Chapter 182: The Ingenious Person

Chapter 182: The Ingenious Person

The Second Prince was still uncertain, but decided it was worth a shot to leak some information.

He also knew that even if Father Emperor planned to appoint the Crown Prince as his heir, it would be foolish to directly harm Xiao Lang. Even if it succeeded, with Father Emperor and the Empress Dowager around, it would be hard to clear his name completely. Wouldn't that just benefit others?

Furthermore, he was well aware that to vie for the position of the heir, relying solely on these conspiracies wouldn't suffice. Father Emperor would consider virtues and talents in his decision. However, being confined to studying in the Imperial Academy and not attending court sessions limited his ability to demonstrate his capabilities.

With this in mind, the Second Prince said to Princess Huaiqing, "Sister, I've received news from the Astronomical Bureau that this summer will be hotter than usual but with less rainfall. Surely, Father Emperor will appoint an inspector to survey the granaries and ponds. This could be an opportunity for me to participate in governance."

"An inspector?" Princess Huaiqing nodded slightly, understanding his intention, "If it's to show importance, accompanying a prince would be appropriate. Since Lang cannot travel in the summer, it naturally falls to you. However, I need to discuss this with your brother-in-law and then propose it formally."

Upon hearing this, the Second Prince stood up, bowed deeply to Princess Huaiqing, and said solemnly, "Thank you, Sister."

Currently, Zhao Quan of the Marquisate of Changping was the only influential figure in the court, but he was far away in Liangzhou and lacked influence in the capital, leaving the Second Prince reliant on Princess Huaiqing.

Princess Huaiqing helped him up and said with a smile, "We are siblings, no need for thanks."

As they resumed their seats, Princess Huaiqing brought up another matter, "Xuan, you're in the palace without anyone to look after you, and it's always inconvenient for us to talk... But the choice of your future princess consort will surely be made by Father Emperor and Mother Empress. I can't interfere much. Do you have any thoughts on this matter?"

The Second Prince, hearing it was about this issue, shook his head and replied, "Sister, there's no rush for this. It's just a nominal engagement at most, maybe a direct betrothal. But the actual marriage is still years away."

This selection of court ladies is mostly young girls in their prime, clearly intended for the three eldest princes.

Although there's no hurry for marriage, if there is someone of interest, it's best to decide early. At the very least, make a note of them to prevent the best girls from being chosen when the princes come of age.

Princess Huaiqing asked, "Do you have anyone in mind, Xuan?"

The Second Prince shook his head, his ears turning slightly red: "No. I've always stayed in Yanqing Palace; it wouldn't be proper for me to go to the palace where the ladies are housed."

"Zhen Niang's sister is also among them..." Princess Huaiqing hinted with a faint smile, "The selection is in a few days. Regardless of whether your princess consort has been decided, I'll host a birthday banquet here and invite many guests. If you find someone you like, you can then ask Father Emperor."

The Second Prince understood her subtle hint and thanked her again: "Thank you, Sister."

Although they were siblings, both were grown and it wasn't appropriate to linger in the room chatting. After discussing official matters and expressing his concern for Princess Huaiqing, the Second Prince left to join the Third Prince at a newly opened tavern in the north city.

Cui Ji'an, the Prince Consort, ordered his servants to prepare a carriage and personally escorted the princes to the tavern, settled the bill, and then returned to the princess's mansion.

Princess Huaiqing waited for him in the house.

After drinking a cup of refreshing tea, Cui Ji'an sat down and suddenly asked, "Princess, what do you think of the Third Prince?"

"Xin?" Princess Huaiqing was slightly startled and looked at Cui Ji'an inquisitively, "Why do you ask?"

Cui Ji'an shook his head, smiling, "I just think the Third Prince is quite a character."

Princess Huaiqing, deep in thought, smiled back at him, "Does the Prince Consort know that Father Emperor might intend to send someone to inspect the granaries in each province?"

……

*

The Third Prince, having thoroughly enjoyed his meal at the newly opened Mingyue Tower, wasn't ready to return to the palace yet and said to the Second Prince, "Brother, I want to visit Minister Xu's residence. Will you come with me?"

In the crowded tavern, they naturally didn't use their royal titles.

The Second Prince excused himself from visiting the Third Prince's maternal home, saying, "You go ahead, Third Brother. I'll visit the Marquis of Changping's residence. Let's meet at Chaoyang Gate before noon."

Thus, the two princes parted ways.

The Third Prince, accompanied by his personal eunuch Zhang Shuisheng, leisurely made his way to the residence of Xu Da, the Minister of Works, and was respectfully ushered into the main hall of the front courtyard.

The Third Prince then said to Zhang Shuisheng, "Go outside and check on my General Changsheng, the one I left here last time. I hope my maternal grandfather hasn't slaughtered him yet."

As it was his day off, Minister Xu was at home. Hearing the message from the gatekeeper, he approached the front hall and, overhearing the Third Prince's comment, entered with a smile and greeted him, "Your Highness, your General Changsheng is doing very well, crowing every morning and much loved by the kitchen staff."

Alarmed, the Third Prince quickly said, "Zhang Shuisheng, go to the kitchen and check!"

"Yes," replied Zhang Shuisheng and hurried off to rescue his master's General Changsheng.

With only Xu Da and the Third Prince in the hall, they took their seats. Xu Da's smile faded as he said seriously, "Your Highness, since spring, there has been little rain in Jinzhou. His Majesty summoned me and several colleagues yesterday to discuss this matter. It seems likely that someone will be sent there soon."

The Third Prince, still smiling, waved his hand, "What does that have to do with me? Father Emperor is a wise ruler; he doesn't need my concern over such matters."

Xu Da sighed softly and continued, "I believe His Majesty intends to send a prince personally. Of the elder princes, only the first three are of age..."

The Third Prince slightly raised his porcelain tea cup, appearing absorbed in the honeysuckle pattern on its rim.

Xu Da's voice echoed in his ears, "...Your Highness may not be interested in politics, but I believe I have some insight into people... After His Majesty's southern tour, the Ministry of Works reconstructed the river channels and built reservoirs in various places. If there's a drought, it won't be too severe. Accompanying such an expedition would be a significant achievement... Are you truly uninterested?"

The Third Prince paused, then set down his cup, suddenly asking, "Maternal Grandfather, if I don't go, it falls to the Second Prince. But even if he earns this merit, what of it?"

Xu Da stroked his neatly groomed goatee, returning to his cheerful demeanor, "You have a point, Your Highness. However, I heard that His Majesty has found the Tianshan Snow Lotus. If the Crown Prince's recovery is hopeful, with your current reputation, if you don't step forward now, you might never have the chance."

The Third Prince looked at him, picked up a piece of white sugar cake from the table, and muttered, "What a nuisance."