Chapter 0001: The Vicious Villain, Second Prince Xie Chengze, Lying Low and Enjoying His Riches
On the couch, a red robe threaded with gold silk was as vibrant as an autumn begonia, setting off the person’s skin to be as delicate and fair as snow. He had an androgynous face, and his slightly furrowed brows gave him a youthful air. At a single glance, one would find him breathtakingly beautiful, yet this youthful air was tinged with a domineering and spoiled quality that made people afraid to look at him directly.
He was the spitting image of his birth mother, Consort Hua. Everyone said that the Second Prince was a peerless beauty, so much so that even the number one beauty in the capital would be eclipsed in his presence. This was indeed no exaggeration.
But this beauty was a venomous femme fatale. He was cruel, ruthless, and disregarded human life, harming his own siblings and loyal officials. In the end, he met a miserable fate, pierced through the heart by a single sword strike from Shen Yuan, a powerful minister from the Crown Prince’s faction, and pinned to the Dragon Throne.
This was the ending for the vicious villain, Second Prince Xie Chengze, in the book The Powerful Minister.
Xie Chengze held up a bronze mirror, examining his face over and over. He mused to himself that it was likely this unparalleled beauty, coupled with the Directorate of Celestial Observation’s proclamation that he was some sort of lucky star descended to the mortal realm, that allowed the original owner of this body to enjoy the privileges of a prince at court, despite not possessing the orthodox bloodline of the imperial family.
Even the Emperor and others were incredibly indulgent toward him. If he hadn’t killed the First Prince, who was guarding the border, he could have lived out his life in luxury.
But he was too greedy.
At the thought of being pierced through the heart by Shen Yuan’s sword, Xie Chengze shuddered. He secretly resolved that he must not, under any circumstances, contend for the throne.
He couldn’t understand what was so great about the throne anyway. Waking up early and staying up late to review memorials—how was that any different from working a 996 schedule? In any case, since he, Xie Chengze, had transmigrated here, he would absolutely not touch the position of emperor!
He was going to be a master slacker, lying low and enjoying his riches!
The next day, at morning court.
Xie Chengze, dressed in a Scarlet Court Robe, stood alone in the court hall. The wide hem of his lower garment and his sleeves were embroidered with extremely fine gold thread, depicting Golden Koi and Begonia Flowers so vivid they seemed to be living creatures swimming amidst the fabric. It made him appear all the more unrestrained, arrogant, and unruly.
However, his drowsy appearance gave him the lazy air of a cat. His head drooped as he dozed off, so sleepy that a tear welled up at the corner of his eye.
The early morning shift was truly torturous. Just washing up and dressing took a considerable amount of time. Even he, a prince living in the palace, felt sleep-deprived, to say nothing of the ministers who lived far away.
Sigh, I really want to find a place to curl up for a catnap.
Xie Chengze’s dazed eyes scanned the great hall, only to discover that the only place to sit was the Dragon Throne at the very top.
Moreover, the Dragon Throne was large and wide, and had even been thoughtfully covered with a Golden Silk Cushion. He couldn’t even imagine how comfortable it would be to curl up on it for a while…
An expression of undisguised craving appeared in Xie Chengze’s eyes.
The moment Xie Jinyu entered the great hall, he saw Xie Chengze’s eyes fixed on the Dragon Throne, his face filled with covetousness and greed for the imperial seat.
A cold sneer involuntarily rose in his eyes.
This second brother of his, who was not of the orthodox imperial line, was truly still fixated on that position.
It was an open secret among the imperial clan that the Second Prince was not the Emperor’s son. After all, Consort Hua had been, for all intents and purposes, snatched by the Emperor back then. At that time, Consort Hua was already pregnant. Even though the Emperor declared to the world that the child was his own flesh and blood, and even the ministers believed it, the inner palace and the several princes all knew the truth.
Therefore, they were all well aware that it was absolutely impossible for Xie Chengze to inherit the throne.
