Chapter 415 is no less impressive than Jiang Yu's!

After making the decision, the worry that had been weighing on the mind of the King of Lingnan completely disappeared.

He had previously been held back by the old idea that "the Zhu family's legacy must be inherited by men," which felt like a shackle on himself. Now that he had completely figured it out, he felt that the shackle had been lifted.

Since the founding of the Great Gan Dynasty, there has been a precedent of female emperors ruling from behind the throne, which shows that women are not necessarily incapable of handling important matters. Besides, didn't the current emperor also make an exception and give important positions to women like Jiang Yu? He, the King of Lingnan, has been established in Lingnan for so many years, and his vision cannot be smaller than others. How can he still adhere to the rigid principle of "only male heirs"?

Moreover...

He knew in his heart that his sons were either addicted to wine and women and lacked ambition, or indecisive and incapable of shouldering great responsibilities. Looking at them over and over, he realized that none of them could compare to his daughter, Zhu Junning, even slightly.

Jun Ning is courageous and strategic. He just proposed to ease relations with the court and was able to follow his idea of ​​allying with the prince of the Southern Barbarians. His vision and character far surpass those of the male members of the Zhu family.

Rather than stubbornly supporting an incompetent son and ruining the foundation, it would be better to break with convention and focus our attention on Jun Ning.

"You are in charge of preparing the tribute for the emperor." The King of Lingnan assigned Zhu Junning his first task.

Zhu Junning knew this was a test, and she answered seriously, then said, "Our purpose in coming to the capital this time is also to maintain and consolidate our network of informants and influence in the capital."

The King of Lingnan nodded approvingly again, "You should prepare it as well."

"Yes, after I make a strategy, I will submit it to Father for review and consideration. If there are any oversights or inappropriate judgments, please give me some pointers."

"My daughter will revise and adjust it according to your wishes, and I will make sure there are no mistakes," Zhu Junning said earnestly.

The Prince of Lingnan nodded. "I will discuss the matter of returning to the capital with your grandmother. You don't need to worry about it."

"good."

The father and daughter agreed, and Zhu Junning took her leave. As she left the courtyard, she looked up and saw dappled sunlight filtering through the old tree branches at the corner, warming her shoulders. She pulled her sleeves tighter, feeling a sense of ease in the breeze, and her steps became lighter than when she arrived.

Over the years, she had been watching her father and brothers deal with situations from behind the scenes. Finally, the plans she had been pondering and the ideas she had been suppressing had a real opportunity to be put into practice.

Preparing tributes requires understanding the emperor's preferences, and securing spies requires maintaining a firm grasp on connections. She had already mentally rehearsed every step of the way, and as long as she focused on the details, she would not make any mistakes.

People always say that Jiang Yu is favored by His Majesty and is young and promising, but how is Zhu Junning any less so?

In terms of observing the situation and laying hidden plans, she might not be inferior to him. This trip to the capital was not only to stabilize the situation in Lingnan, but also to gain confidence for herself.

Whether dealing with powerful figures in the capital or navigating the treacherous waters of the court, she is determined to demonstrate her true abilities and show everyone that she, Zhu Junning, can handle any situation and maintain order, in no way inferior to those male officials who are highly praised! Nor is she inferior to Jiang Yu!

.........

After Zhu Junning left, the Prince of Lingnan sat by the tea table by the window for a long time before getting up and going to the backyard. Walking along the path to his mother Pei Tinglan's courtyard, the old woman guarding the gate immediately bowed to him, "Greetings, Your Highness."

The Prince of Lingnan nodded and walked inside. When he entered the small flower hall, he saw Pei Tinglan leaning against the couch with her eyes closed, surrounded by several maids who were fanning her and massaging her legs.

"Greetings, Your Highness." The maidservant immediately bowed upon seeing him, and Pei Tinglan also opened her eyes. "Your Highness has arrived."

She bowed to the Lingnan Dynasty official and asked, "How is Mother's health?"

“As you get older, you’ll always have aches and pains, it’s nothing serious.” Pei Tinglan sighed and said, “It’s just that I’ll never be able to go back to the capital and see your uncle again in this lifetime.”

The Prince of Lingnan lowered his eyes slightly, concealing the coldness within them. He was growing increasingly disgusted with this mother. The finest brocade and silk in the manor were made for her first, and fresh fruits imported from overseas and nourishing tonics specially supplied by the palace were all sent directly to her courtyard.

The children never dared to behave improperly in her presence, and he always went along with her wishes, never daring to let her suffer the slightest grievance. Yet, even so, she still had endless complaints.

Even though everything is perfectly in order, she insists on finding fault by going around in circles, hiding her dissatisfaction in her sarcastic remarks that make people feel suffocated. Just like now, instead of saying she wants to go back to the capital directly, she chooses to beat around the bush, making people feel uncomfortable.

He flicked his wide robe sleeves and turned to look at Pei Tinglan, "Mother, if you want to go back to the capital, then go back. I will be going to the capital in a few days, and you can come with me then."

Pei Tinglan was taken aback by his words. She understood the relationship between the Prince of Lingnan and the imperial court. Since his son succeeded him as Prince of Lingnan, the Emperor had only visited the capital twice in total. His sudden trip to the capital must mean something major had happened.

She opened her mouth as if to ask what had happened, but after thinking about it, she didn't ask.