The Beloved Imperial Consort

Chapter 5

In Hall of Taihe, a group of courtiers were gathered, their heads down and posture humble.

Yuanchen Emperor has just vented his anger. The former provincial governor of Qingzhou, Guo Jian Ping, was removed from the office and being interrogated. The regional commander Song Yu was suspended from his duties and handed to the Ministry of Justice for investigation. The rest has been taken into custody, still waiting for the trial. He then ordered Ministry of Personnel to appoint new provincial governor candidates in three days. Yuancheng emperor was always swift and decisive, this time was no exception.

After courtiers retreated, Yuancheng emperor cast a casual glance at princes. He saw his eldest son, Zhong Zheng Chun, get on seemingly well with the crown prince, both showing love and respect for each other as two good brothers. The sixth prince Zhong Zheng Lin was coldly nodding to courtiers' compliments, a slight impatience could be seen on his face. On the other side, fifth prince Zhong Zheng Ming had a warm smile, showing quite a refinement when interacting with courtiers.

Yuenchen emperor had then observed his sons. Afterward, he went to imperial study with chief eunuch Chang De following him, his expression unreadable.

The changes in the imperial court, indeed caught everyone unprepared. It was boiling in the private. All the eyes were fixed on the vacant yet lucrative post of provincial governor, contemplating on how to place on that position their own people.

Zhong Zheng Lin, on contrary, appeared to be unaffected as usual, his demeanor aloof. He clearly didn't want to be dragged into this matter. Those who didn't know would think that Qingzhou case had nothing to do with him.

However, the truth was that long before the crown prince, his sixth highness already had plans with Qingzhou. But he left no evidence behind and had pushed the boat with the current[1]. His arrangements had been properly set up in advance. The princes were bound to go up against each other, both in public and in private. Their supporters will frequently relocate. In this contest, Zhong Zheng Lin's people were going to be pushed up by them personally. The post of provincial governor was not far from his reach. This matter was confidential. Even such a trusted aide as Wei Zhen didn't know. It can be seen that Zhong Zheng Lin's hidden forces should not be underestimated.

Although the crown prince was Zhong Zheng Lin's senior, it was a pity that he rejoiced in grandiose deeds, was impatient and interested only in immediate benefits. He was created as an heir apparent in early age, thus he always acted bossy and arrogant toward his brothers and considered himself to be superior. He took many things for granted and committed countless of misconducts by using Yuancheng emperor's favor.

Regarding Zhongzheng Lin, crown prince's sixth brother, on one side he was trying to win him over, but on the other side, he was keeping a guard against him. Inwardly, he felt contempt for his sixth brother since he considered him as someone dull and cold-blooded. However, this didn't mean that he didn't see him as a threat. Princes that have grown up inside the imperial palace will never be simple. Therefore, he had to keep a guard against everyone. Not taking into account his sixth brother Zhong Zheng Lin's usual attitude, even if it was a pretense, so what? He was still weak in his roots. Before establishing his prince's residence, he stood a little chance to win the fight.

The biggest thorn at the moment was the first prince, Zhong Zheng Chun! Noble consort Li's natal family was a long-established and prominent clan. Zhong Zheng Chun's maternal grandfather was duke of Anguo and maternal uncle occupied the position of imperial guards' commander. His backup was indeed strong.

By making the use of Qingzhou governor's case, they gave Zhong Zheng Chun a slap.

This slap could be counted only as an interest. There was more awaiting him!