Chapter 978: Real and Fake Heir

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

At this moment, Liang Jingxuan, who was wearing a sapphire python robe, said, “The Senior Imperial Censor’s corpse is on display at the Meridian Gate. The Empress Dowager used thunderous methods to quell the cries of the court and to make the emperor come to court. It’s obvious that the emperor is seriously ill and can no longer come to court to take charge of the court affairs.

The court officials are fighting fiercely over the succession. It’s already a mess. The three princes are fighting for the throne, causing chaos in the court. We can be considered to have a reason to send troops.”

The emperor had not appointed an heir. Now that the Empress Dowager and the emperor were both seriously ill, the appointment of an heir could no longer be delayed. However, there were three princes in the court. No matter who was appointed, the other two factions would be beyond redemption. Even if it was not to stabilize the court, they had to fight with all their might for their lives.

“Second Young Master is right. Now is the best time for us to set off.”

Immediately, a few generals chimed in.

On the surface, the blue-robed young master, Liang Jingxuan, was the second son of the first wife of the King of Liang. However, everyone present knew very well that he was the true legitimate son of the King’s Residence, the true heir of the King of Liang.

As for the one sent to the capital, he was just the son of a lowly concubine.

After the new emperor ascended the throne, the emperor’s expedition to the North had been a crushing defeat. The King of Liang knew that the opportunity he had been waiting for had come. From that moment on, the King of Liang had already been preparing for rebellion.

The birth of the “heir”, Liang Jingye, was also premeditated.

At that time, the one who was pregnant was a concubine in the backyard of the King’s Residence. After the concubine gave birth, the mother was chased away, leaving the child behind. The belly of the fake Princess Consort was borrowed, so the child naturally took over the identity of the eldest son of the first wife.

Meanwhile, the real legitimate son only came out of the Princess Consort’s womb the next year.

Even the “heir”, Liang Jingye, did not know that he was actually a scapegoat.

King of Liang looked at his legitimate son with a gratified expression. “You were the one who planned to use the Senior imperial Censor to further stir up the court and cause chaos.” At this point, he subconsciously revealed a proud expression. “Haha, you really didn’t disappoint me. Tell me again, why do you think that the time has come for us to mobilize?”

The King of Liang, who had been through hundreds of battles, definitely knew when to start fighting. These words were meant to test Liang Jingxuan, and he also wanted his legitimate son to perform in front of these old ministers.

It was said that an outstanding father would not have an ordinary son. This made them even more unswerving.

Liang Jingxuan looked refined and handsome, and his smile was gentle. His father had the intention to test him, but he also had the intention to show off. “All along, the biggest stumbling block that has been hindering our grand ambition is King Yue Fei in the north. Once we cause trouble, King Yue Fei will be the first to bear the brunt and will definitely rush to the capital to help.”

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present revealed wary expressions.

Even the King of Liang subconsciously sat up straight and his expression turned a little more serious. “Although King Yue Fei is young, he has quelled the rebellion in Shandong and cleared my name. After taking over Youzhou, he easily subdued 300,000 troops and stabilized the situation in the North. He controlled the drought in the North and shook the foundation of the local aristocratic families. It’s obvious that he’s a ruthless person. Compared to his father, he’s even better.’

The You army fought with the Di people all year round, and all of them were brave and good at fighting. The battlefield changed rapidly. Even if nothing went wrong, they did not have the confidence to win.

“However.” Liang Jingxuan agreed deeply and changed the topic. “Things are different now. As long as we aim at the right time, no matter how powerful King Yue Fei is, he’s nothing to be afraid of.”

The King of Liang asked cooperatively, “Why do you say that?”

Liang Jingxuan analyzed slowly, “The North is vast and includes the three provinces of Liaodong and the seven lands in Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, and Ningxia. Meanwhile, as the main suppliers of supplies, Shanxi and Shaanxi have suffered a hundred years of drought and can’t even grow food. Even if they survive this ordeal, it will take at least three to five years for them to recover.”

The aide nodded, clearly agreeing with the Second Young Master.

Promoting the planting of sweet potatoes could indeed solve the food problem in the North.

However, the sweet potatoes would not be harvested until October, which was in the second half of the year.

The North had settled almost two million refugees, so the food harvest had to be given to them first. Otherwise, if the commoners starved, there would definitely be chaos.

Under everyone’s agreeable gazes, Liang Jingxuan’s expression subconsciously revealed a hint of arrogance. “Ever since the drought, the Northern Barbarians have been active at the border. The wars in the North have never stopped. The You army’s combat strength and equipment have been exhausted, and their military supplies have been depleted. The North is very short of supplies. It’s all thanks to the donations of the merchants led by the Xie and Bai families. However, donations aren’t a long-term plan. Without a stable and long-term source of supplies, it’s just an extreme emergency.”

As the King of Liang who had been through hundreds of battles, he was deeply moved by this point. “Isn’t that so? A war is a competition of martial strength and resources. In a situation where the military strength is the same and the strength is equal, whoever has the most resources will win. Therefore, no matter how many resources you usually hoard, it’s never too much on the battlefield. Otherwise, why would I cooperate with the Marquis of Weining to help him steal the military power of Youzhou other than King Li of Zhou? I’m just coveting Quanzhou.”

Of course, Quanzhou was only one of his goals.

If King Li of Zhou did not die, how could the Great Zhou Dynasty be in chaos? How could they be heroes in this chaotic world?!

A few generals chimed in—”

“Your Highness, you’re right. In terms of martial strength, we’ve been plotting for many years. We’re definitely not weaker than the You army.”

“In terms of rations, the Liang Army, who has prepared for many years, has an innate advantage.”

“Even our equipment is the best. It’s much better than the You army.”

“The Liang army is strong, so we’re naturally not afraid of the You army.”

Everyone spoke at once and compared themselves. Immediately, they felt a sense of superiority.

The King of Liang was very satisfied with Liang Jingxuan’s performance.

The most important thing in a war was the morale of the army. They had been plotting for many years, but once the army rose, these old generals who had been loyal to the Imperial Court would more or less hesitate.

He had called these old ministers over today to further stabilize the morale of the army.

Liang Jingxuan continued, “In addition, the Imperial Court has issued a national policy in the North. In order to implement the national policy, most of the resources in the North are biased towards the refugees. A large number of refugees have just been settled down not long ago. It’s a time when the people’s hearts are unstable. We need King Yue Fei to intimidate the North, or there will be chaos in the North.”

In the meaning between the lines, there was only one meaning. So what if King Yue Fei was powerful? It was fine if his current strength was inferior to the Liang army’s, but he was also delayed by national policy. He was too busy. It gave them a chance.

Everyone present immediately looked happy. They could almost imagine their future wealth.

Liang Jingxuan had achieved his goal and calmed them down. “The older, the wiser. Although King Yue Fei is famous, he’s still young and frivolous. How can he compare to father and son, who have been through hundreds of battles and are scheming?”

“The heavens are really helping me.” Immediately, a general slapped his thigh and laughed..

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