Chapter 82: A Secret Discussion

The impending return of General Yuan to the capital was a significant event, and it didn’t take long for the news to spread throughout the city.

Upon hearing this, Yin Qianhua was overcome with emotion. It had been more than a decade since she last saw her aunt’s family. She knew that after her parents left the capital, her aunt had been taking care of them. As a daughter, she felt she had only brought trouble to her parents and had never been able to repay their kindness.

“When Aunt and her family return, it will probably be near the end of the year. I imagine they will host a banquet for friends and relatives. When that happens, I’ll accompany you.”

“But… would I bring them trouble? Over the years, I’ve owed them too much. I can’t…” Yin Qianhua began sobbing, tears cascading down her cheeks. She had thought she had no more tears left to cry after so many years of hardship. Only now did she realize that it was merely because nothing had triggered her emotions as deeply before.

“Qianhua, I’m sorry. You’ve suffered all these years because of me.” The Empress Dowager’s hostility, Concubine Han’s exclusion, and his own inability to protect her had subjected his wife to countless grievances.

“Being with you, I have no regrets. But I hope you can promise me that our children won’t have to endure a life like mine. Especially when it comes to Ah Chen’s future marriage—I hope he won’t face the same hardships we did.”

“Never. I swear I won’t let our children endure such pain. As for Ah Chen’s wife, she will only be someone he truly loves. Once Ah Chen is married, I’ll take you traveling to see all of Tianyu’s beautiful mountains and rivers.”

“We can’t stay away too long—I’ll still need to return to take care of our grandchildren!” To Yin Qianhua, no scenery could surpass the allure of her future grandchildren.

“Fine! We’ll bring the grandchildren with us when we travel.” That was also a life the Prince Jing longed for—spending time with his wife, playing with his grandchildren, and watching his children live happy, fulfilled lives. Such a life would leave him with no regrets.

“When we attend the banquet, I can even look for suitable girls for our son.”

“Isn’t it a bit early? After the new year, our son will only be eleven. He still has six or seven years before he’s old enough to marry.”

“It’s not too early. If there’s a good match, it’s better to secure it early before someone else snatches her away.”

Who would dare compete with a prince for a daughter-in-law? The Prince Jing was confident that even if his son fancied someone designated for the emperor’s nephews, he could still find a way to fulfill his son’s wish.

Since his wife was in such good spirits, Prince Jing agreed to her plans without much thought. However, neither seemed to consider whether their son’s preferences factored into the equation.

After spending time with his wife, Prince Jing returned to his study. A Dragon Guard awaited him there, presenting a sealed letter.

After reading its contents, Prince Jing burned the letter using the candlelight, changed his clothes, and informed his wife that he needed to enter the palace. He then rode off on horseback.

In the imperial study, the emperor was still reviewing memorials. Seeing his brother arrive, he set down his brush and stretched his waist.

“Brother,” the Prince greeted.

“Aren’t you skipping formalities?” the emperor teased.

“We’re brothers; no need for such pretenses.”

“Should I thank you for being so understanding?”

“By all means. You could thank me with half of the exquisite rubies and Shu brocade that recently arrived as tribute. I won’t ask for much—just half.”

“And you call that modest? I have so many women in my palace, while you only have a handful in your residence. Shouldn’t it be distributed by headcount?”

“That won’t do. Besides, not everything should be given to just anyone. My wife was just saying earlier that she plans to look for a suitable daughter-in-law for you to meet as her niece-in-law. As their uncle, you should prepare some proper gifts for the occasion.”

“Fair enough.” The emperor was used to his brother taking advantage and didn’t mind this time.

“Speaking of Ah Chen’s marriage, there’s something I need to tell you. Come with me.”

The two turned and entered the emperor’s bedchamber. They then passed through a hidden passage next to the dragon bed and entered a secret chamber.

“Do you know that Mother is planning her schemes again?”

“Are you referring to…?”

“Mother intends to send a granddaughter from the Duke of Qing’s household into the palace and another from the Duke of Han’s household to your residence as Ah Chen’s principal wife.”

“Hahaha!” Prince Jing laughed so hard that tears streamed from his eyes.

“Mother, oh Mother, after all these years, many things have changed, but your habit of pushing Han family women into power remains unchanged. You must truly hope to see the Han family flourish throughout Tianyu!”

“I don’t mind whoever Mother wants to bring into the palace. She can give them all to Noble Consort Han and her son. In fact, since Yibo has a leg ailment, having Han family women care for him might be for the best. I’m sure both Mother and Noble Consort Han would approve.”

“If you’re indifferent, then let them all enter the palace. My residence is too simple and humble to accommodate such high and mighty people.”

“I understand. I’ll handle this matter appropriately.” The emperor had anticipated his brother’s refusal. To him, the Han family was no longer a potential ally but an adversary. No matter what tactics the Empress Dowager employed, his brother would never allow a Han family woman to marry into his household again.

“I summoned you here to discuss another important matter.”

“Go ahead, Brother.”

“Our cousin has been stationed in the northwest for several years now. Do you know what he’s been up to there?”

Prince Jing shook his head. He avoided the Han family as much as possible, so he had no interest in their affairs.

“He’s been secretly purchasing large quantities of warhorses and provisions.”

Prince Jing stared at the emperor in shock. Warhorses and provisions could only be requisitioned by imperial decree. For someone else to acquire them privately suggested either ambition or conspiracy.

“What do you think Mother would feel if she knew her cherished family was plotting to usurp her son’s throne?”

“She’d probably feel heartbroken,” the emperor replied with a cold glint in his eyes. Though he didn’t want to believe the Han family harbored treasonous intent, the evidence and peculiarities pointed otherwise.

“Brother, tell me what you need me to do.”

“The bandits in the northwest seem to be growing bold. Around the New Year, I’ll arrange for you to stage a scene to deceive the Han family. Then I’ll issue an edict for you to lead a campaign to suppress the bandits. Use the opportunity to gather concrete evidence of the Han family’s illicit purchases of horses and provisions so we can topple them once and for all.”

“Understood. I won’t let you down.”

“When you leave, put on an air of leisure, as if you’re simply traveling. Be sure not to alert them. This matter must remain between us. No third party can know.”

“I understand.”

“Let me know if you have any special requests. I’ll also deploy additional personnel to protect your wife and children at the residence.”

“I’ll likely be away for three to five months, perhaps longer.” Prince Jing hadn’t left his family for such a long time since his marriage. His wife and children weighed heavily on his heart.

“I promise that when you return, your wife and children will be safe and sound.”

“Alright, I’ll trust you this time.” Prince Jing knew he was the best candidate for the task. If there were someone else suitable, his brother would never have sent him on such a dangerous mission.

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