Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 597: Chapter 303: Paving the Way for Prince Chu_4

Alas, although Fourth Brother is not in the capital, his presence is still very strong, especially after Mr. Meng went to Liangzhou.

In recent times, many ministers have criticized Prince Chu during morning court meetings, accusing him of amassing troops for his own power, winning over the people’s hearts, showing no respect for the court...

The emperor found it amusing whenever he saw the memorials criticizing Prince Chu. After today’s court session, he expected to receive another pile of such memorials.

"They might as well just say Old Fourth is rebelling."

"Didn’t Your Majesty foresee that after Mr. Meng went to Liangzhou, some ministers would criticize Prince Chu?" Sun Kui cleverly used the term "some" ministers.

The emperor chuckled, "They really haven’t disappointed me." He discarded the memorials criticizing Prince Chu and picked up other documents. Just then, Hidden Guard A entered.

Hidden Guard A could enter any place within Chengguang Hall without prior notice, directly coming in.

He paid his respects to the emperor first, then took out a secret letter from his robes and handed it to Sun Kui.

Sun Kui took it, holding it with both hands, and presented it to the emperor.

The emperor picked up the secret letter and read it, then smiled, "Finally asking for help." He looked up at Sun Kui standing beside him, "Summon Song Dekang and Zhang Gong."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The emperor gave a few instructions to Hidden Guard A, then let him leave.

Shortly after, Song Dekang and Zhang Gong arrived at the Imperial Study. The emperor informed them about Han Zhong’s eldest son asking for their help.

Upon hearing this, they both looked delighted. Excitedly, they requested the emperor’s permission to lead troops to aid Han Zhong’s eldest son.

"Mr. Song, you stay in the capital, and Lao Zhang, you go to Shu."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Gong immediately knelt down to accept the order, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Song Dekang was unconvinced, feeling quite dissatisfied.

"Your Majesty, why leave me in the capital? I can go to Shu with Lao Zhang."

"The capital must have someone remaining to oversee it, understand?" the emperor said, "Previously, you went to Jiangnan. Lao Zhang hasn’t been out yet, so this time let him go to Shu."

Zhang Gong looked grateful, "Your Majesty is wise."

"Shu is not easy to conquer; Lao Zhang might not handle it alone. Let me go with him," Song Dekang suggested, secretly signaling to Zhang Gong.

Zhang Gong couldn’t ignore this and was about to speak when the emperor said, "I will send Old Fourth with Lao Zhang to Shu."

Both Song Dekang and Zhang Gong exclaimed in surprise, "Prince Chu?"

The emperor nodded slightly, "Yes, Old Fourth will go with you, and this time you are not the main general but the deputy general, assisting Old Fourth."

Zhang Gong frowned slightly, "Your Majesty, Prince Chu has never led troops into battle." The main goal of this expedition to Shu is to reclaim it, such an important task cannot be entrusted to Prince Chu, who lacks combat experience.

"Old Fourth hasn’t been to the battlefield, but you have; otherwise, why would I send you to assist Old Fourth?" The emperor gave Zhang Gong a deep look, "Do you understand what I mean?"

Although Zhang Gong was somewhat rash, he wasn’t foolish. Hearing the emperor’s words, he instantly grasped the emperor’s intention.

"I understand, Your Majesty. I will definitely help Prince Chu capture Shu."

The emperor continued, "Prepare over the next few days, and then go directly to Shu. I will have Old Fourth meet you in Shu."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Song Dekang looked at Zhang Gong with envy, jealousy, and hate. He also wanted to go and reclaim Shu.

The emperor gave Zhang Gong a few more words of advice before allowing them to leave.

After they left, the emperor wrote an imperial decree and sent someone to deliver it swiftly to Liangzhou.

Soon, the court ministers learned about Prince Chu and Zhang Gong’s upcoming expedition to Shu.

Upon hearing the news, Prince Dai was full of disbelief, "What did you say? Father has decreed that Prince Chu is to lead the effort to reclaim Shu?"

Fu Zhong said, "Your Highness, the imperial decree says so."

"It should have been me reclaiming Shu, not possibly Prince Chu!"

At the same time, the Crown Prince was also full of disbelief.

"Father is actually making Prince Chu the main general, with General Zhang as the deputy, to reclaim Shu. What is Father doing, trying to create military achievements for Prince Chu?"

Currently, what Prince Chu lacks the most is military merit.

"Is Father paving the way for Prince Chu?" After saying this, the Crown Prince’s usually gentle face twisted with jealousy.