Chapter 259 The Crown Prince Regent
Princess Yongle glanced at the Third Prince and said, "I am already old."
The third prince immediately said: "Auntie is not old!"
Although he said this, his eyes and eyebrows were filled with anticipation and smile, and he was laughing particularly wildly in his heart: I’m old, really old!
So...come on!
Use him as much as you can, he is ready!
It is God's help that my father is in a coma at this time.
Princess Yongle only glanced at the Third Prince again and said, "The Crown Prince is in charge of the regent affairs. Why should I worry about it?"
"I..." The third prince raised his head with a relaxed brow, ready to thank him and say that he would definitely behave well, but after saying one word he realized that Princess Yongle did not hand over the regency to him as he expected.
Instead, he mentioned...the prince.
The third prince turned his head to look at Xiao Ji in a daze, and felt that his wounds began to hurt.
His smile froze on his face, his expression distorted.
Xiao Ji?!
Why should a sickly person who won't live long be given to Xiao Ji instead of him? Just because he encountered such a disaster this time?
"Princess, think twice." Grand Tutor Xuan spoke at this moment, "Logically speaking, since His Majesty is in a coma, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince should be the regent."
"But Xia is now facing internal and external troubles. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has just woken up from a coma and is weak. He has never been involved in political affairs before, so I'm afraid he will not be able to handle the task."
The third prince restrained himself on the surface but nodded vigorously in his heart, Not bad, not bad, well said!
Although he didn't think Xiao Ji was incompetent.
But...if he can do those things as regent, it will be of great benefit to his future. He will definitely perform well and let his father and all the civil and military officials see his ability.
The most important thing is...
If his father is truly unfortunate... then he can naturally take that position.
A gleam of light flashed in the third prince's eyes, and he naturally refused to give in.
"The third prince was also just injured, so he should rest well." Pei Chen refused to give in and immediately refuted.
What he said sounded normal, but he earned a resentful look from the Third Prince.
The third prince just felt that Pei Chen was mocking him for losing his dignity as a man.
Pei Chen: "..." He pretended not to notice and continued: "Besides, the Crown Prince is the regent, so it is legitimate. If he doesn't know something, he can learn it. He can't always be ignorant."
"If there is really something you don't know, there are still mother and the civil and military officials." Pei Chen stared at the Third Prince and Grand Tutor Xuan, "Grand Tutor and the Third Prince will not stand idly by, right?"
The Third Prince's face twitched, and he almost squeezed out a few words from between his teeth, "Of course."
Master Xuan could only say that he would not stand idly by.
"In this case, what is there to fight about?" Pei Chen asked, "Besides His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, who else is more suitable to be the regent at this time?"
The third prince: “…” Of course it’s him, ...!
But he really didn't dare to say this at the moment.
Damn Pei Chen, can't he tell who is his own? His concubine's sister is the fiancée of Pei Chen's brother-in-law!
With the third prince's silence, Xiao Ji's appointment as regent was decided.
After this matter was decided, Princess Yongle showed an attitude that she would not interfere in anything else and left all matters to Xiao Ji for decision.
"Your Highness, please handle the government affairs. Your Majesty, I will be here to guard it myself."
The eldest princess's gaze fell on the emperor with a complicated look in her eyes.
Before she knew it, her only brother had become like this... no matter how many problems they had between them.
This is also her only biological brother!
"Yes." Xiao Ji responded with a fist salute, and under the leadership of Li Dajian, he was about to meet the important officials of the court.
Seeing Pei Chen was about to catch up, Xiao An couldn't help but said, "Zhenbei Hou, please stay!"
Pei Chen paused, turned around and greeted Xiao An politely, "I wonder if the Third Prince has anything else to say?"
Xiao An smiled with a fake smile and said, "I have something to talk to Zhenbei Hou about."
Pei Chen looked at Xiao Ji's back before saying, "Your Highness, please come in."
Xiao An was supported by the steward. Maybe it was because he was angry just now, but his face looked even paler than before.
Pei Chen said with concern: "Third Prince, please take care of your health."
The Third Prince: “…”
His face immediately darkened, and he felt that Pei Chen was mocking him. He took a deep breath and said, "I'm here to see you, Lord Marquis, because I have something for you to pass on."
He took out a sachet from his sleeve and handed it to Pei Chen, saying, "This is what the third lady of the Wang family asked me to pass on to Mr. Zhao."
"We are all one family from now on. I will ask the Marquis to pass this on."
He stared at Marquis Zhenbei, believing that he would understand what he meant: they were a family.
So, think about which side you should take, and don't blindly side with the prince just because of that little bit of friendship.
It is better to support him now and get him the responsibility of regent. He will definitely repay Pei Chen well in the future...
