"Reporting to the Young General, the secret guards have investigated that Baili Xi entered the Third Prince's mansion late at night and only left at three fen of the Chou hour."
Lu Shi reported everything he had investigated.
"Continue to have the secret guards monitor him. Find out exactly who Baili Xi is involved with. Not one of them can be let off."
"Your subordinate obeys!"
"Chu Yanxi is actually colluding with Xiliang. He dares to betray the country!" Chu Chenyi slammed his fist on the desk. He had only thought Chu Yanxi's actions were a bit too frivolous, but he never imagined he would collude with Xiliang and commit treason.
Ling Mohan glanced at Chu Chenyi with disdain. Was he really that agitated?
"Calm down first. Since Chu Yanxi dared to do it, he knows the consequences. What you can do is collect evidence and use this opportunity to overthrow Chu Yanxi."
This matter was the best opportunity for Chu Chenyi. Seize the chance, overthrow Emperor Chu Yan, and no one would be able to block his path, instead of saying useless words here.
"I understand. I will arrange it."
Chu Chenyi nodded in agreement. "Should we inform Father Emperor about this matter first?"
This matter was of great importance. He couldn't make up his mind alone and still felt he should inform Father Emperor.
"Do you think His Majesty's favoritism towards Chu Yanxi would make him disbelieve you?"
Ling Mohan's words were like a stab to Chu Chenyi's heart. Emperor Xuanwen's favoritism was obvious to all.
"You also..." Couldn't you be more tactful? Must you lay everything bare? Can't you consider his feelings a little?
"You don't need to feel bad. His Majesty favors Chu Yanxi, but you and the other princes are treated equally in His Majesty's eyes."
Ling Mohan's words were more and more piercing, directly crushing Chu Yanxi's fragile self-esteem, breaking it apart, and then crushing it again.
"Alright, stop talking. Father Emperor's most beloved among our brothers is Chu Yanxi. Over time, I've gotten used to it, so it doesn't matter anymore."
Some things, never having possessed them from the beginning, naturally would not cause sorrow due to their loss.
When he was young and suffered bullying, he had already realized that only power could protect him.
"To be an emperor requires a cold heart and detached emotions. Any slight weakness of yours will plunge the entire country into an abyss of eternal damnation... Regarding Chu Yanxi's matter, you absolutely cannot show any softness of heart."
Ling Mohan only worried that at the critical moment, Chu Chenyi would still consider brotherly affection, rendering their plans in vain.
"Rest assured!" Chu Chenyi said in a deep voice. Even if he considered brotherly affection, Chu Yanxi would not show him any consideration.
"How is the investigation into the iron ore matter progressing?"
"We are tracing it down according to the residual ledgers. Every time we get a clue, someone acts in advance. The enemy is in the dark, and we are in the light. It is always troublesome."
Many times it had been like this. As soon as there was a slight hint, either the evidence would be destroyed or the witness would be killed. After several attempts, all efforts were in vain.
This showed that the mastermind was deeply cunning and possessed power no less than their own.
"You are truly useless. You can't even handle this little matter."
Ling Mohan was truly speechless at Chu Chenyi's efficiency. So much time had passed, and there was still no progress.
"You say it so easily with your mouth. Go ahead if you have the ability. You don't know how troublesome the mastermind is. As soon as there is a slight clue, before our people can get there, it will all be destroyed. Every time, we are just a step too late!"
Chu Chenyi was also very troubled by this matter. If it continued like this, even if he searched the heavens and earth, he would not find any evidence.
The mastermind was playing a clever game, following behind him and letting others investigate. Once there was news, they would swoop in and take advantage. They were indeed playing a good hand.
"The reason for all of this is that your people are too useless and can't even handle such a small matter."
Ling Mohan paused before continuing, "Send someone to investigate Chu Yanxi."
"What do you mean by that?" Chu Chenyi asked in confusion. "If I investigate Chu Yanxi now, won't it make him alert? Won't this be counterproductive?"
"Baili Xi was able to persuade Chu Yanxi to conspire with him for one of two reasons: first, the benefits offered by Xiliang were enough for Chu Yanxi to do anything for them; second, Chu Yanxi had something on Baili Xi that forced him to do their bidding. Which do you think is more likely?"
Chu Chenyi pondered for a moment and replied, "Both reasons likely play a part. Chu Yanxi is deep-thinking and greedy for profit. It's not easy to make him work willingly."
"I've asked Lu Shi to investigate the final distribution channel of the iron ore. Who do you think has such great financial resources to acquire the iron ore?"
To find the whereabouts of the iron ore, he had mobilized the entire force of the secret guards, and it had taken half a month to follow the clues and find it.
"Who?"
"Xiliang merchants."
Ling Mohan uttered these four words, which greatly shocked Chu Chenyi.
"All the iron ore flowed into Xiliang. How did you discover such an important matter?"
"Xiliang is lacking in resources, especially iron ore. But a while ago, the Xiliang soldiers were equipped with new weapons, and they had not purchased any from other countries. After investigation, it was discovered that all this pure iron was purchased from merchants. Following the clues, it was found that these merchants had certain business dealings with the Zhao family."
Ling Mohan initially found it strange, so he ordered the secret guards to investigate, and they did gain some insights.
With so much pure iron flowing into Xiliang, their military strength was further enhanced. Xiliang's proactive pursuit of peace was merely a smokescreen. Their true objective was to attack Dongchu.
"Chu Yanxi actually ordered the sale of pure iron to Xiliang. He deserves to die."
Chu Chenyi wished he could strike Chu Yanxi with his sword. He was capable of treason and betraying his country, showing no regard for the safety of the people.
"Baili Xi will also use this matter to blackmail Chu Yanxi. When we investigate Chu Yanxi for the iron ore matter, he will naturally think that Baili Xi leaked the information. Chu Yanxi, being suspicious, will definitely suspect Baili Xi. For his own safety, he will naturally find ways to eliminate Baili Xi and protect himself."
Ling Mohan wanted to sow discord and scheme against Chu Yanxi, using him to kill Baili Xi.
Baili Xi was too ruthless. His presence would lead to endless troubles. Since the man had entered his territory, he was determined to find a way to keep Baili Xi in Dongchu forever.
"Killing with a borrowed knife is indeed a good method. Once we link the iron ore matter to Chu Yanxi, he will definitely think that Baili Xi betrayed him."
Chu Chenyi already had a plan in mind: to use this matter to alienate the two and make them kill each other.