Chapter 1199: Chapter 1035: Sowing Discord

But as for what Prince Jing said, it’s hard to tell how much is true. Although Prince Jing shouldn’t have any reason to concoct falsehoods to deceive him, there’s no guarantee that he doesn’t have other calculations, so he can’t trust completely.

"What’s the name of the assassin leader, does Prince know?"

Prince Jing nodded, then added: "Rumor has it that Prince Du Min has a skilled cloaked warrior by his side, named Bu Ke. He is adept in martial arts and formation tactics, serving as Du Min’s right-hand man. However, over the past year, he hasn’t appeared, this prince suspects he might have come to Dayan."

Cloaked man? Gu Chengyu slightly furrowed his brow, indeed this person seemed quite mysterious, "Has Prince ever seen this person’s appearance?"

Prince Jing shook his head, "No one knows his face; he is always cloaked, never revealing himself."

Although his appearance is unknown, being perpetually cloaked is a distinct characteristic.

But now, with the current weather, countless people wear cloaks, Gu Chengyu can’t just apprehend anyone on the street wearing one; it is a bit tricky.

Looks like capturing him relies on him exposing himself, blindly searching would be futile.

"There’s another person called Map Master. He’s skilled in poison, and very strategic. Originally an adviser in the Prince Mansion, due to his exceptional abilities, he gained favor from Du Min. This prince is certain he’s come to Dayan, accompanied by a mighty strong brute named Heba, said to protect Map Master."

"Map Master and Bu Ke are adept at intrigues, if they have come to Dayan, there must be a major plot. Recently, when Mr. Gu went to Jiangnan for disaster relief, those riots among the disaster victims were indirectly provoked by them, aiming to incite chaos. In turbulent times, heroes arise, as long as disaster victims rise in rebellion, regardless of its success, it’s a catastrophe for the court and the people."

Prince Jing mentioned all these, showing a trace of worry and fear on his face.

Protection? Prince Jing probably doesn’t know, Heba has already been killed by him. And Map Master’s skill is no less than Heba’s, possibly even superior.

However, who were those four people encountered on the road? It seems those people have no connection with Prince Jing.

"Fortunately, Mr. Gu salvaged the dire situation; otherwise, during the flood disaster this time, there would have been a major blunder."

Suddenly, Prince Jing expressed his appreciation to Gu Chengyu, for at that time, he intended to exploit high grain prices for profit, only to have his plan disrupted by Gu Chengyu.

To avoid being found out by Gu Chengyu, he forcefully ordered those he sent to bear it out. He repeatedly instructed them not to oppose Gu Chengyu, thus abandoning this plan.

In truth, it was hard for him in Fengqing Prefecture these years; the land there being barren, profits barely covered the taxes owed to the court. A Prince, yet as poor as can be.

In Fengqing Prefecture, the powers entrenched refused him face. They considered the mountains high and the Emperor far away, believing no one would back him up.

This Prince never received favor from his father; even if bullied severely, his father wouldn’t defend him.

The first year, he was oppressed by these powers but just arriving at his feudal land, having neither Silver nor people, he couldn’t truly enact anything. Seeing the court wouldn’t defend him, they became brazen.

Yet a dragon stranded is still a dragon, how could it be mocked by fish and shrimp? Now, in Fengqing Prefecture, who amongst the powers doesn’t greet him with utmost respect? Any who disobeyed have long been uprooted.

"Prince overpraises; this is absolutely not the sole merit of this official."

Gu Chengyu responded politely, recalling their long conversation; it must be late, possibly nearing dawn. Wearing his night attire, he had to depart under the cover of darkness.

Thus, he rose and bowed to Prince Jing, stating: "Thank you greatly, Prince, for the enlightenment today. It’s late, interrupting Prince’s rest; this official bids farewell."

Prince Jing also stood, smiling: "Whenever Mr. Gu changes his mind, come seek this prince, this prince will surely roll out the welcome mat. As for the promised conditions, they will be fulfilled."

He looked at Gu Chengyu with eyes full of anticipation, though Gu Chengyu rejected him today, that doesn’t mean there won’t be a chance later.

If Gu Chengyu was willing to serve the second brother loyally, he wouldn’t be meeting Prince Jing here.

No matter for what purpose Gu Chengyu came, Prince Jing already achieved his aim.

Successfully instigated a rift between the second brother and Gu Chengyu, already cracked and now widened.

Gu Chengyu didn’t respond, instead bowing again. Just as he was about to leave, he remembered a matter yet undone.

"Regarding Zhou Yuancong’s rebellion, I’m sure Prince has heard. Indeed, Lord Zhou is a sturdy man; enduring Dali Temple’s punishment silently is truly admirable."

Gu Chengyu turned back, with a face of admiration.

Prince Jing’s expression stiffened briefly, then he replaced it with a smile. Tang Canling, standing nearby, silently clenched his right hand behind his back, looking at Gu Chengyu with shock and tension.

When Gu Chengyu’s gaze swept over, he turned his head.

Catching Prince Jing’s fleeting anxiety, and Tang Canling’s concealment about to be exposed, Gu Chengyu curled his lips slightly.

"While I respect Lord Zhou, it’s unfortunate. This official follows orders, not sparing him. Tomorrow’s punishment will be more severe; whether Lord Zhou can endure it, I don’t know."

Gu Chengyu’s refined eyes met Prince Jing’s, his alluring eyes seemed to hide countless edges, yet appeared so harmless on the surface.

Suddenly, Prince Jing smiled, "Surprising that Lord Zhou would rebel, hearing it shocked this prince; wondering if there’s some misunderstanding. But that depends on Mr. Gu’s interrogation, confident that Mr. Gu wouldn’t wrongly accuse the righteous."

Gu Chengyu arched his brow, where he previously hesitated, now sure that Zhou Yuancong must be Prince Jing’s man, which was why he came to see him today.

Seeing Gu Chengyu hadn’t left, Prince Jing suddenly said: "Tang Canling, didn’t you recently buy a Jade Pendant of Ruyi Branch? You seem too rugged for it; why not give it to Mr. Gu? His elegant demeanor is like the bright moon, that jade would suit Mr. Gu perfectly."

Tang Canling, bewildered upon hearing, soon widened his eyes in shock.

"Prince! That jade..."

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