Chapter 230

Chapter 230 - Thank You Sect Leader for Your Praise

Inside Kun City, Second Prince Teng Ji hurried into the Duke of Qin's study, exclaiming, “Royal Uncle, why haven't you given the order to attack? Huo Tian only has ten thousand men; he's no match for us!”

The Duke of Qin was focused on drawing a portrait of a beauty and responded without looking up, “And what if we win this time? As you said, they only have ten thousand troops. Why the rush?”

It's the other side that should be worried.

The Second Prince understood this, but he couldn't shake his unease. Ever since betraying his father, this anxiety had haunted him constantly.

It wasn't without regret, but every time he remembered what happened, his resolve hardened.

“So, Imperial Uncle, you plan to wait for them to make the first move?”

Qin Wang set down his pen, “I just want to see what this Huo Family fellow is capable of. Knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory. He must be formidable if he caught Teng Yu's attention.”

The Second Prince had a different take on this, “As long as his surname is Huo, many will show him respect!”

Qin Wang shook his head with a smile. “Second nephew, do you know where you went wrong?”

Just as the Second Prince was about to ask, Qin Wang continued, “It wasn't that you lost to external forces, or because your mother's status was low, or due to the Emperor's lack of favor. You lost because your personality is too straightforward, too pure. Compared to your eldest and third brothers, you're still like a child who hasn't grown up.”

The Second Prince opened his mouth to respond, but for some reason, his ears turned a little red. Among the three brothers, he was the strongest and most mature-looking, but he never expected to be called a child who hadn't grown up.

“Royal Uncle is being blunt with you because you're family. Think about it, Third Brother, as the legitimate heir, was able to feign madness for years. That shows how scheming and steady he is. And Eldest Brother has always had a good reputation outside.

In these prosperous times, there's no need for a crown prince who excels in warfare, nor do the people want a king who is ruthless. If I were you, I'd obediently remain the prince who guards the borders.

“Royal Uncle, I don't understand!” Second Prince sneered, “Then why did you rebel? If you knew you would be defeated, why aren't you content with just being a prince?”

The Duke of Qin suddenly laughed, then whispered in the Second Prince's ear: “Because years ago, I swore to make him pay in blood. He dared to kill my brother and my mother; I will ensure he dies without an heir!”

The Second Prince's expression changed as an unprecedented chill spread through him. He was certain that the Duke of Qin's gaze just now was filled with killing intent.

The Duke of Qin laughed loudly. “Don't worry. Since you've left the imperial court to help me, I won't treat you as his son.”

The Second Prince's expression grew more serious as he changed the subject, “Let's discuss how to handle Huo Tian's forces, Imperial Uncle.”

“Huo Tian still has his uses. I'll send men to capture him alive. Don't concern yourself with this matter; just keep an eye on those restless ones under your command.”

“Do you plan to use Huo Tian to restrain Huo Zhengquan or Teng Yu?”

“Aren't you aware of the new regulations?”

“This... Big brother, news doesn't travel fast to the countryside...” The youth nervously gripped the hem of his clothes, looking anxious.

The soldier saw that they appeared honest and decent, not the type to cause trouble, so he waved them through. “Go on. Once you're in the city, get a permit from the yamen.”

The three young men sighed in relief, repeatedly thanking the soldier as they drove the donkey cart into the city.

“Looks like we arrived at just the right time.” In another two years, it would be February. Lu Yin had likely already started implementing the regulations.

The three young men drove the donkey cart to the busiest market and bought several bags of grain and vegetable seeds. They also passed a flower shop where the youngest bought more than ten kinds of flower seeds.

After making their purchases, the three youths found an inn to stay at. To match their humble appearance, they chose a room in the most modest inn.

The shopkeeper, noticing their simple clothing and the items on the donkey cart, figured they weren't wealthy. He didn't even bother to look at them before instructing the waiter to show them to a room.

“Waiter, bring us some food and a bucket of hot water.”

The waiter, looking down on them, asked arrogantly, “What do you want to eat? And by the way, hot water costs extra.”

“A plate of steamed buns, a dish of vegetables, and a pot of wine,” the youth said hesitantly, before asking, “How much for a bucket of hot water?”

Seeing that they were about to order so little, the waiter impatiently held up five fingers. “Five taels of paper money per bucket. If you want more, three buckets will cost you twelve.”

“So expensive?” The young man frowned. “Then we'll just take one bucket.”

The waiter slammed the door shut, loudly saying, “Alright, just wait a moment, your order will be here soon.”

As soon as the door closed, the atmosphere in the room changed. The three youths shed their simple farmer personas, revealing themselves as noble young masters with refined bearing.

Yin Xu touched his own face, finding it rough like that of a country bumpkin. “I must admit, your disguise technique is impressive—I couldn't even tell it was you.”

Zuo Shaotang saluted with his hands folded, raising his eyebrows high as he expressed his thanks, “Thank you for the compliment, Sect Leader!”

These three young men were none other than Yin Xu and the Left and Right Protectors of the Evil Sect.

Yin Xu had initially planned to come alone, thinking that with the Invisibility Charm, entering the city would be a breeze. However, considering that the emperor might face trouble if investigated, he decided to consult Zuo Shaotang and Xiao Feng first.

It so happened that Zuo Shaotang was a master of disguise, so the three of them decided to alter their appearances and boldly walk into the city.

Most likely, even Qin Wang never imagined that Yin Xu and his companions would enter through the city gate in broad daylight, let alone realize that the person he intended to capture had already set his sights on him.