Quick Transmigration: Saving The Crazy Villainess

Chapter 122: Jiang Ying Yue (29)

The past year had been very eventful for everyone, especially for the sons of the Emperor. The princes were busy pooling resources together and poaching talents and ministers for themselves. While at it, they also didn't forget to check on their contenders' factions. All sorts of framing happened. There was never a day that no faction was pulling some strings to enrich themselves or make things difficult for the others. It seemed those competing for the throne was at the point that they would do just everything to prop themselves upon the throne.

Amidst this situation, apart from always favored Rui Wang, the one who somehow managed to shine the brightest was Hai Wang. It was because besides being betrothed to the renowned commerce genius First Miss Sheng, he himself also had brought forward innovative ideas to contribute to the empire. An example was the amendments to the current tax system and provincial governance policies. Even though the Emperor disliked him, the old man couldn't help but approve his ideas.

In reality, most of the proposals Hai Wang put forward were inspired by the intelligence and reports given to him by one of those guys supposed to be leading the neutral faction, Chen Wang.

The first time the male lead received the items from that person, he was quite skeptical and doubtful. It was hard not to remember how sticky his fiancee's stares at the general were. However, he was rational and knew he had to check if the stuff was worth anything before using or discarding them. When he saw the contents of the scrolls and the reports, his eyes widened in surprise since everything recorded on them was very classified and useful. 

Hai Wang did not have to think twice before coming into a decision. He must have the general in his faction! With this in mind, he frequently sent covert support to Chen Wang's people within the capital and looked out for the Chen Wang Estate.

There was an issue with his fiancee seemingly being infatuated with the other man, but after remembering Chen Wang was head over heels for the disowned daughter of the Marshal, he chose to drop the matter. Actually, he had already weighed in his mind who to choose if ever Sheng Lingxin did something detrimental and bad for his reputation in the future.

He was quite fond of the girl, that was why he asked for her hand in marriage. However, in terms of importance, she was just a woman and was still lesser in value compared to Chen Wang. Once the time comes and he had to choose, the throne was more important than someone who had yet to reciprocate his love.

"Your Highness, our people have spotted Chen Wang's army near the Eastern Gate. It's estimated they will enter the city within an hour," reported to him by his right-hand man, Fu Jiu, a son of a Marquis who was also his supporter. 

Chen Heng nodded. "Did Lu Ling agree to meet This Prince today?" He asked for a letter to be sent to that person since he wanted to have a private talk with him. While he knew Lu Ling already expressed his stance and wanted to throw support at him, he was still someone who wanted to make things sure and also, if possible, to gauge why he was chosen out of all the princes. 

Hai Wang was puzzled because he was confident that before that confidential information was given to him, he showed no sign of wanting the throne. How did Chen Wang realize his hidden ambition? Or was the man just taking him for an easily led fool who would surely try to stand out once those materials, for blackmailing of ministers and showing off in front of the Emperor, were in hands?

"The general said he will be waiting for you at a restaurant on the outskirts before noon tomorrow."

The prince went silent, then he commented. "For someone of his status, it is such a shabby-sounding arrangement, but I see."

After thinking about it for a few moments, Chen Heng decided to not speak about it anymore. He thought the meeting set up was okay since the place sounded somewhere princes like them would not visit. The fewer people to know about their rendezvous, the better. 

"Your Highness, it seems for today, His Majesty will meet with him that's why he delayed the meeting with you on the following day." Fu Jiu explained. 

The prince simply nodded. The two of them were in his palatial residence, walking down the pathway leading to the building holding his archives. 

The man next to him had his hands behind him. Something seemed to have crossed his mind so he asked Chen Heng, "By the way, forgive this one's curiosity. It's just that a year already passed since you proposed to the prime minister's daughter. When are you going to marry her? Didn't the Emperor announce that only a married prince is eligible to be his heir?"

The male lead was looking down at the patterns on the path when he answered, "No hurry, Fu Jiu. I plan to respect her and wait for her. While it's true my side could just force the wedding, I still want her and her family to take the initiative and pick our auspicious date." 

"Your Highness, it seems you are really very fond of Miss Sheng. You haven't even accepted a concubine while waiting for her to be officially your Wang Fei. This humble official is very amazed. Such dedication towards a woman is very admirable."

Hai Wang laughed and shook his head. However, there was no ripple in his eyes which made it quite hard to associate him to the type of person his trusted man described.

In a calm tone, he replied, "This Prince is no more than somebody trying to practice faithfulness and impress my imperial father while at it. If there's a man who we should admire, it is Lu Ling."

"Chen Wang?"