Chang Wu the Emperor had given Situ Yan a plum too big to swallow. Even after a lengthy discussion with the Emperor, he found it hard to believe. Leaving the palace, his steps were unsteady, as if he had suffered a devastating blow.
Rounding two palace walls, he ran right into the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince had been quite pleased with the Rui Prince's mansion closing its doors to visitors these past few days. This had even made him look at Situ Yan a bit more favorably. Seeing Situ Yan's troubled expression, he inquired, "What's wrong, Seventh Brother? You look like you haven't slept."
Hadn't he just dreamt a significant dream? Situ Yan shook his head slowly. "Nothing."
"Oh, Second Brother understands. You were lectured by Father again, weren't you? This time, it was for not composing a poem or writing a good enough essay? Seventh Brother, Second Brother has an advisor in his mansion. Although he's only a *juren*, he has considerable insight into poetry and essays. If you don't mind, let him be your tutor. That way, you won't have to run to the Imperial Study every day. Father's health, alas, requires him to rest. Seventh Brother, don't you agree?"
There was a touch of arrogance in his words.
On a normal day, Situ Yan would have retorted. But looking at the Crown Prince's conceited face now, he felt a surge of sympathy.
The Second and Fifth Princes had nearly come to blows over the years, only to discover their father had excluded them from the succession from the very beginning. He wondered what the Second Prince's reaction would be when he was eventually deposed.
It was fortunate for the Fifth Prince that he had passed away early, spared from facing this cruel truth.
He patted the Crown Prince's shoulder and said sincerely, "No need, Second Brother. I can't learn these things well anyway, so why waste your mansion's talent? It's just being scolded by Father a few times; one gets used to it."
The Crown Prince's smile deepened. "It's good that Seventh Brother takes it so well."
If only his other brothers were as sensible as Situ Yan, then he would have no worries.
Situ Yan thought to himself, *Of course, I take it well. I'm afraid you won't be able to handle it when the time comes.*
The brothers hadn't shared a deep bond to begin with, and after a brief chat, they parted ways. The Crown Prince, convinced that Situ Yan had been reprimanded by their father again for his lack of scholarly achievement, became even more buoyant.
As he left the palace with light steps, he happened to encounter a servant from the Fu family who was looking for him. "Your Highness the Crown Prince, the Duke requests your presence."
Fu Lingyun sought him out to discuss the recent stirrings in the capital.
"The Rui Prince's mansion has closed its doors to visitors. I don't know if the Rui Prince is truly indifferent or if it's a ploy to fool you. Regardless, we must not let our guard down."
The Crown Prince waved his hand. "Don't worry, Grandfather. Although the Rui Prince holds considerable military power, his scholarly aptitude is far too lacking. He was lectured by Father today for precisely that reason. Even if he had the ambition, it would be difficult for him to ascend."
"The borders are restless, and military might is more important than anything. We should still be cautious," Fu Lingyun insisted.
The Crown Prince was displeased; wasn't this implying he lacked military achievements? However, he didn't show it, merely stating calmly, "Then, Grandfather, what is your suggestion?"
"Infiltrate two spies to keep a constant watch. Report immediately if there's any unusual activity."
"Grandfather, please make the arrangements."
Fu Lingyun was satisfied with his obedience and added, "Besides the Rui Prince's mansion, the Third Prince's residence has also seen a lot of visitors recently."
The Crown Prince was indifferent. "What does that matter? Everyone knows the Third Prince is my man. Courting him is equivalent to courting me."
"While that may be true, if too many people flock to him, he might develop improper ambitions."
"Then I'll have Mother speak to him and put him in his place."
"Give him a beating and then a sweet date. Afterward, Crown Prince, don't forget to strengthen your bond with the Third Prince. If we can tie him firmly to our ship, that would be for the best."
"The Third Prince is already tied to my ship. What about the Sixth Prince?"
"Compared to the Rui Prince and the Third Prince, the Sixth Prince's residence is much quieter." Fu Lingyun's lips curled with disdain. Situ Lang was a fool. If he had lowered his stance a bit, with his familiarity with the Ning Prince's influence, he could have won over thirty to forty percent, if not seventy to eighty.
Instead, he acted like a lord, waiting for people to visit him. Didn't he realize why they would choose him?
The Crown Prince grunted, not taking the matter of the Third Prince to heart. His recognized rivals had always been Situ Jue, and then Situ Yan.
Now that Situ Jue was dead, Situ Yan was a piece of mud that couldn't be plastered on a wall. As for the Third and Sixth Princes? They had always lived dependent on him and Situ Jue. After so many years, they hadn't even secured a noble title. Why should he fear them?
Besides, Father's health was poor, how many more years did he have?
As long as he behaved himself and didn't cause trouble, once Father kicked the bucket, he would naturally ascend the throne.
Situ Yan had always believed that when the boat reached the bridge, it would naturally straighten itself out.
Chang Wu the Emperor's words had had a certain impact on him, but after a night of digestion, he had returned to normal the next day. Lu Nianfu, however, found it hard to accept. "So, Father has had his eye on you from the beginning?"
"Probably."
"What does he see in you?" Lu Nianfu thought back to Situ Yan's demeanor when he first arrived in the capital and could only sigh, "The common people always say that only Consort Rong is Father's true love. I had my doubts before, but now I have to believe it."
What did it mean to love someone and extend that love to their kin? Look at the person before her.
Situ Yan said, "I don't know how Father treated Mother, but towards me, he has indeed been a good father."
"So, are you going to wade into this muddy water or not?"
"Father has said what he needed to say. I can't refuse. There are only a couple of days left until the New Year. Let's celebrate it properly first, and then after the New Year, we'll have Chang Dong get to work."
"Why do you always make Chang Dong do everything? You're shearing the same sheep, aren't you afraid of shearing him bald?"
Situ Yan expressed his helplessness. "What can I do? Besides him, where else can I find someone with brains?"
Cheng Beiyu was actually quite capable, but he was too rigid. It was better not to involve him in such matters.
Lu Nianfu, however, said, "What about the Young Duke?"
"Ouyang? No, no. He is now the Duke Zhenguo. As long as he remains in his position, this honor will continue. But if he gets involved in the mess of succession, if I win, it's fine. If I lose, he will be a great sinner to the Ouyang family, someone who wouldn't dare face his ancestors in death."
The honor the Ouyang family had earned with the blood of their entire lineage must not be broken in his hands.
Lu Nianfu was puzzled. "Your Highness, nothing has even begun yet, and you're already thinking about failure? When did you start being so hesitant in your actions?"
Situ Yan pinched her cheek. "This is such a big matter; one cannot be careless. Our mansion cannot escape it, but others, the more we can extract, the better. Especially someone as influential as Ouyang. If something happens to us, we'll still need him to look after Yao'er and the little one in your belly!"
Lu Nianfu: ...