This time, however, Jing Shuo only smiled faintly, without the explosive anger he had shown before.
"Thank you for your concern, Vice Minister Zhao. Even if things don't go well, I can still enter the palace to pay my respects to my father. I understand my shortcomings and dare not ask for anything more. I can leave the palace after the court session."
"I hope Father will not be angry and will forgive your son for coming uninvited."
Jing Shuo is now also using a strategy of retreat to advance.
Jing Huaixu was happy with Jing Shuo's change and didn't care about anything else. On the contrary, he would be unhappy if someone made a veiled criticism of his son while he was in a good mood.
"Prime Minister Zhao, what's the rush? I don't quite understand."
Jing Huaixu asked Zhao Zuo Chengxiang in a stern voice, and Zhao Zuo Chengxiang, feeling guilty, admitted his mistake: "Your Majesty, please forgive me."
Jing Lu quickly tried to smooth things over: "Father, I am very happy that my second brother is back. Zhao Zuo Chengxiang's words must have been unintentional."
“Your son has been of mediocre talent since childhood. Your second brother is better suited to assisting the country than I am. I dare not dream of anything else and only wish to do my job well.”
Jing Shuo sat directly opposite Jing Lu, tilting his head to look at him. He couldn't believe that even though he was Prince Li now, he still had that annoying, pretentious attitude.
He remarked meaningfully, "Third brother, it's been so long. You and your second brother haven't changed a bit from how we remember each other. That's wonderful."
Jing Lu didn't understand the meaning behind his words and smiled sincerely: "Second Brother has become more cheerful."
As the two talked back and forth, Jing Huaixu still remembered that it was his crown prince who had recently gone on the expedition.
Since the Crown Prince had recommended Jing Shuo, he also wanted to see how much progress Jing Shuo had made over the years.
Without being rude, he compromised and said, "Your Highness, since Shuo'er has returned, let's not make him go back again. I think it would be better to let Jing Shuo and Jing Lu stay with me."
Jing Yan did not want this at all. He called Jing Shuo back to check Jing Lu's control over the court while he was away.
Jing Yan wants to use Jing Shuo, but he doesn't yet have the confidence to entrust all his resources to him.
Two years may have been enough to suppress my temper, but I couldn't shake the deep-seated hatred I held onto.
With Jing Lu around, Jing Shuo's hatred will only grow stronger, and there's no guarantee that Jing Shuo won't be set up again due to impulsiveness.
With Jing Lu absent, the network of connections that Prime Minister Zhao had built for Jing Lu, including Prime Minister Zhao himself, was in disarray.
Jingyan suggested, "Father, what Prime Minister Zhao said earlier makes sense. It is a big deal that my second brother has difficulty walking and cannot travel. I called him back because I understand his situation."
“But my second brother is not made of paper either. With the palace servants taking good care of him, he has managed to get by while he was away. It’s impossible that he won’t be able to do anything now that he’s back.”
"My third brother has always been well-versed in military strategy and has learned a few skills. Prime Minister Zhao said that my third brother is not resolute enough. But where is there a place that can temper a person better than the battlefield? I beg Father to allow my third brother to accompany me on the expedition."
With Jing Lu by his side and under his personal supervision, Jing Yan had fewer worries.
When Jing Lu heard that he was to go to the battlefield, he knew all too well that all those who could accompany his elder brother to fight, from the generals to the soldiers, were his brother's confidants.
If he were sent to the battlefield, there's no guarantee that one day some "accident" might happen and he would never come back.
Jinglu resisted: "Father, I have never been on the battlefield, so I am definitely not up to the task."
Jing Yan laughed: "What are you saying, Third Brother? No one is born to belittle themselves. No one is born to be on the battlefield. Neither is the Emperor nor the soldiers in the Emperor's army."
"Everyone here has gone through a long period of training. The third brother is just too docile and needs to be pushed to grow."
"Your Majesty believes that Third Brother's reluctance is not out of fear. Third Brother, could you please explain your reasons in detail? Otherwise, after court today, your reputation will not be good."
Jing Yan's words reminded Jing Huaixu that he had been to the battlefield himself, so what excuse did Jing Lu have not to go?
While speaking, he reminded Jing Lu that if he still refused to go, it would be considered cowardly and afraid of death. The people did not want their sons to go to the battlefield to fight, but were all sacrificing for the country.
If Jing Lu, being a prince, could simply refuse to serve, it would cause resentment among the people.
For every soldier who returns, one more commoner will remember a prince who retreated in the face of battle.
When news of a victory is reported, the people will mock them for having a prince who is cowardly and dares not make achievements, only hiding at home like a coward.
Jing Lu would be subjected to harsh criticism and ridicule at any time.
Jing Lu understood the meaning behind Jing Yan's words. His face grew paler and paler because if he didn't say it again, he would personally confirm his reputation for being a coward.
Even Zhao Zuo Chengxiang couldn't say anything, lest it be considered nepotism. Jing Lu could only look at Jing Huaixu pitifully, hoping that he would refuse Jing Yan's proposal.
Jing Huaixu could see the fear on Jing Lu's face, but Jing Yan's words just now made him feel guilty as well.
As Jingyan said, no one is born to be on the battlefield; everyone is forced to do so.
Jingguo was humiliated by Anguo, and Jingyan, the crown prince, had a hard life from a young age. He volunteered to go to the military camp from childhood, and suffering and getting injured were common occurrences.
If the crown prince is like this, why can't Jing Lu go?
Even though Jing Shuo almost harmed the Crown Princess back then, Jing Yan didn't hold it against him and gave Jing Shuo another chance.
Jing Huaixu did not realize that Jing Yan recommended Jing Lu to prevent him from causing trouble in the court; he simply thought that it was a genuine opportunity for Jing Lu to gain experience.
After considering for a long time, Jing Huaixu readily agreed: "Alright, Prince Li will then accompany the Crown Prince on the expedition."
"As for the Second Prince Jingshuo, I hereby bestow upon you the title of Prince Jing, and you shall remain in the court immediately."
Jing Shuo returned as he wished, and he readily expressed his gratitude, saying, "Your subject thanks Your Majesty."
Jing Lu's eyes were filled with disappointment, but he hid it in his eyes. He then bowed and thanked Jing Shuo, saying, "Thank you, Father Emperor."
Soon the court session ended. As the civil and military officials left, Jing Lu glanced at Jing Shuo and Jing Yan, then said nothing more and hurried to the inner palace.
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