Chapter 246: It Might Be Better to Abandon the Eldest Prince and Protect the Imperial Grandson

Chapter 246: It Might Be Better to Abandon the Eldest Prince and Protect the Imperial Grandson

The Eldest Prince felt that all matters worth discussing had been addressed, so he stood up and walked out. He was quite impatient with visits to the Grand Preceptor’s estate; each visit entailed enduring the Grand Preceptor’s nagging about being more ambitious.

Ambitious? What more could he aspire to? Any further ambition and he would be Emperor. Clearly, the time for him to ascend the throne had not yet arrived.

From a young age, he knew he was fortunate; born a son to the Emperor and with a powerful maternal family, he could obtain everything he desired in this life without effort. So, why strive for more? Enjoying life while he could seemed to be the wiser choice.

Watching his departing figure, the Grand Preceptor’s brows furrowed deeply. If the Eldest Prince continued on this path, even risking his own life wouldn't suffice to secure his ascension to the throne.

Heaving a deep sigh, he gestured for Lady Jiang to leave and then summoned his eldest son. Upon Jiang Boxin’s arrival and seating, the Grand Preceptor said, “Your wife went to the Marquis of Yongning’s estate and brought up the marriage between Yingzhe and the Marquis’s eldest daughter. However, the Marchioness said everything depends on Xiao Huai's decision.”

“She is clearly declining,” remarked Jiang Boxin.

The Grand Preceptor hummed in acknowledgment, “But with Xiao Huai still alive, it's normal for her to defer to him on matters like their children's marriages, especially when it involves marrying her daughter into the imperial family.”

“But it would be best if we could settle this matter before Xiao Huai returns,” Jiang Boxin suggested.

“I was thinking the same,” replied the Grand Preceptor. “Visit the Eldest Prince’s estate tomorrow, and mention to Yulan to invite the Marchioness of Yongning over. Make the Marchioness understand that this marriage alliance benefits not only the Marquis's estate but also the Duke Tang's estate.”

Jiang Boxin frowned in silence. Seeing this, the Grand Preceptor sighed and said, “I know Yulan holds grievances against us; you should persuade her gently.”

Jiang Boxin also sighed, “Yulan was reluctant to marry the Eldest Prince from the start, and her days now are filled with hardship; she's suffering inside.”

The Grand Preceptor's face betrayed his impatience, “She's been pampered since childhood; even though she lost her mother at birth, the Jiang family never let her suffer the slightest hardship, doting on her every whim. Having been supported by her family, she owes it to them to do her part. Besides, which man doesn't have several wives and concubines?”

“It's just that the Eldest Prince has far too many women in his harem,” Jiang Boxin said, clearly pained for his daughter.

The Grand Preceptor waved his hand dismissively, “Yulan is merely throwing a tantrum. I’ll speak with the Eldest Prince later; a little sweet-talking from him should suffice to calm her.”

What more could Jiang Boxin say? He simply nodded in agreement. Then he heard the Grand Preceptor sigh again. Upon inquiring, the Grand Preceptor said, “I fear if the Eldest Prince continues this way, the Emperor might completely give up on him.”

Jiang Boxin’s brows furrowed, and after a moment, he said, “There are some things I’ve been meaning to say.”

“Speak,” commanded the Grand Preceptor.

"The Emperor's decision to hold a selection for the imperial consorts has made it clear that he is quite dissatisfied with the current princes," Jiang Boxin said. "We all know the Crown Prince too well; there's no point in holding out hope for his change. I think, perhaps..."

He hesitated, wondering whether or not to voice his thoughts, when the Grand Tutor prompted, "Go on."

"Yes," Jiang Boxin leaned forward, whispering to the Grand Tutor, "it might be wiser to abandon the Crown Prince and safeguard the prince's son instead."

The Grand Tutor's pupils dilated slightly as he listened to Jiang Boxin continue, "The prince's son is young; ascending to that position naturally requires support, and our Jiang family would be indispensable. Moreover, securing the prince's son's position would make it easier to win over Xiao Huai. I believe Xiao Huai would prefer to see his daughter become the Empress sooner rather than remain a mere Crown Princess."

The Grand Tutor sat in deep contemplation, silent, while Jiang Boxin gave him time to think. After a long pause, the Grand Tutor spoke, "It's not impossible, but we must ensure the Emperor recognizes Yingzhe's merits."

