Chapter 113: Arranged Marriage Could it be that... this pattern refers to the fifth brother? ...
Chapter 113
Emperor Longshun was so busy in the imperial study that he didn't even take a break until midnight. As a close minister of the emperor, Xie Junnuo naturally stayed by his side to help with some trivial matters.
In the past two months, Xie Junnuo could feel the changes in Emperor Longshun.
Especially the blow of the rebellion of the Yuzhou governor - this was a blow on the spiritual level.
Although the rebellion was suppressed, it did not cause any trouble.
But Emperor Longshun was still afraid after all.
He had many more concerns and became suspicious. Coupled with his psychological fragility after a serious illness, he seemed to think that everyone had ambitions to covet his throne.
However, he will continue to reflect on himself under such doubts, wondering whether he is being too harsh. But after reflecting on himself, he will start another round of suspicion, forming a contradictory and unsolvable logical loop.
It goes on and on, with no way out.
He didn't dare strip Duke Lin of his military power outright, fearing being accused of being ungrateful and abandoning his patron saint. So he began to renege on his promises, manipulating Duke Lin's daughter's marriage while shifting the blame onto the Empress and the Crown Prince... leaving himself as a distressed and helpless bystander.
He didn't want Young Master Lin, who was also his son-in-law, to take over Duke Lin's military power, so he sent him to the Ministry of Revenue and Qingzhou, saying it was training him, but in reality it was marginalizing him. But he also married his most beloved youngest daughter to him... It seemed like a favor, but in reality it was also permeated with conspiracy...
But when Lin Zhiyi was able to truly stand on his own, perfectly completing the Ministry of Revenue's mission of earning money, stockpiling grain and reclaiming wasteland, and providing disaster relief in Qingzhou, and even receiving praise from the Qingzhou governor and the trust of the people, he began to feel wary...
He favored the Crown Prince, protecting him several times, both openly and covertly. However, he was unwilling to let the Crown Prince's family dominate the world, so he supported the Prince of Rui and the Prince of Chu, and trained His Royal Highness the Fourth Prince. The Fourth Prince was getting married next month, and he wondered what title he would be given... Now, he was arranging a marriage for the Fifth Prince...
But he clearly hated the vassal kings the most. He had drastically suppressed the rebellion of the vassal kings and finally consolidated the imperial power he had gained...
Perhaps after a serious illness, he'd finally experienced a near-death experience? He wanted to see which of his sons was the most capable? The one most suitable to be the crown prince?
Or perhaps, he wanted to regain the imperial pleasure of being in control of everything? To resist the drag of his dwindling life...
Xie Junnuo had a brilliant mind, was talented, and could handle things properly. As he was a close minister to the emperor, he heard a lot, saw a lot, and thought a lot... naturally, but these thoughts could not be told to outsiders. Over the years, he could only ponder them in his heart. His brilliant mind was almost as smart as seventy... He gradually felt a little tired.
The king's heart is hard to predict.
But his daily job is to guess the king's mind.
How can I not be tired?
But only a little.
As a man of Dayan, it is natural to serve the country and be loyal to the emperor, and create a prosperous era for Dayan.
The current emperor has been on the throne for more than thirty years. He has suppressed the rebellion of the vassal kings, promoted the power of the four seas, driven out the northern barbarians, and annexed the Western Regions... His achievements are remarkable and have laid a certain solid foundation for Dayan.
Xie Junnuo actually admired him very much.
And Emperor Longshun was also very good to him.
After all, they are relatives - his grandmother is Emperor Longshun's aunt, and in terms of seniority, he should call Emperor Longshun his cousin.
It's just that the Xie family has always had a clean and upright family tradition. Grandmother, grandfather, father and mother have always taught them not to be arrogant because of their favor, and not to bully the weak... That's why Xie Junnuo, a gentleman with a great reputation in the capital, was born.
"Jun Nuo...you've worked hard these days."
"This is my duty, Your Majesty, thank you for your praise..." Xie Junnuo said modestly. He collected his chaotic thoughts and looked at Emperor Longshun. Under the flickering candlelight, the emperor of Dayan had already shown signs of aging, with graying hair and wrinkles. Every day and night, he worked so hard...
Xie Junnuo's admiration and criticism of Emperor Long Shun gradually turned into heartache...
But he only dared to think about it in his heart. How could he, a mere minister, feel sorry for the king of a country?
Whenever Emperor Longshun felt like he couldn't hold on any longer, he would look at Xie Junnuo and he would be filled with endless motivation and be able to calm down more.
——Xie Junnuo is the anchor of his imperial study and the cornerstone of his court.
This cousin remained calm and stable even when faced with great pressure. He also had various skills to help him deal with sudden troubles.
"Jun Nuo, do you think I am sometimes too ruthless?"
"Your Majesty, what are you talking about?" Xie Junnuo didn't know what was wrong with Emperor Longshun. He suddenly asked him this, so he was extremely alert to respond.
"I want to share some of the military power in Duke Ding'an's hands... Who do you think is the right person to give it to?" Emperor Longshun said shockingly.
