Chapter 26-Part 2

Analyzing the pros and cons of the two countries’ strengths and weaknesses clearly indicates disregarding the dignity of Great Qi.

If Feng Liwu hadn’t attended court today, Emperor Duanqing would have gone against popular opinion and initiated a war against Liang. Once the war with Liang started, it would undoubtedly deplete the power of the Crown Prince’s faction. At that point, the outcome of the war would be inconsequential.

His paramount concern was to completely turn the tables and regain full control!

Unfortunately, his son was too astute. Sensing something was amiss, he made sure to attend court today, thus thwarting his father’s plans. Feng Liwu, upon hearing his explanation, calmly outlined the reasons why it was not advisable for Great Qi to engage in war with Liang.

He emphasized that Liang was currently on high alert, raising funds and preparing military supplies, making it far from the ideal time for Great Qi to launch an attack.

Being a powerful country, Great Qi’s military action implied that either they didn’t need to act or, if they did, they must ensure a swift and decisive victory to deter adversaries. But now, since complete victory couldn’t be guaranteed, how could they go to war? And as for his personal grievances, what did they matter in the face of the national interest?

His disregard for personal honor and disgrace, placing the interests of the state above all, earned nods of approval from the elders in the court. They silently acknowledged that their years of support had not been in vain.

Back then, when the Emperor decided to bypass tradition and depose the legitimate heir in favor of a younger son, this eldest son, despite being neglected in the palace, kneeled for a long time in the rain before the Council of Elders, articulating the dangers that the Emperor’s decision posed to the dynasty. His composed and articulate demeanor far surpassed his age at the time.

They had realized then that this Crown Prince was far superior to the second prince, who had grown up in luxury!

It was also a credit to the empress’s family that made the Emperor wary, preventing him from immediately eliminating these two. And this eldest prince, despite facing adversity all along, like a tender sapling growing in a rocky crevice, eventually grew into a towering pine tree.

Now, it seems that their decision to support the legitimate heir back then was correct. The Crown Prince was becoming even more mature, and his long-term vision for the country’s welfare undoubtedly marked him as a virtuous monarch for the next generation of Great Qi!

After a session of court proceedings, Emperor Duanqing seemed to have abandoned his plan to vent his anger through military action for his son, and he left the court with a dark expression.

Feng Liwu exchanged a few pleasantries with the old ministers before preparing to return to the Crown Prince’s residence, but he didn’t see Jiang Xiurun, who had come with him, waiting in the carriage.

Upon inquiry, it was revealed that the tutor had gone to the Ministry of Works nearby to retrieve the parchment blueprints for the construction of the Crown Prince’s residence.

Upon hearing this from the attendant, Feng Liwu remembered that Jiang Xiurun had mentioned yesterday that when welcoming the Crown Prince’s bride, the new couple’s residence needed to be refurbished to avoid offending the Han envoy, who might take offense if Great Qi seemed to disrespect Princess Tian.

Although the selection of the Crown Prince’s bride had already been decided on Tian Ying, Feng Liwu, always cautious, had not yet announced it publicly.

However, it seemed that his tutor was enthusiastic about the marriage matters, already arranging for the renovation of the Crown Prince’s residence early in the morning.

In matters concerning the interior design, Feng Liwu had always been lax, so since Jiang Xiurun showed interest, he allowed him to handle it. However, he didn’t expect this young man to be so diligent, going as far as to retrieve the original blueprints from the Ministry of Works.

Was he planning a major renovation, even to the extent of demolishing walls and beams?

Of course, Jiang Xiurun was planning a major project! The profits from hosting banquets were meager compared to this renovation project for the residence. The money earned would be even more abundant and relaxed!

After today’s court session, there was a tea party outside the city with some distinguished individuals, and she had been assigned to accompany them.

However, as she didn’t have the rank to enter the palace while the Crown Prince was in court and it was cold waiting by the carriage, she took the opportunity to warm herself by the stove while visiting the Ministry of Works to retrieve the original blueprints of the Crown Prince’s residence.

The head official at the Ministry of Works was quite practical. Despite the grand size of the office, only one charcoal firepot was lit. Therefore, during idle times, many young clerks would also come to the anteroom to warm themselves.

After sitting for a while, Jiang Xiurun looked up and saw someone approaching, feeling somewhat sentimental. She couldn’t believe that the future Prime Minister, Ji Binglin, who would later wield immense power in the court, was currently just a minor clerk at the Ministry of Works, responsible for tallying lumber and materials.

Ji Binglin was one of the few exceptionally talented individuals in Great Qi, receiving significant recognition at a young age and eventually being appointed as the Prime Minister.

He was not only extraordinary and refined, but also quite humorous. Although Jiang Xiurun hadn’t interacted with him much in her past life, she found it fortunate to have the opportunity now to sit with Minister Ji by the warm stove, engaging in a deep conversation. It was truly a stroke of luck.

Ji Binglin also felt that this young Prince’s Tutor, although young, was broad-minded and well-informed. Whatever topic he brought up, Jiang Xiurun could follow up seamlessly. Moreover, the Prince’s Tutor showed a respectful attitude toward him, a relatively unknown clerk. This made Ji Binglin pleasantly surprised.

As a result, the two felt that they had missed out on opportunities to meet earlier. They lost track of time in their conversation, only realizing how long they had been talking when the Crown Prince came looking for Jiang Xiurun.

Originally, Feng Liwu had no intention of reproaching the tutor.

This tutor of his seemed to have been pampered in the Bo State royal family, holding the philosophy that one should avoid hardship whenever possible.

Although it was sunny today, the cold wind made it difficult for him to endure, so he ran to the Ministry of Works to warm up.

Initially, Feng Liwu had intended to call for him and take him along in the carriage.

However, on a whim, Feng Liwu decided to take the opportunity to discuss the construction of a granary with the head official of the Ministry of Works. As he passed by the anteroom, he saw his tutor, who was known for his androgynous appearance, engaged in a lively conversation with an elegant young man.

Observing their expressions, filled with joy, it seemed as if the young man couldn’t contain his happiness, as if seeing a beloved person.

… It turns out that Qin Zhao’s words were not exaggerated.

This young master Jiang was not only fond of handsome men but also quite promiscuous, shifting his affections from one person to another without any loyalty. He was quite indiscriminate in his affections!