Chapter 341 - Chapter 341: If I Don’t Kill Him, Who Should I Kill?
Chapter 341: If I Don’t Kill Him, Who Should I Kill?
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
They were all proving to the emperor that even though they married foreign ladies, they harbored no intention of treason.
The emperor didn’t mind this. In the future, their descendants, while ineligible for the throne or military command, could still hold various official positions.
The royal bloodline demanded purity. Once a royal descendant married a foreign princess, they lost the qualifications to inherit the throne. This was a common occurrence in history. Even if an emperor married a foreign princess, she would only be granted the title of concubine. Any outstanding sons born of such unions wouldn’t ascend to the throne.
The old emperor cared about tradition, and the officials understood it. They quickly drew a line to make the emperor feel at ease. It had its benefits, at least to ensure the emperor’s trust.
Qiao Mai learned from Yuan Jiaqi that the delegation from the Qin Dynasty left through the west gate. She didn’t act hastily but waited until they were outside the city before moving.
The actions of the Second Prince had angered her. Once they entered the territory of the Qin Dynasty, she struck at a station, wiping them out.
The Qin Dynasty’s emperor was furious. Even though this son was not particularly favored, he was still his flesh and blood. Unfortunately, he died on their soil. Otherwise, the emperor would have taken full advantage of him.
After hearing about it, the old emperor shivered. Madam Qiao was powerful enough to kill them on their territory.
Indeed, it was pretty impressive.
Now, he couldn’t underestimate his in-laws. Being the emperor for many years, he had a knack for judging people and decided to let her be.
Upon receiving this news, he immediately sent someone to invite Qiao Mai to the palace.
He smiled on the surface, “Madam Qiao, did you get rid of the Second Prince?”
“That shameless guy targeted my daughter. If I didn’t get rid of him, who would?”
“Fortunately, it happened on their turf; otherwise, I would have trouble.”
“In-law, you can rest assured. I handle things with care.”
“That’s good.”
“Now that we have steel, we must quickly produce weapons to equip the army.
Otherwise, be wary of simultaneous invasions from the four nations.”
The emperor gulped. “I’m not afraid. The Ministry of War is working day and night. Soldiers already have sharp steel knives and spears. The enemy’s armor can be cut through with one slash, and their chest protectors pierced with one spear.”
“Yes, and not only that, you should train a group of elite soldiers for surprise attacks. At the same time, let the Ministry of War develop weapons with exceptionally strong killing power.”
“In-law, you know a lot!”
“I like to read books in my free time. Military strategy is not something only men can understand.”
The emperor looked at her with an unusual gaze. “I never expected to find such a talented person in the world.”
“Anything else?”
“After the New Year, I will have someone arrange the marriage between Jiamei and Haichuan.”
“Both are fine. I’ve prepared the dowry on my side. We can discuss the wedding
anytime.”
“Haha, good. Also, I see that your daughter Ling’er is outstanding. I have a grandson around her age. Let’s make our families even closer as in-laws?” The emperor had a pleasing smile. Qiao Mai returned it.
“As long as my daughter likes him, and he has only her as his wife, treating my daughter well for a lifetime, it will be enough.”
The emperor furrowed his brow. “Only one wife? That’s a bit difficult.”
“Your Majesty, the heir’s position is for only one person. Why have so many women? Why give birth to so many children? Are they going to fight each other for succession?”
The emperor sighed lightly. This woman dared to say anything. If it were any other official, he would have convicted them without hesitation.
But he couldn’t help feeling that this woman was extraordinary. Well, let it go.
He wanted to gamble, placing the bet on this woman. He bet that she had a connection to gods or immortals. If she wasn’t an immortal herself, she was at least a relative of one.
“Someday, I’ll bring my grandson to your home?”
“Grandson?”
“Yes.”
“How do we determine the seniority in this generation?” “It can be separate dealings in your house and the palace.”
“That’s too chaotic. Unacceptable!”
“It’s not a big deal; I don’t mind.”
