Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2211: They’re Destined to Win or Lose First

At this juncture, Jiangnan had transformed into a vast expanse of land, all of which fell under the dominion of the Third Prince.

Shao Yunduan, Qiao Xuan, and their cohorts were taken aback, while the Second and Fourth Princes grew increasingly exasperated.

Initially, they hadn’t regarded the Third Prince as a serious contender. Little did they anticipate his clandestine development and expansion right under their noses.

Yet, despite their reluctance, in the event of conflict, whether it was the Second or Fourth Prince, they would still prefer each other as adversaries. Dispatching the other party would pave the way for a straightforward confrontation with the Third Prince.

Conversely, initiating an attack against the Third Prince would undoubtedly expose them to opportunistic exploitation by the opposing faction.

None were inclined to unite forces against the Third Prince.

Even if they were to seize control of Jiangnan, it would hold little significance for the Second Prince. Their primary objective remained capturing the capital at the earliest opportunity!

He envisioned himself as the first to reclaim the throne and recapture the capital—a certainty, a foregone conclusion.

Once seated upon the throne, extending his influence southward and subduing the Third Prince would become a simple matter of strategic planning.

For the Fourth Prince, his priority was to vanquish the Third Prince swiftly, thereby securing a greater share of resources.

However, any prospect of cooperation with the Second Prince remained out of reach.

Their fates were inexorably intertwined, destined to determine who would emerge victorious first.

Shao Yunduan and Jia Heming of Huaixi Province had deliberated on this matter repeatedly. On the fifth day of the first lunar month, Zheng Sangge led a contingent to fortify Jinhua’s stronghold.

The Third Prince’s next move remained uncertain. In a region requiring the steady hand of an experienced veteran like Zheng Sangge to maintain stability, tensions simmered.

Unexpectedly, the Third Prince showed no inclination to assail Huaixi Province. Instead, in the first lunar month, he dispatched his trusted aide, Liao Mingzhong, as an envoy to the city of Huaixi Province. Accompanying him was an imperial decree, demanding Shao Yunduan’s submission.

Liao Mingzhong differed from Lord Yang, who sided with the Second Prince. He and Shao Yunduan had crossed paths numerous times during their days in the capital, even attending several banquets together. Their acquaintance ran deep.

Expressing his stance, Liao Mingzhong contended that with the former Crown Prince no longer in the picture, the Emperor, as the legitimate heir of the Empress, rightfully deserved dominion over the realm.

All indications suggested that the Fourth Prince had played a hand in the Crown Prince’s demise. As a member of the East Palace, Shao Yunduan harbored a desire for retribution on behalf of the fallen Crown Prince.

Furthermore, Liao Mingzhong pledged that should Shao Yunduan choose to align with the Emperor, he could anticipate elevation to the rank of marquis or minister of the six ministries once the traitors from both factions were eradicated.

To a courtier, such positions were esteemed and prestigious.

Inwardly, Liao Mingzhong couldn’t help but sigh as he relayed these assurances to Shao Yunduan. He envied the prospect. Never before had the Emperor extended such grand promises to his loyal subjects!

However, Liao Mingzhong conceded that none among them matched Shao Yunduan’s caliber. They could merely offer assistance to the Emperor. Should Shao Yunduan pledge allegiance to the Emperor, he would bring with him a vast swath of land and numerous talents, destined to champion the Emperor’s cause in the future.

Without uttering a word in response, Shao Yunduan instructed someone to escort him downstairs to rest.

Aware of Shao Yunduan’s formidable stature and the weight of his influence, Liao Mingzhong understood that making such a momentous decision on the spot was unrealistic. With a smile, he retired to rest.

Gathering his advisors and confidants, Shao Yunduan convened a meeting. Before he could articulate his thoughts, Jia Heming and the other scholars and generals unanimously expressed their agreement.