"When we were discussing the plan, I made it clear that I would definitely give you benefits of equal value..." Harming the Crown Prince of the Holy King is similar to harming a brother. If the Emperor finds out, he will definitely be furious. Moreover, since he has eliminated Dongfang Xun, he will never treat Qin Junhao unfairly.
"Gold and silver jewelry, fine silks and satins, and beautiful women—Qingyan has them all, and I don't care for them. Only that cannon is something that the Southern Frontier has never had before..." Qin Junhao was the Crown Prince of the Southern Frontier. He had grown up in the luxurious palace and was very knowledgeable. Only rare and precious items could interest him.
"Even if you want cannons, you can discuss it with me directly. Why did you secretly transport them away?" Dongfang Zhan was furious when he saw the message sent by carrier pigeon. His most trusted partner had actually poached him. Fortunately, Qin Junhao was not in front of him at the time, otherwise, he would have definitely killed Qin Junhao with a single blow in a fit of anger.
"Cannons are such extreme weapons, extremely rare and hard to come by. I was afraid that King Zhan wouldn't be willing to give them up, which is why I acted first and informed him later." Cannons are extremely precious; there are only a handful in the world. They can enhance a nation's strength, and every emperor would treasure them. As King Zhan of Qingyan, Dongfang Zhan must also hope that his country has more cannons. If I told Dongfang Zhan, would he really give them up? Just kidding.
Chapter 194: Consort Li's Provocation
"There are two cannons in total. If Crown Prince Qin can calmly discuss this with me, I will consider giving you one." As the Crown Prince of Southern Xinjiang, Qin Junhao is arrogant, extreme, and likes to do things his own way. There is no reasoning with him, and continuing to argue will not yield any results. So Dongfang Zhan changed to a gentle approach, using soft tactics to overcome hardness.
"Really?" Qin Junhao was skeptical. Was Dongfang Zhan really that kind?
"When have I ever lied?" Dongfang Zhan looked at Qin Junhao with his deep gaze: "We are partners, we share the good times and the bad. You helped me get rid of a formidable enemy, so it is only reasonable for me to give you a cannon."
Qin Junhao and Dongfang Zhan have collaborated many times. He is indeed generous and never haggles over small things. But cannons are rare treasures that are hard to come by. Would he be willing to part with one?
Besides, the cannon is in the palace now, not in his hands. If he's being generous, let him say whatever he wants.
"Did you deliver the cannons to the palace gates?"
"That's right?" Dongfang Zhan nodded: "You were brought to the Ministry of Justice. Mu Zhengnan's testimony was very unfavorable to you. The Emperor discovered that the cannon had been switched and sent many palace guards to investigate carefully within a radius of hundreds of miles. Your men brazenly took the cannon to Jingzhou, and they will soon be discovered. If I don't intervene, the cannon will be found by the palace guards, and you will be convicted of stealing the cannon. At best, you will be imprisoned; at worst, you will be beheaded and displayed to the public."
Emperor Qingyan is not afraid of the Southern Frontier. If he discovers that Qin Junhao was the one who stole the cannon, he will definitely kill Qin Junhao in a fit of rage.
The cannon's quiet return to the palace proves that Qin Junhao had nothing to do with its disappearance. He can then turn the tables on Mu Zhengnan and rightfully kill the person who betrayed him...
"It was my haste and lack of foresight that led me to this. Please forgive me, Prince Zhan." Qin Junhao softened his tone. Qingyan was the domain of the Azure Emperor, and he, as the Crown Prince of Southern Xinjiang, had already lost three-tenths of his advantage by competing with others on their territory.
If he were to break with Dongfang Zhan again, his situation would become even more difficult. Dongfang Zhan's return of the cannon indirectly helped him. They should continue to be allies and not let their relationship sour. They should lower their stances and give each other a way out.
"The plan failed, Dongfang Xun is unharmed, and I have missed a great opportunity to make a contribution. What a pity." Dongfang Zhan sighed heavily, secretly resenting Qin Junhao.
