Chapter 43: Pacifying a Child

Chapter 43: Pacifying a Child

Seeing Duke's expression, Xu Zhi tensed up and leaned in, assuming that he had some crucial instructions to give.

However, Ye Jiangbai lowered his head and asked, "How does one pacify a child?"

Xu Zhi: "…?"

What child? Whose child? Where is this child? Xu Zhi looked puzzled, glanced at the Duke, and confirmed that he wasn't joking before cautiously answering, "For toddlers, candies or snacks can do the trick. For infants, small toys might help."

Pausing for a moment, he glanced back at Seventh Prince's courtyard, slightly enlightened, "If they're a bit older, one would have to show genuine concern, promise benefits, and patiently comfort them."

Benefits were simple matters to him, but Ye Jiangbai knew that Princess Zhao Changnian was different from other imperial princes. If you did her a favor, she would thank you, but she wouldn't necessarily let it go.

Slightly frustrated, Ye Jiangbai rubbed his temples and continued walking out while muttering, "Actually, I don't really need to pacify her."

"Yes," Xu Zhi agreed, feeling that it was unnecessary. The Seventh Prince's anger wouldn't affect the big picture.

"But looking at her face, I just can't help feeling guilty," Ye Jiangbai sighed. "She's already a pitiful soul, grateful to us as if we're her saviors. Yet, we end up bullying her, which seems unscrupulous."

Xu Zhi was taken aback and sighed, folding his hands in a respectful gesture. "Your servant has never bullied anyone."

How did it become "we"? One should take responsibility for one's own actions!

Ye Jiangbai gave him a sideways glance and huffed softly. After pondering for a moment, he said, "Take a trip to Jiangxi."

"Jiangxi?"

"Jiangxi is full of powerful locals and troublesome individuals, especially those belonging to the Crown Prince's faction. As the supervisor of the grain and provisions, they will surely cause you problems."

This was precisely why he had taken this assignment from the Third Prince and given it to the Seventh Princess. The Third Prince knew well that with the Crown Prince's supporters in Jiangxi, he might not gain much advantage. If things went wrong, the blame from the Emperor would outweigh any potential gains. Rather than taking the risk, it was better to pass this hot potato onto someone else.

As for the Seventh Princess, she needed just such an opportunity to consolidate her power. She rarely involved herself in politics, so if she succeeded, the Emperor would have a new impression of her. If she failed, the punishment wouldn't be too severe, and it would also indirectly show that the Third Prince valued and supported his siblings more than the Crown Prince did.

A plan that hit three birds with one stone was already set in motion. Ye Jiangbai could simply wait for the results. However... after some thought, he decided to lend the Seventh Princess a hand. Relying solely on her, the mission was bound to fail, resulting in punishment.

Understanding Ye Jiangbai's intentions, Xu Zhi felt a touch of emotion. Initially, no one had expected the Seventh Princess to survive this long. She should have been sacrificed in the prison historian's case. Even if luck had allowed her to evade it, the Empress would not have let her off.

Yet, not only had the Empress failed to trouble her, she had even been implicated by the death of a palace maid and now dared not act recklessly. The Seventh Princess, having received the difficult assignment, had also gained the affection of her master, who decided to aid her.

Does simplicity bring its own fortune?

Xu Zhi stroked his beard, shaking his head with a low chuckle. He then bowed and replied, "Your servant accepts the order."

Thus, in the imperial study the following day, the Third Prince stepped forward to present his plans for supervising the grain supply. He respectfully proposed in the court to entrust the affairs of Jiangxi region to the Seventh Prince.

The surrounding ministers were in an uproar, but the emperor on the dragon throne blinked his eyes with a subtle gleam, leaning forward to inquire, "Xu-er, how did you come up with such a plan?"

Prince Third spoke candidly, "Seventh Brother is on the cusp of reaching manhood, yet he has not yet had the chance to establish any notable achievements. This son believes it is not due to Seventh Brother's incapability, but rather a lack of opportunity. As an elder brother, this son is willing to provide Seventh Brother with that chance. I humbly request that our father, the emperor, also grant Seventh Brother an opportunity."