“Is the emperor planning to establish the Crown Prince?”
“I have the idea, but it depends. If my youngest son’s leg improves, I would be satisfied with him as the Crown Prince.
“How old is he, and is he handsome?”
“Hehe, he’s better looking than his mother. His mother passed away. He has been living in the palace. He’s eighteen this year, but due to his leg, he hasn’t married yet, ranking eleventh.”
“Don’t bring your grandson; just bring him.”
“Huh?”
“Don’t talk about marriage first. When he comes, let me take a look at his leg.”
The emperor thought his ears were playing tricks on him. “You want to examine his leg?”
“Yes. I might have a way to cure him.”
Excited, the emperor felt a glimmer of hope.
“When? How about tomorrow?”
“Wait until my husband and Haichuan have some free time.”
“That’s too far off. Tomorrow, I’ll give them a day off and bring Eleven over.”
“Alright.’
The old emperor licked his lips. “Hehe, it’s been a long time since I had a meal at your place. Prepare some delicious dishes?” “You can eat whatever the kitchen staff makes. “Who is the emperor here? You or me?”
“Hmph!”
Qiao Mai left, leaving the emperor feeling stifled. Of course, he wasn’t angry; he needed time to adapt. He was not used to people speaking to him like this.
Yubao had been serving on the side, cautiously glancing at the emperor.
Was this the same man who used to be aloof and domineering? How did he become like this when he saw Madam Qiao?
“Your Majesty, this Madam Qiao?”
“Speak less. I know how to handle my affairs. Hmph!”
Yubao was frightened and dared not say another word. He couldn’t see what was different about Madam Qiao. Wasn’t she just good at cooking and performing magic tricks? Did the emperor need to be like this?
Qiao Mai returned home and talked to Yuan Jiaqi about it.
“What? The emperor wants to bring the eleventh prince to our house?”
“Yes, his leg is disabled. I’ll take a look. If I can cure him, he might be the next emperor.”
“Why did the emperor think of this?”
“He intends to deepen the connection with our family. He even insisted on introducing his grandson to Ling’er. Isn’t this a generation gap?”
“Did the emperor agree to your proposed conditions?”
“If he disagrees, there won’t be a marriage. What’s so difficult about it? Let’s cure his leg first.”
Qiao Mai tilted her head, looking at the little girl she had bought.
“Xiyu, make a pot of tea.”
“Yes, Mistress.”
Yuan Jiaqi didn’t mind adding a little girl to the courtyard. Since Qiao Mai brought her back with good intentions, she would be raised here.
“I’ve never seen the eleventh prince.”
“I heard he’s good-looking. Our daughter likes handsome men. A mother knows her daughter best.”
“Wouldn’t that attract too much attention?”
“I’m here. As long as our daughter likes him, that’s enough. With me as her support, even if a thousand troops and ten thousand horses pass by, who would dare to bully her? I’m not scared of the emperor.”
“We married a princess, and now we will produce an empress too?”
“Can’t it be done?”
“When will we have a child?”
“Maybe it’s not meant to be. My body has always been healthy, but if I can’t conceive, there’s nothing I can do. I’m not in a hurry. With Haichuan’s
bloodline, he will inherit this place.”
“Ling’er also said she wants a live-in husband.”
“In that case, I’ll renovate her hall in the palace. I won’t let her suffer.”
“Anyone would be blessed to have you as their mother.”
In the palace, the emperor walked into the most secluded hall in the north with heavy footsteps, where his beloved son lived.
His son requested to live there. Whenever the emperor had time, he would visit his son. The father and son would sit for a while, talking.
Despite everything, there was still affection between them. The emperor looked at his son’s handsome face, and his voice carried a hint of regret.
“Xuan’er?”
“Father!”
“What have you been reading lately?”
“Some miscellaneous records. Please, have a seat, Father.”
“Tomorrow, accompany me out. I’ve found a divine doctor for you. She can help you with your stubborn leg ailment..”