"Third Prince." Pei Chen's voice sounded, his expression serious, "I'm sorry I can't help you with this."
The Third Prince's outstretched hand froze in mid-air, and he looked at Pei Chen with a sullen look in his eyes, "Marquis Zhenbei really won't help with such a small favor?"
This is not just a refusal to help, this is a rejection of his olive branch!
"It is better not to pass on women's private belongings easily." Pei Chen even "lectured" the Third Prince. If he believed that the sachet that the Third Prince took out casually was really Miss Wang's, he would be a fool!
Because of the marriage arranged by the emperor, he had investigated the third daughter of the Wang family.
It is certain that the third girl has excellent character and education, and is also very talented, and it is impossible for her to do such a private transaction.
To put it another way, even if Miss Wang San really wanted to give something to Zhao Hao, there is no way she would go through the Third Prince.
This kind of thing is not pleasant to hear, so who would make a big fuss about it?
And... now that something like this has happened to the Third Prince, the Wang family is probably thinking about how to cancel the engagement, right?
The Wang family is a noble family. Even though they no longer have the prestige they once had, the girls of the Wang family are still precious. It would be fine if she married the third prince as his principal wife.
A prince's concubine wants a legitimate daughter of the Wang family... I'm afraid the Wang family won't agree.
Pei Chen thought this in his heart, but his expression did not change at all. He said, "Your Highness, please forgive me. I really can't help you with this."
The third prince sneered, "Good, good, very good!"
"I will remember what the Marquis of Zhenbei said today!"
After the Third Prince finished speaking, he turned around and left. However, he was still injured and his movements were so violent that the steward almost couldn't hold him.
I almost fell down!
The posture looks a bit awkward and funny.
The third prince subconsciously looked at Pei Chen's reaction. Pei Chen had a stern face, which made the third prince feel a little better.
But just as he was helped by the steward to turn around, he heard laughter coming from behind him.
The Third Prince: “…”
Pei Chen, damn Pei Chen, he will remember it!
Pei Chen really couldn't help it. He just pretended nothing happened and turned around and headed in the direction the prince left.
He has important things to do, so how could he have the time to play games with the third prince?
He is going to ask His Highness to allow him to go to the front line!
Although His Majesty is not sure, isn't His Majesty unconscious right now? As for what will happen after His Majesty wakes up... let's talk about it after His Majesty wakes up.
Whether to beat him or scold him, that’s all matter for the future. Let’s wait until he comes back.
…
Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
After making two decisions, Princess Yongle supported her head with her hands, her face showing fatigue. Even if she was resolute and efficient, she was already old.
"Aunt." Xie Yao said softly, "You have been busy for half a day and are tired. Why don't you go and rest first? I will take care of Father here."
The princess sighed softly and shook her head, saying, "I'm not tired, but you, if you are tired, go and rest first..."
Xie Yao shook her head. "Thank you for your concern, aunt. Yaoyao is not tired."
Princess Yongle glanced at Xie Yao with a look of satisfaction in her eyes and said nothing more.
"Shufei." Princess Yongle looked at Shufei. When her unfriendly eyes fell on Shufei's face, a soft look flashed in her eyes, "You have worked hard taking care of Xiaowu. Go back and rest."
She had some opinions about Concubine Shu.
Even if this matter has nothing to do with Concubine Shu, the incident happened in the Emperor's Yanx Palace, and Concubine Shu was derelict in her duty if she didn't find out that Concubine Li had drugged her!
But when she saw Concubine Shu's face, Princess Yongle couldn't help but soften her heart.
Concubine Shu was respectful and submissive, and said in a gentle voice: "Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness. I am not tired."
Princess Yongle didn't look at her this time, and her voice was a little cold and hard, "You are not tired, but Xiaowu is tired, go ahead."
Concubine Shu squatted down and spoke a few words to the Fifth Prince, then asked the maid to take the Fifth Prince away, and then said to Princess Yongle: "Please allow me to accompany Your Majesty."
The princess looked at Concubine Shu, and saw only sincerity in her eyes. She was dazed for a moment, and finally sighed, "It's up to you."
Xie Yao keenly noticed the change in Princess Yongle's attitude and had some vague guesses in her mind.
"Aunt." Xie Yao said, "The doctor in the Prince's Mansion has been treating Your Highness for many years, and his medical skills are not inferior to those of the imperial physician. If your father needs him, I can summon him at any time."
Xie Yao's statement was necessary, and the degree of the statement was also very important. If she was not careful, she might be accused of spying on the emperor's body.
Princess Yongle looked at Xie Yao with great satisfaction after hearing this, "You are so thoughtful. I heard that when the third son got into trouble last time, you also specially invited a palace doctor to see him?"
