seattlejaycees Chapter 1195 - 1184: The Wealthy Merchant
Chapter 1195 - 1184: The Wealthy Merchant
In the summer of the second year of Shen’an, Prince Donghe launched an attack on the fief of Prince Linsan, Miyun State, known as a granary. The Donghe Army was decisive and unstoppable, and within just a month they had reached the city, putting Miyun in grave danger.
Just as everyone thought Prince Linsan would lose Miyun, several loud noises turned the tide of the battle. The ignorant populace believed it was divine thunder punishing Prince Donghe for his cruelty, and they praised Prince Linsan, acclaiming that he had earned the heavens’ favor.
For a time, not only did Prince Donghe suffer great military losses, but his reputation also plummeted.
"What nonsense about Prince Linsan being the chosen divine son, and about me angering the heavens? That yellow-haired brat from Linsan really pulled off a clever trick." Prince Donghe was furious over the huge losses, leaving the generals and strategists below frightened into silence.
"Have you still not figured out what that Black Coal Ball used by Prince Linsan was? How could it have such power?" he asked sinisterly.
"Your Highness, we’re still researching it," someone stammered under the pressure.
"Researching? What am I keeping so many of you for? I don’t believe Prince Linsan suddenly obtained this thing. How could there have been no hint of it? What about our intelligence network? No advance information? Or was it that our people were discovered by that brat from Linsan long ago?"
"Your Highness, it really was sudden. I believe not only us, but even the King of Xichuan and other rebel kings didn’t know. Your Highness, please trust us. Give us some time, and we’ll find out as soon as possible."
"I’ll trust you one more time. If we don’t get the formula for that Black Coal Ball, we’ll have no chance against Prince Linsan in the future. Immediately get in touch with the King of Xichuan; I have important matters to discuss with him."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Not only Prince Donghe, but all the rebel kings were worried at the emergence of black gunpowder. With such a divine artifact, who could oppose Prince Linsan in the future?
But they weren’t foolish; they quickly devised a strategy. Regardless, Prince Linsan is just a rebel king for now. Nanxu is not yet fallen, the Little Emperor still sits on the throne; as long as the Empress Dowager issues a decree for Prince Linsan to hand over the formula, it would suffice.
If he obediently hands it over, that’s best; if he refuses, it shows disrespect to the Emperor, giving the vassal kings a reason to attack him. No matter how powerful his black gunpowder is, could it possibly defeat so many vassal kings simultaneously?
Prince Linsan found himself in a dilemma, but giving up the formula was impossible. If there was to be war, so be it. Chen Gaoxuan had been biding his time for many years; was he someone who only ate vegetables?
In Chen Gaoxuan’s study, the strategist and generals he trusted most were present, along with Ye Lu, who was recently appointed as a concubine. She was the contributor of the black gunpowder formula and had shown enough wisdom and admiration for Chen Gaoxuan in earlier discussions, earning his trust now.
"We only have one choice, to fight the vassal kings. But our military forces aren’t sufficient. Aside from the black gunpowder, does the concubine have any other ideas?" a strategist asked.
"Indeed, I have a plan." Ye Lu said confidently; everyone focused on her, expressing their willingness to listen attentively.
Ye Lu felt a profound sense of achievement; she knew she was destined to replace the protagonist in this world. Why else would there just happen to be an ancient military book, with not only the black gunpowder formula but also designs for the Heavy Crossbow and Crossbow, before she transmigrated as a liberal arts student?
"Your Highness, please look, this is a design I modified after observing the military’s crossbows a while back, hoping it might aid Your Highness in your endeavor." She spread out the blueprint, not rushing to explain but letting others study it.
Those present were not ordinary individuals, and at first glance, they were captivated, leading to successive exclamations.
"If designed this way, the Heavy Crossbow not only saves effort but also increases in destructive power."
"And this Crossbow, capable of firing ten arrows in succession, Your Highness, I believe this Crossbow design is extremely ingenious and should be produced immediately."
"With the Heavy Crossbow and Crossbow, our combat effectiveness could at least be doubled."
"The concubine indeed possesses great wisdom!"
Everyone looked at her with astonishment, filled with admiration, feeling that it was indeed a wise decision for her to be conferred the title of concubine by the Highness.
Only Vanguard General Shi Rui appeared worried, for his sister was the Princess Consort, and with such an outstanding concubine receiving the Prince’s favor and the ministers’ respect, would people only recognize the concubine and not the main wife in the future?
In the back courtyard, Princess Consort Shi Xuan was also worried like her brother. Since concubine Ye Lu entered the mansion’s courtyard, the Prince hadn’t visited her chambers for a month. Even if he came to her place, he would sit briefly before leaving. She had been in the mansion for three years, and despite the Prince’s usual respect, she still had no children, and now he favored only the concubine. What if the concubine became pregnant before her?
Shi Xuan clutched her handkerchief tightly; she dared not imagine this consequence. The concubine had brought a generous dowry and participated in major affairs with the Prince. It’s said she’s currently discussing military matters with the Prince in the study, whereas she’s not granted entry without significant cause.
If this continues, in the mansion and in soldiers’ eyes, where would there be room for her as the Princess Consort?
Ye Lu entered the mansion only a month ago, yet the servants are already saying she is more like the main wife than Shi Xuan. What if Ye Lu bears the Prince’s child?
Unconsciously she rubbed her belly, blaming herself for not living up to expectations, not having conceived in three years.
"Please don’t worry, Princess Consort. Today is your birthday; His Highness will surely spend it with you. I went to the temple and got a Fertility Talisman for you; just place it under your pillow tonight at rest. It’s said the temple is quite effective," the servants, serving her for long, well aware of Shi Xuan’s thoughts, comforted her.
Shi Xuan smiled bitterly, "It’s been three years; I’ve tried everything. What more can be done."
"If even you lose hope, My Lady, the Prince might too. Have you forgotten? His Highness has always hoped for a legitimate son. No matter how much the concubine achieves, you and the Prince shared a bond from childhood; he won’t be confused. We must try; what if it truly works?" the servant advised earnestly, "The temple people said, such things require sincerity; the more you believe, the greater the hope."
Clutching the Fertility Talisman, Shi Xuan decided to believe, at least for now.
Noticing her lingering concerns, the servant whispered: "My Lady, if you’re worried about the concubine becoming pregnant first, why not just use medicine? It’s a secret remedy from the palace, no one would find out."
Shi Xuan’s heart skipped a beat, hastily saying: "Silence, never speak of such immoral acts again."
That’s how she instructed, yet the secret remedy lingered persistently in her mind.