Can't a princess ascend the throne?

Chapter 184 It would be strange if I wasn't happy

“My lady, I am absolutely innocent. Look into my eyes, how could I possibly lie to you?! We've been married for over thirty years, don't you know what kind of person I am? I don't know what's wrong with His Majesty. He usually dotes on his son the most, and he'll lash out at anyone who says a word against him. But this really has nothing to do with me. I just subtly mentioned to His Majesty that the eldest prince and his mother had bullied our family. Maybe they did something else that made His Majesty so angry. You must believe in my innocence…”

"Alright, stop talking so much. Aren't you afraid the children will laugh at you?"

Seeing her children's barely suppressed giggles, Mrs. Chen couldn't help but poke her husband hard, feeling a flush on her face. How could they be so old yet still act like young people, always so playful?

Despite the laughter and joking, Madam Chen was still somewhat worried after she came to her senses.

“I don’t think His Majesty would execute the First Prince and Consort De because of our family’s affairs. Marriage is a matter of mutual consent. If we are not willing, His Majesty can simply refuse Consort De and the First Prince. Why would he have to kill someone?”

The five sons looked at each other. Although they were all present and watching, none of them held particularly high official positions; they were simply pragmatic and didn't seem particularly sensitive to this kind of power struggle among those in real positions of authority.

Minister Chen felt angry just looking at his five foolish sons. They had been officials for so many years, yet they still lacked even this basic political awareness. No wonder they could only ever be minor officials their whole lives.

It was Minister Chen's fourteen-year-old daughter who spoke up thoughtfully at this moment.

"His Majesty certainly wouldn't execute a high-ranking concubine and the eldest prince over such a trivial matter. Perhaps something else the mother and son did came to light, and His Majesty discovered it, leaving him no choice but to execute them."

"But no matter what, he is His Majesty's own son, and as the eldest prince, he has the support of many officials in the court. How could His Majesty just deal with him like that?"

Minister Chen was about to praise his clever and quick-witted daughter when he heard his third son's foolish words. He was so angry that he went up to him and slapped him hard on the back of the head.

"Why don't you use your brain to think? Is that thing on your neck breathing? If the eldest prince hadn't committed an unforgivable and intolerable crime, how could His Majesty possibly kill his own son?"

The three Chen sons weren't angry even after being severely beaten by their father. They just scratched the back of their heads and grinned sheepishly.

"Father, that's why I asked you, precisely because I couldn't think of anything. You just came from the palace; perhaps it has something to do with you?"

Minister Chen was so angry he was panting heavily. What a misfortune for his family! Looking at his sons, who were avoiding his eyes, Minister Chen felt like he was about to faint. Had all his explanations been for nothing?
But if even his own son thinks this way, then everyone outside will surely assume he's involved. Oh dear, his timing in staying behind wasn't ideal; the rumors are already spreading about him.

However, Minister Chen was truly innocent. Aside from this private matter, he hadn't heard of the First Prince doing anything heinous or outrageous. Unless…

At this moment, Chen Zijin slowly raised her eyes, looked in the direction of Yancheng, Qianzhou, and seemed to be deep in thought.

“Father, don’t interfere. This is not something we can get involved in. There are all sorts of rumors circulating outside. The salt industry could shake the foundation of the country. If the eldest prince, as His Majesty’s eldest son, disregards the fate of the nation and interferes in this matter, it’s no wonder His Majesty is so angry.”

"Father thinks so too, but I always feel there's something else going on. Tsk, it's a pity we're thousands of miles apart, and can't help you. I really want to know what's going on in Yancheng."

Minister Chen greatly admired his daughter's sharp mind. It might be hard for outsiders to believe, but he was often exasperated by his sons' complete ignorance of politics when he returned home each day. From the time Zijing turned eight, the only person Minister Chen could discuss political matters with at home was his only daughter. At this time, Chen Zijing offered a piece of advice.

"Father, you must do the things His Majesty has entrusted to you conscientiously. As for the others, don't care what they say. We just need to do our own jobs honestly. I think the situation in the capital is about to change."

"Yes, things are definitely about to change."

When those imperial envoys who caused such a stir return, the political landscape of the Great Jing Dynasty will truly undergo a dramatic transformation. Speaking of which, that Princess Ying, at such a young age, has managed to stir up such a storm, and even more remarkably, she has gained the Emperor's trust. For a woman to rise through the ranks of the court, and even climb higher and higher, is no easy feat.

His Majesty's intention today is that a great reward awaits that county princess upon her return. It remains to be seen just how high a position that princess will ultimately attain.

Speaking of women, Minister Chen couldn't help but turn around and look at his daughter, who looked calm and composed, and couldn't help but feel a little sorry for her.

“My son has been living in fear these days. He will no longer need to worry about the Crown Prince and Consort De.”

"Yes, little sister, you don't need to worry anymore. Your brothers will definitely find you a good husband who will suit you perfectly. How could someone as smart and clever as you become someone else's concubine?"

“Exactly! My sister deserves the best men in the world. It’s just a pity that among the men around her age, I’ve searched the entire capital several times, and there are really not many outstanding ones. If my sister were to marry one of them, I would feel sorry for her.”

"I have to find the best. Someone who already has concubines or maids before marriage is absolutely out of the question. I need to find a clean and honest young man..."

The brothers were discussing things enthusiastically, but Minister Chen keenly noticed that his daughter's mood was not high.

"Zijin, is something on your mind?"

Chen Zijing opened her mouth, but no matter how clever and quick-witted she was, she was still only a fourteen-year-old girl, and it was inevitable that she would feel shy and worried when talking about marriage. Moreover, her parents and brothers had all done their best for her. If she were to refuse now, wouldn't that be ungrateful?

"Father, I don't want to..."

"Ok?"

"...It's nothing. I was just thinking that Lord Ying is truly a talented man. At such a young age, he dared to secretly travel thousands of miles to investigate cases and even arrested those corrupt officials. These days, I've seen the embezzled funds flowing into the capital like water, and the Minister of Revenue is very pleased. And that Lord Chunyu of the Ministry of Justice, so young yet so talented. He'll probably get a promotion this time he returns, won't he?"

"Old Zhu? Of course he's happy. He's usually like a greedy pig, only taking in and never giving out. He gets heartbroken when he sees others getting funds from the Ministry of Revenue, so it's no wonder he's overjoyed that someone who doesn't need his funds but instead sends in a large sum of gold and silver!"

(End of this chapter)