The most talked about topic in the capital now is the marriage of Duke Lu's daughter. For the common people, this is just a topic of conversation after dinner, but for Chai Shijing, he has to consider the various relationships and entanglements behind it.
"Yes! It's obvious that Lu Fang is a chess piece used by the second brother to trap Duke Lu, but the prince can't see through it." The prince only regarded him as an opponent and was not very vigilant towards other princes.
Du Ruhui shook his head. "If Prince Jin really wanted to win over Duke Lu, he should have found a truly good husband for Wan Qi'er. But he used Lu Fang instead. This is a slap in Duke Lu's face."
"I understand what the teacher said, but I just couldn't guess what Second Brother was trying to do! If you say that Second Brother has no ulterior motives and just wants to slap Duke Lu in the face, I don't believe it."
Du Ruhui had been thinking about this question recently. "I don't think Prince Jin wants to be inferior to others. Has he contacted you?"
"No! I've been sending people to keep an eye on the Prince of Jin's mansion, and my second brother hasn't contacted the court officials privately. He's recruited a group of martial arts masters, and they're either practicing at home or going out hunting. I wonder if he wants to gain experience in the army.
He couldn't get his hands on either the southwestern or northern border armies. If he wanted to participate in the fight for the throne, the most convenient way would be to control the Imperial Guards. However, the commander of the Imperial Guards, Lei Ying, was the emperor's childhood guard and was loyal to him.
The Imperial Guards responsible for protecting the capital are not numerous and are no match for the Imperial Guards. My second brother has always been very arrogant, so he should look down on us. Has he changed his mind?"
A person's temperament isn't easily changed. "You also said that Prince Jin has always been arrogant. Do you think he's not planning to mobilize troops in the southwest?"
Chai Shijing immediately retorted, "How is this possible? If it were so easy to plot, why would His Majesty continue to indulge Duke Lu?"
"But Prince Jin has always been better with his fists than his brains." Chai Shilun has always been very proud of his martial arts and riding and shooting skills, so it is not impossible for him to plan to use the military forces in the southwest.
Chai Shijing asked: "Do you want to give Duke Lu a reminder?" Let the two sides fight.
Du Ruhui pondered for a moment and said, "It's okay to give a reminder. The Crown Prince is trying to win over Prince Jin, but Duke Lu is turning against Prince Jin. This will also cause the Crown Prince and Duke Lu to become estranged."
"I've received news that Duke Lu's legitimate daughter, Wan Shan'er, is interested in marrying my eighth brother, and Duke Lu is already looking for a second option. If this news were revealed to the Crown Prince, my eighth brother might not live long. Teacher, I'm very hesitant."
It's no wonder Chai Shijing hesitated. If he revealed this to Chai Shirong, given Chai Shirong's domineering personality, he would definitely kill Chai Shiqin. If handled properly, Chai Shirong's position as crown prince could be abolished.
Du Ruhui chose Chai Shijing because he was more compassionate than Chai Shirong. "Exposing this matter will indeed bring more benefits than disadvantages, but it will also damage the prince's reputation."
Chai Shijing seemed relieved, "Teacher, I understand."
"We can't expose this matter, but we can't do nothing either. Feng Xuanbo's second daughter, Ren Susu, has a gentle temperament and is particularly skilled in calligraphy and painting. She is a perfect match for the Eighth Prince."
"Then I will find someone to report this matter soon. However, Wan Shan'er has always relied on her cleverness and will not give up until she achieves her goal. We should find a husband for Wan Shan'er."
Du Ruhui thought for a moment, "My sister is marrying Lu Fang. As the elder sister, of course my marriage can't be too good."
The enemy's daughter, the two of them had fewer concerns when they plotted against each other.
Due to the Lu family's repeated urging, Wan Qi'er and Lu Fang quickly set a date to exchange engagement letters. Aunt Liu and Wan Qi'er accepted it calmly.
Wan Shan'er watched the mother and daughter calmly, her vigilance growing. She was worried that it was her engagement letter that was handed over to the Lu family, and she was afraid that Duke Lu would ask her to marry in his place.
She paced back and forth in the room, looking very anxious. She didn't want to delay any longer, and she felt that she couldn't delay any longer. She had to quickly establish a solid relationship with Chai Shiqin.
Chai Shiqin had been busy for some time, but he hadn't left the palace recently. But Wan Shan'er was also lucky: three days from now was the birthday of Old Lady Han of the Duke of Lu's mansion, and invitations had been sent to various places.
Chai Shiqin had never been invited in previous years, but this year was different. Emperor Jianning had already noticed Chai Shiqin, so the Duke of Lu's Mansion also sent him an invitation.
Old Lady Han was the aunt of Emperor Jianning, and Gan Hu, Duke of Lu, was the son of Old Lady Han. He was of the same generation as Emperor Jianning and was his cousin. Because of this relationship, Emperor Jianning trusted Gan Hu very much.
Although the princes and Gan Hu were more distant, they were still relatives. When Madam Han celebrated her birthday, the princes still gave her face. Although they might not come in person, they would definitely send gifts.
Early in the morning, birthday gifts from all over were delivered to the Duke of Lu's Mansion. Seeing that the birthday gifts were almost over, the housekeeper carried a large stack of gift lists and delivered them to the main courtyard.
Old Madam Han smiled as she flipped through the gift list while listening to the housekeeper report on the situation in various places.
"The Crown Prince has official business and can't come; Prince Jin twisted his waist while practicing martial arts a few days ago and can't come either; the other princes will come; the Eighth Prince will also come..."
Chai Shirong never came, and whenever Chai Shilun came, he would just stop by and leave. Old Madam Han didn't care, and said with a smile, "My lords, you are so thoughtful. It's very hot, so make sure to keep more ice in the hall."
Fourteen-year-old Gan Huanyu stared at the housekeeper with innocent eyes, "Will that very handsome editor He also come?"
The housekeeper replied, "We haven't sent a note to Editor He, but we can't rule out the possibility that he might come with Prince Ning or the Third Master of the Chu Family."
"Why don't you post to him, he..."
Lady Fan, the wife of the Duke of Lu, reprimanded him, "Well, it's not your business as a little girl to ask who the invitation is to. When guests arrive, don't talk nonsense. Do you understand?"
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