Chapter 94 Alliance

Chapter 94 Alliance

“It’s a black iron arrowhead, I recognize it, and I even wiped off the markings!” Shen Nanzi was certain.

Xie Yu looked at them. "You recognize that arrow?"

This bow and arrow is usually marked, and its origin can be found by looking at the fletching, shaft, arrowhead, and bow itself.

Of course, in general assassinations, to avoid being exposed, unmarked bows and arrows might be purchased from civilians.

Shen Nanzi nodded, "It belongs to my brother."

The bows and arrows produced by the Kaogongli were for the exclusive use of the imperial court and could not be sold to the public.

In this dynasty, individuals could design their own bows and arrows, so high-ranking officials all had their own private designs.

"No wonder Xie Yan refused to take it out!" Shen Minghan scoffed.

Shen Nanzi: "It seems that someone is trying to sow discord between us and the Sixth Prince, or to use us to get rid of the Sixth Prince. If this comes to light, we'll take you down with us, brother."

"Could it be Prince Jing's faction?" Shen Nanzi asked Shen Minghan.

"It's hard to say right now," Shen Minghan said.

"The Sixth Prince had no intention of seizing the throne before, so why would anyone want to get rid of him?"

Shen Nanzi already had a good idea, but she still asked Shen Minghan to see if her guess was correct.

Shen Minghan looked at the political infighting chart on the table and said, "Although the Sixth Prince has no interest in political infighting, those who are vying for power want to be absolutely certain of victory."

"Eliminate all obstacles and hidden dangers to ensure absolute safety."

"The sixth prince may seem harmless, but he is actually the biggest variable."

Shen Nanzi and Xie Yu were both fully aware of the situation.

The one who currently enjoys the Emperor's trust is Consort Wei.

"The Emperor's heart is unpredictable; they worry that he will treat the Sixth Prince the same way he treated the Second Prince!"

Shen Nanzi had heard that Emperor Xie Yuan had a deep affection for his deceased empress.

Therefore, he showed particular favoritism towards the second prince, who was born to the empress.

Back then, the Second Prince's status as the legitimate son was not just that of a legitimate son; it seemed as if the Second Prince was the Emperor's true son, and everyone else was just an extra.

The distinction between嫡 (legitimate) and 庶 (illegitimate) relatives is too obvious.

None of the other princes had won the emperor's favor. It was only after the second prince's incident and the empress's death that the other princes and concubines had a chance.

All three remained silent.

"Therefore, there is danger whether you fight or not. Rather than remaining silent, it is better to fight and take a chance."

Xie Yu smiled and spoke in a nonchalant tone, much like his carefree nature.

When Shen Nanzi had nowhere to retreat, she tested him twice, once refusing and once agreeing.

This time, he took the initiative to find his brother and decided to get involved.

"However, I entered the game late, so my chances of winning are extremely low." Xie Yu was not blindly arrogant; he was stating the facts.

The Empress died only two or three years ago, and Consort Wei's period of power was also short-lived.

Moreover, her maternal family was merely the Pingyang Marquis's residence, which possessed prestige but lacked real power.

With just Grand Commandant Shen, even if he tried his best, he could probably only barely hold his own against the other princes. Compared to Prince Jing, he would be far too weak.

"Unite with the other princes to restrain Prince Jing," Shen Minghan said. "This is the best option to achieve great results with minimal investment."

"But are the other princes willing to form an alliance with us?" Shen Nanzi knew the ugliness of human nature; to achieve their goals, they could commit any heinous act.

Shen Minghan: "The Emperor has been reported to be unwell, and everyone is eyeing him covetously."

"What illness did your father suffer from?" Shen Nanzi raised her eyes and looked at Xie Yu.

"I have been experiencing abdominal pain for half a month. Medications have been ineffective, and I can only use Dingtong San (a traditional Chinese medicine) to relieve the pain."

Xie Yu still felt a fatherly affection for Xie Yuan, and at this moment, his unbridled manner faded, replaced by a subtle sense of worry.

"Currently, only a few imperial physicians and my mother know about his condition."

"Is it already that serious?" Shen Nanzi exclaimed in shock. Didn't this mean they didn't have much time left?

Shen Minghan's expression also turned serious.

"After taking the pain-relieving powder, he is just like a normal person. The imperial physician said that Father Emperor's health is relatively stable, but they can't find any illness."

"His Majesty will surely be blessed with good fortune!" Shen Nanzi said this to Xie Yu, but also to herself.

Shen Minghan said, "We have no other choice. Prince Jing and the Xue family have been bound together for twenty years and are inseparable."

Shen Nanzi understood, of course.

Shen Minghan: "If Prince Jing wins, you know better than anyone how things will turn out between you and Xue Qingning."

"If he takes our past as husband and wife into consideration, he might grant you a life in a cold palace, which would be the best outcome."

Shen Minghan didn't say anything more, and didn't let him directly say that he should be sentenced to death. It was because Xie Yan had taken drugs for her, tested medicine for her, and kept watch over her at night that Shen Minghan felt that Shen Nanzi might be better off than being sentenced to death.

Xie Yu curled his fingers and exerted force secretly. "Today we officially form an alliance to fight against external threats together."

His expression was solemn and dignified; the nonchalance in his eyes had vanished, replaced by determination.

Shen Mingbai took out a list and piled it on the table:

"This is a diagram of the intricate relationships within the court, as well as the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of various officials."

"Shen and his subordinates are willing to join hands with the Sixth Prince to pave a path of hope."

Xie Yu took out a seal and a list, saying, "These are my mother's sources of wealth in various places, as well as several officials with whom I have secretly made connections. They all recognize this seal."

“I, Xie Yu, am willing to go through thick and thin with Grand Commandant Shen, and from now on be of one mind,” he glanced at Shen Nanzi, “and work together to achieve mutual success.”

Shen Nanzi also used the little strength she had accumulated.

"These are the profits I've made over the past eight years by using my identity as Princess Jing."

"All of it will be used for future expenses. If it's not enough later, I can replenish it. There will be plenty."

Shen Minghan looked at the ledger she pushed out and asked, "How much do you have? Dare to say it's enough?"

At such a serious moment, Shen Minghan almost laughed out of anger at her words, "Do you even know how much silver is needed? You really dare to ask."

Xie Yu looked at him with a smile, "No matter how much, it's the thought that counts."

Shen Nanzi immediately saw through their thoughts, believing that what they were offering was her dowry.

She silently divided the ledger into two copies, one for Shen Minghan and one for Xie Yu.

"Look at this, isn't it enough? This is only a part of it, and it's all profitable, with a substantial monthly income."

Shen Minghan casually flipped through the ledger, his amused expression gradually fading.

The further he turned the pages, the more surprised he became!

Finally, it was almost shocking!!

Xie Yu initially thought, like Shen Minghan, that she had sold all her dowry to support him.

I thought to myself, I'll keep it for now and return it to her when the time is right.

However, the more he looked, the more something seemed off; his expression was the same as Shen Minghan's.

After the initial shock came disbelief; it was simply too enormous.

"Are these ledgers all real?" Shen Minghan directly doubted the authenticity of the ledgers, finding it highly unlikely.

Xie Yu closed the ledger and looked at her with a smile in his eyes.

Shen Nanzi pursed her lips, somewhat worried, "Is it a big difference? I can find a way!"

Looking at his younger sister's expression, Shen Minghan didn't think she was lying, and besides, she hadn't gone that far.