Zhao Yi quickly dredged up information about the Ninth Prince from his memories.
The Yongzhao Emperor had a large brood. Aside from those who had died in infancy, there were currently nine princes and seven princesses. The Ninth Prince, Zhao Qi, was three months younger than Zhao Yi himself. He was handsome, gifted, and deeply favored by the Emperor. Moreover, his mother, Consort Shu, came from a prominent family, giving the Ninth Prince a formidable network of support both inside and outside the court. Many believed he was a strong contender for the position of Crown Prince.
In his memories, his predecessor had no real conflict with the Ninth Prince. Why, then, would he orchestrate a scheme against him?As he pondered this, Chief Xu spoke up again. "Prince, this official has heard that the Ninth Prince has repeatedly petitioned His Majesty to grant him a marriage, hoping to make the Duke of Dingguo’s daughter his primary consort."
Zhao Yi shrank his neck, bewildered. "He wants to take a wife; what does that have to do with me?Chief Shi Xu remained blank for three seconds, then pulled a strange expression. "Prince, the Duke of Dingguo’s daughter is none other than Miss Pei, Pei Yiqiu."
Upon hearing this, realization dawned on Zhao Yi instantly. He quickly forced an awkward smile. "This prince... I didn't react immediately."
So, it was a grudge over a stolen bride! No wonder the Ninth Prince had targeted him.
"This prince understands now.Zhao Yi nodded, looking at Chief Xu with a sense of doubt.What did this sudden show of favor from Chief Xu mean? Zhao Yi had always assumed the man was one of the Emperor's lackeys. Yet, he had deliberately avoided the guards just now, clearly not wanting them to overhear their conversation. Was he not the Emperor's man after all?
On the way to the Imperial Palace, Zhao Yi sat in the carriage, eyes closed, deep in thought. The Ninth Prince’s scheme served as a wake-up call. He currently lacked any foundation and his access to information was severely blocked; he was passive in the face of any turn of events.
"It seems building my own intelligence network must be put on the agenda." Zhao Yi opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing through them. In his previous life, he had tired of struggles, which was why he chose to retire thirty years early. Having transmigrated to Dayong, while he had no ambition to seize the throne, he had to possess the ability to protect himself. The importance of an intelligence agency went without saying.
...
Zhao Yi followed a eunuch into the Imperial Study.
"You wretch, kneel before me!"
Just as he was about to pay his respects, he was met with a thunderous roar from the Yongzhao Emperor. Zhao Yi curled his lip, but knelt obediently nonetheless.
The Yongzhao Emperor stood with his hands clasped behind his back, glaring at Zhao Yi. "I ordered you to hunt down spies, and not only have you achieved nothing, but you spend your nights lingering in brothels, even getting into fights over a courtesan!"
"Now the whole world knows about it!"
"You have utterly disgraced me!"
"Father, your son is wronged!" Zhao Yi cupped his hands, defending himself. "I have not been lingering in pleasure houses. I went to the Xiaoyue Pavilion to investigate the spies!"
"Investigate spies?" The Yongzhao Emperor was taken aback for a moment, then lunged forward, pointing a finger at Zhao Yi. "You scoundrel! It has come to this, and you still dare to try and fool me!"
"Wretch!"
With a roar, the Yongzhao Emperor snatched a memorial from the desk and hurled it at Zhao Yi. It had no real power behind it, and Zhao Yi didn't bother to dodge. He looked up at the Emperor and said earnestly, "Father, I truly went to the Xiaoyue Pavilion to investigate spies."
"You..." The Yongzhao Emperor was trembling with rage. But seeing that Zhao Yi’s expression did not look like he was joking, he nodded. "Investigating spies, is it?"
"Fine!"
"Then tell me, what have you found?"
"I have discovered people of suspicious character at the Xiaoyue Pavilion," Zhao Yi replied.
The Yongzhao Emperor said coldly, "And have you captured anyone?"
"I did not want to startle them, so I have not made any arrests yet."
"Utter nonsense!" The Yongzhao Emperor pointed at him. "You wretched son, you still dare to spout lies!"