The cannon was extremely destructive and unavoidable. If it destroyed a small town, Dongfang Xun, who lost the cannon, would be cursed by thousands and condemned by tens of thousands, and would surely be forced to commit suicide.
Even the military officers in the capital dared not easily request to lead troops. Amidst the consideration and silence of the court officials, he volunteered, donned his armor, and charged into battle, annihilating the enemy and returning in triumph with cannons. His father would look at him with new respect, and the people of the whole country would rejoice for him. His aura as the Prince of Qingyan would surpass that of the Crown Prince and the God of War, Dongfang Heng, making him the most outstanding young man in Qingyan and the only candidate to ascend the throne.
What a bright future, what a glorious prospect, yet Qin Junhao's selfishness has completely ruined it. He is truly despicable.
"Why doesn't Prince Zhan personally send the cannon back to the palace?" Even if Dongfang Xun wasn't killed, finding the missing cannon would still be a great achievement. Qin Junhao couldn't understand why someone as intelligent as Dongfang Zhan wouldn't take credit for his merit.
"The cannon has only been missing for a day, and Father Emperor sent so many secret guards but they couldn't find it. I, who have lived in the capital for a long time, found the cannon in no time. People will suspect that I am secretly cultivating power, and they will suspect that I am related to the cannon's disappearance." Finding the cannon in a hurry to achieve quick success and make great contributions, but putting himself in the spotlight and in a dangerous place is not Dongfang Zhan's style.
"It was my oversight. Does Prince Zhan have any other methods to deal with Dongfang Xun?" Qin Junhao didn't know why Dongfang Zhan was so determined to deal with the heir and the prince of the Holy King's Mansion. He was too lazy to ask. All the plans were Dongfang Zhan's ideas. He only needed to cooperate with Dongfang Zhan to plot against people and then get the benefits.
"I haven't thought of anything yet." Dongfang Zhan secretly glared at Qin Junhao: such a perfect opportunity is rare and hard to come by. Did he think it would come all the time? Utterly foolish.
"So what should we do now?" Qin Junhao had just returned from the Ministry of Justice and was unaware of the current situation in Qingyan, so he dared not make any rash moves.
Dongfang Zhan's eyes narrowed: "Dongfang Heng has returned to the capital. The Holy King's Mansion is surrounded like an iron barrel. My influence cannot penetrate even a little. After the cannon incident, Father Emperor suspects that there are hidden forces operating quietly, so he has strengthened the defenses of the capital. We should not act rashly for the time being."
Qin Junhao nodded knowingly. He had been a suspect before, but even though Da Pao had returned safely, the emperor's suspicions about him might not be dispelled. The capital was full of palace guards, and if he made the slightest move, he would be courting death. "I have nothing to do lately, so I'll stay at the post station to rest and recuperate."
"Crown Prince Qin, our cooperation must be sincere and based on complete mutual trust. All the spoils of victory can be divided equally. I hope that next time something happens, you will consult with me and not act on your own." Dongfang Zhan gazed at Qin Junhao.
With the extermination of the entire Mu family in Xiliang, he lost a powerful partner and the advantage of ascending the throne. Qin Junhao, as the Crown Prince of Southern Xinjiang, could increase his bargaining power, but he was also selfish and annoying. He would keep a close eye on Qin Junhao to prevent him from ruining his brilliant plan again.
"Of course." Qin Junhao readily agreed, unconvinced: Everyone has selfish desires. If you can't even have your own most beloved possession, who would willingly give it away to someone else?
Does a partner truly trust him completely? If Dongfang Zhan truly trusted him, he wouldn't have planted people to secretly monitor him, nor would he have known that the cannon had been taken away.
The cannon incident caused a rift between Dongfang Zhan and Qin Junhao, revealing their mutual distrust and suspicion. Even if they continue to cooperate, it will only be a superficial alliance of mutual exploitation.
