Red Mansion: After being expelled from the family, I was granted the title of Marquis of Mobei

Chapter 155 The Conflict of Liang
Seeing Zhang Han's appearance, Jia Jue chuckled and said.

"I have already established my country in the Ten Thousand Mountains, and the golden dragon of destiny is beginning to take shape. Now that the nation's destiny is beginning to emerge, the return of destiny is nothing more than this."

"The peak of our fortune will come when we conquer the Wu Dynasty and Liang Kingdom."

"Alright, let's not talk about that anymore. You've been in the capital of Liang for a while now. How is the situation in Liang now?"

Zhang Han then informed Jia Jue of all the intelligence he had gathered during this period.

After listening to Zhang Han's report, Jia Jue smiled.

Although the Liang Kingdom appears prosperous today, this is merely a superficial phenomenon.

Secretly, a storm was already brewing.

Emperor Xiao Xuan of Liang was by nature suspicious and prone to distrust.

The current eldest prince, Prince Qi, Xiao Jingyu, is the younger sister of Lin Leyao, the commander-in-chief of the Chiyan Army.

Moreover, Xiao Jingyu's reputation for virtue spread far and wide, and he was deeply loved by his subjects. Since becoming regent, he has won the hearts of the people.

It can be said that Prince Qi had maximized his advantages in terms of birth, reputation, and support from his maternal clan.

But it was precisely because of this that Emperor Liang became wary of it.

Especially recently, Emperor Liang and Prince Qi have had some differences in their political views. Although Prince Qi was humble, most of the court officials actually supported him, which made Emperor Liang wary.

The Prince of Qi has now grown so powerful that if things continue like this, I fear I, the emperor, will be sidelined.

Moreover, something else happened during this period: the Lin family and the Mu family got engaged. Lin Shu, the young commander of the Chiyan Army, and Princess Nihuang of the Mu family were childhood sweethearts and got engaged not long ago.

This incident further fueled Emperor Liang's dissatisfaction.

The 70,000 Chiyan Army under Lin Xie's command was the most elite army in Liang Kingdom.

The Mu King's Palace is located in the southern border and has an army of 100,000 under its command.

The alliance between these two powerful entities will greatly increase the military power in the hands of Prince Qi.

This was something the suspicious Emperor Liang could not tolerate.

Moreover, although Prince Qi is currently far ahead of the other princes, there are still those among the princes who want to compete with him for the throne, such as the third prince Xiao Jinghuan, who was raised by the empress since childhood, and the second prince Xiao Jingxuan, born to Consort Yue.

However, now that Prince Qi is so powerful, none of them dare to be the first to act.

However, one thing is certain: as soon as Prince Qi reveals a weakness, they will surely devour him alive and replace him, just like hungry wolves that have smelled blood.

After understanding the current situation in Liang, Jia Lang smiled calmly and said.

"Very good. It seems you've really worked hard these past few days. Your intelligence gathering is very thorough."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Han quickly waved his hand and said...

"Your Majesty is too kind. Time was short, and some of my men had been sent to the Wu Dynasty, so this is all the information I could gather."

"However, my lord, rest assured, I am currently searching for suitable candidates for the Shadow Guard. Give me three months, and I will be able to establish a comprehensive intelligence agency in the capital of Liang Kingdom, keeping abreast of any developments within the capital."

Jia Jue nodded slightly and said.

"Your abilities are beyond my doubt."

"By the way, I've also brought you a batch of funds this time. Just go all out and get things done. We have plenty of money."

"My subordinate understands."

After briefly discussing the situation with Zhang Han, Jia Jue immediately gave his instructions.

"Think of a way to establish a relationship with the Second Prince, Xiao Jingxuan, during this time."

"Although the Liang Kingdom seems to be rife with undercurrents, it's unlikely to descend into chaos unless we add fuel to the fire."

Zhang Han said after bowing.

"Rest assured, my lord, I will make the arrangements immediately."

After Jia Jue assigned Zhang Han the task, Zhang Han hurriedly went to carry it out.

Inside the room, Jia Jue was also pondering how to hasten the annihilation of the Crimson Flame Army.

In the original novel of Nirvana in Fire, the Chiyan Army was defeated because it was ambushed by the army led by Marquis Xie Yu of Ningguo after a bloody battle with the neighboring country of Dayu.

However, this world no longer has the Great Yu Dynasty, and relying solely on the Wu Dynasty, it would be extremely difficult to severely damage the Chi Yan Army.

If the Wu Dynasty had these skills, it wouldn't have had to pay annual tribute to the Liang Kingdom every year.

How to eliminate the Chiyan Army became Jia Jue's most pressing objective.

After thinking for a long time, Jia Jue finally had some ideas.

Seven days passed in the blink of an eye. That morning, inside the Prince Xian's residence, Prince Xian, Xiao Jingxuan, was looking at a strange stone with a natural shape resembling the character for "longevity" with a look of delight on his face.

