Catching Monsters

Chapter 378: The words were a bit harsh.
As expected, Xu Shensuan was right; Jiang Yun was indeed a stumbling block to his ascension to the throne!
Xiao Jingfu gritted his teeth, slowly stood up, looked at Xiao Yuzheng and said, "Father, I admit my guilt and accept the punishment, but I still want to stay in the capital and serve you for a few more years."

As he spoke, he knelt down with a thud, tears streaming down his face, and said, "From childhood to adulthood, I have rarely left the capital, just so that I could spend more time with Father and do my best to be filial to him."

At this point, Xiao Jingfu lifted his shirt, revealing a dark handprint on his chest.

"Your subject was also punished, his life hung by a thread, and he almost died because of it."

"I hope that Father Emperor will remember my filial piety and allow me to remain in the capital."

After saying this, he banged his head on the ground, showing his sincere heart.

When Minister of Personnel Yan Hua saw this, he was so angry that his brows furrowed. Was this fourth prince doing this out of filial piety? He was too embarrassed to call him out on it.

Yan Hua took a deep breath, his face quite grim. Whether it was the Zhou Kingdom or previous dynasties, the succession was always by the eldest son, so that there would be a proper relationship between ruler and subject, and the succession would be orderly.

Although Xiao Yuzheng was not the legitimate son who succeeded to the throne, he had already taken the throne, so the civil officials dared not say anything more.

Such examples must be stopped.

Yan Hua quickly stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince has committed such a grave mistake. Even if he is spared the death penalty, justice must still be served."

"Moreover, Jiang Yun's request is not excessive. I implore Your Majesty to allow the Fourth Prince to go outside the capital for training."

Many civil officials also quickly spoke out in their defense.

Seeing this, many military officers also stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, even if the Fourth Prince has made a mistake, he can be confined to the capital. Why must he leave the capital?"

“That’s right. In my opinion, we should keep the Fourth Prince confined to the capital.”

Soon, civil and military officials began to exert their influence and express their opinions. Xiao Yuzheng narrowed his eyes slightly and realized that this matter had begun to escalate into a struggle for the crown prince position.

Xiao Yuzheng knew exactly what these military officers were thinking.

If Xiao Jingfu really leaves the capital, and I pass away, then the eldest prince can rightfully succeed to the throne.

On the contrary, as long as the fourth prince is still in the capital, what difference does it make even if the eldest prince is made crown prince?
Most military generals support the fourth prince, and when the time comes, it will probably be just like what happened to me, with another bloodbath.

Listening to everyone's opinions, Xiao Yuzheng sighed softly, secretly lamenting that he was indeed getting old.

If I were younger, I wouldn't be so indecisive and hesitant.

Given his youthful arrogance, Xiao Jingfu would probably have already killed his son for committing such a crime.

But as people get older, many of their ideas change, and they place greater emphasis on blood ties and family affection.

Thinking of this, Xiao Yuzheng slowly opened his eyes and said, "Xiao Jingfu, listen to my command."

Xiao Jingfu's heart skipped a beat, and he knelt on the ground, saying, "Your subject is here."

"You shall leave the capital immediately and head to the northern border to recruit soldiers, raising 100,000 men," Xiao Yuzheng said calmly. "Then head to the southwest to suppress bandits."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingfu was slightly stunned, and he looked up at Xiao Yuzheng in shock.

According to the rules of the Zhou state, members of the royal family were generally never allowed to lead troops outside the capital.

But now, his father has ordered him to lead troops to suppress the bandits.

He trembled slightly and kowtowed excitedly, saying, "Your subject obeys."

Xiao Yuzheng said calmly, "If you cannot quell the banditry in the southwest, you don't need to return to the capital."

"Yes!" At this moment, Xiao Jingfu felt a sense of boundless freedom, and even the air seemed sweeter.

What a blessing in disguise!
He knew that the bandits in the coastal provinces were nothing more than a group of refugees. If he organized his own army and trained them for a period of time, dealing with those ragtag soldiers would be no problem at all.