Only Xie Chengze himself did not know.
Xie Jinyu strode toward Xie Chengze. He was handsome and refined, and his Dark Gold Prince’s Robe made his figure appear tall and outstanding, his bearing noble and elegant. He was truly the picture of “the mien of a dragon and the grace of a phoenix, a natural celestial quality.” Even when walking briskly, his movements were like the wind and his steps like clouds, without a trace of unseemly inelegance.
“Second Brother.” He stopped beside Xie Chengze, his gaze lightly falling on his face. His words were laced with an ambiguity that could be either praise or mockery. “You’ve arrived as early as ever.”
Xie Chengze turned his head and met that exceptionally handsome face. He immediately raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Well, if it isn’t…”
“Crown Prince… little brother?”
Xie Jinyu’s eyes flickered, his deep and profound gaze making it impossible to guess his thoughts. The next moment, however, he smiled gently again, his moon-like, gentle eyes narrowing slightly. “Why is Second Brother so distant today? You used to always call me Third Brother.”
Xie Jinyu was accustomed to treating people with a smile, and his every action exuded the air of a gentleman, making people feel that the Crown Prince was sincere and approachable. But Xie Chengze, who had read the original book, knew that this person was the most calculating of all, with profound schemes and methods.
Especially whenever those moon-like eyes narrowed, they looked gentle and friendly, but were in fact surging with suspicion and conjecture, plotting how to silently put his enemies to death. He was not someone to be provoked.
Keenly sensing the subtle, dangerous aura emanating from Xie Jinyu, the fine hairs on Xie Chengze’s body stood on end. He immediately changed the subject with a grin. “Crown Prince Younger Brother, you’re here so early. Have you eaten?”
Crown Prince Younger Brother.
Hearing this form of address, Xie Jinyu’s pupils constricted.
It was as if the floodgates of memory had been pried open, unleashing a torrent of past events that left Xie Jinyu’s mind in turmoil. His gaze toward Xie Chengze grew increasingly obscure.
He hadn’t called him Crown Prince Younger Brother in a very long time.
When they were young, Xie Jinyu had loved to go and play with Xie Chengze. Compared to their dull and cold eldest brother, Second Brother Xie Chengze was beautiful and gentle. He would always call him “Crown Prince Younger Brother” in a soft and endearing voice. Not only did he teach him to write, read poetry, tease birds, and catch fish, but when he was whipped by his mother, the Empress, for poor schoolwork, he would also carefully apply medicine and clean his wounds.
He, the one who was injured, hadn’t even cried, but Xie Chengze’s heart had ached so much for him that he had cried more miserably than he had.
He had once said that he liked his Crown Prince Younger Brother the most.
But from some unknown point in time, he had stopped calling him Crown Prince Younger Brother. He began to meddle in court affairs, became cruel and ruthless, and started calling him “Third Brother” with extreme hypocrisy.
It was as if he was emphasizing that he, Xie Chengze, was also of imperial blood, that he, Xie Chengze, did not recognize him as the Crown Prince.
And today, why had Xie Chengze suddenly brought up this nickname, which was almost a taboo for him?
Xie Jinyu stared at Xie Chengze without blinking, trying to see through why he was suddenly acting so out of character. Xie Chengze felt his skin crawl under the intense gaze and couldn’t help but take a small step back. “What’s wrong?”
Seeing Xie Chengze’s seemingly fearful appearance, Xie Jinyu’s eyes flickered. For a moment, he almost thought he had misread the situation.
How could Xie Chengze possibly be afraid of him?
He was the best at provoking and angering him. If one were to say who in the world could best stir the Crown Prince’s temper, Xie Chengze would be second to none.
He was about to offer a few sarcastic remarks when he suddenly caught sight of the faint, undried tear track at the corner of Xie Chengze’s eye. He paused, his tone taking on an awkward, mocking edge. “Is Second Brother crying? Who bullied you?”
