Chapter 1337 - 1275: Fury (2)
But shortly after arriving in Xinping City, he quickly established a foothold, aided by Zhao Hanzhang’s discreet assistance. Xinping City was soon built up, becoming a gathering spot for the southern people, with the population growing and more houses being constructed.
Wu Sheng’s caravan would intentionally pass through Xinping City on their northern trips, not only to conduct business but also to maintain their relationship with Tuoba Liuxiu.
Therefore, the economy of Xinping City was quite good, and Tuoba Liuxiu had some valuable items at his disposal.
Earlier this year, he spent a significant sum to acquire a fine breed of colt capable of traveling five hundred li a day, excitedly showing it off to everyone.
Tuoba Yilu specifically advised him to bring his best items along, and Tuoba Liuxiu understood that he wanted his fine horse.
In the past, he would have certainly refused.
But considering his aunt’s impending ascension, their Dai Country would undoubtedly need to send gifts, and this colt might be presented to Zhao Hanzhang, so he brought it along.
He arrived in Ping City along with the court’s invitation.
The envoy who delivered the message mentioned to Tuoba Yilu, "Your Majesty greatly misses the Eldest Prince; when this official was leaving the Capital City, he still mentioned ’Great Nephew.’ When the Great King goes to the Capital City, he may bring the Eldest Prince along."
Tuoba Yilu’s desire to kill grew stronger. If he took Tuoba Liuxiu to the Capital City, would Zhao Hanzhang appoint him as the Princely Heir?
What chance would Bi Yan have then?
He smiled and agreed; once the envoy departed, he frowned and turned to Tuoba Liuxiu, asking, "Did you bring the gift I asked you to?"
Tuoba Liuxiu replied, "Son brought a fine breed colt, though it can’t travel a thousand li a day; it can cover five hundred li."
In two days, it could gallop from Dai Country to Luoyang, extremely fast.
Tuoba Yilu said, "Your younger brother is about to come of age and doesn’t have a standout colt; you should give this one to him."
Tuoba Liuxiu was taken aback and angrily refused, saying, "No, this is my horse!"
Tuoba Yilu slapped the table, "Bold! I asked you to bring a gift, since you’ve brought it, why won’t you give it?"
Tuoba Liuxiu glared fiercely, "The horse can be given to Aunt, but I won’t agree to give it to the third brother!"
"Fine, if you won’t give it to him, then give it to me. I am your father; if I ask for the colt, will you give it or not?"
Tuoba Liuxiu firmly replied, "No! Don’t think I don’t know; once the horse is in your hands, you’ll turn around and give it to the third brother."
"Since the horse is mine, I will give it to whomever I choose."
Tuoba Liuxiu said, "The horse is not yours now; it’s mine!"
The two parted angrily, with Tuoba Liuxiu storming off in fury, while Tuoba Yilu summoned his aides, saying, "With such disobedience and disrespect, how can I pass the throne to him? I don’t even dare to take him to Luoyang, fearing he would disgrace me outside."
Not everyone around Tuoba Yilu agreed with him; among the many nodding in agreement, Wei Xiong advised, "Great King, in our Han people’s tradition, the heir is chosen starting with the eldest and legitimate sons. The Eldest Prince is both the eldest and legitimate; unjustly treating him will not stabilize Dai Country but harm the Third Prince, with no benefit."
Tuoba Yilu said, "Tuoba Liuxiu has been rebellious and unteachable since childhood; choosing such a son as an heir might shorten my life by twenty years."
Wei Xiong said, "But you shouldn’t take from the Eldest Prince to give to the Third Prince. Governing a family is like governing a country; the concern is not scarcity, but inequality. By sending the Eldest Prince to guard Xinping City and leaving the Third Prince in Ping City, isn’t that already biased? By taking away his fondness, aren’t you making the two princes enemies?"
Unfortunately, Tuoba Yilu at this moment wished to make them enemies, hoping to force Tuoba Liuxiu into a rebellious act, so he could smoothly depose him, or even kill him.
He understood this son well; Tuoba Liuxiu was ill-tempered since childhood and could not tolerate things.
Wei Xiong couldn’t resist but tried to persuade again when Ji Dan suddenly interjected, "Great King, we need to reach Luoyang by the third day of August; when do you plan to depart and who will accompany us?"
After leaving the grand hall, Ji Dan pulled Wei Xiong aside, saying, "Why continue persuading him when you know the Great King is displeased?"
Wei Xiong said, "This is our duty as ministers."
Ji Dan sighed, "Since your uncle passed away last year, the Great King has seldom heeded our advice. Seeing how he is harsh towards the Eldest Prince, it’s clear he is determined to establish the Third Prince. The Xianbei do not follow the legitimate succession order of the Han people; talking about the legitimate heir system to the Great King is like playing the piano for a cow."