Chapter 127

Chapter 127

Even though he'd gotten the Crown Prince a flogging, Han Zhang had never meant to actually screw him over.

Since he'd proposed the idea of striking the Justice Drum, he'd naturally thought through all the fallout and was ready for Prince Five and his crew to hit back.

Grain is the bedrock of society. Only by boosting grain output could Han Zhang put more of his future knowledge to use and engage in more political activities.

So early on, right after he'd transmigrated, he'd started making fertilizer, and used the spring planting season to have the Han family test it in their fields.

This was also why, even after their living conditions improved, the Han family still didn't hire farmhands and kept working the fields themselves.

Originally, Han Zhang had planned to wait until after the imperial examinations, using the fertilizer feat to land a good post outside the capital.

But now that he'd been chosen by the Crown Prince, giving away the fertilizer credit was the best move to quickly carve out a spot in the Crown Prince's camp.

In fact, to gain even more of the Crown Prince's trust, he hadn't taken a shred of credit—he'd pinned it all on the Crown Prince, letting the Crown Prince rake in all the popular support.

Han Zhang's move looked like a raw deal right now, but in the long run, it paid off for his official career.

Everyone in the know could see exactly what he'd done. As long as the Crown Prince didn't want to chill the hearts of his subordinate officials, he'd definitely back Han Zhang hard once he passed the exams and entered court next year.

Besides, as a subject, having too much popular support wasn't a good look for him. Giving away the credit did him more good than harm.

Of course, all of this hinged on Han Zhang having enough cards up his sleeve—he could conjure up achievements whenever he wanted, and he wasn't hurting for this one fertilizer. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been so damn generous.

But outsiders didn't know the truth, so his move looked extra "loyal."

Thus, after the Crown Prince used the fertilizer credit again to blow up his rep with the common folk and lock in his spot as Crown Prince, Han Zhang's stock in the Crown Prince's eyes had risen to match the advisors who'd been with him for years.

Not only did the Crown Prince use Han Zhang treating the Xiaohe villagers as an excuse to shower him with gold, silver, and jewels.

Back at the Eastern Palace, he specifically called the Crown Princess into his study and gravely told her:

"My dear, Master Han is a man of deep loyalty and honor, utterly devoted to his husband. Since he hasn't entered court yet, it'd be awkward to invite Han's husband to banquets directly, but you can send invitations to Madam Shen."

"Master Han's talents are a huge boon to my cause. Make sure you keep good relations with his household on my behalf—don't slack on this."

Master Han really lives up to Father's high opinion of him. Even before entering court, he's already helping me this much.

I wonder what surprises he'll bring once he officially joins court?

The Crown Prince was thrilled to have landed such a talent.

The Crown Princess, having been married off to the Crown Prince, naturally had the foresight and vision her family had drilled into her. She gave a graceful nod:

"Your Highness, rest easy. Your concubine understands the stakes and won't mess up your plans. But..."

"But what?"

The Crown Princess hesitated a beat before murmuring: "Word has it that Prince Jiayou, while taking in the views at Beauty Mountain a few days back, ran into Han's husband. After getting back to his place, he sent people to dig into Han's husband's background."

Everyone knew what His Highness's full-blooded younger brother was like. Han Zhang was not only talented but also a strikingly handsome man. If Prince Jiayou, the Chang Gongjun, got any improper ideas about him, it'd cause trouble.

She hadn't wanted to bring this up in the first place, but now that Han Zhang had shown so much value, and her husband had been so serious about it, she had to say something.

The Crown Prince caught her drift and said, a bit annoyed: "Jiayou can be headstrong, but he's never dumb about the big stuff. You worry too much, love."

His little brother was his full-blooded sibling, and had even wrecked his own health saving the Crown Prince's life, which had wrecked his marriage prospects.

So what if he just liked to enjoy himself now? As a noble Chang Gongjun, keeping a few male companions was no big deal. It was the narrow-minded folks of the world who were so prejudiced.

The Crown Princess had figured he'd say that and didn't argue, just said softly:

"Your Highness speaks the truth. The Chang Gongjun would even sacrifice his life for Your Highness—your concubine should not have made baseless speculations. But as the saying goes, 'When slander arrives three times, even a loving mother loses trust'..."

"The Chang Gongjun is surrounded by all sorts of people, and there will inevitably be petty schemers around him. If someone with ulterior motives deliberately stirs him up, causing the Chang Gongjun to make a misstep, it could harm the bond between Your Highness and Master Han. This must not be taken lightly."

The Chang Gongjun Jiayou was the weak point of both the Crown Prince and the Empress. Those political enemies would certainly try to exploit this.

As a woman, she knew all too well how easily young ladies and lads could lose their heads over matters of the heart.

She had heard of Han Zhang and had even seen him during the archery examination at the Imperial Academy.

He was a man not only exceptionally handsome but also possessing a very distinctive temperament—the kind that could easily make young ladies and lads fall in love.

The possibility of her brother-in-law being led astray by someone's instigation was very high. The Eastern Palace must remain vigilant and prepare in advance.

The Crown Princess pointed out clearly: "Your Highness, Han's husband is brilliant in scholarship, radiant as the stars, warm and witty in speech, and sincere and open in manner—truly the ideal choice in the hearts of countless young ladies and lads."

"I understand. I will speak with Jiayou."

The Crown Prince was silent for a long moment before letting out a barely audible sigh and slowly nodding.

