A Move to Misdirect the Disaster

"Zhu Zhanjun!"

Fang Bin spat out the three words through gritted teeth, the rage in his eyes threatening to erupt.

Him again!

Why was it always him!

This persistent little beast!

He had ruined his plan in the Eastern Palace, and now he had crippled his son and was demanding five million taels in ransom with an outrageous sum!

This was simply too much!

"Prepare the sedan chair! To the Military Command!"

Fang Bin shoved aside the maids and servants in front of him, not even bothering to straighten his official robes, and stormed out in a fury.

He would personally lead people to Tingfeng Pavilion. He wanted to see if this brash youngster truly thought he could defy heaven!

However, as he reached the doorway, a cold wind blew, slightly calming his rage-addled mind.

No.

He couldn't be so impulsive.

Tingfeng Pavilion was Princess Channing's territory.

Zhu Zhanjun was the imperial grandson, Prince Zheng.

If he stormed over there with the Military Command in such a manner, whether he was in the right or not, he would be in the weaker position on the surface.

A minister leading troops to attack the property of a princess and a prince was no minor offense.

At that point, forget saving his son; he might even drag himself down.

Fang Bin stopped in his tracks, pacing back and forth, his expression shifting unpredictably.

Five million taels, he absolutely could not give it.

This wasn't just about money; it was about face.

He, the dignified Minister of War, being extorted for five million taels by a greenhorn? If this got out, how could he maintain his standing in court?

But if he didn't pay, his only son would have his legs broken.

That was even more unacceptable!

Fang Bin felt trapped in a dilemma, anxiously pacing.

With his hands behind his back, he walked back and forth in the hall, his mind racing.

Forcing his way in was not an option, and paying the money was even less so.

Seek Princess Channing's intercession?

Fang Bin shook his head. Princess Channing and the Crown Prince's faction had always been close. Zhu Zhanjun was her nephew; it would be good enough if she didn't side with Zhu Zhanjun, let alone help him.

What to do? What exactly should he do?

Suddenly, an idea struck him.

His eyes suddenly lit up.

That's right! Why should he confront him head-on himself?

This whole matter was Zhu Zhanjun bullying others and acting arrogantly!

Illegally mobilizing heavy armored soldiers, assaulting people in a crucial area of the Capital City, illegally detaining the relative of a court official, and extorting them!

Which of these charges wasn't enough to get him in serious trouble?

He couldn't deal with him alone, but what about all the civil and military officials in court? What about His Majesty, who sat high above?

Fang Bin's lips curled into a sinister cold smile.

He had thought of a plan.

Divert the disaster!

Kill with a borrowed knife!

He immediately turned back to his study and instructed the butler, "You, go to Shuntian Prefecture immediately. Tell them that my son, Fang Cheng, was kidnapped in broad daylight and order the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture to send people to Tingfeng Pavilion to demand his return!"

"Remember, the bigger the commotion, the better! It's best if the entire Capital City knows!"

"Yes!"

The butler took his orders and left.

"And you," Fang Bin pointed to another confidant, "go immediately and contact my disciples and old friends in the Censorate and Hanlin Academy. Have them write memorials overnight!"

"Impeach Prince Zheng Zhu Zhanjun for disregarding the law, being arrogant and overbearing, setting up an illegal court in the Capital City, assaulting the family of a court official, which is tantamount to treason!"

"Have them write the matter as severely as possible! Tomorrow morning, at the court session, they will all make their move together!"

"Your command!"

That confidant also hurried away.

After finishing all this, Fang Bin was still uneasy.

He thought for a moment, picked up his brush, and personally wrote two secret letters.

One was for Prince Han, Zhu Gaoxu.

One was for Prince Zhao, Zhu Gaosui.

The content of the letters was simple: he described Zhu Zhanjun's actions today with embellishments, emphasizing the terrifying combat power of Zhu Zhanjun's two guards. He implied that Zhu Zhanjun was privately harboring an elite private force in the Capital City with malicious intent.

He believed that Prince Han and Prince Zhao would absolutely not miss this excellent opportunity to suppress Zhu Zhanjun openly.

By then, with Shuntian Prefecture demanding his person publicly, the civil officials impeaching him in court, and Prince Han and Prince Zhao fanning the flames from behind the scenes.

With all three working together, a tremendous pressure would be formed.

He didn't believe Zhu Zhanjun could possibly turn the tables!

Even if Princess Channing supported him from behind, he would have to bow his head in the face of such public outcry and royal law!

At that time, not only would he not have to pay the five million taels, but he could also, in turn, place a heavy accusation on Zhu Zhanjun, making him unable to escape the consequences!

"You little bastard, you're too young to fight with me!"

Fang Bin looked at the two secret letters being sent out, a smile of successful scheming appearing on his face.

He proudly picked up his teacup, blew on the floating tea leaves, and took a slow sip.

He decided he wouldn't go anywhere tonight and would stay home, quietly waiting to watch the show.