What are your thoughts on the Zhaojia family?

As soon as the Fourth Prince asked the question, the Thirteenth Prince's cheeks flushed red, and he lowered his head: "Fourth Brother, why are you asking this?"

Although the Thirteenth Prince was young, he was not completely ignorant. How could he not understand when his Fourth Brother spoke to him about this so seriously?

The Fourth Prince sighed as he looked at him, “When a prince is twelve or thirteen, he is about the age to understand things. Your fourth brother, who is your age, is already married to your fourth sister-in-law. Although it is still early for this matter, it is better to prepare as soon as possible. I think you and Lady Zhaojia are getting along quite well now. Although Marhan is an old minister who has served as the Vice Minister of War for many years, he has always been conscientious and diligent. Given the Emperor’s favor towards him, he will most likely be promoted soon. He also has his brother-in-law, Isanga, behind him. If you can marry Marhan, it will be beneficial to both the Crown Prince and you.”

The thirteenth prince's face turned bright red, and he shook his head like a rattle: "Fourth brother, what are you talking about? How old is she?"

The Thirteenth Prince could not accept the thought of that tiny little person.

The Fourth Prince's eyes held a hint of amusement: "You think I'm talking about that little girl, Heyue? I know perfectly well. If you choose her, you'll have to wait many more years. However, the Ninth and Tenth Princes aren't married yet, so waiting a few more years won't hurt. By then, Heyue will be grown up, more than capable of being your primary consort. Originally, I was thinking of Zhaojia Yanyue. She's also in the next selection, and given what happened between you and her recently, that would be perfect. But Mother prefers her to be the Fourteenth Prince's consort. Regardless of whether Mother's wishes are fulfilled, if you marry her, it will inevitably create a rift between you and the Fourteenth Prince. As for Heyue, I see the Tenth Prince also has feelings for her, which is why I asked you. If you're interested, I'll find a way for you. Waiting a few more years won't hurt. Next time, Mother will definitely choose a secondary consort for you and the Fourteenth Prince. You can slowly consider the choice of your primary consort."

Upon hearing this, the Thirteenth Prince looked conflicted and murmured with a flushed face, "That girl? Let's forget about her. She's so fierce and doesn't have the grace and gentleness of other young ladies. As for Zhao Jiayanyue, Fourth Brother, you shouldn't even think about her anymore."

Fourth Prince sighed and didn't press the matter: "There's no rush. Since you're unwilling, your fourth brother won't force you. I'm just giving you a heads-up."

The thirteenth prince breathed a sigh of relief.

"Fourth Brother, I think Fourteenth Brother really likes Zhao Jiayanyue, otherwise he wouldn't have been so angry about what happened that day. I just wonder who was gossiping about Fourteenth Brother." The Thirteenth Prince frowned as he thought of this.

Although he and his fourteenth brother were not as close as his fourth brother, they had grown up together and had a good relationship. However, they had quarreled over this matter, which would not look good to Consort De.

Upon hearing this, the Fourth Prince's eyes darkened slightly: "On the surface, this matter is related to Wanyan Shi, since she is also among the candidates for Mother's daughter-in-law. If this causes the Fourteenth Prince to lose interest in Zhao Jiayan Yue, it would indeed be beneficial to Wanyan Shi. However, I asked Luo Xingtai, and he did not reveal this matter to the Fourteenth Prince. I suppose he doesn't have that much courage."

Luo Xingtai was the son of Luo Cha and the elder brother of Wanyan.

"Then who exactly is it?" the Thirteenth Prince asked, puzzled. "Why me?"

The Fourth Prince pursed his lips, his eyes unfathomable: "Perhaps, that person wants you to get involved with Zhao Jiayanyue. The Fourteenth Prince likes Zhao Jiayanyue, and if he finds out, he will definitely distance himself from you."

"Eighth Brother and the others?" The Thirteenth Prince suddenly realized, yet still found it hard to accept.

“It’s true that the Guo Luo Luo clan was involved in this matter. If so, it’s probably true. But why would they try to sow discord between you and your fourteenth brother? I still don’t understand. Your eighth brother is a smart man. If it were him, he wouldn’t have acted this way. It wouldn’t have benefited him at all.” The fourth prince’s tone was very certain.

"Will they do it again?" That was what the Thirteenth Prince was concerned about.

"Fourth Brother doesn't know either, but you'd better keep your distance from Zhao Jiayan and Yue, so as not to give anyone another opportunity to take advantage of you."

The Thirteenth Prince nodded without hesitation: "I understand, I will definitely stay far away from her."

He still feels lingering fear. Fortunately, no one else discovered it that day except for Zhao Jia and Yue. Otherwise, wouldn't he have ruined the reputation of Zhao Jia and Yue, two girls?

What he didn't want was for that brat to misunderstand him again.

“If I get entangled with Zhao Jiayanyue again, I’m afraid that girl will eat me alive.” The Thirteenth Prince couldn’t help but smile bitterly: “Fourth Brother, you don’t know, that girl will do anything for her sister. The first time we met, she beat me half to death for Zhao Jiayanyue’s sake, and this time I almost got beaten by her again.”

Fourth Prince raised an eyebrow slightly: "Have you explained things to her?" Thinking of her fighting prowess, Fourth Prince found it somewhat amusing, yet also felt a little sorry for his thirteenth brother, who kept running into her.

"I guess so. I'm afraid of her. From now on, I'll stay as far away from Zhao Jiayan as possible." The Thirteenth Prince looked as if he had encountered a raging flood.

※

The next day, in the study of the Eighth Prince's residence, the Fourteenth Prince couldn't help but shout as soon as he entered: "Xiangyi, you and the Eighth Prince aren't even married yet, and you're already brazenly entering his study. Aren't you two going too far!"

The Eighth Prince stood behind his desk, intently drawing a picture.

Guo Luoluo sat on an armchair to the side, slowly sipping her tea. Hearing the voice, she looked up and glanced at him with a smile: "If you can't stand it, go find a wife yourself."

The Fourteenth Prince blushed instantly, and his voice weakened: "Sister Xiangyi, you know perfectly well that I'm not ready yet, where am I supposed to find a wife?"

As he spoke, he sat down on the other armchair, crossed his legs, picked up a teacup and held it in front of him, his eyes darting around nervously.

"Are you healed?" Guo Luoluo stopped teasing him and changed the subject.

"Pfft!" The Fourteenth Prince spat out a mouthful of tea, looking at Guo Luoluo Shi with a resentful expression: "Can you please stop picking on my wounds like that?!"

"You know you should feel ashamed? What were you doing back then?" Guo Luoluo sneered disdainfully: "Fighting over a woman, what a brute."

The Fourteenth Prince's face immediately darkened: "Sister Xiangyi, you can't say that. Zhao Jiayan is the woman I've set my sights on. Thirteenth Brother knew this and still did it. Does he even consider me a brother?!"

"You've misunderstood." Guo Luoluo smiled, covering her mouth, her eyes sparkling with charm.

"What misunderstanding?" the Fourteenth Prince asked, puzzled.

"Where did you learn that Lady Zhaojia was having a secret rendezvous with the Thirteenth Prince at my residence?" Lady Guoluo asked instead of answering.

The Fourteenth Prince frowned: "Ninth Brother told me this himself. He overheard a conversation between several maids, saying that Thirteenth Brother met with Yan Yue and that Thirteenth Brother had taken liberties with Yan Yue."