IDWBE -Chapter 329 The Crown Prince

In his heart, he was cursing. I’m not worried that you can’t hear me!

Besides, the treasury being empty had nothing to do with him—it wasn’t like he was corrupt! Years of war, constant disasters—where wouldn’t need silver? And the most important part: he occupied eight provinces, with seventy percent of the empire’s taxes going straight into his hands! The treasury has always been draining silver without any inflow. If there was money, that would be the real surprise!

But he didn’t dare say this out loud—one wrong word, and it would sound like a reproach.

What if Prince He asked back, “Is this my fault?” How could he answer?

The way of being an official is: the fewer troubles, the better. A little ignorance is a blessing.

And most importantly, with someone sharp and capable like He Jixiang around Prince He, anything the prince doesn’t understand, He Jixiang would explain.

“How are we supposed to get through these days?”

Lin Yi sighed. He really wanted to go to Qilin Hall and tell his father: Sorry, I’m disturbing you.

He finally understood why his father had so easily handed over power, without even a final struggle.

In short, with everything in this chaotic state, no matter how hard you try, you can’t sort it out. Better let someone else deal with the headache.

The more he thought, the more suspicious he felt.

Could his father’s sorrowful appearance have been an act?

But… it didn’t look like it!

Listening to Prince He questioning and sighing, the ministers all fell silent, their heads pressed even lower.

Once, Emperor Delong himself had sat on the dragon throne and asked the same question: if the treasury is empty, what should be done?

No one had an answer.

Not only were the common people worried about money, the emperor was too.

Various fiscal policies had been tried, but none succeeded; the empire only grew more chaotic.

“All right, dismissed. Return to your posts.”

Lin Yi waved at the officials, resigned.

They left, except for the Chief Minister of the Dali Temple, Pei Qun.

“Still have business?”

Lin Yi asked, curious. He knew this old man well—back in the day, Pei Qun had often submitted reports about him.

“Your Highness!”

Pei Qun lowered his hands. “Your Highness wishes to grant a general amnesty… but regarding the Crown Prince—”

Seeing Lin Yi’s sharp gaze, he suddenly dared not continue.

“Hmph,” Lin Yi said irritably, “You actually forgot him.”

Pei Qun continued to keep his head down.

Lin Yi said, “Detain the Crown Prince’s faction first. As for the Crown Prince and his family, bring them all to my mansion.”

Although he had grievances with the Crown Prince, thinking that even a useless man could yield two taels of oil, he decided to see them first.

“Yes!”

Pei Qun shouted.

After Pei Qun left, He Jixiang hesitated, then said, “Prince He, the Crown Prince’s faction is large. You must not release them lightly.”

He truly feared that Prince He might show mercy.

“Releasing them is impossible,” Lin Yi said with a smile. “Bring the Twelfth Prince over. Let him see the Crown Prince too.”

“Yes.”

He Jixiang bowed and left.

The Dali Temple, located in the west of the city, was usually one of the busiest places in Ankang City. But with the Sanhe soldiers in the city, people were fearful. The once bustling entrance was now deserted, with only two guards standing watch, occasionally cursing the increasingly fierce sun.

Regardless of hot or cold, the guards had the hardest duty.

Inside, the temple’s prison was dark, damp, and full of mosquitoes, with the only light coming from a small window.

Chen Xinluo led the prisoners in, holding his nose, and said to the guards, “First, let them wash up.”

Looking at the rags, unkempt hair, and disheveled appearance of the prisoners, he couldn’t believe this was the once proud Crown Prince.

“I recognize you.”

One of the prisoners said.

“Your Highness, the Crown Prince,” The Crown Prince recognized him. Chen Xinluo was not surprised—he had been one of Prince He’s guards, often accompanying him.

Suddenly, cries of children and women came from nearby.

“What are you intending?”

The Crown Prince asked hoarsely.

“To let you know: the Wadan forces advanced south. Prince He entered the capital and earned merit for the king. The emperor specially appointed Prince He as regent, to exercise imperial authority. By Prince He’s order, we request the Crown Prince enter Prince He’s mansion!”

Chen Xinluo said, unflinching, “The Crown Prince, Crown Princess, Madam, and attendants should bathe and change.”

Both the Sanhe soldiers and the guards had been forcibly educated in hygiene. If the Crown Prince met Prince He like this, he would be scolded.

The sun hung high.

Lin Yi, hot, removed his outer shirt, lying on a lounge chair, clearly sleepy but unable to fall asleep.

Hearing approaching chains, he knew the Crown Prince had arrived. Lifting his eyelids, he saw the Crown Prince’s worn face and barely recognized him.

“Someone, serve tea,” Lin Yi sighed. “Your lips are cracked—drink more water to soothe your throat.”

The Crown Prince stood in an “eight-character” stance, hands down, staring coldly at Lin Yi, saying nothing.

“Brother, you looking at me like this makes me a little embarrassed,” Lin Yi said with a smile. “Someone, remove his shackles. We’re family—he won’t hurt me.”

Chen Xinluo hesitated, but ultimately went forward to unlock the Crown Prince’s chains. He signaled to the guards and stood to Prince He’s right.

The Crown Prince was only a sixth-rank official!

And their Prince He—well, no need to mention him!

If the Crown Prince suddenly attacked at full strength, Prince He wouldn’t be able to defend.

That was indisputable.

“Brother, sit. Make yourself comfortable.”

Lin Yi stood.

Chen Xinluo, nervous, watched Prince He approach the Crown Prince, following step by step.

Suddenly, he saw the blind man emerge from behind the rock garden, standing behind the Crown Prince. He relaxed, no longer needing to stay close to Prince He.

The Crown Prince finally sat, picked up a tea cup, lowered his head, and sipped slowly.

“Brother, still so graceful,” Lin Yi clapped. “I admire you, truly.”

The Crown Prince lifted his head, put down the cup, and said hoarsely, “Spare your nephew, and I will let you act as you wish.”

“Brother, what are you thinking?”

Lin Yi shook his head. “I’ve never even dared to step on an ant. How could I be a killer? Don’t worry. Whatever happens, the children will be well cared for, as long as they don’t cause trouble.”

“Thank you.”

The Crown Prince said.

“Do you trust me?”

Lin Yi asked curiously.

“I do.”

“Why?”

“When Lin Can’s body returned to the capital, you were the only one who cried,” The Crown Prince said calmly. “I still remember it.”

“Ah, time flies… twenty years already,”

Lin Yi sighed. “Hearing that, I can’t help but miss my Second Brother.”

When the corpse of the Second Prince, Pingchuan Wang, returned to Ankang, he was indeed the only one who cried.

He had almost forgotten such a small matter, yet the Crown Prince still remembered.

He actually felt a little touched.