Zhang Fang’s expression was excited as he gripped Xu Chang’s hand tightly with increased force. Xu Chang winced in pain, his face contorting as he was about to ask Zhang Fang to let go. However, Zhang Fang exclaimed, “Now I know what to do! Once we reach the capital, I will first pay my respects to the Third Prince!”
“No! That’s not advisable!” Xu Chang quickly dismissed Zhang Fang’s idea, disregarding his own pain.
Zhang Fang tilted his head in confusion, looking at Xu Chang, who explained, “When entering the capital, you must first meet the Emperor. Before that, do not meet the Third Prince. What I mean is, do not let the Crown Prince know about your connections, as it would cause you trouble if he finds out you’re affiliated with the Third Prince!”
Zhang Fang seemed to vaguely understand and pressed further, “So you mean, I should publicly act as if I have no connection with the Third Prince, but privately still be considered his person?”
“Exactly!” Xu Chang worried that Zhang Fang might do something foolish in the capital that would implicate him as well.
Zhang Fang pondered the situation, releasing Xu Chang’s hand and resting his chin on his hands as he appeared to deep in thought. Xu Chang seized the moment to rub his aching hand under the table; Zhang Fang’s grip was indeed powerful!
After a moment, Zhang Fang said, “But what if the Crown Prince takes an interest in me?”
Xu Chang maintained his authoritative composure and guided Zhang Fang, “If the Crown Prince wishes to recruit you, you should accept the offer. You can openly side with him while secretly being with the Third Prince.”
His beautiful eyes narrowing slightly, Zhang Fang asked slowly, “So I can openly rely on the Crown Prince while secretly being aligned with the Third Prince?”
“Indeed! You are teachable!” Xu Chang felt he had made the right judgement in Zhang Fang, who seemed naturally suited for the intrigues of politics. Even though he was still inexperienced, he grasped the depths of the matter with just a little bit of guidance.
Zhang Fang hesitated, voicing his concern, “But if I secretly communicate with the Third Prince and the Crown Prince finds out…?”
Seeing his fear, Xu Chang confidently assured him, “Do not worry, that is the capital, under the Emperor’s rule. Even if the Crown Prince finds out, he cannot do anything to you. Moreover, as long as you remain loyal to the Third Prince, he will naturally protect you!”
Zhang Fang gave serious consideration, evaluating the feasibility of this approach.
pouring wine for him, Xu Chang affectionately explained, “The Imperial Concubine’s position has been vacant for many years. The Third Prince’s biological mother is currently a favored concubine in the palace, overseeing the harem. Her maternal family, the Lu family, is the foremost gentry of Jiangnan, wielding significant influence both in and out of the court. On the other hand, the Crown Prince’s biological mother is merely a palace maid. Back when he was shifted to the late Empress’s household, although he received some favor from the late Emperor’s relatives, the relationship between the Crown Prince and the Shen family hasn’t been great.”
“Since Prime Minister Shen passed away, the Shen family’s highest-ranking descendant has only been a Fourth Rank official in the court. Since the Crown Prince has assumed his duties, he has been trying to pull the Shen family down, which has drawn the Emperor’s displeasure. In short, the Crown Prince’s relationship with the Shen family is tenuous; in terms of the maternal family’s influence, he cannot compare to the Third Prince. Furthermore, regarding the court’s officials’ stances, the Third Prince holds an advantage.”
To further diminish the Crown Prince’s reputation, Xu Chang shared more incidents with Zhang Fang, for instance, how Shen family members illegally consumed substances that led to them abusing their servants and, at their worst, running around naked in the streets harassing common women. Such a scandal was something the Crown Prince tried to cover up back then. The Emperor was furious and wanted to punish those Shen family members, but the Crown Prince, due to his ties with the Shen family, had to plead for them, provoking the Emperor’s wrath and resulting in a month of self-imposed isolation for the Crown Prince!
Because of this event, the Emperor began to allow the Third Prince to gather support among officials. It could be said that the Third Prince’s willingness to contest with the Crown Prince was indeed the Emperor’s intent.
The Shen family did their best to hinder the Crown Prince, who made many mistakes regarding this matter. With the position of the heir apparent precarious, the Crown Prince has become indifferent to the Shen family’s affairs, and in the last two years, he has been far more cautious.
Zhang Fang had no good feelings towards the Crown Prince upon discovering that he was such a person who protected an influential family, deepening his determination to assist the Second Prince!
“The Crown Prince is truly such a foolish person!” Zhang Fang frowned and muttered.
Noticing Zhang Fang’s reaction, Xu Chang added another dose of decisive encouragement, saying quietly, “The Third Prince’s rise today is also due to the Emperor’s tacit approval. Do you understand the deeper meaning of these words?”
Xu Chang was indicating to Zhang Fang that the Third Prince’s capability to go against the Crown Prince was the Emperor’s intention. The Emperor was dissatisfied with the Crown Prince, which was why he wanted to nurture the Third Prince. If the Third Prince could defeat the Crown Prince, he could ascend to the position of heir! In the future, should he take the throne, people like Zhang Fang and Xu Chang would undoubtedly be seen as merit officials!
“I understand! Thank you for sharing this information, Teacher!” Zhang Fang displayed a knowing smile, joyfully grasping Xu Chang’s hand, gripping it firmly.
Xu Chang: …
Ouch! Does this kid not realize how painful it is to grip someone like this?
Feigning calmness while maintaining a smile, Xu Chang told Zhang Fang, “Let’s drink! Enjoy the food!”
Releasing Xu Chang’s hand, Zhang Fang filled his cup and solemnly said to Xu Chang, “I toast to you, Teacher! Your great kindness I will remember for a lifetime! Upon reaching the capital, I will be loyal to the Third Prince!”
Xu Chang quickly withdrew his hand to hide it under the table, using his other hand to raise his cup and drink with Zhang Fang.
That night, Zhang Fang got drunk, and Xu Chang also drank a lot.
In the end, Zhang Fang stayed overnight at Xu Chang’s place.
After spending two days there, before sending Zhang Fang on his way, Xu Chang specifically shared his network of connections, advising him to utilize them flexibly.
From this, Zhang Fang also gained insight into Xu Chang’s connections, becoming well-informed.
After bidding farewell to Xu Chang, Zhang Fang took a boat from Jiangzhou to the capital.
On the journey, Zhang Fang wrote a letter to the Second Prince.
Upon receiving Zhang Fang’s letter, the Second Prince specially purchased a particularly elegant residence for him.
Although the Liu family was exterminated, and Concubine Liu committed suicide, she was not punished. The treasures left behind were sealed in the palace. The Second Prince inherited Concubine Liu’s private store, which contained a substantial amount of wealth. The Second Prince was considered a generous benefactor in the capital! All the merchants in the capital loved this noble gentleman!