Chapter 196

C196 – Your Father Has Worked Hard

The disappearance of Wang Zixian generated suspicion that lingered for a whole month. It was only when the summer season gave way to something else that this incident slowly faded into the background.

The negotiations between South Jin and North Yue had achieved success.

The two nations had forged an agreement stipulating a five-year cessation of hostilities and the maintenance of friendly relations with neighboring countries. In the face of common adversaries, they pledged to join forces and provide mutual assistance.

Over these five years, South Jin and North Yue would engage in regular trade and permit their citizens to intermarry. Annually, North Yue would exchange one thousand war horses for five thousand South Jin silks and one thousand cows and one thousand donkeys for medicinal herbs, tea leaves, and various other commodities.

County Princess Liyang, originally intended to marry Crown Prince Zhao, was indeed wedded, but not to Crown Prince Zhao as his consort. Instead, she became the wife of the King of South Jin, a position second only to that of the queen.

However, observant individuals noticed that despite her lofty status, this lady seemed to have assumed the role of the North Yue princess and occupied a place in South Jin’s harem without garnering the King’s favor.

Upon reflection, this arrangement appeared logical. King of South Jin had already experienced betrayal once; it was not easy for him to place trust in people from North Yue. To avoid the possibility of siring another illegitimate child that could be exploited by North Yue, he exercised caution.

Setting aside the King of South Jin’s unresolved resentment, the Crown Prince Residence remained tranquil.

Tang Yue had been entrusted with Wang Zixian’s care, relieving Crown Prince Zhao of immediate military duties, allowing him to concentrate on strengthening his nation’s power. This situation could be described as a double-edged sword of happiness.

Consequently, everyone within the Crown Prince’s Palace noticed a recent transformation in Crown Princess’s demeanor. Not only did she personally prepare a variety of delectable dishes, but she also distributed two sets of autumn attire and a bag of rice to each servant in the residence. She equipped the palace guards with the latest armor and weapons, and each of them received a generous ten-day leave.

Chief Lin and Chief Lin’s approach made every servant in the Crown Prince’s Palace deeply appreciative of Crown Princess. They had never encountered such a gracious and kind-hearted mistress.

“Your talent for winning hearts is truly remarkable. In another year and a half, the servants in the Crown Prince’s Palace might only remember Crown Princess and Crown Prince,” Crown Prince Zhao playfully remarked.

Tang Yue chuckled, “You’re just being a little jealous. If you smiled more often, people would naturally gravitate toward you.”

Crown Prince Zhao pinched his cheek, “Could Crown Princess really smile? As the crown prince of a nation, there are times when I need to maintain a serious demeanor. What kind of logic is that?”

Tang Yue shrugged, disinterested in explaining the benefits of amiability. After all, being well-liked was preferable to enduring the annoyance of others.

Fortunately, his Crown Prince wasn’t someone who drew contempt from others; he simply felt uneasy in the presence of people.

Within a family, there had to be a contrast—one person who appeared timid and another who maintained a stern demeanor. Tang Yue believed this balance was just right, a harmonious match!

“I’ve heard rumors of a significant incident in the palace last night. Even the Queen Goddess was perturbed. Do you have any information?” Tang Yue inquired curiously of Crown Prince Zhao.

Wait. Over time, everyone would come to recognize their abilities, so they should be able to understand, right?

Crown Prince Zhao shifted his position, placing his hands on his chest and resting his head on Tang Yue’s lap. He casually remarked, “It’s nothing significant. The harem mistress simply can’t stand solitude and wants to enter Royal Father’s chambers.”

Tang Yue was taken aback. He clicked his tongue and thought, “Polygamy really leads to such situations.”

Apart from evoking some tongue-clicking, it wasn’t that surprising. He posed another question, “Who is it? Do I know her?”

Tang Yue didn’t notice the cold smirk on Crown Prince Zhao’s face but heard him reply, “Madam Li.”

It took Tang Yue a moment to realize that Madam Li referred to County Princess Liyang from North Yue. He suddenly felt awkward.

He had encountered County Princess Liyang before. She was youthful and attractive. He might be willing to forget about marrying the King of South Jin, an old man who could be his father, but she still sought to join the royal bed. Wouldn’t that make her uncomfortable?

Nevertheless, he understood that within the palace, a woman’s fate hinged on earning the king’s favor. Without it, her life would be desolate and frigid. Furthermore, without a man’s offspring, she couldn’t give birth to a son, leaving her without a support system for the rest of her days.

This was a concern shared by every woman who entered the palace.

“It’s a tragedy... that woman ultimately became a pawn in the politics between the two nations,” Tang Yue remarked. In her view, marriage was an unreliable factor. The South Jin wouldn’t yield to the North Yue simply because Madam Li was added to the equation, and the North Yue wouldn’t sway their overlord’s heart just by marrying off a daughter.

County Princess Liyang’s life would likely be even more wretched than her predecessor’s.

“So how did the king handle her?”

“Her status is clear. How could His Majesty treat her arbitrarily? Besides, Lady Li is young and beautiful, possessing a graceful figure. His Majesty isn’t at a disadvantage in any way. Others might criticize him for it. It’s true. I heard that she spent the past few nights with Madam Li.”

“Isn’t the king worried about another Wang Zixian situation?”

“As long as His Majesty hasn’t lost his wits, he won’t allow her to bear a child. The women of the harem aren’t entitled to bear the royal heir,” Wang Yao explained.

“Is that so? Then why do the birth mothers of the First Prince and the Eleventh Prince seem to have lower status?”

“Exceptions exist, of course. The First Prince’s mother has a humble background, but His Majesty holds her in high regard. The Eleventh Prince was conceived when His Majesty was inebriated and involved a palace maid. Only after his birth did everyone learn about it and avoid the scandal.”

Tang Yue chuckled and shook his head. “It’s truly intricate. It must be challenging for you, Your Majesty, to manage so many women.”

Crown Prince Zhao raised an eyebrow, gazing at Tang Yue in bewilderment. He couldn’t quite fathom his feelings at that moment.