Chapter 104: Favour and Generosity (II)

Chapter 104: Favour and Generosity (II)

Jingyan, you are experienced in leading armies, we want to hand over control of the Capitol Patrol to you, what do you think?

At these words, Xiao Jingyan was stunned into silence for the second time today, so that for a long time after the Emperors question, he was unable to form a reply.

At first, the Emperor waited patiently. He thought Prince Jings silence was due to deliberation over how to express his gratitude, and felt that since this son of his had spent most of the recent years leading armies outside of the capital, and seldom received imperial favour, it was natural that his response time would be slower and his words less sweet when compared to Prince Yu, and so it would be not trouble to wait a little longer.

But as he waited and waited, the Emperor gradually began to realize that something was wrong.

Prince Jings expression was growing less and less like that of someone considering how to express thanks, and instead looked as if he was considering whether or not to accept this responsibility.

Displeasure arose in the Emperors heart.

It was not as if Prince Jing had not been in court when the Crown Prince and Prince Yu had fought so desperately over this position, and now it was being handed to him on a golden platter, surely hesitation was not the appropriate response, to say nothing of falling to his knees in gratitude the way anyone else might have done.

Jingyan, are you afraid of the hard work? The Emperor asked coldly.

Your son would not dare, Prince Jing knelt hurriedly. Your son is deeply touched by Fathers great kindness, it is only.

Only what?

Prince Jing hesitated for a moment, and then drew himself together and said, It is nothing. Your son accepts this responsibility, and will henceforth discharge all related duties to the best of my ability, so as not to betray the trust Father Emperor has placed in me.

Though Prince Jing had not answered the question, the Emperor thought he understood his hesitation. Although Prince Jings lack of enthusiasm following this imperial favour had irritated him a little, it was a great comfort to him that this son of his evidently had no wish or intention to join in the fight for the throne that was currently dividing his court.

You do not need to worry too much, the Emperor said, patting Prince Jing on the shoulder as he spoke. You are a prince, and an accomplished military general, what is leading this little Capitol Patrol compared to that? Father Emperor is here to support you, and we will see who dares to say anything. In the days to come, if anyone tries to wrong you, be sure to tell Father Emperor, and we will certainly see that justice is done.

Actually, the reason Prince Jing had hesitated just now was not as simple as the Emperor believed. Since he had taken on the goal of attaining the throne, naturally any additional power was welcome, and the only reason he had hesitated was because his influence was still weak at the moment, and he did not want to suddenly appear to be receiving too much imperial favour, for fear of attracting the Crown Prince and Prince Yus attention. But since the Emperor had offered this favour in person, he had no time to consult Su Zhe for advice, and so he could only grit his teeth and accept the responsibility, and deal with the consequences later.

Throughout this entire process, Consort Jing had stood quietly to one side, as if the matter had nothing to do with her at all. It was only when father and son seemed to have concluded their conversation that she came forward with a bowl of snow clam soup, saying in her gentle voice, Has His Majesty taken his afternoon nap yet today? How about having a few spoonfuls of soup and then taking your rest here in your servants rooms?

The Emperor accepted the bowl and took a sip. This soup tasted even richer and purer than the snow crab soup he was accustomed to, and a crisp sweetness lingered on the tongue even after swallowing. He finished half the bowl almost unthinkingly, and then rinsed his mouth before allowing Consort Jing to lower him onto the bed, a pillow under his head, its sweet fragrance filling his nose as he lay down.NewW novels updates at novelhall.com

What kind of pillow is this?

Your Majesty, it is made of cotton with sun-dried honeysuckle at its core, as well as plum flowers and lotus leaves and a variety of other medicinal herbs. If Your Majesty likes it, your servant will be glad to stitch a new one for Your Majestys use.

Meng Zhi complied without a word, and the door to the tunnel had just been closed when Prince Yus footsteps were heard. Mei Changsu turned to receive him, indicating as he did so for Li Gang as well as Zhen Ping, who had followed Prince Yu into the room, to retreat.

Mister Su, did you know the matter of the Capitol Patrols leadership has already been decided? Prince Yu did not waste any time with pleasantries, and he spoke with his teeth gritted and a dark expression on his face.

