"By the way, Brother Chen, Ke just got the news that tomorrow my father will hold a family banquet in the palace, and all the princes and princesses will be present. Do you think it has something to do with this rumor?"
Sima Ke frowned slightly, wanting to see what Chen Yuan thought.
He admired Chen Yuan's ability very much.
There is no doubt about this.
Hearing these words, Chen Yuan also frowned. According to his inference, if the rumor was really controlled by Jingtai behind the scenes.
Perhaps, this family dinner has something to do with it.
"Perhaps, His Highness will know exactly how it is."
Chen Yuan pondered for a moment and then spoke.
"Brother Chen, really don't you think about it? If the marriage can happen, your father will trust you even more, and you will get greater support from the court in the future."
Sima Ke was still a little unwilling.
He really wanted to strengthen their relationship.
Moreover, I thought that if this matter really happened, the faces of Sima Qian and Sima You would be very interesting. Perhaps, they would think that their father agreed with him and made such a decision.
"Let's discuss this later."
Chen Yuan shook his head.
He is not an ordinary person. He is a direct descendant of the Xiang family and is the Shura Taoist master of the Taoist Palace. Once this is discovered, Jingtai will definitely be furious.
Therefore, he didn't really want to have too much contact with this guy.
Coupled with the abnormality of Jingtai mentioned by Concubine Yang before, the fear and vigilance in his heart reached the extreme.
The other party must have a plan when granting marriage.
And he just doesn't like being treated as a pawn.
He wants to be a chess player.
Seeing that Chen Yuan's face was a little impatient, Sima Ke smiled and immediately brought up other things and started to change the subject. This matter cannot be rushed. Didn't the mother and concubine resist it before?
Later, I didn’t accept it readily.
As long as the imperial edict is issued, Sima Ke doesn't think Chen Yuan dares to resist the edict and be disrespectful. Furthermore, although he and the imperial sister Pingyang have some bad relations, the excellence of the other party is obvious to all.
He is definitely worthy of Chen Yuan.
Maybe you can actually change your mind in the future.
Sima Ke stayed at the Marquis Mansion of Wu'an for a long time before leaving.
After he left, Chen Yuan frowned.
Got involved in another turmoil.
This time it was really not what he wanted.
Although the mother and daughter were good friends, they were not in his interests.
If it hadn't been for the fact that he had just been granted the title of Marquis and was still being held up by the Tianzi Divine Envoy, Chen Yuan would have left the capital immediately. If he stayed here, he always felt that something would happen in the future.
What luck.
Chen Yuan let out a sigh of relief.
Huayang's cultivation seems to be considered a strong one in the world, but his enemies are obviously more powerful and he needs more luck to improve his cultivation.
It had been a month since the last time, and he was indeed looking forward to the arrival of the Child of Destiny again.
Immediately after staying in the mansion for a while, he decided to go to the capital for a walk in hiding.
See if you can meet your lucky child by 'coincidence'.
The next day.
Imperial City, inside the Qianqing Palace.
This palace is a palace dedicated to holding royal family banquets.
Since the emperor came up with this idea, the people below have already started making preparations.
One by one, the princes and princesses entered the palace. The first one was the eldest prince Sima Qian, followed by the eldest princess Pingyang, and then the second prince Sima You and the fourth prince Sima Ke.
As for the other princes, the adult ones followed behind, while the younger ones were brought in by the older nuns or maids.
The eldest princess Pingyang is wearing a light yellow dress, elegant and cool, and her eyes are not squinting.
Several princes were also dressed in princely attire and sat honestly where they should sit.
However, Princess Pingyang found that the eyes of several princes present were flickering on her body, especially her younger brother Sima Ke.
His brows furrowed slightly.
Of course she understood what the eyes of these brothers meant!
Rumors that had disappeared before reappeared.
Moreover, there was an increasingly violent attitude that caused waves in the capital. In order to avoid suspicion, she did not even invite Chen Yuan to the banquet, just to show her attitude to her father!
Yes, she could also see that her father's approval was behind this.
Otherwise, as long as those nobles are not stupid, they will not have the courage to make irresponsible remarks about the princess, especially the princess who has not yet left the palace. What they want is a clean wealth.
