Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2090: Someone from the Huaixi Prefecture

The Third Prince’s control over the Grand Canal, coincidentally tightening around his grip like a noose, was an intolerable reality for the Fourth Prince.

This assault had been meticulously planned by the Fourth Prince over an extended period, utilizing nearly all available resources. Success was imperative.

Already possessing superior strength, the Fourth Prince found the Third Prince’s occupancy of Jinan to be a mere annoyance, failing to yield significant progress. Meanwhile, the Third Prince’s power remained stagnant, offering little resistance against the Fourth Prince’s relentless machinations.

As tensions mounted in Jinan amid the Fourth Prince’s calculated maneuvers, panic gripped the Third Prince, compelling him to abandon the city and flee to Jiangnan. Desperate, he sought refuge within the walls of Jiangning City, claiming it as his own.

Initially, the Fourth Prince entertained the idea of dispatching forces to swiftly pursue and eliminate the Third Prince. However, gripped by apprehension, he hesitated, reluctant to provoke further instability.

Fearing potential ambushes orchestrated by the Second Prince or a direct assault on the capital, the Fourth Prince hesitated to pursue the fleeing Third Prince, quickly relinquishing the notion.

Despite the Third Prince’s ignominious retreat, he still commanded a formidable force, making it impractical to eradicate him entirely.

With Jinan City and its surrounding territories now under his control, the Fourth Prince consolidated his hold, quelling any dissent that arose from his seizure of power.

Meanwhile, other major factions seized the opportunity to engage in chaotic battles for territorial dominance.

The Prefect of Hangzhou, sensing the looming threat from Jiangning, fortified his control over Taizhou, Jinhua, and other strategic locations. Additionally, he extended his influence to Huzhou, Suzhou, and other affluent regions, recognizing their significance in securing his position as the paramount ruler of Jiangnan.

Relying solely on his princely status to maintain his privileges proved to be a precarious endeavor for the Third Prince.

With contingency plans in place, including the possibility of taking to the sea for refuge, the Prefect of Hangzhou grew increasingly audacious in his actions.

The Third Prince’s occupation of Jiangning immediately sparked tension in the southeast.

Upon Qiao Xuan and company’s return to Anze Prefecture, they were met with an unexpected visitor: Prefect Yu of Huaixi Prefecture had dispatched his subordinate, Grandmaster Miao, along with 300 guards.

The arrival caused quite a stir.

As these guards entered Anze Prefecture City, their demeanor exuded arrogance and intimidation, instilling fear in the populace. It was evident they were not to be trifled with.

Over the years, Anze Province had been consistently overlooked by prefectural magistrates, with no official visits ever made.

For the first time in over a decade, a stir of novelty rippled through the usually placid atmosphere of Anze Prefecture.

Naturally, it attracted attention.

The streets swarmed with curious onlookers, both commoners and members of prominent families alike, drawn by the spectacle.

Yet, beneath the surface, a subtle disdain simmered among the common folk. They muttered disapprovingly, voicing their discontent with the sudden intrusion of these outsiders.

On one hand, there was their palpable arrogance. On the other hand, after years of neglect from the Prefect, their sudden appearance seemed suspicious. Why now, when they had Lord Shao to look after their interests?

An undercurrent of worry threaded through their murmurs. Were these newcomers here to displace Lord Shao and install someone else as Prefect?