Chapter 184 Assigning tasks to the brothers...
After the impact of high-yield grain varieties, there was nothing major happening at today's morning court session.
The ministers tacitly stopped talking about trivial matters and instead engaged in a serious and enthusiastic discussion about how to trial-plant and distribute the grain seeds. After that, they stopped talking and it was time to leave the court.
Emperor Hongren specially kept his two sons behind.
Qi Chengming was sent away, heading towards the inner palace—this was a hint given to him by Emperor Hongren.
Although he had lost his mother, the Empress Dowager was still in the palace. Qi Chengming only went to pay his respects to the Empress Dowager once, on the day he returned, and hadn't visited her much since.
Regardless of whether Emperor Hongren was acting out of concern now, or whether he would regret it later, Qi Chengming was prepared to listen attentively and follow his instructions. He would try to cultivate a better relationship with the Empress Dowager, whom he had only met a few times. If things didn't work out, so be it; as long as the outward manners were impeccable, that would be enough.
The eldest prince and the sixth prince, who were left behind, exchanged a joyful glance and respectfully awaited their orders, saying, "...Father."
The Emperor didn't leave behind his second brother/second brother, but he kept them. Is this finally going to be the Emperor's way of showing favor to them?
Without saying a word, Emperor Hongren directly appointed the eldest prince to the Ministry of War to be in charge of manufacturing new crossbows, and the sixth prince to the Ministry of Revenue to be in charge of the disbursement of funds for building factories and shops on land in the suburbs of the capital.
Upon receiving these two assignments, the two princes nearly lost control of their joy and gratitude, kneeling to accept the decrees with tears in their eyes. All their resentment vanished instantly: "Your subjects accept the decrees!" "Yes, your subjects will do their best!"
Look, one is in charge of weapons, and the other manages land expenditures—these are all sensitive and important matters! They've actually been given such important assignments this time, which is completely different from their previous minor tasks. Why is Father so confident in them?
The sixth prince was too young to understand yet, while the eldest prince was already trying very hard to control the corners of his mouth from turning up.
This is not only a very important task, but also a very lucrative one. The eldest prince is currently focused on proving himself and won't actively seek anything, but the normal tribute that comes with this task is enough to ease the pressure of raising the eldest prince.
His wives and concubines, and the children born in the last two years, all cost him money. But he was a prince without any family or property. He had no means of support and had not established his own residence outside the palace. He relied entirely on his allowance from the palace and his mother's financial support to make ends meet, making his life extremely difficult.
How could the eldest prince not breathe a sigh of relief now?
With this assignment in hand, the eldest prince no longer envied his second brother for running a briquette factory or winning over the hearts of displaced people. Frankly, none of that mattered as much as this matter. The eldest prince clearly understood the importance of the grain seed task and didn't let his second brother handle it either.
Only then did he feel relieved.
The eldest prince regained some confidence and composure.
Ultimately, his maternal family has inextricable connections within the military, though their influence has waned in recent years, they haven't been replaced. When his father considered assignments related to military equipment, he was the first person he thought of, which is also...
"You should go and thank Chengming."
Emperor Hongren was also quite shrewd. After announcing the tasks, and seeing the grateful expressions on his two sons' faces, he casually added, "If it weren't for his pleading, saying he was too busy, these tasks wouldn't have been your turn."
The eldest prince's face almost turned green; he nearly couldn't stop himself from saying what he hadn't finished:
...That's...right.
The sixth prince was as if he had been doused with a bucket of cold water, and he was sobered up. His expression was complicated and he felt extremely uncomfortable.
What?
Was Father Emperor willing to give him the job because of my second brother?
Emperor Hongren's words were a blunt reprimand to his sons, not an attempt to curry favor with his second son. Frankly, he was worried about his eldest son's past lapses in judgment and his younger son's impetuous and dull nature causing trouble; he needed to be disciplined. As for his second son…
During the days that Emperor Hongren spent with his son, he found many faults in him, but there was only one thing that Emperor Hongren never doubted: this son was very capable.
