It's just planting potatoes; compared to charging into battle, it's still far inferior, isn't it?

Ling Ran nodded affirmatively, "My maternal grandfather said that the Prince of Yan personally inquired about it several times."

Shui Qing smiled. Not bad, Da Jiang's contribution was even greater than she had expected.

Ling Ran continued, "Auntie, do you know? King Yan has three sons, all of whom are legitimate sons. Throughout the war, the second son always charged ahead, displaying unparalleled bravery and making numerous meritorious contributions. In particular, in many large-scale battles, the second son saved King Yan's life more than once! Many generals and soldiers say that King Yan has a deep affection for the second son and will make him the crown prince."

Auntie, what do you think?

Shui Qing didn't rush to answer, but instead asked, "What aspects was the eldest brother responsible for? Did he go into battle? What did your maternal grandfather think of him?" She knew all of this, but she still wanted Ling Ran to say it again.

Ling Ran truthfully replied, "He was responsible for defending the capital, military supplies and logistics, and receiving civil officials. He had a reputation for benevolence among officials, but he never went to the battlefield due to poor health."

However, my maternal grandfather said that if we talk about military achievements, the eldest son deserves the most credit, because throughout the entire war, the eldest son was the one who planned and organized the troops and supplies from the rear, and everything was in good order. He never made the Prince of Yan worry about supplies, troops and weapons.

More importantly, when the generals from Jinling attacked Beidu, all of Beidu's elite forces, even the able-bodied men, were fighting alongside the Prince of Yan. Beidu was left with only about 20,000 old, weak, and disabled men. Yet, he used these 20,000 men to defend Beidu, and then, upon the Prince of Yan's return, launched a pincer attack, achieving victory.

"Others may not know, but my maternal grandfather said that the King of Yan will definitely make the eldest son the crown prince." As he said this, he looked deeply at Shui Qing.

He still finds it unbelievable that his aunt told him to get close to the eldest son, saying that no matter how others approve of the other sons of the Prince of Yan, he only needed to believe that the eldest son would be the crown prince.

And now his aunt was right, arriving at the exact same conclusion as his maternal grandfather. But his maternal grandfather had followed the King of Yan in conquering the world, sharing meals and journeys with him, while his aunt was thousands of miles away. He didn't care how his aunt had calculated it. There were many capable and extraordinary people in this world. No matter what his aunt had said in the past or in the future, he would not tell anyone and cause her any trouble.

He wanted to hear his aunt's analysis.

Shuiqing finally understood why the child wanted to talk to her alone.

This only came out of her mouth and went into his ears.

"I share the same thought as your maternal grandfather. I told you before that the eldest son is the eldest son. Since ancient times, there has always been debate about whether to establish the eldest son or the most virtuous son. However, the eldest son is usually given priority. After all, whether someone is virtuous or not is not obvious and can be faked, but the eldest son is there for all to see. The crown prince is not like a farmer who quarrels and fights for the family property. If the most virtuous son is chosen, wouldn't that just make all the sons compete to show off and kill each other? Therefore, it is not easily changed in any dynasty."

Furthermore, while brave generals are needed for fighting wars, wise civil officials are needed to govern a country. Although the Prince of Yan rebelled because the new emperor was too aggressive in reducing the power of the princes, his reputation was not righteous. Those civil officials value orthodoxy the most and firmly support the primogeniture system. So, when choosing a crown prince, we should take into account the thoughts of the civil officials.

The eldest son is kind and benevolent, and he will certainly not make things difficult for them after he takes office. However, the second son conquered the country on horseback, and his methods will inevitably be more ruthless than those of the eldest son. Whether for public or private reasons, the civil officials will unwaveringly support the eldest son.

After the King of Yan ascended the throne, what he needed most was no longer a son who could charge into battle and kill enemies, but a son who could govern the country and handle the affairs of the world. If you were the King of Yan, what would you choose?

Ling Ran already had the answer in her heart.

At the same time, I realized that what was needed after the world was at peace was not military generals, but civil officials.

Should I also try a different approach?