“Hm?” Xie Chengze touched his face, his fair fingertips flashing from beneath the sleeve of his Scarlet Court Robe. “Oh, no, I’m just sleepy.”
Sleepy?
Xie Jinyu laughed inwardly. This second brother of his, in order to perform well in front of their Imperial Father during morning court, was always bursting with energy. He had never been sleepy. He would even rush to answer any questions Imperial Father posed, afraid that others would steal his thunder.
When he came up with an excuse, he couldn’t even find one that was remotely convincing. How utterly perfunctory!
“Then Second Brother should wake up quickly, lest you make a mistake during court and displease Imperial Father…” Xie Jinyu calmly stepped forward. The pad of his long finger wiped away the lingering trace of moisture from the corner of Xie Chengze’s eye. Because he used too much force, it left a faint, eye-catching red mark.
It hurt, and Xie Chengze took another step back. Knowing that the Crown Prince was not on his side, he had no desire to continue the conversation. Just then, the Fourth Prince, Xie Zimiao, arrived late. He bowed to them in an obedient and innocent manner. “Second Brother, Third Brother.”
Xie Chengze quickly pulled Xie Zimiao over, placing him between himself and Xie Jinyu, and asked with feigned concern, “Fourth Brother, why are you so late today? Are you feeling unwell? Come~ stand next to Second Brother, let me check your pulse.”
After speaking, he pretended to feel Xie Zimiao’s wrist.
As the red-robed figure drew near, a faint scent of Begonia Incense wafted over with the movement of his clothes. The tips of Xie Zimiao’s ears turned red. His wrist felt as if it had been seared by a flicker of flame; he didn’t know whether to pull it back or not.
He held out his arm, flattered, and stammered, “S-Second Brother, I’m fine.”
He usually arrived just on time. Today, he had indeed been delayed by a small matter. He hadn’t expected his second brother, who had always been indifferent to him, to notice with such attentiveness.
It had been a long, long time since Second Brother had shown him any concern.
For a moment, Xie Zimiao forgot that Xie Chengze had pulled him into the wrong position in the line-up. He just stood there, letting Xie Chengze handle his wrist.
Xie Jinyu glanced askance at the two. Seeing their intimate posture, he felt an inexplicable sense of displeasure and couldn’t help but sneer coldly, “How did I not know that Second Brother had learned medicine?”
Without looking up, Xie Chengze replied with the air of someone seriously taking a pulse, “Just learned. I’m using Fourth Brother to practice.”
This statement was irrefutable. Xie Jinyu gave a cold laugh and said no more, but his scorching gaze remained fixed on Xie Chengze’s face, as if trying to see through something, not moving for an instant.
Xie Chengze felt a little guilty under the stare. He turned his head to the other side, pretending to be deep in thought, and kept murmuring while holding Xie Zimiao’s wrist, “Hmm… hmm~ hmm… hmm!”
Old man Emperor, why aren’t you here yet!
If you don’t come soon, I’m going to be stared into a hole!
Fortunately, the Emperor finally made his appearance amidst his fervent calls. Xie Chengze let out a sigh of relief, released Xie Zimiao’s wrist, and looked toward Emperor Jian on the Dragon Throne.
He really didn’t look like Emperor Jian. It could even be said that there was not a single point of resemblance. No wonder everyone in the palace was convinced he was not the Emperor’s son.
But one thing was certain: no matter how despicable the original owner of this body was in private, as long as he didn’t harm the other princes, Emperor Jian would turn a blind eye. He was extremely indulgent, one might even say doting, toward the original owner.
This meant that, under this premise, Xie Chengze had Emperor Jian’s backing for whatever he did. It was precisely because of this that Xie Chengze had relaxed after transmigrating here, deciding to do whatever he wanted and not do whatever he didn’t want.
However, he still had to proceed step by step, slowly softening the original owner’s combative image in everyone’s eyes, so that it would be more convenient for him to slack off in the future.
