Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 742: Chapter 363: The True Purpose of Capturing Li Jue

After losing Li Jue, the mastermind behind the scenes, the Li Family and the Fang Family became even less of a match for the Song Family. During the time of Li Jue’s disappearance, their families suffered heavy losses. Out of old friendship, the Song Family merely disrupted their business without exterminating their people. However, if they continue to foolishly assist the Crown Prince and fight against Prince Jing, then their families will start losing lives.

The Fang Family and the Li Family discussed for a long time and felt that it was unnecessary to completely sacrifice their clans for the Crown Prince and Duke Zhen, who were far away in the capital.

Despite sacrificing so much for the Crown Prince and Duke Zhen, they received neither comfort nor gratitude from the Crown Prince; instead, they were blamed for incompetence, accused of being unable to handle the Song Family even when united, and suspected of going easy on them.

The Song Family, mindful of past relations, did not annihilate them completely. Naturally, they also considered their ties with the Song Family and refrained from going all out.

These days, as the Fang Family and the Li Family fought fiercely with the Song Family, both sides actually left room for maneuver.

Seeing the Crown Prince and Duke Zhen blaming them for being ineffective, the Fang Family and others were discouraged and no longer wished to assist the Crown Prince.

Therefore, they sent Fang Zhimiao to negotiate with Song Qingyun.

At this moment, Fang Zhimiao was in the Song Family, negotiating with Song Qingyun.

"I thought you would continue your foolishness, fighting to the end for the Crown Prince and Duke Zhen."

Fang Zhimiao ignored Song Qingyun’s sarcastic tone. He looked at Song Qingyun and asked very seriously, "Brother Yun, tell me the truth, did you capture Qing Yuan?" Qing Yuan was Li Jue’s courtesy name.

Upon hearing this, Song Qingyun frowned slightly with dissatisfaction, "I’ve told you before, I did not capture Qing Yuan."

"What about Prince Jing?"

"Prince Jing did not either," Song Qingyun said, "Prince Jing has no interest in Qing Yuan."

Fang Zhimiao knew Song Qingyun had no reason to lie to him, which made him even more puzzled. "Then who captured Qing Yuan?"

"I sent people to look for Qing Yuan and couldn’t find him either." Although they had been adversaries, Qing Yuan was a brother he had grown up with. Qing Yuan’s disappearance naturally caused him to worry and fret; he immediately sent people to search, but after so long, not even a single clue was found.

Fang Zhimiao furrowed his brows tightly, his expression grave as he said, "We’ve searched all over Jinling and found no trace of Qing Yuan, this is too strange, who on earth captured him?"

"I don’t know." This was also what puzzled Song Qingyun.

Fang Zhimiao thought of Prince Chu, his face changed drastically and he said, "Could it have been people from Prince Chu who captured Qing Yuan?"

"Impossible, Prince Chu doesn’t have anyone in Jinling."

"Are you sure Prince Chu hasn’t planted anyone in Jinling?"

Song Qingyun said firmly, "I’m sure."

"If it’s not Prince Chu, then who? Who else has the ability to seize Qing Yuan without a trace?" Li Jue had been missing for some time now, Fang Zhimiao was very worried about his safety. "We don’t even know whether Qing Yuan is dead or alive?"

Song Qingyun did not speak. From his standpoint, he feared the worst for Qing Yuan.

"Alas... I hope Qing Yuan is alright," Fang Zhimiao said, moving away from Li Jue’s matter to discuss their families’ business. "Brother Yun, we will not assist the Crown Prince and Duke Zhen any further. I ask for leniency from the Song Family and Prince Jing."

Song Qingyun shook his head and said, "I advised you not to serve the Crown Prince and Duke Zhen, but you didn’t listen and insisted on opposing us. It has come to this point, why endure such hardship?"

Fang Zhimiao listened and replied with a bitter smile, "Brother Yun, you know how much effort we’ve put into cooperating with the Crown Prince, and to give it up as you suggested, how could we be content in our hearts?"

Song Qingyun gave Fang Zhimiao a sidelong glance and said with amusement, "You thought you could handle my Song Family by joining forces, but found that even united, your families are no match for us. If my Song Family hadn’t held back, you..." He paused deliberately, then laughed sarcastically twice, "Haha, you wouldn’t have the chance to stand in front of me now."

Fang Zhimiao clasped his hands in respect toward Song Qingyun, "Thank you, Brother Yun, for your mercy."

Song Qingyun stood up and pressed down Fang Zhimiao’s clasped hands, "You didn’t come to thank me today, did you?"

Fang Zhimiao sat back across from Song Qingyun, "Brother Yun, can you tell me what Prince Jing’s true intentions are?"

Song Qingyun didn’t answer but instead asked, "What do you think?"