Chapter 37: The Conspiracy

On a deep winter night, several figures slipped into the capital's grandest mansion—the estate of Xue Qing, the Minister of Revenue. The visitors were none other than the First Prince, Zhao Tong, the Prince of Qi, and his political allies.

Inside a secret chamber, Xue Qing and Zhao Tong sat at the head of the table. Below them sat Xue Qing’s eldest son, Xue Kui, his third son, Xue Huai, the Ministry of Revenue official Situ Xuan, and the Ministry of Personnel official Han Sui.

Situ Xuan spoke first: "My Lord, the fine salt sent to the imperial court by the Prince of Yan sold out in half a day. The Prince of Heng has already obtained the Emperor's decree to requisition fifty grain transport carts from the Ministry of War, and he intends to set off for Yan City tomorrow. It is said that the Prince of Heng plans to go in person."

"I have inspected their salt," Xue Kui added. "Though the price is steep, it is indeed top-tier fine salt. If they are allowed to capture the capital's market, the interests of the Xue family will suffer severe damage."

Seeing their anxiety, Xue Huai couldn't help but laugh. "Brother, why panic? The Prince of Yan only sent a thousand or two catties of salt this time. It seems his manor cannot produce much of it."

Xue Qing took a sip of tea, set his cup down, and said slowly, "Huai is right. Given the resources of the Yan manor, they cannot produce much."

"But the Emperor has intervened," Xue Kui countered. "Once he pushes for large-scale salt refining, the production volume will no longer be a trivial matter."

"Large-scale production means everyone will learn the refining method. The Fang and Liu families, with their vast coastlines, would end up being the ultimate beneficiaries. The Emperor does not want to share profits with others, which is why he insists on the Prince of Yan refining salt alone rather than involving the entire Hebei Circuit. While this day may eventually come, it is certainly not today. Our priority is not the Prince of Yan, but the Crown Prince. Only when the Crown Prince falls will the Prince of Qi have a chance to ascend," Xue Huai said, casting a deep glance at his father at the head of the table.

"Continue," Xue Qing said flatly.

"Since the Emperor has already reached in, he will not pull back now. Instead of obstructing him, we should offer him a favor. The Zhang and Dai families are also victims of this shift; let them be the ones to contend with the Emperor."

"What if they think as we do and choose to wait and see?" Han Sui asked after a moment’s hesitation.

"If they won't fight, we help them fight. The journey across the Yellow River is not as peaceful as one might think. Anything can happen on the road. Once the deed is done, we cast the blame on the Eastern Palace. While this may not topple the Crown Prince immediately, once the seed of malice takes root, it will sprout into infinite possibilities."

"The Third Young Master is truly brilliant," Han Sui flattered.

Xue Qing looked at the group and said, "Let Huai handle this. Apart from causing trouble externally, we must act internally as well. How are the people you were tasked to prepare coming along?"

Situ Xuan replied: "Rest assured, my Lord. We have selected three women of unparalleled beauty and natural allure. I have had them trained for years, and they are ready to be presented to the Emperor. Once they make contact with the Crown Prince within the palace, I am certain that at his age, he will be unable to resist their charms."

"Good. The Emperor is sure to hold a grand banquet for his officials at the New Year. Present them then. They have been groomed for years; it is time for them to pay their dues."

"Grandfather, is there anything I can do?" Zhao Tong, who had remained silent, finally asked.

"You need not do anything else. Your duty is to guard against the Crown Prince and the Zhang family, and ensure you are not entrapped by them. Leave the rest to us. You are the hope of the Xue family; no matter what, I will help you seize the throne."

"I understand! Once I ascend, I will never forget you or anyone present here."

After settling the details, the group slipped out through the back gate. Once they were gone, Xue Qing and his two sons returned to the secret chamber.

"Has there been word from your second brother lately?"

"Yes, Father. He reports that the King of Nanyue is obsessed with pleasure and his health is failing daily. In two or three years, he will be finished. Once his heir ascends, my brother will seize control of Nanyue’s military and political power. Then, we will have our chance to conquer the Great Xia."

"The Xue family has served this empire for too long," Xue Qing said, his eyes darkening. "It is time for us to be the masters."