Xiao Jingxuan said happily.

“Good, good. Father’s forty-fifth birthday is coming soon. This birthday gift will surely please Father.”

"Lord Lou, very good, you've put your heart into it."

Lou Zhijing, the Vice Minister of Revenue, smiled and said.

"It is my honor to serve Your Highness."

"To be honest, Your Highness, this extraordinary stone was presented to you by Manager Zhang of Huacaitang in the East City."

"Huacai Hall".

After muttering a few words, Xiao Jingxuan looked at Lou Zhijing and said.

"As the saying goes, when you give a gift, you must have something in mind. I wonder what Manager Zhang wants?"

Lou Zhijing shook his head and said.

"Then I have no idea. He said he offered this item only in the hope of meeting Your Highness once. I suppose he has something to say to Your Highness."

"I wonder if Your Highness would like to see him? This person is currently outside the gate of the mansion."

After a moment's thought, Xiao Jingxuan said.

"Then let's meet him. Bring him in."

"promise."

Soon after, Manager Zhang of Huacaitang arrived at the main hall of the Prince's Mansion. This Manager Zhang was none other than Zhang Han.

Huacaitang was a jewelry store that Zhang Han opened specifically to facilitate his operations in the capital of Liang.

After Zhang Han entered the hall, Lou Zhijing looked at Zhang Han, smiled, and said...

"Manager Zhang, why don't you quickly pay your respects to His Highness Prince Xian?"

Zhang Han then walked up to Xiao Jingxuan, cupped his hands in greeting, and said...

"This humble citizen, Zhang Han, greets Your Highness."

Xiao Jingxuan raised his hand and said.

"No need for formalities. I heard from Minister Lou that you wanted to see me and presented me with such rare treasures. What is the purpose of this visit?"

Zhang Han chuckled and said.

"Your Highness, my master wishes to make a deal with you. This longevity-themed stone is merely a stepping stone."

Xiao Jingxuan asked with some curiosity.

"A deal? What deal?"

Zhang Han took out a slip of paper and said.

"Your Highness, please take a look."

Xiao Jingxuan took the note, opened it, and was immediately stunned. After realizing what was happening, Xiao Jingxuan sneered and said...

"Are you making fun of me?"

"This is not something that you commoners could possibly plan."

Lou Zhijing, who was standing to the side, was terrified when he saw Xiao Jingxuan's expression change. He quickly looked at Zhang Han and scolded him.

"You, Zhang Han, I only brought you to meet His Highness Prince Xian because I appreciated your merit in presenting the treasure. How dare you be so audacious? Don't you want your head?"

Zhang Han said calmly.

"Your Highness, there is no need to be angry. How could I, a humble subject, dare to mock Your Highness?"

“My master is a learned man who never does anything without a certainty of success.”

"Besides, what loss would His Highness suffer?"

"Your Highness is welcome to give it a try. If you succeed, your future will be limitless."

"Even if it doesn't work, I'll just raze Huacaitang to the ground and take my head."

"Does Your Highness not even have the courage to try?" Lou Zhijing hurriedly asked upon hearing this.

"How dare you speak to me like this!"

Before Lou Zhijing could finish speaking, Prince Xian, Xiao Jingxuan, waved his hand to interrupt him, then stared at Zhang Han and said.

"You'd better be sincere and not try anything funny, or I won't let you off the hook."

"Go back and tell your master that I will definitely visit him at Huacai Hall tomorrow morning. Tell him to wait for me."

Zhang Han said with a slight smile.

"Your Highness, rest assured, my master will be waiting for you at Huacai Hall tomorrow morning."

"In that case, I shall take my leave."

After Zhang Han left the room, Xiao Jingxuan looked at Lou Zhijing who was standing to the side and asked.

"Lord Lou, how did you meet this person? What is his background?"

Lou Zhijing quickly said.

"Your Highness, I am not familiar with him. It's just that my wife bought some jewelry at Huacaitang before, all of which are rare and of the highest quality."

"Moreover, the Huacai Hall is filled with rare treasures. In order to help Your Highness prepare a birthday gift to present to His Majesty, I went to the Huacai Hall."

"Then Manager Zhang took out this strange stone with the character 'longevity' on it and asked me to take him to see the Prince."

"Apart from that, I know very little about him."

After listening, Xiao Jingxuan thought for a moment and then spoke.

"In that case, you should quickly send someone to investigate and find out Zhang Han's background, especially whether he has any connection with Lao San and the others."

Lou Zhijing nodded and then said.

"Your Highness, rest assured, I will make the arrangements immediately."

After Lou Zhijingye left, Xiao Jingxuan opened the note left by Zhang Han again. Looking at the four words "crown prince position" written on the note, Xiao Jingxuan fell into deep thought.

To be honest, he didn't think that this so-called Huacai Hall had any ability to help him become the crown prince.

