Free Web NovelChapter 1278: Chapter 1267: Illegitimate Son
"Did you say this was sent over by Lord Ye?" Inside the Lin Mansion, a stately and dignified-looking woman looked at the jewelry before her, her eyes revealing no emotion.
"Yes, Lord Ye also said he was unsure of what Miss likes, so he just bought a few things randomly." The little maid spoke happily, "I didn’t expect Lord Ye to be so considerate. Miss, I’m truly happy for you."
Zhong Yi casually picked up two South Pearls and smiled, "Indeed he’s considerate, but you shouldn’t be too happy too soon."
The little maid was taken aback, "Miss, what do you mean?"
"Ye Qiu is a bastard, and his family not only has concubines but also a legitimate mother. His legitimate younger sister is married to Prince An as a concubine, and his uterine sister is married to Prince Kang as a concubine. I fear that marrying into such a family won’t be peaceful." Zhong Yi sighed lightly, her brows full of worry.
"But this marriage was arranged personally by the old General; the old General shouldn’t harm Miss."
"It’s precisely because Grandfather arranged this marriage for me that I still hold a little hope. For now, it seems that regardless of the Ye Family’s situation, at least Ye Qiu is quite decent. Let’s just wear this pearl hairpin tomorrow!"
"Okay!" The little maid replied happily, "If you ask me, the Ye Family wouldn’t dare neglect Miss. Miss is now a County Lord personally appointed by Your Majesty, with the old General supporting her from behind. Who would dare bully Miss?"
"You don’t understand." Zhong Yi shook her head but said no more.
On the other side, Ye Sihui returned to Prince An’s Mansion with a heavy heart. She hadn’t managed to accomplish anything, so Prince An naturally showed no pleasant face, and the gentle patience displayed day by day had been exhausted. However, he didn’t lose his temper with Ye Sihui; nevertheless, it was evident to the perceptive that Ye Sihui was about to fall out of favor.
From then on, Ye Sihui realized her predicament in this Prince Mansion. Her heart was icy cold, even though she thought she was reborn into this world, thinking she had everything under control, but who knew everything was just empty words. If she was no longer of use, she’d be nothing.
She finally understood how Prince An in the previous life ascended to the throne; such a person would do whatever it takes to attain his goal.
"Wah wah..."
Hearing the child’s cries, Ye Sihui jumped in surprise, hurriedly went over to pick up the child, and then took a deep breath. What Brother said was right; she still has her son Rui, which is her greatest asset.
She just didn’t help Prince draw Brother into Prince’s camp; she didn’t commit any grave mistake, and no one has the right to dispose of her.
Now, the best way for her to handle things is to endure. As long as her son grows up healthy, who could say anything?
Besides, Brother Ye Qiu is currently favored; who knows what position he might rise to in the future? Even if she is cold-shouldered now, so what? As long as Brother Ye Qiu doesn’t fall, she would never fall. What matters now is to keep her composure.
Ye Sihui now clearly understood that though she was reborn, what little she knew was worth nothing in the face of power. Neither Father nor Brother nor Prince An can be relied upon; only her son brings her hope.
From then on, she became much more restrained, avoiding involvement in things wherever possible. But that didn’t mean she accepted her fate; she’s just temporarily lying low until Prince An successfully ascends the throne, which is when people will see how remarkable her son is.
When that time comes, what choice will Brother have to make?
She can understand why Brother wouldn’t choose Prince An, but Rui is his biological nephew. Even if he doesn’t want to fight, he’ll be forced to get involved, won’t he?
Previously, she was muddled. Prince An is bound to ascend to the throne, so why rush?
But Ye Sihui will never know, some things aren’t fixed; Prince An ascended the throne in a previous life, but this life may be different.
"Father Emperor, ever since our Daru Dynasty subdued Nanyue, the control over there has been quite inadequate. Please allow your son to govern Nanyue, to educate and civilize the local populace." In the grand hall, Prince Kang spoke eagerly.
Once these words were spoken, everyone in the grand hall looked at him with surprise. Why? Because His Majesty is old, and no one knows how long he can hold on. Is he indirectly announcing his intention to withdraw from the struggle for the throne by volunteering to govern Nanyue?
It’s not unreasonable for everyone to think like this because if the First Prince wanted to show off and garner merit before His Majesty, why choose Nanyue, a backward wasteland?
Though it has been subdued for a long time, the local culture is deeply rooted, and they are extremely dismissive of people from other parts of the Daru Dynasty. Even now, those willing to go there are either stationed military forces or only the brave, adventurous merchants.
If one wanted achievements, the barren Northwest would be a better choice, as repelling even a single bandit group there could be labeled as border defense.
The locals of Nanyue not only repel outsiders but also face a humid and sweltering climate, with mosquitoes everywhere, making it easy to catch illnesses. To risk life and limb there for those uncertain achievements with unknown timelines is simply unnecessary.
Thus, the courtiers speculated whether the First Prince felt completely disconnected from the throne, hence deliberately applying to govern Nanyue to assure Second Prince and Third Prince.
"Do you really want to go to Nanyue?" The old Emperor asked deeply, staring keenly at Prince Kang.
Prince Kang knelt without hesitation, "Please, I ask Father Emperor to grant this wish."
"Nanyue is impoverished; you mustn’t go. I’ll give you one more chance to reconsider."
"Father Emperor, your son has thought it through before coming. Our Daru Dynasty has been established for one hundred and fifty years, but control over Nanyue has always been lacking. Your son heard that although Nanyue is poor, its local products are abundant, just lacking in mass production for sale. Your son wishes to change this situation, potentially bringing tax revenues to the court in the near future." Prince Kang spoke earnestly, and everyone present heard his determination.
This astonished the ministers greatly, for Prince Kang has always been lukewarm, appearing bland compared to his two younger brothers. If not for holding the legitimate eldest son’s title, he wouldn’t have been involved in this struggle.
But this statement today indeed made everyone see him anew. Regardless of his true intentions, merely voicing this showed courage. If His Majesty truly agrees, then he will indeed have to go to Nanyue.
Yes, even now, everyone doesn’t believe Prince Kang truly wants to go to Nanyue, thinking he’s merely trying to make an impression before His Majesty, with Prince An and Prince Min particularly disdainful.
"Father Emperor, your son considers it unwise. Big Brother was raised in wealth; how could he go to Nanyue to endure hardship?" Prince An stood up to advise.
"Exactly, if Big Brother wishes, the task assigned to me by Father Emperor to inspect Jiangnan might as well be given to Big Brother!" Prince Min also spoke with false sincerity.
Who doesn’t know that once His Majesty’s decree is issued, it cannot be changed? Isn’t he just feigning modesty here and subtly mocking someone?
