The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 3)

Chapter 449 - The Best Choice

Deep into the night.

The candlelight in the Third Prince's tent was still bright.

He was indeed a diligent person, still engrossed in his reading.

Suddenly, voices came from the entrance of the tent.

Before long, the eunuch Liang entered, lowering his voice. "Your Highness, the heir of the Third Prince Enhejin has disguised himself as a servant to bring you some tea to relieve the greasiness."

The Third Prince's pupils slightly constricted as he put down his book.

"Please come in. I had too much roasted meat for dinner, and I do feel a bit greasy."

"Yes." Eunuch Liang cupped his hands in acknowledgment.

Just as he was about to leave, he was called back. "Do not let this leak out; guard the door well."

Eunuch Liang nodded. "Your Highness, rest assured. I will take care of it."

Moments later, a voice came from the entrance.

"You may enter; attend to His Highness with the tea and then come out quickly. Do not disturb His Highness's rest."

"Yes, thank you for the message, Your Excellency."

After a show of pretended concealment, Hong Ge'er entered the tent, carrying a tray.

"Your Highness, please sit. What brings you here so late?" The Third Prince gestured for him to take a seat.

He tried hard to appear more authoritative, but when Hong Ge'er stood upright, the fact that he was taller by a head made him feel somewhat uneasy.

Two young boys, one thirteen and the other fifteen, both of whom were not as simple-minded as ordinary boys.

Hong Ge'er lifted his robe and sat down, getting straight to the point.

"I know Your Highness has intentions toward the Crown Prince position, but without support from someone with military power, your chances cannot compare to the Fourth Prince."

"My father and I are willing to lend you a helping hand."

The Third Prince's fists, which were behind his back, tightened slightly, and his expression darkened.

"The Crown Prince of Nan Qi should be a virtuous and capable person; it is not for you subjects to casually discuss. If I have outstanding talents, the Emperor will naturally see it. Why should I need assistance?"

"If only you alone are outstanding, the Emperor will certainly notice, but the Fourth Prince is not lacking either," Hong Ge'er said, staring at him with a half-smile. "Moreover, the Emperor favors Guifei. Isn't there a saying in Central Plains: 'love the house and its crow'? Does the Third Prince have such confidence?"

With each word, the Third Prince's expression grew darker, yet he remained silent.

Hong Ge'er was not in a hurry and continued slowly.

"Zhongyong Marquis Ye Zhe holds 300,000 troops and guards the Beiling Pass. Are you truly not afraid that even if you ascend to the position of Crown Prince, you will not be able to sit steadily?"

The final sentence broke through the Third Prince's unstable inner defenses.

Initially, he thought he would be able to see the Emperor today, and his heart had calmed somewhat, but now it was stirred once again.

Indeed, the Ye family still held military power.

If the Zhongyong Marquis used his army to clear the path for the Fourth Prince to ascend, could he withstand it? 300,000 troops marching over, even the Emperor would have to weigh the situation carefully, let alone someone like him who had no foundation.