Chapter 91 - 89: The Six Princes Compete for the Throne
"Could it be that Lord Gu wishes to persuade me to join the Governor’s ranks today?" Song Changming asked.
"Not at all." Gu Wenhui shook his head with a smile, fingering his wine cup, his gaze towards Song Changming flickering with a peculiar light.
"It’s just us three here tonight; I merely wish to have a heart-to-heart with Song Guard and listen to what’s on his mind."
"What’s on my mind..." Song Changming felt that Gu Wenhui was hinting at something.
But since it was their first meeting, Song Changming couldn’t possibly reveal too much of his thoughts to the other.
Even though he had a good relationship with Lu Zheng, it’s necessary to have a wary heart.
"Let me start then." Gu Wenhui downed the wine in his cup, straightening slightly as he spoke.
"I actually believe that Song Guard wisely declined the goodwill of the Fourth Miss by not taking up residence in the Governor’s Mansion - the Xiao Family, and even Lord Governor, are too hasty, as if they can’t wait to bet everything on the table!
But now the curtain has just been raised, the situation is unclear, and rash gambling only makes oneself more likely to become cannon fodder.
Song Guard taking a step back at this time to protect himself is no bad thing."
Lu Zheng, who had been eating the dishes and drinking wine on the table all along, paused at hearing Gu Wenhui’s remarks and couldn’t help asking, "Brother Gu, what do you mean?"
Gu Wenhui expelled a puff of alcohol breath, his face devoid of any smile, leaned in and looked at the two.
"Anyway, this matter is gradually becoming hard to conceal, so I’ll speak plainly: His Majesty, due to accumulated labor and illness, is beyond recovery.
Among his six most powerful sons, they’ve long been ready to fight; whether above the court or below, there are open competitions and secret alliances, gathering forces.
Our Governor has long pledged allegiance to the Third Prince, placed his stakes, joining this factional struggle..."
Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng stared in stunned silence.
This is astounding!
This is indeed a matter that could prick the heavens!
As for Song Changming, he was pensive; he’d actually had some suspicions these past few years.
However, without channels to the court’s information, it was just mere speculation.
Now, Gu Wenhui revealed this momentous affair directly to them, confirming some of Song Changming’s guesses.
Yet, the development of events was even more extreme, involving the future Emperor and the competition for the throne - a fearsome and bloody contention, with far-reaching entanglements.
"So, Brother Gu thinks our Governor will suffer heavy losses in this factional struggle?" Lu Zheng asked involuntarily.
"There’s an eighty percent chance; our Governor, in showing loyalty to the Third Prince, has made too many enemies.
Unless the Third Prince is faithful and loyal, vowing to defend our Governor to the death, the Governor and the Xiao Family might become sacrificial pawns at any given moment!" Gu Wenhui did not say vague words, directly concluding.
He clearly had his own information channels, enough to support his analysis of the current situation, judging that their Governor is already in grave danger.
"Since Brother Gu already knows the peril within, why not advise the Governor, and devise a new course for survival?" Lu Zheng, having a close relationship with Gu Wenhui, inquired directly, without reservation.
Gu Wenhui shook his head: "I gave counsel three years ago, but only encountered the Governor’s estrangement and my advice was not taken. It was then that I understood the game was fixed, no reason to waste my efforts further."
Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng was at a loss for words.
Then Gu Wenhui turned to Song Changming and asked, "Brother Song, did you foresee these matters earlier and thus avoid entering the Governor’s Mansion?"
Seeing Gu Wenhui speaking so candidly, Song Changming no longer concealed his thoughts, "Indeed, I have intentions to protect myself wisely. Only, concerning the Imperial Family’s affairs, I’m unaware; I merely felt the turbulent storms here were overwhelming and preferred not to wade into them, letting Lord Gu laugh at my caution."
"I see." Gu Wenhui seemed to understand, soon smiling.
"Stepping back is right, yet with Brother Song’s abilities and aptitude, it feels somewhat regrettable not to enter this game. However, circumstances overpower people, later on Brother Song may change his mind.
When the time comes, if Brother Song is willing, you can seek me out; I will certainly set the stage for Brother Song and Brother Lu, enabling you both to pursue your ambitions."
At last, Gu Wenhui filled his cup with wine, raising it to the two.
Song Changming raised his eyebrows upon hearing this.
He detected that Gu Wenhui likely harbored thoughts of distancing himself from the Governor, paving a path for himself.
He couldn’t ascertain whether this person aimed to rely on his family or find another worthy master.
Saying so much tonight, it’s obvious he intended to recruit Lu Zheng and him.
Who knows how many the person privately poached from the Governor’s side; Song Changming wasn’t naive enough to think they’re the only ones approached.
