As soon as the eldest prince Jin Lin became the Minister of the Chancellery, he found that there were fewer government affairs to handle than he had imagined.

He thought it might be because there were fewer things to do during this period, but after waiting for half a month, he realized that something was wrong.

With so many things happening across the country every day, how is it possible that there is still no government affairs after more than half a month?

Someone must be targeting him.

As for who has such great power, there is no doubt that it must be His Majesty the Emperor.

But this kind of thing cannot be said openly. Although Jinmao has always advocated equality for all, in fact, I am the biggest supporter of class.

If Jin Lin didn't even understand this, he wouldn't have returned to the capital to launch an attack on the position of crown prince.

So he went to the Nanyang Palace to discuss countermeasures with Liu Zuo.

When Liu Xie learned the news, he took it very seriously and specially called Lu Xun.

"Brother." Jin Lin looked at Liu Xie and said, "What should I do?"

Liu Xie did not speak, but looked at Lu Xun and asked, "What do you think, second brother?"

Lu Xun pondered and said, "This matter concerns your highness's future, so you must act with caution. Although His Majesty holds supreme power, the situation in the court is complicated, and the forces of all parties are intertwined. If your highness wants to win the battle for the crown prince, you must plan carefully and move forward step by step."

"First, Your Highness needs to consolidate his position in the court and win the support of more ministers. This not only depends on Your Highness's own talents and virtues, but also requires the clever use of various resources, such as family power, students and former officials, etc."

"Secondly, we must pay close attention to the Emperor's intentions and the dynamics of the court so that we can adjust our strategies in a timely manner. At the same time, we must not take the Crown Prince and other potential competitors lightly and must always be on guard against their hidden attacks."

"Furthermore, Your Highness can use the power of the Nanyang Palace to expand your influence. The Nanyang Palace has a long-standing reputation in the court and is on good terms with many important officials. If you can get their help, it will be of great benefit to Your Highness."

Liu Xie nodded slightly after hearing this, and looked at Jin Lin and said, "Second brother, you are right. You must act according to this plan. You must be careful and cautious, and don't act rashly."

Jin Lin looked solemn, and said with a folded hand: "Thank you for your guidance, elder brother and second brother. Jin Lin will keep it in mind and do his best."

Then, Jin Lin asked again: "How should we do it specifically?"

Liu Xie pondered for a moment and said slowly: "First, regarding competitors, you need to secretly set up an intelligence network to collect their movements and plans, so as to know both ourselves and the enemy. At the same time, we might as well show our strength and determination appropriately, so that they will be hesitant and dare not act rashly. As for the Nanyang Palace, I will personally write a letter, and you will visit with this letter to express our sincerity and desire for cooperation. Remember, your attitude must be sincere and your courtesy must be thorough, and you must not cause the other party's disgust."

"In addition," Liu Xie continued, "you can also use the connections in the Nanyang Palace to hold some banquets or gatherings, inviting important officials and their children to participate, and take this opportunity to enhance mutual understanding and trust. Through these social activities, you can not only show your talent and demeanor, but also lay the foundation for gaining more support in the future."

After hearing this, Jin Lin's eyes sparkled, and he obviously agreed with this arrangement. He bowed again and said, "Big brother has a far-sighted vision, and second brother has many wise plans. Jin Lin will definitely live up to your expectations and do his best to contribute to your great cause."

Seeing this, Liu Xie nodded with satisfaction, patted Jin Lin on the shoulder, and said earnestly: "Second brother, you and I are brothers, we all prosper together and suffer together. This trip is a heavy responsibility, but I believe you can complete it excellently. When you succeed, you and I will share the glory and wealth."

Jin Lin took a deep breath and asked a serious question: "If Father..."

"Don't think too much, third brother." Liu Xie interrupted, "I will take care of His Majesty. You just need to remember that our goal is to ensure the stability of the imperial power, eliminate the treacherous officials in the court, and restore the glory of the Han Dynasty. Personal honor and disgrace, even life and death, must be put aside. You are going to the border this time, firstly to train your talents, and secondly to take the opportunity to control the military power and pave the way for the future. Remember, a true warrior is not only brave on the battlefield, but also has a broad mind for the world."

Jin Lin nodded heavily, his eyes gleaming with determination: "Brother, what you said makes sense, and Jin Lin will live up to your expectations. Although life on the frontier is hard, it is also a good place to sharpen one's mind and build achievements. I will act prudently, not only to protect the peace of the frontier, but also to gradually win the loyalty of the soldiers and prepare for everything that may happen in the future."

