Chapter 14 Flattery

The Qianqing Gate was eerily quiet, so much so that the sound of the wind could be heard clearly.

Mingzhu forced a smile and spoke, instantly stirring excitement among the crowd. The court officials unanimously halted their steps, casting curious glances his way, their eyes gleaming brighter than lanterns.

Judging by Mingzhu’s nervous demeanor, the Grandson’s words were likely true. Over six hundred thousand taels, with sixty percent being dubious tribute—wasn’t this an indirect accusation of corruption?

This was like having the coffin lid pried open right before his eyes!!

Some were stunned, others gossiped, while a few couldn’t suppress their envy. And this was just the silver from the treasury, not even counting his personal assets and shops.

Even more fearful gazes turned toward the Crown Prince. How could a five-year-old child know such secrets? It didn’t take a genius to realize that the Crown Prince had long held Mingzhu’s weaknesses in hand, merely biding his time and waiting to strike!

Under their scrutinizing stares, the Crown Prince: “…”

After the initial shock, the Crown Prince quickly regained his composure, his heart as calm as still water. He raised a profound, inscrutable smile, as if everything was under his control, which only deepened the fear among the onlookers.

The Fourth Prince, already solemn due to Consort De’s situation, frowned at the news, his sharp gaze piercing Mingzhu like a blade. But the most dramatic reactions came from Da Age and Suo’etu.

Da Age widened his eyes, glancing back and forth between Hong Yan and Mingzhu, his short beard trembling uncontrollably. Suo’etu barely restrained himself from laughing out loud, his face brimming with delight and schadenfreude, as refreshing as eating ice-cold watermelon on the hottest summer day.

Amid the bizarre atmosphere, Hong Yan spoke up with a troubled expression: “Lord Nalan, I wasn’t j-joking with you.”

His stutter was quite noticeable.

Mingzhu: “…………”

“Lord Nalan is a pillar of the court and a loyal subject of Hanmafa. Surely you share His Majesty’s concerns and will actively respond to the call for reforming the National Treasury, won’t you?” Hong Yan smiled, his auspicious phoenix eyes filled with trust. “Then, Father and Fourth Uncle won’t even need to step in.”

These words choked Mingzhu, his blood pressure rising as he nearly spat out old blood. Even more infuriating was the Grandson’s innocent expression—adorable and naive, making one want to cuddle and pamper him. How could anyone bear to question him?!

In his decades as an official, Mingzhu had never been so humiliated. As an old man, he couldn’t possibly argue with a royal grandson. So, whether he agreed or not, he had no choice but to hastily mutter, “The Young Master speaks wisely. This servant has offended,” before cupping his hands and leaving with forced composure.

Only Da Age remained, his face alternating between green and pale, his gaze lost before finally settling into deep anxiety and wariness.

—Yinreng was using Hong Yan’s words to warn him.

The Eastern Palace’s influence had grown to such an extent that they’d even planted spies in his uncle’s treasury. This was troublesome. He no longer had the heart to confront the Crown Prince and hurriedly chased after Mingzhu. Were those sixty percent of the silver really going to replenish the National Treasury just like that?

No, they couldn’t! He had to devise a foolproof plan.

Hong Yan’s casual remark had a powerful deterrent effect, its impact far-reaching.

Aside from the ecstatic Suo’etu and the Crown Prince’s staunch supporters, the more far-sighted officials who witnessed this scene were inwardly shaken, lost in thought.

Tong Guowei pondered—the Tong family had borrowed a total of three hundred thousand taels. The idea of pleading with the Emperor for leniency was clearly no longer viable.

If the Crown Prince’s methods were this formidable, how could Da Age possibly compete? Thus, he believed today’s words from Young Master Hong Yan were actually taught to him by the Emperor himself.

In recent years, the Emperor’s influence had grown increasingly pervasive, his temperament resembling more and more the sharpness he displayed during the suppression of the Three Feudatories—less leniency, more edge. Just look at the words he taught Hong Yan: killing the chicken to scare the monkeys, yet leaving no room for rebuttal. Who wouldn’t call it masterful?

A five-year-old child’s innocent words couldn’t be held against him. They had no choice but to grit their teeth and express gratitude—after all, no one wanted to embarrass themselves in public like Mingzhu had.

After deep contemplation, Tong Guowei grew even more resolute and finally made up his mind. Even if it meant tightening their belts and selling off family assets, they had to gather the silver. Money could always be earned back, but losing the Emperor’s favor would mean losing everything.

There were still shrewd men in the court, and quite a few shared his thinking. Delving deeper, wasn’t the Emperor’s guidance and subtle support for his grandson all because of his deep regard for the Crown Prince?

Truly, the heir’s position was as unshakable as Mount Tai.

Thus, they turned their gazes once more to the Crown Prince, their expressions filled with reverence, as if the heir’s stature had never loomed so large before.

The Crown Prince: “…”

He felt somewhat dazed, as if while bearing the blame, he had also gained a peculiar sort of joy.

