LOT – Chapter 168 The Second Prince of Western Jiang Has Been Imprisoned

Some people couldn’t quite remember who this eldest prince of Western Jiang was, but after being reminded that he was the prince who was almost sold off as a young servant, they finally recalled him.

Speaking of this eldest prince of Western Jiang, he really was something else—Lin Mo even suspected he might have a built-in GPS guiding him straight to the Western Rong.

The last time he tried to come to their Great Yong, he got lost and ended up in Western Rong by mistake. Now, during a war, he again went off alone and got lost straight into the Western Rong royal court. Truly a remarkable talent!

Lin Mo couldn’t help but complain to Bai Xiao:
Lin Mo: “Do you think this eldest prince of Western Jiang secretly likes the Western Rong? Both times he got lost, he ended up in their territory. Could it be he was born in the wrong body?”

Bai Xiao: “Who knows? I can only be sure that he’s definitely his father’s biological son—the eldest prince of Western Jiang, no doubt about that. But this ‘getting lost’ trait seems inherited from his mother. She got lost too… and later ended up in the Western Jiang king’s harem.”

Lin Mo: …

Everyone else present: …

This inheritance is just… way too strong.

It had been quite a morning for juicy gossip. The news from the crown prince’s side was a happy event, but as for Western Jiang and Western Rong… well, that was a different story.

However, the matter of Western Rong coming to borrow troops needed careful consideration.

Great Yong was strong and always treated the two neighboring countries fairly. Their squabbles were their own business, as long as it didn’t disturb Great Yong. But if they lent troops to Western Rong, it could seriously damage relations with Western Jiang.

The key was that both sides were shameless. They fought when they fought, but when facing Great Yong, they could quickly unite into a single front.

Previously, during a war, the two had even colluded against Great Yong—but fortunately, they had eventually been defeated.

On the third day, the Western Rong envoy arrived. Judging by his appearance, things had not gone smoothly—he must have ridden hard all the way.

Lin Mo mingled among the civil and military officials, observing the envoy.

Lin Mo: “Tsk tsk tsk, he looks miserable. You can tell he hasn’t had a smooth journey here.”

Lin Mo was very grateful she was born in Great Yong, a stable country with a wise emperor. Had she been in Western Rong or Western Jiang… well, that would have been disastrous.

Bai Xiao peeked out from her pouch as well.

Bai Xiao: “No need to risk your lives borrowing troops. Meanwhile, your princes and concubines are having a great time at home.”

Everyone present: !!! Another big scandal, quickly, tell us!

Lin Mo couldn’t help but ask in confusion.

 Lin Mo: “I thought the Western Rong king was leading the army personally? Your story seems a bit… inconsistent.”

Bai Xiao: “Just because the king is leading the army doesn’t mean the concubines can’t have fun. You need to broaden your thinking. The king’s personal command is just for show—you actually took it seriously?”

Few emperors or kings really went to the battlefield. Most of the time, those ‘leading personally’ sat in the back giving orders—or didn’t even command at all. If they lost, they’d flee; if they won, they took the credit for boosting morale.

Bai Xiao: “The current trend in Western Rong isn’t good. During the emperor’s birthday, it was better. Later, the Western Rong king’s health declined, and his sons began fighting over succession. The king, wanting to prove himself despite poor health, ended up wearing himself down even more.”

Bai Xiao: “Overall, the eldest prince of Western Jiang may be a bit silly, but Western Rong isn’t much better.”

The Xuande Emperor listening above felt a complicated mix of emotions.

He had met both the Western Rong king and the Western Jiang king when their countries submitted. Back then, both were respectable rulers, true leaders.

But now, only a few years later, some had died, some were in chaos—truly, life was unpredictable.

Western Rong Envoy: “Your Majesty, we beg you to lend us troops! Western Jiang has gone too far—they don’t even respect you. If they dare act against us now, next time they’ll dare provoke Great Yong!”

The envoy sobbed uncontrollably, but his words weren’t entirely wrong. This eldest prince had harbored resentment against Great Yong ever since last time. A lesson was due.

The Xuande Emperor exchanged glances with his ministers and understood each other’s intentions.

Xuande Emperor (authoritatively): “I will give this matter careful consideration. Envoy, you must be exhausted from your journey. Rest now.”

The envoy wanted to speak further, but upon meeting the emperor’s gaze, he faltered completely.

No matter what, hearing the emperor’s words gave a glimmer of hope. There was no outright refusal—so there was hope.

After this, Lin Mo completely lost track of the conversation. Talk of war, borrowing troops, strategies, military tactics—it all went over her head.

Professional matters needed professionals; she, an amateur spectator, could do nothing to help.

She and Bai Xiao began discussing the eldest prince of Western Jiang—after all, such a talent was rare.

Bai Xiao: “This eldest prince was once the least valued. The most valued was the second prince, followed by the eloping third prince, and the most favored were the two younger princes. The eldest was basically invisible.”

Bai Xiao: “Who would have thought he’d become king? Never underestimate anyone.”

Lin Mo nodded in agreement:
Lin Mo: “Exactly. They’re all born royalty—who knows who will eventually ascend? But if he’s always getting lost, this battle feels so… hollow.”

Bai Xiao: “Though he always gets lost, he somehow ends up in the Western Rong court each time. That’s… a kind of luck, I suppose.”

The eavesdropping ministers silently nodded. It was indeed luck. Let the story develop a bit more, and maybe it could become a legend. Many founding emperors had crafted myths to legitimize their reigns as divinely sanctioned.

Bai Xiao: “I’ll tell you a secret. That eldest prince’s mother—remember, she was once involved with the second prince? Well, now she has imprisoned that second prince!”

Lin Mo: “!!! But the second prince was dead, wasn’t he? How is he now imprisoned?!”

Everyone discussing state matters lowered their voices in surprise—they were curious! They had heard the second prince was killed. How could he now be imprisoned?

Bai Xiao said meaningfully:
Bai Xiao: “This is a strategy. The second prince… well, he slept with many women in the harem. Naturally, some had feelings for him. So, they found a lookalike as a substitute. Even the eldest prince never imagined his mother would betray him.”

Bai Xiao: “After the eldest prince ascended the throne, his mother became Empress Dowager. The second prince is now confined in the Empress Dowager’s underground palace—tsk tsk tsk, living daily like a male concubine.”