Master Han's bearing was indeed the kind that could easily inspire admiration. If his younger brother truly developed such feelings, given his temperament, it would indeed be troublesome.

There was no time to waste—delay could breed complications.

To prevent Prince Five and others from exploiting his younger brother, the very next day after the Crown Princess's warning, the Crown Prince sought out the Chang Gongjun Jiayou to probe him about the encounter and investigation of Han Zhang.

Jiayou was not a fool like Zheng Yufu, and quickly realized his elder brother's intent to test him.

His face immediately darkened, and his words carried a sharp edge: "So now even my own brother finds my behavior scandalous, thinks I've disgraced the imperial family, and am hindering your great cause?"

His tone was hostile, but the Crown Prince did not mind—he only felt heartache.

His younger brother had once been well-behaved and lively. The reason he had become what he was now was because he had damaged his health saving the Crown Prince, and then been betrayed by his loving husband, which had completely changed his temperament.

The Crown Prince quickly stroked his younger brother's hair and said gently: "Jiayou, you and I share the same blood. Your brother's life was saved by you—how could I ever look down on you?"

"You are the Chang Gongjun of Great Zhao. So what if you merely enjoy male company? What's wrong with that? Those idle gossips outside are just jealous of your noble status—don't take them to heart."

"Your brother asked about Master Han only because I worry you might be manipulated and used by others. Master Han's talents are a great help to me. Only when your brother truly sits on that throne can I protect you with wealth and honor for a lifetime, allowing you to enjoy endless freedom. This is by no means blame, nor disdain."

Comforted by his elder brother's gentle words, the frustration welling in Jiayou's chest eased somewhat.

But he still found it hard to let go of his pride, and said stubbornly: "Since my brother says I am a noble Chang Gongjun, then if I truly set my sights on this Han Zhang, it would be his good fortune. The fact that my brother came specifically to warn me shows that in your heart, I ultimately cannot compare to the empire."

"Indeed... a ruined body like mine, with such a tarnished reputation, has long been useless. How could I be worthy of being mentioned alongside a brilliantly talented pillar of the court?"

He curled his lips, his smile filled with self-mockery.

The Crown Prince's heart ached, and he gently scolded: "Jiayou! Do not belittle yourself! In your brother's heart, even with ten thousand talents and a thousand miles of rivers and mountains, none can compare to you."

"Is that so? Then if I truly did set my sights on this Han, would my brother be willing to give him to me?"

Jiayou looked up, stubbornness still shining in his eyes.

The Crown Prince looked at his younger brother's defiant expression and found himself unable to refuse: "I would. Talented men are plentiful in this world, but I have only one full-blooded younger brother—Jiayou."

"Elder Brother..."

Jiayou's eyes reddened, and tears suddenly spilled down his cheeks.

He knew it was wrong to pressure his elder brother like this, but he couldn't help it—he was tired of people who showed outward respect while their eyes betrayed their contempt.

In the dead of night, when he woke from his dreams, he couldn't help but regret: if he hadn't sacrificed himself to save his brother back then, would everything have been different? Would he still be that carefree Chang Gongjun, loving his husband as before?

But in this world, there are no "what ifs."

He also understood that even if he hadn't saved his brother back then, even if his body had remained whole, his husband would still have chosen to betray him.

It wasn't his brother's fault, nor his own.

It was that heartless man who had betrayed his true devotion.

"Sob... Elder Brother, I'm sorry... I didn't mean to pressure you, and I haven't taken a liking to Master Han... I just can't let it go..."

"Why should I, as the honored Chang Gongjun, have to graciously allow my husband to take concubines just because I'm no longer whole? And on top of that, he kept a mistress behind my back..."

"Why is it that when I turn the tables and treat those kept men the way men treat their wives and concubines, I'm called vicious and wanton? They all despise me..."

"I just want to toy with those men at my whim—the more they despise me, the more I'll make them taste humiliation and disgrace..."

Jiayou threw himself onto the Crown Prince, sobbing and pouring out his pent-up grievances.

The Crown Prince gently patted his back, his voice steady and reassuring:

"Jiayou, don't be afraid. Your big brother is here; I'll protect you. You like handsome men—once I take the throne, I'll issue a decree letting you pick any man in the realm. What does it matter if they're unhappy about it? Once I'm emperor, they'll still have to swallow their pride and fawn over you..."

Whatever his little brother wanted, he would find it for him.

No matter the thing, no matter the person.

...

Meanwhile.

The Fifth Prince, having suffered heavy losses, had spent days fuming behind closed doors. Now that he had calmed down, he summoned his subordinates and gave a sinister order.

"Go. Rouse everyone we have around Jiayou Chang Gongjun! Use whatever means necessary—I want Jiayou Chang Gongjun to make a move against Han Qinzhang!"

"This man is a major threat to me. I will not allow my elder brother to have him on his side!"

His elder brother was flawless in every way, except he was too sentimental.

Jiayou's weakness was also emotion.

And Han Qinzhang was just as much a man ruled by love.

No matter how clever a person is, when it comes to matters of the heart, they easily lose their heads and act foolishly.

Dear elder brother, it's still too early to say who'll come out on top.

Your little brother will be right here waiting to watch your downfall!

A cold, mocking smile curled at the Fifth Prince's lips, his eyes gleaming with the delight of a spectator awaiting a good show.