Chapter 1044: Chapter 65: The Grand Scheme! The True Foundation of the Wang Familyâs Prosperity (Vote for Monthly Ticket) Chapter 1044: Chapter 65: The Grand Scheme! The True Foundation of the Wang Familyâs Prosperity (Vote for Monthly Ticket) âŠ
Observing the situation, Old Yao by his side sighed silently.
Indeed, His Majesty hadnât meddled with the younger generationâs marital arrangements for hundreds of years, but recently, the competition among the emperorâs sons had escalated rapidly, moving towards a fever pitch.
This also signified that a new era was on the horizon, while the old era was drawing to a close.
As a representation of the âold eraâ that was ending, His Majestyâs complex moods were to be expected.
The deep marital alliance between the Zhao Clan and Prince De Xinâs lineage, once established, would greatly solidify their pact and create an immense advantage for the ultimate victory in the struggle among the emperorâs sons.
This move had no issues strategically, but tactically, it appeared a bit hasty, overlooking His Majestyâs increasingly sensitive mindset and neglecting the reaction of the Chen Clan, which held high hopes for the Little Princess Xue Ning.
If they had been willing to bide their time for a better opportunity to arrange this matter, it might have succeeded. But acting recklessly like this was clearly a misstep.
In His Majestyâs view, this signified that the Zhao Clan couldnât wait to pledge allegiance to a ânew masterâ. Prince De Xinâs lineage was also eager to pull the Zhao Clan, which His Majesty relied on, completely into their fold.
Such behavior, how could it comfort His Majestyâs heart?
âIsnât this a good thing?â Emperor Longchangâs expression quickly recovered as he sipped on Spiritual Tea, speaking with a smile, âJinglong, are you overreacting? With his literary and martial skills and far-sighted plans, the Kang Commandery Prince is certainly the most powerful contender for future emperor. Hasnât your Chen Clan always wanted to advance to Second Class? By climbing aboard this ship, wonât your future prospects be smooth sailing?â
âYour Majesty.â Chen Jinglongâs expression changed, and he hastily said, âOur Chen Clan has thrived over the years thanks to Your Majestyâs patronage and care. Words cannot express the gratitude we hold in our hearts. If Your Majesty decrees that Xue Ning should marry Zhao Yuanqing, our Chen Clan will surely obey wholeheartedly and offer unwavering support. But with the Zhao Clan and Prince De XinâŠâ
Chen Jinglong didnât finish his sentence, but his meaning was quite clear.
Only His Majesty could command their unconditioned submissionâno one else was worthy!
Emperor Longchangâs face softened even further, âJinglong, my dear, no need to be hasty. Please, sit down and have some roast meat. Bring forth the roast meat.â
Upon hearing this, Chen Jinglongâs mind went blank for a moment, muttering to himself.
Your Majesty, my backsideâs on fire here, and youâre still asking me to eat roast meat? If you truly cared for Xue Ning, you would issue a decree right now to stop Prince De Xin from harboring such absurd thoughts~~
However, despite what he thought, Chen Jinglong did not dare to speak recklessly.
In recent years, the emperor had become more and more unpredictable, and it was often difficult to understand what he was thinking. Chen Jinglong dared not guess, nor speak without thought, so he complied with the instruction, sitting down stiffly.
The eunuchs sliced up the tender roast beef and sprinkled a thin layer of seasoning on it, the aroma wafting in the air.
Chen Jinglong was preoccupied and had no appetite, but since the emperor offered, he had to at least make a show of it and reached out for the roast meat.
However, just as he extended his hand, he suddenly noticed that several large platters of roast meat had vanishedâŠ
Five plump and round little wolf cubs, along with a dragon, and a young girl who appeared to be quite the eater, each munched on the roast meat with gusto, finishing it off in the blink of an eye and still licking their lips for more.
Then, they all waited eagerly for the next batch of roast meat to be served.
âUncle, let me tell you. If you donât eat quickly when dining with little wolf pups, youâll have nothing left to eat,â Wang Ying Xuan said, a few pounds of meat left in her slower hands, reluctantly passing some to Chen Jinglong, âHere, Iâve got a few bites left, just to sate your craving.â
Chen Jinglongâs mouth twitched as he shook his head, âNo need, Iâm not hungry yet, little sister, you eat.â
âAlright then, I wonât stand on ceremony.â Wang Ying Xuan finished the few pounds of meat in a few bites and, licking her lips, turned to Wu Xue Ning to ask, âProud Commandery Princess, is that Zhao Yuanqing handsome?â
After spending some time together, the two had grown familiar with each other. Both were proud and haughty, and neither could bear grievances, often leading to squabbles in the course of conversation.
âI saw him a few times as a child and thought Zhao Yuanqing was quite alright,â Wu Xue Ning said, propping up her chin and sneaking a glance at Wang Anye before adding, âBut now, I find him a bit too greasy, and his gaze somewhat sinister, lacking the sunshine.â
âIf you donât like him, then donât marry him,â Wang Ying Xuan casually remarked.
âHow could that be, our Old Ancestor has agreed⊠I canât go against him,â Wu Xue Ning replied, also seeming quite helpless.
In her lineage, many important decisions were made by the De Xin Old Ancestor. Even though she was favored, the thought of Prince De Xinâs assertiveness made her nervous.
Then, Wu Xue Ning also looked expectantly at Emperor Longchang, as if begging him to decide for her. Compared to the Old Ancestor De Xin, her grandpa the Emperor was much easier to talk to.
Unexpectedly, Emperor Longchang ignored her look and instead started a conversation with Ji Wuchen, who hovered nearby, âElder Ji, could you elaborate on the technique you mentioned last time, infusing Formation and Sword Intent into painting? No wonder when I observe the elderâs works, they contain both a spontaneous boldness and a majestic aura of slaughter.â