Chapter 156 You are the Emperor, Long Live the Emperor!
To guess what someone has done, you need to think from their perspective.
Jiang Yu stared at the book, her mind racing with thoughts of Prince Kang's experiences. Although her mother held the rank of concubine, she was originally a palace maid. And while Consort Xian's family had improved considerably, they were still of little use to Prince Kang. In this situation, he could only rely on himself.
Therefore, he was wise, courteous to scholars, and always polite and refined in public. However, judging from Princess Kang's illness, Prince Kang's true nature was not like that. A person who pretends for too long is prone to psychological distortion. Princess Kang's illness suggests that Prince Kang's inner self had become twisted.
Furthermore, Prince Kang is the eldest son of the emperor, and with the crown prince having passed away many years ago, he is the most likely successor. However, the emperor shows no intention of appointing a crown prince. Prince Kang is over thirty years old, while the emperor remains healthy. Under these circumstances, can the emotionally twisted Prince Kang endure this, and can he continue to feign innocence?
If he no longer wants to endure or pretend, what will he do?
A coup!
Thinking of this, Jiang Yu clenched her fist. A coup would require an army, but neither Prince Kang himself nor his overt forces had the military power. Furthermore, the camp outside the capital had always been under the control of Marquis Chengen, who was the Empress's brother and the late Crown Prince's uncle; it was neither possible nor necessary for him to side with Prince Kang.
Of course, it cannot be ruled out that Marquis Chengen may have lost his mind and secretly supported Prince Kang.
Without the support of the Marquis of Cheng'en, King Kang would need his own army to stage a coup. This explains why King Kang embezzled military supplies; maintaining an army naturally requires a large amount of money.
Another possibility is that King Kang colluded with the border armies. But regardless of the reason, it all comes down to one word—military.
At this moment, Xia He walked in and whispered in Jiang Yu's ear, "Butler Li came over and said that Princess Kang... left last night."
"Your Highness." Li Zhengze's attendant rushed in at this moment, bowed to Li Zhengze, and said, "This servant heard that Princess Kang went there last night."
Li Zhengze was taken aback after hearing this. "So what if they went? What does it have to do with me? All this fuss is disturbing my sleep."
The attendant shrank back, muttering, "I was just afraid that when the Marquis asked you how to handle this matter, you wouldn't know?"
Li Zheng glared at him. "Princess Kang is a woman. Attending her funeral is a matter for my mother and the Crown Prince's wife. What does it have to do with me?"
The attendant shrank back, bowed to him, and withdrew. Li Zheng then closed his eyes and went back to sleep. Jiang Yu lowered his eyes and pondered for a moment before getting up and walking out.
Once they reached a secluded spot, she lowered her voice and said to Xia He, "Have Steward Li send people to keep a close watch on everyone in the Kang Prince's residence, including the Kang Prince's advisors, close associates, and servants."
"Yes." Xia He knew the seriousness of the matter, turned around and left immediately to inform Butler Li.
Jiang Yu watched her figure disappear before turning back to her study. She had only taken a few steps when she bumped into Tang Boyang, who was walking hurriedly. Jiang Yu quickly bowed to him, "Your Excellency, Minister."
Tang Boyang ignored her and hurried forward, only to stumble and fall after a few steps. His attendants quickly helped him up, saying, "Master, you must hold on!"
Tang Boyang wiped away his tears, and with the help of his attendants, he stood up and jogged away. Jiang Yu watched his flustered and sorrowful figure disappear before turning back to her study.
Other officials in the Ministry of Revenue began to discuss the matter amongst themselves...
......
Imperial Study
Prince Kang stood before the Emperor's desk, his face streaked with tears. "My princess consort went there last night. Before she left, she held my hand and told me to take good care of the two children..."
As he spoke, tears streamed down his face again. If it had been before, the emperor would never have doubted his feelings for Princess Kang if he had acted this way. But after learning of his courtship of Jiang Yu, the emperor began to re-evaluate his son.
The emperor looked at his tear-streaked face, paused for a moment, and said, "Handle the funeral properly, and consult with Minister Tang on any matters."
King Kang wiped away his tears. "Yes, Your Majesty understands."
The emperor waved for him to leave, and Prince Kang bowed to the emperor before turning to leave. At the entrance of the imperial study, he encountered Prince Rui. He quickly bowed again, saying, "Uncle."
Prince Rui also heard the news of Princess Kang's passing. He reached out and patted her on the shoulder, saying, "The dead cannot be brought back to life. Please accept my condolences."
King Kang's tears flowed again. "Thank you, Uncle King."
Prince Rui patted him on the shoulder again. Prince Kang wiped away his tears, bowed to Prince Rui again, and then left with a sorrowful expression. Prince Rui glanced at his retreating figure and stepped into the Imperial Study.
The emperor smiled when he saw him. After bowing, Prince Rui said, "Jingchen is a man of great loyalty and affection."
The name of the Kang King was Qin Jingchen.
The emperor gave a faint "hmm," gestured for Prince Rui to sit, and said, "He is a man of deep thoughts; you should have less contact with him."
Prince Rui lowered his eyes slightly and asked, "Why did Your Majesty summon me here?"
"Some of the improved bows and arrows you made last time have been produced and distributed to the camps outside the capital," the emperor said with a smile. "The Marquis of Cheng'en has submitted a memorial praising them repeatedly."
“Your Majesty has already rewarded me, and I have been very busy these past two days,” said Prince Rui.
It means, don't bother me unless it's important, I'm busy.
The emperor knew his temperament and didn't mind. Instead, he said, "I used to think that you were playing with those things, which was almost like indulging in frivolous pursuits. I was wrong. From now on, you can focus on your research. If you need anything, just tell me."
Prince Rui nodded, and the Emperor glanced at him and said, "You'll be twenty-one soon. You always said you were too young to get married, but twenty-one isn't young anymore. How about we have a princess consort chosen for you after the New Year's selection?"
"Your Majesty, I have no time to get married," Prince Rui said directly.
The emperor's face darkened. "The marriage is none of your business, it won't take up much time."
Prince Rui: "I am not used to having a stranger in the house."
"You can't stay unmarried your whole life." The emperor's tone was stern. "It's all about your parents' wishes and the matchmaker's words. Now that your father is gone, I, as your elder brother, will arrange your marriage."
Upon hearing this, Prince Rui stood up abruptly. "Even if Your Majesty has made up your mind, I do not want it. I have to take my leave now."
Prince Rui bowed and walked out. The emperor was also angry. He pointed at his back and said, "Who am I doing this for? Isn't it all for you? After I leave with the Empress Dowager, there will be someone by your side to take care of you."
Prince Rui stopped and turned around, saying, "Pah! You are the emperor! Long live the emperor!"
"Hahaha..." the emperor laughed and said, "Alright, how about you choose for yourself then? If you don't like it, we won't take it."
Prince Rui pursed his lips. "Alright."
The emperor smiled again and waved his hand, saying, "Go and get busy."
Prince Rui bowed to him again before leaving. The Emperor sighed, "I also feel that none of the noble ladies in the capital are worthy of him."
Zhao Fuquan poured him a cup of tea. "Prince Rui is top-notch in both looks and intelligence. There aren't many who can match him."
The emperor agreed with this statement. With pride on his face, he said, "Although he is excellent, he cannot remain unmarried indefinitely. As the children grow up, there will be more things to worry about."
"Prince Rui has been sensible since he was a child. Now that we're in the capital, which family's child can be as outstanding as Prince Rui?" Zhao Fuquan said, picking out words that the emperor wanted to hear.
Sure enough, the emperor laughed heartily again.
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