Neither of them was a good-for-nothing like Jinghua!

Yufu County was quite far from the capital. For anyone who took on this assignment, it essentially meant being exiled in disguise.

Investigating the case of the missing disaster relief silver—if one couldn’t solve it, they’d never return to the capital for the rest of their life.

And the one who remained in the capital would naturally be able to control everything with one hand. After all, Jinghua had died, Jingxian was sickly, and with one more exiled to Yufu County, naturally the imperial throne would fall into the hands of the prince who stayed in the capital.

Jing Yi certainly wouldn’t go!

As for Jingrong, he didn’t express his position!

Emperor Qizhen also didn’t directly state his meaning, nor did he directly assign anyone.

But as long as one of the two—Jing Yi or Jingrong—left the capital, the future succession would be decided. First, the factional struggles could end; second, Emperor Qizhen wouldn’t have to agonize over whom to establish as Crown Prince.

This cunning dragon, even while ill, was definitely an outstanding conspirator.

Jing Yi secretly glanced at Jingrong, thinking: You were so eager to seize credit for the Crown Prince’s funeral arrangements—why aren’t you competing this time?

Go ahead and compete!

Come on, compete!

Jingrong returned his glance with a look like ten thousand volts of electric current, making Jing Yi somewhat unable to react. As if someone had grabbed him by the pigtail, he hastily averted his gaze.

Seeing that neither of his two sons spoke, Emperor Qizhen waved his hand, “Very well, you may both withdraw. But keep what I just said in mind. If you think of any strategies, submit them.”

“Yes, this son takes his leave!”

The two men bowed and withdrew.

Ordinarily, Jingrong would definitely quicken his pace to avoid Jing Yi catching up and making sarcastic remarks, but this time, his steps were noticeably slower.

The two men walked side by side out of Fuyang Palace. Since it was already late at night, a eunuch walked ahead of them carrying a lantern, escorting them to the palace gate.

Throughout the journey, neither spoke, until they reached the palace gate.

Jing Yi raised his hand, signaling the four eunuchs to move farther away.

“Jingrong, there’s no need for pretense between you and me. I have something to say, and I won’t beat around the bush.”

For the first time, Jingrong patiently stopped his steps to listen to him boast…

“Now, Jinghua is dead. The Crown Prince position will be either yours or mine. You’ve always said you don’t want to compete with me. If that’s the case, why didn’t you just follow Father Emperor’s suggestion earlier and go investigate the disaster relief silver matter?” He smiled mockingly. “Yufu County is in the westernmost direction. There’s a vast grassland there, with mountains and water. If you were there, it would definitely be the best choice.”

The implication was for Jingrong to go there.

Jingrong let out a cold laugh.

“If it’s so good, why don’t you go?”

“Such a good opportunity should naturally be given to you. If you can really investigate the whereabouts of the disaster relief silver there, you’ll be able to hold your head high before Father Emperor.”

“What if I can’t find out?”

“Then it would be just perfect for you—becoming a carefree prince in Yufu County. Wouldn’t that be nice?” Jing Yi wore an evil expression.

With a somewhat sinister flavor.

Although the surrounding light was dim, Jingrong still saw that ugly face of his very clearly.

Jingrong’s thin lips slowly curved upward as he glanced at him narrowly. “Jing Yi, since you said you don’t want to beat around the bush, why are you now making all these indirect remarks to me?”

“Oh? It seems you know everything.” Jing Yi wasn’t flustered and continued, “How about it? Did that Master Ji’s choice break your heart?”

“…”

Jing Yi seemed to suddenly understand, “Oh, no, wait—why would you be heartbroken? That Master Ji did it all for you, after all. If it weren’t for her choice, I wouldn’t have saved you. So you should thank her and be happy instead.”

Damn it, that sounds really good!

I almost believed you!

Jingrong wasn’t annoyed by what he said, though if there had been a table nearby, he definitely would have thrown it at him.

“Jing Yi.” He called his name heavily.

Before Jing Yi could respond, Jingrong said, “The deal between you two is off. This isn’t a request—it’s a notification!”

“Off?”

Dream on!

Jing Yi said, “You know the consequences. If Master Ji really cancels the deal between her and me, that Lord Zhang can also take back his words. As long as he says he falsely accused the Crown Prince at your command, in the end, you’ll still end up in prison.”

“Is this a threat?”

“That depends on how that Master Ji decides!”

Jingrong raised an eyebrow. “You’re not unaware of Father Emperor’s suspicious nature, are you? Jing Yi, even if your scheme is seamless, don’t forget—Father Emperor might believe it once, but he won’t believe it a second time. Even if he believes Lord Zhang again, do you think Father Emperor would take my life? After all, the Crown Prince just died. He can’t lose another son.”

Hitting the nail on the head!

Everything he said made sense!

Jing Yi froze, as if someone had suddenly jabbed his ribs and even peeled back the skin. His eyes visibly wavered.

Jingrong continued coldly, “If you want to gamble with me, I don’t mind. But I can tell you clearly—the deal between you and Yinshu cannot be realized. Moreover, you promised to spare the Crown Prince’s life, yet in the end, the Crown Prince still died.”

“You…” Jing Yi was choked speechless.

“Since you failed to fulfill your promise, don’t blame others for breaking their word. Jing Yi, heaven is fair. It won’t let one person do whatever they please. I won’t let one person be oppressed forever. Even a tiger without teeth can still bite someone to death.”

Ugh!

Jing Yi was completely choked speechless.

His body trembled slightly!

Jingrong had finished saying what he needed to say. His gaze looked toward the palace gate in the distance, and with a wave of his sleeve, he said, “From today onwards, if you want to compete, I’ll accompany you to the end. The things you’ve done will definitely have their price. And if you dare harm Yinshu, I will kill you.”

Having said that, he turned and left!

Leaving behind Jing Yi with his ugly expression!

Seeing that he hadn’t reacted for a long time, a eunuch came forward with the lantern to inquire, “Prince Yi, shall we return to the residence?”

Bang—

With one kick, he sent the lantern flying!

The lantern rolled on the ground for two rotations, and the light instantly went out!

Seeing this scene, several eunuchs were frightened and quickly knelt on the ground.

They all prostrated themselves, begging for mercy, “Prince Yi, spare our lives! This servant knows his error!”

Jing Yi glared at them, then looked in the direction Jingrong had left. He clenched his fists tightly, his heart burning with rage.

The carefully planned scheme had been shattered by Jingrong’s few words. How could he not be angry!

But he had to admit, Jingrong was absolutely right!

Emperor Qizhen was suspicious—everyone knew that. If Zhang Bo changed his testimony twice, Emperor Qizhen couldn’t possibly believe him.

In the end, he himself might even get implicated, which would really not be worth it.

Suppressing a stifled breath, he lifted his foot and left the palace.