Chapter Sixty-Four: A Premonition

Wealthy, as his name suggests, was a man of prosperous appearance, broad-faced and round-eared, always wearing a benevolent smile that declared to all he was a good person.

“Greetings, Your Highness Prince Yi!”

“There are no outsiders here, no need for such formality. I summoned you today for two reasons. First, to thank you for your generous hospitality during my stay.”

“It was merely my duty, Your Highness. Are you preparing to depart?”

Wealthy was quick-witted and instantly grasped the hidden meaning in Zhao Yu’s words.

Zhao Yu had left the capital after mid-September. Accounting for the journey and the days spent in Yangzhou, nearly a month had passed. Though he would not make it back in time for the championship match on the tenth of October, the end of the month marked his wedding, and his imperial father would likely summon him back soon.

Of course, these were only Zhao Yu’s own conjectures. Waving his hand, he continued, “The future holds much uncertainty, and our Flying Eagle Banner may face a difficult time ahead. That is the second matter I must discuss with you.”

“All business must move from the open to the shadows. Furthermore, you must find a way to disperse our branches, so we can gather information at any time.”

Wealthy listened with half-understanding and hesitantly asked, “Is Your Highness concerned about the Jiangnan Canal Guild...?”

The southern lands were rife with guilds—Canal Guild, Ming Sect, Salt Guild, and the like. Though each was independent, large-scale conflict was rare, as all valued their own interests. The Bianliang Canal Guild, flying the Flying Eagle Banner, was also known as the Flying Eagle Hall. The fact that Prince Yi was its master was nearly an open secret. Thus, Wealthy could not fathom the purpose of Zhao Yu’s arrangements.

But Zhao Yu had no intention of further explanation. He smiled lightly and said, “Just do as I say. I’ll inform Boss Jiang and the others to do likewise.”

Though filled with doubts, Wealthy could only nod in acquiescence and withdraw...

While Zhao Yu was busy making arrangements for the aftermath in Jiangnan, Bianliang was growing ever more lively as the football finals approached.

Much like people in later ages, the citizens of Bianliang had no worries about food or drink, yet few entertainments. Football matches had become the hottest pastime; every day, tea and mealtimes were filled with talk of the day’s matches, who won, who lost, and so on.

It could be said that Zhao Yu, by introducing football ahead of its time, had ushered in a new era.

The commoners were not alone in their enthusiasm. Emperor Huizong and his officials were just as captivated. Especially Huizong, who cared little for proper governance—now he attended nearly every match in person.

Seeing his own birthday approaching, this unconventional emperor immediately told Li Yan that the grandest celebration would be held at the World Football Hall.

Even Zhao Yu had not anticipated this outcome. Pity that as the founder of the craze, he would not be able to attend. Meanwhile, as the situation in Jiangnan stabilized, all grievances against him had reached a breaking point.

Zhao Yu’s mix of bluff and misdirection forced the paranoid Fang La to postpone his rebellion and cease attempts to seize the tribute convoy, greatly enhancing Zhao Yu’s reputation in the south. Rumors of Zhao Yu being a Manichaean did not even spread in Jiangnan—no one believed them.

All of this was utterly unexpected. With nothing amiss in Jiangnan, how could Zhao Yu be framed? And with Zhao Yu’s wedding fast approaching, Empress Zheng would surely request the emperor recall him. In other words, the plot to bring him down had utterly failed. If they wished to topple Zhao Yu, they would have to act before his return to the capital.

There was no need for special coordination—Liang Shicheng, Gao Qiu, and their ilk had already begun to move in secret...

Cai Jing’s residence, inner study.

Present were Cai Jing himself, along with Cai Tao and Liu Xiantang.

The lighting was poor, and the rising scent of medicinal herbs cast a strange atmosphere over the room.

“Is there any news from Prince Yi?”

“Father, according to the message from Lu Hongming, Prince Yi has pacified the potential Ming Sect rebellion. However, there is great resistance among Jiangnan officials. It is believed that once Prince Yi departs, Jiangnan will revert to its old ways.”

“That’s not what I asked. The impending impeachment against Prince Yi in court—have you sent word to him?”

“I have, but curiously, Prince Yi seems unconcerned. In fact, I hear he’s making final arrangements. Father, could it be that he already knows his fate is sealed, and so he’s resigned?”

At his son’s words, Cai Jing merely shook his head, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. After a pause, he turned to Liu Xiantang. “What’s your view on the matter?”

“Grand Preceptor, I believe that Liang Shicheng and the others have waited this long to strike because they seek the perfect moment. I am certain they have gathered ample evidence against Prince Yi. When they move, it will be with overwhelming force.”

At this, Cai Tao could not help but interject, “Father, if Prince Yi truly falls from grace, should we not sever all ties with him at once, lest we be implicated?”

Cai Jing let out a cold snort, but instead of answering, he said, “I hear that not long ago, the Liao emissaries requested a marriage alliance, specifically naming Prince Yi. Find an opportunity to approach them, and tell them we will try to facilitate this union.”

Cai Jing’s words were so unorthodox that both Cai Tao and Liu Xiantang were baffled. Was it possible that aligning with Liao, itself in a precarious position, could preserve Prince Yi’s status when he was on the verge of ruin?

Clearly, their intellects did not match Old Cai’s, and Cai Jing had no intention of explaining. After issuing his orders, he dismissed them with a wave.

Those renowned ministers of history were not always innocent, nor were the infamous traitors always without merit. What mattered was whether they placed their bets wisely.

The Cai family had already put their wager on the Crown Prince—there was no need for the entire clan to hang from the same tree...

As the Daojun Emperor’s birthday approached, and with the celebration set for the World Football Hall, Li Yan spent most of his time there.

Over time, Li Yan became ever more aware of the immense wealth hidden in the football matches. He even abandoned his duties at the West City Land Registry, devoting himself entirely to the games. Sometimes he wondered if he could force Yi to withdraw and take the business for himself.

“Master Li, something terrible has happened! His Majesty has suddenly sent men to surround Prince Yi’s residence, claiming to be searching for some treasure!”

Li Yan was reclining in his chair, eyes closed, listening to his subordinates report the accounts, when a panicked voice interrupted the accountant.

“What did you say?”

Li Yan shot upright, eyes wide with disbelief as he faced the young palace attendant.

“After the morning court, the Crown Prince, together with Prince Yun, Lord Liang, Lord Zhu, Marshal Gao, and other high-ranking officials, all went to the Dao Palace to seek an audience with His Majesty. I don’t know what was said, but immediately afterward the Imperial Guards surrounded Prince Yi’s mansion...”

Whatever the young attendant said next, Li Yan could no longer hear it. He knew Prince Yi was finished. The combined power of those men was not something Empress Zheng could withstand, and the cunning Cai Jing would surely not stand out at such a time.

He had always been close to Prince Yi—if the prince fell, would he too be implicated?

After a long, heavy silence, a fierce glint finally flashed in Li Yan’s eyes...