On the contrary, if he could lead troops to suppress bandits, such a great achievement would surely make him soar to great prestige, and the throne would definitely be his!
The more I think about it, the more excited I get.

If he weren't in the imperial court, he would have loved to shout "That was awesome!"

Xiao Yuzheng remained calm. To put it bluntly, he still wanted to give his son another chance if he could truly quell the banditry in the southwest.

With such skill, one is absolutely qualified to be an emperor.

"Jiang Yun, are you satisfied with this arrangement as the victim?" Xiao Yuzheng's gaze fell on Jiang Yun.

"Satisfied, of course I'm satisfied." Jiang Yun smiled as he looked at the excited Xiao Jingfu, and couldn't help but think to himself.

This fourth prince probably doesn't know...

The banditry in the southwest was not limited to those displaced people and rebels.

And then there's Wang Longzhi... and his 400,000 elite troops.

It's just that Wang Longzhi hasn't raised the flag of rebellion yet.

The civil officials present were also filled with worry. If Xiao Jingfu really made great contributions on the battlefield, his prestige would surely be at its zenith.

What they had in common was that many military officers also wore expressions of deep worry...

Some military officers, even without the approval of the imperial court, relied on their military acumen and Wang Longzhi's recent strange behavior.

There were some guesses, more or less.

Knowing that the banditry in the southwest was not just caused by those refugees, he couldn't help but worry about the Fourth Prince.

Of everyone present, the only one who was truly happy was Jiang Yun…

Xiao Jingfu was also unaware of the situation.

"Father, I must take my leave now..."

"and many more!"

Suddenly a voice rang out in the court.

Hu Yi, who had been staying in the court, spoke up. He looked at Xiao Yuzheng and asked, "Your Majesty, has the matter been explained clearly?"

"You saw it yourself, it was your son who colluded with us. Your son hasn't been punished, so you can't expect me and Hu Meier to be punished, can you?"

Does that make sense?

Xiao Yuzheng's lips twitched; he had completely forgotten about this monster.

At this moment, Xiao Jingfu hurriedly stepped forward and respectfully said, "Father, how about this, let Hu Yi and Hu Meier come with me to suppress the rebels. They are both experts with considerable strength, and they can redeem themselves through this."

Before Xiao Yuzheng could reply, Hu Yi rolled his eyes at him and said indifferently, "What are you thinking? I, Hu Yi, may be a monster, but I don't associate with despicable and shameless scoundrels like you." "I was invited by you to do something, and you want to sell me out as soon as things go wrong? Bah, what kind of character is that?"

"There are still people willing to work for you? If you really gain power later, won't you have to betray them?"

Hearing Hu Yi's words, Xiao Jingfu clenched his fists in anger and gritted his teeth.

Hu Yi snorted coldly. Besides, he had already received a share of the benefits from the clan chief.

One benefit turns a short-term job into a long-term one?
When local landlords exploited slaves?
At this moment, Jiang Yun also stepped forward and said on Hu Yi's behalf, "Your Majesty, please release Hu Yi, Hu Meier, and the others."

Xiao Yuzheng glanced at Jiang Yun and nodded: "Since you, the victim, have no objections, then let's do as Jiang Yun says."

"A true gentleman." Hu Yi's eyes gleamed slightly as he said loudly, "That's a real man! You fourth prince, open your dog eyes and see what magnanimity is."

"I was invited by you to kill someone, and they actually spoke up for me."

"Doesn't that immediately make the difference in quality clear?"

“I’m telling you, if you weren’t born into a good family, with that kind of character, you’d be despised even as a slave.”

Hu Yi was a bit slow-witted, but he had a sharp tongue, which made Xiao Jingfu gasp for breath.

"Alright, court adjourned!" Xiao Yuzheng was also worried that Hu Yi would continue to insult Xiao Jingfu, so he announced the adjournment of the court.

Before leaving, however, he looked at Jiang Yun and said, "Jiang Yun, come to the Imperial Study."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yun nodded and obediently followed behind him and Feng Yu towards the Imperial Study.

Back in the imperial study, Xiao Yuzheng rubbed his temples as he watched Jiang Yun and Feng Yu enter.

