Chapter 53 Perfect Match

The Crown Prince sighed, “Of course not!”

Shu Yuwan smiled, “I was just joking, Your Highness.”

The Crown Prince chuckled along.

Watching from the side, Shu Yuyang couldn’t help but feel that the Crown Prince’s behavior towards his younger sister was a bit strange.

“I am more concerned about you Your Highness. I mainly want to know when the Fifth Prince will be sent away by you Your Highness.”

The Crown Prince asked in confusion, “Why is Miss Shu concerned about the Fifth Brother…?”

Shu Yuwan adjusted her expression and continued seriously, “Lately, I have been having recurring dreams. I dream that the Crown Prince is harmed by someone, and eventually, the Fifth Prince ascends the throne, exiles the Shu family, and executes or demotes all of your relatives and close officials.”

Both the Crown Prince and Shu Yuyang solemnly listened.

Shu Yuyang asked, “Why is my sister suddenly having such dreams?”

The Crown Prince also looked at Shu Yuwan with puzzlement.

Shu Yuwan put on a serious expression, “I am also puzzled, and the dreams keep recurring. I couldn’t help but want to remind you Your Highness.”

Both Shu Yuyang and Shu Yuwan looked at the Crown Prince.

After a while, the Crown Prince sighed, “Father is still alive, the Third Brother is still young and not of age to leave the palace yet. If… I just can’t bear it.”

“I can only secretly weaken the Third Brother’s influence. Although His ambitions, he is still young and hasn’t made a mark yet. Moreover, if I appear intolerant of other brothers, Father is still in his prime and might have other thoughts.”

Shu Yuyang looked at the Crown Prince, surprised at how candidly the Crown Prince was speaking to his sister. These were words he had never heard the Crown Prince express so clearly to him, despite accompanying him for many years.

Shu Yuwan thought back to her past life when the Crown Prince passed away, and the Emperor was devastated, aging rapidly in just one day, leading to his declining health shortly after.

Although she didn’t know the exact relationship between the royal father and son, she believed that the Emperor must have had deep paternal love for the Crown Prince.

So she spoke up, “Your Highness, you were raised by the Emperor himself. I believe the Emperor’s affection for you surpasses the distinction between father and son.”

The Crown Prince couldn’t help but look at Shu Yuwan.

“Throughout history, there haven’t been many Crown Princes like me who have grown up from a young age and actually lived to ascend the throne. Do you know why?”

“Firstly, the position of the Crown Prince is coveted, leading to schemes among brothers. Secondly, sitting on the throne for too long as the Crown Prince gradually solidifies power, inviting suspicion from the reigning Emperor.”

Listening to this, Shu Yuwan couldn’t help but be affected by the Crown Prince’s emotions, feeling a sense of desolation. But she still advised, “Your Highness is right. Currently, your position as Crown Prince is unanimously recognized by the Emperor and most courtiers. If you cultivate power excessively, it may displease the Emperor. However, if you don’t consolidate your position, the Second Prince, Fifth Prince, and even the Fifth Prince in the palace are all secretly eyeing your position.”

“If you don’t strengthen your power, you will constantly be at risk, and as for the Emperor’s suspicion, you only need to solidify your rights as the Crown Prince without encroaching on the Emperor’s authority. I believe the Emperor won’t blame you.”

Shu Yuwan smirked cunningly, “Perhaps if you leave out some things from the Emperor, he will take care of them for you.”

The Crown Prince seemed ponder to her words.

Shu Yuyang, on the other hand, looked at his sister. He didn’t expect his sister to understand court affairs and even think so deeply. At this moment, his impression of his sister underwent a significant change.

Thinking of the Crown Prince’s sudden death in his previous life, rumored to be due to poisoning, she reminded, “Your Highness also needs to be careful of those around you, lest you fall victim to a plot.”

The Crown Prince nodded, “I understand, thank you, Miss Shu.”

…

After returning to the palace not long after,

Ah Qing came to report, “Your Highness, the Emperor summons you.”

The Crown Prince immediately changed his attire and went to the Chengqian Hall.

The Emperor was still dealing with memorials. When he saw the Crown Prince, he lifted his head from the pile of memorials, his face changing to a kind smile, “How does the Crown Princess candidate look in your eyes?”

“Greetings, Father.”

“How is it?” the Emperor inquired.

The Crown Prince suddenly felt overwhelmed. Under the Emperor’s expectant gaze, Shu Yuwan’s words came to mind…

After the Empress Dowager passed away, the Emperor did not appoint another Empress, nor did he assign him to any concubines. Instead, he personally arranged his residence and had him by his side since childhood, even during court sessions and when reviewing memorials.

“As the days pass, if you still haven’t made a decision, I will decree a marriage for you!”

Seeing the Crown Prince’s silence, the Emperor continued to press.

“A Crown Prince without an heir is unacceptable.”

In the Crown Prince’s mind, Shu Yuwan’s face suddenly appeared. If he had to marry a Crown Princess, accepting her wouldn’t be out of the question.

“Father, please don’t rush. It’s still early from the agreed-upon one and a half years. Let me take another good look. Once I find someone suitable, I will immediately ask for your decree of marriage.”

The Emperor sighed, calming his mood.

“You don’t necessarily have to wait for a year and a half. In the coming days, you can attend more banquets and socialize.”

The Crown Prince smiled, “I will comply.”

Back in the Palace, the Crown Prince pondered over this matter.

Thinking of Shu Yuwan’s lively and composed demeanor, her uninhibited nature in front of him, welcoming her as the Crown Princess would indeed be a joyful occasion.

However, Shu Yuwan’s status…

This matter required careful consideration.

Recalling Shu Yuwan’s reminder to be cautious of those around him, he called for Ah Qing, “Summon minister Jin Yi.”

“Yes.”

Ah Qing hurried off. Jin Yi was the leader of the secret guards by the master’s side. Both he and Jin Yi were the most trusted individuals by the master. Jin Yi often accompanied the master, and when the master sought Jin Yi, it usually meant an urgent matter.

…

Several days later, upon hearing that the Venerable Monk Liao Kong had emerged from seclusion at the Imperial Awakening Temple, the Crown Prince paid a visit to the temple, seeking guidance on Buddhist rituals from the Venerable Monk.

Upon learning of this, the Emperor was delighted. It seemed that the Crown Prince had taken his advice to heart and finally understood the importance of exploring more.

If he wanted to find a suitable partner, he naturally needed to meet more people.

The path of an emperor is a lonely one, and he also hoped his son could find a sincere companion to be his Empress.

In this lifetime, it wouldn’t be considered true loneliness.

In the room of the Temple, the Crown Prince sat facing the Liao Kong.

The Monk had a kind face and smiled, “Your Highness, do you not know that monks do not lie.”

The Crown Prince presented a birth chart, “Then, Master, please calculate if this lady is destined to be my partner. If the Master calculates the destined person, it wouldn’t be a lie.”

Liao Kong took the chart, “Your Highness makes a valid point.”

“As long as the Master’s calculation is accurate, I assure you, this Temple will continue to thrive under my care.”

The Crown Prince watched as the Monk lowered his head and casually calculated, then congratulated, “Congratulations, Your Highness, indeed, she is a perfect match for you, your destined partner.”

The Crown Prince joyfully exclaimed, “Then I entrust this to you!”