Free Web NovelChapter 462: The Paragon of Noble Scions
The Beili Emperor had always been vigilant. ’A mind that deep and calculating would not have come to Beili without a plan,’ he mused.
"Your son obeys."
"Even though the city gates are open, the secret searches must be intensified. A thief who can spirit away everything from Consort Yuan’s palace without anyone knowing... I fear he will make other moves in the future. I will not know a moment’s peace until he is caught." The Beili Emperor massaged his temples. He hadn’t slept well in half a month.
Even after doubling the elite Hidden Guards assigned to protect him, he was still on edge.
"Your son will ensure the tightest security."
Sang Yan knew about the incident at Consort Yuan’s palace. He had gone to see it himself; even now, the palace remained utterly bare.
Lately, Consort Yuan wore only a single hairpin in her hair, looking very plain.
It seemed that even the clothes in her wardrobe had been taken.
Nothing like this had ever happened in the martial world; it was as if some kind of hex had been cast...
"Mm. If there is nothing else, you may withdraw." The Beili Emperor was somewhat fatigued.
"Yes." Sang Yan rose to his feet, but then he remembered something. "Imperial Father, about Ye Qianning’s reward..."
"I had almost forgotten her. The child may have a poor temperament, but looking at what happened today, I see I did not choose the wrong person for Crown Princess Consort. She doesn’t fear the powerful and dares to argue for the good of the country. Such courage is indeed a model for the children of our noble houses. Tomorrow, at court, you will mention this to give those officials a firm reminder: their heirs must be raised properly." The Beili Emperor was quite pleased with Ye Qianning for defending Beili on this major issue.
’If all the children of our court officials and nobles are raised to be this courageous, Beili will only grow stronger and stronger.’
"I think so as well. Children need to be raised with spirit, so they can distinguish right from wrong," Sang Yan added.
"Indeed. Speaking of which, the Crown Prince’s recent progress in his studies worries me. He isn’t advancing in his martial arts, either," the Beili Emperor sighed.
"The Crown Prince is only eight; he’s still young and hasn’t shed his childish mentality yet. It’s just like... He’ll be fine once he grows up. Imperial Father, you needn’t worry too much." Sang Yan had intended to say something about Sang Zhi, but he held his tongue.
"Eight is still young? Ye Qianning is only six, yet when she faced the envoys from the three nations, not only was she unafraid, she was also incredibly clever. If the Crown Prince had been in her place, what do you think he would have done?" The Beili Emperor’s voice turned grave.
Sang Yan fell silent.
’It was hard to say. Though they were brothers, they had very little contact.’
’Sang Qi had been frail since childhood and was always kept inside the palace by Consort Yuan. He rarely saw those of his brothers who had already moved out to establish their own estates.’
"When you have time, you should teach him." The Beili Emperor lifted his gaze to stare at him.
Sang Yan nodded. "Yes."
"Of all my princes, you are the one who gives me the least worry. But the Third Princess Consort has been in your estate for years now with no children to show for it. You’re nearly twenty-seven; you need to take the matter of heirs more seriously. It is time to add some new women to your household."
"Yes."
"Alright. As for Ye Qianning, what do you think I should reward her with?" The Beili Emperor returned to the previous topic.
"The General’s estate seems to be very short on money."
"Short on money?"
"Yes. In the past, the General’s estate supported over a hundred people, and the family’s second branch is obsessed with gambling. General Xiang’s stipend and rewards were squandered long ago. Even the gold and silver jewelry you rewarded them with last time, Imperial Father, was taken by the second branch to pay off gambling debts."
"I can’t believe such a thing happened."
"The General’s estate has cut down its staff. Despite having many concubines, they only have three maids. There are only a few manservants and two or three cooks. The staff is pitifully small. Six-year-old Ye Qianning doesn’t even have a single personal maid and has to do everything herself." Sang Yan was in charge of the investigation, and his men reported the situations of the various estates to him daily.
He himself had only learned of the staffing situation at the General’s estate a few days ago.
