Which Prince to Choose
“HuaiJiang, last time, We told the princes to go and train in archery at your manor. Do you feel that they made any improvements?”
The day was hot, and there was a large pile of ice placed in the imperial study. Two palace maids kneeled on the ground and waved large fans to disperse the cool air surrounding the mound of ice.
At this moment in the imperial study, Emperor Ning was seated behind a long desk, while Gu HuaiJiang was seated on an armchair on the opposite side.
When in private with nobody else present, Emperor Ning liked to address people by name.
Gu HuaiJiang smiled and waved his hand, “The eldest prince and second prince have been frequently visiting the manor, and both have been improving in archery. Archery is not their duty, so it’s already very good that they are already able to reach their current level.”
Emperor Ning nodded. Just as Gu HuaiJiang was thinking that he had just been asking a casual question, he suddenly raised his head once more.
“Then do you feel that the eldest prince has made a little more progress or the second prince has made a little more progress?”
After saying this, he stared at Gu HuaiJiang, his expression dark and unclear.
This question clearly had a second meaning, intending to find out what he thought of the two princes.
Gu HuaiJiang thought for a bit, his showing an absolute focus, “This subject believes that the eldest prince has shown a little more growth. He is able to hit the center of the target at a slightly higher rate than the second prince.”
Emperor Ning was shocked. Carefully observing Gu HuaiJiang’s dignified face, he found that it was completely unmoving.
It was as though he really was just saying who was better at archery and not suggesting who he was choosing.
Emperor Ning suddenly laughed, “What are you being so serious for? We are just casually asking. You and I are friends in private. We are the best of friends. There’s no need to be so cautious when speaking!”
Gu HuaiJiang nodded but did not say anything else. He just picked up his teacup and took a sip.
“Have a taste of these nectarines that just arrived in the palace from Min Zhou. Apparently, they’re particularly sweet because there was less rain. This summer has been especially hot, and not a single drop of rain has fallen. It’s possible that there might be a drought…”
As Emperor Ning spoke, he could not help but let out a sigh, no longer finding the fresh nectarine to be as sweet as before.
“Fortunately, the national treasury is quite full with plenty of grains stored. Our Eastern Ling has much better grain production than Western Kun. Even if we suffer from a drought this year, it will not have much of an effect on the lives of the people. Your Majesty, please be at ease.”
Emperor Ning nodded and said: “You are right. It’s because Western Kun’s lands are infertile with many mountains and few wetlands that they have refused to give up on our Eastern Ling’s territory. Fortunately, We have you at our border. Now, ShuBai and the others have grown up, and they can also help share your burden and Our burden. We feel even more at ease.”
With Gu ShuBai’s name having been brought up, Gu HuaiJiang’s brow slightly moved. He had a bad feeling.
Sure enough, Emperor Ning very quickly said: “We remember that ShuBai has come of age this year. Boys at that age should take a wife. Have you ever given any consideration to what sort of wife you will choose for him?”
Indeed, Gu HuaiJiang had never put any thought into it.
But he knew that there were many who had been thinking about it for him, and Emperor Ning was one of them.
Princess DanYang was his most beloved daughter. That she had feelings for Gu ShuBai was something that almost everyone knew. Emperor Ning was also wanting to marry her to Gu ShuBai.
Once the imperial family and Marquis Gu’s Manor were connected by marriage, the relationship between the two families would become even more intimate. Eastern Ling’s borders would also be even more stable.
How could Gu HuaiJiang not understand Emperor Ning’s intentions?
He stood up from his seat and replied: “This subject and Emperor Ning have been acquainted for many decades, and Emperor Ning understands this subject’s personality the best. This subject is one who values affection and naturally do not wish to force my own son to marry a girl that he does not like. Regardless of whether it’s ShuBai or the young ones, this subject wishes for them to choose their own wives.”
Marriages had always been decided by the parents and blessed by the matchmaker. Gu HuaiJiang’s words went against convention but left Emperor Ning completely speechless.
Based on what he meant, unless Gu ShuBai himself liked Princess DanYang, he should not even think about marrying into Marquis Gu’s Manor.
“Yes, you do have that sort of a personality. Your late wife passed away over a decade ago, yet you are unwilling to remarry. Back when you brought a daughter back, We thought that you had loosened up and found a girl you love outside. Who knew that this daughter was not actually yours…”
Emperor Ning sighed.
A person who could remain so faithful to his deceased wife. Having given the right to command Eastern Ling’s army to such a person, he felt very at ease.
“It’s fine if Your Majesty understands. But this subject is getting old, and there are talents in this country. This subject was wondering would Your Majesty could take back the tiger tally* and hand it to some of the younger officers to give them a chance to train a little while also giving them a chance to earn some glory?”
When the tiger tally was brought up, Emperor Ning sensitively furrowed his brow and unhappily looked at Gu HuaiJiang.
“You, hah, you- in the end, you still think that We want to have ShuBai get married to tie you up? We want to become relatives by marriage with you through our children, but this is just a personal desire. It’s unrelated to national affairs. Your military career has been illustrious, so why do you always use the tiger tally as an excuse. Are you afraid that We will suspect you?”