It is true that she admires Chen Yuan very much and feels that he is a rare talent. He is the best choice no matter what, and she has a good impression of him.
but.
She really doesn't like getting married.
She didn't want to be an ordinary woman who got married. Ever since Concubine Yang didn't like her when she was young, she had gradually developed the idea of comparing herself to men.
Who says women are inferior to men?
She practiced hard, and her cultivation was not as weak as it seemed.
She is familiar with scriptures and is no less than the top talents in the academy.
She even established a secret force under her own control, spreading all over the capital. She didn't know why, maybe it just made herself feel more secure.
She had great ambitions and worked hard not to marry a man.
Even if this man is worthy of him and is a world-famous figure, and they can cherish each other and be friends, she is very resistant to the matter of a couple.
But after realizing that this was what her father meant, she couldn't make any obvious moves. She could only remain silent and gradually guide the direction of the wind, but it was a pity compared to her father's power.
She was still too far gone.
Not to mention that you can't fully expose your strength because of the small gain.
"Sister Royal."
Sima Ke sat in front of Princess Pingyang, slightly arching his hands.
"Um."
Princess Pingyang nodded, neither close nor distant.
In fact, she was a little disgusted with this useless brother when she found out about it before, thinking that he was just a loser who couldn't hold up the wall.
After being silent for a while, the results suddenly began to change dramatically.
Not only did he respect the virtuous corporal, abide by etiquette, and spread his reputation widely, he also gained Chen Yuan's favor and became very close to him, even if he did not publicly declare his support for him.
To be honest, she was also a little curious.
What method did Sima Ke use to resolve the grudge with Chen Yuan and let the other party support him? It is simply unbelievable.
She knew that Chen Yuan's character had always been ruthless and he had never made peace with his enemies. Anyone who had a grudge against him would have his house confiscated and his family destroyed.
Don't leave any trouble for yourself.
It is this character that allows him to maintain a detached status in the capital. Even if someone dislikes him, they will not jump out to make a deadly feud with him.
Because once you have a grudge with Chen Yuan, according to experience, you will basically end up fighting to the death.
So, she was really confused.
What made Chen Yuan understand?
money?
strength?
Power?
Or a woman?
He doesn't seem to be lacking any of these, right?
"Have you heard of the recent commotion in the capital?" Sima Ke asked casually.
"Never."
Princess Pingyang tapped her teeth lightly and slowly uttered two words.
"How about I tell my dear sister to you?"
"No need, you"
Princess Pingyang was about to say something when her expression suddenly changed and she immediately turned her head to the side of the hall.
The emperor appears!
Jing Tailong walked at the front, closely followed by the Queen, and behind him on both sides were Concubine Yang and Concubine Xu, Sima Qian's mother.
The three of them are the ones in charge in the harem.
"My son has met his father and his mother."
"My son has met his father and his mother."
"My son has met his father and his mother."
As soon as these people appeared, all the princes and princesses present stood up and saluted.
The queen is the mother of all the people, and is naturally their nominal 'mother'.
Jingtai's face lost its former majesty and put on a light smile:
"Today is a family banquet, so there is no need to be formal. Just stay on your toes."
"Thank you, Father"
"Thank you, Father"
After saluting, all the princes and princesses sat down again.
The emperor and the empress sat at the top, while the two imperial concubines sat at the bottom on the left and right. What was very strange was that this time, Concubine Yang did not compete with Concubine Xu for the seat on the left, but sat silently. Right head.
Jingtai looked slightly sideways, but didn't think much about it.
Just think that Concubine Yang has lost her mind.
The dishes prepared for the royal family banquet are still very rich, and the spirit wine and tea are all of the highest quality, and they are placed on the table in front of everyone.
"I told you not to be formal, there are no such rules."
Jingtai glanced down and saw that everyone still did not dare to be too presumptuous. He slowly shook his head, looked at Sima Qian and asked:
"Qian'er, you."
"Return to Father"
"Youer."