Suddenly, Hong Yan softly called out, “Father.” The Crown Prince looked up to see Yinzhen standing before him, eyes burning with intensity as he spoke: “Second Brother, matters in the Department of Extensive Storage are nearing completion. The issue of the National Treasury’s debts should also be addressed soon.”

How could the Crown Prince not know what his Fourth Brother was thinking?

After dealing with the Imperial Household Department, the first stop would likely be Mingzhu’s residence!

He fell silent for a moment, lightly pinching the bridge of his nose. Mingzhu was nothing like those lowly servants. While the homes of servants could be raided at will, a high-ranking minister of the court was a different matter entirely. Moreover, Mingzhu had Yin Zhi backing him—they had to tread carefully.

If they simply and crudely pressed for repayment, wouldn’t that just provoke resentment? Mingzhu himself might not matter, but what about the other imperial relatives, civil and military officials? Would he and Fourth Brother face any less trouble for it?

That old fox Mingzhu was hardly the type to grit his teeth and donate silver. If humiliated, who knew what underhanded tricks he might resort to? Yuanbao had the Emperor’s men protecting him, so he wasn’t worried—but how could he bear to let his young son be exposed to such darkness so early?

And then there was Yin Zhi. Yin Zhi had been his rival for years; they knew each other inside out. Those who relied on their status or seniority would never willingly repay their debts. Stirring the pot would cost Yin Zhi nothing—why wouldn’t he take the opportunity?

The Crown Prince narrowed his eyes slowly and said coldly, “It should indeed be addressed soon. But I believe we should leave Nalan Mingzhu for last.”

If Mingzhu refused to repay, they would use the tide of public opinion to force him. Beyond that, they had to make sure he disgorged every bit of his ill-gotten gains—only then would their efforts be worthwhile.

The Fourth Prince pressed his lips together, deep in thought, before finally nodding solemnly. “That would be best.”

Hong Yan listened intently to their conversation, only realizing much later that both the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince had tacitly avoided mentioning the Cao and Li families of Jiangnan.

He nodded thoughtfully. The Emperor’s reach was long, but now was not yet the time.

The brothers had reached an agreement, but a new problem arose.

Would they have to host banquets for each official or knock on doors one by one, relying on silver tongues to persuade the courtiers to repay their debts willingly?

The Crown Prince’s status was far too exalted for such indignities. At this moment, Suo’etu, who had been eavesdropping intently, perked up and stepped forward to play the role of a cunning strategist.

He smiled slightly and said, “Your Highness the Crown Prince and Fourth Prince need not worry! Simply compile a list of owed silver, invite officials of the fifth rank and below to gather at my humble residence, and after a few rounds of drinks, have the Fourth Prince make an appearance. The matter will naturally resolve itself.”

It had to be said, this was truly a brilliant idea.

Those above the fifth rank were worth expending some effort on, but for those below the fifth rank, the silver they borrowed was a negligible amount—hardly making a ripple in the capital. Who would dare defy the Emperor’s will? The Fourth Prince’s presence alone would be an immense honor.

The Crown Prince was about to agree when he suddenly felt something was amiss, though he couldn’t quite pinpoint what.

The Fourth Prince frowned, about to say something, when Hong Yan sweetly interjected:

“Great-Uncle, hosting a banquet is so troublesome and would strain your health. Hong Yan couldn’t bear that. Fourth Uncle is strong and robust, perfect for such laborious tasks. I’d much rather he be the one to tire, while you simply wait to enjoy the benefits!”

…

In an instant, the Crown Prince understood, and Yinzhen fell silent.

Suo’etu had never been treated this way before, especially not by the Emperor’s eldest grandson—his young master and the future pillar of the Hesheli clan.

—The Fourth Prince would toil, while he only needed to reap the rewards. The contrast left Suo’etu both flattered and overwhelmed, so elated by Hong Yan’s praise that his joy could be seen from miles away.

The more he dwelled on it, the more moved Suo’etu became, nearly moved to tears. He thought to himself, with such words from the eldest grandson, his life was already worth it!

“How could this old servant not appreciate your thoughtful concern, Young Master?” he said, gazing at Hong Yan with boundless affection brimming in his heart.

Under the Crown Prince’s complicated stare, Suo’etu declared fervently, “From now on, whatever the Young Master commands, this old servant will spare no effort to fulfill, without the slightest delay!”

Hong Yan wiped his eyes, equally touched. “Great-Uncle, you’re so good to me. Does that mean you’ll agree to any request I make?”

“Of course,” Suo’etu affirmed without hesitation.

He thought tenderly, the Young Master even used the word “request”—what a considerate and well-mannered child.

“Then… could you repay the 370,000 taels of silver you borrowed from the National Treasury tomorrow?” Hong Yan smiled faintly and sighed. “The thought of it has been weighing on me, making it hard to eat or sleep. Since you care for me so much, Great-Uncle, I’m sure you’d be willing to set an example, wouldn’t you?”

Suo’etu answered without thinking, “Of course I’d be willi—uh.”

His voice caught in his throat. “………………”

Hong Yan clasped his hands over his heart. “Great-Uncle’s virtue far surpasses that of Mingzhu.”