Can't a princess ascend the throne?

Chapter 423 Don’t recognize good people’s hearts

If it weren't for the need to save face, the officials in the hall would probably have pressed their ears to Prince Chen's mouth to hear what she was saying. What couldn't be shared? After serving in the same court for so many years, would they really reveal each other's secrets? That's incredibly disregard for camaraderie!

Especially Lord Zhao. Although they didn't know much about Lord Zhao's son before, they now know from today's incident that Lord Zhao's son probably has flaws in character and appearance. Tsk tsk, he had a concubine before marriage and even beat her half to death. What kind of good man is he who forbids others from reporting him to the authorities? And he still wants to recommend him to Prince Chen? He's really clueless. And judging from his current posture, he's even making verbal threats. Although they don't know if it's true or not, Lord Zhao's behavior is really too outrageous.

His Majesty has only just left. Isn't Lord Zhao being a bit too hasty? Besides, this Princess is no ordinary delicate woman; she's a great general with the strength to lift a cauldron! Sure enough, Lord Zhao said something hastily and even tried to take a few steps forward. The distance was far too close, and Prince Chen panicked and pushed him away. Who knew that Lord Zhao, who looked so solid and tall, was so weak? He was pushed a long way and fell heavily to the ground. His nose was already broken, and now everyone heard a muffled thud. No one knew where it had broken, but Lord Zhao was clutching his buttocks with one hand, in a very unseemly posture. He didn't dare to roll on the ground for fear of aggravating his injury, and groans of pain kept coming from his mouth.

As he landed, he accidentally bumped into the hem of Chunyu Shuang's clothes, who was waiting beside him. Chunyu Shuang cried out in surprise, quickly tearing open her clothes and complaining repeatedly.

"Lord Zhao, could you please be more careful? Look at the blood on you, it's all over my official robes! If I'm punished for this inappropriate behavior in front of the court, can you compensate me? It's not that I'm being nosy, Lord Zhao, but your health is really failing. You must take care of yourself. I just saw the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review rushing back, presumably to gather evidence. Your son is not yet twenty and has not yet entered officialdom. He should be in need of his father's support. If you collapse here, who will help him in the future?"

Whether these words were meant to comfort or mock, it was unclear. In any case, Lord Zhao was in so much pain that he couldn't even speak, his face was deathly pale, yet he still stretched out one hand and pointed at Chunyu Shuang.

Chunyu Shuang immediately covered her face and sighed, heartbroken.

"Lord Zhao, I never expected that my good intentions would be misunderstood by you. Now you're even pointing fingers at me. Did I say something wrong? Never mind. What's the use of saying more to someone who doesn't appreciate good intentions? I've said all I have to say. Lord Zhao, please do as you see fit."

With that, Chunyu Shuang flicked her sleeves, turned, and strode away. But as she walked, perhaps accidentally, she stepped hard on Lord Zhao's finger, which was lying on the ground. The man was already in so much pain that he couldn't speak, and now he opened his mouth but no sound came out. His temples were soaked with cold sweat and now they clung wetly to his face.

The onlookers were well aware that Lord Chunyu was deliberately making trouble for Lord Zhao. Some looked into the distance, others lowered their heads, and still others chatted, refusing to meet the gazes of Lord Chunyu and Lord Zhao. They were merely there to watch the spectacle; they didn't need to get involved in the conflict. Besides, everyone knew that Lord Chunyu and His Highness the Prince had a close relationship.
Lord Zhao is truly unlucky. But His Highness the Prince is no slouch either; he settles his scores on the spot and never delays.

However, the prince's brazen attack on his ministers in the main hall raises questions about His Majesty's reaction. Some scoundrels have already gone back to write their memorials.

Chunyu Shuang was originally going to leave the palace with the main group, but halfway there a little eunuch came running up to invite her to Qiuwu Palace, saying that His Highness the Prince had invited her.

The officials beside her could only look at Chunyu Shuang with envy. What was the point of working so diligently every day? It was far better for her to make a friend and suddenly become a rising star in the court. In the past, who would have known who Chunyu Shuang was? She was just a low-ranking official in the Ministry of Justice. But things are so unpredictable. A mere female official had risen to the ranks of a third-rank official. Now she could even discuss important court matters with the powerful ministers. It was truly disheartening.

Furthermore, isn't His Highness the Prince somewhat nepotistic? Aren't they hardworking, dedicated, and dutiful? Their hearts are entirely devoted to the Great Jing! They'd practically tear their hearts out for His Majesty and His Highness to see!
Why can't they get the chance to promote their subordinates? They also really want to get along well with His Highness the Prince! Yes, nowadays anyone with eyes can see that any minister who has a good relationship with the Prince and is appreciated by him can generally be promoted.

The reason for this is that His Majesty trusts His Highness the Prince too much. Is it truly a case of a hero growing old? Does getting old make one more soft-hearted?

Hey, hey, hey, you can't say things like that. The ministers with ulterior motives exchanged glances, left with sour looks on their faces. Why say such sour things now? Where were you before? Chunyu Shuang and His Highness the Prince have a life-or-death bond. They went through thick and thin together, through wind and fire. Where were you then? Anyone can offer hindsight advice.

Instead of spouting such sour remarks here, you should go back and find out which outstanding young men your family has. Make sure they are good-looking and talented, and cultivate them well while His Highness the Prince is not in the mood to choose a son-in-law. Maybe one day they will catch His Highness's eye!

Yes, even though Jiu Que had openly refused, these people still wouldn't give up. After all, it was just making some preparations; for a man, delaying the marriage by two years wouldn't be a big deal. But if he truly caught the Prince's eye, it would mean a family's rise to prominence—a worthwhile investment.

When Chunyu Shuang arrived at Qiuwu Palace, she happened to run into Eunuch Jiufu, who was there to deliver rewards. Putting everything else aside, Emperor Jingtai truly cherished his daughter Jiuque, granting her every wish. Jiuque was someone who didn't like to boast about her achievements, but Emperor Jingtai wasn't the kind of landlord who only made people work without rewarding them. He gave generous rewards. Every time Chunyu Shuang visited Jiuque's palace, she would encounter the procession carrying the rewards.

Upon seeing Eunuch Jiufu, Chunyu Shuang immediately bowed.

"Grandpa Jiufu".

"Lord Chunyu, are you well?"

Eunuch Jiufu carefully placed the rewards that His Majesty had urged him to send, and also handed the list to the head palace maid beside His Highness. He was all smiles, with every wrinkle of his face filled with a kind smile.