Although Xie Junnuo was shocked, he remained calm on the surface: "Your Majesty must have a candidate. I have never thought about this before. I hope Your Majesty can give me some advice."
Emperor Longshun sighed and said, "The fifth brother... has nothing. If he could get some military power, protecting himself wouldn't be a problem."
Xie Junnuo thought to himself: Is His Majesty planning to use the marriage between the Fifth Prince and Miss Lin San to take away the military power from Duke Ding'an?!
But why is it the Fifth Prince?
The Fifth Prince has always had a weak presence, and almost no one remembers him.
In fact, if we give him some military power... it might save his life.
After all, if he only married Miss Lin San without the military power, the Fifth Prince would definitely be eaten alive by other forces...
He has military power, is the son-in-law of Duke Ding'an, and is the fifth prince... Even if he is weak... No one dares to underestimate him... They can only wait and see... and act cautiously.
What can Xie Junnuo say?
He could only murmur flattery: "Your Majesty is wise."
Because he understood Emperor Longshun's intention in an instant and had no way to refute or advise him.
The heart of an emperor is as deep as the sea.
After weighing the pros and cons, he found that this was a relatively safe move and that he should not move rashly. If he moved, the entire game would become unstable and he might even lose the whole game.
Emperor Longshun smiled, then said with a hint of regret: "If Junnuo was willing to share my worries, I wouldn't have to take this step."
Xie Junnuo knew full well that even if he was willing to get married, His Majesty would never allow him to have any marriage relationship with the Lin Guogong Mansion. After all, his second brother already had a Qin Jin engagement with the fourth Miss Lin.
The decree granting the marriage was issued on the 22nd day of the first lunar month.
The fifth prince Jing Zhuoran became the only one in the royal family to marry the daughter of Duke Lin.
Beyond everyone's expectations.
After Prince Jing Zhuorui of Chu and the fourth prince Jing Zhuoyue learned about this, they felt quite complicated.
Back then, both of them had thought about marrying the daughter of Duke Lin, but unfortunately their father did not allow it.
Now, only a few short months have passed, and the mute Lao Wu has gained such a huge benefit!
Jing Zhuorui already had a princess, and Ji Wushuang and he had similar personalities. Although the Yue family behind him was not as powerful as the Lin Guogong Mansion, it was still one of the six ministries. His indignation subsided after a moment.
After all, he almost fell into a conspiracy and a backstabbing at the beginning. Now he is temporarily avoiding the limelight and just wants to be a good King of Chu.
Jing Zhuoyue had military merits and had laid a solid foundation in the Western Regions. In addition, the second lady of Duke Lin's Mansion and General Gu Tingxuan had a friendship with him during their diplomatic missions to the Western Regions. After he felt jealous of the fifth brother, he quietly suppressed his urge to act.
——Amina is no worse than the daughter of the Lin family.
It is better for the fifth brother to marry the daughter of the Lin family than for the crown prince or Prince Rui to marry the daughter of the Lin family.
Is the emperor planning to sit back and watch the fight between the two tigers?
Pulling out all the brothers at once and making them targets for the prince... Was it to train and spur the prince, or was it to practice witchcraft and then train an heir?
In any case, I'll just have to find a way to win over my fifth brother later... He's always easy to control... As long as he doesn't cause trouble, he won't become a stumbling block.
The prince was very calm when he heard the news - because he had already received a guarantee from his mother that whoever married the daughter of the Lin family, whether it was Cheng Lunian or his fifth brother, would be his helper.
The fifth brother's weak spot is in Zhongcui Palace. If the queen mother wants to control them, it would be easy.
Prince Rui also didn't take it seriously.
Because he never regarded the mute Lao Wu as a competitor, he also did not think that Lao Wu's joining the chaos of brothers fighting would add any bargaining chips to the prince.
He now places his hopes on the child in Shi Yun'er's belly. If he gives birth to the emperor's eldest grandson, wouldn't that be more powerful than a dumb bargaining chip?
Prince Rui has started his recent daily question: "Does the princess show any signs of going into labor today?"
The nanny who served the princess answered cautiously, "...not yet."
Prince Rui then asked the attendant who was watching the Crown Prince's residence, "Has the Crown Princess made any move?"
"Not yet... Your Majesty."
"Keep watching!" He had made up his mind. As soon as there was any movement over there, he would order the imperial physician and midwife in the palace to help Yun'er give birth. After all, Yun'er was a few days later than the Crown Princess in her pregnancy. By then, using some induction should not be a big deal...
Yun'er thought so too. She had even mentioned taking medication these past two days... but he had temporarily suppressed her.
If Prince Rui's family has a new baby too early, it will arouse suspicion.
On the day of the marriage, Jingyue was still in the palace.
Jing Zhuoran received the imperial edict and went to the Yangxin Palace to express his gratitude. On his way back, he paused slightly, then turned and went to the Lanyue Palace.
Jingyue had just finished reading the letter that Pianpian asked Youyi to bring - the letter said that the third sister was willing to get married.
He burned the letter, his heart filled with admiration for the delicate yet noble woman.
Third sister doesn't want to put the Lin family in danger...