If any other emperor had heard these words, they would have accused him of favoritism and faction-building. However, the current ruler of Great Zhou placed immense value on brotherly affection. With the previous conflict between the Crown Prince and his siblings as a backdrop, the Third Prince's efforts to support his brothers were seen by the emperor as highly commendable. His expression softened accordingly.

After the imperial study audience dispersed, the grand eunuch was instructed to present two jade artifacts as rewards to the Third Prince.

The Crown Prince left with a darkened face, staring at the back of the Third Prince ahead of him. "He's really good at ingratiating himself," he grumbled.

"Born of a concubine, he naturally knows how to read people's expressions," a courtier whispered behind him. "No matter how much he ingratiates himself, he can only aspire to be a prince at most. Your Highness, there's no need to take it to heart."

"A prince? Hmph, what qualifications does he have?" The Crown Prince waved his sleeves, speaking as he walked. "He's just skilled at winning people's favor, giving Jiangxi to his seventh brother... Ha, pleasing Father Emperor, currying favor with Duke Guo, and avoiding me. He calculates every move carefully, but I won't let him have his way!"

A servant whispered, "But now that the seventh prince is in charge of Jiangxi, how can we make things difficult without causing trouble for Duke?"

"What trouble? Would Duke really oppose Your Highness over the seventh prince?"

"It's hard to say. I've heard that Duke is fiercely protective of Prince Seven and dotes on him greatly within the mansion," the servant admitted helplessly. "I still haven't been able to figure out why Duke has taken such a liking to him."

The crown prince narrowed his eyes, stopping in his tracks. After a moment's thought, he suddenly gave a strange smile. "What else could it be? Concubine Qin seduced her way into the emperor's bed with her charms, so it's only natural that her offspring would follow in her footsteps."

"But... Duke isn't one to be swayed by beauty."

"She doesn't have any other talents besides her face," the prince said. "Just wait and see. When Duke grows tired of her and kicks her away, she'll die a miserable death."

Footsteps approached from behind, and the crown prince immediately fell silent, turning slightly to look back.

Beitang Miao was clad in silver armor, a long sword at his waist, his expression cold as ice. He stood just five paces away, clearly having been there all along and only just making his presence known.

Feeling a sinking sensation in his heart, the prince hurriedly bowed and smiled. "General Beitang, what a coincidence."

Beitang Miao returned the gesture, his face devoid of any amusement. "Your Highness, I have a matter that requires your assistance."

Overwhelmed with surprise, the Crown Prince took two steps forward and said in amazement, "How unusual. What can this palace do for you, General? Speak freely; I shall certainly fulfill your request."

The Beitang family's favor was not easily won. Many had tried tirelessly to curry their favor but failed. Yet, fate had smiled upon him today.

Observing the uncontainable joy on his face, Beitang Miao's eyes flickered slightly. He lowered his head slightly and whispered a few words to him.

It was a sunny day, and the sun shone brightly. People in the capital were basking in the warmth of their courtyards. After measuring her body, Chang Nian moved her recliner outside and comfortably lounged while chatting with Hong Ti.

"Hong Ti, are you really not leaving?" Hong Ti asked, her face filled with uncertainty.

With her eyes closed, Chang Nian lazily hummed in response, "I can't leave just yet. I'll stay for a while longer."

No one else spoke. Yawning, Chang Nian felt a bit drowsy from the sun. Just as she was about to doze off, her lips grew cool as something touched them, carrying the fragrance of longan.

In one bite, Chang Nian happily chuckled, her eyes still closed. "Hong Ti, you're so thoughtful."

A peculiar response came from nearby, but Chang Nian didn't pay attention. After finishing one longan, she opened her mouth to spit out the seed.

A hand reached over, catching the seed at her lips. Without a second thought, Chang Nian spat it into the hand, then gasped as another peeled longan was promptly placed in her mouth.

"In the Duke's residence, they truly possess the finest of everything - the freshest fruits, the most delectable delicacies." As she savored her food, she whispered to herself, "If only the Duke weren't so stern, I would genuinely wish to reside here for another year or two."