Two hours ago, at Prince Qing's residence.

On the way back from being forced to kneel and scolded in the palace, he began to sort out the power he held and the information in the court, which was somewhat troublesome.

Especially since his pregnant queen was not on his side.

"Take good care of her until she gives birth. As for the people we've caught, collect the information. As for the people themselves, try to get them to talk; if you can't, chop them up and feed them to the dogs."

After saying this, Yuan Fang felt a slight unease.

He knew perfectly well what he meant by those words, but this was a phrase he often used when dealing with matters concerning his princess.

Prince Qing and Princess Qing once had a time when they treated each other with the utmost respect...

After saying that, Yuan Fang looked somewhat depressed and went to the study without looking back.

At the same time, at the Prince Yong's Mansion.

"The wife of Chen, the compiler at the Hanlin Academy, is just a petty woman from the countryside. Chen probably doesn't talk to her much about court affairs. With so many family members here today, they all know a fair bit about recent events, but she, on the other hand, can't utter a single coherent word."

Compared to the tense or unfamiliar and avoidant relationship between the other two princes and princesses in the mansion, Zhen Hu seemed to get along very comfortably with this NPC wife, Princess Yong.

At least for now, after dismissing the servants, the couple strolled in the garden and chatted. Princess Yong, while fanning herself with a round fan, talked to Zhen Hu about the recent floods and the families of these civil officials.

Although she was there to admire the flowers, the conversation would inevitably drift away if she wanted to; a woman's compassion makes her very interested in things like giving alms.

"I just can't understand how a top scholar could marry the daughter of a small-town grocery store owner, and yet he doesn't divorce her..."

When Princess Yong spoke of the man's uneasy demeanor at yesterday's lotus banquet, the other women present shook their heads at his disdainful looks. "It's a wonder you admire Editor Chen; his wife is of little use to him."

"Your Highness may not know this, but there's a saying circulating in the streets: 'A man's three great joys are promotion, wealth, and the death of his wife.' Chen Zhihan came from a poor background, and if it weren't for his wife's family's support, he wouldn't be where he is today. If he were to abandon his wife, whom he met when she was down on her luck, just because he suddenly became successful, I wouldn't dare to befriend such a person."

Zhen Hu had already found the so-called Chen Bianxiu's memories in his own memories, so he naturally knew that the other party was last year's top scholar. He was on the path of winning over civil officials, and even his wife was the daughter of the current prime minister. A top scholar who had not yet gained power was still a worthwhile investment.

Hearing his words, Princess Qing smiled, her eyes full of admiration for the man beside her. She reached out and took his arm. In that instant, Zhen Hu, who had thought he was ready to "sacrifice his looks" for the game, was so frightened that he froze on the spot...

Their individual performances within the Prince's residence were eventually compiled into various reports by the secret guards and landed on Mu Chen's desk.

Upon viewing the events unfolding in each of the princes' residences, the system automatically added additional assessments to the information without Mu Chen needing to make his own judgments:

[Prince Qing's marital relationship is strained, his lineage is uncertain, and his harem will be unstable after his ascension to the throne;]

[Prince Yong and his wife have a good relationship, but there seems to be a problem with their health.]

Mu Chen: ?

[Prince An's marriage was strained, they had no children, and his harem was unstable after he ascended the throne;]

[Your Majesty, it's time to consider granting a marriage.]

Mu Chen: "..."