I can let him do whatever he wants without worry.
...
The eldest prince and the sixth prince were sent out looking disheveled after being given their tasks.
"Sixth brother, Father has spoken. Let's find some time to go and thank your second brother together." The eldest prince had already regained his gentle demeanor and suggested after exchanging a glance with the other prince.
Since his second brother is currently enjoying great success and is willing to share the benefits with them, the eldest prince naturally wants to seize this opportunity to strengthen his power and demonstrate the true meaning of brotherly love and respect.
"Brother, we can't leave the palace."
“Father has already made it clear, are you still worried about this?” The eldest prince shook his head and smiled as he pointed out, showing utmost courtesy. “Go back and write the visiting cards in advance these next two days, and we’ll send them out together. We’ll visit in a couple of days.”
"...Alright." After overcoming the mixed feelings of jealousy he had just experienced, the Sixth Prince genuinely wanted to thank his Second Brother.
Jealousy is jealousy, and it doesn't feel good, but he appreciates the benefits he received.
The two walked together for a while, but parted ways when they were almost inside the palace.
The eldest prince returned to his residence, while the sixth prince went to pay his respects to his grandmother.
During his year of travel, the Sixth Prince and his grandmother grew much closer. He would frequently visit her to pay his respects and enjoy her company. This devotion was unmatched by the other princes, so the First Prince, aside from his regular visits, would not bother to seek her out.
When the sixth prince arrived, he happened to see his second brother leaving.
Judging by the time, they probably just finished drinking a cup of tea, completed the formalities, and politely invited the person out.
"The Sixth Prince has arrived." The older female official who had escorted the Second Prince turned around and saw the Sixth Prince. Her expression changed from a proper smile to a relaxed and loving one, and she couldn't help but become much more affectionate. "There are some chrysanthemum cakes that you like in the small kitchen. The Empress Dowager was just saying that she was wondering why you were so late today..."
"Father kept us here today to discuss some matters," the Sixth Prince said hastily, feeling extremely embarrassed, his eyes involuntarily glancing to the side.
"..." Qi Chengming greeted him as if he hadn't heard him, his expression unchanged, "Sixth Brother is here too? I was just about to head back."
He had long known that the Sixth Prince and the Empress Dowager were in cahoots, and that he had even been secretly pushing this together for years. The Empress Dowager, meanwhile, tried to remain impartial among the princes other than the eldest grandson, unwilling to offend anyone, nor to be too close to any one.
Qi Chengming just happened to stumble upon this contrast in attitudes; he won't be upset about it.
The sixth prince, however, was unsure.
"Second brother." His heart tightened, and he cautiously observed the young prince's expression as he greeted him, but he couldn't find a trace of anxiety, anger, or disappointment on Qi Chengming's face.
The sixth prince was unsure whether he should be proud of his grandmother's special treatment of him.
He had finally overpowered his second brother, but in the future... if the Empress Dowager's affair came to light, would the Empress Dowager's favor still be there? At least it should be considered a way out, and he should cling to the Empress Dowager even more tightly.
Upon thinking this, the Sixth Prince's arrogance vanished completely, and he returned to his usual reserved and obedient demeanor, honestly saying, "Second Brother, I've already arranged with Eldest Brother to send you an invitation to a banquet in a few days."
Qi Chengming almost laughed out loud: "What are you talking about? Since you've come to my residence, it's only natural that I invited you."
"If you wish to invite them, that's fine too. Next time I come to the palace, I'll arrange a meal at your residence." Qi Chengming didn't stand on ceremony. Since he had his sights set on his brothers, he was naturally willing to superficially mend their relationship.
This is also what Emperor Hongren wanted to see.
"Mmm-hmm." The Sixth Prince nodded vigorously, which only made Qi Chengming more confused and cautious.
After leaving the Empress Dowager's palace, Qi Chengming headed towards the Second Prince's residence, intending to take stock of the personnel situation in his own residence.
