Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2210: Full Hatred

Sun Pu was furious.

It had been his initiative to halt the Northwest Army’s food delivery team and attempt to extract a portion of grains from Shao Yunduan, an action tacitly sanctioned by his father.

Yet, he was the one who took the lead.

He had presumed that, given his jurisdiction and control over the situation, he could secure a share of the spoils, right? Little did he anticipate General Feng of the Northwest Army intervening in such a trivial matter!

With his stature, engaging in such actions would be humiliating, wouldn’t it?

She, Sun Pu, seethed as she observed Shao Yunduan’s brother leading a procession of grain carriers through her domain. It grated on her nerves!

Sun Pu harbored a deep-seated animosity toward Shao Yunduan.

Upon completion of the three journeys, Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan breathed a sigh of relief. The Northwest Army would enjoy a markedly improved situation now, with a substantial grain supply.

However, Shao Yunduan remained vigilant about grain collection, ensuring the new supplies were securely stored, as they amounted to a considerable quantity.

In the face of future youth shortages, he remained steadfast in supporting the Northwest Army.

Soon, the twelfth lunar month arrived, and the conflict on Zheng Sangge’s front also subsided.

Peaceful New Year celebrations seemed within reach.

However, the Prefect of Hangzhou would find no tranquility this year.

Assuming the Third Prince had sought refuge in Jinan City after his altercation with the Second Prince, and considering his prolonged inaction, many had overlooked him. Even during the skirmishes between the Fourth and Second Princes in the Central Plains, the Third Prince remained inactive, leading most to disregard him entirely.

Yet, surreptitiously, he had set his sights on vast territories in Jiangnan.

Swiftly and stealthily, he seized control of Suzhou and Yangzhou. Following the defeat of the Prefect of Hangzhou by Shao Yunduan, the Third Prince launched a surprise assault at year’s end, claiming much of the Prefect’s territory, including Huzhou, Jiaxing, Deqing, and others. He swiftly advanced toward Hangzhou City, denying the Prefect any respite and aiming for a swift capture.

Terrified, the Prefect realized surrender was his only option when the Third Prince’s emissaries arrived. He understood that resistance would be futile, leading only to his demise.

Though he commanded troops, he had never prevailed against Shao Yunduan. Aside from enduring mockery and sustaining heavy losses, he gained naught.

His once unyielding confidence shattered, his lands repeatedly ravaged, reclamation efforts proved futile against the relentless encroachments.

In such a scenario, by holding out in such a small territory, how long could he realistically defend it? Ultimately, if he faced defeat and capture, surrendering to the Third Prince would be the prudent choice!

After all, the Third Prince, as the legitimate son of the intermediate palace, held the most legitimate claim to the throne. Moreover, seizing control of such a vast and affluent region in Jiangnan was an enviable feat!

Who could refute the possibility that the Third Prince might ascend the throne in the future? By aligning with him now, one could potentially secure a prestigious position in his future regime. Even contributing minimally would guarantee a high-ranking position like Minister of Six Departments—a coveted title!

How many could claim the distinction of being a First Rank Official in Great Qin?

Just contemplating the allure of such prestigious positions ignited a fervent desire…

Thus, the Third Prince effortlessly claimed Hangzhou City as his own.