In fact, in this era, how many people can be free from the influence of imperial power, family, and forces, and truly be themselves, fall in love with the person they love, and then get married?
How lucky he was to have waited for Pianpian.
"Princess, the Fifth Prince is here." Su Lian reported.
Upon learning that the princess would stay in the palace for three days, Su Lian packed his bags and went into the palace with a few servants to serve Jing Yue.
Jing Yue stood up and went out to greet him.
Jing Zhuoran was waiting outside the hall, his face still reserved. He didn't dare to sit down or go near the inner hall.
The eunuch Ding Fuquan who followed him now straightened his head. Being able to get close to the Lin Guogong Mansion is truly a blessing for Zhongcui Palace and His Highness the Fifth Prince!
Let’s see who dares to bully Empress Xian and the Fifth Prince from now on!
"Fifth brother... please come in." Jing Yue softened her voice and greeted Jing Zhuoran in a feminine voice, "I haven't congratulated you yet, Fifth brother. From now on, we will be even closer."
Jing Zhuoran smiled sincerely and started signing.
Although Jing Yue had been trying to stay away from people as much as possible because he was dressed as a woman, and the Lanyue Palace was remote, and his relationship with his brothers and sisters was not very close, they had been to the academy together and grew up together, so he could naturally understand sign language.
Jing Zhuoran was concerned about the hard work he had put in during his trip to Qingzhou.
Jing Yue replied to him twice, then took the initiative to ask: "Fifth brother, is there anything you need Yue'er's help with?"
Jing Zhuoran gestured and said: I want to ask my sister to bring a gift to Miss Lin San...
Jing Yue: "...Okay." He stared at Jing Zhuoran for a moment and asked, "Is Fifth Brother looking forward to your marriage?"
Jing Zhuoran: Yes. But I'm worried that Miss Lin San might not be willing...
Jing Yue said bluntly, "Don't worry, Fifth Brother. The Third Sister of the Lin Family is very gentle and a very kind person. As long as you two are willing to open up to each other and live your life seriously, you will definitely be able to live a happy life."
Jing Zhuoran gestured thank you.
Jing Yue: "Fifth brother, perhaps you and Third Sister Lin can have a lot of common topics. In terms of poetry, books, and storytelling... a lot... She is also very quiet... You two will definitely get along well."
Jing Zhuoran gestured thank you again.
He felt a little relieved, took out his jade pendant and a painting and gave them to Jing Yue, asking him to pass them on.
Afterwards, Jing Zhuoran left the Lanyue Palace.
Jing Yue placed his jade pendant and scroll into a brocade box and handed it to You Yi: "Give it to the Prince Consort, who will then pass it on to the Third Miss."
"Yes." After receiving the order, Youyi hesitated a little, "Your Highness, is the Fifth Prince's action legal?"
"Of course it's in compliance." Jing Yue's eyes were deep. "He is very sensible. He knew to ask me to be the middleman right away. He also made his position clear right away."
...instead of going to the Queen to express gratitude.
"By the way, check everything more often. While he's unlikely to dig his own grave at a time like this, there's no guarantee others won't try to interfere. It's best to be cautious."
"Yes." Youyi looked at Jingyue worriedly, "Then please wash your hands and check immediately..."
Jing Yue looked at his fingers, which were white and slender, and there was nothing suspicious about them. He chuckled, but did not refuse.
The result is of course no problem.
It is neither poisonous nor contains any perfume that might conflict with certain objects. It is just an ordinary jade pendant and a scroll.
Jing Yue couldn't help but think of the mysterious patterns at the end of the letter that Master Kong Nian gave to him and Pian Pian when he left Tianlong Temple that day - one of them was very strange.
A pair of lips and tongue...
Lips and tongues are inherently strange.
As for the related things, he thought about it over and over again, and could only think of his fifth brother who was speechless...
Could it be... that this pattern refers to the fifth brother?
There are so many people who are eloquent, and there are also many who are taciturn. The only one who cannot speak is Jing Zhuoran.
——Of course, this is the only person they can contact.
There was a sudden rumbling sound at the end of the sky outside, and thunder and lightning occurred frequently.
Jing Yue's eyes flashed, and he stood up suddenly and walked out of the hall.
He guessed right?!
Weather I haven't seen in a long time...
The body swap that I haven’t experienced in a long time... should be coming soon, right?
However, it was the time when the sun was shining on the moon, and it was not suitable to sleep.
Besides, I will be able to leave the palace tomorrow, so I’d better not change it.
Lin Zhiyi had just returned to Bitong Courtyard when a thunderstorm broke out.
Her family accompanied her third sister to receive the imperial edict. Now that the marriage was finalized, there was no possibility of any change. Seeing that her third sister was calm and composed, strong inside, and had no objection to marrying the fifth prince, she stopped trying to persuade her.
After all, she was just a stranger, but Lin Zhishu had lived in Dayan for twenty years and was well-read and knowledgeable. Both the Lin family and the Mu family, plus Gu Tingxuan, had taught Lin Zhishu many life lessons through osmosis. She was only physically weak, but her mind was strong and free.
She has the right to make her own decisions about her life.
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