Chapter 59: Discord

Chapter 59: Discord

With disdain, Ye Jiangbai withdrew his gaze, thinking to himself, Well, Prince Seven is just too foolish. I have to keep an eye on him more often, and it's not uncommon for him to neglect others.

However, he hadn't expected that this common occurrence would become increasingly difficult to handle.

With the New Year approaching, visits between manors and courtyards increased. Although Duke Guo's residence usually received numerous gifts, during the holiday season, its gates were tightly shut, using the excuse of recuperating from illness to enjoy a few days of tranquility.

As a result, every time Chang Nian stepped out, she would encounter all sorts of people attempting to persuade her to accept their "New Year's provisions."

"Lord Viscount truly is remarkable," Feng Jingxian chuckled in the Drunken Immortal Pavilion. "Under his shade, His Highness enjoys much comfort."

A pile of items sat in a corner of the annex, and with her chin in her hand, Chang Nian gazed at them, her eyes filled with deep concern. "Lord Feng, do you think someone like Viscount Guo might not have too much power for the emperor to handle?"

"Your Highness," Feng Jingxian bowed with a smile. "Duke Guo is a civilian official. No matter how many accomplishments a civilian may have, they cannot shake the foundation of the kingdom. Therefore, there is no need to worry too much."

"He is a civilian," Chang Nian sighed. "But there are also many military officers who follow him."

Feng Jingxian was taken aback. He surreptitiously observed her expression, slightly frowning. "Your Highness, are you worried about Duke Guo..."

"My worries are of no use. Even the Crown Prince and Third Brother have fallen under his control. What can I possibly do?" Chang Nian smiled bitterly. "As you said, I am still under his shadow."

A hint of concern appeared in Feng Jingxian's eyes. "Your Highness, did you know that Fifth Prince has recently made another mistake?"

"Hmm?" Chang Nian shook his head. "What happened to Fifth Brother?"

"Favorable news from the palace tells us that there was a conflict between the Empress and the Concubine during an audience. The Concubine fell and injured her leg. In his panic, Fifth Prince spoke disrespectfully to the Empress, which led to His Majesty confining him," Feng Jingxian explained with his eyes closed. "With Fifth Prince competing against the Crown Prince, it seems the Eastern Palace has gained the upper hand."

The Empress was the most beloved by their father. In a direct confrontation, wouldn't Fifth Brother be at a disadvantage? Chang Nian's gaze darkened, and he whispered, "Regardless of whether it was with the Concubine or any other imperial concubine, in Father's eyes, the Central Palace is always innocent."

"I believe that Fifth Prince was too hasty," Feng Jingxian said. "Fifth Prince possesses unparalleled advantages and is the only prince capable of rivaling the Eastern Palace. To not cherish his position and recklessly provoke the Crown Prince is not wise."

"Fifth Brother has pride and won't easily swallow his grievances. Collisions like these are inevitable," Chang Nian replied. "Father won't punish him severely. He'll be out in two days."

But those two days would be enough for Fifth Brother to hold a deep grudge against both the Crown Prince and the Empress. With his temperament, he wouldn't let this matter rest. Thinking about what might happen in the future, Chang Nian's brows furrowed again.

"By the way, Third Prince summoned me yesterday," Feng Jingxian asked hesitantly. "Has there been a rift between Your Highness and Third Prince?"

Third Brother? Chang Nian shook his head. "Why would there be a rift? He's always been quite protective of me."

"However..." Feng Jingxian pursed her lips. "From Third Prince's words, it seems he is being rather distant with you."

Chang Nian was taken aback.

On New Year's Day, all the princes from their respective territories had gathered in the capital. The seven of them assembled in the Shenhua Palace to pay respects to the emperor, empress, and the dowager empress. In previous years, Chang Nian would simply pay her respects and enjoy some food before leaving. But this year, she had suddenly become the center of attention. Several of her royal brothers approached her to chat.

"Seventh Brother looks so healthy and full of joy," the Fourth Prince said with a smile as he looked at her. "After not seeing you for a year, I must say I'm quite impressed."

Chang Nian smiled foolishly, focusing on eating the New Year cake that the dowager empress had just given her.

The crown prince came over and handed her a cup of tea warmly, saying with a laugh, "Well done on your mission. Not only have your brothers been impressed, but many officials in the court have also praised you. I thought that only Third Brother could resolve the major issue, but Seventh Brother managed to take care of it effortlessly."

He was referring to the matter of the grain supplies in Jiangxi. Reflecting on it, Chang Nian hadn't done much; Ye Jiangbai had resolved everything. She had merely used the opportunity to make connections with several ministers and open up some doors for herself.

Of course, the benefits she had received had all gone into Ye Jiangbai's pockets.

"I'm flattered, Royal Brother," Chang Nian whispered softly. "I only dealt with minor matters. Third Brother handled the important ones."

Third Prince sat nearby, not too far away, but he acted as if he hadn't heard a word. He turned his head to speak with Sixth Prince.

Chang Nian touched the tip of her nose, feeling slightly awkward.

The Crown Prince sat down beside her and whispered, "Younger Brother Seven, you're still inexperienced in the ways of the world. You have much to learn gradually. Sometimes, when you upset someone, it's not because you did something wrong, but rather because you did something right."

Chuckling softly, Chang Nian said, "I'm just living day by day, not as capable as my Imperial Brothers."

"Younger Brother Seven is being modest," the Crown Prince smiled, giving her a deep look. "To snatch the position of Duke from Third Brother, how can that be considered not impressive?"

She didn't snatch the Duke title, Chang Nian frowned, eager to explain that Ye Jiangbai had indeed been unwell recently, which was why he hadn't been going out. Besides, she had given Third Brother plenty of benefits. As for why his attitude had suddenly changed, she couldn't figure that out either.

But looking at the Crown Prince, Chang Nian decided not to speak up.

It was him who had kicked her off the stretcher back then – an incident she remembered all too well, and there was no way she would fall for his tricks again.

"Nie'er." Her Second Imperial Brother waved at her from across the room.

Chang Nian quickly got up and approached him. "Second Brother."

Smiling, the Second Prince patted her shoulder. "Today is a family banquet, and it's New Year's Day. There's no need for you to listen to Eldest Imperial Brother's nonsense."

Among all the princes, the Second Prince was known for his gentle nature, and Chang Nian held a favorable impression of him. She thus straightforwardly asked, "What's happened to Third Brother recently?"

The Second Prince sighed. "Even I, who have been away for so long, am aware of it. How could you not know? There have been numerous issues with the management of grain supplies, leaving Third Brother in a state of great distress. Yet, surprisingly, things have been going smoothly in Jiangxi. The Ministry of Finance has reported this to our father, who has praised you on several occasions."

Chang Nian's eyes lit up with joy as she asked, "Father praised me?"

"Silly girl, is that the main point?" The Second Prince shook his head. "Third Brother claims he intended to promote you but was upstaged by your accomplishments. That's the source of his resentment."

Chang Nian understood. She turned and gazed at the Crown Prince, who was drinking wine from afar.

Previously, she thought that her task would definitely encounter problems, as the area of Jiangxi was filled with the Crown Prince's followers, who would inevitably cause trouble. However, to her surprise, from the time the Ministry of Revenue issued the documents until she verified and issued them, there were no errors or omissions along the way. On the contrary, on the side of the third brother, not only did people from Jiangzuo come to her, but also due to the serious illness of the national duke, many people gathered around her. Even though she did not accept gifts, it was inevitable that there were places where she was neglectful towards the third brother.

Feeling a chill in her heart, Chang Nian pondered for a moment and decided to take a cup of wine, approaching the Third Prince with it.