All that can be said is, in the increasingly chaotic current circumstances, those with foresight are preparing various contingency plans in advance.
And those harboring ambition wish for greater chaos in the world.
Lu Zheng soon clarified his thoughts, glanced at Song Changming, and was the first to raise his wine bowl to clink against Gu Wenhui’s cup.
With his two-meter frame, common wine cups only allow for a two-finger hold like joking, so he always drinks with large bowls.
Seeing this, Song Changming pondered; although he might not truly seek this person out, leaving more options for himself is no bad thing for now.
Immediately, he raised his cup and clinked it with Gu Wenhui’s.
Gu Wenhui’s smile became even more brilliant.
The three of them, under the pretext of enjoying the scenery at a famous spot, came to see the beauty who had recently risen to fame.
But in reality, they hadn’t glanced even once at the lady singing and playing the zither in the main hall.
They were continually in secret talks about matters of greater importance.
It wasn’t until two jars of fine wine were consumed that the three were satisfied and left.
On the way back, though Song Changming was somewhat tipsy, his eyes were clear and sharp. As he recalled the content of their conversation, he realized the enormity of the information.
"It’s as if the world is on the verge of chaos..." Song Changming thought to himself.
Throughout the history of the Da Han Dynasty, it was rare for a new emperor to ascend the throne without turmoil. Every time a His Majesty passed away, it would inevitably lead to chaos.
After the chaos came a major realignment, followed by the new emperor ascending over countless skeletons. Only then would the Da Han Dynasty return to peace.
It was like a cycle, repeating endlessly.
The plot of history kept reenacting itself, regardless of whether it was right or wrong.
"Forget it, thinking too much is useless."
With his insignificant status, those already entrenched in the game, the big players, probably wouldn’t even notice his existence.
After all, he was inconsequential.
In this Donglai County City, his skills might be decent, but in the grand scheme of the Da Han Dynasty, he was insignificant, and among a group of true Martial Tao experts, he was not even in the running.
As for power, he didn’t even come close. One would need to at least be a governor in charge of a county to be eligible for an audience with those big players.
His identity and power were next to nothing in the eyes of those people.
Lack of presence might actually give him a chance to avoid this bloody storm.
As he walked and pondered, passing through a bamboo forest, a cool breeze swept by and Song Changming gradually stopped, his right hand already on the hilt of his sword at his waist.
This place was far from human habitation, and the surroundings of the bamboo forest were silent and dark.
After Song Changming suddenly halted, the surroundings were filled with a rustling sound, crisp noises made by feet stepping on dry fallen leaves.
In the darkness, cold glints appeared—gleaming long swords.
Then more than ten people, wearing bamboo hats and dressed in black, emerged from the distant darkness, already surrounding Song Changming.
"Song Changming?" one of them spoke, his tone chilling.
"People from the Dinghai Water Gang, are you? It’s surprising you dare to show up in Donglai County City." Song Changming, with keen senses, detected a faint salty dampness lingering about these people.
This was unique to those who have long roamed the seas.
Considering past events, it could only be the Dinghai Water Gang seeking revenge against him.
"You killed so many of our brothers. If I don’t take your head, our Dinghai Water Gang will struggle to command respect and won’t be able to stand firm in the Jianghu!" the person said slowly, still advancing towards Song Changming.
Song Changming’s heart stirred.
He initially thought they were here for the Treasure Map, but it seemed their intention was pure and simple—just revenge, typical of Jianghu ways.
These people seemed unaware of the Treasure Map.
And indeed that was the case.
Previously, when a group of Dinghai Water Gang members accidentally learned that Golden Palace Sect Members possessed a Treasure Map, their first instinct was to keep it for themselves, never intending to report it to the gang.
But after Song Changming eliminated that group of the Dinghai Water Gang members, no one in the Dinghai Water Gang knew about the Treasure Map.
In truth, this was merely a case of revenge in the Jianghu.
Because Song Changming wiped out too many members of the Dinghai Water Gang in one stroke, the level of hatred was too high. Even though they faced expulsion by the Government, the Dinghai Water Gang had no choice but to send people to take Song Changming’s head, or else they couldn’t command respect and their reputation would be damaged.
"Your group attacked me first, they brought their deaths upon themselves; what has it to do with me?" Song Changming said calmly, unfazed despite being surrounded.
"The military killed even more of your gang, and yet you don’t confront them. Seems you only pick on the weak and fear the strong."
"You seek death!"
A member of the Dinghai Water Gang could no longer hold back, charging at Song Changming first.
This person’s pace and speed were incredibly swift, as if gliding just above the grass, closing in on Song Changming in the blink of an eye.
It must be said, for the Dinghai Water Gang to expand their maritime business across several coastal counties, it proved that they indeed had many capable people.
Moreover, there were plenty of Martial Tao experts!