Chapter 493: The Thousand-Year-Old (14)

However, Wen Wan was adamant and explained her reasons: "My maternal grandfather's family was implicated and their entire clan was punished for their mistakes. I am just paying off their debts. Besides, given my current status, the tallest tree in the forest is bound to be felled by the wind. Commander Chen, you understand this principle, right? I just want to protect myself. If I didn't feel sorry for the people suffering on the border, I wouldn't have taken the lead."

Chen Wenbin knew about the Empress's maternal family affairs.

Finally, he nodded and agreed.

Wen Wan continued, "Although I don't need this credit, Commander Chen, what do you think of Gu Li?"

Chen Wenbin looked at Gu Li, and Gu Li looked at Wen Wan.

Wen Wan said, "This time, Commander Chen also saw that Gu Li is very talented and a pillar of the state. Moreover, he has made great contributions this time. I hope that when Commander Chen reports to my father, the Emperor, he will give Gu Li some pointers."

Chen Wenbin: "Of course, even if His Highness didn't ask, we would still do it."

...

The war ended, and the troops returned home in triumph.

The court and the public were shocked. No one expected the war to end so quickly. The people lined the streets to welcome her. Before Wen Wan returned, she spread the word about how to make tofu and some planting knowledge to the people. She hoped that after she left, the people could live a stable life and have food to eat as soon as possible.

Wen Wan discreetly didn't walk with Chen Wenbin and the others, but she placed Gu Li next to Chen Wenbin. Gu Li didn't object, so Wen Wan felt that he must know what she meant.

I'm paving the way for him.

Wen Wan finally returned to her little nest. She first went to check on the vegetables in her garden. More than half of them were gone. She guessed that the imperial kitchen had picked them. After all, she had told them before she left that she could pick the vegetables and eat them when they grew up, but that they should remember to sow seeds for her.

And then there are our own chickens, all of them are quite a bit bigger than adults, they should be ready to be slaughtered soon.

Wen Wan took a shower, changed into comfortable clothes, and then slept for days and nights.

When she woke up, Xiao Cui helped her wash up while saying, "Why did you give all the credit to others, Master? Isn't that letting them get away with it?"

Wen Wan: "Don't tell Mother."

Xiao Cui: "This servant knows, but Her Majesty the Empress will find out sooner or later."

"We'll talk about it then. Anyway, you're mine. Even if you're my mother, you can't say anything to her."

"Tell me how Father Emperor rewarded you?"

Xiao Cui: "Chen Wenbin was appointed Grand General Protector of the Nation, given a thousand taels of gold, and also received a mansion and the title of Military Advisor..."

"What about Gu Li?"

Xiao Cui's eyes were filled with mixed emotions. "Gu Li did not receive any official reward."

"How is that possible? Didn't General Chen say that?"

Xiao Cui: "I told you, but Master, Gu Li is a eunuch. He can't be granted a title like other generals. In the end, he was only rewarded with a hundred taels of gold."

Wen Yan: "..."

"What's wrong with being a eunuch? Can't he be given an official position? Father is really confused."

"My lord, please be careful with your words."

Wen Wan was furious. The male lead's career path was really difficult. If he weren't a eunuch, he might have been promoted and ennobled this time. But because of his status, he lost such a good opportunity.

The system said, "[Host, there's no need to be too hasty or reckless. Trust the male lead; he can become a powerful minister through his own abilities.]"

Wen Wan: "I hope so."

Wen Wan was surprised to receive a reward. She even suspected that someone had let it slip, but no, it was just a routine reward, simply because she had gone to the border after all.

She finally received her own fiefdom and, after being deposed as crown prince, acquired her own title.

Prince Yu.

This title is somewhat perfunctory, but it's still usable, after all, she was a deposed crown prince! Countless people thought she would definitely spend the rest of her life in the cold palace, and it was even unknown whether she would live long. But she actually blossomed against all odds and became the third person to be granted the title of king.

Wen Wan did not move out of the palace. She was unwilling, after all, the mission was in the palace. If she left, how could she complete the mission?

Afterwards, everyone was curious about Wen Wan's next move. As a result, Wen Wan's life returned to normal. She donated two-thirds of the rewards she received, all of which were given to the army and people on the border.

Every day, I start by planting vegetables and raising chickens, then develop all sorts of delicious food. Even when I'm summoned to court, I'm treated like a transparent person.

Countless times her mother's powerful ministers threw topics at her and asked her to achieve results, but she pretended not to know anything.

Her mother was so angry she wanted to hit her, but there was nothing she could do because her mother couldn't come. She was really planning to be a lazy bum, but not entirely. She still managed to build good relationships with all the princes and princesses.

Especially the fourth prince, Qi Min, who was the future emperor she valued, a future golden thigh.

The eldest prince is also trying to curry favor with the emperor. Who knows what might happen? If something unexpected happens and the eldest prince succeeds to the throne, it will at least ensure that I am safe.

As for the Third Prince, Wen Wan was much more perfunctory.

This person is doomed once he becomes emperor.

The other person came to visit me several times, but we didn't say much.

The female lead is also quite capable. During the time Wen Wan was away, she stirred up a lot of big things. The Third Prince is now very much favored by the Emperor and has even begun to assist in court affairs.

Wen Wan looked at the Fourth Prince, who was still eating tofu pudding, and gave him a disappointed look.

Fourth Prince: ???

Gu Li quickly returned to her side. Wen Wan sighed, hoping that the male lead would rely on himself to develop his career, as there was nothing she could do.

...

Days passed like this. She was no longer the deposed crown prince, and the emperor seemed to be more indifferent to her, but he did not give her any power. She was just a Prince Qiyu with a nominal status, no, and money too. Her fiefdom gave him a lot of dividends.

The eldest prince and the third prince, who originally regarded her as their rival, are now trying to get close to her. After all, everyone can see that although the emperor seems to love her, he has no intention of replacing the crown prince.

Wen Wan pondered how to complete the task, and after much thought, she realized that she had held the male protagonist back.

He then summoned Gu Li and asked her to go and do business with the Fourth Prince.

Gu Li asked why.

Wen Wan: "She is the future emperor I value. Your assistance to her can be considered a contribution to the rise of the new emperor. I believe that with your talent, you will definitely not be in your current position. One day you will stand in a very high position."

Gu Li: "I don't need that. I just want to stay by the Second Prince's side."

"No, you have to go. It's an order. Besides, you have to guarantee that the Fourth Prince will become the Crown Prince, or I'm finished. Do you want to see me die?"

Gu Li: "..."

"This servant can assist the Second Prince. The Second Prince is the most suitable candidate to be the crown prince of this country."

Wen Wan suddenly covered Gu Li's mouth, "What nonsense are you talking about? How could I possibly be suitable?"

Unexpectedly, Gu Li grabbed his wrist and explained his reasons, "If Your Highness becomes emperor, it will be a blessing for the world. Your Highness is talented and a kind-hearted ruler. The First Prince is deep and cunning, the Third Prince is treacherous, the Fourth Prince is lazy, and the Fifth Prince is too young. If we have to choose a future crown prince to assist, this servant would like to assist the Second Prince."