The news that Xing Xiaoya had been taken into the palace by Princess Zhaoyang caused a great uproar among the noblewomen of Wangjing.
Even a commoner girl could enter the palace, and she was even kept overnight in Cining Palace by the Empress Dowager along with Princess Zhaoyang.
Not to mention common women, even ordinary noblewomen do not have such an honor.
Everyone was discussing who this Miss Xing was, that she could receive such a favor.
Although the Empress Dowager doted on Princess Zhaoyang, it was completely unreasonable for her to bring a village woman into the palace to stay overnight. This was not something Princess Zhaoyang could get away with by begging and pleading; it must have been approved by a powerful figure.
Everyone guessed that the important person was the Empress Dowager. They figured that Xing Xiaoya was pleasing to the eye, and the Empress Dowager was at the age of enjoying her grandchildren, so she would probably like such a beautiful young girl. But in fact, it was the Emperor who gave his approval.
While Xing Xiaoya was socializing in the palace, the Jiang family members were also busy.
Jiang Chengli listened to what Xu Wanying said to the system that day and took it to heart.
The Jiang family held a meeting overnight. Except for Xu Wanying, who was fast asleep in her room, everyone else gathered at Shou Kang Yuan. Men, women, young and old all came together to discuss the future plans of the Marquis of Zhongyi's mansion.
After exchanging a few words, the young women all left, leaving only Cen Ying and the men of the Jiang family.
“The one above us is in good health. Our Jiang family should remain loyal subjects and not take sides prematurely,” said the Marquis of Loyalty and Righteousness, giving a thumbs-up that was a veiled reference to the emperor.
“But the situation is compelling, and we have no choice but to take sides. If, as the divine artifact says, the Third Prince marries Xing Xiaoya and then successfully ascends the throne, then our Jianghou Mansion will be condemned to hell. Now, among the princes who are suitable, who do you think is the right one?” He posed the question first.
The Jiang brothers looked at each other but didn't say anything.
Such a struggle for succession could lead to the extermination of nine generations of one's family if handled poorly. It meant putting the entire family's heads on the line, so who would dare to speak rashly?
"Second son, you go first," Marquis Zhongyi called out directly.
Jiang Chengxiao pointed to himself, frowning as he said, "Father, according to the order, whether from oldest to youngest or youngest to oldest, I'm not first. My eldest brother is standing right here; if you don't let him speak, what am I supposed to say? You can't be biased. Besides, I've just returned to the capital from out of town and don't know the situation here—"
His opening remarks were full of excuses, not because he was being cunning, but because he genuinely dared not make a choice easily.
However, before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by the Marquis of Loyalty and Righteousness.
"Stop talking nonsense. How long have you been back in Kyoto? Ever since you became impotent, you've been running around looking for secret remedies to restore your virility. You've probably turned the whole of Wangjing upside down. You know the most information, and you're always full of tricks up your sleeve. I'll let you speak first. Anyway, the final decision is made by everyone. Whether it's right or wrong, it can't be blamed on one person. The whole family will share the responsibility."
Jiang Chengxiao pursed his lips, his face slightly embarrassed: "No, Father, Mother is still here. Why are you telling me everything? When I was looking for the secret recipe, I went to all sorts of places and consulted all sorts of people. I only learned about trivial matters and it was of no help to any Jackie Chan."
Marquis Zhongyi, impatient with his rambling, said irritably, "Tsk, haven't you regained your virility yet? Why are you so hesitant and indecisive? Are you not a man at all?"
Jiang Chengxiao couldn't stand such a challenge, so he immediately said, "Fine, I'll go first and throw out a suggestion. It seems that the Sixth Prince has the best chance of winning."
"His mother, the Imperial Noble Consort, is favored, and he also has powerful maternal relatives. Although the sixth prince is mischievous, he is still quite intelligent and has a good sense of right and wrong. With the assistance of virtuous ministers, he can maintain the status quo."
He first expressed his opinion, which sounded like a casual remark, but the reasons he gave were very sufficient and took into account all aspects.
The Jiang family's decision to take sides in advance, though reluctant, was not a joke about the fate of the nation; at the very least, they couldn't push a tyrannical ruler to the throne.
Marquis Zhongyi nodded without offering any opinion, then pointed to Jiang Chengzong and said, "Boss, it's your turn."
“If it were up to me, I would choose the Second Prince. He is very capable in the army, having trained for five years and won several battles. In particular, the Huainan Army and the Shubei Army under his command are completely convinced of his abilities and have been brought under his control. As the saying goes, might makes right. Once he controls the military, even if his name isn't on the final imperial edict, he can still turn the tide and put him on the throne.” Jiang Chengzong did not refuse and spoke directly.
After he finished speaking, the room fell into a deathly silence, and for a moment no one dared to speak.
After a long while, Jiang Chengxiao patted his chest, rolled his eyes, and said, "Big brother, you really are a master of silence, but when you do speak, it's astonishing. That last sentence was absolutely terrifying. We're choosing sides, not actually rebelling."
Jiang Chengzong's words were concise and to the point: the second prince held military power, and even if the emperor did not pass the throne to him, he could still lead his army to storm Wangjing, rebel, and ascend the throne.
"Little Fourth, what do you think?" Marquis Zhongyi looked at his youngest son who had been recognized.
Jiang Chengyi had been listening intently, and when his name was suddenly called, he was startled.
"Father, my brothers have been working in the imperial court all their lives. I am neither good at literature nor martial arts, and I know nothing about the princes. I'd better not say anything, lest I make a fool of myself." He scratched his head, clearly at a loss.
"Precisely because they are all working in the imperial court, they are more likely to be blinded by their own involvement. Moreover, this concerns the future of the whole family. You are a part of it, so speak boldly. You should speak freely in front of your family."
Cen Ying, who had been silent until now, couldn't help but offer a few words of encouragement.
Jiang Chengyi felt a warmth in his heart upon hearing this. After all, when he was with the Wei family, he didn't dare to express any opinions at all. Even if he didn't speak, he would be scolded, which made him timid and hesitant.
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