Chapter 185 (2/2)
Jun Huang didn't think she would be able to convince Qi Chen otherwise, so she shut her mouth and let out a quiet laugh, her expression relaxed and her eyes downcast.
Qi Chen didn't spend too much time on Jun Huang's personal affairs. He had felt Jun Huang's absence keenly. Now that she was back, he must take the opportunity to ask for her opinions. There were many things he would like to discuss with her.
”Brother Feng must have come for an important reason,” Qi Chen said. ”I happen to have things to discuss with brother Feng as well.”
”If that's the case,” Jun Huang said after a pause, ”May Your Highness tell me what you want to talk about first?”
Qi Chen didn't try to argue. ”During your absence, the conflict between me and third brother has exacerbated. I've always prided myself for having gentleman Feng on my side. These days, though, I've come to realize that there is someone of great wisdom a.s.sisting third brother as well.”
”How so?” Jun Huang's heart skipped a beat, but she forced herself to remain calm. Her emotions did now show in her tone.
Qi Chen thought for a moment. ”I know how he was before. It doesn't make sense for him to suddenly become so impressive even if he had been conserving his strength. Besides, his actions are not ones of an ordinary man. Without you here, I've suffered a great many defeats. I hope brother Feng will help me come up with a good plan to fight back.”
”What if this gentleman asks Your Highness to back off?”
Qi Chen could not control his temper. Had Jun Huang not heard what he just said? ”How can I possibly back off at such critical juncture? Am I going to just ignore the loss I've suffered? Am I going to just let him win?”
Jun Huang was unfazed by his demanding tone. She leveled Qi Chen with a cold stare. ”Your Highness may have suffered some loss, but it's not necessarily a bad thing. Does Your Highness know how many people have been rooted out because of your conflict with the third prince? Is the current situation not clear enough for you? Your Highness is the crown prince. The third prince should be the one to be worried. Why must Your Highness dwell on unnecessary concerns? There's a reason for this gentleman to ask Your Highness to back off. Namely, the men from Eastern Wu that remain hidden in Northern Qi. They may be hiding right at the emperor's side. If the investigation damages the foundation of the country, what does Your Highness stand to gain even if you fulfill your dream and become the emperor?”
Jun Huang's voice wasn't loud, but she had presented Qi Chen the cold hard truths, forcing him to look at the big picture. Qi Chen was already half convinced. He stared at Jun Huang, trying to determine the truthfulness of her words.
Cold sweat broke out of his forehead once he came to see the implications of his actions. His breathing became so faint it was barely there. ”Brother Feng is right. I've let third brother anger me to the point of losing my sight. This infighting between us cannot go on.”
”What does brother Feng propose we do next?”
Jun Huang went over the different ways Northern Qi's fate can go before answering, ”We have to be patient. The emperor may have turned a blind eye to the fight between Your Highness and the third prince, but it's possible he's trying to see which of you is going to realize your mistakes first. We should first find those men from Eastern Wu. The rest we'll deal with later.”
”Are we going to just let third brother off the hook? Brother Feng may not know what he's done lately. He cannot be forgiven. I may have used the opportunity to take out some of his men in the court, but he in turns has taken my right hand men away from me.”
The more Qi Chen spoke, the angrier he got. He could not forgive his brother.
Jun Huang twisted her lips with her eyes fixed on Qi Chen. ”What does Your Highness plan to do? Are you going to send Northern Qi into chaos for petty revenge? What if Eastern Wu attacks Northern Qi suddenly? Will Northern Qi be able to send out an army? Will Northern Qi be able to provide its soldiers with food and supplies? Has Your Highness thought about all these?”
Jun Huang's tone was calm. One had to listen carefully to hear the underlying emotions in her words. That was exactly what made Qi Chen freeze. The questions Jun Huang raised were not new to him, but he had been blinded by his rage.
He fell silent. What had he been doing? How could he forget about his goal due to his pursuit of instant gratification?
Jun Huang knew that he had taken her advice to mind. She let out a deep breath and commiserated, ”This gentleman knows how Your Highness feels, but the circ.u.mstances do not allow us to be reckless. After Northern Qi has successfully deterred Eastern Wu, Your Highness can do whatever you want. This gentleman will also help Your Highness get back at the third prince. You will have your revenge.”
Jun Huang's tone was earnest. The trace of frustration in Qi Chen's heart disappeared. He nodded. ”Brother Feng is right. I've been too stubborn. If I've said anything inappropriate, I hope brother Feng can forgive me.”
They grew quiet. During Jun Huang's absence, Qi Chen had acc.u.mulated a long list of affairs he would like to consult with Jun Huang on. He brought them up seeing that Jun Huang was in a good condition. He would like an in-depth discussion with her and asked her for advice on issues he did not understand fully. He wanted to be able to give the emperor a good answer should the emperor raise the issue during the morning meeting tomorrow.