Chapter 144

The Grand Princess blushed at his words and, after a long pause, hesitantly said, “Since you speak so highly of him, he must indeed be a good choice.”

“But…”

She suddenly looked hesitant.

The Second Prince tilted his head and asked, “Elder Sister, do you have any concerns?”

The Grand Princess nodded lightly, “Traditionally, once someone is chosen as a consort, they can only hold a nominal position in court. If Tan Xiuzhuan has ambitions, he might not agree to it.”

“Moreover, Father currently relies heavily on Tan Xiuzhuan. I doubt he would be willing to part with such a capable official.”

“Father hasn’t even mentioned Tan Xiuzhuan to Mother Consort, which clearly shows his stance.”

“If I were to bring it up hastily, Father might misunderstand my intentions.”

The Grand Princess had clearly thought through this matter extensively.

The Second Prince’s eyes flashed subtly, but he showed no sign of it.

He remained calm and spoke gently, “Elder Sister, this matter can’t be rushed. If you were to mention Tan Hanchi right after leaving the Clan Mansion, Father might think I had a hand in it.”

“Let’s wait and see…”

He tapped the long table lightly, deep in thought, and then his eyes brightened.

“Elder Sister, if I remember correctly, Qiao family’s eldest son is getting married in September?”

The Grand Princess nodded and immediately said, “September tenth.”

After speaking, she looked slightly embarrassed and lowered her head.

She couldn’t help but pay extra attention to the news about Qiao family’s eldest son, and had memorized the wedding date as soon as it was announced.

The Second Prince pretended not to notice her discomfort and continued with his plan.

“The Qiao family is currently in high favor, so Father will definitely send the Crown Prince to congratulate them.”

“As for Tan Hanchi, if Father truly wants to groom him as a close courtier, he will surely send him to the wedding, perhaps even have him accompany the groom.”

“To become a trusted official, one must be versatile. Tan Hanchi, still young, could benefit greatly by associating with other talented young officials, which would surely please Father.”

“When the time comes, you should find a reason to go with the Crown Prince.”

The Grand Princess’s eyes lit up at his suggestion.

The Second Prince leaned closer and lowered his voice, “Elder Sister, you will surely meet Tan Hanchi then. The Qiao residence will be crowded and chaotic; bring enough people with you and find a chance to speak with him…”

He stopped there, leaving the Grand Princess deep in thought.

Seeing this, the Second Prince straightened up, a faint smile on his face.

“Elder Sister, even if Father is reluctant to part with Tan Hanchi, you are still his most beloved daughter. For your happiness and the royal family’s reputation, he will compromise.”

“And as for Tan Hanchi, even if he is initially unwilling, once he realizes his future relies on you, he will be devoted to you.”

The Grand Princess blushed again, finally showing genuine joy.

“Second Brother, thank you for thinking this through for me. I’ll follow your advice.”

The Second Prince’s eyes darkened slightly. He always planned ten steps ahead, with deeper considerations in mind.

The Grand Princess had always been close to him. If Tan Hanchi became her consort, he would likely support the Second Prince, or at least not oppose him.

Someone as clever as Tan Hanchi would understand the benefits of aligning with the Grand Princess and the Second Prince over the Crown Prince.

Moreover, if Tan Hanchi’s situation caused Father to lose a valued official and blame the Qiao family, it would be an unexpected boon…

The Grand Princess only stayed for half an hour before leaving with the food box. After all, she couldn’t remain in the Clan Mansion for too long.

The Second Prince escorted the Grand Princess to the entrance of the hall, where she earnestly advised him, “Second Brother, I know you’re not used to staying here, but you must take good care of yourself. Look how much weight you’ve lost in these two months. If my mother sees this, she’ll worry.”

The Second Prince smiled and nodded, “Don’t worry, Elder Sister. I’ll take care of myself.”

He watched as the Grand Princess, surrounded by her palace maids, gradually disappeared into the distance.

The shadow of the eaves fell squarely on him as he stood at the entrance, his eyes deep, his expression somewhat intriguing…

---

Once they left the Clan Mansion and got onto the carriage, the Grand Princess’s personal maid cautiously asked, “Princess, how did it go?”

The Grand Princess slowly raised her head, a shrewd smile playing on her lips.

“Cailan, Second Brother is exceptionally wise; naturally, he gave excellent advice.”

Cailan’s face immediately lit up at her words. “That’s great news, congratulations, Princess! I was worried that this trip would be too risky for you.”

A few days ago, she had accompanied the Princess to deliver health soup to the Emperor and happened to see Tan Xiuzhuan at the door of the Imperial Study.

During that time, the Princess had been feeling troubled. The Qiao family’s eldest son, whom she favored, had become engaged, and the Emperor’s chosen candidates for consorts did not meet her expectations.

Seeing Tan Xiuzhuan’s tall and handsome figure, the Princess took an immediate liking to him and began to have ideas.

However, Tan Xiuzhuan was currently highly favored by the Emperor. If he were to become a consort, it would mean the end of his official career. Not only would the Emperor be reluctant, but Tan Xiuzhuan himself might not agree.

After being troubled for several days, the Princess suddenly remembered the Second Prince, who was far away in the Clan Mansion.

As the Princess’s personal maid, Cailan naturally only had the Princess’s best interests at heart. She was worried that the Second Prince had fallen out of favor with the Emperor and that the Princess’s trip would be more trouble than it was worth.

But to her surprise, the Princess was adamant.

“Cailan, never be fooled by appearances. You don’t know how infatuated Father is with that woman. Second Brother may have gone to the Clan Mansion, but he will surely return one day.”

“And now is the time when Second Brother is down on his luck. If I go to see him, how could he not be overjoyed and grateful?”

“I’ve been caring for him all these years, from childhood to adulthood. Am I afraid of these one or two years?”

So the Princess went to petition the Emperor for a favor.

She thought the Emperor would refuse her, but to her surprise, the Princess had a knowing look on her face.

“Cailan, mark my words. Father will surely allow me to go. As long as Father hasn’t tired of that woman, there will always be a place for Second Brother in his heart!”

Clearly, the Princess was right again.

Now that she knew the Princess had obtained a proper plan from the Second Prince, Cailan was also happy for her.

Once the Princess was married, they could leave the palace and live in the Princess’s residence. That would be a truly good day!

Filled with joy, Cailan couldn’t help but ask one more question, “Princess, you said Second Prince is exceptionally wise. Will he detect your intentions?”

The Grand Princess smiled faintly, “I believe I performed adequately just now. But if Second Brother truly senses anything, it’s not a problem.”

“After all, this is a win-win plan. Second Brother probably can’t wait for Tan Xiuzhuan to become my consort…”

Cailan slightly adjusted her thoughts and lightly praised, “The Princess is wise.”

The Grand Princess raised the corners of her mouth slightly.

In this palace, where could there be fools?

The Second Prince’s scheming was indeed top-notch, but they, his siblings, were no slouches either.

As the carriage moved smoothly along, the Grand Princess’s gaze fell on the food box in the corner, and she thought to herself:

Second Brother, oh Second Brother, you must live up to expectations. Since the beginning, both I and Mother have placed our bets on you.

If I can fulfill my wish this time, I will surely bring Tan Xiuzhuan under your command, for you to use as you see fit…