Jingtai asked about their current situation one by one, and gave a few words of encouragement in a warm voice. Then he turned his eyes to Sima Ke, frowned, and then disappeared again, asking:
"Ke'er, I heard that you have been reading poetry and books diligently recently, you are polite to others, and you are famous for your virtue. Is this true?"
Sima Ke quickly saluted and said:
"Back to my father, I suddenly realized not long ago that I should not neglect my studies and am determined to make up for some of my previous mistakes. As for being a virtuous person, I really don't deserve it.
The virtuous name of the second emperor brother is famous in the capital. "
"Well, you did slack off a lot before. It's a good thing that you can find your way back from your mistakes and be determined to make corrections. Remember not to slack off anymore."
"Yes, I obey my orders."
Then, Jingtai questioned all the princes and princesses present before giving up.
The atmosphere finally started to warm up.
But only Princess Pingyang felt that this family dinner might not be so peaceful, and there must be something to say later.
Sure enough, after about a quarter of an hour passed, Jingtai put down the wine glass in his hand and made a sound. The princes who were always paying attention to his movements also put down everything in their hands and listened carefully to the teachings.
It is said that there is no need to be formal and you can do whatever you want, but even those young princes and princesses do not take it seriously, knowing the majesty of their father.
The atmosphere in the main hall of Qianqing Palace became quiet.
Jingtai glanced at the princes below, pondered for a moment and then said:
"I have one more thing to say during this family dinner."
Everyone raised their ears and listened.
"In recent years, ministers in the court have repeatedly written letters to establish a prince. Originally, I was in my prime and had no intention of doing this. However, I have been feeling tired recently, and I also came up with this idea."
"boom!"
Jingtai's words resounded in everyone's hearts like a mountain collapsing.
All the princes, together with the imperial concubine and the queen, focused their attention on Jingtai.
This is the first time he has spoken about establishing a crown prince. Although there were rumors before, they were not very credible after all. Now that I think about it, it is groundless. I am afraid that the emperor has already had this idea.
Several princes of the right age straightened their backs immediately, but Princess Pingyang's eyes flashed with a hint of gloom.
"My father is at the peak of his life in the Spring and Autumn Period, and his longevity is endless. His sons and ministers are all terrified."
Sima Qian, Sima You and Sima Ke looked at each other and said in unison.
Jingtai ignored it and continued:
"Birth, old age, illness and death are human nature, and there is no one with immortality in this world. I know this in my heart, but the matter of establishing a prince is of great importance, and I will not choose him hastily for the sake of my country.
However, Gan'er, You'er, and Ke'er, I have decided to choose one of you three to become the prince and take charge of the East Palace. "
Jingtai's words made the other princes look a little ugly, but the three people whose names were called felt happy, but they didn't have time to think too much. When they turned their eyes to others, they were very wary.
Who will the father choose?
The queen opened her mouth:
"Your Majesty, is this too early?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Concubine Yang and Concubine Xu also spoke.
"It's getting late. While I still have some time, I must lay the foundation of the country. This is the first priority." Jingtai shook his head.
"Then which one of the three of them does Your Majesty think is more suitable?"
the queen asked softly.
Sima Ke and the other two people also felt nervous, fearing that they would be kicked out.
That is the position of the prince, the future emperor!
Isn't it just for this day that they work hard?
"I can't see anything yet, but I will give each of them a test. Whoever does well, whoever satisfies me and feels suitable will naturally be the one."
Sima Ke and the other three stared at each other for a moment, not understanding what the test the emperor was talking about was.
"Then what test will your Majesty give the three princes?"
"The Jin Dynasty was a state of force, with three powers separated. Your test will be one of them, Qian'er." Jingtai called out.
"My son is here."
Sima Qian responded quickly.
"If you like the way of military formation, I will let you practice in the military camp. Ask the generals in the army for advice. Don't let me down."
"Yes, I obey my orders."
Sima Qian's heart suddenly sank.
"Youer."
"My son is here."
"You have studied literature since childhood and are proficient in Confucianism and Taoism. I will let you practice in the Hanlin Academy. You will be next to the great scholars in the academy and important officials in the court. You must be modest and eager to learn."
Sima You breathed a sigh of relief and said quickly:
"My son, I obey."
"Ke'er."
