The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 3)

Chapter 460 - Reckoning

Before long, Lu Qingyun appeared in Ning Chen's tent, faithfully reporting his subordinate's findings.

"Your Majesty, I believe that this Enhejin's illegitimate son might know something. Why not capture him for interrogation?"

Ning Chen stood with his back to him, his eyes cold and piercing.

"Since you've already made up your mind, then go ahead. Just be careful not to alert the enemy."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Lu Qingyun cupped his hands in salute.

Just as he was about to leave, Ning Chen called out again, "Have the Third Prince and Yi Fei made any moves?"

"Nothing of note yet. They only had a private conversation for a while, but the specifics are unknown to me. Right now, the Third Prince is in his own tent," Lu Qingyun reported.

Ning Chen nodded and waved his hand. "Go, keep a close watch on them."

After Lu Qingyun left, Ning Chen finally let out a long sigh and turned around.

On the table lay essays written by the princes a few days ago. Each one had its own merits, but the essays written by the Third and Fourth Princes were particularly outstanding—much better than the two older ones. At that time, Ning Chen had felt gratified.

But now, looking at them only brought him frustration.

No parent wishes to see their children slaughter each other.

"Your Majesty, the tea has gone cold. Shall I fetch you a fresh cup?" Yuan Jiu asked softly.

Ning Chen's eyes darkened as he spoke in a low voice, "The children have grown up. Even I can no longer control them. I had hoped to temper their temperaments for a few more years, but now it seems that delaying any further will only lead them further astray."

No one was a fool.

The fierce competition for favor in the harem had long since died down. To put it bluntly, they were all in their thirties—what was there to fight for anymore? Any struggles now were solely for the sake of their children.

The attempt to harm Ming Guifei was clearly aimed at the Fourth Prince. No one would believe that the poisoner's true intent was merely to kill Guifei.

Yuan Jiu, not wanting to get involved, played dumb and replied, "Everyone is different. People always have their own ideas."

But this time, Ning Chen wasn't going to let him dodge the question.

He said directly, "There's no need to be evasive. You've served me for over thirty years. You see things very clearly. Tell me plainly—what do you think of the Third Prince and the Fourth Prince?"

Yuan Jiu raised his head slightly, meeting Ning Chen's gaze for a moment before quickly lowering his eyes.

He sighed inwardly. This time, there was no way out—he would have to answer carefully.

After thinking for a while, he cautiously began,

"In my humble opinion, both princes share some similar traits. They are both highly competitive. However, the Third Prince is more stubborn and driven, with a heavier heart, while the Fourth Prince is more easygoing and open-minded. He always strives for the best, but if he doesn't achieve it, he can let it go. This makes him livelier in spirit."

In other words, the Third Prince was more obsessive, willing to use any means necessary to achieve his goals. The Fourth Prince, on the other hand, was more flexible—he would fight hard for what he could get but wouldn't insist on something that was out of reach.