Chapter 152: Mutual Wariness

Since this was an open declaration of war, the Ninth Prince naturally refused to be overshadowed.

“If His Majesty wishes to clarify everything, that’s excellent. It aligns perfectly with my intentions. This way, we won’t have to resort to such covert struggles anymore,” Shen Hezhi said.

“Good. The sooner we clear things up, the fewer conflicts there will be between us. I’ve summoned you here today primarily to demand that you relinquish the authority you’ve acquired. You must know that what you hold is not rightfully yours,” the Emperor stated.

“I don’t quite understand what you mean. Could you be more specific about what exactly I’m holding? Is it something too difficult for Your Majesty to utter?” Shen Hezhi smiled slyly at the Emperor.

He had already guessed what the Emperor was referring to, but since the Emperor was reluctant to speak plainly, he too would keep silent. To speak openly now would put him at a disadvantage. He was determined to maintain the upper hand, so he needed the Emperor to be the one to say it first.

“You know very well what I’m talking about. What’s the point of feigning ignorance here?” the Emperor pressed.

Judging by the Emperor’s demeanor, it seemed he had no intention of stating the matter outright. How could the Ninth Prince yield to such vague posturing?

Since the Emperor would not speak plainly, Shen Hezhi would not either. They continued their silent game, passing the ball back and forth, waiting to see who would lose composure first and reveal the truth.

“Honestly, Your Majesty, I have no idea what you mean. If you don’t say it directly, how am I supposed to know?” Shen Hezhi had grown tired of the charade and stopped addressing the Emperor as “Your Majesty.” The Emperor reciprocated, and their exchange became more like a casual conversation between two men, though it was far from ordinary.

“It seems you won’t speak unless I do. Very well, I’ll satisfy your wish. I want you to return the military forces under your command. Is that direct enough?” the Emperor said, his patience wearing thin and his tone growing harsher.

Shen Hezhi smiled. “Indeed, I was waiting for you to say exactly that. But why should I hand over the forces I command? Those troops are not the Emperor’s—they are mine, won through my own efforts. Why should I surrender my own property to you?”

Shen Hezhi knew the Emperor desired the military power he had gained from the Kingdom of Nanyang. More precisely, it was the authority derived from Nanyang, not just soldiers. Though he had yet to formally assume control, the entire Kingdom of Nanyang fell under his jurisdiction. He had not officially taken over, but the governance was effectively his.

Nanyang and Beiyu had been in stalemate for years, each coveting the other’s territory, but neither capable of conquest. This made the control over Nanyang all the more coveted. The Ninth Prince’s grasp on Nanyang’s practical power made the Emperor envious.

That was why the Emperor had summoned the Ninth Prince urgently that very night. Although he knew the Ninth Prince would not relinquish this authority easily, the Emperor could not tolerate such a coveted prize slipping away.

“Don’t forget, I am your father, the Emperor. Even if you refuse to see me as such, I am still your sovereign. When a lord commands a subject to die, the subject must obey. Don’t you understand this principle? Therefore, I need you to surrender that authority now,” the Emperor said.

Shen Hezhi laughed suddenly. This laugh unsettled the Emperor. The Ninth Prince’s power and backing were growing ever stronger; the Emperor was genuinely afraid. If the Ninth Prince ever harbored rebellious intentions, who would truly emerge victorious remained uncertain.

“Your Majesty’s words are rather presumptuous. You say that the subject must obey the lord’s command to die, but why do you assume you are the lord and I the subject? I have never accepted such a notion. You know full well how complex our relationship is. Do you think I have forgotten the grievances of all these years?” Shen Hezhi’s anger flared as he spoke, nearly losing control by the end.

Yet he reminded himself he could not yet confront the Emperor outright—not because it was impossible, but because he was not confident of a complete victory. For now, he must not provoke the Emperor further.

“You blame me for the deaths and grievances over the years? I have explained this thoroughly. I was helpless then. If I could have saved your mother, don’t you think I would have?” The Emperor’s voice rose in anger.

“Nothing Your Majesty says today will change my mind. I will not surrender the influence I hold in Nanyang. Don’t delude yourself. If you came here just for that, then there is no point in continuing this conversation,” Shen Hezhi retorted, his patience gone.

He had already prepared for the worst. If the Emperor insisted on demanding Nanyang’s forces, a formal conflict might break out sooner than expected. Though victory was uncertain, it would be inevitable.

Yet, just as the Ninth Prince feared the Emperor, the Emperor also feared him. Neither knew who would prevail if open war broke out. For the sake of his future, the Emperor chose to suppress his anger for now.

“Perhaps I was wrong to summon you here tonight over this matter. You may return for now. We can discuss this further tomorrow. After all, you will have to report to the court then, and some consultation with the ministers is necessary,” the Emperor said.

Shen Hezhi had wanted to say more, but he realized that prolonging the argument would only lead to endless wrangling. He held back and left silently.

Yet as he departed, recalling the Emperor’s words, he sneered inwardly.

Bringing the ministers into this was merely a ploy to use the people’s voice and public opinion to exert pressure. But don’t think that I will give up the power I hold over Nanyang so easily.