Emperor Ning appeared to be a little exasperated.
Just as Gu HuaiJiang was about to speak up, Emperor Ning loudly said: “Sit down to speak. What are you standing up so randomly for?”
The palace servants standing outside the imperial study heard the sounds coming from inside and smiled from ear to ear.
“It’s that line again. Every time that His Majesty and Lord Marquis Gu meet in private, this line is brought out!”
Gu HuaiJiang helplessly sat back down, his expression becoming a little more relaxed, “It’s not that this subject is worried that Your Majesty will suspect me. Rather, I am worried that the situation in court will become unstable. The right to the majority of Eastern Ling’s army is in this subject’s control. Those who know will say that it makes mobilizing the army for battle more convenient, but those who do not will worry that this subject will pose a threat.”
Emperor Ning raised an eyebrow. Running his fingers through his beard, he only spoke after a moment of pause.
“You are speaking of Prime Minister Yin, yes? We know that he has been dissatisfied with you for quite some time. He’s just that narrow-minded of a person. Fortunately, he handles court affairs very methodically…”
Emperor Ning alternated between praise and disparagement. He spoke at lengths about Yin Yan. In the end, he stated his mind, “You are more tolerant than him, so try to forgive him a little. We are thinking of giving his eldest son, Yin Shuo, a bit of training. That child is much more easygoing. When the time comes, he will take over Yin Yan’s position. This will avoid offending him, and it will be able to remedy the situation of ‘general and prime minister being on bad terms.'”
Make use of Yin Shuo to remedy the situation?
Gu HuaiJiang did not know what to make of it; however, he had some doubts about the praises being sung about the Yin family’s eldest son by the officials in court.
What made him even more suspicious was that Yin Shuo also happened to be present when Yu Fu had fallen into the river…
“HuaiJiang, what are you thinking about?”
Emperor Ning saw that his mind was wandering and hastily called out to him.
“Oh, this subject was just thinking about Yu Fu. Last time, JiuGe and the others took her out to see the city from the river, and she accidentally fell into the river. Who knew that these past few days would be so hot. This child likes the water and was asking for this subject to bring out to play by the river.”
Emperor Ning saw that he had the appearance of a doting father when saying this. He knew just how much he liked Yu Fu.
“We really are curious. Just how hallowed is this daughter that she can make you like her so much!”
*TN: A tiger tally is an object that grants the bearer right to command the military.
Which Prince to Choose
“HuaiJiang, last time, We told the princes to go and train in archery at your manor. Do you feel that they made any improvements?”
The day was hot, and there was a large pile of ice placed in the imperial study. Two palace maids kneeled on the ground and waved large fans to disperse the cool air surrounding the mound of ice.
At this moment in the imperial study, Emperor Ning was seated behind a long desk, while Gu HuaiJiang was seated on an armchair on the opposite side.
When in private with nobody else present, Emperor Ning liked to address people by name.
Gu HuaiJiang smiled and waved his hand, “The eldest prince and second prince have been frequently visiting the manor, and both have been improving in archery. Archery is not their duty, so it’s already very good that they are already able to reach their current level.”
Emperor Ning nodded. Just as Gu HuaiJiang was thinking that he had just been asking a casual question, he suddenly raised his head once more.
“Then do you feel that the eldest prince has made a little more progress or the second prince has made a little more progress?”
After saying this, he stared at Gu HuaiJiang, his expression dark and unclear.
This question clearly had a second meaning, intending to find out what he thought of the two princes.
Gu HuaiJiang thought for a bit, his showing an absolute focus, “This subject believes that the eldest prince has shown a little more growth. He is able to hit the center of the target at a slightly higher rate than the second prince.”
Emperor Ning was shocked. Carefully observing Gu HuaiJiang’s dignified face, he found that it was completely unmoving.
It was as though he really was just saying who was better at archery and not suggesting who he was choosing.
Emperor Ning suddenly laughed, “What are you being so serious for? We are just casually asking. You and I are friends in private. We are the best of friends. There’s no need to be so cautious when speaking!”
Gu HuaiJiang nodded but did not say anything else. He just picked up his teacup and took a sip.
“Have a taste of these nectarines that just arrived in the palace from Min Zhou. Apparently, they’re particularly sweet because there was less rain. This summer has been especially hot, and not a single drop of rain has fallen. It’s possible that there might be a drought…”
As Emperor Ning spoke, he could not help but let out a sigh, no longer finding the fresh nectarine to be as sweet as before.
“Fortunately, the national treasury is quite full with plenty of grains stored. Our Eastern Ling has much better grain production than Western Kun. Even if we suffer from a drought this year, it will not have much of an effect on the lives of the people. Your Majesty, please be at ease.”
Emperor Ning nodded and said: “You are right. It’s because Western Kun’s lands are infertile with many mountains and few wetlands that they have refused to give up on our Eastern Ling’s territory. Fortunately, We have you at our border. Now, ShuBai and the others have grown up, and they can also help share your burden and Our burden. We feel even more at ease.”