Dongfang Zhan's plans were all aimed at the Crown Prince of the Holy King and Prince An, Dongfang Heng.
“The Crown Prince of the Holy King is very intelligent and resourceful. It won’t be easy to deal with him.”
Dongfang Xun failed in his duty to escort the cannons and threatened to behead the guards who made the mistake. The guards were forced to recall every detail of that night, which led to Mu Zhengnan's exposure. He, the Crown Prince of Southern Xinjiang, was also brought to the main hall.
He committed a serious dereliction of duty, but instead of wallowing in self-pity or worrying unnecessarily, he relied on his superb insight to keenly perceive the flawed link, devise a plan, and find the mastermind behind it all. That's truly remarkable.
"He and Dongfang Heng are brothers born of the same mother. Dongfang Heng is the Azure Flame War God, and Dongfang Xun is certainly not far behind. I will never let them go." Dongfang Zhan spoke each word clearly, his deep eyes flashing with intense hatred, making Qin Junhao feel a chill run down his spine.
Dongfang Zhan deeply hates the Dongfang Xun and Dongfang Heng brothers and wants to get rid of them as soon as possible. If his plan fails this time, there will definitely be a next time. And the time after that, he will sit back and wait for Dongfang Zhan's scheme, secretly cooperating with them. The most exciting part is the infighting among them.
"When Prince Zhan wants to deal with Dongfang Xun and Dongfang Heng, remember to inform me. I will definitely cooperate fully."
"Hmm." Dongfang Zhan's lips curled into a strange smile: "I will soon need Crown Prince Qin's help, so Crown Prince Qin should make all the necessary preparations."
"Did Prince Zhan come up with a way to deal with them?" Qin Junhao was slightly surprised. The cannon case had just passed, and Dongfang Xun hadn't even recovered yet, but Dongfang Zhan's ruthless move had already arrived. It really didn't give anyone a moment to breathe. Dongfang Zhan was indeed formidable. If it were him, he would never have been able to come up with a way to harm people in such a short time.
Dongfang Zhan shook his head: "I haven't figured out the specific method yet, but a favorable opportunity is just around the corner."
"What time?" Qin Junhao could sense the grim situation in the capital, but he couldn't see any suitable opportunity to plot against someone.
"Princess Consort Shen Lixue of Dongfang Heng is pregnant." A cold light flashed in Dongfang Zhan's icy eyes. Dongfang Xun and Dongfang Heng are highly skilled in martial arts and have extraordinary abilities. Since he can't find any fault with them, he can consider starting with Shen Lixue. Pregnant women have many weaknesses that can be exploited.
Shen Lixue was pregnant and prone to sleepiness. She slowly woke up, feeling refreshed and invigorated. Her eyelashes fluttered, and just as she was about to open her eyes to see what time it was, a warm cotton handkerchief was placed on her face, and a magnetic male voice sounded: "Little pig, you're finally awake."
Shen Lixue suddenly opened her eyes and glared fiercely at Dongfang Heng, who was wiping her face: "You're the little pig."
The soft, damp cotton handkerchief gently wiped her cheek, its warmth making Shen Lixue's beautiful face appear even more rosy. Dongfang Heng's jade-like fingers lightly caressed her, the warmth seeping into her skin through his fingertips. He teased, "It's almost noon (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), you've slept for seven and a half hours (15 hours). Aren't you a pig?"
"So long?" Shen Lixue was startled. She sat up and turned to look out the window. It was indeed almost noon. She had slept for so long. She was really going to turn into a pig. Are all pregnant women as sleepy as her?
Her little hands felt warm as Dongfang Heng used a cotton handkerchief to wipe her palms. His eyelids were slightly drooping as he carefully and attentively wiped them, his strong facial features softening like a poem or painting.
"Heng, you've just returned to the capital and have many things to take care of. Why are you still at Fengsong Courtyard so late?" In the past, he would definitely be in his study or military camp at this time.