Chapter 61: Priorities Come First

Chapter 61: Priorities Come First

Ye Jiangbai's expression shifted slightly as he adjusted his sleeves and spoke with a more serious tone, "Your Highness."

"I don't mind if I offend Third Brother. He can punish me if he wants, but I still want to go," Chang Nian said. "I want to complete every task assigned to me by Father. The position of Deputy Protector isn't a lucrative one, and Duke knows that. So, could you let me have my way this once?"

This wasn't about the position being lucrative or not; it was because the Third Prince was still upset, and Ye Jiangbai needed to appease him to avoid any resentment towards himself and Zhao Changnian.

Two days prior, Ye Jiangbai had met with the Third Prince, who had asked him, "Does Duke believe that Seventh Sister can make a significant difference?"

Answering honestly, Ye Jiangbai shook his head. "No, she cannot."

"Then why are you indulging her like this?" the Third Prince asked. "It's not worth the trouble."

Ye Jiangbai fell silent, realizing that he couldn't refute the question. Whether it was out of favoritism or strategy, he had indeed given Zhao Changnian too many benefits. But she was obedient and well-behaved, not greedy for rewards nor complaining when none were given. She seemed content to follow his arrangements.

He felt that for someone like her, a little indulgence wouldn't hurt.

But the Third Prince said, "Let her have some peace for a while. She's had enough attention, and even the Crown Prince has noticed her now."

Ye Jiangbai pondered for a moment but eventually agreed. After all, the Third Prince was the one he currently aimed to ally with. As for Princess Zhao Changnian...

Propping herself up on the cushioned couch, Ye Jiangbai addressed her, "Great trees attract strong winds. Your Highness has just established connections with the former court and is now praised by the Emperor and esteemed by the officials. Such rapid progress is too risky. Advancing and retreating when necessary is the proper way to proceed."

Changnian fell silent, lowering her head with her eyelids drooping.

"I understand that Your Highness will feel discontent," Ye Jiangbai resumed reading, "but there's no other choice."

Since he said there was no other option, her struggle would be futile. Changnian nodded, whispering, "Then I'll take my leave first."

After spending so much time together, Ye Jiangbai could sense her mood from her tone. Knowing that she was unhappy, he also felt slightly displeased.

Had she started to become greedy?

Flipping a page of the book, Ye Jiangbai narrowed his eyes, deciding to let her go. If he allowed this mischievous streak to persist, it wouldn't bode well for the future.

Changnian turned around, her steps heavy, and her figure looked dejected. Liang Ce returned with snacks, barely missing her as he passed by, questioning in confusion, "Is Your Highness leaving now?"

"Mm." Smelling the aroma, she didn't turn her head, stepping out the door and gradually disappearing outside.

Liang Ce entered, perplexed. "Master?"

Ye Jiangbai replied irritably, "Ignore her."

Though he said that, after flipping through two pages of the book, he found himself unable to concentrate. Ye Jiangbai clicked his tongue in frustration. "She's really something."

There was no way he would let her disrupt his plans. He had to proceed as planned, regardless of how much she protested. His personal discomfort was insignificant compared to the risk of jeopardizing his grand scheme.

Chang Nian intended to return to the courtyard to review documents. However, halfway there, Hong Ti approached her with an air of secrecy. "General Beitang is waiting for you at the side gate."

Startled, Chang Nian immediately turned around and headed for the side gate. As she walked, she asked, "Why did he come directly? Couldn't he send a message?"

Hong Ti shook her head, accompanying Chang Nian to the side gate where she arranged for the doorman to let her out alone.

Exiting the side gate and turning down the alley, Chang Nian dared to look around.

"Over here," Beitang Miao called out to her.

With a pout, Chang Nian marched over and looked up at him, eyes blazing. "Don't you know where this is?"

Beitang Miao curled his lips. "The Duke of State's residence."

"You came even though you knew?" Chang Nian glanced around furtively. "If someone sees us, they might start spreading rumors!"

She was chattering like an old nanny.

Looking down at her, Beitang Miao waited for her to finish before he said, "I'm going to the Patrol Camp, and I thought I'd drop by to see you on my way."

"The Patrol Camp?" Chang Nian blinked. "What are you doing there?"

"I'll be staying in the capital," Beitang Miao replied. "His Majesty has appointed me to take charge of the Patrol Camp."

Chang Nian was taken aback. "Take charge?"

"Yes," Beitang Miao said. "Not just the Patrol Camp, but also the garrison and Imperial Forest Army will be under my command."

Chang Nian gasped. "Then... what about my brother and the other princes?"

"The imperial sons can still familiarize themselves with military affairs in each camp," Beitang Miao said, fixing his gaze on her. "I got the impression from His Majesty that he wants you to join the Patrol Camp. The weather is nice today; would you like to come with me and have a look?"

Chang Nian was slightly dazed, her hand held in his as they walked for a while before she regained her senses.

"Majesty... Do you really want me to join the Patrol Unit?" she muttered.

"Of course," Beitang Miao nodded, helping her onto the horse. "The Third Prince's initial accomplishments were made in the Patrol Unit. His later achievements also had connections to that place. It's an excellent opportunity; easier to rise through the ranks than in the Imperial Forest Army. The Emperor allowing you to join means he values you."

Hugging the horse's neck, Chang Nian looked dejected, but didn't cause any trouble for Beitang Miao. Instead, she whispered, "It's not early anymore. Let's hurry and return."

Seeing her fearful expression of falling, Beitang Miao chuckled softly, lifting her up and turning her around. "Hugging the horse's neck won't help. Hold onto me."

Chang Nian: "...This doesn't seem appropriate."

"What's inappropriate about it? I'm your brother," Beitang Miao said with an open expression.

If he wasn't thinking inappropriately, it wouldn't be good for her to overthink it either. Chang Nian forced a laugh, took a deep breath, and wrapped her arms around Beitang Miao's waist.

With a smile in his eyes, Beitang Miao urged the horse forward.

During dinner, Ye Jiangbai glanced at the table and asked, "Where's Princess Seven?"

Liang Ce replied, "He's out, said he needed to visit the Ministry of Revenue."

"What could he possibly be doing at the Ministry of Revenue at this hour?" Ye Jiangbai grumbled, putting down his chopsticks. "Let's reheat the dishes later."

Hong Ti stood nervously nearby and said, "Duke Guo, there's no need to wait for His Highness. He might not be back anytime soon..."

"I'm not hungry," Ye Jiangbai said, sitting down to read some documents. "I wasn't waiting for her specifically."

Oh, Hong Ti nodded, then fell silent.

But after half an hour, then an hour had passed, and the dishes were reheated twice, yet Zhao Changnian still hadn't returned.

A chill crept into the corners of Ye Jiangbai's eyes as he turned slightly to look at Hong Ti. "Did she really go to the Ministry of Revenue, or did she go somewhere else?"

Was she perhaps sulking and didn't want to come back for dinner? Hong Ti averted his gaze guiltily. "This servant... this servant is not sure either."

She was really spoiled, wasn't she? Whenever something happened, she would sulk with him. Ye Jiangbai clenched his teeth, got up, and paced by the door twice before summoning Liang Ce. "Send someone out to look for her."

Liang Ce agreed and was about to depart when Manager Xue Song entered to report, "My Lord, Beitang Mansion has sent word that due to the heavy snow tonight, the roads are treacherous. Seventh Prince has decided to stay at Beitang Mansion for the night; there's no need to keep the lanterns lit."