Chapter 262 Unwelcome Popularity

Chapter 262 Unwelcome Popularity

Haoyue had an easier time than her, as she could directly relay useful information while reading.

"Your Highness, Commander Lei reported that a group of assassins tried to sneak in yesterday but were caught and took poison before they could be questioned."

Bei Jingchu replied, "...Alright."

"Your Highness, Princess Xianning has presented two fine greyhounds for your use during the autumn hunt."

It was a rather ordinary gift. Bei Jingchu just hummed in acknowledgment and went back to helping her Father.

Soon after, a familiar name popped up again.

Princess Xianning suggested building a canal to boost transport and ease the grain shortage in the Capital.

After reforms allowed princesses to engage in politics, this aunt took up a role and became quite active in court.

So, you see, Dynasty Yue isn't lacking in talent; it's just that many are kept at home.

After some time, the young Crown Prince finally finished handling tasks that weren't hers.

As she stretched, ready to relax, the clash of weapons sounded outside.

Bei Jingchu tensed up, but the noise soon ceased. Lei Nian'er's voice came from outside: "Your Highness, the assassins are dead."

"I spared two and learned they're remnants of the Qi family."

Bei Jingchu vaguely recalled executing that family for corruption.

But it didn't matter. Since taking on that thankless role, her bad reputation spread, and assassination attempts became frequent.

Before, in the secure inner palace, assassins targeting her and the emperor were indistinguishable.

After moving to the Eastern Palace, Bei Jingchu realized just how unpopular she was.

This was the first time assassins came for her directly; usually, she only heard about it in reports.

She sighed, touched her nose, and told Lei Nian'er to claim her reward.

Soon, the autumn hunt arrived, and Bei Jingchu was itching to get moving.

Since becoming Crown Prince, she'd been stuck in studies all day, barely getting a breath of fresh air.

She was eager to show off her skills at the autumn hunt.

The royal autumn hunt was a grand affair. At the hunting grounds, her Father delivered a long-winded speech.

Bei Jingchu's smile was starting to feel stiff.

She changed into her riding gear and bumped into Princess Xianning on her way out.

"Crown Prince," Bei Jingchu greeted, "Aunt."

Dressed in her riding gear, she approached with a confident stride.

She smiled, "The autumn hunt is as much about military drills as it is about hunting."

"Your Highness should perform well and let those who are dissatisfied see the capabilities of Dayue's heir."

Bei Jingchu thanked her: "Thank you for your kind words."

"However, be careful during the hunt; don't let the horse run too fast."

"I wonder if you've heard, my elder brother was actually the late emperor's most favored heir. The edict had already been drafted, just waiting to be issued."

"It was during a hunt that he injured an eye, became disabled, and thus missed his chance to become the heir, allowing my second brother to take the throne."

Bei Jingchu had of course heard of this; Haoyue, that girl, had gathered all the gossip from the past fifty years of the Yue Dynasty.

Princess Xianning then changed the subject: "But then, who becomes the heir doesn't really matter, after all, the current winner is His Majesty; who remembers those two?"

This statement, made in front of Bei Jingchu, seemed a bit offensive.

After all, it implied that the heir could also be a loser.

She held back her displeasure, hoping she was overthinking it.

After all, her sons are under her command; perhaps the aunt was reminding her not to get carried away.

Fortunately, Princess Xianning seemed to realize her slip of the tongue and added, "I am reminding the heir to be cautious."

"Thank you for the reminder; I will be careful."