir! The Emperor has already sent Ma Zhihong, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, to investigate the assassination attempt on the Eldest Prince. You know Ma Zhihong is aligned with the Eldest Prince; even if he conceals it to protect the Eldest Prince and suppresses the treasure map issue, don’t forget, the Emperor always has a backup plan and may have secretly dispatched an imperial envoy to investigate."
He Zhongkuan spoke seemingly casually, but his fingers holding the teacup slightly turned white.
He Zhongkuan’s words startled Xia Qing, pouring a bucket of cold water over his previously desire-immersed body and soul.
Right! He had forgotten that the Emperor is suspicious by nature. Would he be at ease only sending Ma Zhihong? It’s possible that someone else is secretly investigating.
He initially wanted to take a risk, hoping to acquire the treasure map or, failing that, completely destroy it.
As long as he was cautious, what could it matter if the princes guessed it was him? Could they do anything to him?
But if the Emperor knew, it would be different. Even if the Emperor couldn’t get evidence, if he suspected, he would surely find ways to eliminate him.
Calming down, Xia Qing thought of the treasure, feeling inevitably unwilling.
If he had that treasure, perhaps he wouldn’t have to live in constant fear and danger. But handing the treasure over, how could he be content?
"Mr. He speaks wisely. Please give the matter careful thought, sir!"
Li Wei, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites, feared Xia Qing couldn’t let go of the treasure map. Now he and Xia Qing were stuck together like grasshoppers on a string. If Xia Qing had problems, not only would his career vanish, but whether his family could survive was also uncertain.
Li Wei, known for his prudence, thought seizing the treasure map was too risky to undertake.
You Shaofeng, the Left Minister of Communication, saw Xia Qing’s silence and knew it was a chance to lavish praise.
"Mr. Li’s words hold truth, but if we let it pass, it would be too much of a pity."
Xia Qing’s eyes flickered slightly, showing rare approval for You Shaofeng.
"If those silver coins fall into the princes’ hands, wouldn’t the world be thrown into chaos? Sir acts for the greater good, after all!"
The few present in the room felt deep contempt; having the silver coins fall into the Chief Minister Xia’s hands would cause chaos indeed!
If one has power and then also gains wealth, can their ambitions still not grow? Perhaps they would no longer be satisfied with the status quo.
To say something treasonous: who doesn’t want to rule the world? If you have the ability, can you still sit idly by without being tempted?
