You're in Much More Danger Than the Crown Prince

Zhou Tiancheng knew that continuing to talk was pointless, so he simply turned to Zhou Rui and began to demand his benefits.

"Father, I believe that Lord Qin is right about one thing."

"The National Protection Army is indeed in some danger, but of course, it's not as dangerous as Lord Qin thinks."

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that the National Protection Army be sent to the northern frontier and a small, independent city be set up as their training ground."

"In this way, Father Emperor will not have to worry about the National Protection Army storming into the palace, and he can give such a capable and victorious army a chance."

"Of course, more importantly, this way, the morale of the soldiers across the land will not be dampened!"

Zhou Rui was stunned for a moment before speaking.

"Your Highness, is it really that bad?"

"You said the National Protection Army could win because of loopholes in the Northern Xia's system. I believe you, so why send the National Protection Army to the northern frontier?"

Zhou Tiancheng wanted to explain that this was something he had promised the Ten Ghosts of Fengcheng.

Before the competition, he said that he would give the Ten Demons of Fengcheng a region where they could train and fight freely.

But he couldn't tell Zhou Rui that.

He stood with his hands clasped in respect, looking dignified and awe-inspiring.

"Father, I am deeply moved that you are willing to believe in me, but this is not a reason for me to leave a large army in the capital."

"If others follow my example and actually storm the palace, then it will be my fault."

"But if the National Protection Army is really disbanded, that would be another loss."

"Most of the members of the National Protection Army were death row inmates. They were sent back to prison, spared the death penalty, and were still supported by the court's taxes, which only fueled their resentment."

"Why not send them to the northern frontier and let them forge their own future!"

Zhou Rui was deeply moved.

He nodded repeatedly.

"Very good! The Crown Prince is very righteous, and I am very pleased."

Qin Zhiang turned to look at Zhou Tianze and nodded slightly, signaling Zhou Tianze to step forward.

Zhou Tianze did not hesitate any longer and stepped forward.

"Father, now that the matter of the National Protection Army has been settled, shouldn't His Highness the Crown Prince also hand over the powerful weapons he possesses to the court?"

Zhou Tiancheng turned his head and glanced at him, feeling somewhat puzzled.

Why is the Third Prince always eyeing his weapon?

He was unaware, but Huang Chen was aware, and Huang Chen's awareness meant that Zhou Rui was also aware!

The Third Prince also has an uncle who is serving in the army in the Western Frontier!

This isn't about asking the Crown Prince to hand over his weapons; it's about asking him to produce gunpowder to arm his uncle!

Zhou Rui did not hesitate and looked at Zhou Tiancheng calmly.

"Your Highness, what the third prince said makes sense. What exactly is the effect of the gunpowder you have?"

Zhou Tiancheng hesitated for a moment.

It wasn't that he was unwilling to hand it over, but he sensed some problems with it, and it seemed that Zhou Rui didn't want him to hand it over either.

Otherwise, Zhou Rui would have directly asked him for the formula instead of asking about the effects of gunpowder.

Zhou Tiancheng thought for a moment and gave his answer.

"Gunpowder can be used for quarrying and mining, for civilian purposes, or for conquering cities and seizing territory, for military purposes. The effectiveness of gunpowder depends entirely on how the user uses it!"

Zhou Rui didn't hesitate.

"I've heard that you conquered New Stone City using gunpowder?"

Zhou Tiancheng nodded.

"Gunpowder shattered half of the city wall of Xinshicheng, allowing our National Protection Army to advance unimpeded."

Zhou Rui continued speaking.

"If the army were armed with gunpowder, would its combat effectiveness continue to improve?"

Zhou Tiancheng nodded in agreement without even thinking.

But then he immediately realized something and looked up at Zhou Rui tentatively.

Zhou Rui nodded slightly.

At that moment, Zhou Tiancheng understood.

Zhou Tianze wanted the gunpowder formula not for the sake of the world, but for the sake of his own army!

Zhou Tianze kept saying that he, as the crown prince, was raising a private army, but in reality, Zhou Tiancheng himself was raising a private army!

Not only is he raising them, but now he's also eyeing the gunpowder in Zhou Tiancheng's possession?

Will this give him what he wants?

Zhou Tiancheng's lips curled up slightly.

"Father, gunpowder is extremely powerful and dangerous. If we are not careful, it could level an area of ​​several dozen feet in the ground, leaving nothing but barren land."

"Your Majesty believes that such a weapon should not be made public, but should be forged by Your Majesty personally."

"It would be best to find some mute or blind people to refine it, so as to prevent the recipe from being leaked."

Zhou Rui smiled gently.

"I'm too lazy to deal with gunpowder matters. Your Highness, I'll leave this matter entirely to you."

Zhou Tianze was stunned.

No, how come you're just passing things around, or is the Crown Prince still in charge?

How did he manage to get all that gunpowder?

He immediately stepped forward.

"Father, this is not appropriate."

"The Crown Prince has the National Protection Army and the gunpowder formula. If he harbors rebellious intentions, the capital will be in danger."

"In my opinion, the Crown Prince should hand over the gunpowder formula and allow someone else to manufacture it!"

"I believe I am capable of undertaking this task!"

The true intentions of Zhou Tianze were revealed when the truth was revealed.

He came specifically for the gunpowder!

Zhou Tiancheng refused on the spot without even thinking.

"Oh, the third brother is right, but I don't intend to give you the gunpowder."

"You say I have the National Protection Army and the gunpowder formula. If I harbor any ill intentions, Kyoto will be in danger."

"And what about you?"

"You can mobilize 50,000 troops in the northern frontier without a single transfer order or military tally. If you had the gunpowder formula, it wouldn't just be the capital that's in danger; the entire Great Qian Dynasty would be in danger!"

Zhou Tianze was so angry that he stiffened his neck.

"Nonsense!"

Zhou Tiancheng remained calm.

"You're using conclusions drawn from facts to speculate about me, so what's wrong with me using conclusions drawn from facts to speculate about you?"

"If what I'm saying is nonsense, then what about you? What is this then?"

"So, you, the third brother, are only allowed to throw tantrums yourself, and you don't allow anyone else to speak up?!"

Hearing this, Zhou Tianze became even angrier.

"Father, the Crown Prince is being unreasonable! That's not what I meant at all!"

He thought Zhou Rui would say something fair.

But he forgot that the fairness in Zhou Rui's eyes had nothing to do with his own benefit!

Zhou Rui simply smiled and turned to look at him with a seemingly gentle expression.

"But I think the Crown Prince has a point."

"The Crown Prince has at most 10,000 National Guard troops under his command, and he even plans to send them to the northern frontier. But you can mobilize troops from anywhere at any time. You are in far greater danger than the Crown Prince."

These meaningful words sent a chill down Zhou Tianze's spine.

He then realized that although the Crown Prince was unharmed by his repeated misdeeds, the loopholes he had left behind were quite significant!

Zhou Rui's words were telling him that the Crown Prince's troops were in the open, and that he could not only mobilize the Imperial Guards, but also the border troops, making him the greatest threat!

This was also a warning to him: don't even think about using gunpowder!