It was both unexpected and expected.
Although the Chu family has not revealed any ambition, they have also never publicly stated that they have no ambition.
The neutral and wait-and-see attitude is more like a preparation for action, waiting for the right moment to make a move and seize that position.
Now that the Fifth Prince and the First Prince each have their own supporters, the Fourth Prince has no chance no matter how hard he tries. It would be better for him to support the Fifth Prince, with whom he has a relatively harmonious relationship.
This was a brilliant and astute move, prompting Jiang Jizong to nod in approval.
What the head of the Ju family saw was heartache, hatred, and anger.
With the Crown Prince's family taking sides, the Fifth Prince's chances of winning are now far greater than the First Prince's.
Even if the Ju family were to join forces with the Min family, they would still find it difficult to withstand this inevitable trend and would have to resort to other means.
Is it the bond between a father and son who were raised by each other?
Or is it a childhood sweetheart with a deep and unwavering love?
The head of the Ju family frowned, so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn't see that Vice Minister Min had stepped forward at some point, cupped his hands, and said, "This humble subject feels the same way."
Is that so?
What is also true?
Supporting the eldest son's lineage over the legitimate son's?
The head of the Ju family was completely astonished, not understanding why the Min family, who were tied to a warship, would suddenly turn against them.
Only the emperor on the dragon throne finally nodded in satisfaction.
A truly close in-law relationship should be like that of the Jiang and Yao families, characterized by a long-standing friendship, mutual benefit, and a close bond.
Instead of Consort Ju using an imperial edict to bind the relationship and threatening the young woman's reputation.
Initially, the eldest prince had a chance of winning, and the Min family was able to swallow their anger. Now that they are losing power, they naturally will not care about this mere bestowed marriage.
The Tian family went to great lengths to get Jiang Jizong to act, all for this one scene.
With the Chu and Min families taking sides, the Ju family has become completely isolated. A smart person should know that the next thing to do is to save their life and live well.
As for the Zhu and Tao families who remained silent, the Tian family merely glanced at them and then calmly spoke, “What you all say is very true. Establishing the eldest son as heir is indeed the golden rule of the Dayu Dynasty. I only hope that my son Changyan will not disappoint my expectations and will become a good crown prince who cares about the country and its people.”
As the last syllable fell, almost all the court officials knelt down and shouted in unison, "Your Majesty is wise!"
The head of the Ju family was both shocked and angry, but he had no choice but to go along with the crowd.
Among all the officials and civil servants, there were no longer any supporters of the eldest prince.
"I will write the imperial edict to appoint the Crown Prince as soon as I return. The investiture ceremony will be handled by the Ministry of Rites. Also, remember to sew the Crown Prince's python robe." The Emperor instructed in a detached tone.
Minister Qi accepted the order and received the imperial decree.
A strange sound was heard, but it was forcibly suppressed.
The emperor swallowed hard and said, "Since that's the case, let's adjourn the court."
Steward Wu hurried forward and carefully helped the emperor to his feet.
The court officials had doubts, but they were more concerned about the appointment of the crown prince. Some of the more astute ones had already stopped Jiang Jizong and asked him questions here and there.
The fifth prince, who was so weak that he needed ten hot water bottles to keep warm, now has the support of most of the court officials.
Some of them were people he had recruited himself, while others were sent by his father.
However, the decision to establish a crown prince is already a done deal, and it is impossible to change unless the legitimate heir dies.
"Lord Jiang, where did the Fifth Prince go? Is he receiving the imperial edict at the West Third Palace?" someone asked impatiently.
"Yes, Lord Jiang, where is the Fifth Prince? I wish to offer my congratulations." Another person echoed this sentiment.
Jiang Jizong looked up. He didn't know where the Fifth Prince was either, but based on human nature, he guessed that the Fifth Prince should be in a small courtyard.
When they left, their future seemed bleak, and even their relationships had to be kept secret. When they met, they even sneaked into the women's latrine.
Now that he holds power and influence, he can protect everyone he cares about, and his relationships with them are no longer afraid of being exposed. Of course, he can't wait to set off.
Go see the person you've been longing for in your dreams, apologize for the wedding you unintentionally ruined, find a warm nest, go... home.
I'm home.
A stunningly beautiful, slender young prince in a brocade robe, and a soft, timid young doctor carrying a small medicine box.
Standing before the wooden door I've dreamt of countless times, I feel an overwhelming longing in my heart, yet I've lost the ability to speak and move.
They listened intently, hearing the chattering of girls, their cheerful laughter, the clatter of pots and pans, and the smoke rising from the stove.
Compared to the cold palace, this is the real human world.
"It's so good, so good." Wen Zhiyun's eyes were red. "I can hear my sister's laughter again, my second brother's voice, and the familiar braised pork knuckle."
Even at the long banquet, he smiled, but a hint of bitterness lingered in his smile.
He was different from his fourth brother, who had returned in glory and was a hero who protected his younger brother, his heart filled with joy and excitement.
He left without saying goodbye, refused to see her, and was the culprit who ruined the beautiful wedding.
Although I knew rationally that my family wouldn't blame me, I still felt a pang of sadness and embarrassment, so much so that even with the door knocker right in front of me, I hesitated to knock.
The chatter inside continued, seemingly discussing some happy occasion.
"Great, great, let's do it this way. Then we can eat to our hearts' content again." Jiang Sheng clapped her hands with delight.
"All you ever think about is eating." Zheng Ruqian said, feigning anger. "You'll be doing all the work later."
“What’s there to be afraid of when I’m working? My aunts and uncles will come to help me.” Jiang Sheng said without fear. “But you, don’t eat at our wedding banquet.”
“I’m the big boss, why can’t I eat?” Zheng Ruqian bickered with his sister as usual.
Jiang Sheng put her hands on her hips and said, "You're not the big boss, Fourth Brother is."
So... whose wedding banquet was it really?
Chang Yan and Wen Zhiyun exchanged a glance, a sense of unease creeping into their hearts.
Speaking of which, my younger sister is already thirteen years old. Some families have already arranged her engagement, and she's just waiting to be married off when she comes of age.
Even in aristocratic families that dote on their children, after the child reaches the age of fifteen and gets engaged, they are expected to get married within two years, by which time the child will be seventeen or eighteen.
Could it be that the Jiang family has arranged a marriage for Jiang Sheng?
This realization made the two brothers restless, and they had to put aside all their emotions.
With a single glance from Chang Yan, the guards resignedly stepped forward and knocked on the door.
The arguing inside the courtyard stopped instantly.
Jiang Sheng asked cautiously, "Who is it? Is it my brother returning from his shift?"
“Impossible,” Zheng Ruqian immediately denied. “The timing is wrong, and my elder brother wouldn’t leave early.”
“That must be someone from Baiweisheng or Jiuzhenfang.” Jiang Sheng scratched his head. “It couldn’t be someone who came over to have a taste after hearing about the wedding banquet.”
As the two were discussing, Jiang San came over and bolted the door.
As the wooden door slowly opened, two similarly young men appeared before everyone.
Jiang Sheng's expression froze instantly.
The little girl stood there blankly, rubbing her eyes repeatedly, showing neither the expected joy nor the unexpected shock.
She shed her earlier liveliness and boldness, and timidly tugged at Zheng Ruqian's sleeve, "Second Brother, I had another dream."
“I dreamt that... Fifth Brother came home.”
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