Chapter 393: A Meaningless Confrontation

It was midday, and the scorching sun shone upon the roof of the Golden Luan Hall. The golden glazed tiles shimmered under the sunlight, appearing as though countless tiny flames were dancing across them.

Inside the hall, waves of heat rolled through the air. The civil and military officials were drenched in sweat, with many of their robes soaked through.

Since the morning court session at dawn, they had been standing there until now, listening to the three figures on the dais argue back and forth.

The Third Prince and Royal Prince Ye stood together, accusing the Fifth Prince of colluding with demons, making deals with tigers, and plunging Great Wu into peril.

The Fifth Prince, of course, did not hold back either, calling their accusations baseless slander. He claimed it was actually the Third Prince and his faction who had conspired with the demons and were now trying to shift the blame.

Earlier, the officials had already heard the Fifth Prince’s version of events regarding his journey to seek the immortals. Now, after listening to the Third Prince’s account, they noticed that, aside from minor details, both versions were largely similar.

The main discrepancy lay in what had happened before and after they arrived at the immortal sect. Specifically, whose side that so-called Red Plum Tree Demon was really on.

On this point, both sides firmly held their ground, presenting seemingly logical arguments. But without concrete evidence, there was no way to determine who was telling the truth and who was lying.

Ordinarily, as an impartial observer, Royal Prince Ye’s testimony should have carried some credibility. However, the Fifth Prince had previously pointed out that the Royal Prince also harbored ambitions for the throne and had already acted upon them.

The officials, having spent years navigating the imperial court, were all too familiar with the intrigues of the imperial family. If someone claimed that Royal Prince Ye bore a grudge against the late emperor and coveted the throne, they would believe it without hesitation.

Moreover, if both princes were to perish, the throne would, by bloodline succession, fall into Royal Prince Ye’s hands.

Thus, at this moment, his words lost all credibility.

Amidst the heated arguments echoing through the hall, Grand Preceptor Ran found himself momentarily dazed, watching the three royal figures bicker like common folk.

To him, the question of who had colluded with the demons no longer seemed to matter.

Just as he had not fully believed the Fifth Prince’s accusations against the Third Prince and had still sent people to search for them, now that the Third Prince had returned and was making the same accusation, the situation had merely come full circle.

In the end, the argument was meaningless. Everything had returned to where it started.

That said, if he had to make a judgment, he would be more inclined to suspect the Fifth Prince.

After all, this prince was known for his ruthless, goal-oriented nature. The fact that he managed to return to Great Wu alone, faster than the Third Prince and Royal Prince Ye who traveled together, was proof enough that he had more means at his disposal.

“Silence, all three of you. Allow this old minister to speak, if I may,” Grand Preceptor Ran finally interjected, raising his hand. Seeing the three cease their verbal battle and turn toward him, he let out a helpless smile.

“The fact that all three of you have returned safely is already a blessing for Great Wu… As for this matter of colluding with demons, no conclusion can be drawn in mere forty-five minutes.”

“For now, let us turn to the more pressing matters at hand.”

“Great Wu is plagued by disasters, and not long ago, an ominous phenomenon of darkened skies and sudden red light appeared—a sign of misfortune…”

“At present, in the east, west, south, and north of our lands, bands of rebels have emerged, raising banners and attempting to overthrow the Great Wu dynasty.”

“Do either of you princes have a strategy to quell this rebellion?”

At these words, both princes spoke out at almost the exact same moment—

“I have a plan!”

“I can suppress the rebellion!”

Seeing this, Grand Preceptor Ran turned to the Third Prince first and smiled. “One at a time. Third Prince, you first.”

Hearing this, the Third Prince cupped his hands and replied solemnly, “These rebels are nothing more than country folk and bandits.”

“Give me half a month, and I will have them all slaughtered to the last.”

“Once their leaders are beheaded and displayed to the public, it will serve as a warning to all who dare defy the throne!”

“Furthermore, we can enforce the policy of collective punishment—should one man rebel, his entire village shall be executed!”

“In this way, even if there are those still willing to rebel, the fear of retribution will spread. Without the need for imperial forces to act, their own neighbors will put them down first!”

After listening, Grand Preceptor Ran turned to the Fifth Prince and asked, “What does the Fifth Prince think?”

The Fifth Prince stepped forward, pointed at the Third Prince, and sneered, “Grand Preceptor, forgive my bluntness, but Third Brother’s methods are nothing short of utter foolishness!”

“Great Wu is currently in a state of unrest, with the people starving and poorly clothed—that is why they are rebelling.”

“Simply relying on brute force to suppress them is useless. On the contrary, it will only make the people despise the Great Wu court even more!”

“It could even provoke greater resentment, causing the rebellion to spiral out of control!”

Hearing this, Grand Preceptor Ran nodded slightly. “Then, in the Fifth Prince’s opinion, how should this matter be handled?”

“By offering amnesty!” The Fifth Prince responded firmly. “Promise the rebels minor official positions and summon them to the capital to receive rewards.”

“At the same time, we must urgently stockpile grain and oil and swiftly transport them to the regions affected by the rebellion. Upon reaching villages and county towns, we should distribute food supplies!”

“By then, those willing to surrender can be granted idle official positions temporarily—it won’t hurt. But for those unwilling, they must be swiftly eradicated.”

“On one hand, they can gain status and fill their bellies. On the other, they face complete annihilation by the imperial forces. I believe most rebels will know which choice to make.”

The Fifth Prince’s approach was indeed more measured… Grand Preceptor Ran turned to the civil and military officials and asked, “You have all heard the strategies of both princes!”

“Now, if you believe the Third Prince’s plan is better, stand behind him. If you think the Fifth Prince’s plan is superior, stand behind him.”

“I will only count to three. Anyone who refuses to choose will be deemed as unwilling to quell the rebellion and will be immediately imprisoned in the dungeons, awaiting execution!”

“One!”

At that moment, the entire court moved. Even those who had originally intended to stay neutral hurriedly stepped forward.

“Two!”

As the second count echoed, the scene grew even more chaotic. The staunch supporters of each prince found it easy to decide, as they were already aligned with their respective factions.

However, those who were indecisive struggled, hurriedly choosing based on the majority’s movement.

“Three!”

By the time the third count rang out, everyone had taken their positions. Some were so hasty that their official hats fell off, but they didn’t dare to stop and pick them up.

Both princes turned to look behind them. Upon seeing the number of people standing in support, the Third Prince’s lips curled into a victorious smile as he cast a taunting glance at the Fifth Prince.

The Fifth Prince, after a brief moment of surprise, quickly regained his composure, a glint of cruelty flashing in his eyes.

Seeing the stark difference in support between the two, Grand Preceptor Ran let out a weary sigh.

Clearly, the Fifth Prince’s plan was more reasonable, yet the officials still chose based on their political allegiances.

“Since the majority supports the Third Prince, this matter will be entrusted to him.”

With that, Grand Preceptor Ran coughed a few times before concluding, “Today’s court session has dragged on for too long. Let us adjourn here.”