Let’s start from today!
Following Emperor Jian’s solemn declaration of “Court is in session,” the ministers came forward one after another to present their memorials.
“Your Majesty, Yi Province has suffered from mountain torrents this year. The river embankments have collapsed, and ten thousand acres of fertile land have been destroyed. According to precedent, silver should be allocated for disaster relief and to rebuild the embankments, so as to pacify the people of Yi Province!” Prime Minister Li Ren was the first to step forward and report.
“Your Majesty, the floods in Yi Province are becoming more frequent. If we allocate silver for disaster relief every time, it will be a considerable burden on the national treasury. A fundamental solution is needed!” the Minister of Revenue immediately stepped forward. “This subject believes that it is most appropriate to improve the river embankments to solve the problem once and for all.”
“Improve the river embankments? How can it be that simple? It’s not as if past dynasties haven’t tried. How many dams have been built only to collapse?” the Minister of Works immediately retorted. “Or is it that you, the Ministry of Revenue, have already figured out how to improve them?”
“This subject has long been at court; naturally, I cannot think of a solution. Therefore, this subject believes we should gather the wisdom of the world to jointly devise a method for flood control in Yi Province,” the Minister of Revenue said sonorously.
“Gather the wisdom of the world? Isn’t that admitting to the common people that the court officials can’t even handle such a small matter? Where will that leave the dignity of the civil and military officials?” the Minister of Rites immediately stepped out to protest.
“Isn’t that because the Ministry of Works is too useless?” the Minister of Revenue retorted. “The Ministry of Revenue’s money doesn’t grow on trees. Yi Province’s accounts are in deficit every year, and the flooded fertile lands have all become wastelands. At this rate, it would be better to retreat to Lin City and save the court some silver!”
“Absurd! You are proposing to abandon a city! If this precedent is set, scholars all over the realm will condemn Your Majesty in writing!” The Minister of Works, red-faced with anger, pointed at the Minister of Revenue’s nose and cursed, “I don’t believe the Ministry of Revenue has no money. Could it be that you’ve embezzled it all!”
“Lord Jiang, watch your words! One must have evidence to make such claims!” the Minister of Revenue immediately rebuked sternly, glaring at the Minister of Works.
“Enough!” From the Dragon Throne, Emperor Jian’s tone was impatient. He then glanced in the direction of the princes. “Chengze, what do you think?”
It was a well-known fact among the officials that Emperor Jian was particularly fond of the Second Prince. Whenever there was such a memorial, he would specifically ask the Second Prince, as if intentionally grooming him and giving him a chance to shine.
It was no wonder many ministers felt that the Second Prince was the successor Emperor Jian had chosen, and that the current Crown Prince was merely being used to polish His Highness the Second Prince. After all, in the history of the Jian’an Dynasty, far too many crown princes had been deposed. Once deposed, it was difficult to be reinstated.
But Xie Chengze, who had read the original novel, knew that these ideas were all bullshit.
Although Emperor Jian doted on him, the position of Crown Prince belonged steadfastly to Xie Jinyu. The reason he was always asked to answer first was that the Emperor knew the Crown Prince would answer better. When the two were compared, the Crown Prince would naturally come out on top!
This would also make the ministers in the pro-Emperor faction more loyal to the Crown Prince and feel indignant on his behalf—a tactic commonly known as “purifying the fanbase through abuse”!
Although Emperor Jian could not be considered an enlightened ruler and had not made any outstanding contributions that greatly benefited the people, he was fortunately very skilled in the ways of an emperor. He maintained a very stable balance among the court officials and, moreover, had polished a qualified successor for the people. And wasn’t that whetstone Xie Chengze?
Trying to use him as a stepping stone and paving brick for the Crown Prince?
The whetstone was declaring a strike!
Xie Chengze immediately turned his head, his expression innocent. “I dunno, ask the Crown Prince! He definitely knows!”
Xie Jinyu, who was suddenly called upon: ???