Chapter 81

The Governor-General of Zhili, Mr. Yu, was previously the Governor-General of Fujian and Zhejiang, a second-rank official. He took his current position after a job adjustment two years ago.

Although moving from Governor-General of Fujian and Zhejiang to Governor-General of Zhili was just a lateral transfer without a change in official rank, everyone knew this position was very important.

As he guards the capital, Lord Yu is naturally an ally of the emperor.

The King of Chu brought the emperor’s handwritten letter and briefly conveyed the emperor’s message.

Even though Lord Yu was aligned with the emperor, he felt hesitant in front of the prince, who had all the advantages.

Lord Yu agreed to the emperor’s order and informed the King of Chu that about 30,000 soldiers and officers could be mobilized in Zhili, and the imperial guards and Eastern Palace guards totaled more than 20,000 in the capital. The prince’s position in the capital made it difficult to attack the city.

After leaving Lord Yu, the King of Chu continued to worry.

He regretted not developing any loyal supporters over the past few years. With a strong group, he might have been able to challenge the prince.

Thinking of loyal supporters made the King of Chu remember Ji Yanming.

Although Ji Yanming was in Ling State, he was still on their side. They had been on the mission to Ling State for some time, so it was time for them to return. Why not send someone reliable to deliver a letter to see if Ji Yanming had any ideas?

_

After receiving requests from his father and the prince, Guan Muyun hurriedly rode day and night, locating King Rui in just a few days.

Although the purpose of his trip was to see Shen Ruojin, the situation was urgent, so he went straight to Prince Rui instead.

After the attack, Prince Rui had slept for three full days.

Prince Rui had a weak constitution, making him one of the weakest princes. After waking up, he was sick and unable to move, needing to recover in his house.

He recognized that the attack on him was serious but was sure that the person who attacked him with a porcelain bottle was not Tao Sheng. If anyone asked why an official like Tao Sheng would attack him, he couldn’t explain.

So, Prince Rui concluded that the attack had nothing to do with Tao Sheng and was likely from outside forces.

However, his weak body often left him drowsy, sometimes sleeping most of the day without waking up, which worried the princess.

When he heard that Guan Muyun traveled from the capital to see him and bring news, Prince Rui was touched and quickly had someone invite Guan Muyun in.

After Guan Muyun recounted the events in the capital, Prince Rui’s brow furrowed deeply.

The prince’s current advantage in the capital alarmed him, making him feel even more fearful.

Things had escalated, and even if he and the prince didn’t get along, he couldn’t involve himself anymore.

Being far from the capital with no loyal followers or imperial edict left him powerless.

“Just say I have been in a coma since the attack. I only woke up twice. I fear it’s not good. Although I announced to the public that I’m resting here, the princess has already started preparing for my funeral.”

Prince Rui even cursed himself for being half dead, showing his genuine fear.

Guan Muyun understood what Prince Rui meant. Given the current situation, keeping the troops in place was the best strategy.

“Yes, Your Highness. Please take care of yourself. I will return to the capital to report immediately.”

_

After listening to Tao Sheng’s zither performance, Lord Li felt inspired and understood why the Emperor of Great Zhou valued her so much.

Thinking about Tao Sheng leaving soon made Lord Li sad. He began to wish that Ji Yanming and his group could stay in Ling Kingdom longer. He would also invite Tao Sheng to the palace occasionally to expand his “artistic realm.”

Tao Sheng quickly recognized her innate advantages.

Lord Li was quite defensive toward Ji Yanming, King Huan, and others, but he felt defenseless around her.

In Lord Li’s view, it didn’t matter how careless King Huan or quiet Ji Yanming were as messengers from Great Zhou to Ling State. He just saw herself as a girl in love, willing to do anything to visit her beloved.

Lord Li was much more relaxed talking about the interests and disputes between two countries with Tao Sheng than with others.

One day, after Tao Sheng finished playing a piece of music, a tall man in fine clothes entered the room. The palace servants bowed and said, “Greetings, Prince Regent.”

Lord Li knew what the Regent was going to say but felt it was inappropriate to discuss in front of Tao Sheng, so he waved his hand and said, “The Regent has worked hard inspecting the troops. There’s no need to report to me. Go back and rest.”

The Regent had heard that Lord Li had become fond of this musician from Great Zhou and invited her to perform in the palace every day. This made him frown.

In his mind, Great Zhou had many strange people, and even a zither player could be dangerous. However, she had the support of the delegation, so even though he wanted to advise Lord Li to be careful, he thought it was better to wait.

Since there was time, the Regent left without arguing.

After he left, Tao Sheng casually commented, “I’ve heard the Regent has made great military achievements and is brave in battle. He has conquered Liang and Chen states within a few years. Does he have any plans for Great Zhou?”

Lord Li’s expression changed. “Where did you hear that?”

The conflict between Lord Li and the Regent started because the Regent wanted to work with the Dai Kingdom to take over Great Zhou’s cities. He thought the Dai royal family was weak and could be controlled. His plan was to first seize Great Zhou’s land and then take over the Dai Kingdom.