Speaking of his esteemed grandson, Li Yingzhe, the Grand Tutor couldn't help but show a trace of pride. Li Yingzhe was leagues beyond his father in capability.

…………

Tang Shuyi, of course, was unaware of the Grand Tutor's secret scheming. After Madame Jiang's departure, she simmered in annoyance for a while before deciding to wait and see. She didn't believe that the Crown Prince and his faction would give up so easily after being rejected.

However, she didn't share this with Xiao Yuzhu. Though she never kept household matters from Xiao Yuzhu, discussing the girl's marital affairs with a nine-year-old seemed somewhat inappropriate.

At the Grand Tutor's residence the next day, Jiang Boxin paid a visit to the Crown Prince's mansion. He met with the Crown Princess instead of Madame Jiang because the Crown Princess was not the Crown Prince's birth mother. The Crown Princess's mother had died in childbirth, and she was raised by her grandmother.

At the Crown Prince's mansion, the managing eunuch led him to the Crown Princess's quarters. On the way, he inquired, "Is the Crown Prince in the residence today?"

The managing eunuch appeared troubled, uncertain whether to say 'yes' or 'no.' While the Crown Prince was indeed in the residence, he was preoccupied entertaining his beauties and probably wouldn't have time to meet his uncle and father-in-law.

Reading the eunuch's expression, Jiang Boxin understood the situation. He scoffed coldly, his heart aching for his daughter. While it was common for men to have multiple wives and concubines, it was rare to see someone like the Crown Prince, who spent all day entangled with women.

He felt even more convinced that forsaking the Crown Prince to support the prince's son was an excellent idea.

Upon reaching the Crown Princess's courtyard, he saw the young prince, Li Yingzhe, skillfully practicing swordplay. Each move was executed with precision. The Crown Princess stood nearby, watching with a smile. Jiang Boxin's mood lifted at the sight of the mother and son.

Noticing his arrival, Li Yingzhe sheathed his sword and greeted him, "Grandfather, I hope you are well."

Jiang Boxin hurriedly helped him up, then replied with a smile, "Yingzhe, your swordsmanship has improved greatly."

Li Yingzhe blushed at the praise. At this point, the Crown Princess approached, and the three of them went inside. Jiang Boxin inquired about Li Yingzhe's studies, then subtly indicated that he needed to speak privately with the Crown Princess. Li Yingzhe excused himself respectfully and left.

Watching him go, Jiang Boxin turned to the Crown Princess and said, "Yingzhe is a good boy; we must cultivate him well."

Pride shone on the Crown Princess's face. "This child is nothing like his father."

Speaking of the Crown Prince, her expression turned indifferent. Jiang Boxin observed this and said, "You have Yingzhe and the Jiang family's support; those women can't hold a candle to you."

"Let's not talk about him," the Crown Princess said with a hint of disgust in her eyes. "Father, what brings you here today?"

Jiang Boxin's face showed a hint of difficulty as he spoke, "Yesterday, your grandfather sent your mother to the Marquis of Yongning's residence to probe their intentions."

"What intentions?" asked the Crown Princess.

"Well, your grandfather wishes to betroth Yingzhe to the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Yongning. The Crown Prince shares the same thought," said Jiang Boxin.

After his words fell, the room sank into silence, so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. The Crown Princess sat there, gazing into the distance with an impassive face. After a long while, she finally spoke, her voice laced with sarcasm, "Since you've already decided, why bother asking for my opinion?"

Jiang Boxin looked somewhat embarrassed, "The Lady of Marquis Yongning has tactfully declined. Your grandfather wishes for you to discuss with her the pros and cons of this alliance."

"Father," the Crown Princess asked, looking at Jiang Boxin, "what am I to you, and to grandfather, in your hearts?"

"You are, of course, the most honored legitimate daughter of our Jiang family," replied Jiang Boxin.

The Crown Princess's gaze drifted into the distance again, "I once thought the same. Born into the distinguished Jiang family, although motherless from a young age, I was extremely cherished by my father, grandfather, and grandmother. I believed I was the happiest person in the world.

But later, I realized that all the kindness you showed me came at a price. And my price was to marry a man I did not wish to marry, to watch him bring woman after woman into our residence, and I had to benevolently accommodate his concubines."