"There is no need for you to hunt spies anymore!"
The Yongzhao Emperor waved his hand dismissively. "I command you to head to the Imperial Clan Court immediately to reflect on your actions!"
"If you do not reform yourself, you shall remain there and never come out!"
Zhao Yi sighed bitterly, feeling at a loss for words. Just how pathetic must this Eighth Prince be in the eyes of the Emperor? There was absolutely no trust at all!
"Father, wait!"
Seeing two eunuchs approaching, Zhao Yi thought for a moment, then spoke with a grave expression. "Every word I have spoken is the truth. If Father does not believe me, I am willing to swear an oath before you."
Zhao Yi raised his right hand, solemn. "I swear that I will capture the spies within the seven-day limit."
"If I fail, I shall submit to whatever punishment Father deems fit!"
The Yongzhao Emperor paused slightly; he had not expected Zhao Yi to dare swear an oath. But upon second thought, Zhao Yi had no other choice. If he didn't swear, he would be locked in the Imperial Clan Court right now. By swearing, he at least gained a few days of freedom. This wretch lacked great wisdom, but he certainly had plenty of small, crafty tricks.
"Fine!" The Yongzhao Emperor let out a cold snort through his nose, his eyes sharp. "I shall see what kind of game you are playing."
"If you truly capture these spies, I will reward you handsomely!"
"However."
"If you fail to capture them, I shall show no mercy!"
"Your son obeys!" Zhao Yi bowed.
He then looked at the Emperor and requested, "Father, to prevent word from leaking out, please do not let news of my investigation at the Xiaoyue Pavilion spread."
"If the spies at the Xiaoyue Pavilion find out, my efforts will have been in vain."
"You are certainly quite thoughtful, aren't you?" The Yongzhao Emperor replied sarcastically, then nodded. "Rest assured, I will have someone keep today's matters strictly guarded."
"Many thanks, Father!"
Walking away, Zhao Yi’s brow was furrowed. He had boasted before the Emperor, and now he had to capture those spies no matter what.
But the question was: how? It wasn't that the spies at the Xiaoyue Pavilion were hard to catch, but rather that most of the guards in his own manor were the Emperor's men. How could he make arrangements without exposing his own methods?
"Greetings, Eighth Imperial Brother."
As he was deep in thought, a voice came from behind him. Zhao Yi turned his head, his pupils constricting slightly. The person approaching was none other than the Ninth Prince, Zhao Qi.
"Why is the Ninth Brother here?" Zhao Yi’s lips curled upward.
"I just finished paying my respects to my mother, and saw you on my way out."
The Ninth Prince replied with a smile, then asked curiously, "I see you look troubled, Eighth Brother. Have you encountered some vexing matter?"
Zhao Yi gave a cold, internal laugh. This Ninth Prince most likely knew he had been summoned by the Emperor and was waiting here to watch him make a fool of himself.
"Sigh..." Zhao Yi let out a long sigh, sounding distressed. "I went to the Xiaoyue Pavilion twice in the past two days to investigate spies, but I never expected the censorate officials to discover it."
"They didn't know the full story, so they impeached me."
"It led to me being lectured by Father."
"Only a lecture?" The Ninth Prince’s brows knitted slightly, as if he didn't believe it.
Zhao Yi appeared displeased. "Why, do you think a lecture isn't enough?"
"That is not what I meant, Brother." The Ninth Prince smiled archly, his words carrying a hidden meaning. "I am merely curious. You caused such a stir this time, and the whole court knows of it; how could Father let it pass so easily?"
Zhao Yi narrowed his eyes and sneered. "Ninth Brother, it seems you are hoping for me to be punished by Father?"
"Eighth Brother, you misunderstand. I am only concerned for you."
The Ninth Prince bowed slightly toward Zhao Yi with a smile, then strode toward his own carriage. Zhao Yi watched the Ninth Prince’s retreating figure with a deep gaze. He would not actively make enemies, but if others wished him ill, he would not sit idly by and be slaughtered!