Chapter 47: Preparations in Advance

The news quickly reached the Third Prince’s ears.

At this moment, General Li had not yet left; he was still discussing with the Third Prince about who should be planted within the private salt smugglers.

“How could Zhou Hao act so decisively and efficiently? He already knows about my private salt base!” The Third Prince’s eyes were filled with resentment as he suddenly grasped the crux of the matter.

He had only just received authority from Emperor Zhou during the morning court session, and before lunch, an entire base had already been completely dismantled?

Something was amiss; there had to be a significant problem.

“Your Highness, this matter cannot be delayed. I will immediately assign a few trusted men to infiltrate your private iron smugglers,” General Li said.

“Even if they aren’t needed, it’s best to have insurance,” the Third Prince nodded, approving General Li’s judgment.

Yet his inherently suspicious nature still offered a glimmer of hope.

“Zhou Hao’s aggressive approach suggests he is well prepared. General Li, please be extra cautious.”

“Of course. Since the Crown Prince has already taken precautions, we must act swiftly,” General Li’s expression shifted as he prepared to leave quickly to arrange the matter.

This timing was perfect because the Crown Prince could no longer continue his raids.

The troops under his command were either occupied handling private salt bases, moving salt, or handing smugglers over to the Court of Justice.

There was simply no force available to launch a surprise attack on the private iron smugglers.

If they seized this moment to insert themselves, it was likely that by tomorrow, Zhou Hao would lead the troops to wipe out the Third Prince’s private iron smuggling operation entirely.

If that happened, not only would the Third Prince’s plans be ruined, but General Li would gain nothing from it either.

The Third Prince nodded, signaling General Li to proceed without hesitation.

This situation was far too urgent and suspicious.

Every step taken by the Crown Prince seemed aimed directly at his demise.

From obtaining this authority to swiftly raiding the private salt smugglers—it was as if each move was designed to corner him.

The Third Prince sensed something was wrong, but what could he do?

He could only urge his private iron smugglers to leave quickly, not allowing Zhou Hao to find them.

If they were discovered, the last avenue for his fortune would be completely shattered.

Meanwhile, Zhou Hao looked over the many guards beside him, first smiling calmly before speaking slowly.

“Everyone, I know your training is tough and you’ve had to assist me with these private salt smugglers.”

“This kind of exhaustion is not acceptable. After today’s task is complete, go to the Crown Prince’s residence and each collect ten taels of silver from the warehouse.”

With that, Zhou Hao, escorted by a troop of attendants, swiftly headed toward the Court of Justice, the guards behind him escorting the smugglers and the seized salt at a brisk pace.

The expressions of the guards betrayed their barely contained excitement.

This was excellent—just one mission and ten taels of silver each. Far better than standing guard at the city gates.

Zhou Hao’s generosity was not only meant to win hearts but also to show the guards that following him was profitable.

Though this was a small move, it might still prove effective.

Once the Court of Justice locked the smugglers up, Zhou Hao hurried back to the Crown Prince’s residence.

Upon entering, he immediately saw Luo Xu’s worried face.

“You came at the right time. Tell the warehouse staff that if any guards come asking for silver, give each ten taels and keep a record.”

Luo Xu nodded, though his expression remained somewhat troubled.

“Your Highness, wasn’t your conduct in court today a bit abrupt?”

Abrupt? Zhou Hao hadn’t felt anything was out of place.

He only thought the operation was too rapid.

He felt he should have given the Third Prince some time to react.

Without a chance to respond, how could the Third Prince make a foolish move?

What if he simply bit the bullet and hired assassins to kill him?

“There was nothing abrupt. The Third Prince and I are like fire and water; it’s a life-or-death struggle,” Zhou Hao said calmly.

“I was merely investigating the private salt smugglers, not deliberately targeting the Third Prince.”

Though he said this, all the intelligence Zhou Hao possessed came through channels under the Third Prince’s control.

If he wasn’t targeting the Third Prince, why take on this assignment?

To invite trouble for himself?

“Your Highness, I don’t mean that. It’s just that you seem a bit too eager,” Luo Xu said.

“You can’t be so hasty just to silence the Emperor.”

Luo Xu understood well that the Third Prince was vindictive and petty.

Frankly, he was extremely narrow-minded.

Zhou Hao constantly provoked the Third Prince and publicly humiliated him.

The Third Prince had long since reached his limit.

“Your Highness, perhaps you should rest at home tomorrow,” Luo Xu suggested.

“If any of these smugglers include vengeful elements, that could be troublesome.”

Zhou Hao sneered, a flicker of excitement glimmering in his eyes.

That would be even better.

Wasn’t that exactly what he wanted—an attack from within?

Catching such attackers would allow Zhou Hao to pin the blame squarely on the Third Prince.

There were many unsavory secrets behind the scenes, but Zhou Hao wanted to expose each one and heap them all onto the Third Prince’s head.

He was not afraid that the Third Prince wouldn’t be anxious.

Even if Emperor Zhou was partial, it didn’t matter.

Zhou Hao’s goal was to sever the Third Prince’s source of income and show the ministers exactly what kind of man the Third Prince truly was.

“Rest assured, do you think I’m unaware that there might be attackers among them? Those are exactly the people I’m looking for.”

“Otherwise, why would I be interested in private salt, which has never been within my scope?”

A cold smile flickered across Zhou Hao’s eyes.

“Mark my words, tomorrow the Third Prince will surely plant assassins among them. If we can capture even one alive, his reputation will be utterly ruined.”

“Anyone considering joining the Third Prince will have to think twice.”

“More than that, without money, how many people will still work for him? This is something he has to reckon with.”

Zhou Hao smiled and gestured for Luo Xu to think it over, then strode away to rest properly with Bi Ruxue.

There was still intelligence to gather, but if everything was uncovered today, where could the Third Prince seek revenge?

Zhou Hao could only slow his plans to allow the Third Prince to act more solidly and steadily.

Only then could Zhou Hao’s accusations be clear and undeniable.

As Luo Xu pondered, his eyes suddenly brightened.

He finally understood the Crown Prince’s true intention.

This was clearly a strategy to starve the Third Prince step by step, making it difficult even to maintain his grand residence.

They had to prioritize silver first, with no time to confront Zhou Hao directly.

Luo Xu nodded repeatedly, more ideas forming in his mind.

But without exception, they all involved considering and investigating Zhou Hao’s actions.