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The Crown Prince couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows, “This should be a good thing, why does it trouble you?”
With a sigh, Jiang Junli replied, “Money, a useless possession that we cannot take with us beyond life. I once vowed to spend all my wealth in serving the country faithfully, but instead of diminishing, it keeps growing. How could that not be worrisome?”
“If this continues, wouldn’t I forever be unable to escape the label of a merchant and be a scholar solely dedicated to serving the court, devoid of any worldly wealth?” Jiang Junli’s tone grew increasingly despondent, his face reflecting deep sadness.
Public opinion!
The Crown Prince, understanding Jiang Junli’s usual principles and actions, refrained from arguing. He simply patted Jiang Junli’s shoulder, suppressing a tremor in his lips, “Your words are not unfounded.”
“If you think about it, perhaps it’s fate that cannot be altered. It might be best to try accepting it, which could bring some comfort,” the Crown Prince suggested.
“That seems to be the only way,” Jiang Junli sighed deeply. “Since failing in last year’s Autumn Examination, the more I intended to spend money, the more it seems to accumulate. The inexplicable increase in wealth makes me think that, as you mentioned, Your Highness, it might indeed be fate at play.”
Jiang Junli’s financial fortune grew after the Autumn Examination last year?
A thought struck the Crown Prince, “I recall you mentioning that you met Song Jingyun during last year’s Autumn Examination?”
“Indeed,” Jiang Junli nodded, “Is there something amiss?”
“Nothing,” the Crown Prince replied, lowering his gaze.
Recently, Xun Yuanbai visited the Crown Prince’s residence, mentioning some cryptic words and emphasizing the importance of interacting with young and knowledgeable individuals.
Considering Jiang Junli’s situation…
The Crown Prince paused, “Is this Song Jingyun usually quite fortunate?”
“I’m not sure,” Jiang Junli replied. “Others often speak of Song Jingyun’s exceptional luck, excelling in exams and finding success in various endeavors. However, I believe their assessments are inaccurate. Song Jingyun’s success in exams is purely due to his vast knowledge and talent, and his overall success is a result of his upright character.”
“Indeed,” the Crown Prince nodded.
It’s clear that success stems from merit and character, not merely luck or the benefits of networking. Such notions of luck and gaining advantages through interactions are simply baseless assumptions!
The Crown Prince shook his head, dismissing all the unrealistic thoughts from his mind.
After conversing with Jiang Junli for a while and having lunch at the small cafeteria in Splendorous Garden, the Crown Prince departed. The carriage journeyed from Splendorous Garden back to the Crown Prince’s residence.
At the end of February, the weather was chilly with a biting spring cold, and the wind was particularly strong that day, intensifying as the afternoon progressed, swirling up fine sand from the ground.
Squinting against the wind, the Crown Prince paused mid-step. In that brief moment, a gust of wind loosened the glazed tiles on the roof, causing them to sway before eventually tumbling down.
With a sharp crack, the Crown Prince was startled as he gazed at the shattered glazed tiles beneath his feet.
Had those tiles landed on his head, it would likely have caused a severe injury, potentially drawing blood. Given the brisk spring wind and the unfavorable conditions for wounds, if he had been injured, he would have needed to rest for several days.