Pregnant Before the Royal Marriage

Chapter 876: Chapter 876: The Two Sons-in-Law_1

Jiang Ruobai thought of something and quickly added, “Lin Shimo is currently teaching the younger princes in Elegance Palace, so he will likely participate in today’s lecture at the East Palace.”

“Lin Shimo is a proud, solitary individual. If he does not wish to partake, we should not force him.”

“I understand.”

“Before Prince of Zhao went into the battlefield, did he not often seek him out?” asked the Emperor casually.

“I indeed heard something to that effect.”

“The Prince of Zhao is quite restless in his thoughts,” said the Emperor indifferently.

Jiang Ruobai thought for a moment and smiled, “Actually, the main reason why the Prince of Zhao is close to Lin Shimo is due to Wenren Zong. Wenren Zong was close to Lin Shimo during his studies at the Spring Autumn Academy, and since Wenren Zong now works for the Prince of Zhao, it was inevitable that the Prince and Lin would encounter each other frequently.”

The Emperor raised his eyes, glanced towards his Senior Grand Secretary, and said meaningfully, “You are adept at avoiding conflicts.”

Jiang Ruobai bowed his head.

The Emperor sighed deeply, “We have known each other for so many years now; there’s nobody here but us, so let’s dispense with formalities. I want to discuss some honest matters with you.”

“Please speak, Your Majesty.”

“The Crown Prince and the Prince of Zhao are both your sons-in-law. What do you think of them? Are you satisfied with them?”

This question could be interpreted in many ways, superficially or profoundly.

Jiang Ruobai, who knew the Emperor too well, knew that while this question seemed casual on the surface, it had undertones of significance and subterfuge.

On the surface, the Emperor’s inquiry into whether Jiang Ruobai was satisfied with his sons-in-law seemed like small talk between relatives, but in reality, it was a way of asking who was more capable of great responsibility— the Crown Prince, or the Prince of Zhao.

Although the Emperor has been neglecting state affairs lately, ever since Li You returned with the title of Prince of Zhao, he rapidly gained the Emperor’s favor, which in turn stirred up some waves within the Imperial Court.

Undercurrents churned in the court, with staunch supporters of the Crown Prince and those backing the Prince of Zhao.

Although such affairs were very risky, with failure leading to danger, the greater the risk the greater the reward after success.

Who wouldn’t want a piece of such grand glory?

After briefly mulling over, Jiang Ruobai smiled and said, “Both the Crown Prince and the Prince of Zhao are the husbands of my daughters. I am content as long as they treat them well.”

The Emperor chuckled and did not let him off easily, pressing on, “The relationship between the Crown Prince and the Prince of Zhao isn’t exactly the best, and this must have an effect on your daughters, right?”

Jiang Ruobai smiled and said, “Among the sisters… their relationship has been averagely normal. As Your Majesty knows, the Princess Consort was lost since she was young and returned not long ago, then she entered the Prince of Yu’s household. Therefore, she didn’t spend much time with her sisters.”

“Hahaha,” the Emperor laughed, “Prime Minister Jiang, you are indeed very candid!”

“Your Majesty, please do not trouble me anymore.” Jiang Ruobai put on a suffering expression. “Both sides are my flesh and blood, I can’t favor any side.”

The Emperor hummed dismissively and waved his hand, “In a few days, Jiang Mubai is about to lead an army. He is your sibling after all, Prime Minister Jiang, you should bid him farewell..”

Upon mention of his older brother, Jiang Ruobai’s expression chilled instantly, but he still respectfully replied, “I will follow Your Majesty’s decree.”

Seeing his cold expression, the Emperor laughed, “Back in the day when the General lost your daughter, you two brought to mind enemies at each meeting. Now that your daughter is back, this grudge should be settled. One of you is a civilian official and the other a military general — both are my right-hand men. If you two are not in concordance, it is detrimental to the court.”

Jiang Ruobai did not argue, simply answering honestly.

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