Chapter Ten: Honesty Can Be Quite Troublesome

“Your Majesty,” Miao Fa uttered the two words calmly.

Gao Changsheng and Chu Yunyan were both momentarily stunned, as if Miao Fa’s answer had caught them off guard.

However, seeing their expressions, Miao Fa felt quite pleased with himself.

“To be precise, it is the two princes born of the Empress who intend to harm His Royal Highness the Sixth Prince,” he continued.

“However, since the Empress and the two princes belong to the same faction, who exactly masterminds the plot to harm the prince is of little consequence.”

Miao Fa went on analyzing on his own.

At last, Gao Changsheng understood why Miao Fa had emphasized to the waiter that he was not a fortune-teller.

With Miao Fa’s intelligence, there was no need to rely on fate at all.

Had it not been for his reminder, Gao Changsheng would not have thought in such a short time that the Empress was the one plotting against him.

“What is the motive?” Chu Yunyan asked immediately, her brows furrowed.

“That depends on what our Sixth Prince did today at the court,” Miao Fa said with a faint smile, locking eyes with Gao Changsheng.

Today, Gao Changsheng had been bold and outspoken in court.

He had undermined the Crown Prince’s position and eliminated one of the Crown Prince’s trusted aides, Minister of Punishments Duan Yan.

At the same time, he had seized military command over the northern border troops from the Second and Third Princes.

In doing so, he had offended not only the Crown Prince but also the two most powerful factions in the Dayong Dynasty besides the Divine Martial Emperor himself.

Yet, the true offense was primarily to the Crown Prince.

It was understandable that the Crown Prince would want to eliminate Gao Changsheng.

But would the Second and Third Princes really kill the Divine Martial Emperor’s appointed advisor over a mere military command?

“Did His Royal Highness have any direct conflict with the two princes in court today?” Miao Fa suddenly asked.

“No,” Gao Changsheng shook his head firmly.

“That’s just as it should be,” Miao Fa nodded approvingly and smiled confidently once more.

“To outsiders, it appeared that His Royal Highness only clashed with the Crown Prince today.”

“If His Royal Highness were to suddenly die, then who would be the most likely culprit?”

Hearing this, Gao Changsheng and Chu Yunyan suddenly had a clear realization.

The entire Jin Yong City was abuzz with news of the conflict between Gao Changsheng and the Crown Prince—common folk even discussed it in passing.

It was universally known.

Should anything happen to Gao Changsheng, the blame would fall squarely on the Crown Prince, and no one would suspect the Second or Third Princes.

Therefore, the assassin in Jin Yong City could not be the Crown Prince.

Nor would the Crown Prince be so foolish as to act directly against him within the city.

***

“His Royal Highness’s boldness at court today shows he intends to make a new start with the northern campaign.”

“But for the two princes and the Empress, His Royal Highness’s sudden rise poses a real threat.”

“Currently, the Crown Prince’s power is overwhelming, far beyond what the two princes can confront.”

“If another strong contender like the Sixth Prince emerges, the two princes’ path to succession would become even more difficult.”

“If His Royal Highness were one of the princes or the Empress, would he let such a threat go unchecked?”

Miao Fa’s expression grew graver still, as if Gao Changsheng’s life hung by a thread.

And indeed, the situation was dire.

Within Jin Yong City, the Crown Prince’s influence was so immense it sent chills down one’s spine.

But the two princes’ power was by no means something Gao Changsheng could compare with.

At the Sixth Prince’s residence, aside from a few male and female servants, he could not even afford private guards.

If intruders stormed the residence with intent to kill, he would have no means of resistance.

If luck was against him, tonight might well be the final moment of Gao Changsheng’s life.

This was truly perilous.

“Your Highness!” Chu Yunyan’s face was etched with worry.

She had wanted to invite Gao Changsheng to stay temporarily at the Chu family home.

But then she realized that Jin Yong City was filled with spies loyal to the Crown Prince and the two princes.

If Gao Changsheng appeared at the Chu residence, it would immediately reveal a close relationship between the Chu family and him.

This would not only bring endless trouble to Chu Jiangnian and the Ministry of War but also jeopardize future plans where Chu Yunyan hoped to leverage the Ministry of War and the Chu family to assist Gao Changsheng.

The risk far outweighed the benefit.

“Does the Taoist have a solution?” Chu Yunyan asked urgently.

This mysterious Taoist seemed capable of seeing through all things.

For now, they had no choice but to rely on him.

“Of course, this humble Taoist has a way to counter the threat, but…” Miao Fa suddenly stood up and performed a deep bow to Gao Changsheng.

It was the second time he had done so.

The first was upon discovering Gao Changsheng’s true identity.

What was this for?

“This humble Taoist descended from the mountains and entered the mortal world seeking to display my talents—that is my quest for fame.”

“If in the future I can achieve wealth and glory, that would be even better—that is my quest for profit.”

“During my travels in Jin Yong City, I happened to hear of His Royal Highness’s sensational deeds in court.”

“Considering His Royal Highness’s difficult position and lack of advisors, if I could serve under His Royal Highness, then once His Royal Highness rises, my ambitions for fame and profit would be realized.”

“Please rest assured, Your Highness, you are my lord, and assisting you to escape this crisis is but my duty!”

***

Miao Fa was a little too straightforward—perhaps even overly so.

Hearing this, Gao Changsheng was rendered speechless.

What was going on today?

First, Chu Yunyan openly asked to rely on him to save the Chu family.

Now, Miao Fa wanted to use him to achieve fame and fortune.

Even those who fish for suckers usually tell at least a few lies.

Yet these opportunists were so honest it was impossible to be angry.

“If someone wants to risk their life with me, I’m more than happy—how could I refuse?” Gao Changsheng said sullenly.

After all, he was still a prince; a little pride was only natural.

“Heh heh!”

“Then His Royal Highness’s words count as agreeing with this humble Taoist.”

Miao Fa smiled and then sat back down.

Now he was the subordinate and Gao Changsheng the lord.

Such behavior might be seen as presumptuous, but Gao Changsheng did not seem to mind.

After all, he was a transmigrator—he cared little for formalities.

“The solution to the assassination attempt is actually quite simple.”

“Just let the prince’s residence spread word publicly inviting all beggars and vagrants in the city to come live there.”

“Claim it is to aid the poor.”

“First, this would discourage assassins from launching a large-scale intrusion.”

“Second, it would earn your Highness a reputation for benevolence.”

“The only concern is if assassins disguise themselves as refugees to harm you.”

“However, the numbers would be too small to pose a serious threat, and as long as your Highness assigns more male servants to guard carefully, it will be fine.”

Miao Fa said confidently.

What a good idea!

After hearing this, Gao Changsheng’s eyes lit up, nodding repeatedly.

“All good, but I want to make a slight modification.”

For some reason, Gao Changsheng disliked Miao Fa’s confident expression.

“I’ll spread the word that I intend to distribute all my wealth, demonstrating my resolve to die on the battlefield!”

Upon hearing this, the confidence on Miao Fa’s face vanished.

It seemed even this brilliant man had his limits.

Seeing Miao Fa stumped was a rare pleasure.

“Today, I finally feel satisfied!”