Chapter 608: Roping In (2)
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The new emperor remained defiant. “Wouldn’t it be wiser to offer Su Bin a prominent position and a generous salary?
His desire to meet Qin Zhenzhen persisted, even if acquiring her was no longer an option.
The Empress Dowager earnestly responded, “Do you understand why Lord
State Duke opposes transferring Su Bin back to the capital?”
“Their wealth is growing exponentially. Money holds significant sway. Even leaders in the martial arts world and renowned martial heroes are willing to assist them.”
“With more high-ranking officials and substantial rewards, an increasing number of civil and military officials will willingly submit to their influence.” “This could lead to a resurgence of their family’s dominance.”
The new emperor grasped the insight. “So Lord State Duke is against Su Bin’s return to the capital due to two concerns.”
“One, they fear that I might find a pretext to execute Su Bin, resulting in a significant reduction in national treasury revenue.” “Two, they worry that we might form an alliance with Su Bin against them.” The Empress Dowager nodded in agreement. “Exactly!”
“If the Emperor contemplates this matter seriously, he will recognize the advantages of sparing Su Bin’s life.”
“I am prepared to discreetly inform Su Bin that the Public House, concerned about their increasing wealth and influence, contemplated eliminating them preemptively. However, we intervened and protected them.”
“This is because Mrs. Su once saved the entire royal family, and we cannot forget such a debt of gratitude.”
Moreover, he remained well-informed about the occurrences in the capital, courtesy of the Dragon Phoenix Hall’s ability to acquire firsthand news. The Third Prince found himself wrongly accused of attempting to assassinate the new emperor. In response, the new emperor dispatched agents to hunt down the Third Prince within the capital, seeking to eliminate him. Ultimately, the gravely injured Third Prince managed to escape the capital with the assistance of his master.
Publicly, the new emperor proclaimed clemency for the Third Prince, citing his youth and ignorance. He declared that as long as the Third Prince refrained from returning to the capital, no further attempts on his life would be made.
Contrary to this public stance, the new emperor clandestinely deployed a significant number of individuals to track down the Third Prince. Even the Public House joined the pursuit, convinced that the new emperor’s actions were a clear attempt to eliminate the Third Prince. Such an act would undoubtedly ignite the Third Prince’s resolve, especially if he harbored aspirations for the throne, posing a threat to the Public House’s future plans of usurpation.
In response, the Public House decided to take preemptive action by dispatching its own operatives to eliminate the Third Prince. Ideally, if the new emperor’s agents were the ones to succeed, it would intensify the animosity between the new emperor and the General Manor.
The Public House saw this as a strategic advantage, as it would serve their interests in the eventual usurpation of the throne. Successful in their bid for power, they hoped to persuade the General Manor to continue safeguarding the borders, presenting a seemingly foolproof plan.
The loyalty and valor of the General Manor’s inhabitants were unparalleled. They possessed a profound sense of allegiance to their country, caring deeply for the well-being of its people. The prospect of enemy armored cavalry trampling their land was intolerable to them.
Furthermore, the General Manor eschewed intricate schemes and plots, making them easy to control.
Leaving them behind offered more advantages than drawbacks.
This was the principal rationale behind the Public House’s decision not to launch an assault on the General Manor.
It also elucidated why Su Bin and Qin Zhenzhen willingly allowed them access to the military camp.
Both the highest echelons of the nation and the military commanders valued individuals who could secure victories, making them hesitant to dispose of such assets.
Currently, Su Bin and Qin Silong found themselves in a secure position. While they enjoyed fame within the military camp and garnered admiration from numerous soldiers, their roles as a thousand-man commander and ten-thousand-man commander, respectively, meant they held no substantial military authority. As such, they posed no threat to the interests of the Public House..