Chapter 279 - Crown Prince's Hidden Aide
"Crown Prince, it's alright, we will do something about it. Don't think much." A middle-aged man ran after Crown Prince Xin to catch up to him and try to boost his confidence.
Today's royal meeting had finally come to an end, and everyone had dispersed.
Crown Prince Xin was heading back to his palace, and his faction members were following his lead.
The middle-aged man who broke the silence was none other than Fu Ker.
One of the closest aides to the Crown Prince (according to him).
"Crown Prince, I suggest you have a private meeting with the King and explain to him more about the situation."
Crown Prince Xin rolled his eyes, "You think I didn't consider that already? Father doesn't wish to meet anyone. He's approaching a big breakthrough."
"Then how about we do something on our own? If the result is really good, we will only gain; there's nothing to lose."
Crown Prince looked at him from up to down and said, "Who made you a politician?"
Fu Ker shrugged, "Well, it was actually my father and grandfather who-!"
"I was being sarcastic," Crown Prince put out his hand, gesturing to him to stop, "I know how you came to politics."
"And don't ever advise me to go against Father's orders. I can't believe how stupid advisors I have."
"Sigh, I will never even win against the Prime Minister if things go on to be like this." Crown Prince Xin couldn't help but sigh.
Things were getting out of his control, especially ever since he had tried to go against the Prime Minister in court for the first time.
But his inexperience made it hard for him to gain powerful allies in the court.
Even Fu Ker was only there because his father and grandfather wished to test the waters first.
Fu Ker was just a guinea pig to them.
They were testing if the Crown Prince was worth investing in or not.
Just this thought made his blood boil, 'who the fuck they think they are to test me?'
'I won't let those two old bastards come even close to me once I gain a stronghold in the courtroom."
But thinking all this wasn't enough. He needed powerful allies.
Speaking of allies, he had only one whom he could trust and was also his biggest connection - but the only drawback was that this person was not a part of the court.
So, politically he couldn't help the Crown Prince.
But the benefits that the Crown Prince indirectly got from him were quite a lot.
Suddenly, the Crown Prince stopped in his tracks and frowned. After a moment of silence, he looked at Fu Ker and said, "Contact Gao Xuan. Tell him it's an emergency."
Fu Ker was surprised a bit, "Young Master Gao? I will do it right now, Crown Prince."
Crown Prince nodded and saw Fu Ker change his direction and head for the exit.
Staring at the disappearing back of Fu Ker, Crown Prince Xin told the other members of his faction, "The first thing I will do is change that guy's name. I can't go on swearing and cursing for my whole life for now reason."
Many nodded their heads in agreement.
Crown Prince Xin, however, didn't care about their reaction; his mind was occupied by the ally who has been helping him ever since they first met - Gao Xuan.
It was Gao Xuan who had advised him to arrange a good plan and ask for King Xin's permission.
Unfortunately, today the proposal was shot down by King Xin.
Crown Prince Xin couldn't help but sigh at his luck and felt a bit embarrassed that he would have to tell Gao Xuan that he couldn't even convince his father.
"Crown Prince Xin!"
Just as he was lost in finding ways to escape the embarrassment, he suddenly heard a shout from behind.
Turning his head, Crown Prince saw the head eunuch bowing his head at him.
"What is it?" He asked as everyone turned towards the head eunuch.
"Crown Prince, please head to the King's Palace. He had called for you." The Eunuch replied.
His tone was respectful, but his expression was stern.
The Crown Prince didn't hesitate to reply.
He asked, "Should I leave with you? Or is there still time?"
The Head Eunuch replied, "Please come with me, Crown Prince."
"Alright, let's go," Crown Prince replied, and turning towards the few members of his faction, he said, "Everyone, as you have just heard, I must take my leave to meet Father. I don't know how much time it may take, so let's postpone the meeting for tomorrow."
"All of you are quite tired for the day, so that I won't take any more time."
As soon as the Crown Prince said this, everyone began to reply with wry smiles.
"Crown Prince, please don't jest. We old folks are here for you."
"Yes, Crown Prince, we will wait for your return, and then we can discuss the next steps."
"Yes, Crown Prince."
Crown Prince Xin shook his head, "It's alright; we will continue with the meeting tomorrow."
"Alright then," One of the members let out a long sigh.
With loose shoulders and sad expressions, everyone left the hallway except for the Crown Prince and the Head Eunuch.
Seeing their expressions, Crown Prince Xin tried hard to control the urge to roll his eyes, 'Do these people really think I would believe these antics?'
Shaking his head, he turned towards Head Eunuch and said, "Eunuch Sun, please lead the way."
"This was, Crown Prince."
…
Soon Crown Prince Xin was standing right in front of the King's Palace.
Taking a deep breath, he recharged his confidence and pushed the door open.
Inside the decorated hall, King Xin was standing near a huge window overlooking the whole Capital City.
"You're here…"
"Yes, Father." Crown Prince Xin replied with the most respectful tone he could muster.
King Xin nodded his head.
And without turning back, he asked another question, "Tell me, if I had allowed you to go on with your plan, what were the chances that you would have succeeded?"
"And what made you confident about those chances?"