"Besides," Jin Lin continued, with a hint of worry in his tone, "Brother, you must also be more careful in the court. Those treacherous officials are cunning and will definitely find ways to obstruct our plans. You must take care of yourself and act with caution, and don't let them find an opportunity to take advantage of you."

Liu Xie smiled faintly upon hearing this and patted Jin Lin on the shoulder: "Don't worry, third brother, I know what to do. You and I have been brothers since childhood and have depended on each other through thick and thin. This friendship is more precious than anything else. For the sake of the Han Dynasty and our future, we must all be strong. When the time is right, we will join hands to achieve glory."

As the night deepened, the two brothers smiled at each other, and the tacit understanding and trust that needed no words took root in each other's hearts. Jin Lin turned around and set off on his journey, each step seemed extremely firm, while Liu Xie watched him go away, with both reluctance and expectation in his heart. He knew that this separation might start a new journey, but as long as the brothers worked together, there would be no difficulties that could not be overcome, and the future of the Han Dynasty would surely be more brilliant because of their efforts.

The next day.

Liu Xie submitted a memorial to Emperor Jin Mao on the grounds that the eldest prince did nothing all day.

Anyone with a discerning eye knew that Liu Xie was making a feint to the east and attacking in the west. It seemed that he was reprimanding Jin Lin for being lazy and doing nothing, but in fact he hoped that the emperor would give the eldest prince more responsibilities.

Unexpectedly, Emperor Jin Mao seemed to see through everything and shouted, "Jin Lin, do you know your crime?"

The eldest prince Jin Lin did not expect such a huge reversal and stood there in shock.

Liu Xie was so shocked that he dared not speak.

The ministers speculated on the emperor's intentions, and secretly wondered whether there was a deeper political game behind this sudden change. Emperor Jin Mao's eyes swept over the princes and his tone was full of unquestionable majesty: "My sons should all serve the country and not live in peace in a corner. Although what Liu Xie said makes sense, the way to educate children is to teach them according to their aptitude, not to simply put pressure on them. Jin Lin, although you have never directly participated in court affairs, you have studied classics in private and accepted wise advice. This is also a contribution to the country." Upon hearing this, the eldest prince Jin Lin was stunned at first, and then a trace of understanding and gratitude flashed in his eyes. He knelt down and said: "I know I was wrong, and I am grateful for your teachings. I am willing to follow your arrangements, whether civil or military, and I will do my best to live up to your expectations."

Emperor Jin Mao nodded with satisfaction, then turned to look at Liu Xie and said in a gentle tone: "Liu Xie, I am very pleased that you care about the country. However, governing a big country is like cooking a small fish, which needs to be simmered slowly over a low fire to make it tasty. I have my own considerations on the matter of Jin Lin, and you ministers should also take this as a lesson, work together for national affairs, and do not rush for quick success and instant benefits."

As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere in the hall changed subtly. The two sides in the tense confrontation seemed to have found their own way out. All the ministers nodded in agreement, but in their hearts they were all thinking about how to more subtly demonstrate their talents and loyalty in the coming days, in order to gain a place in this ever-changing court.

And Jin Lin, after all these twists and turns, secretly vowed in his heart that he must prove his worth with practical actions, not only to live up to his father's expectations, but also to show everyone that the future of the Han Dynasty will be brighter and more glorious because of their every effort.

After the court session, Jin Lin's biological mother, the current Queen Tang Ji, came over to ask, "Your Majesty, why do you treat Lin'er so differently?"

Jin Mao glanced at him and said, "The harem is not allowed to interfere in politics!"

Now it is not the later era yet, Tang Ji is willing to risk everything for her son: "If Your Majesty does not give me an explanation today, I will intervene in politics!"

Jin Mao frowned upon hearing this, but a hint of tenderness and helplessness flashed in his eyes. He slowly stood up, walked out of the imperial study, came to Tang Ji, and whispered: "You know, the court is full of ups and downs, and every move affects the fate of countless people. My expectations for Lin Er are far more than just a position, but I hope that he can grow into a pillar of talent who can stand on his own. Today's move may seem cold, but it is actually a greater test and tempering for him."

After hearing this, the anger in Tang Ji's eyes gradually subsided, replaced by a hint of worry and confusion: "But if your majesty does this, Lin'er..."

"He must learn to grow in adversity, and be able to persevere and show his true strength and wisdom even when he is not favored." Jin Mao interrupted, with an unquestionable firmness in his tone, "Only in this way can he remain invincible in this treacherous court in the future and protect the country of the Han Dynasty."