After all, his elder brother, the Emperor, was simply too dazzling, and Xiao Jingxuan really didn't have the confidence to compete with Prince Qi for the position of Crown Prince.

But they are all princes; who wouldn't want to advance in their career?

Even if there's only a one percent chance, Xiao Jingxuan doesn't want to let it go.

However, before that, Xiao Jingxuan needed to confirm whether Huacaitang was established by someone to scam him.

He couldn't feel at ease without investigating Hua Caitang's background.

In the evening, Jia Jue was leisurely drinking tea in the study in the backyard of Huacai Hall.

Before long, Zhang Han arrived at the study, bowed, and spoke.

"Your subordinate greets the Lord."

Jia Jue said with a chuckle.

"How's it going? Is everything alright?"

Zhang Han smiled calmly and said.

"Our lord's plans are flawless; the ambition of that Prince Xian is practically written all over his face."

"After the subordinate handed him the note, his eyes widened. It was clear that he really wanted to be emperor."

Jia Jue said calmly.

"Born into the royal family, unless there is absolutely no other way, which prince wouldn't covet the throne?"

"This was expected. I sent you to find Xiao Jingxuan simply because he's not very bright and is easy to fool."

"So, he agreed to come to Huacaitang tomorrow."

Zhang Han nodded and said.

"He promised to come tomorrow morning."

Jia Jue said with a chuckle.

"Looks like I'll have to act all mysterious and pretentious tomorrow morning."

Zhang Han waved his hand and said.

"My lord is a man of great wisdom; why pretend to be profound?"

"Xiao Jingxuan is short-sighted and eager for quick success; he will surely be manipulated by the master."

"My lord, what else do you think I need to do to assist you?"

Jia Jue said with a slight smile.

"No need for now. You will be in charge of securing the capital of Liang. I will personally meet with Xiao Jingxuan."

Zhang Han said respectfully.

"He should feel honored to have His Majesty personally intervene."

After the emperor and his minister had a discussion, Zhang Han left the study.

Late at night, in the palace of Emperor Xiao Xuan of Liang, he stood by the window, quietly looking at the imperial city shrouded in darkness.

A short while later, the eunuch Gao Zhan draped a coat over Xiao Xuan and said...

"Your Majesty, the night is cold and windy; please be careful not to catch a chill."

Xiao Xuan smiled calmly and said.

"You old man are so thoughtful."

Gao Zhan then said.

"This is my duty. Your Majesty is the father of the Great Liang, so naturally you must take care of your health. This is the foundation of our Great Liang."

After listening, Xiao Xuan said something meaningful.

"I'm afraid that only in your heart do I truly feel like the foundation of the Great Liang Dynasty."

"In the eyes of many people, the true master of Daliang is someone else."

Gao Zhan was startled upon hearing this and stammered out a sentence.

"This servant is foolish, Your Majesty, what do you mean by this?"

Xiao Xuan did not answer the question, but instead said calmly.

"It is said that there can be only one sun in the sky and only one ruler among the people, but I don't think that's entirely true. Alright, it's late, and I should go to bed now."

"This servant will attend to Your Majesty and help you rest."

After helping Xiao Xuan to bed, the old eunuch Gao Zhan felt his heart pounding wildly.

As Xiao Xuan's personal attendant who had served him for decades, Gao Zhan immediately thought of Prince Qi, Xiao Jingyu, because Xiao Xuan's few words just now contained too many implications.

However, Gao Zhan dared not interrupt on such a sensitive matter, so he could only pretend to be ignorant.

At this moment, Gao Zhan knew very well that the Great Liang would soon be no longer peaceful.

The next day, Prince Xian, Xiao Jingxuan, boarded a carriage and headed to Huacai Hall in the eastern city.

Inside the carriage, Xiao Jingxuan was looking at information about Huacaitang.

According to the investigation, Huacaitang was opened in the capital two months ago. Zhang Han and his group entered Daliang from the east of Liang State and then went through customs to reach the capital. All the documents were complete.

After arriving in the capital, Zhang Han opened a jewelry store and spent his days busy there, without any apparent abnormalities.

After seeing the route taken by Zhang Han and his group, Xiao Jingxuan breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that Zhang Han was probably alright, and at least he was definitely not related to his opponent.

As for the rest, I'll just have to deal with it as it comes.

Having made up his mind, Xiao Jingxuan had no more reservations.

After all, the capital is his domain as a prince. If Hua Caitang dares to play tricks on him, it's no different from courting death. He may not be able to defeat Prince Qi, but surely he can defeat a bunch of merchants.

Xiao Jingxuan then arrived at Huacai Hall full of confidence.

After getting off the carriage, Xiao Jingxuan went straight into Huacai Hall.

At this moment, Zhang Han was leisurely looking at the account book at the counter.

Upon seeing Xiao Jingxuan, Zhang Han rose to greet him and bowed upon approaching him.

"Your Highness is indeed a man of his word; he said he would come in the morning, and he did."

(End of this chapter)