Oh? Mei Changsu raised an eyebrow. From Your Highness appearance, could it be that I guessed wrongly?

You did not guess wrong, Father Emperor indeed did not allow the Ministry of War to claim the position, Prince Yus tone was extremely unhappy. He gave the position to Prince Jing.

This time, Mei Changsu was truly a little surprised. Prince Jing? When did this occur?

This very afternoon. There was no sign of this decision beforehand, and His Majesty did not seek anyones advice before suddenly, it was done.

I do not understand why Your Highness is angry, Mei Changsu said indifferently. Is it not a good thing for the position to fall to Prince Jing? At least he is just and fair, and Your Highness does not have to worry about him favouring the Crown Prince.

If Prince Jing were truly only Prince Jing, then I would be content to see this matter decided as such, but. Prince Yu had a special kind of sensitivity towards his enemies, and at this moment, this particular awareness was in full force. Doesnt Mister Su feel that Prince Jing has been rising a little too quickly recently? Since he accepted the Land Infringement Case, Father Emperors favour towards him has been increasing by the day, even the court officials have been praising him more and more, and his renown lately seems to be rising to the heavens. And all the newly appointed officials in the court seem to have a very good impression of him, and though he does not show any sign of taking sides or amassing support for his own claim, the Prince Jing of today is certainly not the same Prince Jing who returned to the capital last year.

Mei Changsu appeared to be considering this very carefully before he said, When everything is laid out in this way, it does seem a little suspicious. But even if Prince Jing had ambitions of his own, it would be difficult for them to come to fruition without any support. Is Your Highness certain that he has not been gathering support for his own claim?

That is what Qin Banruo has reported. But lately, Qin Banruohas been a little disappointing. Many things she only knew about after the fact, and some information was even wrong. She suspects there may be traitors in her network, otherwise her connections would not be so neatly cut, without leaving any trace or sign to be followed.

Mei Changsu tapped his fingers lightly on his desk and said slowly, I have never inquired much into Miss Qins methods. But I am sure the name list of her informers is very well-hidden, and rest assured, if she must investigate it for traitors, how could she fail to identify them?

Something flashed across Prince Yus gaze, but he said nothing. He knew very well the list of the informers Qin Banruo had placed into various different households was known only to himself, her, the chief old master of his imperial household Mister Kang, and Zhu Hua, a scholar whom he trusted above anyone else. Each of these persons should have been above suspicion. Putting aside himself and Qin Banruo, Mister Kang had been a part of his household for more than twenty years, and Zhu Hua was his greatest assistant in the court as well as his wifes own older brotherhis wifes

Mei Changsu glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, but acted as if he had not seen the mix of emotions that had flitted across Prince Yus face, and only continued peacefully, His Highness came today in such a great rush, was it only because of the news that Prince Jing had been granted command of the Capitol Patrol?

Of course not. Father Emperor has also issued an imperial edict allowing Prince Jing to visit his mother in the palace whenever he likes, without needing to obtain imperial permission. This is a privilege given only to royal princes, and I fear he is about to rise one great step in rank, and will soon be rubbing shoulders with me. Father Emperor has neglected Concubine Jing for so many years, and then out of the blue he decides to raise her to Consort, so when you look at all of these things together, it cannot be coincidence, Father Emperor obviously means to support Prince Jing, just like that year when he. Prince Yu came to a stop, suddenly realizing what he was going to say, and swallowed the rest of his sentence.

Just like that year when he supported you? Mei Changsu lowered his eyes to hide the cold smile in his expression, then prudently acted as if he had not understood what had almost been said, slowly continuing to trim the candle wick of the lamp before him, his expression as tranquil as a cloud in a gentle breeze.

Mister Su, Prince Yu was a little incensed by his nonchalance, and could not help the anger that leaked through in his tone. I am not joking, and the way Mister is acting now, it is as if you are not taking to heart my current situation!

Mei Changsu slowly put down his scissors and turned to face Prince Yu, his gaze cool as water, enough to quench the fire that had been almost palpably burning over the skin of this royal prince. When he spoke, his voice was as calm as a windless lake.

Your Highness Prince Yu, since you have already seen that this is His Majestys imperial will, what more is there to worry about?