Look at what you're saying.
The emperor thought for a moment and explained, "Initially, we didn't let you handle it because the timing wasn't right, and you're a young girl, so it's true that it's difficult for you to convince people. But now the whole matter is at a stalemate, and you're providing new clues at this time. It's the perfect opportunity to step on their lead and take over. Even if they have ideas, you can just ruthlessly suppress them."
During this time, I've had Luo Chuan accompany you. Everyone knows he's one of my trusted confidants; with him around, things will be much easier for you."
Luochuan?
"Father, this is quite a generous gesture! But he seems a little afraid of me."
"Look at what you're saying. He's not afraid of you. He usually avoids you because you do things out of line and he's too lazy to deal with your deliberate pranks. But if you ask him to do something serious, he'll do it perfectly."
You've done something for me, and this isn't a simple matter. Luo Chuan is one of my men; having him follow you will make those people think twice before doing anything to you.
Ah Ning, just remember, the Crown Prince and I will support you!
Having said that, Rong Ning couldn't remain silent. Raising an eyebrow, she said, "Then I thank Father Emperor in advance!"
The emperor waved his hand, "Why should we, father and daughter, be so distant? Have you been having a good time at the Prime Minister's residence lately?"
"I'm quite happy!" Rong Ning nodded. "The Prime Minister's residence is very interesting."
The emperor laughed heartily, "As long as you're happy. At first, I was worried that you would be mistreated in the Prime Minister's residence, but it seems I was overthinking it."
Seeing the Prime Minister's face grow darker every day makes me happy. His discomfort makes me feel good. Now that I'm putting you in charge of this matter, his future will be even more difficult.
Ah Ning, what do you think he'll do in the end?
"Your subject does not know!"
How could she know what the Prime Minister would do?
"Father and the Prime Minister are so familiar with each other, what do you think he will do?"
“I don’t know either!” The emperor shook his head. “He has held a high position for many years, is very shrewd, and does things thoroughly. He is not the type to sit idly by and wait for his doom. But recently, I have been pressing him step by step, but he has not made any significant moves. I can’t quite figure him out.”
Tsk tsk, I see. That's interesting!
The father and daughter chatted for a while, mostly about court affairs, which served as a kind of guidance for her. Rong Ning listened to some of it but kept some to herself. When it was almost time, she left the palace again.
She never intended to stay in the palace.
It was getting late, so Rong Ning went straight back to the princess's residence. Unexpectedly, the crown prince was also there. According to the steward, he had been there for quite some time.
Rong Ning had spoken a lot with the Emperor in the palace, but now, facing the Crown Prince, she didn't want to speak. Coupled with the unpleasantness from before, she was even less inclined to talk.
Have everyone leave and lie down on the deck chairs in the courtyard, close their eyes and rest.
Ah Ying and Ah Heng finally got together, winked at each other, and went outside to start cricket fighting.
Ah Ying craned her neck to look at the two siblings and asked, "How is the Crown Prince's mood today?"
"It wasn't very good at first!" Ah Heng replied, "but after running around everywhere, it seems to be getting better. How about your master?"
Her mistress...
After thinking for a moment, Aying said, "It doesn't have any impact. I'm full of energy. Aheng, I feel like I'm going to do something extraordinary with His Highness."
"Of course! His Highness is no ordinary person."
These two siblings are both destined for great things.
Ah Heng plopped down on the porch and ordered, "Find me something to eat, I'm hungry!"
Aying glared at him irritably, "Is your master not feeding you?!"
But he still gave the order to prepare some food.
In the courtyard, the Crown Prince sat beside Rong Ning and spoke first, "I heard that Father has asked you to take charge of the Zhu family case and the affairs of the North."
"Um..."
"It will be very difficult and arduous..."
"I know!"
"They might even become the target of public criticism!"
"I know that too!"
"Then why did you agree!"
Upon hearing this, Rong Ning opened her eyes and said slowly, "When the people in the Ministry of Justice were handling this case, you were not unaware that they were responding passively, but you dared not act rashly. Matters in the court are interconnected, and if you and Father Emperor directly intervene with forceful means, you will lose the support of the people."
Without popular support, you cannot lead the overall situation.
But I'm different. People don't need to be on my side. I just need to do my job and do it well.
To put it more bluntly, by taking on this case, I've become a knife in my father's hand...
Clear away the obstacles in his path and bring down the prime minister's faction.
I don't like backstabbing and intrigue, but I'm not stupid; I still want to gain something, more or less.
Rong Ning spoke slowly, her voice flat, yet the Crown Prince's throat tightened. "Since you knew, why did you agree?"
"Because I have no choice. No matter what your starting point is, we all want the same result. Whether you become a knife in the Emperor's hand or an object of universal scorn, as long as your path is smooth and as long as I can obtain military power in the North, then it doesn't matter."
Moreover, Rong Ning felt that even if she were a knife, it would be double-edged. If her father didn't use it well, he wouldn't have an easy time either.
The crown prince sighed heavily, his voice filled with endless desolation, "In the end, it's just that I'm somewhat useless."
Upon hearing this, Rong Ning turned to look at him, her tone calm but her eyes firm, "There's no point in talking about this now. You can't say you're useless either, because you have to be useful, otherwise I'll never get what I want."
"Cheer up! Find that mistress of yours as soon as possible. I'll turn the Ministry of Justice upside down in the court; I'll find something to use against her!"
The Crown Prince remained silent...
He had many thoughts in his mind, but he had to admit that Rong Ning was right. He nodded and said, "I know. If there's anything you need me to do, just let me know."
"good..."
Rong Ning responded.
After resting for a while, he felt a bit hungry, so he asked for dinner to be prepared. The Crown Prince then ate a meal at the Crown Palace before returning to the East Palace.
After the Crown Prince left the residence, a palace maid came to report, "Your Highness, Miss Xie said she wants to come and pay her respects to you."
ah?
Rong Ning was stunned for a moment before remembering that there was still Xie Xizhu in the manor.
Oh dear, I've been running around all day and completely forgot about that girl!
He slapped his forehead and asked, "Miss Xie, did you eat well today? Did you go out of the manor?"
"Your Highness, I'm eating three meals a day as usual, but I haven't left the residence!"
"It's good that you didn't leave the manor!" Rong Ning breathed a sigh of relief. Right now, all the rumors in Nanyang City are about her and Xie Xizhu's romantic escapades. She doesn't care, but Xie Xizhu might not, so it's good that she didn't go out.
Rong Ning considered for a moment and instructed, "Tell Miss Xie that there is no need for her to pay her respects. It is getting late, so let her rest early. I will be very busy in the next few days and will not have time to accompany her. If she wants to go out for a walk or return to the Prime Minister's residence, you do not need to stop her. Just let the people from the Princess's residence go with her."
"Yes, Your Highness!" the maid replied and withdrew.
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