Tang Ji heard this, although she was unwilling, but she also understood Jin Mao's deep meaning. She sighed softly, tears flashing in her eyes, but nodded firmly: "I understand, I will fully support your majesty, and I will persuade Lin Er to let him understand your majesty's painstaking efforts."

Jin Mao felt relieved when he saw this. He stroked Tang Ji's shoulder and said softly, "I am very pleased that you are so understanding. It is a blessing for Lin'er to have a mother like you. Don't worry, I know what to do and I will not treat him unfairly."

After that, the two looked at each other, conveying a tacit understanding and trust between them. Jin Mao turned around and walked into the imperial study again, while Tang Ji left slowly with mixed feelings, with both worry about her son and trust and respect for Jin Mao's decision.

night.

Nanyang Palace.

Liu Xie, Jin Lin and Lu Xun reunited.

"Brother, what should we do now?" Jin Lin said at a loss, "Could it be that Father really hates me so much?"

Although Nanyang King Liu Xie was born in the royal family, he was indifferent and disliked power struggles. He preferred poetry, books, wine and music. He gently patted Jin Lin's shoulder and said in a gentle voice: "Don't let your imagination run wild. Your Majesty's heart is as deep as the sea. How can we easily guess it? But one thing is certain, no matter how your father treats you, as a prince, you have your own mission and responsibility, and you can't give up easily."

Lu Xun, this young and promising strategist, revealed a calmness and wisdom beyond his age. He gently waved his feather fan and spoke slowly: "Don't worry, third brother. The most urgent thing is to find out the truth behind this matter. Who wants to harm you and why can they lay out such a plan in the palace so quietly. Only by finding the root cause can we prescribe the right medicine and resolve the crisis."

"Right, right, Brother Lu is right!" Liu Xie nodded in agreement. "Although I am not familiar with worldly affairs, I also know that troubles in this world often start from within. Brother Lin, you need to calm down, cooperate with Lu Xun, investigate secretly, and at the same time protect yourself, and don't become a pawn in the hands of others."

Jin Lin heard this, and a hint of determination flashed in his eyes. He knew that he could not be so depressed any longer. As a member of the royal family, he had the responsibility to find out the truth, to clear his name, and to relieve his father's worries. "Thank you, big brother and brother Lu, for reminding me. Jin Lin understands. From now on, I will go all out to find out the truth and live up to my father and you!"

Lu Xun said: "Don't panic, Third Brother. If you really want to know the answer, go to the palace and ask your mother."

Jin Lin frowned slightly when he heard this, and a complex emotion surged in his heart. His mother, who was always gentle and loving in his memory, seemed to be always separated by a layer of mist and difficult to touch. He never thought that this sudden storm would be related to his mother. But Lu Xun's words were like a key, gently turning the closed door in his heart, forcing him to face this possibility.

"Brother Lu is right. I have indeed neglected the person closest to me. Perhaps, I can find the key to solving all these mysteries from my mother. But..." Jin Lin paused, a hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes, "My mother has always lived in seclusion and rarely interfered in government affairs. How can I speak so as not to disturb her and find out the truth?"

Lu Xun smiled slightly, his eyes sparkling with wisdom. "Don't worry, third brother. Although the Queen doesn't often ask about worldly affairs, her love for you is beyond words. You just need to go and pay your respects as an ordinary heir, and then reveal at the right time that you have noticed something about recent events but don't understand their meaning. The Queen will naturally feel pity for you, or give you guidance intentionally or unintentionally. Remember, sincerity and patience are often easier to move people than skills."

Jin Lin nodded, and gradually came up with a plan in his mind. He realized that this was not only a test of wisdom and courage, but also a profound exploration of family affection and trust. He stood up, his eyes firm, and bowed deeply to the two men: "Brother, Brother Lu, Jin Lin is ready to enter the palace. No matter what the road ahead is, I will face it bravely. Please wait for good news here, Jin Lin will not disappoint you."

After saying that, Jin Lin turned around and strode out of the room, each step echoing his regained confidence and determination. What he didn't know was that this trip would not only reveal the secrets hidden in the deep palace, but also rewrite his fate and the fate of the entire royal family.

The next day.

When Jin Lin learned from Tang Ji about Jin Mao's intention, he immediately felt relieved.

"Lin'er," Tang Ji warned, "When your father rose from humble beginnings, the sufferings he endured were life-threatening. Now you are depressed after just a little setback. It seems that your majesty's decision is right!"

"He is so fragile. If he becomes the crown prince in the future, wouldn't he bring disaster to the country and the people?"

Jin Lin's heart was shaken, and he bowed and said, "Mother, I will never let you and father down again." (End of this chapter)