Chapter 141 Don’t Try to Take Advantage of This Loophole
The Crown Prince suddenly chuckled softly, his tone becoming increasingly subtle. "If any of them were lucky enough to see the Emperor's sister's beauty and were so astonished by her beauty that they insisted on marrying her, then for the sake of diplomatic relations between our two countries, even if your father felt reluctant, he would probably find it difficult to refuse. The thought of the Emperor's sister marrying off to a remote wilderness is truly heartbreaking."
"Your Excellency said so, didn't you?"
Xie Jinglan's expression suddenly turned cold, and he immediately interrupted, "Your Highness, you are worrying too much. Our Dajing nation is strong and powerful, and our military is formidable. We do not need to sacrifice women for marriage in exchange for stability. Your Majesty, with his righteous judgment, will never agree to such a thing that damages the national dignity."
"What the Marquis said is righteous and reasonable. However, matters of diplomatic relations are often roundabout and not everything can be made public."
The night wind carried his voice, his tone full of suggestion. "Coincidentally, over the years, I have been responsible for receiving envoys from various foreign countries. I know the temperaments and preferences of those princes...very well. If anyone truly makes an inappropriate request, I can help them find a solution."
Upon hearing this, Xie Jinglan only raised the corner of his lip slightly, his curve cold and stern.
"Your Highness is very good at understanding people's hearts. He even knows the temperament and preferences of princes from distant countries. I admire you."
Then he suddenly calmed down and rejected the prince's suggestion.
"However, diplomatic relations are fundamental to a nation's well-being and are crucial to its dignity. All matters are solely under the control of Your Majesty, and the Ministry of Rites will handle them according to established regulations. As a mere military official, I serve the king with all my loyalty and protect the capital. I dare not presumptuously interfere with such diplomatic details."
The prince looked at Xie Jinglan intently for a moment, then slowly spoke,
"Your Majesty is a pillar of the nation, deeply trusted by my father and in charge of the defense of the capital. You are truly the backbone of our court. I have always admired your talents and only hope that you can understand the current situation. If you can provide me with your full support, I will not let you down."
These words are an undisguised attempt to win over others.
Seeing that the court is leaning towards Prince Chen, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is now becoming restless.
Upon hearing this, Xie Jinglan only slightly bowed his hands and said, "Your Highness, I am ashamed to accept your kindness. All I have done is to be loyal to the king and repay your majesty's grace."
…
The carriage rumbled along in the night.
Inside the carriage, Xie Jinglan leaned against the wall, his eyes slightly closed, his fingertips unconsciously twisting the cold white jade ring.
The prince's words just now are still echoing in my ears.
He knew very well that the prince had been having secret dealings with the leaders of several border states, including the Western Di, for a long time, secretly supplying gold, silver, iron ore, and even women from the Central Plains.
How many of the beauties given away as gifts had a good ending?
Now, he dared to blatantly reach out to his Ning'er!
When Xie Jinglan thought that the prince might take advantage of the reception to push Wen Ning to the front during the banquet, or even work secretly to promote that absurd marriage, an uncontrollable murderous intent surged in his chest.
Since the prince can use this as a threat, it means he has this intention.
Only by cutting off his evil hand reaching out to Ning'er from the root can she be kept safe.
The first and foremost strategy is to never allow him to have the authority to receive foreign envoys again!
He tapped the car wall with his fingers and ordered in a deep voice, "Change the route and go to Prince Chen's Mansion."
…
Chengxi Palace.
Shen Yunshu's period was several days late, and she often felt nauseous and anxious.
Because of the request from Marquis Anyuan, he went to the palace to find Wen Ning, wanting her to secretly take his pulse.
Her slender fingers gently pressed on the wrist. After a moment, Wen Ning stopped taking the pulse, and a gentle and understanding smile appeared at the corner of her lips.
Concubine Hui and Shen Yunshu asked anxiously almost at the same time: "What happened?"
Wen Ning raised her eyes, eyes full of sincere joy, and whispered: "Congratulations, Your Majesty, congratulations, Princess, you are pregnant."
As soon as the words fell, Concubine Hui's brows suddenly lit up with joy, and she kept saying, "Amitabha, it's really the Bodhisattva's blessing! What a great joy, a great joy!"
Shen Yunshu was stunned on the spot, her hand subconsciously touching her lower abdomen, her eyes filled with incredible surprise and excitement.
She had not taken any bitter tonics during this period, and had not followed the imperial physician's instructions regarding sexual intercourse with Xiao Jinyu. She had simply acted according to her heart, but she had never expected that she would get pregnant like this!
Shen Yunshu suppressed her excitement and said softly, "Mother, Shu'er was weak before, and she's only been pregnant for a short time. I'm not sure if the fetus can be kept stable. Shu'er... Shu'er wants to keep this a secret for now."
Concubine Hui held her hand and said, understandingly, "Shu'er is right. It's always right to be cautious. The first three months are the most critical, so we should be cautious."
Shen Yunshu said, "So I was thinking... could I let Sister Ning'er come back to the palace with me and live there for a while? I'd feel more at ease with her looking after me. If I frequently summon the imperial physician, it would only draw attention to me."
She looked at Wen Ning with an earnest look.
Upon hearing this, Concubine Hui patted her hand gently and said, "Good child, I understand your feelings. However, if Ning'er wants to leave the palace and stay at the prince's residence for a while, you need the emperor's personal permission."
She frowned slightly, "It just so happens that His Majesty has been in a rather bad mood these past two days. I'm not sure if it would be possible if I were to ask him now..."
Wen Ning asked softly, "What is worrying about, Father?"
Concubine Hui lowered her voice and pondered, "Recently, there has been a sudden increase in the number of memorials impeaching the Crown Prince in the previous dynasty, and the things they say... seem quite well-founded. Your Majesty is clearly troubled and angry about this matter, and he has even eaten less these past two days."
Concubine Hui, thinking of her daughter-in-law's long-awaited child, went straight to Emperor Chengxuan without caring that the emperor was troubled by government affairs in recent days.
She didn't mention her pregnancy, but softly said, "Your Majesty, Yunshu hasn't been feeling well lately and is quite depressed. She and Princess Yanning get along very well. The princess has a gentle personality and is knowledgeable in medicine. Shu'er was wondering if she could ask Princess Yanning to come over to her house to keep her company for a while, to talk and comfort her."
Emperor Chengxuan thought it was just a normal request between the female relatives and did not think much about it.
He was already preoccupied with the Crown Prince's affairs, so he had no intention of interfering with such a small matter. He nodded and said, "Alright. Let Ning'er stay at Prince Chen's mansion for a few days to accompany Yunshu. Yunshu hasn't been pregnant in years, and I think she's sad because of this. You should comfort her and don't be too anxious. After all, she's still young."
Concubine Hui felt relieved and bowed quickly, "On behalf of Shu'er, I thank Your Majesty for your understanding."
Emperor Chengxuan seemed to suddenly remember something, his eyes darkening slightly as he added deliberately, "Go ahead, but tell the people in Prince Chen's Palace to keep a close eye on me. Don't let that brat Xie Jinglan find any excuse to go to Prince Chen's Palace and see Ning'er privately. I haven't given my approval yet, so don't even think about taking advantage of this opportunity."
Concubine Hui's heart tightened slightly, and she quickly responded, "I understand. I will definitely remind you again and again. Your Majesty, please rest assured."
The next day, Wen Ning moved into Prince Chen's Mansion with Shen Yunshu.
Xie Jinglan immediately learned the news.
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