"If I take many concubines, who benefits the most? It’s the one who did it." Li Chongjin remained as steady as a mountain, speaking quietly.

"The Prince has a point," the strategists suddenly realized upon hearing this, exchanging glances and arriving at the same answer: "It’s the Qi family, isn’t it?"

"Indeed, if the Prince’s harem grows larger, the one most affected is the Princess Consort, which in turn affects the Prince’s relationship with the Chu family. Isn’t it that some people are dissatisfied, feeling that the Chu family has become our ally, and thus deliberately causing trouble."

"Prince, should we pretend not to know, or should we also create problems for the other side?"

"Prince, I suggest that we should indeed create trouble for them as well. Otherwise, if we remain passive and wait for them to make a move, any unexpected incident could cause trouble for you."

"Yes, Prince, if you do nothing, wouldn’t that make you look weak?"

Li Chongjin was also furious with the Qi family’s vile actions, but he endured it for the sake of overall plans.

"Go contact the Third Lady of the Qi Family." Li Chongjin thought for a while and then decisively said.

The strategists nodded happily: "Yes."

Not long after, chaos erupted within the Qi Residence as Qi Yun and the young master from Qi Family’s Second Branch got into a fight. The Second Young Master of the Qi family had his face disfigured, while Qi Yun injured his leg.

The two households directly clashed because the Second Young Master of Qi Family’s Second Branch said some unpleasant words first. Third Madam Qi seized this reason to ask Minister Qi for justice.

Qi Family’s Second Branch was also angry that they lost a son, as a disfigured person loses the eligibility for the imperial examination.

Third Madam Qi took this opportunity to escalate the matter.

Chaos ensued within the Qi family. Lately, Minister Qi has been extremely troubled, feeling depressed and naturally irritable.

On the other side, Prince Rong encountered fewer women, perhaps due to this tactic of striking the mountain to shake the tiger.

Chu Heng returned from the yamen once again.

He received a letter from Chu Jin.

Now it’s already May or June.

Along with the warmer weather, it’s also the season when sea ships return.

"Lil’ Jin has already docked," Chu Heng told Ye Muyu, "The people I stationed have been keeping watch and have already greeted him. They’ve hurriedly returned the news, saying Lil’ Jin has brought back a ship full of valuable treasures, including gold and silver, pearls, and even colored glaze pearls. I suspect very soon, the entire Great Chu will be shaken by the return of the sea ships."

"Send more people to protect Lil’ Jin over there; I’m worried someone might target him."

"Don’t worry, I’ve already made arrangements." Chu Heng understood the significance of this matter.

After thinking for a while, he said: "I’ll visit the palace later."

"Mm, come back early." Ye Muyu did not stop him.

Once Chu Heng left, she sent a message to Zhu San, instructing them to keep an eye on the residences that had participated in maritime trade, as well as those closely associated with the Qi family.

Chu Heng emerged from the palace, and it wasn’t dark yet.

Ye Muyu conveyed the information to him: "These few families have not shown any signs recently. They probably haven’t received the news that the sea ships have returned."

"However, today at Minister Qi’s Mansion, there was a stranger visiting. Minister Qi met a strategist, and soon after, someone left the capital overnight. It was difficult to track them, so they drew a portrait of the strategist who left and sent it to our contacts outside. Once this person makes any major moves, we’ll be informed."

"You’ve worked hard." Chu Heng kissed her lips: "The likelihood is high that it’s related to the sea ships."

"The Emperor’s side should have also gotten the news in advance."