In just a year, Zhang Fang transformed from an unremarkable scholar into a legendary figure. When a person’s experiences become legendary to such an extent, it can’t just be due to luck; it clearly indicates that this individual is inherently intelligent and outstanding!
People say that Zhang Fang is the world’s greatest gentleman, but to the Crown Prince and the Third Prince, Zhang Fang’s thoughts are unpredictable, and his intentions are as deep as the sea – even more elusive than the emperor himself! Such a person becoming the prime minister is their nightmare! The Crown Prince and the Third Prince felt a heavy weight on their hearts as they waited obediently outside.
After entering, Zhang Fang reported the current situation to the Emperor. “Your Majesty, I couldn’t withstand the pressure from the Crown Prince and the Third Prince, so I brought them in. They are currently waiting outside. Does Your Majesty wish to see them?” Zhang Fang lowered his gaze; although his head was bowed, his demeanor remained unyielding.
The Emperor scolded softly, “These two bastards! Let them in!”
As expected! This test has revealed the ambitions of his two sons! The Crown Prince wished for the Emperor to pass away sooner, while the Third Prince feared that the Crown Prince would successfully ascend to the throne, therefore he had come tonight as well!
Suddenly, the figure of the Second Prince flashed in the Emperor’s mind, and he looked up to ask his attendant, “What is the Second Prince doing?”
The attendant looked at Zhang Fang, who replied, “I have yet to discover the Second Prince entering the palace. On such a chilly night, he is likely sleeping, I suppose?”
Thinking of the Second Prince comfortably asleep in bed, the Emperor felt a mix of relief and frustration. The Second Prince lacked ambition for the throne, which reassured the Emperor. However, with such a significant incident occurring tonight, the Second Prince could still sleep soundly, which greatly irritated the Emperor! He ordered his attendant, “Call the Second Prince into the palace immediately!”
“Understood!” The attendant left to carry out the order.
Inside the chamber, only Zhang Fang and the Emperor remained, along with two powerful generals from the Qian Niu Guard. Zhang Fang reminded, “Your Majesty, the Crown Prince and the Third Prince are still waiting outside, and it is snowing.”
The Emperor showed no concern for the two scoundrels and coldly replied, “Let them wait!”
“I understand,” Zhang Fang was about to leave when the Emperor stopped him.
“Zhang Qing, stay by my side.”
The Emperor felt a heavy weight of frustration, yet his tone remained restrained when speaking to Zhang Fang. Even though there was anger, he suppressed it with a sardonic smile and said, “My two sons wish nothing more than for me to pass on!”
Zhang Fang maintained his calm demeanor, almost resembling an otherworldly sage. The Emperor gazed at him thoughtfully, unsure whether Zhang Fang had predicted the events of the night, hence his composed manner.
Changing the topic, the Emperor directly asked Zhang Fang, “How would Lord Wang deal with such a situation?”
“Lord Wang is still vigorous despite his age; he has not yet stepped down, and the inheritance of the family business has not yet occurred. The eldest and third young masters of the Wang family are overly impatient with their ugly expressions. Ultimately, they are still inexperienced and immature. Lord Wang should give them opportunities to learn and develop their character and abilities.”
Zhang Fang and the Emperor used the story of the Wang family to discuss how to handle the current situation.
Zhang Fang was quite clear in his intentions: Tonight, the Crown Prince and the Third Prince must be punished. Expelling them from the capital to serve in remote provinces would teach them a lesson.
The Emperor seemed lost in thought and did not speak.
This entire act was meant to lure the Crown Prince into a trap. It was a perfect opportunity to deal with the Crown Prince and suppress his faction. With the Third Prince showing himself, it would be convenient to rebuke him as well. Even without Zhang Fang’s prodding, the Emperor already contemplated using this incident to dismiss the Crown Prince. By having Zhang Fang suggest it, it would appear as though the Emperor was compelled to punish his sons only because they had made a mistake, thus allowing him to preserve his false image of virtue.
As the snowstorm grew heavier, the Crown Prince and the Third Prince waited outside for a long while, their heads and shoulders covered in snow. The snow froze into a layer of ice in their hair. They shivered from the cold, yet showed no intention of taking shelter under the eaves.
The Second Prince was called into the palace by the Emperor’s attendants, displaying an unhappy expression full of resentment.
Arriving in the imperial chamber, he saw a large group of officials kneeling outside, all covered in white snow, creating a rather grand scene.
“Wow! So many people are kneeling here; could it be that Father has met with an incident? Surely he hasn’t passed, has he?” The Second Prince’s voice was not quiet, and his appearance garnered the attention of the ministers.
Everyone couldn’t help but speculate: Is the Emperor really unwell? Otherwise, why would even the Second Prince be summoned?
Entering the chamber and walking through the corridor, the Second Prince saw the Crown Prince and the Third Prince standing outside, enduring the ravaging winds and snow. He exclaimed in surprise, “Crown Prince and Third Brother, why are you standing out there? With such strong winds and heavy snow, hurry up and take shelter under the eaves!”
His loud voice resonated into the room, making the Emperor’s forehead twitch in irritation.
The Emperor’s feelings towards the Second Prince were quite mixed. He was angry that this son lacked ambition yet felt relieved by the Second Prince’s lack of greed.
“Let them in,” the Emperor lay down, feigning illness.
Zhang Fang stepped outside, opened the door, and invited the Crown Prince, the Third Prince, and the Second Prince inside.
The room was warm as spring, and the white snow on the Crown Prince and the Third Prince melted rapidly, drenching their hair. Water dripped down their faces.
The Crown Prince and the Third Prince looked utterly disheveled, while the Second Prince, in contrast, wore a hat and a thick fur coat. Feeling hot, he started to remove his hat and outer garments, presenting a dignified posture despite his slightly wet boots.
“Your son pays respect to Father!” The three knelt before the screen.
Zhang Fang gestured, and the two Qian Niu Guard generals moved the screen aside.
This commotion made the Crown Prince and the Third Prince steal a glance towards the dragon couch.
The Emperor also beheld his three sons’ appearance. In comparison, the relaxed posture of the Second Prince irritated the Emperor immensely. He sarcastically scolded, “Second Son, you do seem to be sleeping soundly tonight! If I hadn’t summoned you to the palace, would you have slept until dawn?”
The Second Prince lifted his head, curiosity in his eyes as he gazed at the Emperor, asking, “Is Father in good health? If all is well, then I am reassured!”