With Gu ShuBai’s name having been brought up, Gu HuaiJiang’s brow slightly moved. He had a bad feeling.
Sure enough, Emperor Ning very quickly said: “We remember that ShuBai has come of age this year. Boys at that age should take a wife. Have you ever given any consideration to what sort of wife you will choose for him?”
Indeed, Gu HuaiJiang had never put any thought into it.
But he knew that there were many who had been thinking about it for him, and Emperor Ning was one of them.
Princess DanYang was his most beloved daughter. That she had feelings for Gu ShuBai was something that almost everyone knew. Emperor Ning was also wanting to marry her to Gu ShuBai.
Once the imperial family and Marquis Gu’s Manor were connected by marriage, the relationship between the two families would become even more intimate. Eastern Ling’s borders would also be even more stable.
How could Gu HuaiJiang not understand Emperor Ning’s intentions?
He stood up from his seat and replied: “This subject and Emperor Ning have been acquainted for many decades, and Emperor Ning understands this subject’s personality the best. This subject is one who values affection and naturally do not wish to force my own son to marry a girl that he does not like. Regardless of whether it’s ShuBai or the young ones, this subject wishes for them to choose their own wives.”
Marriages had always been decided by the parents and blessed by the matchmaker. Gu HuaiJiang’s words went against convention but left Emperor Ning completely speechless.
Based on what he meant, unless Gu ShuBai himself liked Princess DanYang, he should not even think about marrying into Marquis Gu’s Manor.
“Yes, you do have that sort of a personality. Your late wife passed away over a decade ago, yet you are unwilling to remarry. Back when you brought a daughter back, We thought that you had loosened up and found a girl you love outside. Who knew that this daughter was not actually yours…”
Emperor Ning sighed.
A person who could remain so faithful to his deceased wife. Having given the right to command Eastern Ling’s army to such a person, he felt very at ease.
“It’s fine if Your Majesty understands. But this subject is getting old, and there are talents in this country. This subject was wondering would Your Majesty could take back the tiger tally* and hand it to some of the younger officers to give them a chance to train a little while also giving them a chance to earn some glory?”
When the tiger tally was brought up, Emperor Ning sensitively furrowed his brow and unhappily looked at Gu HuaiJiang.
“You, hah, you- in the end, you still think that We want to have ShuBai get married to tie you up? We want to become relatives by marriage with you through our children, but this is just a personal desire. It’s unrelated to national affairs. Your military career has been illustrious, so why do you always use the tiger tally as an excuse. Are you afraid that We will suspect you?”
Emperor Ning appeared to be a little exasperated.
Just as Gu HuaiJiang was about to speak up, Emperor Ning loudly said: “Sit down to speak. What are you standing up so randomly for?”
The palace servants standing outside the imperial study heard the sounds coming from inside and smiled from ear to ear.
“It’s that line again. Every time that His Majesty and Lord Marquis Gu meet in private, this line is brought out!”
Gu HuaiJiang helplessly sat back down, his expression becoming a little more relaxed, “It’s not that this subject is worried that Your Majesty will suspect me. Rather, I am worried that the situation in court will become unstable. The right to the majority of Eastern Ling’s army is in this subject’s control. Those who know will say that it makes mobilizing the army for battle more convenient, but those who do not will worry that this subject will pose a threat.”
Emperor Ning raised an eyebrow. Running his fingers through his beard, he only spoke after a moment of pause.
“You are speaking of Prime Minister Yin, yes? We know that he has been dissatisfied with you for quite some time. He’s just that narrow-minded of a person. Fortunately, he handles court affairs very methodically…”
Emperor Ning alternated between praise and disparagement. He spoke at lengths about Yin Yan. In the end, he stated his mind, “You are more tolerant than him, so try to forgive him a little. We are thinking of giving his eldest son, Yin Shuo, a bit of training. That child is much more easygoing. When the time comes, he will take over Yin Yan’s position. This will avoid offending him, and it will be able to remedy the situation of ‘general and prime minister being on bad terms.'”
Make use of Yin Shuo to remedy the situation?
Gu HuaiJiang did not know what to make of it; however, he had some doubts about the praises being sung about the Yin family’s eldest son by the officials in court.
What made him even more suspicious was that Yin Shuo also happened to be present when Yu Fu had fallen into the river…
“HuaiJiang, what are you thinking about?”
Emperor Ning saw that his mind was wandering and hastily called out to him.
“Oh, this subject was just thinking about Yu Fu. Last time, JiuGe and the others took her out to see the city from the river, and she accidentally fell into the river. Who knew that these past few days would be so hot. This child likes the water and was asking for this subject to bring out to play by the river.”
Emperor Ning saw that he had the appearance of a doting father when saying this. He knew just how much he liked Yu Fu.
“We really are curious. Just how hallowed is this daughter that she can make you like her so much!”
*TN: A tiger tally is an object that grants the bearer right to command the military.
