Chapter 45 Submitting a Memorial to Request an Assignment

“Father, I humbly request command of the troops to investigate and confiscate illicit salt and illegal iron trade, to restore clarity and justice for the people of the Great Zhou!”

The eldest prince, who had not attended court for several days, now stood before the Zhou Emperor, his expression calm and composed.

He first bowed, then spoke the carefully prepared words smoothly.

Seizing the opportunity of the general’s campaign against illicit salt, he asserted that many more smugglers must still be operating within the imperial city.

Illicit salt?

The Zhou Emperor was momentarily stunned before comprehending the matter.

Why was this issue raised at court? Was it not the duty of local magistrates or the Salt and Tea Authority to handle such affairs?

What exactly did Zhou Hao intend?

“Is that all? You only wish to investigate illicit salt and iron?” The Emperor’s expression darkened as his eyes scanned Zhou Hao, seeking any hint of ulterior motive.

Something felt amiss. According to the eunuchs, Zhou Hao’s newly developed Hua Zhi Jie was already renowned throughout the imperial city.

However, its production was scarce, making the price comparable to silver.

Logically, he should be focused on developing Hua Zhi Jie at home.

Why then did he come to court to request such a tedious and thankless assignment?

This made the Emperor doubt Zhou Hao’s words.

“Father, since arriving at the imperial city, I have deeply understood the suffering caused by illicit salt and iron trade. Hence, I seek this task to help you ensure just governance and bring peace and prosperity to the people,” Zhou Hao said, lowering his gaze with sincere concern for every citizen in the city.

The Emperor examined Zhou Hao closely but still failed to discern his true intentions, so he turned to the Chancellor.

“Chancellor, what is your opinion?”

“Your Majesty, the eldest prince wishes to ease your burdens. This should be a good thing. Why worry so much?” The Chancellor’s words were flawless, though he knew Zhou Hao’s real plan.

Zhou Hao intended to use this role to gradually dismantle the third prince’s networks, cutting off every source of income.

What did that matter to him? He disliked the third prince anyway.

Moreover, Zhou Hao’s justification left little room for criticism.

Could anyone accuse the eldest prince of not supporting his father? Or of lacking compassion for the people?

In terms of righteousness and morality, Zhou Hao held the high ground.

Anyone opposing him now risked severe repercussions.

The Chancellor’s argument was airtight; the Emperor saw no major issue.

He then looked to his ministers.

“Do any of you have insights to offer?”

“Your Majesty, I believe the eldest prince is acting hastily,” a minister stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Zhou Hao.

“Having just arrived in the imperial city, he is unfamiliar with the local situation. How can he distinguish official salt from illicit? If he disrupts normal order, that would cause real trouble.”

“While helping the Emperor is commendable, causing chaos is the opposite.”

The minister clearly perceived Zhou Hao’s intention to target the third prince.

Though his words might offend, he had to speak up; if the third prince’s channels were further cut, it would strike at his very roots.

“Oh? You think I’m unfamiliar and ignorant of the salt trade?” Zhou Hao interrupted coldly, cutting off the minister’s words.

“If I were ignorant, how could I boast before the Emperor? How dare I speak so boldly at court? It seems you misunderstand me as well.”

The minister was left speechless, unable to rebut.

“Very well. Since even the Chancellor agrees, from today you may mobilize some of the city guards and officials. But mark my words: if you fail to produce results, you shall be punished by me!”

The Emperor’s approval was inevitable.

But if nothing was found, he would show no mercy.

Hearing this, Zhou Hao’s face lit up with joy as he repeatedly expressed thanks.

Finding nothing was impossible. Any one of the third prince’s channels exposed would be a major scandal.

There was no worry about a lack of cases.

After the court session ended, Zhou Hao glanced at the Chancellor, who ignored him and calmly walked away.

Whether Zhou Hao succeeded was of little consequence; even failure would not affect him.

“My son-in-law, aren’t you rushing a bit? I can help you investigate these routes,” the General said with some puzzlement, uncertain of Zhou Hao’s plans.

Did Zhou Hao intend to personally oversee every investigation?

Zhou Hao smiled faintly before speaking.

“Father-in-law, you are the General, not a mere city constable. If you find one case, it might be a coincidence—a clue.”

“But if cases keep surfacing one after another, that’s a problem.”

“Besides, although the frontier is peaceful now, if you deliberately go after the third prince, aren’t you worried about supply issues during war?”

“Therefore, this matter must be handled by me.”

He smiled calmly, confident in his experience to inflict the greatest pain on the third prince with minimal effort.

The General sighed upon hearing this, understanding Zhou Hao’s point.

But openly confronting the third prince was surely trouble.

“Aren’t you afraid of provoking trouble?”

Zhou Hao smiled gently.

“Trouble? I’m not the one seeking it. Since setting foot in this city, I have been locked in a life-or-death struggle with him.”

Moreover, this was Zhou Hao’s most advantageous position.

He stood on the moral high ground; no one could impede his actions.

Should anyone dare to block him, Zhou Hao could accuse them of disrespecting the Emperor.

Or use righteousness and morality to utterly crush them.

From a righteous standpoint, cracking down on illicit salt and iron is unquestionably correct.

From a moral perspective, a son seeking to ease his father’s burdens—is there any fault in that?

None whatsoever.

As long as Zhou Hao remains in this position, the third prince cannot openly retaliate.

He can only harbor growing anger and resentment, waiting for the right moment to strike in secret.

This was Zhou Hao’s plan and preparation.

The General patted Zhou Hao’s shoulder and prepared to assign his most elite city guards to him.

Even with the moral high ground, they had to guard against desperate smugglers’ resistance.

If anyone managed to eliminate Zhou Hao amid the chaos, that would be the greatest disaster.

Zhou Hao understood this perfectly and gladly accepted the troops.

As for how to deal with the third prince next—that was his own affair.