The Ministry of Personnel has always been more powerful than the Ministry of Revenue, which is in charge of household registration and finance. If Kong Fu can support him for this reason, then his efforts this time will not have been in vain.
Moreover, although Kong Fu is a bit old-fashioned, he is not an unreasonable person. Yongchang is a princess, so she won't suffer any losses if she marries into the family.
The Crown Prince's men soon brought news that Kong Xinyuan was of good character, somewhat upright, diligent and studious, and of decent appearance. Most importantly, Kong Xinyuan had not yet entered officialdom and was still quite young, making him a promising talent.
News also came from his subordinates that Kong Fu's favorite son was Kong Xinyuan, and if Kong Xinyuan was willing to stand on his side, then the Kong family would definitely choose to support him.
The more the Crown Prince listened, the wider his smile grew. Kong Xinyuan could not only fulfill his mother's wishes but also win over talented people from aristocratic families—it was a win-win situation.
However, the most important thing now is to arrange the marriage between Yongchang and Kong Xinyuan before the Emperor issues the decree, and it would be best to make it known to everyone. This way, the chances of success will be greater.
However, the Crown Prince's good mood did not last long. The next morning, after attending the morning court session, he was kept in the Imperial Study by the Emperor.
"Father, did you summon me?" The Crown Prince stood respectfully in the Imperial Study, looking up at the imposing man above him.
"Your Highness, my mind is made up regarding the marriage alliance with Yongchang. You should not interfere in this matter any further." The Emperor casually picked up a memorial from the side without even glancing at the Crown Prince.
In just two short sentences, it was clear that the Crown Prince's subtle actions could not escape his notice.
"Father?" The Crown Prince suddenly opened his eyes wide, looking at the Emperor in shock.
The Crown Prince had no idea that his father had discovered his investigation of Kong Xinyuan yesterday and had even summoned him to warn him.
"Do what you're supposed to do, and don't meddle in things that aren't your business." The Emperor still didn't look up, his tone calm yet extremely authoritative.
"Father, but Yongchang is my younger sister, and you love her the most, don't you? I would like to ask you to reconsider. Yongchang is innocent and simple-minded, and she is not suitable for a political marriage." The Crown Prince lowered his head and spoke with a hint of reluctance, despite the Emperor's imposing presence.
"The position of Crown Prince is not a marriage alliance with Yongchang. You choose one." Upon hearing the Crown Prince's words, the Emperor finally looked up from the memorial and glanced at the Crown Prince.
The position of Crown Prince and Yongchang are not to be married off? You can only choose one? Either you continue to be the Crown Prince, or Yongchang stays in the capital.
The Crown Prince was even more shocked. How could his father say such a thing?
However, the Crown Prince had to admit that when his father said those words, he had already made his choice; he could not leave his position as Crown Prince!
However, although he had already made his choice, he still had to plead with his father for a while longer, otherwise his father would surely think that he was a heartless person who had chosen his position over family ties.
"But, Father, Yongchang, she..." The Crown Prince was interrupted by the Emperor before he could finish speaking.
"Your Highness, you are an adult now. You know what you should do. You may leave. I am very busy." The Emperor waved his hand.
The Emperor understood the Crown Prince's little scheme perfectly well. The Crown Prince's expression when the Emperor announced his choice had already revealed everything. However, this was for the best. To be an emperor, one must be ruthless and heartless.
The crown prince looked at the emperor, dared not say anything more, and could only respectfully retreat.
After leaving the Imperial Study, the Crown Prince began to worry. He had made his choice, but how could he explain it to his mother and Yongchang?
As the Crown Prince was pondering this, he saw people from the Empress's palace walking towards him.
The Crown Prince hardened his heart and thought, "Fine, I'll have to tell my mother about this sooner or later anyway, so I might as well tell her now to prevent her from doing anything behind my back that might anger my father and jeopardize my position as Crown Prince."
When the Crown Prince arrived at Fengyi Palace, the Empress was pacing anxiously back and forth in the hall. Time was of the essence, and no one knew whether the Emperor would suddenly issue an edict to send Yongchang to marry a foreign ruler. The Empress was also extremely anxious and kept an eye on the movements in the Imperial Study.
Upon seeing the Crown Prince enter the Imperial Study, the Empress immediately sent someone to wait there. As soon as the Crown Prince came out, she would immediately call him over and ask him what had happened.
"Your subject greets Your Majesty."
"Your Highness, no need for formalities, come here quickly." The Empress hurriedly spoke, then gestured for her maid Caiqiu to lead the others out first.
When only the Empress and the Crown Prince remained in the hall, the Empress pulled the Crown Prince to sit down. "Crown Prince, how is your investigation going?"
"Mother, Kong Fu's youngest son, Kong Xinyuan, is indeed quite good, but..." The Crown Prince looked at the Empress, hesitating to speak.
"But what?" the Empress asked hastily.
"Mother, Father has discovered my investigation into Kong Xinyuan. Just now in the Imperial Study, Father warned me that his mind is made up and I am not allowed to do anything more." The Crown Prince's tone was somewhat low, as if he was heartbroken. "Mother, Father already knows about this matter, and I cannot do anything more."
"Your father, how could he be so heartless?" the Empress asked in disbelief, her eyes then glazed over, fixed on a spot in the hall, filled with deep sorrow.
"Enough, enough, Your Highness. Now that the Emperor knows you are investigating this matter, you no longer need to concern yourself with it. Your mother will find a way." The Empress slowly shook her head; this matter could no longer implicate her son.
"Mother, Father also said that if Yongchang does not go to the marriage alliance, then my position as Crown Prince will be in jeopardy." Seeing that the Empress was indeed going to take matters into her own hands after hearing what he said, the Crown Prince had no choice but to administer another strong dose of medicine.
"What? Your father really said that?" The empress suddenly stood up, then took two steps back, her body unsteady, and her voice trembling slightly.
"Mother, I don't want to believe it either, but it is indeed what Father Emperor said. It was because Father Emperor noticed my actions that he called me into the Imperial Study after court and specifically told me about this." The Crown Prince's face was full of guilt.
"Mother, it was my fault. If I had been more careful when I was investigating yesterday and had not let Father's people find out, then this matter might not have been a problem."
"It's not your fault, it's my problem. I underestimated your father's ruthlessness and his power. Yes, since he has already made up his mind, how could he let anyone influence his decision?" The Empress stood there, her eyes filled with disappointment.
"Mother, at worst I'll give up the position of Crown Prince. Yongchang is so innocent and lovely, how can he be sent away for a political marriage?" The Crown Prince noticed the disappointment in the Empress's eyes and quickly tried to probe the situation.
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