Chapter 94: Even she would feel resentful.

When Jiang Yu first heard that there was a hidden story behind Qi Yuanhong becoming the top scholar, she put on an attentive and eager-to-listen-to-learn expression.

Seeing that she wanted to listen, the Duke of Chu picked up his cup, took a sip of tea, and said, "With the founding of the country, everything is in ruins and needs to be rebuilt. The founding emperor naturally trusts and relies on those who helped him conquer the country. Therefore, nobles like us have the opportunity to spread our influence in the court."

However, everything requires balance, and the same applies to the emperor's governance of the country. Nearly two hundred years have passed since the founding of the Great Qin Dynasty. In order to consolidate their power, the Qin family has killed many people and stripped many noble titles. The current emperor is still not satisfied and wants to continue to weaken the power of families like ours.

Although the Xie family is not a noble family, they are a powerful clan from the previous dynasty, with a deeply entrenched network of connections in this land, which they have cultivated for nearly two centuries. I think the Xie family is the Emperor's biggest worry right now. Therefore, no matter how outstanding Xie Ning'an is, no matter how good his results in the imperial examinations are, the Emperor will not grant him the title of top scholar.”

Are the Xie family willing to accept this?

Jiang Yu thought that she would also feel resentful if she were in that situation.

The Duke of Chu continued, "The Xie family was naturally unwilling to accept this, so at that time, the Xie family and the emperor had a contest. In the end, the emperor won and chose Qi Yuanhong, who had no power or background, as the top scholar. But the emperor never expected that Qi Yuanhong was a person who only cared about immediate interests and had attached himself to the Qingshan Earl's Mansion."

Jiang Yu sighed inwardly. She and Qi Yuanhong were childhood sweethearts, and she had never seen through Qi Yuanhong's true nature as a treacherous and opportunistic person.

“If Qi Yuanhong works diligently in the Hanlin Academy, he will definitely have a chance to rise in the future. After all, he was appointed by the Emperor, and he will be given important positions for the sake of the Emperor’s reputation,” Jiang Yu said.

The Duke of Chu nodded, "But he was too hasty and didn't understand the network of interests in the capital."

"I suppose the Earl of Qingshan also thought that the Emperor would give Qi Yuanhong an important position in the future, which is why he chose him as his son-in-law?" Jiang Yu said.

Duke of Chu: "That's part of the reason, but I think the Earl of Qingshan was thinking more about covering up his shame. Because of the favor of the Imperial Concubine, the Earl of Qingshan's family has been very arrogant in recent years and has long forgotten what it means to be cautious."

Jiang Yu didn't want to talk about Qi Yuanhong anymore, so she brought the topic back to the present, "In order to reassure people like us noble families, the Emperor will give the Xie family a chance. I think it should fall on Xie Ning'an."

"Tell me the reason," said Duke Chu.

Jiang Yu: "First, Xie Ning'an is the most outstanding junior of the Xie family in this generation. If given the opportunity, no one can find fault with him."

The Duke of Chu nodded, and Jiang Yu added, "Secondly, Xie Ning'an is young and inexperienced, so he has to start from the bottom. He won't have much power at the beginning, which will make it easier for the Emperor to control him."

“Your analysis is quite correct,” the Duke of Chu asked, looking at her. “The Xie family has withdrawn its open forces. Should we follow suit?”

“No,” Jiang Yu immediately said, “At this time, what we should do most is to act as if we are in a state of panic because of family matters.”

The Duke of Chu frowned. "We can do it quietly. Besides, with the Xie family's influence involved, it's not just us who want a share. If we do it, it won't be conspicuous."

Jiang Yu nodded seriously after hearing this. She believed that the Duke of Chu had the ability to take advantage of the opportunity to quietly seize some of the Xie family's power. However, no one is a fool, and in time, his true colors would be revealed.

As for the current Chu State Duke's mansion, the Duke of Chu is in poor health, and she has not yet entered the court, so she does not have the power to control such a situation. She also understands that the Duke of Chu wants to take this risky step in order to pave the way for her.

She said, "Grandfather, I know you want to pave the way for me, but now is not a good time."

The Duke of Chu knew that taking this step was risky, but he knew he didn't have much time left, so he wanted to do as much as he could for Jiang Yu.

“While the current period of great development is not its peak, it also shows no signs of decline,” Jiang Yu said. “The Emperor is not pressing us any further, and we have no need to take risks like the Xie family did.”

Moreover, Jiang Yu believed that power was not the best guarantee for a family's longevity. On the contrary, excessive power was the root of a family's destruction. For a family to endure, it was more solid to focus on culture and industry, just like the Confucius family.

Of course, now is not the time to say this to the Duke of Chu, and the current large-scale campaign is not suitable for developing industry.

The Duke of Chu sat there in deep thought for a long time, then said, "You're right, we should remain still."

Jiang Yu: "Yes."

"Next, we need to plan how you will enter the court," said the Duke of Chu. "I have no worries about your abilities, but you still need to prepare well. In a couple of days, I will take you to the Tang family."

"Thank you, Grandfather," Jiang Yu said again, "My entry into the imperial court is not urgent. We can discuss it after this turmoil has passed."

The Duke of Chu nodded, "You're right."

.........

Prince An rode his horse to the palace gate. As soon as he dismounted, a young eunuch ran over, smiling, and said, "This humble servant will prepare a sedan chair for Your Highness."

Prince An tossed him the riding whip, saying, "No need, I'll walk over."

"Yes." The young eunuch took the riding whip and was about to lead Prince An's horse when Prince An asked him, "Has Prince Rui entered the palace today?"

The young eunuch replied with a smile, "Prince Rui went in about fifteen minutes ago. He said that the Empress Dowager missed Prince Rui and sent someone to fetch him."

Prince An grunted in acknowledgment and stepped into the palace. He soon arrived at the Imperial Study, where a young eunuch standing guard in the corridor immediately bowed upon seeing him, saying, "Greetings, Prince An."

"Yes, I have something to report to His Majesty," said Prince An.

At that moment, the emperor's voice came from inside, "Don't spend all your time tinkering with these things, making me and the Empress Dowager worry. Besides, how can a wooden bird fly?"

Upon hearing that Prince Rui was inside, Prince An instructed a young eunuch to announce his arrival. The eunuch quietly entered the imperial study and reported to the Emperor that Prince An had arrived. The Emperor put down the wooden object he was holding, looked at Prince Rui, sighed, and said, "Let Prince An in."

After the eunuch left, the emperor looked at Prince Rui and said, "Are you comfortable living in your palace? If you're not used to it, then come back to the palace, so that the Empress Dowager won't nag you every day."

Prince Rui sat there obediently and said, "Your Majesty, I am living very well in the Prince's residence. Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

At this moment, Prince An entered. He first bowed to the emperor, saying, "Your subject pays his respects to Your Majesty."

The emperor waved his hand, "No need for formalities."

Prince An rose and bowed to Prince Rui, saying, "Greetings, Imperial Uncle."

Prince Rui quickly told him to dispense with the formalities, and then asked, "Do you like the wooden bird I gave you?"

Prince An smiled, "My nephew likes it very much."

Prince Rui smiled and nodded, "I'll give you another one when I develop a bird that can fly."

Prince An paused for a moment, then said, "Alright, nephew, you'll wait."

The emperor frowned. "Stop fussing over impossible things all day. It's a waste of your brain. The Empress Dowager is waiting. Go see her now."

Prince Rui stood up, bowed to the emperor, and left. Before leaving, he told Prince An to visit his palace when he had time, and Prince An agreed.