Chapter 53: No one can bully her

Leaving Chonghua Palace, Ji Jin coldly commanded, “Zhou Fang.”

“Here, Your Highness.”

“Summon Princess Pingyao to the palace.”

“Understood.” Zhou Fang obeyed and left.

Arriving at the Imperial Study, Ji Jin discovered that Shen Ning had already departed.

Ji Yucang stood alone in front of the desk, looking at the piled scrolls and the calligraphy practice sheet Ji Jin had crafted in his leisure time.

The bold character “endure” leaped off the paper, shedding its youthful innocence, now carrying an imperial dominance.

As if constantly reminding himself that when his wings were not yet fully grown, he must endure.

“Imperial Uncle.” Ji Jin gazed at Ji Yucang in front of the desk, lips slightly pursed, a fleeting gleam of something different in his eyes, then he shifted his gaze to the calligraphy on the desk, “What do you think of the characters I wrote?”

“The characters are beautiful, but your inner strength is not yet sufficient.” Ji Yucang spoke calmly, “Impatient and unable to conceal your thoughts.”

Ji Jin lowered his eyes, “I am still young. In a few more years, I should be able to measure up to you, Uncle.”

“In an ordinary household, youth can be an excuse.” Ji Yucang remarked, “But in the imperial family, incompetence is simply incompetence. Since the day you ascended the throne, you have lost any excuse. The fate of the incompetent is singular.”

Ji Jin gazed steadily at the character “endure” on the desk before finally saying, “Both Uncle and I are imperial descendants with a blood relationship as uncle and nephew. If Uncle is willing, we could even be as close as father and son.”

Ji Yucang stood with hands behind his back, his cold gaze fixed on him, “If not for needing an antidote every month, I might have truly believed your words.”

“That was Emperor Father’s doing, not mine.” Ji Jin’s eyes narrowed slightly. “I hold great respect for you, Uncle. I wish for a peaceful relationship with you, like an ordinary uncle and nephew or father and son. If I falter, Uncle, you can discipline me as Emperor Father did during his reign. I would see it as for my own good, not as currently, as foes—”

Ji Yucang interrupted him, “I am still young and cannot sire a son as old as you.”

Ji Jin’s voice faltered imperceptibly, and he tugged at the corner of his mouth, “If Uncle truly cares for the Princess Consort, I will treat her well in the future. But Uncle should not openly clash with the Empress Mother.”

This was a compromise from a nephew to his uncle, a display of weakness from a ruler.

“Whether the Emperor is willing to treat her well has no bearing on her.” Ji Yucang sat down on a nearby chair with a touch of indifference and detachment in his voice. “My wife, naturally, has me to protect her. No one can bully her.”

Ji Jin’s eyes darkened, a hint of melancholy crossing his handsome face, “Just a mere woman, is she worth such protection from Uncle?”

Ji Yucang’s gaze remained cool and distant, “Does the Emperor have nothing else to attend to?”

Ji Jin pursed his lips, “I only hope Uncle will not oppose me. I do not wish to be your enemy.”

“If the Emperor can show the dignity and responsibility of a ruler, rather than indulging the Empress Dowager’s outbursts and allowing her to tarnish the imperial family’s reputation, I will consider peaceful coexistence with the Emperor.” Ji Yucang’s tone was calm, exuding utmost indifference. “After all, as the Emperor just said, we are uncle and nephew, with no reason for enmity.”

Ji Jin fell silent for a moment, as if explaining, “Before Emperor Father passed, the Empress Mother grew accustomed to a comfortable life in the palace, with the concubines obeying her every word. Now, suddenly, there is someone who doesn’t heed her, and she might find it hard to accept. I will talk to her and advise her.”

Apart from Shen Ning, the unruly woman, the Regent’s authority also contributed to the Empress Dowager’s insecurity, her rage stemming from inner anger and unease.

Ji Jin was aware of his mother’s desire to elevate the Qin family, making them the foremost family in Yong Kingdom.

However, Yong Kingdom had only been established for less than a hundred years, and the Qin family did not have the lineage or deep roots to support such prominence, appearing too grandiose would only lead to their downfall.

But there was no need to discuss this with Ji Yucang.

Collecting his emotions, Ji Jin got back on track, “I have reviewed the documents sent by Nan Dynasty. What are Uncle’s plans?”

Ji Yucang’s voice was stern, “Nan Dynasty’s current situation is unfavorable. They do not have the qualifications to negotiate with Yong Kingdom. We will see how things unfold when they arrive.”

Ji Jin acknowledged with a sound of agreement.

Ji Yucang’s gaze fixed on his face, layers of pressure in his eyes, chilling, “If the Emperor wishes to be a wise ruler, he should understand that internal strife only weakens the nation and opens the door to external threats.”

Ji Jin calmly responded, “I understand.”

Ji Yucang’s tone turned indifferent, “Focus more on state affairs and less on fearing me. As a mere inexperienced youth, if I truly wanted to deal with you, would this throne be yours to sit on?”

Ji Jin’s expression shifted slightly, his eyes revealing a subtle change, remaining silent.

“Qin Yanshu must bear the consequences of his actions.” Ji Yucang stood up coldly, “If the Emperor seeks to independently rule and govern Yong Kingdom well, fairness and strictness must come first, not blatant favoritism. Even if I delegate power to you, the court officials and military will not respect you if you do not act justly.”

After a moment of silence, Ji Jin humbly accepted, “Thank you for your guidance, Imperial Uncle. I understand.”

Ji Yucang said nothing further and left.

Ji Jin stood in front of the hall, silently watching his departing figure, his eyes reflecting a deep, mysterious gleam, murky and unclear.