Chapter 691 - 212: Pursuit_2
"The credit does indeed belong to Zhaode General," whether intentionally or not, Emperor Hongxiao did not address Yin Zhan as "Prince of Xia County." He said, "When the time comes to discuss contributions and reward services, We will also generously reward him." He sighed again, "I have heard that in the past, Zhaode General achieved numerous military achievements. So many years have passed, yet he remains as sharp as ever. I have heard that his son and daughter are also exceptionally outstanding. I have seen him, but have yet to meet his children."
"The Empress Dowager has also heard of this," the Empress Dowager said, "When it is time for Your Majesty to reward services, perhaps consider rewarding his children, rather than the Prince of Xia County himself. His nobility is already high enough, and The Late Emperor must have also given him plenty of gold and treasures."
"Mother’s consideration is wise," Emperor Hongxiao said, "All of this, however, must wait until Prince Cheng’s matter is completely resolved before making plans."
The Empress Dowager fell silent for a moment, then said, "Does Your Majesty plan to have the Prince of Xia County pursue the victory?"
"Of course, Zhaode General and I think alike, and I have also told Zhaode General. Prince Cheng has ambitious plans, plotting for so many years, yet he forgets that We have been guarding against him all along. To ascend to this position is not as simple as he imagines." His words were spoken with a smile, yet the eyes of the young emperor held a fierce killing intent and ambition that sent a chill down one’s spine.
The Empress Dowager paused in her movements, and after a long while spoke slowly, "These years haven’t been easy for Your Majesty. This position, after all, is not one Prince Cheng can covet, so he is merely asking for trouble. Your Majesty’s actions are wise, so once Prince Cheng’s matter is over, there will be peace in the world."
"It is also thanks to Mother," the Emperor said with a smile, "It is Mother’s daily prayers that bless Northern Yan."
The Empress Dowager smiled and said no more. Emperor Hongxiao looked into the distance, beyond the palace, where the sky was exceptionally azure, a clear and bright day. Everyone wants to control the power of the world, to paint their own landscapes, where dangers lurk at every corner. With Prince Cheng gone, would there be others?
There must be no shortage, but he was not wrong about one thing: He who could handle Prince Cheng could surely handle others. In the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind, until the last moment, no one knows who the oriole is and who the cicada is.