"My son is here."
"You are both civil and military, but you have your eldest brother in the army and your second brother in the Imperial Academy. Where do you want to go?" Jingtai looked at him calmly and asked.
"The decisions of my sons and ministers are entirely up to my father."
Sima Ke lowered his eyes and agreed.
Jingtai squinted his eyes and pondered for a moment, but Concubine Yang and Sima Ke had their hearts in their throats and listened intently to the emperor's next words.
"The Sky Patrol Division is also an official of the imperial court and has very important responsibilities. You might as well go to the headquarters of the Sky Patrol Division to work for some time and learn more from a few divine envoys."
Jingtai said in a deep voice.
Sima Ke was instantly overjoyed when another village saw a bright future. He had no foundation in the military or the academy, but it was different in the Tianxian Division.
With Chen Yuan taking care of and helping him, he will definitely be able to achieve great results.
God help me!
At this moment, Sima Ke just wanted to say this.
At the same time, Sima Qian and Sima You's expressions darkened, looking a little ugly.
Chen Yuan has too much power and high reputation in the Tianxuan Division. Who dares not to give him face?
Does the father prefer the fourth child?
"how?"
Jingtai's majestic voice sounded slowly.
"Yes, I will definitely fulfill my father's orders and make some achievements in the Tianxun Division."
"Well, that's good."
Concubine Yang also looked much more relaxed.
She and Chen Yuan can be considered as 'fellow Taoists'. She should try her best to help Ke'er. She is really lucky. Could it be that Chen Yuan instilled this in her?
Concubine Yang couldn't help but think so.
"Oh, by the way, when it comes to the Tianxun Division, I remember that Keer, you have a good relationship with Marquis Wu'an. Well, he is a rare talent. Learn from him. I value him very much."
"Yes, I obey my orders and will definitely ask Marquis Wu An for advice."
"Well, I also heard that there has been a lot of news about Chen Yuan in the capital recently. Have you heard about it?" Jingtai said calmly.
"There has indeed been a lot of news about Marquis Wu'an recently. I have heard a lot about him in the palace."
The queen spoke.
"What are you talking about?"
"Well, it seems that the Marquis of Wu'an is not yet married. In addition, His Majesty's appointment as a Marquis has made many noble ladies in the capital very excited. They have their hearts set on him."
"When the queen said this, I actually remembered it. Speaking of it, Wu'an Marquis Chen Yuan is indeed not young, and it's time for marriage. However, he is a dragon among men, an ordinary nobleman. It’s not appropriate for a daughter of an official to come here.”
Jingtai smiled lightly.
Princess Pingyang's face gradually turned ugly, as she had thought of something.
"What my father said is that Marquis Wu'an is a Marquis of Ten Thousand Households. He has outstanding achievements and is in his prime years. Naturally, it is inappropriate for him to be a daughter of a distinguished noble. I think that only a proud daughter of heaven who is indescribably noble is suitable."
Sima Ke thought about taking the relationship further with Chen Yuan, and immediately couldn't help but speak.
Concubine Yang frowned and glared at Sima Ke fiercely.
Princess Pingyang also frowned, but did not look at Sima Ke. She knew very well that since her father said so, no matter whether anyone responded or not, he would guide her.
"What Ke'er said is true, and I think so too. Regarding this person, I also want him to gain some respect so that he can cultivate him in the future, eh." Jingtai's eyes fixed on Princess Pingyang for a moment, and he said:
"My only daughter who has not yet left the imperial court and is suitable for Marquis Wu'an is Pingyang. You are not too young. It is not appropriate for you to remain unmarried.
Pingyang, what do you think? Can Wu'an Marquis Chen Yuan still catch your eye? "
Princess Pingyang opened her mouth. Just as she was about to say something, Concubine Yang's voice sounded:
"Your Majesty, I think this is not appropriate."
If Chen Yuan really got married to Ping Yang, it would be really against human ethics.
Wouldn't it be like mother and daughter serving one husband together?
How is this okay? !
Concubine Yang was very resistant instinctively. After being diagnosed and treated by Chen Yuan, she really didn't want to lose Chen Yuan as a Taoist friend.