Concubine Shu also said: "I remember that this matter was ordered by His Majesty himself, which shows that His Majesty also recognizes the ability of the palace doctor."
Xie Yao said with a little embarrassment: "It is true, but the court doctor was of little help in the matter of the Third Prince."
She was telling the truth.
But at this moment, everyone heard what Xie Yao said, and it seemed that it was just a humble excuse.
Princess Yongle did not respond immediately, but looked at the doctors, "Is there any solution?"
The imperial doctors all knelt on the ground, looking at each other, but no one dared to say anything.
What did Princess Yongle not understand after seeing this? Her face was full of disappointment. She looked at Xie Yao and said, "Send someone over."
"If Your Majesty asks about it later, I will take responsibility."
Xie Yao naturally would not refuse, and immediately sent someone to summon the palace physician.
At the same time, in the front hall of the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Xiao Ji was meeting with important officials in the court. When the officials saw that it was the prince, they were stunned for a moment, but they quickly reacted and asked the emperor about his current situation.
Xiao Ji had a stern face and raised his hand to signal the court officials to be quiet, then he said: "My father is still in a coma, and the eldest princess ordered me to take on the responsibility of regent."
Although Xiao Ji's face was a little pale, his voice was powerful. Even though everyone had doubts in their hearts, they subconsciously remained silent at this moment.
By the time everyone reacted and wanted to question, Pei Chen had already strode in.
There was no need for Xiao Ji to respond personally to the doubts as they were dispelled by Pei Chen's few words, and not all of these ministers were of the same mind.
For example, when the Third Prince's people questioned, Xiao Ning's people would refute and interfere.
In the end, Xiao Ji successfully gained everyone's recognition.
After Xiao Ji discussed the important matters with his ministers, everyone went to do what they were supposed to do. Since he had just taken over, Xiao Ji did not make any drastic reforms. Everything was done according to the emperor's previous direction, with only some adjustments in the details at most.
So the ministers had no objection.
"Your Highness!" As soon as everyone left, Pei Chen knelt on one knee with his fists clasped, raised his head and looked at Xiao Ji with burning eyes, "I beg Your Highness to allow me to go to the Northern Territory!"
Xiao Ji nodded calmly, "Okay!"
"But this matter must not be made public. You go there secretly." Xiao Ji paused, and then instructed, "Go with Wei Chan."
"Yes!" Pei Chen was overjoyed and wanted to jump up and hug Xiao Ji.
He knew that His Highness was the best!
Pei Chen stood up happily, then hesitated for a moment and asked, "Your Highness, we went to the northern border, and you are in the capital..."
"It's okay." Xiao Ji's expression was calm, "The northern border is the most important."
"I don't distrust Wei Er. He is extremely talented, but he is young after all. And you have been the commander of the Zhenbei Army for many years. You are the soul of the Zhenbei Army."
"More importantly... there is a traitor in Xia State." Xiao Ji patted Pei Chen's shoulder, "Ah Chen, your task is not easy."
Pei Chen's expression also became serious. "Please rest assured, Your Highness. Pei Chen will definitely live up to your expectations! I will defend the northern border until my death!"
The corners of Xiao Ji's lips slightly raised, "I will wait for your triumphant return."
The war in the north was intense, so Pei Chen did not delay any further after getting permission. He immediately turned around and walked out, preparing to call Wei Chan to leave the capital together.
He had to be quick, because if his mother reacted... he might not be able to walk.
Normally, my mother might not listen to His Majesty, but now that His Majesty has been poisoned and is unconscious, my mother is heartbroken and it would be better for him to leave as soon as possible.
The Zhao family...
Pei Chen left the palace and asked his confidant to deliver a message to the Wei family. He then went to look for Zhao Ying, who was not always at home during the day.
As soon as he got to Zhao Ying, Zhao Ying smiled and called out, "Pei Chen, why are you here at this time? I haven't seen you for three days..."
Pei Chen hugged Zhao Ying tightly, and Zhao Ying stopped talking immediately. She seemed to realize something in her heart, "Are you going to get busy?"
"Yes." Pei Chen hugged Zhao Ying tightly, "We don't have much time. We'll leave soon. Don't ask anything. Let me hold you for a while."
Zhao Ying immediately remained silent and stayed obediently in Pei Chen's arms.
Pei Chen only hugged Zhao Ying for a while, then reluctantly let go of her, lowered his head and kissed Zhao Ying on the forehead, "I'm leaving..."
"Pei Chen." Zhao Ying grabbed Pei Chen's sleeve, hugged his waist and said, "Come back soon, I miss you so much."
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