Chapter 261: The Small Court

Chapter 261: The Small Court

Bei Jingchu found new people to manage her finances, but her work was far from over.

The power of the heir to the throne of Dayue was immense.

The Eastern Palace had its own small court of officials exclusive to the crown prince.

Positions such as Left Tutor, Crown Prince's Chamberlain, and Right Tutor were almost equivalent to the Central Secretariat, Department of State Affairs, and Chancellery in the Eastern Palace.

In the midst of her busy schedule, Bei Jingchu couldn't help but sigh, "No wonder emperors are wary of their crown princes. This power is too great."

The Eastern Palace had been vacant for a long time, and the deployment of officials had to start from scratch.

She transferred Beiqin to fill the position of Crown Prince's Chamberlain, and the young marquis, promoted eight ranks, couldn't help but marvel at his newfound benefits.

The Three Temples were assigned to Bei Hua's jurisdiction.

The Ten Commanderies were assigned to Lei Nian'er.

Everyone had a promising future ahead!

Bei Jingchu even teased Lei Nian'er, "You now hold a position equivalent to the Commander of the Imperial Guards in the Eastern Palace. Isn't this a case of a daughter inheriting her father's legacy?"

Lei Nian'er had known about her appointment, but it wasn't until she held the official decree that it truly sank in.

Bei Jingchu instructed, "By appointing you, I am showing my trust in your ability to command respect."

"The palace guards are all from wealthy families, and though their family backgrounds may not rival yours as the daughter of a general, they are all proud individuals."

"You'll need to find a way to manage them on your own. If you can't manage the position I've entrusted to you, I'll have to find someone else."

Bei Jingchu's words were gentle, but the underlying message was clear: if you can't handle the position I've given you, I'll replace you.

Clearly, Lei Nian'er was no fool.

She clutched the decree as if it were her future and vowed, "Your Royal Highness has given me the fastest and most direct path."

"There's no way I can't do it."

If they're disobedient, just beat them into submission.

Her father's sole expertise lay in warfare and military management, and after years of exposure, she had learned at least eighty percent of it.

Regarding Lei Nian'er's promotion, Leining was naturally overjoyed and advised, "You must remain loyal to the monarch. Whether you are beaten or scolded, even if falsely accused and feeling wronged, you must remain loyal."

Lei Nian'er didn't want to listen to his meaningless teachings and replied, "Your Royal Highness knows best whether I am loyal."

"Your Royal Highness is no fool and can discern loyalty from disloyalty."

Leining: ...Nian'er seems to have an inexplicable confidence in the crown prince.

Seeing this, he didn't say more and let her go back to rest, preparing for the upcoming banquet celebrating her promotion.

The entire Lei family, including Lei Nian'er's sisters, was filled with joy.

Those who were quick to act formed groups to present gifts and offer congratulations to Lei Nian'er.

The third sister, who was timid and cowardly because Lei Naner bullied her, has become much more cheerful and can even chat with her occasionally: "Back then, when we sent gifts to our eldest sister, it was usually jewelry and hairpins."

"The only difference was in the workmanship and the quality of the materials."

"Later, when our eldest sister joined the military camp and now became the commander of the Eastern Palace, I really don't know what to give her anymore. I haven't studied weapons."

"I'm worried that even if I go to great lengths to buy something, my eldest sister might not use it."

The fourth sister laughed and said, "Third sister, you should've asked me. I know a bit about it, but unfortunately, Father didn't let us practice martial arts before. Only our eldest sister got to benefit from the Crown Prince's favor."

Her tone seemed casual but had a hint of regret: "If it hadn't been for that, maybe I'd be pretty good too."

Lei Nian'er wasn't sure how to comfort her. Being the lucky one, anything she said now would come off as condescending.

She could only pat her hand and quickly change the subject: "I still love getting jewelry and makeup."

The third sister hesitated and asked, "But hasn't eldest sister become a military commander?"

"Eldest sister is a military officer, but she's still a woman."

"Who says you can't love both martial attire and feminine adornments?"

"Who says being a military officer means you have to act like a guy?"

"Even as a military officer, I'm still a lady." She raised her eyebrows slightly, even with a hint of pride.

The third sister seemed to think of something and smiled softly.

But people's joys and sorrows are not the same. Lei Naner was having another meltdown in her courtyard.

"How can this be, how can this be!"

"Where did I go wrong?"

"Didn't she have to work hard in the military camp for years?"

"Why did the Crown Prince make her the commander of the Eastern Palace's Ten Guards right after he arrived!"

On the table was her prized marriage proposal, from a noble heir.

This had always been her dream.

Suddenly, Lei Naner ripped the marriage proposal to shreds.

After tearing it up, she cried and wailed, collapsing onto the table.

"Mom—I miss you so much, Mom—"

"Mom..."

She died on a winter day when she was just four.

Her father personally gave her poisoned wine.

Lei Naner now understood why her father did it—her mother was a traitor.

But that was her mother, the one who loved her the most.

She had worked hard to build her reputation, hoping to marry into a noble family and one day use her husband's influence to seek revenge.

But her enemy had risen to the top in one step.

Everything was an illusion.

......

As usual, in the busy daily routine, Haoyue helped Bei Jingchu screen the memorials sent to the Eastern Palace, while Bei Jingchu helped her father screen the memorials sent to the imperial desk.

The two children, like oxen and horses, worked together on tasks that weren't their own.