Xu Rao quickly draped the quilt over her and said, "It's nothing. It's just that the Third Prince wanted to win over Wei Lang, but Wei Lang refused, so the Third Prince made things difficult for him. Of His Majesty's sons, the eldest son is not the legitimate heir, and the legitimate son is not the eldest. There are five or six adult princes, each with outstanding abilities. However, His Majesty has not appointed a crown prince, and it seems that the adult princes are causing some trouble."

Emperor Liang Cheng's empress was a concubine from his time as a prince. However, before the empress married into the palace, Emperor Liang Cheng already had an eldest son born to a concubine whom he favored. Emperor Liang Cheng's ascension to the throne was quite peculiar. Several capable princes were enfeoffed to various regions and banished from the capital by the late emperor in his later years. Only a few underage princes and Emperor Liang Cheng, who had already left the palace, remained.

When the late emperor was on his deathbed, he left a will in front of several regents. No one could understand why the late emperor would pass the throne to Emperor Liang Cheng. Emperor Liang Cheng was not an expansionist monarch, but he was good at maintaining the status quo. Only now did everyone realize that when the late emperor was in power, he devoted the country's resources to expanding its territory. If the country did not take good care of itself afterward, it would not become strong. The late emperor's sons, who had all come of age, were either expansionist or pleasure-seeking. After much deliberation, the late emperor chose Emperor Liang Cheng and passed the throne to him.

After Emperor Liang Cheng ascended the throne, his empress gave birth to his legitimate son in the palace. The third prince was born to Consort Wan, Emperor Liang Cheng's most beloved concubine. Now, these three princes are not only fighting openly and secretly in the harem, but many people in the court have also been drawn into their struggle. After all, Emperor Liang Cheng is getting old and his health is deteriorating.

Zhang Zhaoci slowly lay down and said, "This is no small matter. It could really lead to the confiscation of property and the extermination of the clan. Throughout history, the struggle for succession has caused the destruction of many large families. I know very well how those TV dramas portray it. Old Xu, we'd rather play it safe than try to gain merit by following the emperor."

Xu Rao said, "I understand, I understand. I not only figured it out myself, but I also wrote to the Marquis to tell him not to get involved in these things. It's alright, don't be afraid."

Zhang Zhaoci said, "Our family has had it so hard. There's no reason for us to come to this unfamiliar place just to be sent to fight for the throne."

Xu Rao sighed and said, "That's what I think too. I've thought it through. We won't get involved in politics. From now on, we'll focus on improving the lives of the local people and helping them get rich. Once we have a solid foundation among the people, they'll have to think twice before trying to take action against us."

Zhang Zhaoci sighed and said, "Alright, I'll follow you wherever you go from now on. The waters in the capital are too murky; I'm really afraid that if I fall in, I won't be able to get out."

On the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, Zhang Zhaoci, along with Xu Di and Xu Rao, carrying gifts, went to the Li family.

Madam Li had already received a hint from Zhang Zhaoci that the Xu family had taken a liking to her youngest daughter and wanted to betroth her to the eldest son of the Xu family.

Putting aside Xu Di's identity as the eldest son of the Yongning Marquis's mansion, let's just talk about Xu Di himself. He is handsome, good at farming and studying, and has a good personality. When Madam Li returned home to see her youngest daughter after receiving a hint from Zhang Zhaoci, she wondered what the Xu family saw in her.

Madam Li said to Lord Li, "Madam Xu is coming over tomorrow with her children to discuss the marriage of the two children. What do you think, my husband?"

Lord Li said, “I don’t have any ideas. I think this is a good idea. We know Lord Xu and Madam Xu. We know what kind of person Lord Xu is. Madam Xu is not an arrogant person. If our daughter marries into their family, she will definitely not be mistreated by her mother-in-law.”

Madam Li said, "But this is a mismatch in social status. If our daughter marries into this family, won't she be looked down upon by the people of the Marquis's mansion?"

Lord Li stroked the few strands of beard on his chin and said, "I don't think Lord Xu wants to go back to the capital. If he doesn't live with the people in his household, what kind of rift could there be? Madam is overthinking it. Besides, I don't think Young Master Xu is the kind of person who would let his wife be bullied. Our daughter will be able to live a peaceful life after marrying into the family."

Mrs. Li sighed and said, "I don't understand big principles, but I'm a mother, and I just hope my child can live a comfortable life. Okay, then I'll listen to you. If you say it's okay, then it's okay."

Lord Li said with a smile, "Madam, it's up to the children to make their own lives work. It's not something we can just say they can live well. We still need to teach them how to live a good life."

Madam Li sighed softly, turned around and left the room to go to her two daughters' room.

The two daughters were sitting cross-legged on the kang (a heated brick bed) in the room. One of them was sewing a shoe sole, and the other was making a small garment. The shoe sole and the garment were clearly for children. Madam Li knew that her two daughters were preparing clothes and shoes for the baby in her daughter-in-law's belly.

Seeing Madam Li come in, the two girls tried to get off the kang (a heated brick bed), but Madam Li sat down on the edge of the kang and said, "Alright, alright, don't get up. Sit down quickly. I've come to tell you that Madam Xu will be bringing her two children to our house later."

The eldest daughter, Yuelin, asked curiously, "Mother, tomorrow is New Year's Eve. What is Madam Xu doing here with her young masters and daughters at this time?"

Mrs. Li said, "They said that some New Year's gifts were sent to them from the capital, and she sent some to our family."

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!