Shui Qing realized that the eldest son of the King of Yan in history was the truly formidable figure!

For nine years he was the Crown Prince, and for twenty years he was the strategist. He never went to the battlefield, but he was indispensable in everything. When he was the Crown Prince, he consolidated the base of operations; when he was the Crown Prince, he participated in court affairs. Within twenty years, "all the civil officials in the country left the Eastern Palace."

His position as crown prince was as secure as a rock.

While his position as crown prince was secure, his past association with the crown prince was another matter entirely. After the Prince of Yan ascended the throne, the crown prince's faction faced considerable hardship, with many falling into prison. Ling Ran's maternal grandfather wasn't among them, but Ling Ran's situation was uncertain...

Thinking of this, she looked at Ling Ran and reminded him: "Emperors have always been suspicious. Once the country is settled, remember not to get too close to the Crown Prince."

I heard from your uncle that you are quite talented and have a solid foundation in literature. Why not pursue a career in literature? When the time comes to reward meritorious service, try to secure a post outside the capital so that you can work for the benefit of the people and bring prosperity to the world.”

The Ling family of Sihui has always been a large family, producing many talented people and scholars. Ling Ran's maternal grandfather agreed to marry his daughter into the family because of this. Initially, he also hoped that his daughter's descendants would follow the path of civil officials.

Fan Jin once said that Ling Ran had a solid foundation and unique insights, and that he was even inferior to him. This is the huge gap between aristocratic families and poor students.

However, Ling Ran has already achieved success on the battlefield, so he should no longer need to squeeze through the narrow bridge of the imperial examination. If he could be sent to a powerful official post outside the capital, that would be quite good. He has his maternal grandfather protecting him in the capital, and he has an old friendship with the Crown Prince but will not have too close a relationship with him, so he is very safe.

Ling Ran's eyes flashed with surprise; his aunt actually thought the same thing as him!

"Auntie is absolutely right."

Shui Qing: ...This child is too obedient.

Ling Ran spoke solemnly, "I have another personal matter I'd like to ask of you, Auntie."

Shui Qing waved her hand dismissively and said, "Just say it!"

What could be so important that it requires such formality? With him saying he treats her like his own mother, how could she possibly object?

"I want to propose to Yan Qiu."

Shui Qing felt that she had spoken too soon!

Even if Ling Ran treats her like her own mother, she might not agree! After all, Yan Qiu is truly her own daughter, especially since she's her daughter. What kind of family is the Ling family? It's like a dragon's den or a tiger's lair. She can't possibly let her carefully raised daughter fight with her mother-in-law every day!

That kind of life would be so boring.

She looked at Ling Ran, hardened her heart, and said clearly: "You should understand the way your Uncle Jin and I conduct ourselves. Although you come from a good family, if I had to choose between Ziqian and you, I would definitely choose Ziqian. Do you understand why?"

Ling Ran gave a bitter smile. "I understand."

His father was a high-ranking official of the second rank, while Uncle Bai was just a businessman. However, his father favored his concubine over his wife, and the couple was not on good terms. He also had a cruel stepmother who was the legitimate mother-in-law of his new wife. She could treat his daughter-in-law at will. In addition, he had a younger brother who was a rival.

Uncle Bai and his wife were harmonious and loving, and they took great care in educating their son. They also had a close relationship with Aunt's family. No matter who married Ziqian, they would not be deliberately made difficult. They only had one son, so marrying into the family would bring them a fortune.

Uncle Jin and his wife only wanted the best for their children. Because they were not vain people, they would not choose the Ling family.

If he had a daughter, he wouldn't choose someone like his own for her.

Seeing that Aunt Shuiqing's smile gradually faded, Ling Ran's heart jumped, and he hurriedly explained, "For the past four years, I have risked my life and focused on earning military merits, and I have indeed earned them."

I have already discussed it with my maternal grandfather. After the reward is given, I don't ask for anything else, I only ask to establish my own household and have nothing to do with the Ling family from now on.

My bride doesn't need to set rules for anyone; from the moment she enters the house, she is the undisputed mistress of the house!

If he still had to rely on his father for a living and live a life of subservience in the Ling family, he would never ask to marry Yan Qiu! Because that would be harming her.