Chapter 151: Quizhou Refugees

## Welcome News

Although Xiao Ze has ascended to the throne, Prince Jin is still a grave threat to his reign. The next move is to remove Prince Jin once and for all.

Xiao Ze: Afu, I have appeased the refugees from Qinzhou as you told me. But their resenment for Prince Jin is so strong that they had been blocking him for two days and causing troubles. He must be deeply annoyed.

While you are happy to hear Prince Jin being harassed by the refugees as Xiao Ze does, you understand that this isn't something good.

MC: Although it was Prince Jin's fault to cause the refugees uprising in the capital, many innocent people will get hurt from it. You have just ascended to the throne. i'm afraid that bigger troubles will come if you keep them this way. By then, people would be blaming you as the emperor, not Prince Jin.

Hearing your words, Xiao Ze frowns and hesitates to speak.

Xiao Ze: But... I now have the people's support, and the refugees are doing this for me. Will they become unsatisfied with me if I interfere this matter?

## Furious Resolve

MC: The people from Qinzhou support you because you can bring them hope and help them start new life after your enthronement. That would be stark contrast with Prince Jin's doing. You must understand that you need the support from more people, not just those from Qinzhou. What's more, do you think Prince Jin will tolerate being bullied?

Xiao Ze: Afu, you mean Prince Jin is tolerant for now to let the unrest grow beyond my control so that he can prove me an incompetent emperor?

MC: Whetever Prince Jin intends to so or not, the emperor shall care for the benefits of all people. If you can handle this issue properly, you will satisfy everyone. You must act quickly, before the refugees cause more trouble to the local people here.

Xiao Ze thinks about your words for a while, then nods firmly.

Xiao Ze: I shall personally leave the palace to appease their anger and arrange their settlement!

MC: [Shake head] It's not suitable for the emperor to do so in person. It's better that you assign someone else to talk to them. If you trust me, I'm wiling to take care of this matter.

## Mighty Ambition

Xiao Ze is initially surprised to learn you want to leave the palace and take care of the refugees and reluctant to agree, but he gives you permission in the end after your explanation.

Xiao Ze: Afu, it's a pity you are a woman.

Xiao Ze sighs softly in regret, his expression too mature for his age. You find him somewhat funny and relief.

MC: I don't care whether I'm a man or a woman. I don't have such a grand ambition.

At first I just try to seek revenge, then everything went out of my control. Planning, plotting, everything is for a simple goal: survival. The next morning, you dress like a man and leave the palace with Shadow and an Imperial Edict. Believing that Xiao Ze is tolerating them, the refugees have caused troubles repeatedly. You've heard that Prince Jin's carriage was blocked for a long time when he was going to the court. Now is a good time for you when he is in the court.

Refugee A: Hey! Did you see that? That bastard prince couldn't do anything for us! How funny!

Refugee B: I though he was some terrifying figure, but he has disappointed me!

In a remote alley not far from Prince Jin's Mansion, several refugees are talking happily after their actions.

MC: (I didn't expect Prince Jin to be so tolerant for now. Who knows how terrible he would be when he takes action?)

He sigh and get out from the carriage.

MC: [Smile] Sirs, you must be the leaders who led the people from Qinzhou, right?

Refugee A: [Frowned] Who are you? What's your business? Wait... Are you from Prince Jin's Mansion?

## Big Talk

The refugees are looking at you in alert, some of them picking hoes and axes. Tall and impertinent, they are difficult people to deal with. That's why you insist to come here personally. They must be treated very carefully, and Xiao Ze is in short supply of talented underlings. That's why you decided to do this yourself so that nothing would go wrong.

MC: Sirs, please calm down. I'm here on His Majesty's order.

You display the Imperial Edict as you speak, and their faces immediately turn to smile.

Refugees A: Forgive our rudeness. We didn't know you are sent by His Majesty!

Refugees B: We have been frightened by Prince Jin and are trying to help His Majesty... Young sir, please report this to His Majesty!

Xiao Ze is too young, and he has just enthronement. It can tell from people's tone and behaviors that they aren't really trusting him.

MC: [Smile] His Majesty has learned of your problem and punished the corrupted officials. Soon he will send more capable officials to lead you back to Qinzhou and rebuild your home.

Refugee A: That's great! Look, young sir... We have done much favor for His Majesty. How about giving some official titles?

Refugee B: Yes! We can teach that damned Prince Jin a lesson or two for His Majesty!

The refugees start chatting. Although you have expected their reaction, you still feel helpless at their bluffing.

MC: I admire your loyalty. Your words have relieved me of the trouble from Prince Jin's thousand-strong army.

Refugee A: What? Prince Jin's army. Is he... going to rebel?

## Collateral Damage

Impertinent as they are, they are still afraid at such words. The refugees' faces immediately turn pale as they start discussing.

MC: Please, calm down. No matter what Prince Jin is going to do, His Majesty has everything under control. However, the capital may not be as peaceful as it was previously for some time. That's why His Majesty has arranged your return to Qiuzhou, so that you can rebuild your home while His Majesty is dealing with the traitors.

The refugees slowly calm down under your explanation. Lively as the capital is, it will no longer be a safe place. Who knows if they will be involved if the war breaks out. What's more, Prince Jin must have their taunting, and things won't be good if the prince has won the war. They'd better leave as soon as possible.

Refugee A: [Apologetical smile] Young sir, we shall follow the relieving official back to Qiuzhou and causes no more trouble for His Majesty.

After the refugees are gone, you let out a breath in relief and is about to return to the palace by carriage.

MC: Shadow, let's go.

Shadow: [Hear something] I'm afraid we won't be able to leave so easily.

Before you can respond, a familiar fancy sedan chair suddenly shows up before you. You widen your eyes as realize Prince Jin is here. Your back in instantly taut as you hear a cold voice from inside the sedan chair. A bad feeling has clouded your heart.

Prince Jin: Afu, it takes me quite some time to find you.

## Western Liang Law

Prince Jin is supposed to be in court. Instead, he is showing up here. Did he know that you would be here and has been waiting for you?

MC: [Keep calm] Your Highness, I'm a free person, not a maiden bought into the mansion. According to the law, you can't keep me in the mansion forever.

Prince Jin: Are you talking about the law?

He smiles in mockery and walks out from the sedan. His eyes looks cold but tired, perhaps due to too many troubles recently. However, there seem to be some complex emotion in his eyes.

MC: (Right. Why am I talking about the law with him? He doesn't even care about Xiao Ze, let alone the law. Maybe for him, his will is the law.)

MC: [Low voice] You think you can run?

Shadow: [Slowly draw out the sword] These are more than 10 people around, and Prince Jin's Mansion is not far away. He could summon more men at any time... There is no escape.

We won't be able to win the fight, and there is no escape for us... I can only talk to him with reason.

* What do you want
* I can explain
 MC: [Sigh] What do you want from me, Your Highness?

Prince Jin: What do I want? What can I want from you? Every single word you told me is a lie.

He walks up and fixes his gaze at you. You can see the crimson color at the corner of his eyes. His anger must have reached its extreme.

Prince Jin: Afu, you have been lying to me and never told me the truth did you?