Protect Our Chief

...

Prince Kang’s Mansion.

At dusk, the sunset was splendid. The entire residence was bathed in the orange-red light of the setting sun, seemingly coated in a layer of warm red glow, adding a touch of grandeur and beauty.

Such a scene was, without a doubt, exceedingly beautiful.

Normally, Prince Kang might pause to admire it for a while, but today he lacked the interest, instructing the carriage to drive directly into the mansion.

His mood was extremely foul at the moment.

After the grand court meeting, he was supposed to return immediately to the Prince’s Mansion to swiftly handle tax matters.

Unexpectedly, he was entangled by the people of the Engineering Department, insisting on questioning him about the specific plan for the expedition against the Southern Border Barbarian Gu Race, and inquiring about the details of the engineering machinery and civil materials needed during the expedition, seemingly endlessly, causing him to lose his temper before managing to extricate himself.

Although the population of the Southern Border Barbarian Gu Race is not as large as before, they still occupy vast lands south of the Celestial Mansion. Even if the plans are finalized, from preparing provisions, determining the list of personnel for the army’s expedition, to mobilizing the troops and preparing for departure, it will take at least several months at the quickest. Why is there such a rush?

These people are doing it on purpose, surely it is Wang Zhouhui’s delaying tactic.

His immediate worry is handling the tax investigation. If that goes awry, let alone the position of Grand Marshal of the Expedition, even his prestige as a quasi-crown prince will be greatly damaged, further affecting the Struggle of the Imperial Sons.

Wang Shouzhe!

The name that he once heard reports about but dismissed, belonging to a target worth befriending in intelligence, yet he did not take the initiative to engage.

Instead, he maintained an aloof attitude, even disregarding Long Wuji’s efforts to draw the person near.

In his mind, even if Wang Shouzhe was indeed talented and had accomplished certain achievements, ultimately, he was merely the Clan Leader of a small, remote family. Shouldn’t he have immediately come forward to pledge allegiance upon hearing Prince Kang’s lineage sought to recruit him?

The other’s absence, that was the other’s lack of vision, the other’s loss.

But then...

The other not only allied with Wu Mingyuan but also turned around and brought Long Wuji over, ruthlessly undermining him.

More than that, the other continuously executed various cunning maneuvers, steadily closing the gap between Wu Mingyuan and him, repeatedly delivering him great harm.

And this time, not only did the other force Your Majesty to investigate taxes, but also compared him side by side with Prince Anjun, which undoubtedly stabbed him heavily in the heart.

That damned Wang Shouzhe!

The carriage slowly drove into the courtyard, and Prince Kang alighted with a frown.

"Your Highness." Princess Consort Zhao Yijing had been waiting here for a while, stepping forward to assist Prince Kang, gently saying, "I have already instructed the small kitchen to prepare Your Highness’s favorite West Sea Ice Heart Oysters, fresh Phoenix Mushroom stewed Snow Flying Dragon just arrived from Celestial County, and East Sea Spirit Sword Bannerfish fish porridge."

"How could I have the appetite to eat now?" Prince Kang felt a wave of irritation and waved dismissively, "You return to your quarters to rest first. I have important matters to discuss with the Foreign Ministers."

"Your Highness, I have heard what happened during the grand court meeting." Zhao Yijing said softly, "Since things have already happened, there’s no use fretting urgently. As they say, in times of great affairs, remain calm. Bathe and change, take a bite of delicious food to calm your mind, and then arrange the complicated matters."

"This... you are right," Prince Kang slightly calmed down, followed Zhao Yijing’s suggestion, bathed and changed, ate some of his usual favorite dishes, and his restless heart quieted considerably.

Meanwhile, during this break, Zhao Yijing also helped arrange everything before quietly retreating. She knew not every matter was hers to be involved in.

In Prince Kang’s opulent study, quite a few people had already gathered, all confidant advisors and retainers nurtured by Prince Kang, the mansion’s Chief Steward, and the head accountant who had served the mansion for generations.

Among them, an advisor named "Jiang Zhuyi," hailing from a humble Fourth-Grade Noble Family branch of the Jiang Family in the Immortal Dynasty, said that this Jiang Family was a division of the First-Grade Jiang Family.

However, the Jiang Family was an ancient surname, a large family within the Immortal Dynasty, with many noble families bearing the surname Jiang. Even within the Daqian Kingdom, there are numerous Jiang-named noble families, even the current Master of the Saint Land "Jiang Zhencang" bears the surname Jiang.

Nonetheless, even though they are all Jiang Family, they do not necessarily belong to the same lineage.

Jiang Zhuyi was of graceful demeanor and impressive talent, quick-witted, and was one of Prince Kang’s most trusted advisors. Over the years, he assisted the prince in handling numerous affairs, especially "that matter," for which Jiang Zhuyi was in full charge.

Keeping in touch with "Dawn’s" Luo Yuqing was also part of his duties. Given Luo Yuqing’s status, frequent visits to Prince Kang’s Mansion were not possible.

"Zhuyi." Prince Kang sipped his tea, slightly furrowed his brow, and asked, "No news from Younger Brother Gong Yang yet?"

"Your Highness." Jiang Zhuyi clasped his hands respectfully and said, "Previously, Miss Yuqing sent word that recently, Celestial Palace and another newly emerged intelligence organization have been obstructing her in gathering information, cutting off several sources. She had to divert considerable energy to counter them, causing some delay in the information."

After pausing, Jiang Zhuyi continued, "However, Your Highness need not worry too much. Young Master Ce is a Great Celestial Pride of the Saint Land, a disciple of Langya Zhenren, with a unique status. Now being in our Daqian territory, even the Yao Family must show him some respect. This delay is presumably due to some underlying reason, and within these couple of days, there should be news."