He smiled and said with a chuckle, "Jiang Yun, I've been drinking the Chinese medicine you prescribed for me recently, and I feel much better."

“I know this is a bit unfair to you.”

Jiang Yun quickly shook his head and said, "No, since His Majesty has arranged it this way, then it is the fairest thing to do."

Jiang Yun was a smart man. Since he couldn't deal with the Fourth Prince anyway, there was no point in continuing to argue. He might as well say something nicer.

Seeing Jiang Yun's words, Xiao Yuzheng asked calmly, "You really don't blame me?"

"Don't dare."

Xiao Yuzheng asked, "Is it that you dare not, or that you don't blame me? I want to hear the truth."

Jiang Yun gave a wry smile, inwardly cursing, "Why does His Majesty the Emperor always seem to enjoy hearing such unpleasant things?"

He could only say, "I dare not, nor do I blame you. Your Majesty is the embodiment of Heaven's will, and whatever you think or do is what this humble servant should do."

Hearing Jiang Yun's flattery, Xiao Yuzheng felt quite comfortable. He said lightly, "Alright, I know you're upset. Sigh, Jingfu is just too impatient. Alright, I won't let you suffer in vain."

"White shadow".

In an instant, a hidden man suddenly appeared behind Jiang Yun in the previously empty room.

The man was wearing a long white robe and a ghost face mask.

Jiang Yun was immediately shocked. He knew that his strength had reached the third-grade Celestial Master realm, yet this person was completely silent in the house.

I was completely unaware of it.

If this guy wanted to attack me, I wouldn't have any time to defend myself.

Feng Yu, however, showed no surprise, as if she had known about the existence of this person named Bai Ying all along.

Feng Yu said from the side, "Don't be surprised. This is Bai Ying from the Tongyou Guard. He is also His Majesty's personal bodyguard. He is by His Majesty's side at all times."

"He has been there since the first time you met His Majesty."

Jiang Yun was taken aback for a moment, then asked, "Isn't it you, Eunuch, who is protecting His Majesty?"

Feng Yu chuckled and said, "I am busy with many things every day, how can I protect His Majesty every moment?"

"This is my Tongyou Guard." Xiao Yuzheng said calmly, "Jiang Yun, I appreciate you very much, and you have been wronged in this matter."

"I'm making an exception and allowing you to join the Tongyou Guard as compensation. Are you willing?"

Tongyou Guard?
Jiang Yun was hearing this name for the first time, and a look of confusion appeared in her eyes.

Feng Yu, who was in front, gave Jiang Yun a look, signaling Jiang Yun to quickly agree.

Jiang Yun then asked, "Your Majesty, what about my duties in the Embroidered Uniform Guard?"

"Don't worry." Xiao Yuzheng chuckled and pointed at Jiang Yun: "I can tell you're reluctant to give up this commander position."

"Tongyou Guard is a symbol of status, and of course, it is also the hand and foot that I use to control the entire Zhou Kingdom."

"If you don't have any missions on weekdays, you should stay in the Embroidered Uniform Guard and work as a commander."

"Tongyou Guard doesn't have many missions."

Jiang Yun frowned. Giving him an extra job and calling it a reward?
Do I look like a born working-class saint?

Isn't there any real benefit?

Feng Yu was a little anxious, afraid that the boy would be foolish and refuse to agree.

He quickly coughed and reminded Jiang Yun, "Kid, there's not much to do with the Tongyou Guard. Don't overthink it, just agree quickly."

“This…” Jiang Yun frowned, looking hesitant.

Bai Ying glanced at Jiang Yun, her eyes flat and emotionless, and simply said, "Too inexperienced."

"Enter Tongyou."

"He won't live much longer."

After saying that, he took a step back and instantly disappeared from the room.

Of course, Jiang Yun knew that this person was somewhere in the house.

Xiao Yuzheng coughed and explained to Jiang Yun, "That's just how Bai Ying is. He hides in the shadows year after year and rarely says more than a few words. He can be a bit unpleasant to talk to."

(End of this chapter)