Mysteries of the Great Zhou Dynasty

Chapter 106 The Sixth Prince Disappears

"Pfft..." Su Zhan, who was sitting on the side eating tea and snacks, couldn't help but laugh out loud. This older brother really understands his little sister.

Yan Mingzhang smiled and looked at Rong Wanyin without saying a word. There was no disdain in his eyes as he listened attentively to what Rong Wanyin was saying.

Seemingly encouraged by Yan Mingzhang, Rong Wanyin spoke slowly and deliberately, "Brother, Confucius said, 'If I hear the Way in the morning, I can die content in the evening!' But what is the Way? How do I find it? How do I attain it? Perhaps this is my Way… Only by seeing through the myriad aspects of life can I comprehend my own Way. My master often said, 'Attain utmost emptiness, hold fast to stillness, and all things arise and I will observe their return!'"

"Alright, alright, stop arguing... You just haven't had enough fun! Don't give me that crap, I know you too well!" Rong Junye's head was throbbing. He was best at wielding swords and spears since he was a child, but he hated it when people talked about their knowledge. He picked up his teacup, flicked off the tea leaves, frowned slightly, and said directly, "Fine, stay if you want, just don't cause trouble!"

"Huh?" Rong Wanyin was taken aback by her brother's quick agreement. Was it too easy? She still had a whole host of arguments to make!
"Hahaha... I didn't realize, Rong girl, that you have the world in your heart, not bad, not bad!" Su Zhan couldn't hold back any longer and clapped his hands and laughed, "Actually, your brother had already agreed to let you go to the capital with Cheng Xuan, but I didn't expect you to say something like that! I admire you!"

"?" Rong Wanyin was completely baffled. "What do you mean?"

“I’m only here today because it’s on my way; I have official business to attend to. The world is not peaceful right now. Bandits haven’t been completely eradicated in all regions, and there’s constant fighting on the borders. How can I leave you, a young woman, feeling at ease? Chengxuan is also going to the capital to report on his duties after inspecting the various prefectures and counties. So, you should come with Chengxuan to report to your master first, and then hurry up and get out of here… go home. It’s safer for you to be with Chengxuan like this, and I can feel more at ease.” Rong Junye explained slowly.

Yan Mingzhang nodded slightly in agreement.

"Official business? What official business?" Rong Wanyin asked, stuffing a piece of pastry into her mouth.

"The Sixth Prince has gone missing!" Rong Junye said solemnly.

"The Sixth Prince has disappeared?" everyone exclaimed.

Rong Junye's news sent a collective gasp through everyone. They all knew that the Sixth Prince's background was somewhat complicated. His birth mother was a lowly palace maid, whose name was unknown, and she passed away after giving birth to him. Originally, the Sixth Prince was simply raised in the inner palace and was not valued. Later, for reasons unknown, the Empress did not choose one of the other younger princes, but instead chose the Sixth Prince, who was twelve years old. He was adopted by the Empress and raised under her care.

Su Zhan leaned forward, asking curiously, "The Crown Prince fell off his horse while playing polo and died just three days later. How did the Sixth Prince suddenly end up with the Empress? I was confined by my father when these events happened, so I missed it. Later, when I tried to inquire, many people were reluctant to talk about it. General Rong, you can tell me about it today!" Rong Junye rarely spoke of these palace secrets, so he picked out some less important details and said, "I've heard about this. I heard that because the Sixth Prince's mother was of low birth, he was often bullied by the other princes and even humiliated by some servants. That day, the Sixth Prince was forced to feed the horses and clean the stables when he encountered the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince, being kind-hearted, helped him out and even made a promise to teach him to ride and play polo. But before this promise could be fulfilled, the Crown Prince..."

Yan Mingzhang stroked the jade flute in his hand and analyzed, "The Crown Prince was the Empress's only son. His death has left the Empress heartbroken. The vacant position of Crown Prince has become the target of competition among several princes. However, the remaining princes either have prominent maternal families or are supported by powerful ministers. Only the Sixth Prince has no backing. Choosing the Sixth Prince is indeed the best option for the Empress."

Rong Junye nodded: "There must have been such considerations, but actually there were several young princes in the palace at the time, and the Emperor originally wanted to choose one of them. However, one day the Empress couldn't sleep and went to the Crown Prince's favorite horse farm, where she saw the Sixth Prince hugging a horse and crying over the Crown Prince's situation, which moved the Empress deeply. So, she took the Sixth Prince into her fold."

After listening, Yan Mingzhang seemed to understand something, and smiled slightly: "From a down-and-out prince who could be bullied by everyone in the Yeting Palace to a noble prince who is respected by everyone in the Fengyi Palace, this sixth prince must have something extraordinary about him."

Rong Junye continued, "In recent years, the Empress has become increasingly fond of the Sixth Prince, and the Emperor has placed high hopes on him, granting his every request."

Everyone knows that the Sixth Prince is currently a strong contender for the throne. Court officials say that the Sixth Prince is kind-hearted and of noble character. Everyone speculates that if the Sixth Prince can truly find the elixir of immortality for the Emperor this time, then the position of Crown Prince will definitely belong to the Sixth Prince.

But now, the Sixth Prince has gone missing. If Rong Junye cannot find him, he will surely face the Emperor's wrath!
"How exactly did the Sixth Prince disappear?" Yan Mingzhang frowned. "I heard that His Majesty was unwell today, and the Sixth Prince went out to find medicine for His Majesty. How could he have disappeared? When did this happen? Brother Mi Quan, please tell me in detail."

Upon hearing this, everyone was filled with worry.

“A month ago, we received the Sixth Prince’s last letter, saying he had found Medicine King Valley and was going to seek the Medicine King’s elixir. Then we lost all contact with him, which is why the Emperor ordered me to come and search for him. Medicine King Valley is near Fengxian County, but it’s said that the valley is filled with miasma, and ordinary people generally dare not approach it. Actually…” Rong Junye hesitated for a long time before continuing, “Actually, the Emperor listened to that sorcerer who said that Medicine King Valley has the elixir of immortality, so…”

Upon hearing this, Yan Mingzhang frowned and sighed. It was common knowledge that the current emperor, when he was a prince, had been a warrior, conquering many and achieving great military exploits. Later, after becoming emperor, he was diligent in governing and caring for his people. However, a few decades ago, a mysterious Taoist priest appeared out of nowhere, and the emperor's health deteriorated, becoming increasingly obsessed with the elixir of immortality. Now, this farcical act of a prince searching for the elixir of life for the emperor was truly alarming, potentially leading to the downfall of Qin Shi Huang. If this continued, who knew what state the country would be in?

Rong Junye frowned and looked at Yan Mingzhang with a serious expression. The two exchanged a knowing glance.