But before he even left the inner palace grounds, he saw a palace maid and a eunuch looking up anxiously along the palace path not far away, as if waiting for something with trepidation. Only when they saw him did they greet him with delight.
"Your Highness, Second Prince." "Your Highness, Second Prince." The two bowed respectfully and whispered, "Our Lady is restless day and night. To express our apologies, please accept this gift, Your Highness."
Xiao Chengzi, who had been trailing behind like a shadow, finally reacted. Two soft, lumpy things were stuffed into his hands. He squeezed the purse and found it to be soft. He was momentarily confused and couldn't figure out what they were.
In Liuzhou, it's a bit easier; the tickets have that kind of tactile feel. But in the capital… surely this empress wouldn't be giving out some common, readily available silver note?
Xiao Chengzi was still looking at his prince with questioning eyes, seeking an answer on whether or not to accept the offer.
Qi Chengming was also a bit confused and started asking about the procedure: "Your lady is...?"
The eunuch knew that if he gave his name, the second prince might not know it, so he answered in an even more humble and tactful tone, "My lady was originally Consort Xian."
Oh, is that Consort Xian, who seems to have no vested interest but is actually related to him by marriage and yet has taken action against him?
Qi Chengming felt reassured and gave Xiao Chengzi a look of approval.
He accepted the apology with a clear conscience.
The eunuchs and palace maids were skilled and discreet in their bribery. After striking their target, they retreated nonchalantly back into the shadows of the palace path and disappeared into the distance.
Qi Chengming didn't take it to heart and continued on his way.
"...Your Highness?" Xiao Chengzi, with her sharp eyes, whispered, "They went in the direction of Zhaoyang Palace. I think I saw Consort Xian looking out at the door."
Qi Chengming nodded in understanding.
He was getting old, and his mother was no longer alive. It was a taboo thing for him to meet a concubine in private, so Consort Yuan was very cautious.
Xiao Chengzi remained calm and didn't touch the two purses again in the palace. Qi Chengming also pretended that nothing had happened and went to the Second Prince's residence.
"Your Highness." Some palace servants who were sweeping and cleaning nervously gathered around and came forward to pay their respects.
Qi Chengming looked around and saw that everyone was a stranger; there wasn't a single familiar face.
"Your Highness, this servant is Wu Qingdao, the head eunuch of the Prince's Palace." A young eunuch with a fawning smile hurried over, greeting the palace servants and currying favor with Qi Chengming, "Your Highness, look, these are the new servants assigned to the Second Palace. Some are honest, some are clever, each has a skill, and they are all extremely dutiful!"
Qi Chengming examined it carefully.
At first glance, you can't really tell much, but you have to admit that this batch of new palace servants is already of higher quality than most of the palace servants in the Second Prince's residence when he first transmigrated. The palace maids and eunuchs look well-behaved and spirited, looking forward to the arrival of the new servants.
At that time, the second prince was not valued, and many palace servants were squeezed out through manipulation, resulting in a mixed quality of personnel.
As for now...
Qi Chengming understood.
...These palace servants probably pulled some strings, but this time they're just trying to climb the social ladder by clinging to him.
He glanced again at Wu Qingdao, who was looking on expectantly. The young eunuch, fearing that Wu Qingdao would hold a grudge for his inaction back then, kept his back humbly bent the whole time, acting as if he were completely subservient.
"Alright, I'll stay here tonight." Qi Chengming didn't delve into the matter further, and with a word, he dismissed Wu Qingdao and the palace servants. The clever little palace maid then ran inside to set up the bedroom. The eunuchs, not daring to be arrogant, silently handed over the personal tasks like serving tea and water to Xiao Chengzi.
Xiao Chengzi gave him an approving look.
Now was not the time to recognize people, so he followed Qi Chengming and tacitly entered the side hall that served as a study, and then—took out his purse.
After enduring it all the way, they can finally find the answer:
"—Your Highness, please take a look."
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