Prince Duan has lived in seclusion for many years, and newly rich people like Cui Zichen would hardly remember that such a person still existed in the capital. But judging from the tone of Prince Qin's words today, it is clear that the two still have dealings.
Prince Duan had a deep affection for the late emperor. When the late emperor was alive, Prince Duan was skilled in literature and adept at handling domestic affairs. It is said that when the country was still unsettled, and the two brothers, Emperor Taizu and the late emperor, were fighting on the battlefield, Prince Duan was the one who stayed in the central government to coordinate the allocation of supplies.
This clearly demonstrates Prince Duan's abilities.
However, this person disappeared quickly after the late emperor's death, hiding in the Daxiangguo Temple and never stepping out again. It's hard to say that he didn't know something and actively avoid trouble.
Moreover, the other party is clearly on the side of the King of Qin, or rather, the late Emperor.
In this light, the King of Qin's chances of winning have increased even further.
Cui Zichen accepted the King of Qin's favor and thanked him sincerely. After chatting with the two for a while, he noticed that Shen Youying looked tired, so he took the initiative to say goodbye.
Xie Qinglan had come with him, so naturally they would leave together. Seeing him leave so quickly, she was somewhat dissatisfied, and after they were a distance apart, she muttered a complaint, "I haven't even finished catching up with Zhaozhao yet, why are you in such a hurry?"
Cui Zichen looked at her helplessly: "Didn't you notice that Princess Qin was tired?"
"Really?" Xie Qinglan recalled for a moment, realizing that she hadn't paid much attention to Shen Youying's expression, and asked in confusion, "Zhaozhao has more energy than me. Usually when we go out, I'm the one who complains of being tired first."
Cui Zichen shook his head, smiling without saying a word: "Times have changed."
Xie Qinglan frowned: "If you're going to say it, just say it clearly. Why are you hiding it and only saying half of it?"
Cui Zichen stopped by the carriage and waited for her to get in before lifting the curtain and beckoning to her: "Come closer, I'll tell you something."
Xie Qinglan looked at him suspiciously, wondering if he was going to play a trick on her.
In the end, however, he couldn't resist his curiosity and leaned in with some skepticism.
Cui Zichen leaned closer, his lips almost touching her ear, and said in a low, breathy voice, "If I'm not mistaken, Princess Qin should be pregnant."
Xie Qinglan's ears were tickled by his breath, and her heart started pounding. But before the romantic atmosphere could even begin to build, she was stunned by his earth-shattering words.
"What?!"
"Shh—" Cui Zichen put a finger to his lips to remind her not to say anything inappropriate.
Xie Qinglan still couldn't believe it and said, "How did you figure that out? If it's true... why didn't Zhaozhao tell me about such a joyous occasion?"
Cui Zichen said, "I have some medical knowledge and guessed it from his eating and subtle movements. I'm not telling you because the current situation is complicated, and the information cannot be revealed for the time being. So even if you know, don't tell anyone."
Xie Qinglan said, "Of course I won't tell anyone. Zhaozhao's secret is my secret. But you, don't go around telling others."
Cui Zichen looked at her, raised an eyebrow and smiled: "Your secret is also my secret. Who else can I tell on it to?"
Unexpectedly, he suddenly changed the subject, and Xie Qinglan's heart skipped a beat, her ears burning. She quickly lowered the car curtain to block his overly eager gaze.
*
On the other side, Shen Youying also asked about Prince Duan: "Why have I never heard you mention Prince Duan before?"
When the name of Prince Duan was mentioned, Xue Shen's expression became somewhat complicated. He frowned and pondered for a long time before saying, "Prince Duan is a difficult person to talk about."
Shen Youying's expression grew increasingly puzzled.
Xue Shen thought for a moment and said, "Prince Duan is only two years younger than my father, but he never got married until my father passed away. Do you know why?"
Shen Youying naturally didn't know, and could only shake her head. However, it was indeed a bit strange that Prince Duan, who held a high position and great power during the late emperor's reign, had never married.
"Prince Duan likes my mother." When he said this, Xue Shen's expression was rather complicated.
"My mother and father passed away one after another. I originally only suspected the Emperor, but it was Prince Duan who gave me crucial evidence. In order to quell the rumors, Emperor Cheng'an did not dare to suppress the old party of the late Emperor in a big way. Prince Duan was too cautious. As soon as the Emperor ascended the throne, he found an excuse to resign and went to the Daxiangguo Temple to cultivate in seclusion, without giving the Emperor a chance to take action. Later, he lay low for a long time before secretly contacting me."
Xue Shen is still very grateful for this. But later, he realized from the clues that what the other party had done in secret was not entirely for his father, but more for his mother. When he went to verify it himself, the other party readily admitted it. Xue Shen's feelings became complicated. He was unsure how to get along with him. In addition, the two of them were not suitable to be in contact too frequently, so he simply kept quiet about it.
Unexpectedly, there was such an entanglement between the previous generation. Shen Youying was so shocked that she opened her mouth wide. After a long while, she said, "The late Empress must have been an excellent person."
That's why the late emperor didn't take any concubines into his harem, and why Prince Duan remained unmarried for so many years, silently protecting the emperor.
Mentioning his deceased mother, Xue Shen's face showed a look of nostalgia: "My mother was gentle and tolerant at home. I was naughty when I was young, but she could tolerate whatever I did. She was able to assist my father in handling state affairs and deserved the title of 'Empress of the World.' If she could see you, she would probably like you very much."
Shen Youying tried to imagine the image of the late empress, thinking that a mother who could raise a child like Xue Shen must be a gentle yet strong woman.
She took Xue Shen's hand and said, "In the future... I will go with you to pay respects to our father and mother."
*
The peace talks with the Northern Rong lasted for five or six days before finally being concluded.
Aside from the numerous clauses in the peace treaty, the most noteworthy event was undoubtedly the marriage of the Northern Rong princess.
After much deliberation, the Northern Rong princess found no suitable suitor and instead volunteered to become Emperor Cheng'an's consort.
It is said that her original words at the time were: "These gentlemen are either not talented enough or not of high enough status. If I am going to marry, I will naturally marry someone of supreme status and supreme talent. After thinking it over, the only one is His Majesty of the Great Wei."
Emperor Cheng'an was almost two cycles older than Yelü Nanxian, and his health was failing. Therefore, when Yelü Nanxian proposed a marriage alliance, he never considered bringing her into his harem.
But now that Yelü Nanxian has brought it up, he thinks it over again and realizes it is indeed a good idea.
Yelü Nanxian was a princess of the Northern Rong, and no matter which minister's family she married into, there would always be a barrier, making people uneasy. Marrying the crown prince would have been quite good. However, Yelü Nanxian did not take a liking to the crown prince, and the crown prince stubbornly refused to marry again, so it was better to take her in himself.
Moreover, Yelü Nanxian had chosen him over so many young noblemen, and although Emperor Cheng'an no longer visited the harem due to his health condition, he still felt greatly affirmed and satisfied.
After discussing with his court officials, Emperor Cheng'an finally agreed to Yelü Nanxian's request.
Yelü Nanxian was granted the title of Noble Consort Rong.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
