Chapter 329 Everything Depends on the Future

Prince An had always known that Jiang Yu was exceptional; words like witty and far-sighted could almost perfectly describe her. Now, he witnessed Jiang Yu's excellence once again. Prince An considered himself to be fairly intelligent, but he couldn't think three steps ahead like Jiang Yu.

Thinking about all this, he clenched his hands under the table. He didn't know how to deal with Jiang Yu like this. He knew his own ambitions, but Jiang Yu was more suited to the imperial court.

My heart feels like it's being choked by something, and it hurts terribly.

However, he showed no sign of it on his face, and even looked at Jiang Yu with a hint of teasing, saying, "I do hope that the King of Lingnan will have more confidence and take action as soon as possible."

Jiang Yu gave him a meaningful look and said, "The King of Lingnan isn't stupid. He knows that starting a war is even less likely to succeed."

These words silenced Prince An. After a while, he looked at Jiang Yu seriously and said, "You should have heard about what happened when I was a child."

Jiang Yu was taken aback by his sudden mention of this, her expression faltering before she nodded earnestly. She guessed what Prince An was about to say. She didn't want to hear it; listening would mean their relationship had taken another step closer.

Before she could say anything, Prince An raised his hand to interrupt her, saying, "When you first returned to the Duke of Chu's mansion, did you trust your grandfather?"

Jiang Yu: "..."

“You haven’t experienced what I’ve experienced, so you can’t understand my feelings for him.” Prince An’s voice was bitter.

This "he" obviously refers to the emperor.

Jiang Yu lowered her eyes and remained silent. She knew the saying, "Don't advise others to be kind if you haven't suffered yourself." However, she didn't want Prince An to forgive the Emperor, nor did she intend to get involved in the affairs between the father and son. But if the Emperor's life was in danger, she would certainly not stand idly by.

Now that Prince An had said such things, she had no choice but to respond. After considering for a moment, she said, "Your Highness should know that I am not a meddlesome person."

In other words, I have no say in your father-son affairs.

Prince An smiled, a bitter smile on his face. What was he hoping for? This was the attitude she should have. He took a silent breath and said, "The Duke of Chu should know what is the right thing for me to do. I know it myself too."

Now that the matter had been brought up, Jiang Yu had no way to avoid it. However, it was better to be frank. She carefully considered her words and said earnestly, "Your Highness, I did have some concerns before about going to Xiaguan. But now those concerns are gone. As you said, you know how to take the safest path."

At this point, she looked into Prince An's eyes and continued, "This humble official also hopes that you will ultimately succeed."

While this wasn't exactly a declaration of allegiance, it was practically a surrender. Having spent so much time with Prince An and learned about the other princes, Jiang Yu felt that Prince An was the most outstanding and most suitable person to sit in that position.

"Hehe..." Prince An laughed, a very happy laugh. It wasn't because Jiang Yu said she hoped he would succeed in the end, but because she understood him.

He picked up the teapot again and refilled their cups with tea, then raised his cup and said, "If things go as you wish, I will not fail you."

This is a commitment.

Jiang Yu also picked up her cup, said nothing, and drank it all in one gulp.

With just a few words, the two seemed to have reached some kind of agreement, but then again, they didn't.

Everything depends on the future.

Having finished their business and with her stomach full, Jiang Yu took her leave. Prince An wanted to persuade her to stay, but instead rose to let her go first. He watched her retreating figure as she walked out of the private room, then looked through the window at him as he got into his sedan chair, until the chair's shadow disappeared before he looked away.

He sat down again, had a jar of wine brought over, and poured himself a drink. His life was actually moving in a positive direction, but at this moment he wasn't very happy. He asked himself internally what he truly wanted, and the answer was that he wanted everything.

But he knew very well that this was impossible.

The Imperial Guards standing guard outside secretly turned their heads to watch their lord, looking distressed, chugging wine, and sighed silently. Life is full of disappointments, but their lord seemed to have far too many.

........

Jiang Yu was naturally unaware that Prince An had resumed drinking after she left. Even if she had known, she wouldn't have cared. She was an adult; she knew what she should and shouldn't do. If she made a mistake, she would bear the consequences herself.

Did she know what Prince An was thinking? She had a vague idea, but she wouldn't let it bother her. Prince An's feelings were none of her business, even if he might like her. But if Prince An's feelings affected her life, her future, she wouldn't be lenient. At the very least, she now had the ability to stand up to Prince An.

As for what to do if Prince An becomes emperor in the future and tries to influence her life, that will be dealt with at that time. She cannot let unfounded speculation affect her current judgment and actions.

The sedan chair went directly to the Marquis of Anyuan's residence. The gatekeeper, seeing it was her, immediately smiled and invited her in, quickly announcing her arrival. Halfway there, her cousin, Lu Shaocheng, came to greet her. The two walked together towards the Marquis of Anyuan's courtyard.

Upon arrival, her eldest cousin led her into the study, where she saw Marquis Anyuan playing chess with the Duke of Wei. Seeing her enter, Marquis Anyuan smiled and beckoned, saying, "Come quickly and let your grandfather see the game."

Jiang Yu walked over with a smile, but the Duke of Wei objected, "How can you do this?"

Marquis Anyuan chuckled and said, "Even without Yu'er's help, you still wouldn't have won."

"Hmph!" Duke Wei snorted, tossing the chess piece in his hand into the chess basket. "I'm not playing anymore."

"Alright, I'll stop playing then." Marquis Anyuan also threw the chess pieces into the chess basket. In the first place, Duke Wei hadn't come to play chess with him.

Lu Shaocheng came over and put away the chessboard, then had someone bring tea utensils and began to brew tea. Jiang Yu sat next to Marquis Anyuan, carefully observing his expression. Upon seeing this, Marquis Anyuan waved his hand and said, "I'm fine, I'm just too old to get up early for court."

Seeing that he looked healthy and energetic, Jiang Yu was relieved. However, she still gave him a few words of advice, reminding him to take care of his health. Marquis Anyuan laughed heartily upon hearing this, adding, "I have already submitted my resignation petition; the Emperor will approve it soon."

Jiang Yu not only secured his position in the court but also gained the emperor's favor. With nothing to worry about, he simply decided to retire and live out his days in peace.

Upon hearing this, the Duke of Wei looked on with envy. His eldest son was mediocre, and although his eldest grandson was talented, he still needed his protection and guidance. Therefore, he could not yet retire to enjoy his old age.

"I heard from Yun Chuan that you and the Emperor went to the camp outside the capital a few days ago to watch the firearms experiment?" Duke Wei asked Jiang Yu.

Jiang Yu nodded and added, "Prince Rui has developed a new type of firearm, which is very powerful."

...........